DE102009019673A1 - Motor vehicle i.e. car, for e.g. postal delivery, has rear flap opened or closed automatically by person after receiving instruction, where actuation of flap is triggered when part of body of person is detected in operative areas - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle (1) has a rear flap (2) opened or closed automatically by a person after receiving an instruction in a contactless manner. The instruction in two operative areas (A, B) is detected by a sensor (3a, 3b), where the operative areas exhibit a horizontal aligned rear and/or partially lateral region for detecting the instruction. Actuation of the flap is released when a part of a body of the person is detected in the two operative areas.

Description

The The present invention is directed to a motor vehicle having at least a flap that after a non-contact command by to automatically open or close a person is, wherein at least one sensor is provided by the at least two effective ranges are formed, within which a respective detection of the command is enabled.

The WO 2006/024399 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a self-opening flap. The motor vehicle has at least one first sensor, which is designed as part of a distance detection system and has a horizontal effective range. This can be used to detect persons or objects approaching the vehicle or approaching the vehicle itself. A second sensor with a vertical effective range on the motor vehicle is designed as a proximity sensor and has a vertical, directed towards the road surface effective range. The second sensor with the vertical effective range is present in duplicate and arranged such that a user can initiate it by pivoting the foot in the area between the vehicle body and the road surface to open the flap of the motor vehicle. The sensor is arranged on the underside of the bumper of the motor vehicle, wherein it is stated that the sensor can be mounted underneath a bumper or on the lower side of a bumper in it.

Out this arrangement of the sensors and the sensors associated Effective ranges results in the disadvantage that a command for automatic opening or closing the flap of the motor vehicle can take place, without this corresponding to the desire of the person. For example the motor vehicle can be on a lift, leaving a person without the desire to flap the motor vehicle to open or close, through the effective ranges of the motor vehicle passes through and an opening can trigger the flap. This possible false triggering can be given as basically one of the sensors in the direction of the road surface, ie downwards, is arranged so that the effective range is also down extends.

Further can objects or animals under the motor vehicle running when a person stays in the horizontal working area a sensor also an opening or a closure can trigger the flap of the motor vehicle Consequently, the sensors are for recognizing a command of a person for opening or closing a flap of a motor vehicle to arrange such that the lowest possible rate False triggering is implemented. But only one Sensor used, so would the stay of a person in the effective range of the individual sensor also to a trigger the command to open or close the flap lead, which is not fundamentally the desire must correspond to the person.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a motor vehicle with at least one non-contact flap such carry out that the probability of an unwanted operation the flap is minimized.

These Task is starting from a motor vehicle with at least one non-contact flap according to the The preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features solved. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The The invention includes the technical teaching that both Effective ranges of the sensors each emanating from the motor vehicle have horizontal area for capturing the person's command, wherein an actuation of the flap then triggered is when at least one body part in both effective areas the person is detected.

With the inventive arrangement of the effective ranges the advantage is achieved that a false triggering of the opening or the closure of the flap of the motor vehicle less likely or avoided. By emanating from the motor vehicle horizontal areas in which capture the command of the person is allowed, will be an accidental closing or opening the flap of the motor vehicle also in the Stay of a person next to the vehicle with simultaneous movement an object, such as a ball or an animal, effectively avoided below the motor vehicle. The effective ranges The sensors are aligned horizontally such that a Delimitation of the effective areas down towards the roadway is created. The horizontal orientation of the effective ranges describes a detection lobe generated by the sensor and shape a lobe is formed with an opening angle. there can be the imaginary center of the detection lobe in essence run horizontally. However, the detection lobe may also have an area at least partially towards the road surface is inclined. However, the direct area is below the vehicle or the lateral area of the vehicle, which is in the direction of Road surface extends, not by the effective ranges includes.

It is of particular advantage when the Sensors are arranged vertically above one another. Thus, a first sensor can cover an effective range, which is located in the upper region of the motor vehicle, so that a second sensor covers the underlying lower region next to the motor vehicle as the effective region.

Especially advantageous, the proposed arrangement in the rear and / or partially lateral area of the motor vehicle for detecting the Use the person's command. The flap of the Motor vehicle be formed by the tailgate, which after regular Design forms the lid of the luggage compartment of the motor vehicle. Thus, the effective ranges of the sensors for detecting the command the person each one emanating from the motor vehicle, horizontal aligned, backward or partially lateral area of the motor vehicle. In particular, the Arrangement of the invention Use in motor vehicles find that designed as transport vehicles with side flaps are that a pivoting movement or preferably a sliding movement can execute. Especially for delivery vehicles, which can be loaded or unloaded very often, the Sliding door in the form of a sliding door by simple Movements open at least a body part of a person or even be closed. Vehicles for postal delivery or Of parcel services o. Ä. Are daily many times loaded or unloaded, with such vehicles safety against false trips to open or close the flap assumes a special meaning. Therefore, the present Invention with the novel arrangement of the effective ranges on the motor vehicle be implemented advantageously.

are two effective ranges provided, within which a respective acquisition the command is enabled, so they can through two sensors are formed. Each sensor can have a sensor electrode have, created by a respective associated effective range becomes. In addition, a sensor can also have two sensor electrodes or sensor electrode pairs, through each of which an effective range is created. Regardless of the arrangement of the sensor electrodes in conjunction with the sensors, it is particularly advantageous if several Sensor electrodes serve to create a single effective range, so that several effective ranges by a plurality of sensor electrodes can be created.

in principle For example, each sensor may include two or more sensor electrodes provide a respective effective range. Consequently, in the context The present invention provides a plurality of effective ranges be by one or more sensors with a corresponding number be created by sensor electrodes.

To A particularly advantageous embodiment is a control unit provided with the sensors for detecting at least one Sensor signal is connected, wherein the sensor signal then from the or the sensor / -en can be output to the control unit, if the person's command is detected by the sensor (s). The sensors are connected via a connecting line with the Control device operatively connected, wherein the control unit evaluates the sensor signals of the sensors and possibly in an opening command converts, for example, the locking of the flap, like the of the boot lid, to activate and an opening of the Trunk lid to effect. Conversely, the flap can be the same Also, from the open state to the closed one Condition are transferred.

Preferably may provide an access authorization means such as an ID provider be that with the controller by means of a wireless Connection is connectable and interrogated by the control unit is whether the opening command for automatic opening the flap may be triggered or not. Is not an access authorization from the control unit, for example via a radio link, detectable, so will despite the respective detection of a command for opening a flap within the associated effective areas from the controller the actual actuation the flap prevents. This ensures that people, which do not have an assigned ID transmitter, do not open the flap on the motor vehicle can.

To an advantageous embodiment of the invention Arrangement of the effective ranges on the motor vehicle is the bare Stay of a person within the effective ranges not to a non-contact command to operate a flap of the motor vehicle. The order of the person is by the at least one sensor only then detectable when the Person with a body part a movement according to a predeterminable movement pattern within the at least one effective range. In particular, the movement pattern can be predetermined by the person be in a master process, the predetermined movement pattern given to the motor vehicle and stored in the motor vehicle becomes. Only if the given movement pattern matches the movement pattern currently being performed by the person the flap of the motor vehicle can be opened without contact become.

In particular, the body part of the person may be a leg and / or a foot of the person who enters and / or moves within the effective areas. The movement of the leg may preferably be a lifting of a leg, wherein the movement of the foot may preferably be a pivoting of the foot. Consequently, a possible advantageous movement pattern may be that the person first raises a leg by the person angling the leg. In the angled state, the foot, now levitating, perform a pivoting movement. This may involve a kick towards the vehicle and away from the vehicle, or the pivotal movement is carried out across the vehicle as a reciprocating motion. A first effective range can be arranged above, so that when lifting the leg of the person's knee penetrates into the upper effective range and the sensor outputs a positive signal. Subsequently, the person performs the pivoting movement with the foot, so that the pivoting movement is carried out within a second effective range below the first effective range. If both the presence of the knee and a pivoting movement in the second effective range present on the underside are detected both in the first effective range, the recognition of the command to actuate a flap is evaluated as a positive command. Consequently, the operation of the flap is triggered by the controller.

To Another possible embodiment the person's command is then detected by the at least one sensor become when the movement of a body part of the person in a first effective range related to a movement of a body part the person in a second effective range a predetermined time offset having. The detection of the respective body parts in associated effective range may be a single succession or the sequence must be repeated at least once. For example, the person can only lift one leg, so that one knee in the first effective area and one foot in the second effective area is detected. Within a predeterminable time window, the For example, repeat this movement once or twice. Only then, if the resulting movement pattern of the person coincides with the given movement pattern, triggers the control unit actuates the flap.

members further information may be advantageous that one or each sensor electrode as a sheet-like element is formed, wherein on the motor vehicle, a bumper is present in or on which the or each sheet-shaped Element is arranged.

The Sensor electrodes may preferably be capacitive Be carried out sensor electrodes, and the installation environment the sensor electrode has a capacity whose change is detected by the sensors. The human body behaves in this context like a "floating Conductor ", like a piece of metallic conductor. The sensor electrodes and the "Floating Conductor" form a capacitor whose value is measurable because the conductivity dominated by the human body in this context and thus larger than the rest of the installation environment.

These as capacitive sensor electrodes have a very low Electricity requirement, so that it is permanent even when the vehicle is parked can remain in a ready state. Further possible sensors correspond to the design of radar sensors or ultrasonic sensors, wherein after a continuing Execution of such sensors only by the recognition of an access authorization means can be turned on so that these are not permanent Represent electricity consumers. For example, enter a person with an access authorization, for example a so-called. Keyless go card, the detection range of the motor vehicle, so such sensors first activated. However, an activation the movement of the flap by a corresponding command only then actually executed when the authentication the person is positively assessed by the access authorization.

Further, The measures improving the invention will be described below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures shown in more detail. It shows:

1 a first embodiment of a motor vehicle with a flap and a device for non-contact operation of the flap,

2 A further embodiment of a motor vehicle with a device for the contactless actuation of a flap,

3a a schematic representation of the arrangement of a sensor for detecting a non-contact command to operate a flap of the motor vehicle before the execution of the command of the person

3b a schematic representation of the arrangement of a sensor for detecting a non-contact command to operate a flap of the motor vehicle during the execution of the command of the person,

4 a possible embodiment of the waveforms that are output by the sensor electrodes and can cause a command to operate a flap and

5 Another embodiment of the waveforms that are output by the sensor electrodes and a command to operate ei ner flap cause.

The 1 and 2 show in a schematic view of embodiments of the present invention. Here is a motor vehicle 1 exemplified, the one flap 2 owns that as a tailgate 2 is executed. In the area of the bumper 7 of the motor vehicle 1 are two effective areas A and B formed, which are arranged one above the other. The effective ranges A and B serve for the respective detection of the presence of a body part of a person.

There is also an access authorization 8th , for example in the form of an ID transmitter, shown via a wireless connection 9 with a control unit 5 can communicate in the vehicle 1 located. The wireless connection 9 has a maximum effective distance, so that only when the maximum effective distance is exceeded, the communication between the access authorization means 8th and the controller 5 he follows.

To the person whose body part to operate the flap 2 into which the effective ranges A and B are led to authenticate, the person carries the access authorization 8th with you. Thus, only with positive feedback by the access authorization means 8th The authentication of the person is done so as to ensure that the person giving a non-contact command to automatically open or close the flap 2 of the motor vehicle 1 is also entitled to do so.

1 shows a first possible arrangement of a first sensor 3a and a second sensor 3b , Each sensor is associated with a sensor electrode, so that the sensor 3a the sensor electrode 4a , and the sensor 3b the sensor electrode 4b assigned. The sensor electrodes 4a and 4b serve to create the effective ranges A and B, the example in the rear of the motor vehicle 1 , therefore behind the bumper 7 , are recognizable. Both effective ranges A and B extend in the horizontal direction in the rear region of the motor vehicle 1 and are stacked so that the area toward the road surface does not serve as the detection area.

2 shows another possible embodiment of the arrangement of a single sensor 6 , the two sensor electrodes 6a and 6b assigned. The sensor electrodes 6a and 6b are arranged one above the other, wherein, by way of example, the sensor electrode 6b is slightly inclined, so that the effective range A is arranged above the effective range B and extends horizontally, whereas the effective range B has a slight inclination in the direction of the road surface, but in the context of the present invention still has a substantially horizontal effective range, without a detection range to create towards the road surface.

In 3a and 3b is an example of the operation of the tailgate 2 of the motor vehicle 1 shown by a person. The body parts of the person affect the legs 10 and the feet 11 , In 3a is the situation before opening the tailgate 2 shown, where 3b the situation during the execution of the non-contact command by the person to automatically open or close the door 2 shows.

First, the person stands with both legs 10 on the road surface. The person with his legs penetrates 10 not in the effective range A and B, through the sensor electrodes 6a and 6b are formed in a vertically stacked position. Consequently, an opening request by the sensor 6 not to the control unit 5 passed. By way of example, therefore, a diagram is shown over the data path of the sensor 6 towards the controller 5 is shown. The signals in the exemplary diagram show no rash, see 3a ,

Lift the person of one of the legs 10 on, that's how the leg penetrates 10 in the region of the knee in the effective range A of the first sensor electrode 6a one. Consequently, the diagram shows a deflection of the first sensor electrode, see 3b , By lifting the leg 10 becomes the foot 11 consistently led into the effective range B. As a result, there is also a deflection of the signal output by the sensor electrode 6b , However, this arrangement could already for positive detection of a non-contact command to open or close the door 2 of the motor vehicle 1 to lead. In order to further increase the security against a faulty resolution, the present embodiment shows a pivoting movement 13 of the foot 11 the person, so that the pivoting movement, for example in the form of a kick movement towards the bumper 7 and back again, must be made to a positive detection of the actuation command of the flap 2 implement. Possible movement patterns are in the following 4 and 5 shown in more detail.

4 shows a first possible movement pattern that passes through the sensor electrodes 4a respectively. 6a and 4b respectively. 6b can be issued. The movement patterns are shown in the form of a diagram so that a signal S over time t is shown. The signals may relate to a charge on the sensor electrode 4a . 4b . 6a or 6b is maintained. If a body part of a person penetrates into the effective range A or B, the charge on the sensor electrode changes 4a . 4b . 6a or 6b , As the outflow of charge increases as the Di As electricity constant increases, the curves initially fall off. By the scheme, which is present in a manner not shown in the sensors, however, the charge is readjusted. The readjustment of the charge can lead to the present signal S.

First moves the person's leg 10 and the foot 11 into the effective ranges A and B, then both signals fall off. Does the person hold the leg? 10 within the first effective range A, so gives the first sensor electrode 4a respectively. 6a a constant signal S off. Is doing a pivotal movement of the foot 11 executed within the second effective range B, so there is a wave motion in the second signal S of the sensor electrode 4b respectively. 6b , It can be provided, for example, that the flap 2 of the motor vehicle 1 remains closed until at least a second pivotal movement of the foot 11 is performed. This time proportion is designated "to". Only with detection of the second pivoting movement in sufficient frequency is the door 2 opened, leaving the flap 2 opens and the time range "on" begins.

5 shows a further embodiment of a possible waveform, wherein the detection of the command for actuating the flap 2 by the person in a predetermined time offset Δt between the signals S of the sensor electrodes 4a . 6a respectively. 4b . 6b is present. For example, the person may be the leg 10 and the foot 11 several times in succession, so that only after a predetermined count of the waves in the waveforms of the state of the flap 2 is transferred from the closed state "to" in the open state "on". In the present case, the person has twice the leg 10 and the foot 11 lift and move into effective areas A and B to open the flap 2 to effect.

The Invention is limited in its execution not to the preferred embodiment given above. Rather, a number of variants is conceivable, which of the illustrated solution even with fundamentally different types Use. All from the claims, the description or drawings resulting features and / or Advantages, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, both for themselves as well as in a variety of combinations essential to the invention be.

In particular, the waveforms according to the 4 and 5 each be combined with each other. For example, the required signal waveform of the sensor electrodes 4a . 4b . 6a or 6b be predetermined so that the person's leg 10 must lift first and then has a pivoting movement of the foot 11 be executed. This process may be repeated at least once, so that the course: raising - pivoting - panning - settling - lifting - panning - panning - must be performed to include a command to operate the flap 2 implement. In particular, may also be the knee of the leg 10 be pivoted within the first effective range A, so that the person, for example, a pendulum motion with the leg 10 performs and the knee and the foot 11 each can be moved in opposite directions.

Especially It should be noted that every possible form of movement - in particular against the background of the physiological constitution of the person can be specified by the person by, for example, a one-time master process to impress the movement pattern to the system and retrieve it from the system later can be done.

1

motor vehicle

2

Flap, tailgate

3a

sensor

3b

sensor

4a

sensor electrode

4b

sensor electrode

5

control unit

6

sensor

6a

sensor electrode

6b

sensor electrode

7

bumper

8th

Access authorization means

9

wireless connection

10

leg

11

foot

12

raise

13

swing

A

effective range

B

effective range

S

signal

t

Time

.delta.t

time offset

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/024399 A1 [0002]

Claims (12)

Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with at least one flap ( 2 ) which is to be opened or closed automatically after a non-contact command by a person, whereby at least one sensor ( 3a . 3b ) is provided, by the at least two effective areas (A, B) are formed, within which a respective detection of the command is possible, characterized in that both effective areas (A, B) each one of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) outgoing horizontal area for detecting the command, wherein an actuation of the flap ( 2 ) can be triggered when at least one body part of the person is detected in both effective areas (A, B). Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flap ( 2 ) through the tailgate ( 2 ) of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), wherein the effective areas (A, B) each one of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) outgoing horizontally oriented rear and / or partially lateral area of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) for detecting the command. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the effective areas (A, B) are aligned at least horizontally so that a delimitation of the effective areas (A, B) is created downwards in the direction of the roadway. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that two sensors ( 3a . 3b ) are provided, each one or more sensor electrodes ( 4a . 4b ) to create the effective regions (A, B), wherein preferably an effective region (A, B) by two or more sensor electrodes ( 4a . 4b ) is formed. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a single sensor ( 6 ) is provided, the two sensor electrodes ( 6a . 6b ) to create the effective regions (A, B), wherein preferably an effective region (A, B) by two or more sensor electrodes ( 6a . 6b ) is formed. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device ( 5 ) and with the sensors ( 3a . 3b . 6 ) is connected to the detection of at least one sensor signal, the sensor signal then from the sensor or sensors ( 3a . 3b . 6 ) to the control unit ( 5 ) is outputable when the person's command by the sensor (s) ( 3a . 3b . 6 ) is detected. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the command of the person by the at least one sensor ( 3a . 3b . 6 ) is detectable when the person with a body part performs a movement according to a predeterminable movement pattern within the at least one effective range (A, B). Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the body part of the person is a leg ( 10 ) and / or a foot ( 11 ) of the person who penetrates and / or is moved into the effective areas (A, B), and wherein the movement of the leg ( 10 ) preferably a lifting of the leg ( 10 ) and the movement of the foot ( 11 ) preferably a pivoting of the foot ( 11 ). Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the command of the person by the at least one sensor ( 3a . 3b . 6 ) is detectable when the movement of a body part of the person in a first effective range (A, B) relative to a movement of a body part of the person in a second effective range (A, B) has a predeterminable time offset (.DELTA.t). Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that one or each sensor electrode ( 4a . 4b . 6a . 6b ) is formed as a sheet-like element or as a wire or as a cable, wherein on the motor vehicle ( 1 ) a bumper ( 7 ) is present, in or on which the or each sheet-like element can be arranged. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the sensor electrodes ( 4b . 4b . 6a . 6b ) as capacitive sensor electrodes ( 4b . 4b . 6a . 6b ) are executed and the installation environment of the sensor electrodes ( 4b . 4b . 6a . 6b ) has a capacity whose change by the sensors ( 3a . 3b . 6 ) is detectable. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an access authorization means ( 8th ) provided with the control unit ( 5 ) by means of a wireless connection ( 9 ) is connectable and by the control unit ( 5 ) is queriable, so that only in the presence of the access authorization means ( 8th ) actuation of the flap ( 2 ) is released.