EP4258229A1 - Assembly of a vehicle with an operating element arranged on a vehicle door - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly of a vehicle (1) comprises a vehicle door (10), an operating element (11) arranged on a door section (100) of the vehicle door (10), and a control device (15) for controlling a closing function for closing the vehicle door (10), and a Opening function for opening the vehicle door (10). The operating element (11) comprises at least a first operating device (12) for generating an operating signal when a user operates the outer section (110) and/or at least one second operating device (13) for generating an operating signal when a user operates the inner section (111 ). The operating element (11) also comprises at least one third operating device (14) for generating an operating signal during user operation on an end face section (112-114) located between the outer section (110) and the inner section (111). The control device (15) is designed to trigger a communication mode for authentication communication with an external authentication device (2) based on an operating signal from the at least one third operating device (14).

Description

The invention relates to an assembly of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an assembly includes a vehicle door, a control element arranged on a door section of the vehicle door, which has an outer section facing away from the door section and an inner section facing the door section, and a control device for controlling a closing function for closing the vehicle door and an opening function to open the vehicle door.

Such a vehicle door can in particular be a vehicle side door that is pivotably arranged on a vehicle body. For example, the control device can be used to control a closing movement to close the vehicle door and/or an opening movement to open the vehicle door by controlling an electromotive door drive device, the vehicle door being able to be automatically adjusted between certain positions via the door drive device, for example, or a manual adjustment of the vehicle door in one Servo operation can be supported by an electric motor.

While in conventional vehicles a handle is provided on a vehicle door that can be adjusted mechanically by a user, there is a trend in newer vehicle doors to forego such an adjustable handle. For example, in the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is available on the filing date, a fixed control element is arranged on the front side doors of the vehicle, which a user can access in order to operate the vehicle door. While in newer vehicle concepts it can also be possible to operate a vehicle door remotely or automatically when an (authenticated) user approaches and therefore does not necessarily require operation via a control element on the vehicle door, such a control element must still be provided on the vehicle door, for example in one In an emergency, for example in the event of an accident of the vehicle, to allow a third party access to the vehicle.

In order to enable operation, a sensor system is provided on such a control element, for example, in order to sensorically detect a user's attack on the control element and to control an opening or closing movement depending on such detection. Because such a control element can be designed to be small, there is little space available for control surfaces on the control element.

The object of the present invention is to provide an assembly of a vehicle in which a control element can be operated easily and intuitively by a user.

This task is solved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the operating element has at least a first operating device for generating an operating signal upon user operation on the outer section and/or at least one second operating device for generating an operating signal upon user operation on the inner section. The control device is designed to trigger a closing function for closing the vehicle door or an opening function for opening the vehicle door based on an operating signal from the at least one first operating device and/or the at least one second operating device. The operating element also has at least one third operating device for generating an operating signal during user operation on an end face section located between the outer section and the inner section, wherein the control device is designed to use an operating signal from the at least one third operating device To trigger communication mode for authentication communication with an external authentication device.

The operating element has at least a first operating device for generating an operating signal upon user operation on the outer section of the operating element and/or at least one second operating device for generating an operating signal upon user operation on the inner section. The operating element can therefore have either a first operating device on the outer section or a second operating device on the inner section. However, the operating element can also have an operating device for detecting an operating signal on both the outer section and the inner section.

The operating device on the outer section and/or on the inner section serves to detect an operating signal when a user approaches or touches it. The generated operating signal can be evaluated by a control device in order to trigger an opening function for opening the vehicle door or a closing function for closing the vehicle door based on the operating signal.

In particular, an operating signal can be evaluated by the control device to trigger an opening function to open the vehicle door. If an operation is carried out on the control element, for example on an operating device on the inner section of the control element, the control device can interpret this as a command to open the vehicle door and accordingly an opening function, for example unlocking a door lock or a motorized adjustment of the vehicle door in the opening direction , cause.

In addition, the operating element has at least one third operating device for generating an operating signal during user operation on an end face section located between the outer section and the inner section. The control device is designed to trigger a communication mode for authentication communication with an external authentication device based on an operating signal from the at least one third operating device.

This is based on the idea that a user's authentication must be checked before triggering an opening function in particular. This can be done for a keyless Access (so-called "keyless entry") takes place in particular by initiating communication between the control device and an external authentication device of the user, for example a radio key or a communication device such as a mobile phone or the like, in the context of which the authentication of the user is determined . Such communication can be initiated by recognizing and evaluating an operation by a user on the control element. For this purpose, the third operating device is provided, which is arranged on a section of the operating element that is different from the outer section and the inner section and detects an attack by a user on this further section and generates an operating signal accordingly.

The front side section on which the third operating device is arranged can in particular be on a narrow front side that points upwards (with respect to the vehicle vertical direction) or on a narrow front side that points backwards (with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) or that is directed obliquely upwards/backwards Control element can be arranged.

The third operating device can in particular be designed by a proximity sensor for generating an operating signal when an object approaches.

In particular, to operate an operating device on the inner section of the operating element, a user can, for example, reach behind the operating element with his hand. In a natural sequence of movements, a user will first pass an end face of the control element, which can be detected accordingly by the third control device, designed for example as a proximity sensor. The control device can thus start communication for authenticating an external authentication device and, if authentication is successful, unlock the door lock and thus enable operation to open the vehicle door.

Because the authentication communication can be triggered due to the position of the third operating device on the operating element before a user accesses the inner section of the operating element in particular, the authentication can be started early and preferably already completed when a user comes to the operation, for example accesses the inner section of the control element, in particular to trigger an opening function. This results in comfortable operation for a user with no or barely noticeable delay due to authentication.

The authentication communication can in particular include the search for a radio signal of an authenticated radio key. As part of the authentication communication, the control device can, for example, send out a radio signal to trigger a response from a radio key. If a response is received as intended, the radio key is accepted as authorized and the authentication is completed accordingly.

Authentication communication can also take place when an operation is detected on the first operating device and/or on the second operating device.

The control element can, in one embodiment, be arranged as a mechanically adjustable handle on the vehicle door. The control element can also be arranged in a fixed manner on the vehicle door and rigidly connected to the door section of the vehicle door.

Preferably, in one embodiment, the operating element has at least one first operating device for generating an operating signal upon user operation on the outer section and additionally at least one second operating device for generating an operating signal upon user operation on the inner section. The control device is designed to trigger a closing function for closing the vehicle door based on an operating signal from the at least one first operating device and to trigger an opening function for opening the vehicle door based on an operating signal from the at least one second operating device.

The control element has different surface sections. A first, outer section faces outwards. A second, inner section, in contrast, faces inwards. If the control element is operated intuitively, it can be assumed that a user intuitively acts on the control element in a direction that corresponds to the desired direction of movement of the vehicle door. For example, if a user wants to close the vehicle door, he will act on the control element from the outside, i.e. on the outer section facing outwards. On the other hand, if the user wants to open the vehicle door, he will intuitively act on the control element from the inside, i.e. on the inner section that points inwards.

This knowledge can be exploited by a first operating device for generating an operating signal during user operation the outer section and a second operating device for generating an operating signal is arranged on the inner section. If there is an operating signal generated by the first operating device, the control device evaluates this and triggers a closing function to close the vehicle door. If, on the other hand, there is an operating signal generated by the second operating device, the control device triggers an opening function to open the vehicle door. A closing function is thus triggered by operation on the outside of the control element, whereas an opening function is triggered by operation on the inside of the control element.

Preferably, all control surfaces for triggering a closing function are arranged on the outer section and thus on the outside of the control element. In contrast, all control surfaces for triggering an opening function are preferably arranged on the inner section and thus on the inside of the control element.

A user can thus cause the vehicle door to close by touching the control element from the outside. By touching the inside of the control element, an opening function for opening the vehicle door is triggered. The fact that the operation corresponds to the user's intuition results in comfortable operation for the user, while reducing the risk of incorrect operation.

In this text, triggering is to be understood as meaning that the control device generates a control signal and sends it to a functional module, in particular an electric motor door drive for adjusting the vehicle door or an electric door lock, in order to start an adjustment process by the functional module. The adjustment process can additionally be controlled by the control device, for example to carry out an automatic adjustment of the vehicle door between certain positions or to carry out a servo adjustment.

In one embodiment, triggering the closing function includes controlling a door drive to carry out an automatic closing movement of the vehicle door, controlling a door drive to carry out a servo-electrically assisted closing movement of the vehicle door and/or controlling a door lock to lock the vehicle door in a closed position. In an automatic adjustment operation, an electric motor door drive adjusts the vehicle door between predetermined positions, for example between the open position that has just been assumed to a completely closed position. With a servo-electric Assisted closing movement, the vehicle door is moved manually by a user, with the electromotive door drive providing a supporting force, preferably in such a way that a user can apply a user force that remains the same over the adjustment movement, but any additional adjustment force required is provided by the door drive (such a servo operation is, for example, in the DE 10 2019 211 717 A1 described). By controlling an electric door lock, the door lock can be moved from an unlocked position into a locked position when closing, in order to complete the closing process.

In one embodiment, triggering the opening function includes controlling the door drive to carry out an automatic opening movement of the vehicle door, controlling the door drive to carry out a servo-electrically assisted opening movement of the vehicle door and/or controlling the door lock to unlock the door lock and/or to open the door lock . To open it, the vehicle door can also be automatically adjusted between defined positions, for example between a completely closed position and an open position, by controlling the door drive. In addition, adjustment in servo mode is possible by a user manually adjusting the vehicle door, but with electric motor support from the door drive. Before an opening movement begins, the door lock must be unlocked and opened by activation so that the vehicle door is released and can be moved out of its closed position.

If the door lock is locked, the door lock cannot be opened. In particular, based on authentication, the door lock can be unlocked so that the door lock can be opened. If the door lock is open, the vehicle door can be moved out of the closed position and thus opened.

The first operating device and/or the second operating device can each be formed by an arrangement of one or more sensors. It is also conceivable and possible here that the first operating device and the second operating device are formed by a common sensor, which, however, can spatially detect an operation by a user on different sections of the operating element in order to generate a corresponding operating signal. When operated by a user, i.e. when approached or touched by a user, the first operating device and/or the second operating device generate an operating signal that can be evaluated by the control device in order to achieve a to obtain spatial information about the operation and to trigger a closing function or an opening function based on the spatial information of the operation.

The first operating device and / or the second operating device can, for example, by a proximity sensor for generating an operating signal when an object approaches, by a touch sensor for generating an operating signal when touched by an object and / or by a force sensor for generating an operating signal depending on a force exerted on an object. A proximity sensor can be implemented, for example, by a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor (by measuring the light intensity or by measuring the transit time), by an ultrasonic sensor or by a radar sensor. A touch sensor can be implemented, for example, by a capacitive sensor or, for example, by a button. A force sensor can be implemented, for example, by an inductive sensor or piezoelectric sensor and outputs an operating signal which, in addition to the information about the presence of an operation, also indicates information about a force exerted by the user during the operation.

An operating signal generated by a force sensor can be used, for example, to control a servo function for a servo-electrically supported adjustment depending on an applied user force.

Each operating device can also have different sensors, for example a proximity sensor and a touch sensor. In this way, an approach and then a touch can be detected on the operating device. If necessary, a force sensor can also be provided in addition or as an alternative to the proximity sensor or the touch sensor, so that a contact force can also be determined when touched.

The first operating device and/or the second operating device can (each) implement several operating surfaces on the assigned section of the operating element. Each control surface can be assigned a separate sensor element. However, the operating surfaces can also be provided by a single sensor element, whereby operation at different locations can be detected and spatially differentiated via the sensor element.

In one embodiment, the at least one first operating device can be designed to generate a first operating signal during user operation on a first operating surface on the outer section and a second operating signal during user operation on a second operating surface on the outer section. The control device is designed to trigger a first closing function with the first operating signal and a second closing function that is different from the first closing function with the second operating signal. By approaching or touching different control surfaces, a user can trigger different locking functions. By operating a first control surface, for example, an automatic closing of the vehicle door can be started, while by operating a second control surface, for example, a locking of the door lock or a closing movement up to a half-open position is triggered.

Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the at least one second operating device can be designed to generate a first operating signal upon user operation on a first operating surface on the inner section and a second operating signal upon user operation on a second operating surface on the inner section. The control device is designed to trigger a first opening function with the first operating signal and a second opening function that is different from the first opening function with the second operating signal. To open it, a user can operate different control surfaces. If a user operates a first control surface, the control device triggers a first opening function. If, on the other hand, user operation occurs on a second control surface, the control device triggers a second opening function. In this way, the user can, for example, start unlocking and opening the door lock or an automatic opening movement of the vehicle door.

Because when different control surfaces are provided on the outer section and/or on the inner section, the area size available for each control surface can be small, it may be desirable to minimize the number of control surfaces on the different sections of the control element, for example outer section and on the inner section only one control surface is to be provided, which can be operated by a user to generate an operating signal. In this way, the ease of use for a user can also be improved because a user can access the respective section in a simple, undifferentiated manner in order to trigger operation of the vehicle door.

In order to make the operation as intuitive and comfortable as possible for a user, it can be provided in one embodiment that the control device is designed to control the closing function and / or to control the opening function in addition to the operating signal of the respective operating device, a functional state of the To evaluate the vehicle door, in particular a current position of the vehicle door and/or a position of a door lock.

In particular, the control device can be designed to trigger a first closing function in a first functional state of the vehicle door and, in a second functional state of the vehicle door, a second closing function that is different from the first closing function in response to an operating signal from the at least one first operating device. Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be designed to trigger a first opening function in a first functional state of the vehicle door and, in a second functional state of the vehicle door, a second opening function that is different from the first opening function upon an operating signal from the at least one second operating device.

For example, when a closing function is triggered, it can be taken into account whether the vehicle door is in an open position or in the closed position. If the vehicle door is in an open position, it does not make sense to use the door lock as a closing function to lock it. Instead, the vehicle door can be closed by an electric motor, for example in automatic operation. If, on the other hand, the vehicle door is in the closed position, an electric motor adjustment of the vehicle door in the closing direction does not make sense. Instead, when operation is detected on the outer section of the control element, the door lock can be activated, for example, to lock the vehicle door. The control device thus queries a functional state and controls the closing function depending on the functional state.

When an opening function is triggered, it can be taken into account, for example, whether the vehicle door is in the closed position or in an open position. It can also be taken into account whether the door lock is in a locked or unlocked position. For example, if the door lock is in the locked position, an operation on the inner section of the control element can trigger the unlocking and opening of the door lock. If, on the other hand, the door lock is already unlocked and opened, an operation on the inner section of the control element can, for example, open the vehicle door lead to an open position through automatic adjustment. The control device thus queries a functional state for opening and controls the opening function depending on the functional state.

It is also conceivable and possible here that, for example, when operating on the inner section, an approach is first detected via the first operating device (for example via a proximity sensor of the first operating device) and leads to the door lock being unlocked. If a touch is then detected on the inner section (for example via a touch sensor of the first operating device), this is evaluated by the control device, which then triggers an opening movement, for example an automatic opening by activating the door drive.

The additional evaluation of the functional state of the vehicle door, in particular the position of the vehicle door or the state of the door lock, can also be used for a plausibility check. It can happen that a user not only touches the inner section or the outer section, but also grips around the control element and thus touches the control element inside and out. For example, if the vehicle door is closed and the door lock is locked and a user attacks both the inner section and the outer section (for example because the user takes the control element in his hand), this can be done based on the evaluation of the functional state of the vehicle door It can be concluded that the user probably wants the vehicle door to be opened, and accordingly the control device can control an opening function, for example unlocking and / or opening the door lock and an electromotive opening movement.

For example, if the vehicle door is in a partially open position and it is determined that a user is gripping the control element and touching the inner section and the outer section at the same time, it can be concluded that a user wants the vehicle door to be adjusted, but not automatically adjustment movement. Accordingly, a closing function or an opening function can be initiated for servo-electrically supported adjustment of the vehicle door.

In addition or as an alternative to evaluating the functional state of the vehicle door, an operating time and/or an operating pattern can also be evaluated by the control device based on the generated operating signal. For example, the control device can be designed to use the operating signal of the at least one first operating device to evaluate an operating time and / or an operating pattern and to trigger a first closing function or a second closing function depending on the operating time and / or the operating pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the control device can be designed to evaluate an operating time and/or an operating pattern based on the operating signal of the at least one second operating device and to trigger a first opening function or a second opening function depending on the operating time and/or the operating pattern.

For example, the respective operating signal is used to determine the period of time over which a user attacks the outer section or the inner section. This period of time, which corresponds to the operating time, can be determined, for example, based on a rising edge and a falling edge of an operating signal, for example when a signal threshold value is exceeded or fallen below. For example, the operating time can be used to differentiate between automatic adjustment operation and servo operation. For example, if the operating time is less than a predetermined threshold value (for example less than 1 s), it is concluded that a user wants the vehicle door to be adjusted automatically, and the control device accordingly controls the door drive for automatic adjustment. If, on the other hand, the operating time exceeds the predetermined threshold value, it is assumed that a user wants a manual, guided adjustment of the vehicle door with electric motor support in servo operation, and the control device accordingly controls the door drive for servo-electrically supported adjustment. For example, the door lock can also be unlocked and opened when the vehicle door is in the closed position.

For an opening movement of the vehicle door, an opening process of the door lock can be controlled using the operating signal. The door lock can be opened with a rising edge of the operating signal, so that an opening movement of the door lock is possible. If a user then releases the control element before the threshold value for the operating time is reached, the automatic adjustment of the vehicle door is initiated. If, on the other hand, the user keeps his hand on the control element, the user can manually adjust the vehicle door with electric motor support in servo operation and thus open it in a manually guided manner.

Additionally or alternatively, an operating pattern can be identified based on the operating signal. For example, a user can generate a specific operating gesture, for example a pulse sequence by repeatedly tapping the control element, which is triggered by the Control device can be evaluated accordingly and triggers a specific opening or closing function.

In addition to triggering a communication mode for authentication communication with an external authentication device via the third operating device, the communication mode can also be triggered when operating the first operating device and/or the second operating device. When an operating signal is detected on each operating surface - if authentication has not yet taken place through a successful key search - the communication mode can first be started by the control device in order to authenticate a user within the context of the communication mode. Only after successful authentication is an opening or closing function assigned to the control surface triggered.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Fahrzeugs mit einer daran angeordneten Fahrzeugtür;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht eines Bedienelements der Fahrzeugtür;

Fig. 3

eine andere Ansicht des Bedienelements;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht eines äußeren Abschnitts des Bedienelements;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht eines inneren Abschnitts des Bedienelements; und

Fig. 6

eine wiederum andere Ansicht des Bedienelements.

The idea underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below using the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of a vehicle with a vehicle door arranged thereon;

Fig. 2

a schematic view of a control element of the vehicle door;

Fig. 3

another view of the control element;

Fig. 4

a view of an external portion of the control element;

Fig. 5

a view of an interior portion of the control element; and

Fig. 6

another view of the control element.

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1 which has a vehicle door 10 in the form of a vehicle side door. The vehicle door 10 can be adjusted by an electric motor via an electric motor door drive 17. An electrically operable door lock 16 is used to lock the vehicle door 10 with the vehicle body of the vehicle 1 in a closed position.

The door drive 17 can be designed, for example, as shown in the WO 2021/023893 A1 is described.

A control element 11 is arranged on the vehicle door 10, which can be arranged, for example, rigidly on a door section 100, for example in the area of the B-pillar of the vehicle 1. Such a control element 11 is, in contrast to a conventional handle element, not mechanically adjustable, but is rigid and therefore cannot be moved mechanically to the door section 100.

A sensor system for operating the vehicle door 10, in particular for executing a closing function and for executing an opening function, is arranged on the operating element 11.

A control device 15 is used to control closing functions and opening functions of the vehicle door 10 and for this purpose controls the door drive 17 and the electric door lock 16. The control device 15 also serves to evaluate operating signals that are received via the control element 11.

In particular, communication can also take place via the control device 15 with an external authentication device 2 of a user, via which the user N is authenticated for access to the vehicle 1. The external authentication device 2 of the user N can be designed, for example, by a radio key or a communication device such as a mobile phone or the like. If the user N approaches the vehicle, communication with the control device 15 can be initiated, in the context of which the control device 15 sends an authentication request to the external authentication device 2 and, if the answer is positive, authenticates the user.

Different views of the control element 11 are shown Fig. 2-6 shown. While in newer vehicle concepts, access by a user N to the vehicle 1 can be possible without a key by automatically granting access, for example by automatically opening the vehicle door 10 when a user N approaches after successful authentication, a control element 11 is provided on the vehicle 1 in order to For example, to grant a third party access to the vehicle, for example in an emergency, or to create an operating option for a user for comfortable operation. The control element 11 enables the vehicle door 11 to be attacked, with operation being carried out via a sensor system on the control element 11 recognized and an opening function or closing function of the vehicle door 10 can be triggered accordingly.

Like this Fig. 2 As can be seen, the control element 11 in the illustrated embodiment is fixedly arranged on a door section 100 of the vehicle door 10. The operating element 11 can have a handle-like shape and forms an outwardly facing outer section 110 and an inwardly facing inner section 111 towards the door section 100, which face away from each other with respect to the vehicle transverse direction Y. In addition, the control element 11 has an upper end section 112 (with respect to the vehicle vertical direction Z), a lower end section 113 and a rear-facing end section 114 (with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction X), each between the outer section 110 and the inner section 111 are arranged and thus form an edge-like narrow section at the transition between the outer section 110 and the inner section 111.

The outer section 110, the inner section 111 and also the end side sections 112-114 can be flat. The sections 110-114 can also be curved.

The operating element 11 has a first operating device 12, which detects operating signals via operating surfaces 120, 121 on the outer section 110 and sends them to the control device 15. In addition, the operating element 11 has a second operating device 13, which detects operating signals via operating surfaces 130, 131 on the inner section 111 and forwards them to the control device 15.

A communication interface 122 for communication with a communication device, for example an NFC interface for near-field communication, is also provided on the outer section 110. For example, operation via a communication device, for example a mobile phone, can take place via the communication interface 122 if another authentication device 2, for example a radio key, is not ready for operation, for example if the battery of the radio key is empty.

Each operating device 12, 13 can have one or more sensor elements. Each control surface 120, 121, 130, 131 can be formed by a sensor element. However, it is also conceivable that the control surfaces 120, 121, 130, 131 on the outer section 110 or the inner section 111 by a common Sensor element are designed that can detect an operating signal in a spatially differentiated manner.

The first operating device 12 and the second operating device 13 can each have, for example, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor or even a force sensor or a combination of different sensors. The sensors of the operating devices 12, 13 can be designed, for example, by capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, optical sensors (in particular infrared sensors), ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, piezoelectric sensors or even mechanical buttons.

If the respective operating device 12, 13 has a force sensor, information about an exerted force can also be determined in addition to information about an approach or a touch. This information can be used, for example, to control a servo operation, for example to determine a force exerted by a user on the vehicle door 10 during a manual adjustment and to control the door drive 17 for a servo-electrically supported adjustment or to use a plausibility check to prevent false triggering to avoid.

The control surfaces 120, 121, 130, 131 can be used to detect whether a user, for example, attacks the control element 10 with his hand in order to carry out an operation on the control element 10. Operating signals that are detected via the operating surfaces 120, 121 of the first operating device 12 are enhanced by the control device 15 to trigger a closing function. Operating signals that are detected via the operating surfaces 130, 131 of the second operating device 13 on the inner section 111 of the operating element 11 are, in contrast, evaluated by the control device 15 to trigger an opening function of the vehicle door 10.

The fact that all closing functions of the vehicle door 10 are triggered on the outer section 110, while all opening functions are triggered on the inner section 111, results in intuitive operation for the user N. The user N then intuitively moves his hand to the control element to close the vehicle door 10 11 approach from the outside. To open it, however, the user N will intuitively act on the control element 11 from the inside and thus on the inner section 110. Characterized in that the control surfaces 120, 121 for triggering a closing function on the outer section 110 of the control element 11 and the control surfaces 130, 131 for triggering an opening function are arranged on the inner section 111 of the control element 11, this results in comfortable, intuitive operation for the user N, with also a reduced risk of incorrect operation.

One or more control surfaces 120, 121, 130, 131 can be arranged on the outer section 110 and the inner section 111. Different functions can be easily triggered via several control surfaces 120, 121, 130, 131. If only one control surface is provided on each section 110, 111, this results in comfortable operation for a user because the user can access a larger control surface without significant spatial differentiation.

A closing function can, for example, be an automatic adjustment of the vehicle door 11 into the closed position, driven by the door drive 17. A closing function can also involve servo-electrically supported adjustment or locking of the vehicle door 10 by the door lock 16.

In contrast, an opening function can be implemented by unlocking the door lock 16, by automatically opening the vehicle door 10, driven by the door drive 17, or by servo-electrically assisted opening of the vehicle door 10.

If a user N touches, for example, a first control surface 120 on the outer section 110, this can trigger an automatic closing of the vehicle door 10 from an open position. In contrast, if the user N touches a second control surface 121, this can cause a servo mode for a servo-electrically supported adjustment of the vehicle door 10 from the open position towards the closed position. Additional control surfaces for additional locking functions can be provided.

If, on the other hand, a user N touches a first control surface 130 on the inner section 111, this can cause the door lock 16 to be unlocked and opened, and in addition - if a user N has not yet been authenticated - the control device 15 carries out a key search to authenticate an external authentication device 2 of a user N can start in order to unlock the door lock 16 only after successful authentication. If, on the other hand, the user N touches a second control surface 131, this can result in the vehicle door 10 being opened automatically by controlling the door drive 17 or servo-electrically trigger supported opening of the vehicle door 10 in a servo mode. Additional control surfaces for additional opening functions can be provided.

An operating surface 130, via which unlocking and opening of the door lock 16 is triggered, can, for example, be assigned an inductive sensor, which enables operation, for example in an emergency, even under water.

In particular, in order to enable operation via a minimized number of operating surfaces 120, 121, 130, 131, preferably only one operating surface each on the inner section 111 and the outer section 110, in addition to an operating signal generated by the respective operating device 12, 13 Further parameters for controlling a closing function or an opening function are taken into account. For example, the control device 15 can evaluate a functional state of the vehicle door 10, for example the position of the vehicle door 10 or a state of the door lock 16. This makes it possible to combine control surfaces on the outer section 110 or the inner section 111, so that a closing function or an opening function is triggered when a control surface is operated and additionally depending on a functional state of the vehicle door 10.

It can thus be provided that when the vehicle door 10 is in an open position and a user N attacks a control surface 120, 121 on the outer section 110, an adjustment movement for closing the vehicle door 10 is initiated, for example an automatic closing or a closing in servo mode, but not a control of the door lock 16 for locking.

If the vehicle door 10 is in the closed position and a user N attacks a control surface 130, 131 on the inner section 111, the control device 15 can first trigger an unlocking and opening of the door lock 16. If the operating device 13 has different sensors, for example a proximity sensor and a touch sensor, it can also be provided in this context that when an approach to the inner section 111 is detected, the door lock 16 is first unlocked (and if necessary - there should be no authentication of a user N - a key search for authenticating an external authentication device 2 of a user N is started in advance in order to unlock the door lock 16 only if authentication is successful) and then, when a touch of the inner section 111 is detected, an adjustment movement of the vehicle door 10 is triggered to open it becomes.

In addition or as an alternative to evaluating a functional state of the vehicle door 10, a type of operation, for example an operating time or an operating pattern, can also be evaluated.

The control device 15 can use an operating signal generated by the respective operating device 12, 13 to determine an operating time over which a user operates the operating element 11. The operating time can, for example, be determined as the time period of a high signal in a touch sensor or in a proximity sensor and measured using a rising and a falling edge. If it is determined that a user only briefly taps the control element 11 on the outer section 110 or the inner section 111, this may indicate that an automatic adjustment should be triggered, and accordingly the control device 15 can control the door drive 17. In contrast, if a user N grips the control element 11 for a long time, this may indicate that a user wants to manually adjust the vehicle door 10 in a guided manner in servo mode, so that the servo mode can be started by controlling the door drive 17.

To differentiate between the automatic adjustment operation and the servo operation, the operating time can, for example, be compared with a threshold value, with the automatic adjustment operation being started at an operating time that is smaller than the threshold value and the servo operation being started at an operating time that is greater than the threshold value .

An operating pattern can, for example, be a specific type of operation, for example a specific pulse sequence with which a user taps the operating element 11, or a predetermined operating gesture, which is correspondingly activated by the control device based on the generated operating signal of the respective operating device 12, 13 15 can be identified. A predetermined opening function or closing function can be triggered based on a specific operating pattern.

Like this Fig. 6 As can be seen, in the exemplary embodiment shown, operating surfaces 140, 141 of a further operating device 14 can be arranged on the end face sections 112, 113, 114. In particular, it can be recognized via the control surfaces 140, 141 that a user N approaches the inner section 111 with his hand, for example, and thus (probably) wants to trigger an opening function.

The operating device 14 preferably has one or more proximity sensors. The operating device 14 can thus be used to determine whether a user N is approaching one of the end face sections 112, 114 with his hand.

In particular, an operating signal can be generated via the operating device 14, which is evaluated by the control device 15 and leads to the triggering of authentication communication with the external authentication device 2 of the user N. If the control device 15 determines that a user N approaches the inner section 111 of the control element 11 and thereby passes one of the end face sections 112, 114 (which is detected by an approach sensor of the control device 14), the control device 15 starts communication with the external one Authentication device 2, within which the authentication of the external authentication device 2 is queried. If the authentication is successful, the user N can trigger an opening function by operating the inner section 111, for example to unlock and/or open the door lock 16.

Because the front side sections 112, 114 are arranged at the transition between the outer section 110 and the inner section 111 on the narrow sides of the control element 11, a user N has to pass them when approaching the inner section 111 due to the position of the front side sections 112, 114 . The sensory operating device 14 on these front side sections 112, 114 can thus detect an approach to the inner section 111 at an early stage, so that authentication communication can be started at an early stage. The authentication of the user N can thus be started early, so that when an operation is carried out on the inner section 111, the authentication of the user N has preferably already been completed. The authentication is thus triggered by approaching the control element 11 and can be carried out before operation on the inner section 111, so that a time delay due to the required authentication before operation on the inner section 111 is not or at least barely noticeable for a user N.

An authentication communication can also be started when a user N attacks the outer section 110 or the inner section 111 without authentication having already taken place. When operating a control surface 120, 121, 130, 131 on the outer section 110 or the inner section 111, authentication is first carried out if no authentication has yet taken place.

The idea on which the invention is based is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can also be implemented in other ways.

The vehicle door can be formed by a vehicle side door or by a tailgate.

Different closing functions and opening functions can be carried out on a vehicle door, although not all of the closing functions or opening functions described here need to be present. In addition, additional or different closing functions or opening functions, for example for moving a window pane or the like, can also be provided.

Reference symbol list

1

vehicle

10

vehicle door

100

Door section

11

Control element

110

Outer section

111

Inner section

112

Upper front section

113

Lower front section

114

Front end section

12

Operating facility

120, 121

Control surface

122

Communication interface (NFC interface)

13

Operating facility

130, 131

Control surface

14

Operating facility

140, 141

Control surface

15

Control device

16

Door lock

17

Door drive

2

Authentication device (key)

N

User

Claims (15)

Assembly of a vehicle (1), with a vehicle door (10), an operating element (11) arranged on a door section (100) of the vehicle door (10), which has an outer section (110) facing away from the door section (100) and an inner section (111) facing the door section (100), and a control device (15) for controlling a closing function for closing the vehicle door (10) and an opening function for opening the vehicle door (10), characterized in that the operating element (11) has at least one first operating device (12) for generating an operating signal during user operation on the outer section (110) and / or at least one second operating device (13) for generating an operating signal during user operation on the inner Section (111), wherein the control device (15) is designed, based on an operating signal of the at least one first operating device (12) and / or the at least one second operating device (13), a closing function for closing the vehicle door (10) or an opening function for to trigger the vehicle door to open, wherein the operating element (11) has at least one third operating device (14) for generating an operating signal during user operation on an end face section (112-114) located between the outer section (110) and the inner section (111), the control device (15 ) is designed to trigger a communication mode for authentication communication with an external authentication device (2) based on an operating signal from the at least one third operating device (14). Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the front side section (112-114) points upwards with respect to the vehicle vertical direction (Z) or backwards with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction (X). Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one third operating device (14) comprises a proximity sensor for generating an operating signal when an object approaches. Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating element (11) is rigidly arranged on the door section (100). Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (11) has at least a first operating device (12) for generating an operating signal during user operation on the outer section (110) and at least one second operating device (13) for generating an operating signal a user operation on the inner section (111), wherein the control device (15) is designed to trigger a closing function for closing the vehicle door (10) based on an operating signal from the at least one first operating device (12) and based on an operating signal from the at least one second operating device (13) to trigger an opening function to open the vehicle door. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that triggering the closing function comprises: controlling a door drive (17) to carry out an automatic closing movement of the vehicle door (10), controlling a door drive (17) to carry out a servo-electrically supported closing movement of the vehicle door (10 ) and/or controlling a door lock (16) for locking the vehicle door (10) in a closed position. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that triggering the opening function comprises: controlling a door drive (17) to carry out an automatic opening movement of the vehicle door (10), controlling a door drive (17) to carry out a servo-electrically supported opening movement of the vehicle door (10 ) and/or controlling a door lock (16) to unlock the door lock (16) and/or to open the door lock (16). Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first operating device (12) and / or the at least one second operating device (13) have a proximity sensor for generating an operating signal when an object approaches, a touch sensor for generating an operating signal when touched have an object and/or a force sensor for generating an operating signal depending on a force exerted by an object. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first operating device (12) and/or the at least one second operating device (13) has a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a radar sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor and/or have a piezoelectric sensor. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first operating device (12) is designed to provide a first operating signal on the outer section (110) during user operation on a first operating surface (120) and on a second operating surface during user operation (121) to generate a second operating signal on the outer section (110), wherein the control device (15) is designed to trigger a first closing function in the first operating signal and a second closing function that is different from the first closing function in the second operating signal. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second operating device (13) is designed to provide a first operating signal on the inner section (111) during user operation on a first operating surface (130) and on a second operating surface during user operation (131) to generate a second operating signal on the inner section (111), the control device (15) being designed to trigger a first opening function in the first operating signal and a second opening function different from the first opening function in the second operating signal. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (15) is designed to control the closing function and/or to control the opening function in addition to the operating signal of the at least one first operating device (12) and/or the at least one second operating device (13) to evaluate a functional state of the vehicle door (10), in particular a current position of the vehicle door (10) and/or a position of a door lock (16). Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (15) is designed in the event of an operating signal from the at least one first operating device (12) in a first functional state of the vehicle door (10), a first closing function and in a second functional state of the vehicle door (10) to trigger a second closing function that is different from the first closing function and/or in the event of an operating signal from the at least one second operating device (13) in a first functional state of the vehicle door (10) to trigger a first opening function and in a second functional state of the vehicle door (10) to trigger a second opening function that is different from the first opening function. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (15) is designed to evaluate an operating time and/or an operating pattern based on the operating signal of the at least one first operating device (12) and to trigger a first closing function or a second closing function depending on the operating time and/or the operating pattern and/or to evaluate an operating time and/or an operating pattern based on the operating signal of the at least one second operating device (13) and to trigger a first opening function or a second opening function depending on the operating time and/or the operating pattern. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the control device (15) is designed to compare the operating time with a threshold value.

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