Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Gerhard Mader

Reinhard Hamperl

Christoph Roth

Thomas Stierle

Alexander Waldmann

Reinhard Roesl

Hans Meixner

Marten Swart

Josef Dirmeyer

Peter Kleinschmidt

Manfred Frimberger

Claus Schmidt

Anton Anthofer

Richard Vogt

Robert Gruber

Stefan Hermann

Dieter Seitzer

Reinhard Freitag

Thomas Blank

Hans Schreiber

Peter Bauer

Lorenz Pfau

Heinrich Probst

Gerhard Schmid

Frank Mayer

Klemens Paul

Michael Wachter

Steffen Schulze

Reinhard R&ouml;sl

Jens Noetzel

Derrick Zechmair

Martin Swart

Helmut Bresgen

Gunter Dissen

A device for detecting a collision with a vehicle includes a pressure sensor for detecting compression of a substantially closed measuring volume upon collision. The measuring volume is arranged along a part of the vehicle body that is impacted during the collision. The cross-sectional area of the measuring volume, along its longitudinal direction, has a comparatively larger area in the vicinity of those parts of the vehicle body that are comparatively rigid and therefore comparatively difficult to deform during collision.

Device for detecting collision with a vehicle

The device includes a first and a second structural parameter for a first or a second hollow body. At least one of the parameters changes along the collision location detection region in such a way that the quotient and/or the difference between the two signals of the sensors essentially continuously increases or decreases when the same object collides at the same speed in different collision locations. Suitable parameters are, for example, the cross-sectional surface of a hollow body or the rigidity thereof.

Device, vehicle and method for detecting a collision of an object on a collision location detection region of a vehicle

The invention relates to the idea of not initially multiplying the output signal (a) of an acceleration sensor () with regard to a weighted sum (&#x3a3;) with a correction factor (k) but to alter a test signal (t) by using a weighting means () in such a manner that an already weighted output signal (a) can be generated so that during a test operation, the safing algorithm of an evaluating device can be directly fallen back upon, whereby this can be advantageously tested with regard to its ability to operate. The invention is particularly suited for occupant protection systems of a modern motor vehicle.

Control arrangement and method for testing the operation of a control arrangement of this type for occupant protection means in a motor vehicle

Objects of persons in a vehicle are detected with a sensor. The data of the sensor signal or evaluated sensor data are transmitted to a remote control unit for an occupant protection system. The sensor data are in addition stored in a device comprising the sensor if the control unit indicates that an impact has been recognized.

Device and method for sensing an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle and vehicle occupant protection apparatus in a vehicle with such a device

A control system for vehicle occupant protection device in a motor vehicle has a sensor device with an X-Y acceleration sensor and a further analog sensor. The acceleration signal of the analog sensor which is rotated in its sensitivity axis by preferably 45&deg; with respect to one of the sensitivity axes of the X-Y acceleration sensor is used here as a safing signal for checking the acceleration signals supplied by the X-Y acceleration sensor.

Control system for vehicle occupant protection device in a motor vehicle

A motor vehicle occupant protection system and a method for triggering the system include an accident sensor and a control device. The latter controls system triggering as a function of a sensor output signal. The control device has an input terminal connected via a communication line to a sensor status signal output terminal. In the system and method, the sensor has internally checks errors at regular and/or irregular intervals, and, upon detection, permanently generates a status signal for the control device, which checks the status before triggering a vehicle occupant protection system when it receives a signal fulfilling system triggering criteria. The control device enables/disables the triggering as a function of the check result. Specifically, the control device disables the firing standby state and generates a warning signal. In the event of an accident, before the vehicle occupant protection system is fired, the status signal is interrogated once more, i.e., sensor status is checked. If the accident sensor does not signal an error, the triggering takes place, but otherwise it is disabled. As a result, undesired triggering of the vehicle occupant protection system can be avoided.

Vehicle occupant protection system for a motor vehicle and method for controlling the triggering of the vehicle occupant protection system

A voltage supply unit which operates at an internal switching frequency and has a capacitor connected in parallel with its output is connected to the input of a sensor unit operating at an internal switching frequency. The connecting line contains a resistor which, together with a capacitor connected in parallel with the input, forms a filter.

Voltage supply for a sensor unit and acceleration sensor unit with such a voltage supply

In order to sense an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle, a laser emits a laser pulse. The laser pulse which is reflected at an object or a person is registered and evaluated. The energy content of a following laser pulse is determined based on a characteristic variable of the reflected laser pulse such as its power or its energy content.

Method and device for sensing and object or a person in the interior of a vehicle

In order to sense an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle, laser pulses are output by a laser. Sensing devices are provided for sensing a characteristic variable that is decisive for the transmission energy of the laser. The transmission energy is reduced or the emission of a laser pulse is prevented as a function of the sensed characteristic variable.

Device and method for sensing an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle

A sensor which is installed in a vehicle, for sensing an object or a person, is operated for adjustment purposes in a test mode. The installation position of the sensor or of the device in the vehicle is changed with an adjustment device as a function of the evaluation of the test data which are determined. Alternatively, or in addition, a message can be issued as a function of the result of the evaluation. The invention ensures that the device is installed at a precise location in the vehicle and the position of vehicle occupants is thus determined precisely.

Device for sensing an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle and method for operating such a device

An impact detection device, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes at least one micromechanical acceleration switch having a contact element to be moved as a function of acceleration and a counter-contact element. A first voltage is fed to terminals of the contact elements by a monitoring circuit in order to detect an impact. A second voltage, through which the contact is closed on the basis of electrostatic forces of attraction, is fed in order to test the acceleration switch.

Impact detection device, in particular for a motor vehicle

A configuration for controlling an occupant restraint device of a motor vehicle. The occupant restraint device is activated only whenever it is ascertained, by an evaluator, that simultaneously a signal of a first acceleration sensor and a signal of a second acceleration sensor indicate a collision. The sensitivity axes of the acceleration sensors are oriented differently.

Configuration for controlling an occupant restraint device in a motor vehicle

In a control configuration for an occupant protection system for side collision protection in a vehicle, an enable signal of a protection configuration generated as a function of transverse acceleration, is delivered to a timer. The timer furnishes an enable signal of a fixed minimum duration for triggering the occupant protection system.

Control configuration for an occupant protection system for side collision protection in a vehicle

A sensor for detecting an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle consumes a first average power in a normal operating mode. The power supply for supplying the sensor is monitored. The sensor is operated with a second average power which is reduced in comparison with the first average power if the power supply is considered as no longer being sufficient for the normal operating mode.

Method and device for sensing an object or a person in the interior of a vehicle

The system for triggering a restraining device in a motor vehicle includes an ignition device with a logic circuit connected to an evaluation device a via a line. A d.c. signal for operating the ignition device is input into the line. An alternating signal containing a message is additively superimposed on the d.c. signal and is transmitted from the evaluation device to the ignition device.

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Thalmassing, Germany

Gerhard Mader