WO2011073271A9

WO2011073271A9 - Device for activating a hands-free system

Info

Publication number: WO2011073271A9
Application number: PCT/EP2010/069790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric Giraud; Eric Menard
Original assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
Priority date: 2009-12-15
Filing date: 2010-12-15
Publication date: 2011-10-06
Also published as: FR2953782A1; FR2953782B1; WO2011073271A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for activating a motor vehicle hands-free system, said device comprising at least one mechanical motion sensor to be connected to an authentication unit that is placed on the path of a means for mechanically transmitting actuation, or on a component of the lock, and which senses a movement of an element belonging to the assembly, made up of a mechanical transmission means and the lock, so as to trigger the activation of the hands-free access system by means of the controller.

Description

HANDS-FREE SYSTEM ACTIVATION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a hands-free system activation device. In particular, the invention applies in the field of controlling the locking / unlocking of motor vehicle doors by means of a hands-free system. The invention also relates to the associated hands-free system, as well as the associated lock and door handle.

In a hands-free system, the vehicle is equipped with an authentication unit capable of recognizing the user authorized to proceed with locking / unlocking, for example by means of a portable authentication device that the user carries on him. Said organ is interrogated, during the activation of the hands-free system, by an antenna among those placed generally in the opening of the vehicle. In case of positive user authentication, the lock actuators are activated by a controller to unlock.

In this known configuration, each opening of the motor vehicle thus comprises an external handle provided with an approach sensor, to detect for example the approach of the hand of the user or the presence of the portable authentication device in a given radius, an antenna for interrogating said authentication member, and a button for triggering the lock. All the electrical elements of the openings must be connected to the central circuit of the vehicle by a bundle of cables. The locks are also mechanically connected to the handle, by mechanical actuation transmission means, such as a Bowden cable.

The multiplicity of electrical and electronic elements in the external handles, as well as the bundles of cables necessary for their connection to the central controller and the power supply, contribute to the cost of such a hands-free system. In addition, the approach sensors require a regular supply of electrical or electronic components, especially when the vehicle is stationary, which can be a problem during long-term vehicle immobilizations, for example in a car park. airport.

The invention proposes to overcome these disadvantages by allowing a simpler, less expensive and more economical installation of electrical energy for the hands-free system.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for activating a hands-free system of a motor vehicle, wherein said hands-free access system comprises a controller configured to identify a user authorized to lock / unlocking and intended to control the locking / unlocking functions of the hands-free system in which are mounted mechanical transmission means mechanically transmitting the actuation of an external handle by the user to an associated lock, characterized in that it comprises at least one mechanical movement sensor intended to be connected to the authentication unit, arranged in the path of the mechanical actuation transmission means or on a component of the lock and sensing a movement of an element belonging to the assembly consisting of mechanical transmission means and the lock for triggering activation of the hands access system -free by the controller. The object of the present invention may further have one or more of the following features.

According to one aspect, said at least one mechanical movement sensor is disposed against the mechanical transmission means of actuation. If the mechanical transmission means for actuating said hands-free system comprise at least one Bowden cable, said at least one mechanical movement sensor is disposed on the sheath of said Bowden cable so as to capture the movement of the sliding cable inside. sheath during its tensioning.

According to another aspect, said at least one mechanical movement sensor is arranged to cooperate with a movable member of the PTO lock with the mechanical transmission means of actuation.

The at least one mechanical motion sensor may include a strain gauge.

In particular, said at least one mechanical movement sensor may comprise at least one electrical switch that changes state upon actuation of the mechanical transmission means of actuation.

One embodiment provides that said at least one mechanical motion sensor comprises at least one electromagnetic sensor for detecting the mechanical movement of the mechanical transmission means of actuation.

Another embodiment provides that said at least one mechanical motion sensor comprises at least one optical sensor for detecting the mechanical movement of the mechanical transmission means of actuation.

The invention also relates to a lock intended to be associated with a hands-free access system, characterized in that it comprises a hands-free access system activation device as previously described. The invention also relates to a door handle comprising a base and a lever for gripping, intended to be associated with a hands-free access system, said hands-free access system comprising a device for activating hands-free access system as previously described, characterized in that it comprises an actuating mechanism for two different movements of the gripping lever relative to the base, the one associated with the unlocking of the opening, the other locking the opening, and in that the hands-free system activation device is connected to said actuating mechanism.

The invention also relates to a door handle comprising a base and a lever for gripping, intended to be associated with a hands-free access system, said hands-free access system comprising a device for activating hands-free access system as previously described, characterized in that it comprises two complementary elements, one on the base and the other on the gripping lever, arranged to interact after part of the actuation movement has been traveled to create a force opposed to continuing said actuating movement to provide haptic control of the actuation sequence.

The handle may also have one or more of the following features.

Said complementary elements may be excrescences intended to be mechanically engaged.

Said complementary elements can also polarity magnets opposite.

Finally, the invention also relates to a hands-free access system for a motor vehicle having a plurality of openings, characterized in that it comprises several hands-free system actuation devices as previously described, each associated with a different opening, a controller connected to all the actuators, a portable authentication device, and at least one antenna connected to the controller. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example and the appended drawings among which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a vehicle equipped with a hands-free system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hands-free system according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a handle with two actuating movements,

- Figure 4 is a diagram of a handle provided with elements for providing a haptic control of the opening sequence. In all the figures, the same elements bear the same reference numbers.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 comprises five openings 3. The locking / unlocking of said opening 3 is ensured by a hands-free access system 5, which can be activated by each of the activation devices of FIG. hands-free access system associated respectively with an opening 3.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Each of the opening 3 is equipped with a lock 7 disposed inside the opening, and an external handle 9. Both are mechanically connected via actuating transmission means 15. Said transmission means of Actuation can be, in a first embodiment, made in the form of a Bowden cable, itself having a flexible outer sheath in which a cable can slide.

The handle 9 comprises, on the outside of the opening 3, a base 11 and a gripping lever 13, movable relative to the base 11, which is fixed relative to the opening 3.

The locked or unlocked state of these openings 3, and therefore access to the interior of the vehicle 1, is controlled by the hands-free access system 5.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the hands-free access system 5 comprises an authentication unit, which comprises a controller 19. The controller 19 is connected by different bundles of cables 21 to a plurality of electronic elements. Thus, it is connected to an antenna 23 capable of detecting and interrogating the portable authentication device 25, and is either in a handle 9 or, for an alternative embodiment, in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 , preferably at a central position, for example at the ceiling or rearview mirror. The controller 19 is connected to lock actuators 27, for example electric motors, which are located in the locks 7 and control the transition from the locked state to unlocked and the unlocked state to the locked state of said lock 7.

The controller 19 is configured to be able to send instructions to the antenna 23 and to receive from the latter information as to the presence and the identity of the portable authentication device 25, and to be able to activate the lock actuators 27.

The authentication procedures of the user resulting in the locking / unlocking or opening 3 are engaged by the activation device of hands-free access system.

The hands-free access system activation device comprises an actuation sensor 29 which detects a mechanical movement of the mechanical actuation transmission means 15 between the handle 9 and the lock 7. Said sensor can be placed directly against the mechanical actuation transmission means 15.

If the actuating transmission means 15 comprise at least one Bowden cable, the actuating sensor 29 can be placed on the cable sheath, and arranged so that it detects the movement of the inner sliding cable when setting in tension of the cable.

These sensors 29 may also be placed against an element of the lock 7 in mechanical connection with the mechanical transmission means of actuation. Such an element in mechanical connection with the mechanical actuation transmission means is for example in power take-off with said mechanical transmission means of actuation. Such an element in mechanical connection with the mechanical transmission means of actuation may also be in the form of a spring-biased element and released by the movement of the mechanical transmission means. In this case, the detection of the movement of the mechanical actuation transmission means 15 is done indirectly, by detecting the movement of the element of the lock 7, itself set in motion by said mechanical actuation transmission means 15 .

A first embodiment of said sensor 29 is obtained using a strain gauge. Placed against the sheath of a Bowden cable, it can detect the deformations during its tensioning.

A second embodiment consists of a switch that the movement of said actuating transmission means toggles from one state to another. Advantageously, it is possible to choose a contactor which closes during the setting in motion.

A third embodiment consists of an electromagnetic detector, such as a reed switch, consisting of two soft iron blades that come together and make electrical contact when approaching a magnet, or using inductance variation when inserting or removing a metal part from a coil. An optical detector can also be envisaged, for a fourth embodiment: a light beam is caused to fall on a detector, or interrupted during movement.

Advantageously, said sensor 29 can be an integral part of the lock 7, so as not to require any additional fastening means.

In the context of a vehicle 1 provided with three or five openings 3, the invention provides an embodiment of the hands-free access system 5 according to a particular architecture. In this, all the openings 3 are provided with a system of activation of hands-free system 5 as previously described, handles 9 and locks 7 assorted. A particular opening 3, for example the opening opening conductor, is only equipped with an antenna 23. The locks 7, the activation devices and the antenna 23 are connected to the controller 19. With such a system of manual access, free 5, the vehicle access procedure 1 is proceeds as explained below.

The user actuates the handle 9. To do this, he puts in motion the gripping lever 13. The movement of the gripping lever 13 is relayed by the actuating transmission means 15.

If said actuating transmission means 15 comprise a Bowden cable, the latter is energized: the inner sliding cable is pulled, which subjects the sheath to a certain stress without however the elements at the end opposite the handle 9 of the inner sliding cable are set in motion.

The movement of the actuating transmission means 15 is detected by the actuating sensor 29. Said actuating sensor 29 consequently sends a signal to the controller 19 via the bundle of electrical cables which connects them.

Following reception of the signal emanating from the actuation sensor 29, the controller 19 searches for the possible presence and the identity of the portable authentication device 25 via the antenna 23 which sends an interrogation signal to said control device. Portable Authentication 25.

If said portable authentication device 25 is in the perimeter defined by the scope of the antenna 23, it responds with an authentication signal which contains the information as to its identity. The authentication signal received by the antenna 23 is transmitted to the controller 19 which analyzes it. If the portable authentication device 25 is identified as being that associated with the vehicle 1, the controller 19 activates the lock actuators 27, which unlocks the doors 3. The user can then open the door 3.

According to a more advanced version of the invention, it is intended to use either the usual movement of opening, but partially accomplished, or a second movement of the handle 9 to engage said locking cycle, as can be seen in Figure 3. This is to free the handle 9 of the button triggering the locking cycle of the opening 3, and therefore an additional electrical element.

The second movement of the handle 9 could be an upward movement of the gripping lever 13 as shown in Figure 3, similar to the movement of a handle 9 of habitat. It is also conceivable to use a depressing movement of the gripping lever 13 towards the interior of the vehicle 1 with respect to a rest position of said lever 13.

Such a handle 9 will be associated either with actuating transmission means 15 operating both in traction and compression, or with two mechanisms each with their actuating transmission means 15.

In the context of this embodiment, the locking of the openings 3 is as follows. The user actuates the handle 9, according to the movement dedicated to locking.

In a first embodiment of the handle 9, it partially accomplishes the opening gesture of the opening 3, in a second embodiment of the handle 9, the user performs a gesture different from that of the opening: either a twisting movement of the lever 13 upwards, or a depression of said gripping lever 13 towards the inside of the vehicle 1.

This actuating movement is relayed by the actuating transmission means 15, whose setting in motion is detected by the actuating sensor 29. The actuating sensor 29 consequently sends a signal to the controller 19. The controller 19 receives said signal emanating from the actuation sensor 29, and then actuates the lock actuators 27 of all the doors 3 in order to switch all the locks 7 into the locked state.

According to a complementary aspect and in connection with the opening or locking sequence of the openings, the invention provides for the implementation of two complementary elements 31, 33, one on the handle lever 13 of the handle 9, the other on the base 11, and arranged to interact after part of the actuating movement of the handle 9 has been traveled, to create a force opposed to the continuation of said movement.

This is to allow a haptic control of the opening sequence and / or locking of the opening 3. It therefore appears that said force must be of such an amplitude that it will be clearly felt by the user but nevertheless surmountable .

To achieve the complementary elements 31, 33 previously mentioned, it is possible to use, according to a first embodiment, two flexible protrusions, for example of rubber, on the base 11 and the lever 13, and which are brought into mechanical engagement with each other. with each other during the actuating movement.

A second embodiment provides for the use of two magnets of opposite polarity, one on the base 11 and the other on the gripping lever 13, which the actuating movement of the handle 9 brings closer together until the magnets are mutually attracted.

With a hands-free system with such a handle, the opening or locking is as follows. The user operates the handle. To do this it executes the opening or locking movement of the gripping lever 13 relative to the base 11. When the predefined part of the movement has been traveled, the complementary elements 31, 33 interact, and the user feels a resistance. He is then informed that the continuation of the movement is momentarily useless, or even can prevent the good progress of the procedure of unlocking or locking. At the same time, the partially completed movement of the lever 13 relative to the base 11 is relayed by the actuating transmission means 15, whose setting in motion is detected by the actuating sensor 29. The actuating sensor 29 accordingly sends a signal to the controller 19. The controller 19 receives said signal from the actuating sensor 29, and then actuates the lock actuators 27 of all the sashes 3 to tilt all the locks 7 into the unlocked state or locked, in accordance with the movement executed. The user can then, in the case of the opening of the opening 3, continue the opening movement to open said opening and thus access the vehicle 1.

Claims

A device for activating a hands-free system (5) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein said hands-free access system (5) comprises a controller (19) configured to identify a user authorized to proceed at locking / unlocking and for controlling the locking / unlocking functions of the hands-free system (5) in which mechanical transmission means (15) mechanically transmitting the actuation of an external handle (9) by the user with a lock (7) associated, characterized in that it comprises at least one mechanical movement sensor (29) intended to be connected to the authentication unit, arranged in the path of the mechanical transmission means of actuation or on a component of the lock and sensing a movement of an element belonging to the assembly consisting of the mechanical transmission means and the lock to trigger the activation of the hand access system -libres (5) by the controller (19).

2. Device for activating a hands-free system (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one mechanical movement sensor (29) is disposed on the mechanical transmission means of actuation (15). .

3. Device for activating a hands-free system (5) according to one of claims 1 or 2, comprising at least one Bowden cable, characterized in that said at least one mechanical movement sensor is disposed on the sheath said bowden cable so as to capture the movement of the cable sliding inside the sheath during its tensioning.

4. Device for activating a hands-free system (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one mechanical movement sensor (29) is arranged to cooperate with a movable member of the lock ( 7) which is in mechanical connection with the mechanical transmission means of actuation.

5. Device for actuating a hands-free system (5) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one mechanical movement sensor comprises a strain gauge.

6. Device for actuating a hands-free system (5) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one mechanical movement sensor comprises at least one electrical switch which changes state when mechanical actuation.

7. A device for actuating a hands-free system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one mechanical motion sensor comprises at least one electromagnetic sensor for mechanical motion detection.

8. A device for actuating a hands-free system (5) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one mechanical movement sensor comprises at least one optical sensor for mechanical movement detection.

9. A lock intended to be associated with a hands-free access system (5), characterized in that it comprises a hands-free access system activation device (5) according to any one of the claims. 1 to 8.

10. Opening handle (9) comprising a base (11) and a gripping lever (13), intended to be associated with a hands-free access system (5), said hands-free access system ( 5) comprising a hands-free access system activation device (5) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an actuating mechanism allowing two different movements of the gripping lever ( 13) relative to the base (11), one associated with the unlocking of the opening (3), the other with the locking of the opening (3), and in that the system activation device free (5) is connected to said actuating mechanism.

11. Opening handle (9) comprising a base (11) and a gripping lever (13), intended to be associated with a hands-free access system (5), said hands-free access system ( 5) comprising a hands-free access system activation device (5) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises two complementary elements (31, 33), one on the base (11) and the other on the gripping lever (13), arranged to interact after a portion of the actuating movement has been traveled to create a force opposed to continuing said actuating movement for provide haptic control of the actuation sequence.

12. sash handle (9) according to claim 11, characterized in that the complementary elements (31, 33) are excrescences intended to be in mechanical engagement.

13. sash handle (9) according to claim 11, characterized in that the complementary elements (31, 33) are magnets of opposite polarity.

14. Hands-free access system for a motor vehicle with several openings, characterized in that it comprises several hands-free system actuators according to any one of claims 1 to 8 each associated with a different opening, a controller (19) connected to all the actuators, a portable authentication device (25), and at least one antenna connected to the controller (19).