EP3314298A1

EP3314298A1 - Sensor system of a sensor device of a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3314298A1
Application number: EP16731093.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nadine Sticherling
Original assignee: Huf Huelsbeck and Fuerst GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Huf Huelsbeck and Fuerst GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2015-08-20
Filing date: 2016-06-16
Publication date: 2018-05-02
Also published as: WO2017028984A1; DE102015113841A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor system (3) of the sensor device (4) of a motor vehicle (1) for the optical detection of objects and the spatial movements of said objects, having a 3-D camera, which detects physical data by a propagation time method and which comprises a pulsed light source (7) and a light-sensitive receiving device (8), wherein the pulsed light source (7) and the like-sensitive receiving device (8) are arranged on a common sensor housing (5) and both are aligned with a detection region (9) of the 3-D camera. The problem addressed by the intention is devising a solution by means of which the sensor system can be used universally for vehicles of different manufacturers and for different models of a manufacturer. This problem is soled in that the sensor housing (5) can be detachably secured to a holding device (6) via a form-fitting connection (14), wherein the holding device (6) has securing means (30) serving for the fixing to the inner side of a motor vehicle component (2).

Description

Sensor system of a sensor device of a motor vehicle

The invention is directed to a sensor system of a

Sensor device of a motor vehicle for the optical detection of objects and their spatial movements, comprising a 3D camera which detects spatial data with a transit time method and which comprises a pulse light source and a light-sensitive receiving device, wherein the pulse light source and the light-intensive receiving device in a common

Sensor housing are arranged and both to a

Detection range of the 3D camera are aligned.

Such a sensor device is lately for the optically supported detection of operating gestures or

Operating actions used on motor vehicles. In this case, temporally and spatially resolved information is recorded and evaluated in order to recognize the user's will to operate in the form of his gesture or action.

In the prior art, optical methods are known which perform operations in response to evaluation of

Recognize image information and then, for example

Trigger switching operations. By way of example, automatic video evaluations of surveillance systems can be mentioned here, which read out patterns or movements from individual images or a sequence of images. In addition, many other optically-based systems are known, with the most basic systems including, for example, light barriers or brightness sensors. However, optical systems of higher complexity often use an array of optically sensitive detection units, usually referred to as pixels, which receive optical information in parallel, for example in the form of a CCD array.

DE 10 2008 025 669 A1 discloses an optical sensor which detects a gesture, whereupon a closing element of a vehicle is automatically moved.

WO 2008/116699 A2 relates to an optical sensor chip and relates to an optical anti-pinch device for the monitoring of a window, sliding door or a tailgate in a motor vehicle.

WO 2012/084222 A1 discloses an optical sensor for actuating and monitoring a closing element.

Because the gesture control in different technical

Experiencing areas of increasing acceptance, attempts have also been made to use such purely optical systems for detecting the desire to operate in motor vehicles. However, these systems continue to have control over capacitive systems.

In the field of optical detection systems are known which detect a pixel-related location information, in particular a distance from the sensor or detection device. WO 2013/001084 A1 discloses a system for contactless

Detection of objects and operating gestures with an optically supported device of a similar kind, as they are also for the

Sensor system of the present invention is used.

These systems are called, for example, depending on the applied evaluation method, as a "time-of-flight" systems or as a "3D Imager" or "Range Imager"

Areas of application of such systems are in the field of

industrial automation technology, in safety technology and in the automotive sector. In a car, 3D sensors are used in lane keeping systems, for pedestrian protection or as a parking aid. Both concepts of triangulation and the

Interferometry and time-of-flight (ToF) can be implemented with optical sensors.

In this context, it is referred to

For further details, please refer to the dissertation "Photodetectors and readout concepts for 3D time-of-flight image sensors in 0.35 pm standard CMOS technology", Andreas Spickermann, Faculty of Engineering , University of Duisburg-Essen, 2010.

In addition, the publication "Optimized Distance

Measurement with 3D-CMOS Image Sensor and Real-Time Processing of 3D Data for Applications in Automotive and Safety Engineering ", Bernhard König, Faculty of

Engineering Sciences of the University of Duisburg-Essen, 2008.

The aforementioned work describes the concept and the realization of deployable optical sensor systems, so that in the context of this application reference is made to their disclosure and only to the understanding of the application relevant aspects

be explained.

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement which uses the time-of-flight (ToF) method, so that this will be briefly explained here.

The ToF method is a space area with a

Illuminated light source and recorded the duration of the reflected back from an object in the space area light with an area sensor. For this purpose, the light source and sensor should be arranged as close as possible to each other. The distance between the sensor and the object to be measured can be determined from the linear relationship between the light transit time and the speed of light. To measure the time delay must be a synchronization between

Be given light source and sensor. Through the use of pulsed light sources, the procedures can be optimized, because short light pulses (in the ns range) allow an efficient

Background light suppression. In addition, by the

Using the pulsed light possible ambiguities in determining the distance avoided as long as the distance is sufficiently large.

On the one hand, the light source is pulsed in this concept. In addition, the detection unit, so the

Pixel array, pulsed sensitively switched. In other words, the integration window of the individual pixels is synchronized in time with the light source and in the integration period

limited. By comparing results with

different integration periods, in particular effects of background light can be excluded.

It is essential that this collection method is not a purely image-based acquisition method. It is determined at each pixel distance information, which by the temporal Light detection takes place. Finally, when using a pixel array, there is a matrix of distance values that allows for cyclic detection interpretation and tracking of object motion.

A sensor system of the type designated input is for

Example from DE 10 2013 108 824 AI known. In this known sensor system, the sensor device, together with the pulsed light source and the receiving or detecting device, is integrated into a unit in a sensor housing, which can be mounted on the motor vehicle. A disadvantage of this state of the

Technique is that for mounting in or on a motor vehicle, the shape of the sensor housing must always be adapted to the type of motor vehicle, in particular, the shape of the sensor housing must be adapted to the shape of the outer contour of the motor vehicle.

The invention has for its object to provide a solution that provides a sensor system in a structurally simple manner and cost, which avoids the known from the prior art problem and for a variety of motor vehicle types, i. For vehicles of different manufacturers and for different models of a manufacturer, is universally applicable.

In a sensor system of the type described input, the object is achieved in that the

Sensor housing via a positive connection to a

Holding device is releasably attached, wherein the

Holding device for internal fixation on a

Having motor vehicle component serving fastener.

Advantageous and expedient embodiments and

Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the

Subclaims.

By the invention, a sensor system is provided, which is characterized by a functional design and has a simple and inexpensive construction. Characterized in that the sensor housing is not attached directly to a motor vehicle component of the motor vehicle but indirectly via the holding device on the motor vehicle component, an adaptation of the shape of the sensor housing to the outer contour of the motor vehicle is no longer required. The shape of the sensor housing is now based solely on technical due to the present invention

Conditions. An adaptation of the shape of the sensor housing to the vehicle is no longer necessary due to the holding device, because the holding device provides as a kind of adapter, which between the motor vehicle component and the sensor housing

is inserted and the sensor housing attached to the motor vehicle component. An adaptation to the outer contour of the vehicle is either via the holding device or via the

Given fastening means. The inventive solution is now not only more a variable use of

Sensor housing and the entire sensor system of vehicle type to vehicle type but also a variable use for

various installation spaces on a vehicle type possible.

The invention provides in an embodiment that the

Holding device a picture frame shaped

Base body, from which extend elastically formed retaining clips, whose free ends are each formed hook-shaped. The picture frame shaped

Body allows a very flexible connection with the

Sensor housing, wherein the retaining clips are used for connection to the motor vehicle component and / or the sensor housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, it is also advantageous if the sensor housing has a front side with openings for the pulse light source and the light-sensitive receiving device and a rear side with at least one latching recess for the hook-shaped free ends of the elastic

having trained retaining clips. The latching recess and the hook-shaped free ends of the elastic

trained retaining clips form the positive connection, which is designed to be releasable due to the elasticity of the retaining clips.

A structurally particularly favorable possibility for

Formation of the sensor housing is in a further embodiment is that the sensor housing from front to back has at least one stage and the at least one latching recess is formed in the at least one stage.

The invention provides in a further embodiment that the hook-shaped to form the positive connection

formed free ends of the elastically formed

Holding clips with the at least one latching recess on the back of the sensor housing are engaged. The 3D camera, i. the light-sensitive receiving device and the

Pulsed light source, are correspondingly centrally on

Sensor housing arranged so that the picture frame

Body is arranged around the 3D camera lying around and not sending and receiving light from the

Holding device is disturbed.

To protect the 3D camera, the invention provides in a further embodiment that the frame-shaped

Base body has a front side of the sensor housing covering and the view to the detection area releasing viewing window, which is enclosed in the frame-shaped base body. The transparent window formed as a viewing window is optically transparent to the detection area in the relevant

Wavelength range formed.

A particularly cheap way to install the

Holding device on the motor vehicle component is in

Embodiment of the invention given by the fact that serving for the inside fixation on the motor vehicle component fastening means is at least a double-sided adhesive strip which is adhered to a fixing surface of the holding device.

In an alternative embodiment, the invention finally provides that the fixing means serving for the inside fixation on the motor vehicle component have a

is component-bonding adhesive which between a

Fixierungsfläche the holding device and the

Motor vehicle component can be applied. The adhesive allows a very flexible adaptation to different outer contours of the vehicle, which is the variable Einset zbarkeit the

inventive sensor system compared to sensor housings From the prior art and their attachment to the vehicle noticeably increased.

It is understood that the above and

hereinafter to be explained features not only in the combination specified, but also in others

Combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing, in which an example

preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In the drawing shows:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic arrangement of a sensor system according to the invention on a motor vehicle,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sensor system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the

sensor system according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a rear view of the invention

Sensor system of Figure 2 and

Figure 5 is another perspective detail of the sensor system.

In Figure 1, the rear of a motor vehicle 1 can be seen. In this motor vehicle 1 is in the rear-side

Bumpers, which represents a motor vehicle component 2 of the motor vehicle 1 in the context of the invention, a sensor system 3, which is shown in detail in Figures 2 to 5. The

Sensor system 3 comprises a sensor device 4, a

Sensor housing 5 and a holding device 6, wherein the

Sensor device is housed in the sensor housing 5, as the perspective view of the individual parts of Figure 3 can be seen. Furthermore, the sensor device 4 has an SD camera which records spatial data with a transit time method and which comprises a pulse light source 7 and a light-sensitive receiving device 8. The detection area 9 of the SD camera of the sensor device 4 is down, to the sides and directed backwards from the motor vehicle 1, wherein the

Sensor device 3 is provided to detect the operating gesture for the operation of a tailgate. For this purpose, the user in the detection area 9 can perform a gesture with his foot, which is recognized as a control request and triggers an electrical opening of the tailgate of the motor vehicle 1.

While the entire detection area 9 of the 3D camera or the sensor device 4 extends over a large solid angle, the sensor device 4 also has a

Marking light source 10, which illuminates a portion 11 which is a portion of the detection area 9. The

Marker light source 10 lights brightly in the area 11 and emits light in the visible spectrum. A user recognizes this marked area as a illuminated area on the floor in the rear area and can now purposefully move his foot in this area, which is marked by the light. The 3D camera of the sensor device 4 detects the operating gesture and can trigger a tailgate operation. The marking by the marker light source 10 makes it possible to carry out the operating gesture in a more targeted manner and to distinguish it more clearly from movements in the remaining area 9. It can certainly be provided that the other detectable areas in the

Detection area 9 are included in the evaluations in the vehicle. For example, the system may be awakened when an approach in area 9 is detected. However, the execution of concrete unlocking gestures or movement gestures is usefully carried out in the marked area 11. It should be noted that the detection of the 3D camera is not dependent on the marker light source, but with a

Pulse light source 7 operates in a different spectral range. The marking is exclusively for the support of the

Benut zers.

In FIGS. 2 to 5, the sensor system 3 according to the invention is shown in detail. As shown particularly in FIG. 3, the sensor system 3 comprises the sensor device 4, the sensor housing 5 and the holding device 6. The pulsed light source 7, which is associated with the sensor device 4 and its 3D camera, is light-intensive Receiving device 8 are arranged and housed in the sensor housing 5 together with the marker light source 10. The control, evaluation and supply of the sensor device 4 via a uniform wiring harness, in particular a plug connection 12 is provided for coupling to a wiring harness.

The sensor housing 5 is releasably attached to the holding device 6. For this purpose, a positive connection 14 is provided, the elastically formed retaining clips 15 of the holding device 6 and a latching recess 16 of the

Sensor housing 5 is formed. The retaining clips 15 are on a frame-shaped body 17 of the

Holding device 6 integrally formed and extend from this, wherein they each hook-shaped at its free end 18

are formed. The retaining clips 15 are integrally formed on the frame-shaped base body 17 and form an insertion region 40 (see FIG. 5), which is quadrangular in the exemplary embodiment. In these

Plug-in area 40 is the sensor housing 5 with his

Front side 19 can be inserted, wherein it also has at its front side 19 a plurality of openings 20 for the pulse light source 7, the light-sensitive receiving device 8 and the

Marking light source 10 has. On its rear side 21, the latching recess 16 is provided and shaped for the hook-shaped free ends 18 of the elastically formed retaining clips 15. The sensor housing 5 is inserted during assembly in the insertion area 40 until the

hook-shaped free ends 18 of the retaining clips 15 with the

Detent recess 16 are engaged, wherein upon insertion first the elastic retaining clasps 15 are urged outwards and engage only when reaching the recess 16 in this. As can be seen in particular in Figure 5, the hook-shaped free ends 18 of the elastic

Holding clips 15 directed inward of the insertion portion 40.

The sensor housing 5 is stepped from front 19 to rear 21. In this case, a shoulder 23 formed by a first step 22 on the front side 19 of the sensor housing 5 is correct with the formed by the frame-shaped base body 17 through hole 24 and / or the cross section of the

Plug-in portion 40 coincide, so that in the assembled state of the shoulder 23 of the sensor housing 5 is at least partially disposed in the through hole 24 and / or the insertion portion 40 of the base body 7. So that the 3D camera of the

Sensor device 4 is protected, a viewing window 25 is enclosed in the passage opening 24, whereby the front side 19 of the sensor housing 5 is covered and yet the view of the 3D camera on the detection area 9 is released.

On its rear side 21, the sensor housing 5 also has a step 26, in which the latching recess 16 is formed. The hook-shaped free ends 18 of the

elastic retaining clips 15 are in the assembled state of the sensor system 3 with the circulating in the stage 26

trained recess 16 in engagement. As can also be seen from the figures, to form the positive connection 14, the sensor housing 5 is arranged with its shoulder 23 in the passage opening 24 and lies with its front side 19 against the viewing window 25, wherein the hook-shaped

formed free ends 18 of the elastically formed

Holding clips 15 with the latching recess 16 on the back 21 of the sensor housing 5 are engaged.

With the help of the positive connection 14 is the

Sensor housing 5 releasably secured to the holding device 6. To the sensor system 3 now on a motor vehicle component. 2

to mount, the holding device 6 has a fixing means 30 for internal fixing. The motor vehicle component 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a

Bumper, in which a space is provided, in which the holding device 6 can be fixed on the inside. In the embodiment shown in the figures, this is

Attachment 30 formed in the form of double-sided adhesive strips 31. In this case, an adhesive strip is C-shaped and the other strip-shaped, so that both a

Cover frame-shaped fixing surface 32 of the holding device 6. About the adhesive strip 31, the holding device is the sixth and thus the sensor system 3 attached to the motor vehicle component 2. As an alternative to the adhesive strips, it is also conceivable that the internal fixation on the

Vehicle component 2 serving fasteners 30 a

component - bonding adhesive is between the

Fixing surface 32 and the motor vehicle component 2 can be applied.

Of course, the invention described above is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment. It can be seen that in the embodiment shown in the drawing numerous, the expert

according to the intended application obvious

Amendments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention includes everything that is contained in the description and / or in the

Drawing is shown, including what, deviating from the concrete embodiments for the expert

close.

Claims

claims

1. sensor system (3) of a sensor device (4) of a motor vehicle (1) for the optical detection of objects and their spatial movements, comprising a 3D camera that detects spatial data with a transit time method and a pulse light source (7) and a light-sensitive

Receiving device (8), wherein the pulse light source (7) and the light-intensive receiving device (8) are arranged in a common sensor housing (5) and both aligned to a detection area (9) of the 3D camera, characterized

that the sensor housing (5) via a positive

Connection (14) to a holding device (6) is releasably secured, wherein the holding device (6) serving for the inside fixation on a motor vehicle component (2)

Fastening means (30).

Second sensor system (3) according to claim 1, characterized

in that the holding device (6) has a

Picture frame-shaped base body (17), from which elastically formed retaining clips (15) extend, the free ends (18) each hook-shaped

are formed.

3. Sensor system (3) according to claim 2, characterized

in that the sensor housing (5) has a front side (19) with openings (20) for the pulse light source (7) and the light-sensitive receiving device (8) and a rear side (21) with at least one latching recess (16) for the hook-shaped free ends (18) of the elastically formed retaining clips (15).

4. sensor system (3) according to claim 3, characterized

in that the sensor housing (5) has at least one step (26) from the front side (19) to the rear side (21) and the at least one latching recess (16) is formed in the at least one step (26).

5. Sensor system (3) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the formation of the positive

Connection (14) the hook-shaped free ends (18) of the elastically formed retaining clips (15) with the at least one latching recess (16) on the back (21) of the sensor housing (5) are engaged.

6. sensor system (3) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the picture frame-shaped

trained body (17) a the front (19) of the sensor housing (5) covering and the view to the

Detection area (9) releasing viewing window (25), which is enclosed in the base body (17).

7. Sensor system (3) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the for internal fixation on the motor vehicle component (2) serving fastening means (30) at least one double-sided adhesive strip (31) which on a fixing surface (32) of Holding device (6) is glued.

8. Sensor system (3) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the internal fixing to the motor vehicle component (2) serving fastening means is a component-bonding adhesive which between a fixing surface (32) of the holding device and the

Motor vehicle component (2) can be applied.