WO2018206285A1

WO2018206285A1 - Distance sensor

Info

Publication number: WO2018206285A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/060385
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maria Kufner; Felix Brand; Viktor Fairuschin; Daniel Schäffer
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
Priority date: 2017-05-08
Filing date: 2018-04-23
Publication date: 2018-11-15
Also published as: DE102017209252A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a distance sensor (16, 18) of a motor vehicle, in particular for monitoring collision of a door adjuster (2) that is powered by electric motor, comprising a lighting device (28) for emitting light (36) that has an angle range of radiation (50), and comprising a capturing device (30) for receiving the emitted light (36) that has an angle range of capture (54). The distance sensor (16, 18) further comprises an optical element (32) for guiding the emitted light (36), wherein the optical element (32) has a first input angle range (46) and a smaller second input angle range (48), between which a number of optical waveguides (44) are arranged. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle door adjuster (2), which is powered by electric motor.

Description

description

distance sensor

The invention relates to a distance sensor of a motor vehicle, with a lighting device for emitting light, and with a detection device for receiving the emitted light. The distance sensor is expediently a component of an electromotive door adjustment and is preferably used for collision monitoring. The invention further relates to an electromotive door adjustment of a motor vehicle.

To increase comfort, motor vehicles have electric motor-driven door adjustments, wherein a door is used in particular as a door. Here, the tailgate is opened or closed on a user's command. The transmission of the command, for example, by means of a button which is arranged in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. Also so-called remote key are equipped by means of such a button. In response to an actuation of the button, an electric motor of the door adjustment is activated and thus pivoted the door. Upon actuation of the button, it is possible that the user does not overlook the complete pivoting range of the door. Thus, it is possible that an obstacle is in the adjustment, resulting in damage to the door and / or the obstacle in an adjustment.

Distance sensors are usually used to avoid this. These usually have a lighting device for emitting light, which thus irradiates the environment in the region of the door. Furthermore, the distance sensor comprises a detection device for receiving the emitted light, which reflects on a possible obstacle or the like or is backscattered. Based on the time that elapses between the emission and the reception of the light, it is possible, with the aid of the speed of light, to calculate the distance of the obstacle to the door.

In order to reliably monitor even a relatively large adjustment range, a comparatively wide illumination of the environment is required. For this purpose, for example, several such distance sensors are used, but this increases the cost. It is also possible that light emitted by one of the distance sensors is detected by another of the distance sensors, which leads to a false assumed position of the obstacle. Further alternatives provide that the lighting device and the receiving device itself be continuously pivoted by a certain angular range during operation, so that an enlarged angle range can be monitored by means of the distance sensor. In this case, however, a mechanical adjustment of the lighting device and the detection device is required, which on the one hand leads to increased production costs. On the other hand, due to the mechanically comparatively complex construction is susceptible to error.

The invention has for its object to provide a particularly suitable distance sensor of a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable electric motor door adjustment of a motor vehicle, wherein advantageously wear, manufacturing costs and / or weight is reduced.

With regard to the distance sensor, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and in terms of the electromotive door adjustment by the features of claim 10 according to the invention. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The distance sensor is a component of a motor vehicle. For example, the distance sensor is used to detect the distance of a preceding motor vehicle. Particularly preferably, however, the distance is a component of an electromotive door adjustment. The distance sensor is expediently used for collision monitoring. In other words, by means of the level sensors monitors whether a collision takes place or would take place. Suitably, an outside area of the electromotive door adjustment is monitored by means of the distance sensor during operation.

The distance sensor has a lighting device for emitting light, and the lighting device itself has a radiation angle range. The lighting device expediently has a lighting means. For example, the lighting device comprises a light bulb, or more preferably an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or LD (Laser Diode). For example, the light bulb is the light bulb or the LED. In particular, the lighting device comprises an array of LEDs / LDs or only a single LED / LD. By means of this, the light is expediently generated. For example, the light is in the visible range or particularly preferably in the infrared range, so that it is not visible by means of the human eye. In other words, the light is electromagnetic radiation which, for example, has a wavelength between 380 nm and 800 nm or suitably between 750 nm and 1 .400 nm or between 750 nm and 1550 nm or between 750 nm and 3 μm. For example, the lighting device comprises a lens or other element, by means of which the light is focused, so that a radiation angle range is illuminated by means of the light during operation. The emitted light is in particular in the visible or infrared range, preferably in the near infrared range. For example, the lighting device comprises a beam-shaping element which determines the illuminated radiation angle range. For example, the lighting device comprises a coupling to an optical fiber, with which the emitted light is supplied to the optical element for guiding the emitted light. For example, the lighting device comprises an array of a plurality of LEDs or LDs, preferably a single LED or a single LD (laser diode).

The distance sensor further comprises a detection device for receiving the emitted light. The detection device has a detection angle range. In other words, all light incident on the detection means via the detection angle range is detected, for example In addition, a filter is present so that only light with a certain wavelength is detected. In particular, the filter is tuned to the wavelength of the emitted light, ie to the lighting device, so that at least one spectral range of the emitted light, in particular the main spectral range, is detected by means of the detection device. In particular, the detection device thus makes it possible to receive electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation. In particular, the detection angle range is symmetrical with respect to an axis, suitably rotationally symmetric and / or axisymmetric, the axis indicating in particular the main detection direction.

The detection angle range is directed away from the emission angle range and / or optically separated so that the light emitted by the light emission device can not be detected directly by means of the detection device. In particular, the main detection direction of the detection device and the radiation direction of the lighting device are different from each other. Consequently, it is only possible to detect the emitted light if it has been reflected or scattered on an obstacle or on another object.

The distance sensor further comprises an optical element for guiding the emitted light. The optical element has a first input angular range and a reduced second input angular range. The first input angle range is expediently symmetrical with respect to an axis, for example rotationally and / or axially symmetrically. Alternatively or particularly preferably in combination with this, the second input angular range is symmetrical with respect to a second axis, in particular rotationally and / or axially symmetrically. Conveniently, the axes of the two input angular ranges are parallel to each other.

Between the two input angular ranges a number of optical fibers is arranged. In other words, the optical element comprises two inputs, one associated with one of the input angular ranges. The two inputs are optically interconnected by means of the optical waveguides. prevented. Thus, light entering, for example, from the first input angular range is directed by means of the optical fibers to the second input angular range. Suitably, a light entering the second input angular range and incident on the optical element is directed into the first input angular range. If the second input angle range is completely illuminated by means of an incident light, in particular the complete first angular range is illuminated. Preferably, if the first input angle range is completely illuminated with light, the second input angle range is completely illuminated. Thus, angle segments of the first input angular range are assigned to other angle segments of the second input angular range by means of the optical waveguides. For example, the optical element comprises between 5 optical waveguides and 200 optical waveguides or between 10 optical waveguides and 150 optical waveguides. In particular, the number of optical fibers is equal to 16, 64, 100, or 128. Conveniently, the number of optical fibers is equal to the number of angular segments of the first and / or second input angular range. Preferably, therefore, the first / second input angular range 16, 64, 100, or 128 angle segments on.

In summary, the optical element is used for conducting electromagnetic radiation, in particular infrared radiation, preferably in the near infrared wavelength range. Suitably, the optical element is suitable, in particular provided and arranged, to conduct electromagnetic radiation at the wavelength which comprises the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the lighting device. For this purpose, the optical waveguides are appropriately suitably matched. For example, one of the angle segments is assigned to one of the optical waveguides, so that in each case an enlargement or reduction of the guided angle range takes place by means of one optical waveguide. For example, the first and / or second angular range is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis, in particular mirror and / or rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis. Appropriately, the axes of the two input angular ranges correspond. The optical element is used to guide the light emitted by means of the lighting device, this being done, for example, before reflection / scattering or after reflection / scattering on the possible object / obstacle. Here, the emitted light is transmitted, for example, in the first input angular range or in the second input angular range, and passed by means of the optical waveguides of the optical element to the second input angular range and to the first input angular range. Thus, an enlargement or reduction of the light cone, which strikes the optical element, so that by means of the optical element, for example, an enlarged angle range is illuminated or an enlarged angle range is detected. Due to the optical waveguides, a movement of elements for realizing the first or second input angular range is not required, which increases robustness and reduces wear and weight. In addition, this production costs are reduced.

In operation, for example, based on the time that elapses between the emission of light by means of the lighting device and the reception of the light by means of the detection device, with the aid of the speed of light, the distance of any obstacle is calculated. Alternatively, based on the change in the intensity of the light, the distance of the obstacle to the first distance sensor is determined. For this purpose, the, in particular temporal, course of the intensity of the detected by the detection means light is detected and compared with the (known) intensity of the light emitted by the lighting device. The distance is thus determined preferably based on the transit time difference of different frequencies of the light.

The optical element is expediently connected upstream of the detection device. In this case, in particular the second input angle range is coupled to the detection angle range, preferably optically coupled. Thus, in operation, the light is directed by means of the optical element to the input associated with the second input angular range and from there to that of the detection means. Expediently, the optical element is located mechanically directly on the detection device, so that coupling losses are minimized and / or a scattered light influence is substantially avoided. Consequently, only by means of the optical element the light is conducted to the detection device. Suitably, the second input angular range corresponds to the detection angle range, and preferably, it overlaps. In other words, the second input angular range and the detection angle range are mutually exclusive. As a result, only the light which is guided into the second input angular range is detected by the detection means, and any light which is guided by the optical element and in particular is backscattered or reflected from the possibly existing object in the direction of the optical element detected during operation by the detection device. Due to the first detection angle range, in this case the effective area is increased, which can be detected by means of the detection device. For this purpose, the optical fibers are essentially used, which are relatively inexpensive to produce. Also, no mechanical movement of components is required for operation. Due to the coupling of the two angular ranges, detection of stray light or the like is additionally prevented, so that only light entering the first input angular range is detected by means of the detection device, which is why erroneous detection of obstacles or the like is prevented.

By means of the division of the first input angle range into several angle segments, eg 16, 64 or 100 angle segments, it is possible to obtain a spatial resolution. In particular, information is obtained from this in which angle segment the eventual reflecting / backscattering object is located. In this case, just as many optical waveguides as angle segments in the first input angular range are expediently present. The optical waveguides are in particular all arranged in parallel, planar in the row. For example, all the optical waveguides open into the second input angular range. Preferably, the distances of the optical waveguides in the second input angular range correspond to the distances of any detection elements, such as line elements, of the detection device. In other words, in each case one of the optical waveguides is assigned to one of the detection elements of the detection device. In this case, an operation on one of the respective detection elements of the Er- detected detection device incident light. Thus, an assignment of the detection elements to the angle segments of the first input angular range is made possible. In this case, in particular, the position within the line, and not an angle segment of the second angle range, the detection device, the information in which angle segment in the first input angle range, the eventual object is located.

Alternatively, the second input angular range of the optical element is coupled to the emission angle range. In particular, in this case, the optical element is mechanically directly to the lighting device. In other words, the optical element of the lighting device is optically connected downstream. Preferably, the lighting device and the optical element, in particular the optical waveguide, is fiber-coupled. Thus, light emitted by the lighting device is emitted into the second input angular range of the optical element and from there into the first input angular range, and therefore, the space area illuminated by the lighting device and the optical element is increased. Conveniently, the second input angle range corresponds to the emission angle range, wherein these expediently overlap. In particular, the second input angular range and the emission angle range are thus congruent or else their preferred axes are at least parallel to each other and preferably the same. Thus, during operation by means of the lighting device and by means of the optical element substantially the complete first input angle range is illuminated. Furthermore, it is possible to set the illuminated area by means of the optical element by adapting the first input angular range accordingly. Consequently, the distance sensor can be used in a wide variety of applications and / or motor vehicles, it only being necessary to adapt the optical element, in particular only the first input angle range, to the use and / or application. An adaptation of the lighting device is not required, which is why production costs are reduced.

Advantageously, the optical element of the detection device is optically upstream, wherein the second input angular range in particular with the Detection angle range is coupled and preferably corresponds to this. In this case, the distance sensor preferably further comprises a second optical element which, for example, is identical in construction to the optical element. However, at least the second optical element comprises the first input angular range and the reduced second input angular range between which a number of optical waveguides are arranged. The second optical element is connected downstream of the lighting device, in particular optically. Preferably, the second input angular range of the second optical element is coupled to the emission angle range of the lighting device, and the second input angular region of the second optical element corresponds to the emission angle range. Due to the two optical elements, it is thus possible both to illuminate a comparatively large spatial area and to monitor this spatial area to an obstacle. In this case, it is possible to use the distance sensor in different types of motor vehicles or applications, wherein both the lighting device and the detection device can be used unchanged. In particular, it is only necessary to adapt the optical element and the second optical element accordingly. Conveniently, the optical element and the second optical element are identical to each other, which reduces manufacturing costs.

For example, the detection angle range is substantially 0 °. In other words, by means of the detection device only light is detected which strikes it from a single direction. For example, deviations of up to 5 °, 3 °, 2 ° or 0 ° are present. As a result, it is not necessary for the detection means to have a lens or the like for increasing the detection angle range, which further reduces manufacturing cost. Suitably, the optical element of the detection device is connected upstream, so that by means of this still the comparatively large first input angle range is monitored. Alternatively or particularly preferably in combination with this, the emission angle range is substantially 0 °. In other words, by means of the lighting device only light is emitted in a single preferred direction, for example, a deviation of up to 25 °, 22 °, 15 °, 10 °, 5 °, 4 °, 3 ° or 0 ° is present. Conveniently, the optimum see element or the second optical element, if it is present, the lighting device downstream, so that by means of the lighting device and the optical element or the second optical element during operation, the comparatively large first input angle range is illuminated.

Conveniently, the second input angular range of the optical element / second optical element is also substantially 0 °, so that the second input angular range of the optical element / the second optical element corresponds to the detection angle range and the radiation angle range, respectively.

Preferably, the first input angular range is substantially 180 °, with, for example, a deviation of up to 25 °, 22 °, 15 °, 10 °, 5 ° or 0 °. Due to the comparatively large first input angular range, it is possible to illuminate a comparatively large spatial area by means of the lighting device or to monitor it by means of the detection device, which increases safety.

For example, the optical waveguides are arranged such that the first and / or the second input angular range corresponds to one cone or more parallel or convergent cones. For this purpose, the inputs or at least one of the inputs of the optical element are designed, for example, in the manner of a spherical segment and / or mushroom-shaped. As a result, a comparatively large area is monitored by means of the distance sensor. In other words, an example rotationally symmetrical object is created by means of the optical waveguide. Particularly preferably, however, the optical waveguides are arranged planar. In other words, all the optical fibers run in one plane. Thus, the first and second input angular range is only in one plane, which is why by means of the distance sensor substantially only a single level is monitored for the presence of an obstacle. For example, in this case the plane parallel to the door, if the distance sensor is a part of the electric motorized door adjustment. Suitably, the plane is perpendicular to the direction of adjustment and is, for example, spaced from the door, in particular between 2 cm and 20 cm and suitably substantially 10 centimeters. During an adjustment of the door, in particular during an opening movement, the level monitored by the distance sensor thus covers the area which is subsequently swept over by means of the door. Due to the planar arrangement, an expense for evaluating the data acquired by means of the distance sensor is reduced, which is why a comparatively cost-effective control unit and / or evaluation unit can be used, which further reduces production costs. The distance sensor preferably comprises a control unit and / or evaluation unit or is at least signal-coupled with it.

The optical element expediently has a shaping element for forming the light on the side of the second input angular range. Here, the mold element suitably forms the input associated with the second input angular range. For example, the form element is a beam splitter by means of which the light incident in the second input angular range is split. For example, the beam splitter is a planar integrated branching structure, a diffraction grating or any other integrated optical splitter component or at least includes these. Due to the integrated optical splitter components, it is possible to make them integral with the waveguides so that a number of operations are reduced, which reduces manufacturing costs. In addition, an accuracy is increased. In other words, in this case, the optical fibers as well as the integrated optical splitter components are monolithic. By means of the beam splitter, it is ensured that the light incident in the second input angular range is guided into the complete first input angular range. Suitably, the beam splitter is arranged such that each of the optical waveguides is illuminated by means of a light beam generated by means of the beam splitter, provided that light enters the second input angular range. In a further alternative, the beam-dividing element is a MEMS mirror, that is to say a micromirror actuator and thus a microelectromechanical component. In this case, for example, by means of the micromirror actuator successively each of the optical waveguides is charged with the light which enters the second input angular range, so that the first input angular range is successively illuminated. Alternatively, the former is a beam former, such as a refractive or diffractive lens. Such lenses are relatively inexpensive, which reduces manufacturing costs. In other alternatives, the form element is a crossed cylindrical lens pair or at least includes this. By means of the beam shaper, it is ensured that the light entering the first input angular range is also conducted appropriately into the second input angular range. For example, the crossed cylindrical lens pairs are integrally formed with the waveguides and thus monolithically integrated in this, which simplifies the production. In addition, no positioning and assembly of the individual components to each other is required, which further simplifies the production. Also, a comparatively free adjustment of the input angular ranges is possible due to the crossed cylindrical lenses. Suitably, the crossed cylindrical lenses and the optical waveguides are produced in one work step.

Suitably, the optical waveguides with the cylindrical lens pair or the integrated optical splitter components are created in an injection molding process.

For example, the optical waveguides are gradient index waveguides. These have a comparatively high mechanical and thermal stability, so that a reliability of the distance sensor is increased. In another alternative, the optical fibers are step index optical fibers. Suitably, the step index optical fibers are made in an injection molding process, which reduces manufacturing costs. In other words, the surface profiles of the step index optical waveguides are moldable in an injection molding, and therefore they can be mass-produced. For example, the optical fibers are made of a glass or a polymer. If the optical waveguides are made of a polymer, that is to say of a plastic, these are preferably produced in an injection molding process. Alternatively, the optical fibers are molded in glass.

For example, the detection device comprises a photodiode, for example a single photon photodiode or an avalanche photodiode (avalanche photodiode, APD). In other words, the photodiode is based on the inner one photoelectric effect for carrier generation and avalanche breakdown for internal amplification. For example, the enclosure direction detects a number of such (avalanche) photodiodes. Because of this, a comparatively high sensitivity is present, so that even comparatively weakly reflecting objects or obstacles can be detected by means of the distance sensor. Conveniently, the photodiodes are arranged in a row or an array. Due to the arrangement as a line element parallel processing is possible, which increases a read speed and processing.

In a further alternative, the detection device comprises a so-called Position Sensitive Device (PSD), ie an optical position sensor (OPS). Here, for example, a photodiode is present, which is contacted on two opposite sides in each case by means of a cover electrode. Alternatively or in combination, the detection device operates on the CCD or CMOS principle. Particularly preferably, the detection device comprises a PIN photodiode, ie a photodiode, which has a P- and an N-layer, between which there is a further layer which is intrinsic. In particular, the detection device comprises a number of such PIN photodiodes, which are expediently arranged to form a line and suitably connected. Due to this, parallel detection and processing are enabled. Due to the PIN photodiode (s) manufacturing costs are reduced.

In operation, for example, only a certain portion of the optical waveguide is used to conduct the light. For this purpose, for example, only a certain portion of the optical waveguide is irradiated / acted upon by the light. In other words, only part of the optical element is used to guide the emitted light. For example, the optical waveguides are exposed to the light independently of each other.

For example, the distance sensor comprises an adjustable mirror, by means of which the assignment to the different optical waveguides takes place. Thus, especially in one condition, only the part of the optical fibers and in another condition, the other part or another part of the optical fibers is used to conduct the emitted light. The possible MEMS level is preferably used for this purpose.

Alternatively, for example, a plurality of lighting devices are present, or the lighting device comprises a plurality of individual lamps. In this case, each of the lighting means is expediently assigned in each case a part of the optical waveguide, so that only the light emitted by means of the respective associated lighting means is conducted by means of the latter. For example, the individual lamps are designed differently, or the individual lamps are associated with filters. In particular, light of different and / or differing wavelengths is emitted by means of the different light sources. Alternatively or in combination with this, there is a staggered exposure of the optical waveguide to the light with the different wavelengths. In other words, for example, first one part of the optical waveguide with the light of the first wavelength and the other part with the light of the second wavelength and in (temporal) connection thereto the first part with the light with the second wavelength and the other part subjected to the light of the first wavelength and / or used for conducting. Appropriately, there is a pulsed operation of the lamps and / or the complete lighting device.

Due to the assignment of the optical waveguides to the respective specific proportion of the emitted light, it is possible to monitor a part of the spatial region comparatively efficiently, in particular to monitor the part of the spatial region for a comparatively distant object. For example, only one power of one of the bulbs associated with that portion of the space area is increased, resulting in secure monitoring. The power of the lighting means, which are associated with the other optical waveguides, however, is not changed or reduced, for example, if it is assumed that there is no object in the associated space area. In this way, an overall energy demand of the distance sensor is reduced, with a quality and security is increased. The electromotive adjusting device is a component of a motor vehicle and comprises a door driven by means of an electric motor. The door is for example a side door, which is in particular a hinged door or a sliding door. Alternatively, the door is a tailgate. The electric motor itself is, for example, a brushed commutator motor. Conveniently, the electric motor is a brushless electric motor, in particular a DC motor. Preferably, the electric motor is a brushless DC motor (BLDC) and / or a synchronous motor. The door is mechanically coupled to the electric motor, for example by means of a gear, such as a worm gear. Alternatively or in combination, a spindle or a cable is mechanically arranged between the electric motor and the door.

Furthermore, the electromotive door adjustment comprises a distance sensor with a lighting device for emitting light, which has a radiation angle range, and with a detection device for receiving the emitted light, which has a detection angle range. In addition, the distance sensor comprises an optical element for guiding the emitted light, the optical element having a first input angular range and a reduced second input angular range, between which a number of optical waveguides are arranged. During operation, the light emitted by means of the light emitting device is detected by means of the detection device, wherein the two devices are expediently arranged such that a direct detection of the light emitted by the light emitting device is not possible. In other words, only the light emitted by the lighting device is detected by means of the detection device, provided that it is reflected or scattered at a further object, in particular an obstacle or the like.

The optical element is at least partially disposed on an outer side of the door, so that the light is directed to the outside of the door by means of the optical element. In this case, the first input angular range is expediently assigned to the outside of the door. Thus, light is coming from the outside the door meets the optical element, with this guided and / or by means of the optical light is directed to the outside of the door element. For example, the distance sensor is integrated in a mirror, for example a side mirror, or a door handle. In a further alternative, the distance sensor is integrated in a spoiler, provided that the door is a tailgate.

Appropriately, by means of the distance sensor during operation, a plane is monitored which is parallel to the door and / or perpendicular to an adjustment direction / pivoting direction of the door, and which is arranged within the adjustment range of the door. Here, a plane is monitored suitably, which is traversed by pivoting the door by means of this. In particular, the plane is pivoted with the door with, so that the monitored level leads the door. Suitably, the electromotive door adjustment includes two such distance sensors, so that it can be distinguished whether the object or obstacle approaches the door or is static with respect to this. In this case, each level is expediently monitored, which are suitably spaced from each other. For example, the two planes are parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the adjustment / pivoting direction of the door.

For example, the distance sensor is used to detect gestures of a user of the motor vehicle. Depending on the detected gestures in this case, for example, the electromotive door adjustment is actuated. Alternatively or in combination with this, a closing mechanism of the motor vehicle is actuated, for example, so that the motor vehicle is locked or unlocked as a function of the gesture detected by means of the distance sensor.

The refinements and advantages embodied in connection with the distance sensor are analogously also to be transferred to the electromotive door adjustment and vice versa.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show: 1 shows schematically an electromotive door adjustment with two distance sensors,

2 in a side view simplifies one of the distance sensors with two optical elements,

3 in a plan view of one of the optical elements,

4 in a plan view of one of the optical elements, which is connected downstream of a lighting device,

Fig. 5 in a plan view of one of the optical elements, which is connected upstream of a detection device, and

Fig. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the distance sensor.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 is shown schematically simplified an electric motorized door adjustment 2 of a motor vehicle. The electromotive door adjustment 2 comprises an electric motor 4 in the form of a brushless DC motor (BLDC) or a brushed commutator motor. By means of the electric motor 4, a door 6 is driven, which is connected by means of two hinges 8 to a body not shown in detail and is pivotally mounted, so that they can perform an adjustment path 10. When energizing the electric motor 4, the door 6 is pivoted along the adjustment path 10. In other words, the door 6 is a side door of the motor vehicle, in particular a driver's door. The door 6 further comprises a door handle 12, by means of which door 6 can be moved manually along the adjustment path 10.

In addition, the door 6 comprises an exterior mirror 14, in which a first distance sensor 16 and a second distance sensor 18 are integrated. By means of the first distance sensor, a first plane 20 is monitored for the presence of an obstacle 22. In other words, the distance sensors 16, 18 of the collision monitoring, wherein the collision could occur when the door 6 is adjusted according to the adjustment 10. In summary, it is monitored whether the obstacle 22 is within the plane 20 which is perpendicular to the adjustment path 10. Here, the first plane 20 is at least partially spaced from the door 6 and extends for example at least partially at a distance of 10 cm to this, wherein the first plane 20 and the main extension plane of the door 6 in particular form an angle to each other, which is substantially 15 ° , By means of the second distance sensor 18, a second level 24 is monitored for the presence of the obstacle 22 out. The second plane 24 is perpendicular to the adjustment path 10 and pivoted either parallel to the first plane 20 or with respect to this along the adjustment path 10. Here, the second plane 24 extends at a distance of substantially 10 cm or 15 cm to the first plane 20. The first distance sensor 16 and the second distance sensor 18 are identical to each other and differ only by the geometric positioning, so either the first plane 20 or the second level 24 is monitored by means of the respective distance sensor.

2, the first distance sensor 16, which is structurally identical to the second distance sensor 18, is illustrated schematically in simplified form. The first distance sensor 16, hereinafter referred to merely as a distance sensor 16, has a control unit 26 which is signal-technically and electrically coupled to a lighting device 28 and to a detection device 30. The first distance sensor 16 further comprises an optical element 32 and a second optical element 34, which are identical to each other. Here, the second optical element 34 of the light-emitting device 28 and the optical element 32 of the detection device 30 is associated with and mechanically attached thereto. By means of the lighting device 28, light 36 in the form of electromagnetic radiation in the near infrared region is emitted during operation. For this purpose, the lighting device 28 not shown LED's (Light Emitting Diodes), whose spectral range is in the near infrared range. In addition, the lighting device 28 comprises in a variant, not shown, a filter, not shown, by means of which any electromagnetic radiation is filtered out in the visible range. By means of the second optical element 34, the light 36 is guided into the plane 20, wherein a part of the second optical element 34 is located on an outer side of the door 6. If the obstacle 22 is present, the light 36 is reflected back from it, so that the light 36 strikes the optical element 32 and is guided by this to the detection device 30. There, the light 36 is detected, and the measurement data is transmitted to the control unit 26. By means of the control unit 26, the time which has elapsed between the emission of the light 36 by means of the lighting device 28 and the detection of the light 36 by means of the detection device 30 is determined. Using the known speed of light, the distance of the obstacle 22 to the first distance sensor 16 is determined. Alternatively, based on the change in the intensity of the light 36, the distance of the obstacle 22 to the first distance sensor 16 is determined. For this purpose, the, in particular temporal, course of the intensity of the detected light 36 (pattern) is detected and compared with the (known) intensity of the light 36 which was emitted by means of the lighting device 28. The distance is thus preferably determined on the basis of the transit time difference of different frequencies of the light 36 (intensity modulation).

In Fig. 3, the optical element 32, which is identical in construction to the second optical element 34, and which is shown in Fig. 2 in a side view, shown in a plan view. The optical element 32 is made of a polymer in an injection molding process and has a first input 38 and a second input 40. The second input 40 is formed by means of a shaping element 42 for shaping the light 36, which merges into a number of optical waveguides 44 whose remaining ends form the first input 38. Here, the optical waveguides 44 are only in the first plane 20, so that they are arranged planar. The optical element 32 has, on the side of the first input 38, a first input angular range 46 which is 180 ° and lies completely in the first plane 20. On the side of the second input 40, the optical element 32 has a second input angle range 48, which is substantially 0 °. Provided that the light 36 thus hits the second input 40, this is only then forwarded, if this hits perpendicular to the plan designed second input 40. This is due to the light wel- guided conductor 44 in the first input angular range 46, so that the second plane 20 is filled by means of the light 36, wherein the light is fanned to 180 °. If the light 36 strikes the first input 38 from the first input angular range 46, this is conducted into the second input angular range 48 by means of the optical waveguides 44. The optical waveguides 44 are embodied as step-index optical waveguides and produced integrally with the mold element 42 in an injection molding process.

4, the distance sensor 16 in a plan view of FIG. 3 is shown schematically simplified in fragmentary form. The lighting device 28 has an emission angle range 50, which corresponds to the second input angle region 48 and is congruent with this. The emitting angle range 50 and the second input angular range 48 are each substantially 0 °. In operation, the lighting device 28 thus transmits the light 36 substantially only in one direction. The light 36 strikes a coupling element 52 of the second optical element 34, which is connected upstream of the shaping element 42 and is integral therewith. The coupling element 52 forms the second input 40 and is present in this embodiment, but can be omitted, as shown in Fig. 3. In summary, the second input angular range 48 of the second optical element 34 is coupled to the emission angle range 50 of the light-emitting device 28, and the second optical element 34 is connected downstream of the light-emitting device 28.

The shaped element 42 is a planar integrated branching structure, with the result that the light 36, which is emitted by means of the lighting device 28 into the emission angle range 50 and thus into the second input angular range 48, is split onto the individual optical waveguides 44. As a result, substantially the entire second input area 46 is illuminated with the light 36, so that the obstacle 22 can also be detected in a wide variety of relative positions relative to the distance sensor 16. The mold element 42 is made in one piece with the optical waveguides 44 and the coupling element 52 in an injection molding process. 5, the detection device 30 and the optical element 32 of the first distance sensor 16 are shown in accordance with FIG. The optical element 32 in this embodiment also has the coupling element 52, which merges into the shaping element 42, but which is a crossed cylindrical lens pair in comparison to the previous embodiment. This is also made in one piece with the optical waveguides 44 in a plastic injection molding process. The light 36 is received in operation by means of the optical waveguide 44 at the first input 38. In other words, the first input 38 is irradiated by means of the light 36 and directed to the shaping element 42 and from there to the coupling element 52 in the second input angular range 48, which is coupled to a detection angle range 54 of the receiving device 30. The detection angle range 54 corresponds to the receiving device 30. In other words, the detection angle range 54 corresponds to the second input angular range 48, and the optical element 32 is connected upstream of the detection device 30. The detection angle range 54 as well as the second input angle range 48 are substantially 0 °, so that by means of the optical element 32, the light 36 is always guided in one direction, regardless of the direction from which it impinges on the second input 38.

Detector 30 includes a number of PIN photodiodes 56 arranged in a row. Here, the row of PIN photodiodes is perpendicular to the detection angle range 54, so that by means of each of the PIN photodiodes 56 light in a certain range of the detection angle range 54 can be detected. For this purpose, the PIN photodiodes 56 are suitably connected, so that a parallel readout of the PIN photodiodes 56 is made possible. If the light 36 is detected by means of one of the PIN photodiodes 56, the presence of the obstacle 22 in the first plane 20 is detected, due to the time interval between the emission and the reception of the light 36 or based on the intensity modulation of the distance of the obstacle 22 to the door mirror 14 is determined. 6, a further embodiment of the distance sensor 16 is shown, wherein the optical element 32 is not changed and corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5. Between the lighting device 28 and the optical element 32, a beam cube 58 is connected. The emitted by the light emitting device 28 light 36 penetrates straight through the beam part cube 58 and impinges on the coupling element 52 of the optical element 32, from where it is directed to the mold element 42 and from there into the optical waveguide 44 for radiating into the first input angular range 46. If the light 36 is suitably reflected, it passes over the first input angle range 46 again onto the optical element 32. The light 26 is guided by means of the optical waveguides 44 to the shaped element 42, where it is focused in such a way that the light 36 passes through the coupling element 52 is directed again to the beam splitter cube 58. This acts like a semi-transmissive mirror and redirects the light 36 to the detector 30, which is an optical position sensor (OPS, Position Sensitive Device, PSD). By means of which it is detected whether the obstacle 22 is located in the first plane 20.

In summary, the distance detection takes place in an angular range of preferably 180 ° in a plane, ie planar, which is achieved via the arrangement of the optical waveguides 44, which are arranged planar. During the emission, each of the optical waveguides 44 leads the light 36 into the first input angular region 36 and thus into the first plane 20. The coupling of the light 36 into the respective optical waveguides 44 takes place either via a beam-splitting optical element, that is to say the shaped element 42, or via a MEMS mirror. When the light is received, at least one of the optical fibers 44, for example all of the optical fibers 44, guide the light 36. At a minimum, each of the optical fibers 44 could guide the light 36 reflected or scattered on the obstacle 22. This light 36 is guided to the detection device 30, which is configured in the manner of a detector or, for example, is a detector array or an element of a detector array.

The shaped element 42 is a beam-shaping optical component which is located in the region of the second input 40 of the optical element 30. Which he- Identification of the distance of the obstacle 22 to the distance sensor 16 takes place via the determination of the transit time of the light 36, ie the time that elapses between the emission and reception of the light 36 ("time of flight", TOF) The shaped element 42 is used in particular for beam shaping and is for example a crossed cylindrical lens pair, a refractive or a diffractive lens Alternatively, the shaped element 42 is a beam-splitting element, such as an integrated optical waveguide or gradient index waveguide The detection device 30 includes, for example, avalanche photodiodes or PIN photodiodes, which are arranged individually or interconnected as a line, for example an optical position sensor (OPS, PSD).

By means of the distance sensor 16, an angular range of preferably 180 ° is detected in a plane. The planar integrated optical waveguides 44 are suitable for production as an injection molded part and therefore relatively inexpensive to produce. Thus, the optical element 30 is inexpensive to produce, compact, mechanically stable and has a comparatively low weight. Furthermore, no wear due to mechanically moving parts occurs because the optical element 32 has no such parts. The distance sensor 16 is suitable for collision protection on side doors and tailgates. Here, the distance sensor is arranged, positioned and mounted so that the first plane 20, which serves the obstacle detection is perpendicular to the adjustment path 10, wherein the distance between the first plane 20 and the door 6 is selected such that in case of detection of the Obstacle 22 the collision can be prevented.

If the optical waveguides 44 are step index optical waveguides, they can be molded as surface profiles by injection molding, which is why they can be mass produced. If the optical waveguides 44 are Gradientenindexlichtwellenleiter, these are preferably made of glass and thus have an increased mechanical and thermal stability. If the shaped element 42 has crossed pairs of cylinders, these can be monolithically integrated together as a beam shaping element with the optical waveguide 44 and thus be shaped. Because of this, the cost of manufacturing and positioning of the individual components reduces each other. In addition, a comparatively high freedom of design for beam shaping is given by the crossed cylindrical lens pairs.

If the form element 44 has refractive and / or diffractive lenses, procurement is simplified. The realization of the feature 44, if this serves the beam splitting, as an integrated optical splitter component has the advantage that this can also be monolithically integrated with the optical waveguide 44 and the possibly existing crossed cylindrical lens pairs, which is why a mass production is possible as an injection molded part. This leads to a further cost reduction. In addition, this eliminates an effort for assembly and positioning of the individual components. However, a diffraction grating or imaging optics are possible alternatives to the form element 42.

The detection device 30 has as a detector, for example, avalanche photodiodes or single-photon (avalanche) photodiodes. Due to this, a comparatively high sensitivity is given. If these diodes are connected as row elements, parallel processing is possible, resulting in an increased processing speed. In one alternative, the detector comprises PIN photodiodes or a PSD (optical position sensor), which reduces manufacturing costs.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all the individual features described in connection with the individual embodiments are also combinable with one another in other ways, without departing from the subject matter of the invention. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2 electromotive door adjustment

4 electric motor

6 door

8 hinge

10 adjustment away

12 door handle

14 outside mirrors

16 first distance sensor

18 second distance sensor

20 first level

22 obstacle

24 second level

26 control unit

28 lighting device

30 detection device

32 optical element

34 second optical element

36 light

38 first entrance

40 second entrance

42 mold element

44 optical fibers

46 first input angle range

48 second input angle range

50 beam angle range

52 coupling element

54 detection angle range

56 PIN photodiode

58 beam cube

Claims

claims

1 . Distance sensor (16, 18) of a motor vehicle, in particular for collision monitoring an electromotive door adjustment (2), with a lighting device (28) for emitting light (36) having a Abstrahlwinkelbereich (50), and with a detection device (30) for Receiving the emitted light (36) having a detection angle range (54) and an optical element (32) for directing the emitted light (36), the optical element (32) having a first input angular range (46) and a reduced second Input angle range (48), between which a number of optical waveguides (44) is arranged.

2. Distance sensor (16, 18) according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that the second input angular range (48) corresponds to the detection angle range (54), wherein the second input angular range (48) is coupled to the detection angle range (54), or the second input angular range (48) corresponds to the emission angle range (50), the second Input angle range (48) with the Abstrahlwinkelbereich (50) is coupled.

3. distance sensor (16, 18) according to claim 1,

marked by

a second optical element (34), wherein the optical element (32) of the detection device (30) is connected upstream, and wherein the second optical element (34) of the lighting device (28) is connected downstream.

4. Distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized,

in that the detection angle range (54) and / or the emission angle range (50) is substantially 0 °.

5. Distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 4,

characterized,

the first input angular range (46) is substantially 180 °.

6. distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized,

in that the optical waveguides (44) are arranged planar.

7. distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized,

in that the optical element (32) has a shaping element (42) on the side of the second input angular region (48) for shaping the light (36).

8. Distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 7,

characterized,

in that the optical waveguides (44) are step index optical waveguides.

9. Distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 8,

characterized,

in that the detection device (30) has a number of PIN photodiodes (56), which are arranged in particular to form a line.

10. Electromotive door adjustment (2) of a motor vehicle, with a by means of an electric motor (4) driven door (6), and with a distance sensor (16, 18) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical element (32) at least partially is arranged on an outer side of the door (6).