DE102018113255A1 - arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for evaluation in a capacitive sensor device (20) of a vehicle (1), in particular for detecting an activation action in the vehicle (1), comprising: - at least two sensor elements (20.1) each for detecting a change in an environment of the respective sensor element (20.1), a control device (50) in order to provide for each of the sensor elements (20.1) a determination of at least one acquisition-specific parameter of the respective sensor element (20.1), the control device (50) providing a circuit adaptation ( 52) for performing at least a part of the determination in parallel for at least both sensor elements (20.1).

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement for evaluation in a capacitive sensor device of a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for evaluation in a capacitive sensor device of a vehicle.

It is known from the prior art that by means of a sensor element, such as a sensor electrode, a variable capacitance can be formed, which is specific for changes in the environment of the sensor element. In other words, detection of the change in this capacitance can detect when an approach or a gesture or the like occurs in the region of the sensor element. This detection is used to activate functions of the vehicle. For example. Such functions include opening a tailgate or unlocking vehicle doors.

To perform the detection, z. B. based on the variable capacitance and / or based on a charge of the sensor element, a capacitive field change can be detected, which arises when approaching an object to the sensor element in the detection range of a sensor device. The detection range is determined by the arrangement and / or geometry and / or the electrical properties of the sensor element. To extend a functionality of the sensor device, for. B. to increase the detection range, it is known to use several sensor elements. Conventionally, the evaluation of the sensor elements takes place sequentially, d. H. the detection of measurement information of the sensor elements is carried out successively for the individual sensor elements.

A disadvantage of the known solutions is that the evaluation requires a time expenditure which increases with the number of sensor elements of the sensor device. Also, the described evaluation and a reduction of the time required may be accompanied by a higher technical effort.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved evaluation in the sensor device.

The above object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of the independent device claim and by a method having the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the arrangement according to the invention apply, of course, also in connection with the inventive method, and in each case vice versa, so with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or can be.

The object is achieved in particular by an arrangement for an evaluation in a capacitive sensor device of a vehicle, in particular for the detection of an activation action in the vehicle.

It is advantageous here if the vehicle is designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a hybrid vehicle or as an electric vehicle, preferably with a high-voltage electrical system and / or an electric motor. In addition, it may be possible that the vehicle is designed as a fuel cell vehicle and / or passenger car and / or semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle has a security system which z. B. by a communication with an identification transmitter (ID transmitter) allows authentication. Depending on the communication and / or the authentication, at least one function of the vehicle can be activated. If authentication of the ID transmitter is necessary for this purpose, the function may be a safety-relevant function, such as unlocking the vehicle or releasing an engine start. Thus, the security system can also be designed as a passive access system, which initiates the authentication and / or the activation of the function upon detection of the approach of the ID transmitter to the vehicle without active manual actuation of the ID transmitter. For this purpose, for example, a wake-up signal is repeatedly transmitted by the security system, which can be received by the ID transmitter during the approach, and then triggers the authentication. The function may also relate to an activation of a vehicle lighting and / or an actuation (opening and / or closing) of a flap (eg front or rear or side flap or door). For example. is automatically activated upon detection of the activation action, such as an approach or gesture of a user, e.g. B. activates a vehicle lighting and / or operated the flap and / or performed the unlocking.

For example. the capacitive sensor device is integrated in a door handle of the vehicle. In this case, the detection of the activation action, such as an approach to the door handle, z. B. the Unlock or open a door. Also, the capacitive sensor device may be integrated in a bumper or the like. Then, the detection of the activation action, such as moving a foot below the bumper, for example, trigger the opening of the flap.

• - wenigstens zwei (insbesondere elektrisch leitende) Sensorelemente jeweils zur Erfassung einer Veränderung in einer Umgebung des jeweiligen Sensorelements, vorzugsweise in einer Fahrzeugumgebung außerhalb des Fahrzeuges,
• - eine (insbesondere einzige) Kontrollvorrichtung, vorzugsweise Kontrollschaltungsanordnung, um für jedes der Sensorelemente eine Ermittlung wenigstens eines für die (jeweilige) Erfassung spezifischen Parameters (wie einer veränderlichen Sensorkapazität) des jeweiligen Sensorelements bereitzustellen, um z. B. die Auswertung durchzuführen, wobei die Kontrollvorrichtung vorteilhafterweise als wenigstens oder genau ein Mikrocontroller und/oder integrierter Schaltkreis und/oder als Elektronik (d. h. auch als System mehrerer Elektronikkomponenten) und/oder dergleichen ausgebildet ist.

The arrangement according to the invention can have (in particular for the provision of a detection) (the following components can preferably be electronic elements which are arranged, for example, on at least one printed circuit board and / or are electrically connected to one another):

• at least two (in particular electrically conductive) sensor elements each for detecting a change in an environment of the respective sensor element, preferably in a vehicle environment outside the vehicle,
• a (particularly single) control device, preferably control circuitry, to provide for each of the sensor elements a determination of at least one parameter (such as a variable sensor capacitance) of the respective sensor element specific to the (respective) detection, e.g. B. to carry out the evaluation, wherein the control device advantageously as at least or exactly a microcontroller and / or integrated circuit and / or electronics (ie, as a system of multiple electronic components) and / or the like is formed.

• - als einen ersten Ermittlungsschritt: eine Akquisition einer Messinformation (wie die Gewinnung/Bereitstellung einer im jeweiligen Sensorelement gespeicherten Ladung, insbesondere durch eine Ladungsübertragung vom Sensorelement an die Kontrollvorrichtung) und/oder
• - als einen zweiten Ermittlungsschritt: eine (insbesondere quantitative) Erfassung der Messinformation (wie eine Messung, insbesondere Digitalisierung der Messinformation mittels eines Analog-Digital-Wandlers).

In this case, provision is made in particular for the control device to have a circuit adaptation (ie in particular a connection adapted in this way) in order to carry out at least part of the determination (in particular temporally) in parallel for at least both (or also further) sensor elements. This has the advantage that the determination of the parameter requires less time overall. The determination may include several investigation steps, for. B .:

• as a first determination step: an acquisition of measurement information (such as the acquisition / provision of a charge stored in the respective sensor element, in particular by a charge transfer from the sensor element to the control device) and / or
• as a second determination step: a (in particular quantitative) acquisition of the measurement information (such as a measurement, in particular digitization of the measurement information by means of an analog-to-digital converter).

In each case, the determination steps can form the part of the determination which runs in parallel, d. H. at least partially simultaneously, for the at least two sensor elements is performed. Also, several or all investigation steps may possibly be carried out in parallel. The parallel at least partial determination achieves the advantage that the measurement duration is shortened and / or a power consumption of the sensor device is reduced. In addition, if necessary, an electromagnetic radiation with respect to an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can be improved.

The measurement information can z. Example, a voltage or a measuring charge, so be an electrical charge, which can be transmitted from the sensor element to the control device. The detection, in particular measurement, of the measurement information can preferably be carried out by a processing unit. The parameter is, for example, a variable sensor capacitance, which is formed by a single sensor element, and / or a capacitive field change, which occurs when an object approaches the sensor element.

Furthermore, if appropriate, the sensor element can be designed as a sensor electrode, which preferably forms a type of capacitor in interaction with a ground potential of the vehicle. For example. In this understanding of the measurement principle, the environment of the sensor electrode can influence the capacitance of the capacitor, and thus cause the variable sensor capacitance.

The processing unit has, for example, a microcontroller and / or an analog-to-digital converter and / or the like. For example. For example, a voltage across at least one memory element and / or via at least one (external or internal) holding capacitor of a (external or internal) holding arrangement may be measured by the analog-to-digital converter and converted into digital information which is evaluated by a processing device. As a result of the evaluation can then z. B. information about the sensor capacity can be provided.

It may be possible for the control device to have at least one electronic component, and possibly to be designed as a system comprising a plurality of electronic components. Such an electronic component is, for example, the processing unit and / or the holding arrangement and / or a drive device (in particular processing device) and / or a storage element. It is also conceivable that these electronic components are at least partially present as an integrated circuit, and that z. B. the driving device and the processing unit are integrated in a common integrated circuit and / or microcontroller or the like. So it may be useful for cost reasons, the processing unit (z. An analog-to-digital converter) as part of a microcontroller (eg, the processing device). It may also be useful to use a holding arrangement with a holding capacitor as an external component to z. B. to provide a higher holding capacity.

It can be provided within the scope of the invention that the circuit adaptation has a parallel transmission path, which has a first path for connecting the control device, in particular a (eg single) processing device of the control device, with a first of the sensor elements, and a second path parallel thereto for connecting the control device, in particular the (for example, single) processing device of the control device, with a second of the sensor elements, in particular to provide an acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements as part of the determination (the parameter) in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously. The paths may be current branches which serve to transfer charge from the respective sensor element. It may be possible that, unlike conventional solutions, no switch is provided to switch between charge transfer via the first path and charge transfer via the second path, since the charge transfers from all of the sensor elements can occur simultaneously via the paths. Thus, a significant time savings in the evaluation is achieved.

It may also be possible for at least one storage element (eg as a buffer) of the control device to be provided for parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements (the acquisition is to be considered part of the determination) in order to store at least one of the measurement information, in particular each as a measuring charge. To enable the simultaneous transfer of charges from the sensor elements, the use of a buffer is a reliable and cost effective solution. The intermediate storage is, for example, made possible by at least one capacitor as a storage element. Subsequently, the measurement information, such as the charges of the sensor elements, for the detection (eg digitization) and / or evaluation can be read out simultaneously or sequentially from the at least one intermediate memory, e.g. By exactly one processing device (such as a microcontroller).

It is also conceivable that at least one first memory element of the control device is provided, which is preferably designed as a capacitor to acquire parallel to the acquisition of a second measurement information, preferably measuring charge, a second of the sensor elements first measurement information, preferably measuring charge, a first of the sensor elements , In this case, the first memory element is preferably connected upstream of a (in particular single) processing device for detecting the first (and / or second) measurement information. The upstream interconnection is, for example, possible in that the first memory element is connected to a processing unit of the processing device (electrically) in order to transmit the first measurement information to the processing unit. This has the advantage that time-saving parallel or simultaneously the measurement information can be acquired, and possibly still cost-saving this (and possibly for the further detection or digitization of the measurement information) only a single processing device and / or processing unit can be used.

In the context of this invention, an acquisition of a measurement information is understood to mean in particular a charge transfer, by means of which preferably a charge quantity (measurement charge) is transmitted as measurement information that is specific to the parameter to be determined. A detection, in particular digitization, of this measurement information can thus serve to determine the parameter, for example by a subsequent evaluation by the processing device. Possibly. In addition to the acquisition and / or acquisition, the evaluation for all the sensor elements can be carried out in parallel.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one second memory element of the control device is provided, which is preferably designed as a capacitor, in order to acquire a second measurement information, preferably measurement charge, of a second of the sensor elements parallel to the acquisition of a first measurement information, preferably measurement charge, a first of the sensor elements For this purpose, the second memory element is preferably connected downstream with a (for example, single) processing device for detecting the (first and / or) second measurement information. "Downstream" in this context may mean that the second storage element receives the measurement information via the processing device. For this purpose, the processing device z. B. as a microcontroller with an analog-to-digital converter (as a processing unit) may be formed to z. B. in the sense of a charge pump to transmit the measuring charge as measurement information to the second memory element.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the context of the invention that a first memory element is connected upstream of a (eg single) processing device for detecting a first measurement information, that the first memory element for forwarding the first measurement information to a processing unit of Processing device with the processing unit, in particular an analog-to-digital converter, (electrically) is connected. The first measurement information is for acquisition, for example, first transmitted from the first of the sensor elements to the first memory element and then from there via the connection to the processing unit to z. B. to capture or digitize the first measurement information on the processing unit.

According to a further possibility, provision can be made for a second memory element to be connected downstream of the or a (for example, single) processing device for acquiring a second measurement information, such that a (possibly further or the previously described) processing unit, in particular an analogue Digital converter, the processing device for forwarding the second measurement information to the second memory element with the second memory element (electrically) is connected. The forwarding can z. B. be effected in that the processing unit comprises at least one drive means to form a charge pump with the second storage element. The second measurement information is for acquisition, for example, first transmitted from the second of the sensor elements to the processing unit and then from there via the connection to the second memory element. To then z. B. at the or another processing unit to capture or digitize the second measurement information, z. B. carried a further transmission from the second memory element to this processing unit.

The upstream and / or downstream storage elements can be used, for example, to simultaneously acquire the measurement information, in particular the measurement charge, for a plurality of sensor elements. For example. For example, one of the sensor elements may be connected to and / or interconnected with a storage element, preferably a capacitor, upstream of the processing device, and / or with another storage element, preferably a capacitor, downstream of the sensor elements. The charge transfers can z. B. initiated by potential change in the sensor elements, for. B. by at least one driving means and / or by a shield element. Thus, if necessary, the measurement information or (measurement) charges of the sensor elements can be distributed to the associated memory elements simultaneously with the same potential changes of the sensor elements. It is also conceivable that a plurality of upstream and / or downstream storage elements are used. Furthermore, a common shield element can be used for the sensor elements to z. B. to generate the necessary potential change in the sensor element. The simultaneous acquisition can shorten the measurement time and / or reduce power consumption and / or reduce the emission of interfering signals (such as EMC radiation).

It can further be provided that at least one shield element, such as a shield electrode, is provided. The shield element may be arranged in the vicinity of the sensor elements in order to influence the detection by the respective sensor element. For this purpose, the shield element can be set to a fixed electrical potential, such as, for example, a ground potential or a deviating fixed potential, z. B. an operating voltage source. Preferably, the shield element (for example, for charging the sensor element) is actively set to the same potential as the sensor element. As a result, the advantage is achieved that no disturbing current flow arises due to a shield capacitance formed between the shield element and the respective sensor element, which can lead to improved detection. In a charge transfer, however, the potential of the shield element can be changed to the charge of the respective sensor element z. B. to an upstream and / or downstream storage element to transfer. For this purpose, for example, the potential of the shield element is set to the ground potential. The shield element is advantageously designed geometrically such that a desired monitoring field (in the detection area) arises in the vicinity of the respective sensor element. For example. For example, the shield element can limit the monitoring field so that the detection of the activation action takes place only in a region which is not shielded by the shield element. In this way can be effected by means of the shield member that z. B. the activation action is detected only from a certain direction of the sensor element. The shield element is z. B. actively set by the driving and / or processing device to the desired potential.

In the case of the arrangement according to the invention, it is conceivable that whenever the potential at the sensor elements is changed, the potential at the shield element (eg at the same potential) is also actively changed. Also, if necessary, the potential at the shield element can then be changed (for example, from a fixed potential deviating from the ground potential to the ground potential) when the charge transfer takes place. The potential may be on the shield element and / or on the sensor elements, for. B. for charging and / or charge transfer and / or acquisition, possibly always be changed at the same time.

In addition, it can optionally be provided that for carrying out a charge transfer from the respective sensor element to at least one of the storage elements, for. B. to an upstream and / or downstream storage element, a Potential change is performed on each sensor element. For this purpose, the sensor element z. B. from a (different from a ground potential) fixed potential can be set to a ground potential. Also, alternatively or additionally, the shield element may be set to the ground potential to support the charge transfer from this fixed potential. By means of the shield element (in particular due to the described potential change, for example to the ground potential), the potential change in the respective sensor element can advantageously also be effected. Also, if necessary, the respective sensor element can always be at the fixed potential, z. B. the potential of an operating voltage source, and only the electrical potential at the shield element are actively changed, thereby initiating the charge transfer from the respective sensor element. For this purpose, the shield element is arranged, for example, in the detection range of the sensor elements such that it has an influence on the electric field of the sensor elements and / or on the potential of the sensor elements.

Preferably, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the control device is designed to first acquire a first measurement information of a first of the sensor elements immediately thereafter and / or in parallel a second acquisition of a second measurement information of a second of the sensor elements and only then to acquire , preferably digitizing, the first and / or second measurement information in succession or in parallel. It may also be possible that there is no temporal separation from the acquisition of the measurement information and the digitization.

It is conceivable that the acquisition and the acquisition, in particular digitization, of measurement information also occur in parallel. For example. In parallel to the acquisition of a first measurement information, the acquisition of a second measurement information on a processing unit can already take place in parallel (or vice versa). Also, parallel to the acquisition of the first measurement information of a current determination, the detection of the preceding first measurement information of a previous determination of the parameter may also take place in parallel.

It is furthermore advantageous if the circuit adaptation has at least two terminals of a (in particular single) processing device in order to detect, preferably digitize, a first measurement information from a first of the sensor elements and at least a second measurement information from at least one second of the sensor elements as part of the determination in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously, over the terminals. For example. For this purpose, the terminals are connected to different processing units, wherein the processing units can also be designed differently. For example. For example, a first processing unit connected to the first terminal (electrically) may be formed as an analog-to-digital converter or the like. Also, if necessary, a second processing unit connected to the second terminal (electrically) may be formed as a comparator or the like.

In addition, it is advantageous if, in the context of the invention, parallel detection, preferably digitization, of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements is provided as part of the determination of two processing units, in particular a (eg single) processing device, the control device, which is designed in each case to carry out the recording independently. For this purpose, it is possible to use, for example, units of a periphery of the processing device (that is to say, for example, a microcontroller) which are functionally and / or structurally distinguishable from one another as processing units.

According to a further possibility, it can be provided that for the parallel acquisition, preferably digitization, of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements as part of the determination, two particularly functionally different components (eg exactly) of a processing device are respectively provided as a processing unit, which preferably components of a periphery of Processing device are. In other words, the processing units may originally have different functions, and therefore a different mode of operation is used for the processing units to detect. In this way, a plurality of different parts of the processing device (eg, a controller) can be used to acquire or digitize a plurality of measurement information items (for example, measured values) in parallel, in particular at the same time. Alternatively or additionally, a detection or a digitization can be carried out in parallel to an acquisition of the measurement information. The processing device may, for. B. be programmed so that in each case a different part of the periphery is used for detection and / or digitization.

It can preferably be provided within the scope of the invention that at least one memory element is provided for the parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements as part of the determination, and a transmission arrangement, preferably an electronic charge pump, is formed by at least at least one component of (exactly) a processing device. to transmit at least one of the measurement information to the memory element for buffering, and preferably after Caching a detection, preferably digitizing to perform this measurement information. The transfer assembly or charge pump can, for. B. with control means (such as electronic switches) of an analog-to-digital converter of the processing device are formed, which are connected for this purpose with at least one capacitor of the memory element.

In addition, it may be advantageous in the context of the invention that the circuit adaptation is designed to perform the determination completely parallel to the sensor elements, so that the parameter for a first of the sensor elements and the parameter for a second of the sensor elements is at least partially determined simultaneously. Full refers in particular to the fact that both the acquisition and the acquisition or digitization can take place in parallel. This is a particularly high time savings possible.

According to a further advantage it can be provided that the control device is designed to detect for each of the sensor elements a respective measurement information by at least one processing unit, preferably by a charge transfer from the respective sensor element to a holding device and / or to the processing unit, wherein the circuit adaptation is designed to perform the charge transfer and / or the detection by the single or respective processing unit in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously. It can, for. B. cost-saving only a single processing unit may be provided to capture first, second and possibly further measurement information. Also, if necessary, a separate processing unit can be used to save time for each of the first, second and possibly further measurement information.

Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the sensor elements are aligned for detection on different environmental areas and / or arranged at different positions of a vehicle component in order to perform the detection simultaneously. The vehicle component is, for example, at least one door handle or a bumper or an emblem or a sill or a (rear, front or side flap) or the like of the vehicle. Conventionally, the detection takes place sequentially z. B. by switching between the sensor elements (successively the sensor elements are connected to the control device). By contrast, according to the invention, at least in part, a parallelization can take place in order to allow time and energy savings.

It may be advantageous if, in the context of the invention, the sensor elements are in signal communication with the control device simultaneously with the detection device, preferably for the simultaneous transfer of charge for the transmission of a respective measurement information to the control device. This makes reliable acquisition and / or capture possible.

Further, if necessary, more than two sensor elements may be provided, for. B. at least three or at least four or at least five sensor elements. For this, furthermore, the determination of the parameter can be carried out at least partially in parallel, as described above. For this purpose, for example, still further (per sensor element at least one) of the memory elements and / or paths and / or processing units are provided.

The invention likewise relates to a method for evaluation in a capacitive sensor device of a vehicle, in particular for detecting an activation action in the vehicle. In this case, it is possible for an arrangement, in particular according to the invention, to be provided with at least two sensor elements and a control device.

1. a) Durchführen einer ersten Ermittlung eines Parameters bei einem ersten der Sensorelemente,
2. b) Durchführen wenigstens einer zweiten Ermittlung (eines oder) des Parameters bei wenigstens einem zweiten der Sensorelemente,

wobei die erste und die wenigstens zweite Ermittlung zumindest teilweise parallel durchgeführt werden. Damit bringt das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren die gleichen Vorteile mit sich, wie sie ausführlich mit Bezug auf eine erfindungsgemäße Anordnung beschrieben worden sind.Advantageously, in a method according to the invention, at least one of the subsequent steps can be carried out, wherein the steps are preferably carried out successively in the stated order or in any order, and if necessary also individual or all steps can be repeated:

1. a) carrying out a first determination of a parameter in a first of the sensor elements,
2. b) carrying out at least one second determination (of one or) of the parameter in at least one second of the sensor elements,

wherein the first and the at least second determination are performed at least partially in parallel. Thus, the inventive method brings the same advantages as have been described in detail with respect to an inventive arrangement.

According to a further advantage, it can be provided that an acquisition of a measuring charge of the first sensor element and parallel to this for the second determination an acquisition of a measuring charge of the second sensor element is performed for the first determination, and / or that for the first determination a detection, preferably digitization , the acquired measuring charge of the first sensor element and parallel thereto for the second determination a detection, preferably digitization, of the acquired measuring charge of the second sensor element is performed. This is a significant time savings possible.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung von Teilen einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung,
• 2 ein schematisches Schaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung,
• 3 ein weiteres schematisches Schaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung mit vor- und nachgelagerten Speicherelementen zur parallelen Akquisition,
• 4 ein weiteres schematisches Schaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung zur parallelen Erfassung, insbesondere Digitalisierung,
• 5 ein weiteres schematisches Schaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung zur parallelen Erfassung, insbesondere Digitalisierung, und parallelen Akquisition,
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung zur Visualisierung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur parallelen Akquisition,
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung zur Visualisierung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur parallelen Akquisition und Erfassung.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of parts of an inventive arrangement,
• 2 a schematic diagram of an inventive arrangement,
• 3 FIG. 2 shows a further schematic circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention with upstream and downstream storage elements for parallel acquisition, FIG.
• 4 FIG. 2 a further schematic circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention for parallel detection, in particular digitization,
• 5 FIG. 2 shows a further schematic circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention for parallel detection, in particular digitization, and parallel acquisition, FIG.
• 6 a schematic representation for visualization of a method according to the invention for parallel acquisition,
• 7 a schematic representation of the visualization of a method according to the invention for parallel acquisition and detection.

In the following figures, the identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features of different embodiments.

In 1 are schematic parts of an inventive arrangement 10 shown which exemplifies the rear of a vehicle 1 is arranged. It can be seen that at least one sensor element 20.1 a capacitive sensor device 20 an inventive arrangement 10 in a bumper 3 of the vehicle 1 can be arranged. Exemplary is in 1 only the arrangement of one of the sensor elements 20.1 in a similar manner, at least one further sensor element 20.1 can be arranged in the bumper. As a result, z. B. the detection range of the sensor device 20 to be changed. For carrying out a method according to the invention, a control device can also be provided 50 at the vehicle 1 be used. The control device 50 is z. B. as a control unit of the vehicle 1 or the like ("control" refers, for example, to electronic control or regulation). The respective sensor element 20.1 is, for example, designed as a long drawn electrical conductor and / or as a cable and / or as a sensor electrode and / or the like, and may be in the vehicle transverse direction in the bumper 3 extend. The sensor elements 20.1 can also be designed differently. In addition, an arrangement, not shown, of the respective sensor element 20.1 in the side or front of the vehicle 1 conceivable, for. B. in a door handle 4 or similar. In the case shown, the respective sensor element 20.1 be used to an activation act of a user 8th to detect. To do this, the user moves 8th z. B. a body part 9 as activator 9 below the bumper 3 , The detection of this activation action may then be used to activate a vehicle function, such as an opening of a tailgate 2 , to lead.

• - wenigstens zwei Sensorelemente 20.1 jeweils zur Erfassung einer Veränderung in einer Umgebung des jeweiligen Sensorelements 20.1, wobei das jeweilige Sensorelement 20.1 vorzugsweise als Sensorelektrode 20.1 ausgebildet ist und/oder eine Sensorkapazität CS gegenüber einem Massepotential 20.2 ausbildet,
• - eine insbesondere einzige Kontrollvorrichtung 50, um für jedes der Sensorelemente 20.1 eine Ermittlung wenigstens eines für die Erfassung spezifischen Parameters des jeweiligen Sensorelements 20.1 bereitzustellen, wobei der Parameter z. B. eine veränderliche Sensorkapazität CS sein kann, welche durch die Veränderung in der Umgebung beeinflusst wird, um ggf. anhand des ermittelten Parameters die Veränderung in der Umgebung zu detektieren.

In order to enable the detection with increased reliability and / or less time, the inventive arrangement 10 according to 2 to 5 be educated. The order 10 serves for evaluation in the sensor device 20 of the vehicle 1 , in particular for the detection of the activation action in the vehicle 1 , and if necessary uses the following electronic components:

• - At least two sensor elements 20.1 each for detecting a change in an environment of the respective sensor element 20.1 , wherein the respective sensor element 20.1 preferably as a sensor electrode 20.1 is formed and / or a sensor capacity CS opposite to a ground potential 20.2 forms,
• - A particular single control device 50 in order for each of the sensor elements 20.1 a determination of at least one parameter specific to the detection of the respective sensor element 20.1 to provide, the parameter z. B. a variable sensor capacity CS may be, which is influenced by the change in the environment, if necessary to detect the change in the environment based on the determined parameter.

In 2 the measuring principle is further clarified. So it can be seen that over a transmission path 53 a charge transfer from the respective sensor element 20.1 can be done. After charging the respective sensor element 20.1 can, for example, in the sensor element 20.1 existing charge - as the measurement information to be acquired (acquired) - to the control device 50 , preferably to a holding arrangement 50.4 be transmitted. The charge transfer can z. B. be initiated by a circuit for charge transfer (eg., The transmission path 53 ) by a driving means 50.6 , such as an electronic switch, is closed. The holding arrangement 50.4 has to store the charge z. B. on a holding capacitor. The driving means 50.6 and / or the holding arrangement 50.4 are advantageous Part of a processing device 50.1 and / or a processing unit 50.2 , Based on the now in the holding arrangement 50.4 Charge can then be determined the parameter. For this purpose, if necessary, a measurement of a voltage over the holding arrangement 50.4 carried out, for. B. by a processing unit 50.2 like an analog-to-digital converter 50.2 , Depending on which evaluation method is used, if necessary, a multiple charge transfer to a holding arrangement 50.4 take place, and thus a multiple of the sensor element 20.1 cached stored charge. For this purpose, the holding arrangement 50.4 possibly as an external holding arrangement 50.4 and / or a memory element 51.1 , as a storage capacitor, be provided. The processing device 50.1 is z. B. executed as a microcontroller.

It may also be possible for a shield element 22 as a function of the charge transfer and / or charging of the sensor element 20.1 is actively driven, preferably during charging and / or charge transfer is set to the same potential as the sensor element 20.1 to a monitoring area (detection area) of the sensor device 20 define. For example. can during charge transfer the shield element 22 to a fixed potential, such as a ground potential 20.2 , be placed. In this way, disturbing influences can be further reduced and / or the monitoring area can be set in a targeted manner, in which the change in the environment or the activation action by the sensor element 20.1 can be detected. The shield element 22 is, for example, as a shield electrode 22 formed in the same or similar manner as the sensor element 20.1 ,

According to the invention it can be provided that the control device 50 a circuit adaptation 52 comprises at least a portion of the determination in parallel, in particular temporally parallel, for both or further (ie for all) sensor elements 20.1 perform. Exemplary circuit adjustments 52 which provide such an at least partially parallel determination are described in more detail below.

2 to 5 show only schematic diagrams, therefore, for example, other switching configurations of the electronic components shown and / or other driving means 50.6 be used in a switching configuration, not shown.

For an at least partially parallel determination can according to 3 to 5 the circuit adaptation 52 a parallel transmission path 53 which has a first path 53.1 for connecting the control device 50 , in particular the processing device 50.1 , with a first 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 and at least one second path parallel thereto 53.2 for connecting the control device 50 , in particular the processing device 50.1 , with at least a second one 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 having. In this way, z. B. an acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements 20.1 as part of the determination in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously provided.

According to 2 and 3 can for parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements 20.1 at least one memory element as part of the determination 51.1 the control device 50 be provided to at least one of the measurement information, in particular a measuring charge to record for temporary storage. Furthermore, according to 3 and 5 at least a first memory element 51.1a the control device 50 be provided, which is preferably designed as a capacitor to parallel to the acquisition of a second measurement information, preferably measuring charge, a second 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 a first measurement information, preferably measurement charge, a first 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 to acquire. Preferably, the first memory element 51.1a according to 3 with a processing device 50.1 be connected upstream for detecting the first and / or second measurement information.

Moreover, it is possible that at least one second memory element 51.1b the control device 50 is provided, which may also be formed as a capacitor to parallel to the acquisition of the first measurement information, preferably measuring charge, the first 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 the second measuring information, preferably measuring charge, of the second 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 to acquire. Preference may be given to the second memory element 51.1b with a processing device 50.1 be connected downstream for detecting the first and / or second measurement information, as in 3 is shown in more detail.

A first memory element 51.1a may possibly thereby with the processing device 50.1 connected upstream of the detection of the first measurement information that the first memory element 51.1a for forwarding the first measurement information to a processing unit 50.2 the processing device 50.1 with the processing unit 50.2 , in particular an analog-to-digital converter 50.2 , connected is. In other words, the first memory element 51.1a optionally even the forwarding of the charge to the processing unit 50.2 perform, as for example in 3 can be provided. On the other hand, a second storage element 51.1b thereby with the processing device 50.1 connected downstream for detecting the second measurement information that the or another processing unit 50.2 , in particular an analog-to-digital converter 50.2 , the processing device 50.1 for forwarding the second measurement information to the second memory element 51.1b with the second memory element 51.1b connected is. Thus, the processing unit 50.2 possibly even the forwarding of the charge to the second memory element 51.1b cause. This is also in 3 shown here, wherein here the processing unit 50.2 into the processing device 50.1 is integrated, and only an exemplary driving means 50.6 the processing unit 50.2 is shown schematically. In this case, the processing unit 50.2 z. B. by the at least one driving means 50.6 and / or by a holding arrangement 50.4 with the second memory element 51.1b Form a charge pump to allow the forwarding particularly efficient.

According to 3 to 5 can the circuit adaptation 52 at least two connections 52.1 . 52.2 the processing device 50.1 to detect, preferably digitize, first measurement information from a first one 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 and a second measurement information of a second 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 as part of the determination in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously, via the terminals 52.1 . 52.2 provide. The connections are z. B. electrical conductors and / or pins of the processing device 50.1 , z. B. a microcontroller. In particular, the connections are used 52.1 . 52.2 for electrical contacting with a periphery of the microcontroller.

According to 4 and 5 can for parallel detection, preferably digitization, a respective measurement information of the sensor elements 20.1 each as part of determining two processing units 50.2 , in particular the processing device 50.1 , the control device 50 be provided, which are each designed to carry out the detection independently. A first processing unit 50.2a can z. B. with a first connection 52.1 and a second processing unit 50.2b with a second connection 52.2 be electrically connected. In particular, two functionally different components of the processing device 50.1 each as a processing unit 50.2 which are preferably components of a periphery of the processing device 50.1 are.

According to 3 and 5 can for parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements 20.1 at least one memory element as part of the determination 51.1 be provided, and thereby possibly a transmission arrangement, preferably a charge pump, for. B. together with at least one component 50.2 the processing device 50.1 be educated. If appropriate, at least one of the measurement information may be sent to the memory element 51.1 be transmitted to the intermediate storage, to perform a capture, preferably digitizing, this measurement information after the buffering.

As in 5 can be shown, for parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements 20.1 as part of the determination, a first memory element 51.1a in a first path 53.1 and a second memory element 51.1b in a second path 53.2 be integrated.

Furthermore, the circuit adaptation 52 according to 5 be carried out to determine completely parallel to the sensor elements 20.1 perform at least partially simultaneously the parameter for a first 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 and the parameter for a second one 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 is determined. It is thus a combination of parallel acquisition (digitization) and parallel acquisition, as previously described.

According to the 6 and 7 is also a method according to the invention 100 visualized. It can do so after an initiation 101 of the procedure 100 a first determination of a parameter of a first 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 and at least one second determination of a parameter of at least one second 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 be performed. As in the 6 and 7 is clarified in more detail, the first and the at least second determination can be carried out at least partially in parallel. So the control device 50 to do so, first a first acquisition 102 a first measurement information of a first 20.1a the sensor elements 20.1 , and in parallel a second acquisition 102b a second measurement information of a second 20.1b the sensor elements 20.1 and only then perform a detection, preferably digitization, of the first and second measurement information in succession or in parallel. According to 6 a second detection takes place 103b temporally after a first acquisition 103a , and according to 7 the first acquisition takes place 103a parallel to the second acquisition 103b ,

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments, if technically feasible, can be combined freely with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

tailgate

3

bumper

4

door handle

8th

user

9

Body part, activating agent

10

Arrangement, switching arrangement

20

sensor device

20.1

Sensor element, sensor electrode

20.1a

first sensor element

20.1b

second sensor element

20.2

ground potential

22

Shield element, shield electrode

50

control device

50.1

Processing device, microcontroller

50.2

Processing unit, analog-to-digital converter

50.2a

first processing unit

50.2b

second processing unit

50.4

Holding arrangement, internal holding arrangement

50.6

driving means

51.1

Storage element, storage capacitor

51.1a

first memory element

51.1b

second memory element

52

circuit adjustment

52.1

first connection

52.2

second connection

53

transmission path

53.1

first path

53.2

second path

100

method

101

Initiation of the process

102

first acquisition

102b

second acquisition

103a

first acquisition, first digitization

103b

second acquisition, second digitization

CS

sensor capacitance

Claims (19)

Arrangement (10) for evaluation in a capacitive sensor device (20) of a vehicle (1), in particular for detecting an activation action on the vehicle (1), comprising: at least two sensor elements (20.1) each for detecting a change in an environment of the respective sensor element (20.1), a control device (50) for providing for each of the sensor elements (20.1) a determination of at least one detection-specific parameter of the respective sensor element (20.1), the control device (50) having a circuit adaptation (52) to at least a part of the Determination in parallel for at least perform both sensor elements (20.1). Arrangement (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the circuit adaptation (52) comprises a parallel transmission path (53) which has a first path (53.1) for connecting the control device (50) to a first of the sensor elements (20.1), and a second path (53.2 ) for connecting the control device (50) with a second one of the sensor elements (20.1) to provide an acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements (20.1) as part of the determination in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously. Arrangement (10) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that for the parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements (20.1) as part of the determination at least one memory element (51.1) of the control device (50) is provided to record for intermediate storage at least one of the measurement information, in particular a measuring charge. Arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first memory element (51.1a) of the control device (50) is provided, which is preferably designed as a capacitor to parallel to the acquisition of a second measurement information, preferably measuring charge, a second (20.1b) of the sensor elements (20.1) to acquire first measurement information, preferably measurement charge, of a first (20.1a) of the sensor elements (20.1), the first memory element (51.1a) preferably having a processing device (50.1) for detecting the first Measuring information upstream is interconnected. Arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one second memory element (51.1b) of the control device (50) is provided, which is preferably designed as a capacitor to parallel to the acquisition of a first measurement information, preferably measuring charge, a first (20.1a) of the sensor elements (20.1) to acquire a second measurement information, preferably measuring charge, of a second (20.1b) of the sensor elements (20.1), the second memory element (51.1b) preferably having a processing device (50.1) for detecting the second Measuring information downstream is interconnected. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first memory element (51.1a) is connected upstream of a processing device (50.1) for detecting a first measurement information, that the first memory element (51.1a) for forwarding the first measurement information to a processing unit (50.2) of the processing device (50.1) is connected to the processing unit (50.2), in particular an analog-to-digital converter (50.2). Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second memory element (51.1b) is connected downstream of a processing device (50.1) for detecting a second measurement information that a processing unit (50.2), in particular an analog-digital Converter (50.2), the processing device (50.1) for forwarding the second measurement information to the second memory element (51.1b) is connected to the second memory element (51.1b), wherein preferably the processing unit (50.2) at least one drive means (50.6) to to form a charge pump with the second storage element (51.1b). Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (50) is designed to first a first acquisition (102a) of a first measurement information of a first (20.1a) of the sensor elements (20.1), immediately thereafter and / or parallel to this, a second acquisition (102b) of a second measurement information of a second (20.1b) of the sensor elements (20.1) and only then a detection, preferably digitization, of the first and second measurement information successively or in parallel. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit adaptation (52) has at least two connections (52.1, 52.2) of a processing device (50.1) in order to detect, preferably digitize, a first measurement information from a first (20.1a). the sensor elements (20.1) and a second measurement information from a second (20.1b) of the sensor elements (20.1) as part of the determination in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously, to provide over the terminals (52.1, 52.2). Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the parallel detection, preferably digitization, of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements (20.1) as part of the determination of two processing units (50.2), in particular a processing device (50.1), the control device ( 50) are provided, which is designed in each case to carry out the detection independently. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the parallel detection, preferably digitization, of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements (20.1) as part of the determination, in particular two functionally different components of a processing device (50.1) each as a processing unit (50.2). are provided, which are preferably components of a periphery of the processing device (50.1). Arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for parallel acquisition of a respective measurement information of the sensor elements (20.1) as part of the determination at least one memory element (51.1) is provided, and a transmission arrangement, preferably a charge pump, by at least one component (50.2) of a processing device (50.1) is formed in order to transmit at least one of the measurement information to the memory element (51.1) for intermediate storage, and to perform a capture, preferably digitization, of this measurement information after the buffering. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit adaptation (52) is designed to perform the determination completely parallel to the sensor elements (20.1), so at least partially simultaneously the parameter for a first (20.1a) of the sensor elements (20.1) and the parameter for a second (20.1 b) of the sensor elements (20.1) is determined. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (50) is designed to detect for each of the sensor elements (20.1) a respective measurement information by at least one processing unit (50.2), preferably by a charge transfer from the respective Sensor element (20.1) to a holding arrangement (50.4) and / or to the processing unit (50.2), wherein the circuit adaptation (52) is designed to perform the charge transfer and / or the acquisition by the single or respective processing unit (50.2) in parallel, preferably at least partially simultaneously. Arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor elements (20.1) aligned for detection on different environmental areas and / or at different positions of a vehicle component (2, 3, 4) are arranged to perform the detection simultaneously. Arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor elements (20.1) are in signal communication at the same time as the control device (50), preferably for the simultaneous transfer of charge for the transmission of a respective measurement information to the control device (50). Method (100) for an evaluation in a capacitive sensor device (20) of a vehicle (1), in particular for detecting an activation action in the vehicle (1), wherein an arrangement (10) comprising at least two sensor elements (20.1) and a control device (50) is provided, wherein the following steps are performed: a) carrying out a first determination of a parameter of a first (20.1a) of the sensor elements (20.1), b) performing at least one second determination of a parameter of at least one second (20.1b) of the sensor elements (20.1), wherein the first and the at least second determination are performed at least partially in parallel. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the first determination a first acquisition (102a) of a measuring charge of the first sensor element (20.1 a) and parallel thereto for the second determination a second acquisition (102b) of a measuring charge of the second Sensor element (20.1b) is performed, and / or that for the first determination, a first detection (103a), preferably digitizing, the acquired measuring charge of the first sensor element (20.1a) and parallel thereto for the second determination, a second detection (103b), preferably digitization, the acquired measuring charge of the second sensor element (20.1 b) is performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (10) according to an arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims is formed.

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