DE102017207371A1 - Child seat lock and detection for use in mobile emergency systems and / or for deactivating a passenger airbag - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting, evaluating and transmitting at least one piece of information about at least one component of a vehicle which is used in the event of an accidental event in another system. It is provided that the at least one information provides information as to whether at least one child seat (100) is arranged in the vehicle in a locked state (II). According to the invention, the information is provided for increasing the occupant protection of an emergency call device of the vehicle and transmitted to an emergency call center or provided to an airbag control unit and used in an airbag system of the vehicle itself. The invention relates to a locking unit (101) as an interface (101K, 101S). between a vehicle and a child seat (100) comprising a body-side holding device (101K) associated with the vehicle and a child seat-side holding device (101S) associated with the child seat (100), the interface (101K, 101S) comprising at least one state transmitter (101Z; 101Z-1 , 101Z-2, 101Z-3) which detects as information the locked state (II) of the child seat (100), the information being provided to the emergency call device and / or the air bag system.

Description

The invention relates to a locking unit of a child seat.

The publication DE 102 20 566 A1 discloses a method for automatic emergency braking of a vehicle equipped with an automatic emergency braking system wherein automatic emergency braking is triggered when a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle is unavoidable, either physically or by the driver, the automatic emergency braking system upon emergency braking or after the emergency braking Impact sends an emergency call via a communication system.

The publication DE 103 24 216 A1 describes an emergency call device for a motor vehicle with a sensor system for detecting accelerations acting on the vehicle or on the occupants, an evaluation unit and a transmitting unit for automatic transmission of an emergency call. In addition, means are provided for estimating the type and extent of injury to the occupants, based on a model for the occupants of the estimate, and that the information thus obtained on the nature and extent of the injuries is transmitted to a rescue center together with the distress call. An interior sensor provided inside the model comprises means for detecting the seat occupancy. Thus, in the event of an accident, the rescue center can be informed automatically which vehicle seats are occupied or how many occupants are in the accident vehicle. For vehicle seats that are safely unoccupied, an estimate of the nature and extent of the injuries can be dispensed with. The interior sensing may also include means for automatic child seat recognition based on transponder technology. In this case, the child seat must be equipped with a transponder that sends back a detection signal when an antenna to be checked sends out a signal. By evaluating the detection signal can be determined on the one hand, whether a child seat is located on a particular vehicle seat, and on the other, what kind of child seat is, that is a child seat for a toddler or for an even older child.

The starting point of the invention is also the system "eCall" - as a short form for English: "emergency call" - [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECall].

This is an automatic emergency call system for motor vehicles planned by the European Union, which is to be mandatory for all new models of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Vehicle-mounted devices are designed to automatically report a traffic accident to the single European emergency number 112, and to help reduce the number of road deaths and reduce the severity of road traffic injuries through more rapid rescue operations.

A version intended for Russia with the project name "ERA GLONASS" also provides for devices which automatically issue an alarm message in the case of traffic accidents, which also contains the location. The system should be compatible with the European "eCall".

In the event of an accident, it is envisaged that an emergency call ("eCall") will be triggered to the Euronotrufnummer 112, which sends a minimum data set directly to a public safety answering point (PSAP), and at the same time establishes a voice connection in case, that an occupant of the accident car can still speak. The emergency call is triggered automatically and manually. At a button in the vehicle even witnesses of a serious accident could trigger the emergency call. The minimum data set includes the time of the accident, the exact coordinates of the accident location, the direction of travel (important on motorways and in tunnels), the vehicle ID, the service provider ID and the eCall qualifier. Optionally, the transmission of data from on-board safety systems is provided, such as the severity of the accident event and the number of occupants, or whether the safety belts were created at the time of the accident. The minimum data set for the electronic emergency call "eCall" is defined in the German version in the DIN standard DIN EN 15722.

Based on this prior art, it is the object of the invention to set up components of a vehicle so that information about the components can be made available to another system.

With respect to an automatic emergency call system, the object of the invention is that the components of the vehicle are to be set up to provide the emergency call device of the vehicle with information about the components which are made available to the automatic emergency call system within the minimum data set to be transmitted to the emergency call system can.

According to the invention, a method is provided for detecting, evaluating and transmitting at least one item of information about at least one component of a vehicle which is used in the event of an accidental event in another system, the at least one piece of information indicating whether in the vehicle at least one child seat is arranged in a locked state.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the information about the locked state of the at least one child seat is used in an emergency call device of the vehicle.

Preferably, the at least one information on whether at least one child seat is arranged in the locked state of the vehicle, information about the number of arranged in the vehicle in a locked state child seats.

In this case, the at least one information is a partial information of a minimum number of information (minimum data set) of a vehicle and / or the components of the vehicle, which are automatically transmitted to an external emergency call center in the event of an accident or emergency from an emergency call device of the vehicle.

According to the invention, the transmission of the minimum data record according to the invention, which now additionally has the information of the number of child seats arranged in a locked state in the vehicle, takes place from the emergency call device of the vehicle to the emergency call center by means of a mobile automatic emergency call system.

According to the invention, it has been found that the information about the locked state of the at least one child seat can advantageously be used not only in the emergency call device of the vehicle for transmission to the emergency call center, but also in an airbag system of the vehicle itself, in particular in a passenger Airbag system of the vehicle.

According to the invention, at least one piece of information provides information as to whether a child seat arranged in the locked state is arranged on the front passenger seat and / or on another vehicle seat of the vehicle. The information on whether a child seat arranged in the locked state is arranged on the front passenger seat is advantageously used to deactivate an actively switched passenger airbag of an airbag system.

According to the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one interface between at least one child seat and the body of the vehicle, which signals the locked state of the at least child seat in the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a body-side holding device.

Further, the child seat is equipped with at least one interface between the vehicle and the at least one child seat, which signals the locked state of the child seat in the vehicle, wherein the child seat includes a seat part-side holding device.

According to the invention, a locking unit is formed as an interface between the vehicle and the child seat, which comprises the body-side holding device assigned to the vehicle and the child seat-side holding device associated with the child seat, wherein the interface has at least one status transmitter which detects the locked state of the child seat, as described in more detail in the description is explained.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Verriegelungseinheit, insbesondere einer Iso-Fix-Verriegelungseinheit eines Kindersitzes eines Fahrzeugsitzes, insbesondere einer Rücksitzbank im unverriegelten Zustand der Verriegelungseinheit;
• 2 eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer karosserieseitigen Halteeinrichtung der Verriegelungseinheit;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht des Kindersitzes im unverriegelten Zustand der Verriegelungseinheit;
• 4A, 4B Ausführungsformen zur Erfassung eines Verriegelungszustandes der Verriegelungseinheit;
• 5A, 5B eine weitere Ausführungsform zur Erfassung des Verriegelungszustandes der Verriegelungseinheit.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of a locking unit, in particular an iso-fix locking unit of a child seat of a vehicle seat, in particular a rear seat in the unlocked state of the locking unit;
• 2 an enlarged view of a body-side holding device of the locking unit;
• 3 a schematic representation of a side view of the child seat in the unlocked state of the locking unit;
• 4A . 4B Embodiments for detecting a locking state of the locking unit;
• 5A . 5B a further embodiment for detecting the locking state of the locking unit.

The invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein it is recommended to look at the figures in a synopsis.

The 1 shows in a perspective view a locking unit 101 , in particular an iso-fix locking unit of a child seat 100 a vehicle seat 10 , in particular a rear seat in the unlocked state of the locking unit 101 ,

The locking unit 101 includes in a known manner a body-side holding device 101K (a so-called holding eye) and a child seat-side holding device 101S (a so-called Rastarm), as in a synopsis of 1 with the 2 and 3 becomes clear. The body is in the figures by the reference numeral K symbolizes.

The locking unit 101 usually has a guide element 101F on which is fixed seat side. The guide element 101F serves the comfortable introduction of a locking mechanism 101R the child seat side holding device 101S ,

The locking mechanism 101R is formed such that it from the unlocked state of the locking unit 101 starting after insertion into the guide element 101F automatically in the body-side holding device 101K locked.

For unlocking is on the child seat 100 an unlocking element 101E arranged.

The child seat 100 usually includes two grommets 101K and two latching arms 101S and at least one unlocking element 101E , which is used to unlock the child seat 100 on both locking mechanisms 101R the latch arms 101S acts.

The arrangement of child seats 100 About the Iso-Fix locking unit / s 101 is currently provided in almost all vehicles, since this configuration corresponds to a known standard of child seat manufacturers, so that currently about 95% of the child seats have such a structure and the vehicle seats are set up accordingly.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that a child seat arranged in the vehicle 100 currently in the interlocking state is not taken into account in the transmission of the data in the vehicle in the event of an accident as part of the triggering of the Mobile Online Service "ACN" (Automatic Crash Notification) or "MEC" (Manual Emergency Call).

It is well known that interior sensing may include means for automatic child seat recognition based on transponder technology. In this case, the child seat must be equipped with a transponder that sends back a detection signal when an antenna to be checked sends out a signal. By evaluating the detection signal can be determined whether a child seat is located on a specific vehicle seat.

The invention takes a different route, which basically works without interior sensing, as will be explained below.

Currently, in a driver and front passenger seat, for example, via a sensor, the seat occupancy (seat occupancy detection) queried via a pressure sensor and the rear seats a seat occupancy (seat occupancy detection) queried, for example via a seat belt interlocking sensors to transmit an emergency center the number of occupants in order to activate corresponding rescue services according to the number of occupants transmitted.

As it becomes clear, are so far disadvantageously on a child seat 100 children are not recorded as occupants of a vehicle.

According to the invention, it is provided that the locking unit 101 a sensor by means of which it is possible, the locked state II at least one child seat 100 or more child seats 100 in the vehicle in a passenger seat and / or a back seat to interrogate. It is assumed that a child seat 100 in the locked state II is occupied with a child, so that the emergency center, a number of occupants can be transmitted, which is much closer to the real conditions than before. Accordingly, correspondingly more rescue workers are requested if a larger number of occupants is transmitted in accordance with the number of persons recognized by the locked child seat (s) than previously. If the emergency call systems described in the introduction evaluate this information, the emergency call systems are correspondingly improved.

Currently, the data from the vehicle are transmitted via SMS or inband as MSD (Minimum Set of Data) or ESD (Enhanced Set of Data) and include, among other things, the vehicle position, direction of travel and other data. According to the invention, it is provided that only a single further BIT is necessary to at least one locked locking unit 101 ; II a child seat 100 to convey. That is, the emergency call system can be significantly improved without considerable effort.

It is provided in a preferred embodiment, at least one eyelet 101K a state transmitter 101Z to arrange the locked state II signaled.

Possible state generators 101Z are sensors or switch contacts that are in the locked state II the locking unit 101 of the child seat 100 trigger, as will be explained.

The state transmitter is preferred 101Z Connected to a CAN bus, so that via the CAN bus, the status transmitter status can be transmitted, whether a contact by locking the retaining lug 101K and the latch arm 101S the locking unit 101 active (locked state II the locking unit 101 ) is switched.

This provides the connection of the state transmitter 101Z to the so-called drive CAN bus, which already accomplishes the data transport between an airbag of a vehicle seat and the seat occupancy detection (locking the seat belt system and / or pressure sensor response) of a vehicle seat.

It is thus proposed to carry out the evaluation of the status transmitter status in the airbag control unit.

Currently, the data "seat occupancy" and "buckle information" are transmitted to the airbag control unit, so that it is possible to deduce the number of occupants via signals coming from the vehicle seats in the vehicle.

According to the invention is now another signal of the state transmitter 101Z evaluated and transmitted to the airbag control unit, which is for example referred to as "Verriegelung_Info_Kindersitz".

When transmitting the data to the emergency center, the number of occupants in the event of an accident becomes the status of the child safety lock 100 with indicate. The previous minimum data set (Enhanced Set of Data (MSD) according to DIN EN 15722) from the vehicle to the emergency center will thus be extended by further information.

It is assumed that a locked child seat 100 synonymous with a child in the vehicle. In the emergency call center can thus take place a targeted coordination of emergency services in an advantageous manner.

By evaluating the signal "Verriegelung_Info_Kindersitz" arises regardless of the transmission to the emergency call center in the context of the mobile online service explained a further plus in security, which will be explained below.

In a number of vehicles are also locking units 101 for child seats 100 provided in the passenger seat. Is a child seat in the passenger seat 100 arranged, it must be ensured in a known manner that the passenger airbag is turned off. This switching off the passenger airbag is currently done manually. In general, indicates the need to turn off the passenger airbag only a picture on the respective child seat 100 or a warning usually attached to the sun visor of the vehicle.

Since the previously described signal "Lock_Info_Kindersitz" of the state transmitter 101Z is now present in the airbag control unit and can be evaluated, the invention provides that, as soon as an active lock II of the child seat 100 is transmitted, an automatic activation of the passenger airbag takes place.

The automatic results in a significant safety improvement. The previously described signal is specified accordingly,
"Verriegelung_Beefahrersitz_Info_Kindersitz", so that it can be seen that it is a child seat 100 is located on the front passenger seat. The result is when the locking unit is activated 101 the passenger airbag switched off and also preferred the associated indicator light off.

As already explained, it is assumed in accordance with the procedure described above that a locked child seat 100 synonymous with a child in the vehicle.

According to the invention, a combination with an interior monitoring system is proposed. In the presence of at least one active signal "Verriegelung_Info_Kindersitz" example of at least one vehicle seat of the second or third row of seats and / or an active specified signal "lock_Beefahrersitz_Info_Kindersitz" with respect to the passenger seat in the first row of seats, an interior camera is activated, which determines whether on the locked child seat 100 also a child is located. Such a solution by recognizing people in the interior can thus be used alternatively to verify the presence of occupants and thus the number of occupants.

According to the 4A and 4B as well as the 5A and 5 Two possible embodiments for detecting the locked state II against an unlocked state I explained.

In a first embodiment according to the 4A and 4B includes the eyelet 101K a state transmitter 101Z in the manner of an inductive proximity switch 101Z-1 or a magnetic switch 101Z-2 , Symbolically represented are an electrical connection and a signal line 101L , which are connected by way of example with the mentioned airbag control unit. In 4A is the locking unit 101 in unlocked condition I and in 4B shown in the locked state. According to the 4A and 4B can the micro-switch 101Z-3 be realized by a Hall sensor, which has the advantage that for the realization of the signal no magnetically active materials are needed.

In a second embodiment according to the 5A and 5B is on the body side in the area of the eyelet 101K a state transmitter 101Z in the manner of a micro-switch 101Z-3 arranged. In 5A is the locking unit 101 in unlocked condition I and in 5 shown in the locked state. Symbolic in turn is an electrical connection and a signal line 101L , which are connected by way of example with the mentioned airbag control unit, shown.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

vehicle seat

100

Child seat

101

locking unit

101K

Body-side holding device

101S

Child seat-side holding device

101F

guide element

101R

detent mechanism

101E

unlocking

101Z

state donors

101Z-1

Inductive proximity switch

101Z-2

magnetic switches

101Z-3

Hall sensor

101L

electrical connection and signal line

K

body

I

unlatched condition

II

locked state

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10220566 A1 [0002]
• DE 10324216 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Method for detecting, evaluating and transmitting at least one item of information about at least one component of a vehicle that is used in another system in the event of an accident, characterized in that the at least one piece of information provides information as to whether at least one child seat (100 ) is arranged in a locked state (II). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the information about the locked state (II) of the at least one child seat (100) is used in an emergency call device of the vehicle. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the information about the locked state (II) of the at least one child seat (100) in an airbag system, in particular a passenger airbag system of the vehicle is used. Method according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the at least one information provides information as to whether a child seat (100) arranged in the locked state (II) is arranged on the front-passenger seat and / or on another vehicle seat of the vehicle. Method according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the at least one information on whether in the vehicle at least one child seat (100) in the locked state (II) is arranged, information about the number of in the vehicle in a locked state (II) arranged child seats (100) allowed, wherein the at least one information is a partial information of a minimum number of information (minimum record) of a vehicle and / or the components of the vehicle, which are transmitted in the event of an accident or emergency from an emergency call device of the vehicle to an external emergency call center. Method according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the transmission from the emergency call device of the vehicle to the emergency call center is effected by means of a mobile automatic emergency call system. Method according to the Claims 3 and 4 , characterized in that the information on whether a child seat (100) arranged in the locked state (II) is arranged on the front passenger seat is used to deactivate an actively switched passenger airbag of an airbag system. Vehicle comprising at least one interface (101K, 101S) between at least one child seat (100) and the body (K) of a vehicle signaling a locked state (II) of the at least one child seat (100) in the vehicle, the vehicle having a body-side holding device (101K). A child seat (100) comprising at least one interface (101K, 101S) between the vehicle and the at least one child seat (100) signaling a locked state of the child seat (100) in the vehicle, the child seat (100) having a seat portion side holding means (101S). includes. Locking unit (100) as an interface (101K, 101S) between a vehicle and a child seat (100) comprising the body-side holding device (101K) associated with the vehicle and the child-seat-side holding device (101S) associated with the child seat (100), wherein the interface (101K, 101S) comprises at least one state transmitter (101Z, 101Z-1, 101Z-2, 101Z-3) which detects the locked state (II) of the child seat (100).

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