FR3103512A1 - Control of an opening position of a vehicle door - Google Patents

Abstract

Detection device (21) for controlling a motorized device for opening a door (12) of the vehicle (10), preferably a door (12) of a trunk of the vehicle (10), - the motorized device for opening being arranged to impose a maximum travel (Cm) on the door (12), defined between a closed position and a maximum open position (Pm), - the detection device (21) being arranged to detect an obstacle (100 ) located between the closed position and the maximum open position (Pm), so as to control the motorized opening device to impose on the door (12) an intermediate stroke (Ci) less than the maximum stroke (Cm) and open the door (12) to an intermediate opening position (Pi), characterized in that the detection device (21) is arranged to be fixed on a roof (11) of the vehicle (10). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Servo-control of an opening position of a vehicle door

1. Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to an obstacle detection device which could interfere with a door of a motor vehicle and cause damage. In particular, the invention relates to the detection of obstacles when opening a vehicle trunk, in particular if the vehicle is parked in a place with a low ceiling.

State of the art

It is known in the prior art of obstacle detection devices. In particular, document EP1564358B1 proposes an obstacle detection sensor located on a tailgate. On the other hand, this system has several drawbacks. First of all, due to the position of the sensor on the shutter, it is difficult or even impossible to detect from the start of the opening phase the presence of an obstacle situated, for example, above the vehicle. In addition, the sensor, during the opening stroke and due to its detection cone, may "lack of recoil" and not detect an obstacle on one side of the vehicle for example, which requires the installation of several sensors. . Finally, the sensor being mobile, it is necessary to follow its signal and calculate a distance with the obstacle throughout the opening stroke, which requires carrying out monitoring and calculations in an iterative and continuous way.

An object of the present invention is to respond to the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a detection device which makes it possible to correctly detect an obstacle to the opening of a door. , preferably a tailgate, even if the obstacle is located above the vehicle, without however requiring numerous calculation or detection iterations.

For this, a first aspect of the disclosure relates to a detection device for controlling a motorized device for opening a vehicle door, preferably a door of a trunk of the vehicle,
- the motorized opening device being arranged to impose a maximum stroke on the door, defined between a closed position and a maximum open position,
- the detection device being arranged to detect an obstacle located between the closed position and the maximum open position, so as to control the motorized opening device to impose on the door an intermediate stroke less than the maximum stroke and open the door to an intermediate open position,
characterized in that the detection device is arranged to be fixed on a roof of the vehicle.

The detection device is arranged to be fixed on the roof of the vehicle. This arrangement makes it easy to detect an obstacle located above the vehicle, and to calculate, from the start of the opening maneuver, the distance between the roof of the vehicle and the obstacle. Thus, the opening instruction according to the intermediate stroke can be sent at the very start of opening, which simplifies the overall system.

Advantageously, the detection device is arranged to detect an obstacle positioned in a space located between the maximum open position and a position of the door having traveled 80% of the maximum travel, preferably 65% of the maximum travel and more preferably 50 % of maximum stroke. In other words, the detection device is particularly suitable for detecting an obstacle at the end of travel, that is to say at height, which is facilitated by its attachment to the roof of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the detection device has, in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle, a detection angle which goes, with respect to a vertical passing through the detection device:
- at least 30°, and preferably 60°, forward
To
- at least 30°, and preferably at least 60° and preferably at least 90°, towards the rear.

According to this implementation, the detection device is arranged to detect the presence of any obstacle above and at the rear of the vehicle, that is to say in the area swept by the tailgate.

Advantageously, the detection device is arranged to be fixed on an edge of the roof, and preferably a rear edge of the roof, so as to be able to detect an obstacle situated at a height lower than a height of the roof of the vehicle. By advantageously placing the detection device at the rear of the vehicle, it is possible to take advantage of the dominant position to detect a low obstacle, such as a low wall or a post, which could interfere with the trunk door, even at the very beginning of the opening phase.

Advantageously, the detection device has, in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle, a detection angle which ranges, relative to a vertical passing through the detection device, at least 90°, and preferably at least 120° and preferably at least 135°, rearward.

Advantageously, the detection device is arranged to be housed in a roof antenna shell.

A second aspect of the disclosure concerns a roof antenna device, comprising a detection device according to the first aspect of the disclosure. Thus, no external box is added to the roof, which limits the visual impact. As a result, costs are limited.

A third aspect of the disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a roof and a detection device according to the first aspect of the disclosure, fixed to the roof.

Advantageously, the motor vehicle comprises:
- a motorized opening device arranged to impose a maximum stroke on the door, defined between a closed position and a maximum open position,
- a control unit connected to the detection device and to the motorized opening device,
the control unit being arranged to receive from the detection device information relating to the presence of an obstacle positioned in a space located between the closed position and the maximum open position, so as to control the motorized device opening to impose an intermediate stroke less than the maximum stroke and open the door to an intermediate opening position.

Advantageously, the trunk door is a tailgate.

Advantageously, the motorized opening device comprises at least one electric motor, and/or an electric jack. It is typically an electric actuator whose stroke can be controlled, using an encoder for example.

A fourth aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for controlling an opening of a vehicle door, preferably a door of a trunk of the vehicle, the method comprising the steps consisting in:
- detect an obstacle positioned in a space located between a closed position and a maximum open position of a vehicle door, preferably a door of a trunk of the vehicle,
- measure a distance between a point on the roof of the vehicle and the detected obstacle,
- open the door by imposing an intermediate stroke less than a maximum stroke defined between the closed position and the maximum opening position of the door.

A fifth aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for controlling the opening of a vehicle door, preferably a door of a trunk of the vehicle, when the vehicle is reversing, the method comprising the steps consisting To :
- detect a vehicle reversing situation,
- receive, before, during or after the start of reversing the vehicle, a command to open the door,
- launch a regular detection of an obstacle that may limit the opening of the door,
- if no obstacle that could limit the opening of the door is detected, then the method comprises a complete opening step consisting in imposing on the door a maximum travel defined between a closed position and a maximum open position, and
- if an obstacle that can limit the opening of the door is detected, then the method comprises an incomplete opening step consisting in opening the door to an intermediate opening position arranged between the closed position and the open position maximum, and at least one step for updating the detected position of the obstacle, during the reverse gear.

A sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of a detection device fixed to a vehicle roof, according to at least:
- an obstacle detection mode when opening a door of the vehicle, preferably a trunk door, with at least the calculation of a distance between the obstacle and the roof of the vehicle, preferably according to a direction vertical,
- an obstacle detection mode when reversing the vehicle, with at least the calculation of a distance between the obstacle and a rear of the vehicle, preferably in a horizontal direction.

According to this implementation, the same detection sensor is used according to two different modes and at two different times, with different and specific thresholds and directions of measurements. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce, for example, the number of reversing sensors in a bumper, while offering an obstacle detection function when opening the boot.

Description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

represents a vehicle equipped with a tailgate and a detection device according to the invention;

shows the vehicle of Figure 1 during a step of opening the trunk door, in the presence of an obstacle.

Detailed description of embodiment(s)

FIG. 1 represents a vehicle 10 equipped in particular with a trunk door 12 here in the closed position Pf, with a roof 11, and with a roof antenna, otherwise known as a shark antenna. Door 12 is a motorized door, typically using electric actuators, and the shark antenna houses a detection device 21 arranged to detect an obstacle which could interfere with door 12 when the boot is opened.

To this end, the detection device 21 has a detection zone which extends in the plane of FIG. 1 from a vertical which passes through the detection device 21 at an angle forward, and at an angle rearward. For example, the angle can be zero, or at least 30°, and the angle can be at least 30°, preferably 60°, more preferably 90°, even more preferably 120° and even 135° or more, in order to detect any obstacles situated lower than the roof 11.

The detection device 21 can be based on ultra sound detection, or optical (visible radiation, or infrared, or laser), or of the radar type.

Depending on the design of the vehicle, each silhouette of the vehicle will have a different setting which is managed by downloading the calibration, which makes it possible to keep a unique ECU reference.

Note that the detection device 21 is housed in the same box as the roof antenna, which makes it possible to guarantee a discreet device, without adding an additional box. Deporting the detection device 21 to the roof also avoids modifying the door 12, which here is preferably a tailgate. However, the invention can be applied to a trunk-type safe.

FIG. 2 represents the vehicle of FIG. 1 when the door 12 is opened. The detection device 21, before or at the very beginning of the opening step, has detected an obstacle 100, here a ceiling of low height. However, other types of obstacles can be detected: a rear wall, a pipe or a ceiling light...

As a result of the detection of the obstacle 100, a distance D between the roof 11 and the obstacle is determined, and it turns out that the complete opening of the door 12 is impossible without interference. Indeed, as shown in thin dashed lines, the door 12 could open according to a maximum opening position Pm, if a maximum opening stroke Cm were imposed on it.

However, following the calculation of the distance D which leads to an interference, an intermediate position Pi is calculated as represented in figure 2, reached after an intermediate opening stroke Ci of the door 12.

Thus, any interference, shock, contact with the obstacle 100 is avoided.

The position of the detection device 21 on the roof 11 makes it possible to immediately calculate the distance D at the very beginning of the opening or control phase, which provides a simple solution without detection/calculation iteration during opening .

We can then immediately warn the user that an obstacle is detected, which can reassure the person in question. We can for example send an information signal (a light or a sound). It is for example possible to light a warning light on the dashboard or on the door 12 itself, to emit a sound in the vehicle. The light or sound signal can be intermittent or continuous, and can even change frequency or intensity as the gate 12 approaches the intermediate position Pi.

It is also possible to provide for lowering the opening speed when approaching the obstacle 100, again to inform the user that the system has indeed detected the obstacle 100. In particular, a final opening phase can be provided. at low speed, compared to a nominal opening speed (without obstacle). This makes it possible to gently stop the door 12, without jerks.

Provision can be made, in order not to waste time if the intermediate position Pi is far enough from the closed position Pf as shown in Figure 2, to implement this final phase at limited speed only in the last part of the intermediate stroke, for example within 20% of the end of stroke (calculated with respect to the intermediate stroke Ci each time or with respect to the maximum opening stroke Cm). Other thresholds can be chosen: 10%, 5%, or even displacements in mm of the extreme part of the door 12: it is possible to slow down during the last 50 mm of displacement.

In addition, the height position of the detection device offers the possibility of detecting obstacles located at low height, with sufficient recoil to cover the entire width of the vehicle with a single sensor. Similarly, with the detection device 21 located on the roof 11, it is possible to immediately detect a ceiling, while having sufficient distance to guarantee good detection over the entire width of the vehicle.

It is also possible to consider implementing obstacle detection if the user decides to open the trunk while reversing. In particular, it is possible to launch detection steps at regular intervals, and to update the relative position of a possible obstacle, during the reversing maneuver.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

Detection device (21) for controlling a motorized device for opening a door (12) of a vehicle (10), preferably a door (12) of a trunk of the vehicle (10),
- the motorized opening device being arranged to impose a maximum stroke (Cm) on the door (12), defined between a closed position (Pf) and a maximum open position (Pm),
- the detection device (21) being arranged to detect an obstacle (100) located between the closed position and the maximum open position (Pm), so as to control the motorized opening device to impose on the door (12 ) an intermediate stroke (Ci) less than the maximum stroke (Cm) and open the door (12) to an intermediate opening position (Pi),
characterized in that the detection device (21) is arranged to be fixed on a roof (11) of the vehicle (10). Detection device (21) according to the preceding claim, in which the detection device (21) is arranged to detect an obstacle (100) positioned in a space located between the maximum opening position (Pm) and a position of the door (12) having covered 80% of the maximum stroke (Cm), preferably 65% of the maximum stroke (Cm) and more preferably 50% of the maximum stroke (Cm). Detection device (21) according to one of the preceding claims, having, in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle (10), a detection angle which ranges, with respect to a vertical passing through the detection device (21):
- at least 30°, and preferably 60°, forward
To
- at least 30°, and preferably at least 60° and preferably at least 90°, towards the rear. Detection device (21) according to one of the preceding claims, arranged to be fixed to an edge of the roof (11), and preferably a rear edge of the roof (11), so as to be able to detect an obstacle (100) located at a height lower than a height of the roof (11) of the vehicle (10). Detection device (21) according to the preceding claim, in which the detection device (21) has, in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle (10), a detection angle which goes, with respect to a vertical passing through the detection (21), at least at 90°, and preferably at least at 120° and preferably at least at 135°, towards the rear. Detection device (21) according to one of the preceding claims, arranged to be housed in a roof antenna shell (11). Roof antenna device (11), comprising a detection device (21) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (10), comprising a roof (11) and a detection device (21) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 fixed to the roof (11). Motor vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising:
- a motorized opening device arranged to impose a maximum stroke (Cm) on the door (12), defined between a closed position and a maximum open position (Pm),
- a control unit connected to the detection device (21) and to the motorized opening device,
the control unit being arranged to receive from the detection device (21) information relating to the presence of an obstacle (100) positioned in a space located between the closed position and the maximum open position (Pm ), so as to control the motorized opening device to impose an intermediate stroke (Ci) less than the maximum stroke (Cm) and open the door (12) to an intermediate opening position (Pi). Method for controlling an opening of a vehicle door, preferably a door of a trunk of the vehicle, the method comprising the steps consisting in:
- detect, using the detection device of one of claims 1 to 6, an obstacle positioned in a space located between a closed position and a maximum open position of a vehicle door, preferably a door of a vehicle trunk,
- measuring, using the detection device of one of claims 1 to 6, a distance between a point on the roof of the vehicle and the detected obstacle,
- open the door by imposing an intermediate stroke less than a maximum stroke defined between the closed position and the maximum opening position of the door.