Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
  • E05B81/54—Electrical circuits
  • E05B81/64—Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
  • E05B81/76—Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles
  • E05B81/78—Detection of handle operation; Detection of a user approaching a handle; Electrical switching actions performed by door handles as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
  • B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
  • B60R25/24—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
  • B60R25/246—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user characterised by the challenge triggering

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for detecting the presence of a user to allow and / or prevent access to the interior of a motor vehicle.
• Such detection devices are already used in the context of so-called hands-free access systems to automatically trigger the unlocking of the door of a motor vehicle as soon as the user approaches, without the user needing to use a key or a remote control.
• user detection is used to activate a remote exchange of information between a recognition device on board the vehicle and an identifier carried by the user.
• the recognition device When the identifier is recognized as correct by the recognition device, the lock is unlocked, thus allowing the user to open the door of the vehicle by grasping the handle.
• These known detection devices are generally integrated into the handles of the opening elements of a vehicle because the detection action is carried out before the opening of the opening element.
• a presence detection device directly on the vehicle body.
• the document FR 2 740 501 teaches the use of a presence sensor at the rear of the motor vehicle at the level of the boot.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a detection device capable of being disposed in a decorative element preexisting on the vehicle. This object is achieved by the fact that the decorative element has at least one electrically conductive part at least partially coupled with the detection electrode so as to form an active detection surface. Thus, thanks to the present invention, this device does not require the addition and fixing of an additional part on the body. This results in a substantial drop in the cost price of the detection device.
• the electrically conductive part is merged with the detection electrode.
• the electrically conductive part comprises, on the one hand, the detection electrode and, on the other hand, a surface layer forming a remote electrode.
• an insulating part is interposed between the detection electrode and the dummy electrode so as to form a capacitor.
• the decorative element has a tongue and is entirely covered with a surface layer forming a remote electrode.
• the electrically conductive part comprises, on the one hand, the detection electrode and, on the other hand, the remote electrode.
• a second insulating part is interposed between the detection electrode and the remote electrode to form a capacitor.
• the device according to the present invention has the following characteristics:
• the remote electrode is formed by a layer of electrically conductive paint.
• the capacitor has a capacitance of ten pico-farrads.
• the insulating part includes a layer of plastic or rubber.
• the electrically conductive part is electrically isolated from the body by a first insulating part.
• the thickness of the first insulating part is greater than approximately 1 mm.
• a closed housing, protected from water, is provided in the first insulating part and intended to receive the electronic processing circuit.
• the detection device is formed by a capacitive touch sensor so that the decorative element forms a clearly delimited touch surface.
• the user easily identifies the control zone for locking / unlocking the locks and / or for opening / closing the doors.
• the decorative element is in the form of a logo representative of the make of the vehicle manufacturer, the vehicle model and / or the identity of the manufacturer.
• this device has an aesthetic appearance.
• the detection of a user is confirmed by the emission of an audible and / or light signal.
• the opening is a boot or a tailgate.
• a second object of the invention is therefore to eliminate these drawbacks by proposing a tactile detection device which can be positioned. directly at the vehicle body while having better detection reliability.
• the decorative element and / or the detection electrode has, in cross section, sloping faces promoting the evacuation of water.
• the tactile detection device is positioned directly on the vehicle body.
• the insulating part has at least one part forming a water conduit so as to promote the evacuation of the water.
• the insulating part forms a water pipe and is produced in the form of a groove formed in said first layer.
• the first layer has a thickness greater than about 1 mm.
• the tactile detection device is advantageously used, within the framework of a hands-free access system, after prior identification of the user, for the control of functions:
• FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a motor vehicle fitted, at the level of the boot, with a detection device according to the invention
• FIG. 2 presents a partial side view of a motor vehicle equipped, at the level of a door, with a detection device according to the invention
• FIG. 3a represents, in a longitudinal section, a first embodiment of the present invention, in which at least a part of the decorative element forms the detection electrode,
• FIG. 3 b represents a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the decorative element has a surface layer forming a remote electrode
• FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which the electrode and the electronic processing circuit are fixed inside the vehicle
• - Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the detection device according to l invention, in which the electronic processing circuit is arranged in the decorative element
• This decorative element constitutes a presence sensor C1 of the touch sensor or approach sensor type.
• This type of sensor allows the detection of a user contact or the approach of a user for the activation and / or control of a given function.
• This sensor includes a user detection electrode and an electronic processing circuit connected to the electrode.
• the decorative element ED represents a distinctive sign of the vehicle or manufacturer's brand and is positioned directly on the body.
• the decorative element ED can take forms as diverse as varied: geometric, circular, etc., which can represent letters, numbers, signs, etc. These different shapes constitute representative logos or pictograms the make, model of vehicle and / or identity of the manufacturer.
• FIG. 2 shows another layout of a decorative element ED on the vehicle in which a presence sensor is integrated.
• the decorative element ED is positioned at the level of an opening O, here a door, of a vehicle near the location of the handle P of the door.
• the detection of a contact or of a user approaching by the sensor C1 via its detection electrode can be combined with an audible warning so that the user is aware that it has been detected.
• a characteristic sound is emitted at each detection.
• lighting of the decorative element may be provided to warn the user that it has been detected.
• This lighting can be achieved in particular using an LED integrated in the decorative element ED or in another element close to it.
• the integration of the sensor C1 in the decorative element ED makes it possible to avoid the creation of a new location on the handle or on the bodywork, both at the level of the boot and at the level of the vehicle doors. This is very economical as there is no additional room to add.
• the presence sensor can be used for activating and / or controlling various functions, in particular in so-called hands-free access and / or starting systems. It can therefore be used: as an approach sensor, as soon as the user touches the sensor, to activate a remote exchange of information between a recognition device consisting of a central control unit on board the vehicle and a identifier carried by the user.
• a recognition device consisting of a central control unit on board the vehicle
• a identifier carried by the user When the identifier is recognized as correct by the recognition device, the lock is unlocked, and the user can open the opening he wishes, as a control element for locking an opening, the locking being effected after that the portable identifier carried by the user has been recognized as correct. Indeed, after getting out of his vehicle or after putting certain objects in his trunk, the user may wish to take voluntary action to lock his vehicle.
• the detection device can be used for this purpose. So in the case of a trunk, when the user takes hold of his trunk to fold it down, he touches the presence sensor and directly controls, by a harmonious movement, the locking of his trunk. as a control element for opening or closing an opening, such as the boot.
• the trunks of certain vehicles currently have mechanisms allowing the automatic opening and / or closing of the trunk. These mechanisms work mainly with the help of motors, but they should be avoided if they are started unexpectedly.
• the presence sensor allows the opening or closing of the boot to be controlled after the prior recognition phase and possibly the unlocking phase has taken place.
• the detection for the activation of the initial information exchange can be carried out by the same presence sensor or by other means, for example an approach sensor or a touch sensor positioned on a handle.
• a time delay can be provided to distinguish the two types of command.
• Figures 3a and 3b show, in a longitudinal section, two structures of the detection device according to the invention. These structures allow operation, with a limited number of false detections, when the electrode is positioned on the body of a motor vehicle. These configurations consist in particular in eliminating the contact of the electrode with the metal present around and under it.
• the representations 3a and 3b of the electrode and the sensor after integration into a decorative element are representations in longitudinal section, the shape of the decorative element being very variable and essentially dependent on the manufacturer.
• the electrode 1 is isolated from the metal surface of the bodywork 2 by a first layer of insulator 3 forming a support element for the electrode.
• This first layer of insulating material makes it possible to avoid bringing the electrode into contact with the ground, formed by the vehicle body.
• the first insulating layer 3 is preferably a plastic material such as rubber or Teflon (registered trademark), and has a variable thickness depending on the decorative element in which the sensor is integrated. This thickness is generally greater than 1 mm and can go up to 1 cm.
• the electrode 1 and the first insulating layer 3 are held together by clipping or gluing.
• the electrode assembly 1 - insulating layer 3, forming all or part of the decorative element ED, is held on the body 2 by means of fixing means 6.
• fixing means can be glue, screws, rivets or any other means allowing the decorative element to be held on the body.
• the decorative element in particular when the decorative element is of large size or when it has, in its center a particular conformation, it may be desirable for only part of the decorative element to have the functionality of a detection device.
• the touch sensor C1 detection electrode will only be formed by a part of the decorative element.
• the electrode 1 of the sensor will be formed by the assembly of the decorative element.
• the decorative element ED has at least one electrically conductive part 12 at least partially coupled with the detection electrode 1 to form an active detection surface.
• Called active detection surface the detection surface of the ⁇ approach or contact with the user.
• the active surface consists of part or all of the exterior surface of the decorative element.
• the electrode 1 is connected, via a connection wire 4, preferably formed by a coaxial cable, passing through the first layer of insulation 3 and the bodywork 2, to an electronic processing circuit 5 of the information detected by the electrode 1.
• the electronic processing circuit 5 is positioned in the vehicle, either at the level of the trunk, or at the level of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is connected to a management and control unit 9 of the hands-free system, positioned in the passenger compartment. This management and control unit allows electronic control of the lock of at least one opening O of the vehicle.
• the electrically conductive surface of the decoration element ED is merged with the detection electrode 1.
• the coupling between the electrically conductive part 12 and the detection electrode 1 is produced by the detection electrode 1 itself. This forms both the electrically conductive part 12 and the detection electrode.
• the vehicle access system is triggered by the approach or touch of this detection electrode 1.
• only part of the decorative element forms the detection electrode.
• An insulating layer covers the rest of the electrode 1. In this case, the presence is detected by touching or approaching the non-covered part of the electrode.
• such a detection device can deteriorate quickly. Indeed, the electrode is directly exposed to rain and dirt. In addition, this detection device may be subjected to an electrical overload. Indeed, a user, touching the electrode 1 with the ends of the charged fingers, applies a voltage to the processing circuit which can reach 25 kV. However, the processing circuit 5 generally used in such a device * , does not support such large voltages.
• FIG. 3 b represents a second embodiment of the invention making it possible to remedy these drawbacks.
• the decorative element ED comprises a detection electrode 1 interposed between a first and a second insulating part 3, 7.
• the decorative element ED is covered with an electrically conductive layer 12 forming a false electrode or electrode deported 8 to the surface of the second insulating layer 7.
• This remote electrode 8 constitutes, with the detection electrode 1, a capacitor which protects the electrical circuits of the device against any electrical overload.
• this capacitor has a capacitance of ten pico farads.
• the insulating parts 3,7 may consist of a layer of air, plastic or rubber.
• the false electrode 8 can, for example, be formed by a layer of paint containing electrically conductive elements.
• FIG. 4 represents a third embodiment of the invention.
• the decorative element ED has a conductive tab 14 and is covered with an electrically conductive layer, such as a paint.
• the conductive tab 14 of the decorative element ED is capable of being disposed in an opening of the body 2.
• An insulating element 3, in the form of a T, is arranged between the body 2 and the decorative element so that the latter is totally electrically insulated from the body 2.
• the end of the tongue 14, disposed inside the vehicle, supports a second insulating part 7, for example plastic or rubber.
• a detection electrode 1 is fixed to the insulating part 7 so as to form with a face of the conductive tab 14 a capacitor.
• the capacitor protects the entire electrical circuit of the device against electrical overloads.
• the detection device can comprise two detection electrodes 1 fixed on either side of the tongue 14 so that its sensitivity is improved.
• the insulating part 7 consists of air.
• the detection electrode ' 1 is fixed at a certain distance from the conductive tab 14.
• no electric wire is accessible from outside the vehicle so that a ill-intentioned person wishing to steal the vehicle cannot short-circuit the electrical system.
• the tongue 14 is constituted by the gripping tongue of the decorative element ED for its painting.
• the vehicle already had a painted decorative element it is not necessary to modify the manufacturing molds thereof.
• the detection electrode 1 as well as the decorative element ED have sloping faces promoting the evacuation of water.
• Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show, in cross section, several possible forms of the decorative element.
• the insulating part 3 interposed between the electrode 1 and the bodywork 2 makes it possible to avoid direct contact between the electrode and the bodywork, which will cause disturbances and hamper detection.
• the insulating part 3 can have different shapes. But in all cases this shape must favor the flow of the water drops to avoid stagnation of these in the environment close to the electrode 1.
• the insulating part 3, of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 forms a channel for the evacuation of water.
• the choice of insulating material varies according to certain constraints such as weather resistance for example.
• this insulating material can be Teflon (registered trademark), rubber or another plastic material.
• the first insulating part has, in cross section, the shape of a truncated triangle and is positioned in the extension of the electrode. Water therefore flows to the level of the body through the electrode and the first layer of insulation 3. The body, painted and smooth surface, then allowing complete evacuation of the water.
• the first insulating part 3 has two elements: a first element in the form of a truncated triangle in section and a second rectangular element.
• This rectangular-shaped element has complementary means for discharging the water formed by the presence of grooves 1 1 for discharging the water. These grooves are located mainly on the periphery of the second element of the insulating material of rectangular shape.
• Figure 6c shows another possible form of the insulating material.
• the first layer of insulating material 3 is of circular or rounded shape.
• the combination of the shape of the electrode, the shape of the first layer of insulating material and complementary means of water evacuation always results in a structure making it possible to optimize the evacuation of water from the surface of the electrode and / or the environment thereof.
• the electronic circuit for processing the information collected by the electrode is a commercial circuit operating by detecting a variation in capacity between the electrode and the mass of the vehicle. Certain modifications to the electronic processing circuit of the sensor are necessary depending on whether you want to increase the sensitivity to allow detection with gloves or decrease the sensitivity to reduce unwanted detections. The insertion of an additional electronic component such as a resistance or a capacitance between the electrode and the processing circuit makes it possible to achieve a compromise between these two situations.
• Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
• a housing closed away from water can be created inside the first layer 3.
• This housing can integrate the electronic processing circuit 5 which is then positioned outside the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 5.
• the electronic processing circuit which is very small, a few cm 2 , is then wrapped in the insulating material and becomes completely sheltered from the weather.
• a connection wire 10 connected to a unit management and control 9 of the vehicle allows information from the sensor to be transmitted for activation and / or control of the desired function.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
• Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=8857625

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (23)

Citations (1)

Family Cites Families (7)

• 2000
  • 2000-12-01 FR FR0016271A patent/FR2817663B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2001
  • 2001-12-03 WO PCT/FR2001/003815 patent/WO2002045030A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2001-12-03 EP EP01998941A patent/EP1348205A1/de not_active Ceased
  • 2001-12-03 US US10/432,024 patent/US7190089B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2001-12-03 JP JP2002547119A patent/JP3990281B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (1)

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