DE102012107800A1 - System for adjusting movement of e.g. tailgate of e.g. motor car, has capacitive sensor device to detect visual status of adjusting movement of vehicle closing element for producing person perceptible notification about current - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a vehicle closing element (1A) and a vehicle structure (F) that is provided with an aperture (O). A capacitive sensor device is set to detect an obstacle in adjusting path of vehicle closing element based on changing electric capacitance. The displacement of vehicle closing element is controlled, so as to avoid a clamping of detected obstacle between vehicle closing element and vehicle structure. The visual status of adjusting movement of vehicle closing element is detected to produce a person perceptible notification about a current by capacitive sensor device. An independent claim is included for a method for adjusting movement of power-operated vehicle closing element of vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a system for power-operated adjustment of a vehicle closure element on a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for controlling an adjustment movement of a vehicle closure element on a vehicle by means of such a system according to the preamble of claim 15.

A generic system is for monitoring an adjustment of a power-operated vehicle closing element on a vehicle such. As a tailgate, a side door, a hood or a sunroof, furnished and provided. For this purpose, the system has at least one capacitive sensor device, via which an obstacle in the adjustment path of the vehicle closure element can be detected on the basis of a changing electrical capacitance.

The system controls the adjustment of the vehicle closure member, in particular to avoid jamming of a detected obstacle between the vehicle closure member and a vehicle structure, which bounds one of the vehicle closure member intended to be closed body opening. Thus, with power-operated adjustable vehicle closure elements there is a risk that body parts of a person are trapped and serious injuries are caused when the vehicle closure element is moved in the direction of a closed position. A capacitive sensor device generates an electric field which can be influenced by an obstacle in the region around the associated body opening and in particular a closing edge of the vehicle closure element, so that an electrical capacitance changes measurably as a result of an obstacle. Based on a detected via the capacitive sensor device measurement signal thus an obstacle can be detected and the adjustment of the vehicle closing element at least stopped or even reversed to avoid pinching the obstacles.

In previously known systems for power-operated adjustment of a vehicle closure element with a capacitive sensor device, the adjustment runs largely automated and comparatively intransparent for a user. For example, a user does not receive feedback on any system failure or obstruction detection. Rather, he noticed regularly at best, that z. B. the adjustment triggered by him was stopped when the system has detected an alleged obstacle in the adjustment of the vehicle closure element.

From the WO 2006/032357 A2 is known during a power-operated adjustment of a vehicle closure element, such. As a tailgate to activate a warning light to alert a user and bystanders on the performed adjustment. This minimizes the risk that a person approaches the body opening to be closed during the adjustment of the vehicle closing element and is injured by the moving vehicle closing element. About the warning light of WO 2006/032357 A2 In particular, however, a user does not receive any feedback as to whether a malfunction has occurred during an adjustment or why possibly an adjustment movement has been stopped when the sensor device operating here with a surface wave transmitter-receiver arrangement for the detection of an obstacle has struck.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for the power-operated adjustment of a vehicle closure element on a vehicle, by which the aforementioned disadvantages are at least minimized and which enables improved communication with a user of the system.

This object is achieved both with the system of claim 1 and with the method of claim 15.

According to the invention, a system for actuating a vehicle closing element on a vehicle by means of power-operated means is designed and provided to generate at least one message perceptible visually by a person, which informs about a current status of an adjusting movement of the vehicle closing element detected via the capacitive sensor device.

A system according to the invention thus gives a user an optical feedback about the course of a power-operated adjustment. A user is thus visually informed about any malfunctions or functional impairments, and in particular about the detection of an obstacle in the adjustment path of the vehicle closure element. As a result, a user can also receive feedback about the cause of a fault, for example. This is especially at system impairments due to external influences, eg. As damage to components of the system, of advantage, since this otherwise a first diagnosis by a user is extremely difficult and always requires professional help in a workshop. A visually perceptible by a person message about the current status of an adjustment, it is also easier for a user to any interference by people in the Close to the closing of the vehicle closure element. For example, in an adjustment of a tailgate, which is triggered from a driver's seat of the vehicle, an unwanted stopping of the triggered adjustment movement can occur when persons are detected in a third row of seats of the vehicle as obstacles. By a perceptible even from the vehicle seat visual message about the status of the adjustment movement such a fault can be quickly detected and avoided or eliminated.

The visually detectable message is preferably transmitted to an output means provided on or in the vehicle. Such or an additional output means may also be located outside the vehicle. Of course, a parallel transmission to a plurality of different output means is possible, via which the visual perceptible message can be output for a user.

This may, for example, be a display on or in the vehicle, for example an instrument cluster, a lighting device and / or a display. Thus, signals from a system according to the invention can be transmitted to an instrument cluster, including a head-up display, to present information about the current status of the adjustment movement of the vehicle closure element. In turn, a status message can be generated at different points of the vehicle via a lighting means. For example, a light source in a certain area of the vehicle closure element and / or the vehicle structure can be activated or deactivated for illumination in a specific light color in order to indicate a disturbance or a detection of an obstacle. By way of a display (in addition to an instrument cluster already provided in the vehicle or a vehicle on-board display), in contrast to a single illuminant, numerals, letters, characters and / or graphics and diagrams can be displayed in order to inform about the current status of an adjustment movement of the vehicle closure element.

In a preferred embodiment variant, at least one output device is provided on the vehicle closure element, so that a user receives visually perceptible feedback about the status of the adjustment movement directly on the vehicle closure element. The control of this output means can, as in the case of transmission to an instrument cluster or vehicle on-board display, via a network, eg. B. via a CAN bus or LIN bus of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, it is provided that an output means is formed by a capacitive sensor element of the sensor device, which comprises at least one electrode for the capacitive detection of an obstacle.

In this case, for example, an electric field is generated in a specific region of the vehicle structure and / or of the vehicle closure element via a first (transmitting) electrode of a capacitive sensor element. Via a second (receiving) electrode of the sensor element, a change in an electrical capacitance can then be detected on the basis of a detected measuring signal when an obstacle appears in the generated electric field. On the basis of the detected measurement signal, the current adjustment movement can thus be stopped and / or reversed, if an obstacle is closed by means of an evaluation logic.

In one embodiment variant, it is now provided to integrate an additional function into a sensor element having at least one electrode, in order to inform a user of this visually by means of the status of the adjusting movement. In this case, it is provided in one exemplary embodiment that the sensor element comprises an optical waveguide which itself is used as a light source and / or the light transmits to a light source, wherein such a light source, for example due to its mounting location and / or the light color emitted by it to a specific operating condition of the system. For example, it may be provided that a light source is activated at a certain area of the vehicle closure element in order to indicate that an obstacle has been detected precisely in this area. As an alternative or in addition, a lighting means may illuminate in a first light color (eg green) when the vehicle closure element is in proper, trouble-free adjustment, and a different light color (eg red) in the adjustment path when a disturbance or an obstacle is detected.

The sensor element may in this case have a sensor line in the manner of a coaxial cable, in which an inner conductor is formed by an electrode of the capacitive sensor element and is encased concentrically by a (transparent) dielectric or insulator. The dielectric or the insulator is in this case configured as an optical waveguide, in which accordingly coupled light and can be transmitted from this.

In one embodiment, the system is designed and provided to transmit a message to an output means outside the vehicle, via which the message can be output visually perceptible. Such an output device may be, for example, a mobile, portable device, such as a mobile device. B. a mobile phone and / or a radio key (with a integrated display) act. In case of a malfunction of the system or the detection of an obstacle, whereby a jamming protection is triggered and the adjusting movement of the vehicle closing element is stopped and / or reversed, a user is sent a message to a worn by him terminal, z. B. in the form of an e-mail or SMS.

A message to an output means outside the vehicle is considered particularly advantageous with regard to any manipulative influence on the adjustment movement of a vehicle closing element. Thus, it may happen, for example, that a user moves away from a parked vehicle after the triggering of an adjusting movement for closing the vehicle closing element. A person who wants to gain abusive access to the parked vehicle could now manipulate the adjustment by introducing an obstacle in the adjustment of the vehicle closure element and deliberately cause a stop and / or reversing the adjustment so that this person continues to at least partially remaining body opening has access to the vehicle. However, if a user is notified of the interruption of the adjustment movement on a terminal lying outside the vehicle and carried by him, the user can promptly notice and react to the abusive triggering of a jamming protection, even if he / she is no longer in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.

In one embodiment variant, the system is designed and provided to generate a visually perceptible message by a person, via which the course of an adjustment movement of the vehicle closure element is visualized. On the basis of the output message, a progress of the adjustment movement is thus recognizable to a user and at least qualitatively detectable, to what extent the vehicle closure element is open or closed. This course can be visualized, for example, via a simple bar display or an animated graphic on a screen-like display. In this way, a user can be informed in particular about the remaining closing time in a power-operated closing of the vehicle closing element. This is of interest to a user on a regular basis when the adjustment has been triggered by a driver's seat of the vehicle or by a remote control and the user is not regularly in the vicinity of the vehicle closure element to be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the system generates a visually perceptible message by a person via which a fault of the sensor device is displayed, for example, visualized on a display. Such a disturbance may be, for example, soiling or damage of sensor elements of the sensor device or the influence of an electromagnetic field. The message generated by the system informs the user in this embodiment of the occurrence of such a fault and preferably also on the location where the fault was detected. Any faults will be displayed to the operator so that they may be remedied by the user himself and the user is at least warned of any limited functionality of the system.

For the visualization of a progression of an adjustment movement and / or the display of a disturbance of the sensor device, it can also be advantageous if information is displayed which corresponds to analog measured values acquired via the sensor device. It may also be advantageous to generate the level of a signal noise or a signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor during an adjustment movement as a visually perceptible message in order to be able to better diagnose any disruption of the system. In addition, an inventively provided generation of a visually perceptible message about the status of an adjustment movement can be used to represent the security of closure and the probability of a jamming protection being triggered, ie, in particular the ratio of the acquired measured values to a threshold value provided for triggering the jamming protection ,

In this case, the system may also have a workshop mode in which z. B. the latter information can be called up and displayed visually. For example, in a normal mode of operation in addition to such a workshop mode, a user may merely be informed as to whether and where a disturbance or obstacle has been detected and how far a triggered displacement has progressed.

When generating a message over which an obstacle in the adjustment of the vehicle closure element is displayed, for. B. visualized on a display, it is preferred to inform about where an obstacle was detected. This includes, for example, that a person is informed in which area of the vehicle closure element and / or a vehicle structure, an obstacle has been detected by the sensor device during a displacement movement of the vehicle closure element. As already explained above, the display of the respective area can take place via illuminants provided on the respective area and / or via a display with a spatially resolved representation of the vehicle closure element and / or the vehicle structure. When viewing via one or more lighting means may for example be provided that a vehicle closing element, such. As a tailgate or a trunk lid, at least partially along its inner contour or its closing edges is equipped with one or more bulbs, on the or only the one area - possibly with light another light color - can be illuminated, in which the sensor device is an obstacle has detected. For this type of lighting, it is possible in particular to provide a light source in the form of an open optical cable or a sensor element with an integrated optical waveguide extending at least along a section of the contour of the vehicle closing element.

In one possible development of a system according to the invention, in addition to the generation of a message via which an obstacle is displayed in the adjustment path of the vehicle closure element, a check is made as to whether there is a valid identification means in the surroundings of the vehicle. Failure to determine a valid means of identification in the vicinity of the vehicle, a power-operated closing of the vehicle closure element is triggered. In this embodiment, a user is therefore not only informed about the occurrence of an obstacle in the adjustment of the vehicle closure element, but also measures are taken to minimize the risk of improper access to the vehicle (with the vehicle stopped) after triggering a anti-trap. Thus, it can be assumed that a user of the vehicle, if no valid means of identification, such. B. a remote control key, more in the vicinity of the vehicle is detected, has already removed so far from the vehicle that he / she does not notice the interruption of the adjustment despite an optical output means on the vehicle. The likelihood that it is in the triggering of the anti-trap, a manipulation to gain abusive access to the vehicle, is therefore relatively high. The system is now set up here so that it stops the vehicle closure element after the detection of an obstacle and / or reversed briefly, but then the vehicle closure element - preferably after a predetermined period of time, for example less than two seconds or less than one second - continues adjusted, so again trying to close the vehicle closure element.

A further aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a displacement movement of a vehicle closure element on a vehicle by means of a system for power-operated adjustment of the vehicle closure element.

Analogously to a system according to the invention, it is also provided in a method according to the invention that an obstacle in the adjustment path of the vehicle closure element is detected by means of a changing electrical capacitance and a displacement movement of the vehicle closure element is controlled such that after detection of an obstacle in particular pinching a detected obstacle between the vehicle closure member and a vehicle structure is avoided. Furthermore, it is provided that even in a method according to the invention, at least one message perceptible visually by a person is generated which informs about a current status of an adjustment movement of the vehicle closure element detected by the capacitive sensor device, in particular a visual feedback to the user about the course of the adjustment movement to give.

The advantages and features explained in connection with possible exemplary embodiments of a sensor system according to the invention thus also apply to a method according to the invention and vice versa.

Furthermore, it should be noted that under a power-operated adjustment in particular any motor-driven adjustment should be understood, such. B. an electromotive, pneumatic and / or hydraulic adjustment.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Show it:

1 detail and perspective the rear of a motor vehicle with a tailgate as a vehicle closure element whose adjustment is controlled by means of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;

2A - 2 B schematically a sensor line with an electrode according to the embodiment of 1 in various views, wherein the sensor line integrates an optical waveguide, is transmitted via the light to a light source for indicating a status of the adjustment movement of the tailgate;

2C - 2D schematically and in different views a further variant of a sensor line with an optical waveguide, which itself forms a lighting means for displaying a status;

3 detail and perspective a longitudinal side of a motor vehicle with a side door as a vehicle closing element, the adjustment is controlled by an alternative embodiment of a sensor system according to the invention.

The 1 shows a perspective view of a detail of a rear of a motor vehicle K, in which a tailgate 1A as a vehicle closure element, a body opening O is closed, which is bounded by a vehicle structure F of the motor vehicle K. At the tailgate 1A is shown here only in part adjusting system provided to an adjustment of the tailgate 1A in particular in an adjustment direction V _S for closing in the 1 shown in folded relative position tailgate 1A to monitor. For this purpose, the adjusting system has a plurality of sensor elements which are each formed by a sensor arrangement which has at least one transmitting electrode S1 or S2 and at least one receiving electrode E1, E1A, E1B or E2. Here, among other things, several receiving electrodes cooperate with a common transmitting electrode S1, S2, to a first and a second monitoring area B1 and B2 in the vicinity of the tailgate 1A to monitor the occurrence of an obstacle.

A capacitive sensor element, for. Example, a sensor array S1-E1 with a transmitting electrode S1 and a receiving electrode E1, each designed and intended to generate an electric field by an obstacle in the vicinity of the tailgate 1A is influenced so that a via the receiving electrode, z. B. E1 of the sensor array S1-E1, measurable electrical capacitance changes measurable. Is thus at an adjustment of the tailgate 1A an obstacle in the adjustment of the tailgate 1A is determined to be a collision of the tailgate 1A with the obstacle or even its pinching between the tailgate 1A and to prevent the vehicle structure F, automatically adjusting the tailgate 1A stopped and / or reversed, leaving the tailgate 1A is adjusted in the opposite adjustment direction V _O.

The adjusting system with its transmitting electrodes S1, S2 and receiving electrodes E1, E1A, E1B and E2 is in this case designed such that both longitudinal closing edges 11 and 13 the tailgate 1A as well as at least part of a transverse and the two longitudinal closing edges 11 and 13 interconnecting lower closing edge 12 on which a lock S for locking the tailgate 1A is located in the respective monitored monitoring areas B1 and B2. Thus, an obstacle in the region of the respective closing edge 11 . 12 . 13 reliably be determined without contact.

The sensor element defined by at least one transmitting electrode S2 and a receiving electrode E2, in the present embodiment according to the invention, implements yet another function, which, however, neither recognizes an obstacle in the vicinity of the tailgate 1A still the detection of a in an adjustment of the tailgate 1A changing electrical capacity concerns. Thus, by a pair of electrodes of transmitting electrode S2 and receiving electrode E2 a capacitive button as a control panel 2 at the lower, transverse closing edge 12 educated. The two electrodes of a sensor arrangement or of a sensor element S2-E2 are thus designed and operated so that not only a capacitive obstacle in the vicinity of the tailgate 1A (in the monitoring area B2) is detectable when the tailgate 1A is adjusted. Rather, it is about the trained by them keypad 2 in the form of a capacitive pushbutton also an operating command of a user when the tailgate is stationary 1A detectable. Here, the control panel 2 For example, be set up and provided that when operated according to the operating part 2 a closing of the tailgate 1A he follows. By the control panel 2 is formed on the sensor element S2-E2 of the adjustment, no separate switch on the tailgate for this additional control function 1A be provided.

For evaluation, whether an operation of the control panel 2 at dormant tailgate 1A is present, the electrodes S2 and E2 are coupled to an electronic control unit, not shown here, depending on the state of motion of the tailgate 1A in one of two modes of operation and switches the electrodes S2 and E2 in a first mode of operation - when the tailgate 1A power-operated, z. B. by an electric motor drive, is adjusted - for the detection of an obstacle in the adjustment of the tailgate 1A operates and in a second operating mode - if the tailgate 1A stands still - her control panel 2 as a capacitive button to detect a conscious operation by a user.

According to the adjustment system of the 1 designed and provided to generate at least one visually perceptible by a person message, via a current, via the capacitive sensor device with the transmitting and receiving electrodes S1, S2, E1, E1A, E1B detected status of an adjustment movement of the tailgate 1A informed, if necessary in addition to an acoustic status message. Thus, here at a the body opening U bounding upper portion of the vehicle structure F, a display D1 is provided, via which the current progress of the adjustment and / or the detection of an obstacle in the adjustment path of the tailgate 1A is visualized.

By way of example, the display D1 shows how far the tailgate is 1A has approximated a fully closed or maximum open relative position. In addition, by different light colors can be displayed, whether the adjustment of the tailgate 1A runs without errors or there is a fault. The display D1 can also be designed such that a spatially resolved display is possible in this area, in which area of the tailgate 1A , in particular at which receiving electrode E1, E1A, E1B or E2 an obstacle has been detected.

In an alternative embodiment variant, the display D1 is on the tailgate 1A educated; here preferably in the region of the lower, transverse closing edge 12 , As a result, the display D1 for a person is particularly visible when the tailgate 1A is open.

Alternatively or additionally, a coupling of the adjustment system can be provided with an on-board computer of the motor vehicle K, so that a current status of the adjustment via a (vehicle on-board) display in the dashboard or the center console and / or on an instrument cluster, in particular a head-up Display is output.

In one embodiment variant, it is additionally possible if necessary for the adjustment system to be set up to transmit a message to a portable, mobile terminal upon detection of an obstacle and the consequent triggering of an anti-trap protection, which transmits a text and / or graphic message via a display integrated therein outputs. The transmitted message may be, for example, an e-mail or an SMS. The portable, mobile terminal may be, for example, a user's mobile phone or a radio key for unlocking and starting the motor vehicle K. For this purpose, the adjustment system has a radio interface, via which a corresponding message or message is transmitted.

Furthermore, the adjustment system may have an interface for data connection with a diagnostic device, so that in a workshop mode of the adjustment status information during an adjustment of the tailgate 1A be graphically displayed on the diagnostic device. The measuring signals of the adjustment system transmitted for this purpose can comprise, for example, the analog measured values obtained by the sensor device with its transmitting and receiving electrodes S1, S2, E1, E1A, E1B and E2. Furthermore, it may be provided that a noise level or a signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor device and / or the respective measured values recorded together with a threshold value provided for triggering are displayed on the diagnostic device.

It can also be provided that the adjustment system is set up and provided for, the tailgate 1A in the adjustment direction V _S to adjust automatically after the sensor device detected an obstacle in the adjustment and displayed on the display D1, but then no valid identification means in the vicinity of the motor vehicle K could be found. Thus, in the absence of a valid means of identification, such. As a radio key, in the environment of the motor vehicle K with greater probability to assume that there is currently no authorized user in the vicinity of the motor vehicle K and a triggering of the anti-trap can thus be used to gain abusive access to the motor vehicle K. , For example, a user can by pressing the keypad 2 closing the open tailgate 1A caused and then assuming that the closing will be done properly, have removed from the motor vehicle K so far that the motor vehicle K is out of sight of the user. Is now provoked by a third party a pinching, whereby the adjustment of the tailgate 1A stopped and possibly even reversed for a short time, unnoticed the user may have unauthorized access to the interior of the motor vehicle K.

With the mentioned development, the chances of success, to gain access to the interior of the motor vehicle K via such a manipulative action on the adjustment system without permission, are significantly reduced by the adjustment system automatically - preferably after a predetermined time period, eg. For less than two seconds or less than a second - retry the tailgate 1A close.

Of course, the entrapment can of course be repeatedly triggered. However, since this triggering is displayed acoustically optically and optionally additionally each time, the probability increases that an owner of the vehicle K or another person becomes aware of the third person who is trying to gain unauthorized access to the motor vehicle K.

The query of a valid identification means in the environment of the motor vehicle K is preferably carried out using a known keyless entry system, in which the presence of a radio key or transponder of the keyless entry system is queried as an identification means.

Instead of one or more displays D1 on the vehicle structure F and / or on the tailgate 1A It can also be provided that via lighting means, such as LEDs or optical fibers, to the vehicle structure F and / or on the tailgate 1A spatially resolved, the detection of an obstacle in the adjustment of the tailgate 1A is shown. For example, such luminous means can be arranged along the body opening O on the vehicle structure F and / or along an inner contour of the tailgate 1A be arranged. Depending on what area around the tailgate 1A , in particular at which closing edge 11 . 12 . 13 If an obstacle was detected with the aid of the respective receiving electrode E1, E1A, E1B, E2, then a luminous means assigned to the respective area can be activated or driven to illuminate in a different light color.

For example, it can be provided that the adjustment system a plurality of individually controllable bulbs along the closing edges 11 . 12 and 13 the tailgate 1A includes and this at a trouble-free adjustment of the tailgate 1A be driven so that they emit light of a first light color (eg green). Is via the sensor device with its transmitting and receiving electrodes S1, S2, E1, E1A, E1B and E2 in a specific area of the tailgate 1A , For example, in the region of a receiving electrode E1, detects an obstacle, the adjustment is adapted to the bulbs to a radiation in a second light color (eg red) to drive, which are assigned to the monitored by this receiving electrode (E1) area. In this way, for a user of the adjustment system, the adjustment of the tailgate 1A has prompted, not only immediately visually recognizable that an obstacle was detected, but also where this obstacle was detected.

With the 2A - 2 B and 2C - 2D Possibilities are illustrated, via a capacitive sensor element of the sensor device of the adjustment system, a lighting means D1 ', for example in the form of an LED, for outputting status information about the adjustment movement of the tailgate 1A to supply electricity ( 2A - 2 B ) and by a capacitive sensor element itself a lamp D1 '' form ( 2C - 2D ).

In the 2A First, a cross section through a sensor line L is illustrated, which in the manner of a coaxial cable, a transmitting electrode S1 or S2 according to the 1 having as inner conductor. The electrically conductive transmitting electrode S1, S2 is in this case by a first, inner insulator 5A jacketed. To the first insulator 5A closes concentrically outward an electrical conductor 4 as part of a shield, that of a second outer insulator 5B is surrounded concentrically as a protective jacket.

The transmitting electrode S1, S2 is in a first operating mode of the electrical conductor 4 the sensor line L is decoupled by an inductive element, not shown here, so that an electric field generated by the transmitting electrode S1, S2 for monitoring the adjusting movement of the tailgate 1A through the electrical conductor 4 is not disturbed and the electrical conductor 4 does not result in the generation of an obstacle-indicating signal. As in the sensor line L but both the electrically conductive transmitting electrode S1, S2 and the electrical conductor 4 are provided, they can also be used to supply a consumer with electrical power via a control in time division multiplex in a second mode of operation.

In this case, it would also be possible in principle for the power supply of a consumer, such as bulbs, to transport a direct current signal via the sensor line L, while the transmitting electrode S1 or S2 for the capacitive monitoring of the adjusting movement of the tailgate 1A is driven with alternating current.

In the 2 B is schematically shown an example in which via the sensor line L a consumer in the form of a lighting means D1 ', for example a light emitting diode, is supplied with power. Thus, the lighting means D1 'has two contacts 6a . 6b on, of which the one contact 6a with the electrical conductor 4 the sensor line L and the other contact 6b is in contact with the transmitting electrode S1 or S2 of the sensor line L in order to be able to supply the lighting means D1 'with current via an electronic control unit SE. In the present case, the control unit SE also controls the capacitive monitoring of the adjustment movement of the tailgate in time division multiplex 1A in that the control unit can also control the transmitting electrode S1, S2 of the sensor line L with electrical alternating current in order to generate an electric field which is measurably influenced by an obstacle in a respective monitoring area B1, B2.

In an embodiment not shown here can also be provided that a contact 6a a lamp D1 '(or other consumer) with an electrical conductor 4 a shield of a first sensor line L is in contact with a transmitting electrode S1, S2, while the other, second contact 6b of the lighting means D1 'is in contact with an electrical conductor in a shield of another sensor line. This other sensor line can have the receiving electrode E1, E1A, E1B or E2 as the inner conductor.

Instead of the electrode S1, S2 (or E1, E1A, E1B or E2), a sensor line L may of course also include an electrically conductive electrode lead to the Implement power supply function. Unlike the in 2A and 2 B (as well as in the 2C - 2D ) embodiments shown here is then not directly provided via the inner electrical conductor as the electrode lead the electric field for the capacitive monitoring. On the contrary, the transmitting electrode S1, S2, which adjoins one of the closing edges, is via such an electrode feed line 11 . 12 . 13 the tailgate 1A along, supplied with alternating current or transmit a measuring signal from a receiving electrode E1, E1A, E1B, E2 to the control unit SE.

In the 2C - 2D is a sensor line L 'illustrated, which is also formed in the manner of a coaxial cable and in which an inner conductor is also formed by a (transmitting) electrode S1, S2. A dielectric which surrounds the transmitting electrode S1, S2 concentrically or an isolator which surrounds it is hereby used as a light guide 4 ' is formed, can be transmitted via the light, so that the sensor line L 'integrates an optical waveguide for implementing a light guide function. The light guide 4 ' is formed for example by a transparent dielectric. To shield the optical fiber 4 ' this is of a preferably insulating protective jacket 5 concentrically encased. The coupling of light into the light guide 4 ' takes place via a light source 7 , This light source 7 can also be controlled by the control unit SE. For example, the light source 7 an LED.

The light guide 4 ' will be in the in the 2D shown variant used for lighting, for example, an area on the tailgate 1A in particular to illuminate the tailgate contour and the occurrence of an obstacle in the adjustment path of the tailgate 1A display. For this purpose, the protective jacket 5 be interrupted at certain points, so that a light guide section of the light guide 4 ' exposed and the light emitted by it can be used for lighting purposes. The exposed optical fiber section thus forms a lighting means D1 '', on the example of the occurrence of an obstacle in the adjustment path of the tailgate 1A visually displayed.

With the 3 is exemplified exemplified that an embodiment of an adjustment system according to the invention also for adjusting another vehicle closing element, for example, a side door 1B can be used.

In this adjustment system, a visual message perceptible by a person is generated on a display D2, eg in the form of a bar display, which is arranged on a door frame section of the vehicle structure F. The adjusting system informs via the display D2 as well as via the display D1 of the 1 a person standing on the motor vehicle K or a person sitting in the motor vehicle K, for example, on the progress of an adjustment of the side door 1B , on the occurrence of a disturbance (such as damage, the influence of an electromagnetic field or contamination of sensor elements belonging to the sensor device and / or optical sensors) and / or on the detection of an obstacle. The output of the message (s) is also here at each power-operated adjustment of the side door 1B , preferably at least when closing the side door 1B via a motor drive not shown here.

• – ein Display an der Seitentür 1B,
• – die Ausgabe einer visuell wahrnehmbaren Text- oder Grafikmeldung an einem Kombiinstrument oder Borddisplay des Kraftfahrzeugs K,
• – die Übertragung einer derartigen Meldung an ein tragbares Endgerät außerhalb des Kraftfahrzeugs K und/oder
• – die Ausgabe einer optischen Meldung über ein Leuchtmittel an der Seitentür 1B und/oder an der Fahrzeugstruktur F

vorgesehen sein. Alternatively or in addition to a display D2 on the vehicle structure F can of course also here

• - a display on the side door 1B .
• The output of a visually perceptible text or graphic message on an instrument cluster or on-board display of the motor vehicle K,
• - The transmission of such a message to a portable terminal outside the motor vehicle K and / or
• - the output of an optical message via a light source on the side door 1B and / or on the vehicle structure F

be provided.

Furthermore, even in the control of an adjustment movement of a side door 1B be provided that when detecting an obstacle in the adjustment of the side door 1B a check is made as to whether there is a valid identification means in the vicinity of the motor vehicle K, in order to automatically close the side door again if necessary 1B if no valid means of identification is within reach.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1A

tailgate

1B

side door

11, 12, 13

closing edge

2

(first) control panel

4

electrical conductor

4 '

Light guide (light guide part)

5, 5A, 5B

insulator

6a, 6b

supply line

7

light source

B1

1st surveillance area

B2

2. Monitoring area

D1

Display (output means)

D1 ', D1' '

Illuminant (output means)

D2

Display (output means)

E1, E1A, E1B

receiving electrode

E2

receiving electrode

F

vehicle structure

K

motor vehicle

L, L '

Sensor line (sensor element)

O

body opening

S

lock

S1, S2

transmitting electrode

SE

control unit

V _S , V _O

adjustment

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• WO 2006/032357 A2 [0005, 0005]

Claims (15)

System for the power-operated adjustment of a vehicle closure element on a vehicle, wherein - the vehicle closure element ( 1A . 1B ) is provided for closing a body opening (O) bordered by a vehicle structure (F), - the system has a capacitive sensor device, via which an obstacle in the displacement path of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) is detectable by means of a changing electrical capacitance, and - the system is the adjustment of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B In particular, a pinching of a detected obstacles between the vehicle closing element (FIG. 1A . 1B ) and the vehicle structure (F), characterized in that the system is designed and provided to generate at least one visually perceptible by a person message via a current, detected via the capacitive sensor device status of an adjustment movement of the vehicle closure element ( 1A . 1B ). A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system is adapted and arranged to transmit a message to an output means (D1, D1 ', D1 ", D2) for the visually perceptible output of the message. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system is coupled to an output means (D1, D1 ', D1'', D2) of the vehicle (K) via which a visually detectable message can be output. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the output means (D1, D1 ', D1'', D2) comprises a display on or in the vehicle (K), in particular an instrument cluster, a lighting means (D1', D1 '') and / or a display (D1, D2). System according to claim 4, characterized in that the output means (D1 ', D1'', D2) on the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) is provided. System according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the output means (D1 ', D1'') by a capacitive sensor element (S1-E1, S2-E2, L1, L1') of the sensor device is formed, the at least one electrode (S1 , S2) for the detection of an obstacle. System according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the system is designed and provided to transmit a message to an output means outside the vehicle (K), via which the message can be issued visually perceptible. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the system is designed and provided to transmit a message to a portable terminal, in particular a mobile phone and / or a radio key. System according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the system is designed and intended to transmit an e-mail. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed and provided to generate a visually perceptible by a person message via which the course of an adjustment movement of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) is visualized. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed and provided to generate a visually perceptible by a person message via which a fault of the sensor device displayed, in particular on a display (D1, D2) is visualized. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed and provided to generate a visually perceptible by a person message via which an obstacle in the adjustment of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) is displayed, in particular on a display (D1, D2) is visualized. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the message informs a person where an obstacle has been detected, in particular in which area of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) and / or a vehicle structure which bounds a body opening to be closed by the vehicle closure element as intended. System according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the system is designed and provided, in addition to the generation of a message, via which an obstacle in the adjustment of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ), a check is made as to whether there is a valid means of identification in the vicinity of the vehicle (K), and a force-actuated closing of the vehicle closure element (K) if a valid identification means in the vicinity of the vehicle (K) is not detected successfully. 1A . 1B ). Method for controlling an adjusting movement of a vehicle closing element on a Vehicle by means of a system for power-operated adjustment of the vehicle closing element, in particular by means of a system according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein in the method - an obstacle in the adjustment path of the vehicle closing element (via a capacitive sensor device of the system) ( 1A . 1B ) is detected on the basis of a changing electrical capacitance and - an adjusting movement of the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) is controlled in such a way that after a detection of an obstacle in particular pinching a detected obstacles between the vehicle closing element ( 1A . 1B ) and a vehicle structure (F), one of the vehicle closing element (F) ( 1A . 1B ) is bounded, is avoided, characterized in that at least one visually perceptible by a person message is generated, the current detected via the capacitive sensor device status of an adjustment movement of the vehicle closure element ( 1A . 1B ).

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