WO2022200024A1

WO2022200024A1 - Method for operating a door of a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022200024A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/055716
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leonhard Angerpointner; Bernd Herthan; Thomas Liedtke; Felix Müller; Manfred Stenzel; Martin Storch
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Se & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
Priority date: 2021-03-26
Filing date: 2022-03-07
Publication date: 2022-09-29
Also published as: DE112022000741A5; DE102021203033A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (60) for operating a door (14) of a motor vehicle (2), comprising a door control device (28), and an acoustic sensor (46) which is connected to a loudspeaker (24) for signal communication via a counter-noise unit (48) of the door control device (28). An acoustic signal (64) is generated by means of the acoustic sensor (46) and transmitted to the counter-noise unit (48). A counter-noise signal (74) is generated by means of the counter-noise unit (48) based on the acoustic signal (64) and transmitted to the loudspeaker (24). The counter-noise signal (74) is output by means of the loudspeaker (24). The invention further relates to a door (14) of a motor vehicle (2) and to a computer program product (58).

Description

description

Method for operating a door of a motor vehicle

The invention relates to a method for operating a door of a motor vehicle and a door of a motor vehicle. The door has in each case a Türsteuerge advises. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product.

Motor vehicles, such as passenger cars (cars), are used at least in part to transport people. These are usually located in an interior of the motor vehicle in which one or more seats are arranged for the people. During operation of the motor vehicle, noises are generated that enter the interior of the motor vehicle and are found there to be annoying. It is also possible that such noises, especially if they are comparatively monotonous, lead to premature fatigue of the people in the interior. Corresponding noises are, for example, operating noises from a main drive of the motor vehicle, which has an internal combustion engine, for example. Furthermore, such noises are due to turbulence caused by wind noise, which arise due to the shape of the motor vehicle when moving. Rolling noises of any tires on a surface also count among these noises.

Insulation is usually provided to reduce the noise that can be heard in the interior. This is arranged, for example, in the area of an engine compartment, and/or the interior is partially surrounded by appropriate insulation, which is also partially arranged inside a door of the motor vehicle. However, due to the additional insulation, for which insulation mats are mostly used, the weight of the motor vehicle is increased, which is why efficiency is reduced. There are also additional installation space and assembly steps to foresee. In addition, due to an increase in the weight of the door, its operation is made more difficult, so that comfort is reduced.

An alternative approach provides for the noise occurring in the interior to be detected by means of a plurality of microphones, which are arranged, for example, in a roof liner or at other positions in the interior. The sound signals captured by the microphones are transmitted to a central control unit, where an opposing sound signal is calculated. This is sent to a multi media system, by means of which the anti-noise signal is transmitted to several loudspeakers, which serve to output audio signals into the interior of the motor vehicle. Due to the counter-noise signal emitted by the loudspeakers, there is counter-noise which at least partially compensates for the noise in the interior.

In this case, however, it is necessary for a time delay between the recording of the noise by means of the microphones and the output of the anti-noise signal by means of the loudspeakers to be comparatively short. As a result, there is an increased requirement for the transmission of the sound signal from the microphones to the central control unit and from there to the multimedia system. For this purpose, specially provided lines are usually used so that the time specification can be met. As a result, however, wiring effort and weight are increased. In addition, it is necessary to provide several microphones in the interior of the motor vehicle, which is why manufacturing costs and assembly costs are increased.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable method for operating a door of a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable door of a motor vehicle as well as a particularly suitable computer program product, with advantageously increased comfort and with expediently reducing manufacturing costs and/or assembly effort are. With regard to the method, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, with regard to the door by the features of claim 7, and with regard to the computer program product by the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments and configurations are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

The method is used to operate a door of a motor vehicle. The door is thus suitable, in particular provided and set up, to become part of the motor vehicle and preferably to be mounted on it. The motor vehicle is in particular land-based and preferably designed with multiple lanes. It is suitably possible here to position the motor vehicle essentially freely, in particular on a corresponding roadway. For this purpose, the motor vehicle has, in particular, appropriate wheels. In summary, it is preferably possible to position the motor vehicle essentially independently of other circumstances on land. In other words, the motor vehicle is suitably not rail-guided. The motor vehicle is preferably a passenger car (car) or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck (truck) or bus. In the installed state, the door expediently covers or at least can cover an opening in an interior of the motor vehicle. Preferably, it is therefore possible to adjust the door with respect to any bodywork of the motor vehicle, so that the opening is released. For example, the door is mounted on the possible body of the motor vehicle so that it can pivot and/or be transversally adjustable. For example, the door is a tailgate or particularly preferably a side door.

The door includes a door control unit, which is used in particular to operate one or more ancillary units of the motor vehicle. An electric motor door adjustment, for example, is used as such an auxiliary unit, by means of which the door is swiveled by an electric motor in relation to any bodywork during operation. Alternatively or in combination with this, the door control unit is used to control an electromotive window lifter in the door, which uses an electric includes romotor and a window pane driven therewith. In a further alternative, the door control device is used to control a side mirror and/or a lock. In a further alternative, the door control unit is used to set a seat which is arranged in the interior essentially next to the door. The door control unit is suitable for this purpose, in particular it is provided and set up.

The door includes, for example, an outer skin that is formed, for example, at least partially by means of sheet metal. As an alternative to this, the outer skin is at least partially made of a plastic. The outer skin delimited the door, particularly on the outside. On the side facing the interior, the door preferably comprises a (door) board, and the door control device is expediently located between the door board and the outer skin and is therefore protected. In particular, the door includes a door module that has the door control unit. The door module expediently has other components of the door, such as any electric motorized windows and/or the door adjustment (door drive) or at least parts thereof. Thus, these components are mounted on the door and thus on the motor vehicle in one work step, which simplifies assembly.

The door also includes a sound sensor, by means of which a sound can be detected. The sound sensor is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up. In addition, the door includes a loudspeaker, which is preferably provided for outputting sound into the interior of the motor vehicle. The loudspeaker is suitable for this purpose, in particular provided and set up. The loudspeaker is, for example, a so-called woofer, a mid-range speaker or a tweeter. The sound sensor is technically connected to the loudspeaker signal via a counter-sound unit. Thus, sound signals created by means of the sound sensor are first routed to the anti-sound unit. Signals can also be routed from the anti-sound unit to the loudspeaker.

The anti-sound unit is part of the door control unit. In other words, the anti-sound unit is integrated into the door control unit. For example, is the anti-sound unit is at least partially formed by means of a software routine or specific electrical and/or electronic components of the door control unit. The anti-sound unit is used to create an anti-sound signal for an incoming sound signal. The anti-sound signal is created by the anti-sound unit in such a way that when the sound, on the basis of which the supplied sound signal is created, is superimposed with an anti-sound signal corresponding to the anti-sound signal, destructive interference occurs, so that the original sound signal is at least partially attenuated.

The method provides that a sound signal is generated by means of the sound sensor. In this case, the sound signal corresponds in particular to a sound that is detected by means of the sound sensor. In other words, the sound signal corresponds to the sound detected by the sound sensor, and the sound signal is in particular an analog signal. Alternatively, the sound signal is a digital signal.

The sound signal is sent to the anti-sound unit of the door controller. Using the anti-sound unit, an anti-noise signal is created based on the sound signal, which signal is thus based on the sound signal. The anti-sound signal is sent to the speaker and output through the speaker, so that anti-sound is generated through the speaker.

The anti-sound signal is created by means of the anti-sound unit in such a way that when the anti-sound, which corresponds to the anti-sound signal, is superimposed on the sound on the basis of which the sound signal was created, there is destructive interference between them, so that a person who is expediently is located in the possible interior space, the anti-noise is preferably not perceptible at all and the (original) sound is not perceptible or only perceptible to a reduced extent. In this case, the anti-sound signal is expediently created in such a way that such a superimposition takes place in the possible interior of the motor vehicle, so that noises that are detected by means of the sound sensor, ie the corresponding sound, can only be perceived reduced there. In summary, the door is operated in such a way that the sound recorded by means of the sound sensor is expediently compensated by means of the counter-sound emitted by the loudspeaker in the interior. Such noise is produced, for example, due to operating noise from a main drive of the motor vehicle, due to rolling noise from any wheels on a surface on which the motor vehicle is being moved, and/or due to wind noise, which is caused in particular by a relative wind, for example due to from turbulence.

Due to the method, noise pollution in the interior of the motor vehicle is reduced, which is why comfort for people in the interior of the motor vehicle is increased. Thus, driving fatigue does not occur and the driving experience for people is improved. This requires a comparatively short signaling connection between the sound sensor and the loudspeaker via the door control unit, each of which is part of the door. Therefore, only comparatively short lines are required, which is why the weight and wiring complexity are comparatively low. In addition, the runtime of the respective signals is comparatively short, which is why the anti-sound signal is created with sufficient quality even with comparatively low-performance hardware of the door control unit, so that the anti-sound can be superimposed destructively on the sound. Consequently, the manufacturing costs of the door control device are comparatively low. In summary, all time-critical signals, which are used to reduce any noise, are processed by the door control unit, preferably autonomously.

Appropriately, only components of the door of the motor vehicle are used to carry out the method. In other words, all physical components are part of the door. The door control device is preferably also used for standard door functions, such as the regulation/control of any electric window regulator, (interior and/or exterior) lighting or an electric motor adjustable rear view mirror. The door control unit is suitably what is known as a “Door Zone Module” (DZM). The method is always carried out, for example, when the motor vehicle is being moved or when it is placed in an operating mode. The method is preferably ended when a window of the motor vehicle, which is part of the door, for example, is open. On the one hand, due to the open window, a comparatively large number of noises are generated, so that an overload of the door control device is avoided due to the termination of the method. On the other hand, the experience of the user of the motor vehicle who has opened the window on purpose is not diminished in this way.

The door control unit has, for example, an application-specific circuit (ASIC) or, particularly preferably, a microprocessor which is designed to be at least partially programmable. In particular, the door control unit includes a memory on which a computer program product is stored, which includes a number of commands which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the method. The anti-sound unit expediently comprises an amplifier or an amplifier circuit, so that the loudspeaker is suitably controlled by the anti-sound unit. It is thus also possible to use comparatively powerful loudspeakers, which is why existing components can be used. It is also possible to create anti-noise with a high volume, so that comparatively loud noise can also be compensated for. The method is preferably used to reduce exposure to noises with frequencies between 50 Hz and 400 Hz. The respective anti-noise signal is suitable for this, in particular provided and set up.

For example, the loudspeaker is only used to output the counter-noise signal. However, the loudspeaker is particularly preferably provided for the output of audio signals created by means of an external multimedia system. In this case, the procedure provides for the audio signal from the external multimedia system to be recorded and sent to the loudspeaker mixed with the counter-noise. Thus, both the anti-sound signal and the audio signal are output by means of the loudspeaker. Consequently, for a person located in the interior of the motor vehicle, corresponding sound can be perceived on the audio signal, whereas sound that only includes disturbing noises and which is detected by the sound sensor, is compensated for on the basis of the counter-noise. As a result, it is possible to select a volume of the external multimedia system that is comparatively low, so that any surrounding noises, such as a horn or sirens, can be heard by the person(s). Also, fatigue and distraction of people in the cabin is reduced due to the reduced volume of the sound corresponding to the audio signal.

The audio signal is preferably detected via a bus system of the motor vehicle, so that the amount of cabling is further reduced. For example, during the mixing, the anti-sound signal is delayed in relation to the audio signal, the delay being frequency-dependent, for example. Noise suppression by means of the anti-sound signal is thus further improved. The external audio signal is, for example, transmitted in analog form, via wired data networks or wirelessly to the door, in particular to the door control unit or the loudspeaker.

For example, the door includes several speakers that differ in the output of the frequencies of the respective sound created by them. In other words, the door includes, for example, a woofer and a tweeter and/or mid-range speaker. For example, only one of these loudspeakers is acted upon by the anti-sound signal, whereas all of them are acted upon by the audio signal. In an alternative to this, all of the loudspeakers are acted upon by the anti-sound signal. For example, the same anti-sound signal is sent to each of the loudspeakers, or this is adapted to the respective loudspeaker.

The door particularly preferably includes a vibration unit, which is also controlled by means of the anti-sound signal. During operation, vibrations are generated by means of the vibration unit, the vibrations being created in accordance with the counter-sound signal. Due to the vibrations, there is an excitation of another component of the door, on which the vibration unit acts, or which is part of the vibration unit. Due to the (mechanical) excitation, further anti-noise is emitted, so that any still existing Components of the sound are compensated, which are not compensated by means of the counter-sound created by means of the loudspeaker. Thus, comfort is further increased. The vibration unit expediently comprises an electric motor, by means of which an imbalance is controlled. A comparatively inexpensive vibration unit is thus provided. For example, the same anti-sound signal is sent to the vibration unit as to the loudspeaker, or the anti-sound signal sent to the loudspeaker and the vibration unit differs and is adapted to the respective component, i.e. the loudspeaker or the vibration unit. In a further alternative, the door comprises several such vibration units.

In a development, for example, the possible auxiliary unit or a component of the possible auxiliary unit is used as the vibration unit, such as in particular an electric motor of the auxiliary unit. Preferably, an adjustment drive, such as the electric window lifter, is used as an auxiliary unit, and the electric motor is thus activated by means of the anti-sound signal. This is done in particular in such a way that there is no adjustment or only a slight adjustment of the respective adjustment part, such as the window pane, which is preferably imperceptible to a person. In other words, the electric motor is rotated only to a small extent in the respective direction. However, due to the operation of the electric motor, vibration is applied to the door, in particular to any door module, so that sound corresponding to the anti-sound signal is emitted, by means of which any noises are at least partially compensated for.

For example, a microphone is used as a sound sensor. In particular, this includes a membrane that is excited due to sound waves in the air. It is thus possible to use already existing components. Alternatively, a structure-borne sound sensor is used as a sound sensor, by means of which mechanical vibrations are detected that arise due to the excitation of certain components by the sound. In particular, the structure-borne sound sensor is coupled with such a corresponding component, which is expediently also a part of the door. The structure-borne noise sensor is in particular an acceleration sensor or at least includes this. For example, the structure-borne noise sensor is attached in the area or on a hinge of the door, or at least coupled to it. This simplifies the detection of road noise by means of the sound sensor, which in particular represents low-frequency noise with a high energy density. Particularly before given to the structure-borne noise sensor is taken rigidly fastened to a chassis of the motor vehicle, ie particularly solidly attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle. In this way, the accuracy when creating the sound signal is increased. The door preferably comprises a plurality of sound sensors, which are used to create the common sound signal, which is used to create the counter-sound signal. A quality is thus improved when the anti-sound signal is generated. For example, the sound sensor, i.e. the microphone or the structure-borne sound sensor, is part of the door control unit. A large part of the components required to generate the anti-noise are thus provided by means of the assembly of the door control device, which is why assembly is simplified. In this case, any vibrating unit is expediently also a component of the door control device. Alternatively, the sound sensor is part of any door module. As an alternative to this, the sound sensor is arranged, for example, between any outer skin of the door and the door control device, in particular the door module. This improves the detection of noises originating from the surroundings of the motor vehicle as the sound, such as wind noise or rolling noise of any wheels with tires, for example. The sound sensor is preferably connected to the door module, preferably attached. In particular, the sound sensor is acoustically coupled to the door module, so that vibrations of the door module caused by the sound are at least also detected by means of the sound sensor. In particular, the same material is used for the (acoustic) coupling of the sound sensor to the door module, from which the door module or at least the body of the door module is made. A plastic is preferably used as the material. Thus, manufacturing costs are reduced. As an alternative to this, the coupling to the door module, for example the body of the door module, takes place via another component, which is in particular designed at least partially flat. The additional component is expediently attached to the sound sensor and the door module. As an alternative to this, the further component is part of the door module, and in particular is formed onto it. For example, the other component is overmoulded with the body of the door module.

The other component is expediently made of a material by means of which the noise level in the interior is imitated. In other words, the material is selected in such a way that the sound signal corresponds to a sound inside the motor vehicle. In particular, the material has specific damping properties for this purpose. For example, the material is rigid, or it is an integral or adaptive metamaterial. The additional component, for example its size, shape and/or material, is preferably designed in such a way that it exhibits an oscillating behavior that is sensitive to the sound, in particular the noise contained in the sound that is to be suppressed by means of the counter-sound signal. For example, a structural property of the door module is also improved by means of the additional component, and the additional component is used to produce the mechanical integrity of the door module. The additional component is preferably matched to the sound sensor used, for example to its mass/oscillation behavior, so that creating the sound signal, namely detecting the sound, or at least the noises contained in the sound that are to be suppressed, is improved , for which a stable signal phase is implemented in particular. The robustness of the method is thus increased.

Preferably the door has an additional sound sensor suitably offset from the speaker towards the interior, in particular towards a headrest. The additional sound sensor, which is preferably a microphone or at least includes one, is used to detect the counter-noise that was created using the loudspeaker based on the counter-noise signal. Here, at the location of the additional sound sensor, the counter-sound is superimposed with the sound, so that the creation of the Anti-sound signal can be assessed. The creation of the anti-sound signal is preferably adapted as a function of this.

The superimposition of the sound with the counter-sound at a specific location, which is spaced apart from the additional sound sensor, is particularly preferably based on the signals recorded by means of the additional sound sensor, which correspond to the superimposition of the sound with the counter-sound. The sound signal, the counter-sound signal and/or a propagation speed of sound in air is used for this purpose. The position of the headrest or a headrest in the interior of the motor vehicle is preferably used as a specific location, or a point that is offset forward from this point by up to 20 cm or 10 cm in the direction of travel. There is the head of a person who is sitting on the seat assigned to the headrest. The driver's seat, the passenger seat or another seat of the motor vehicle is used as the seat, for example.

In summary, the additional sound sensor is used to evaluate whether there is a reduction in noise pollution for the user of the motor vehicle or at least one person in the interior of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the generation of the anti-sound signal is subsequently carried out/modified as a function of this result. In other words, in particular, a regulation takes place, with the superimposition of the sound and the counter-sound detected at the location of the additional sound sensor not being used as the control error, but rather a calculated, i.e. preferably assumed, superimposition at the specific location, where the ear, for example, is located the respective person is located. The signals detected by means of the additional sound sensor are used for the calculation, ie the closing. In this way, comfort is further increased. It is also not necessary here to provide a microphone or the like in the area of the headrest, so that the weight of the seat is reduced. The distance between the additional sound sensor and the counter-sound unit is also comparatively short, and so are the signal propagation times, which improves the control quality. Also it is thus possible to open the door or at least one Provide part of this as a module that has the additional sound sensor and the door control unit.

A position of the seat is preferably also taken into account when inferring the superimposition at the specific location, ie in particular when determining/calculating the control error. For example, the position of the seat is measured for this purpose, or the position of the seat is determined using data provided by an on-board computer, the data being created, for example, by an electric motor seat adjustment. As an alternative to this, the data are already stored in the door control unit, by means of which in particular the electromotive seat adjustment is controlled/regulated.

In addition, a further sound signal is particularly preferably recorded, which is generated in particular by means of an external sound sensor. The anti-sound signal is also created on the basis of the further sound signal. In other words, the additional sound signal is also used to generate the counter-sound signal, with the additional sound signal being generated by means of the external sound sensor, which is not part of the door. It is thus possible to also take sound into account before it reaches the door. A required speed for creating the anti-sound signal is therefore further reduced, which is why comparatively inexpensive hardware can be used. It is also possible to improve a quality of the anti-sound signal.

The external sound sensor is, for example, a microphone or a structure-borne sound sensor and/or is arranged, for example, in the possible interior of the motor vehicle, so that in particular any sound that is still present is detected by means of the external sound sensor, which is still predominant despite being superimposed with the opposing sound. This enables subsequent regulation, which is why noise pollution in the interior is further reduced. As an alternative to this, the external sound sensor is arranged, for example, in a wheel housing or wheel housing of the motor vehicle, by means of which a wheel of the motor vehicle is at least partially surrounded, by means of which contact is made with a roadway. Thus, by means of the external sound sensor, essentially Small rolling noises from tires are recorded, so that the counter-noise signal can be adapted to this comparatively efficiently. For example, there are several different external sound sensors, so that the quality of the counter-sound signal is further improved. In particular, the external sound sensor and the door control unit are coupled by means of a high-speed bus system, so that the additional sound signal is available after a comparatively short period of time.

Alternatively or in combination with this, the anti-sound signal is created using a status signal that was created using an external status sensor. A state of a component of the motor vehicle is detected by means of the external state sensor, and the state signal thus corresponds to the current state of this component. In particular, a deflection of a shock absorber is detected by means of the external state sensor and used as the corresponding state. The shock absorber is thereby deflected a movement of any wheel with respect to the Karos series of the motor vehicle, especially on bumps in the roadway. It is thus possible, by means of the counter-noise signal, to compensate for suddenly occurring noise that results from a deterioration in the road surface. Alternatively or in combination with this, an ABS sensor is used as an external status sensor, and the status is thus a locking of any wheel. In the event of a wheel blockage, different noises are produced compared to rolling noises, which are therefore also taken into account by means of the counter-sound signal. Alternatively or in combination with this, a wheel speed sensor is used as an external state sensor, and the state thus corresponds to a wheel speed of any wheel. In particular, a dependency of certain frequencies of the anti-noise signal on the rotational speed of the wheel is stored in any characteristics map. For example, the map has been determined on a test bench and adjusted in such a way that the anti-noise signal is created at certain wheel speeds in such a way that noise pollution in the interior space is minimized. Alternatively, a calculation is carried out of the anti-noise signal as a function of the speed, i.e. the respective condition of the wheel.

The door is part of a motor vehicle, which is particularly land-based and which is, for example, a truck, bus or preferably a passenger vehicle (car). In particular, the door is a side door of the motor vehicle, which is expediently movably mounted on any body of the motor vehicle in the assembled state, for example longitudinally displaceable and/or pivotable. The door has a door control unit, a sound sensor and a loudspeaker, which is used in particular to output sound into an interior of the motor vehicle, which expediently includes an opening which can be closed or can be measured by means of the door. The door control unit comprises an anti-sound unit, the sound sensor being connected to the loudspeaker via the anti-sound unit, ie the door control unit, in terms of signal technology. The door is operated according to a method in which a sound signal is generated by means of the sound sensor and sent to the anti-sound unit. Using the anti-sound unit, an anti-sound signal is created based on the sound signal and sent to the loudspeaker. The anti-sound signal is output by means of the loudspeaker, so that in particular an anti-sound is generated.

The door control device is preferably provided and set up to carry out the method, or the door includes a further control device for this purpose. The control unit and/or the door control device includes, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or, particularly preferably, a computer that is suitably designed to be programmable. In particular, the control unit/door control device includes a storage medium on which a computer program product, also referred to as a computer program, is stored, with execution of this computer program product, i.e. the program, prompting the computer to carry out the method.

In particular, the door includes a door module that has the door control unit. The door module expediently includes other components of the door, such as a electric window lifter, which is also controlled by the door control unit. In particular, the door module is arranged between an outer skin and a door panel, the door panel facing any interior space of the motor vehicle and the outer panel facing the area surrounding the motor vehicle. The sound sensor is, for example, a microphone or a structure-borne sound sensor. The door expediently comprises a number of such sound sensors.

The sound sensor is particularly preferably a component of the door control unit. Thus, during operation, sound waves that impinge on the door control unit are detected by means of the sound sensor. As a result, cabling is reduced, and the sound sensor is, for example, part of a common circuit board, by means of which the anti-sound unit is at least partially, preferably completely, formed. Thus, assembly is further simplified.

For example, the sound sensor is not part of the door control unit, but is part of the door module. Thus, assembly is nevertheless simplified, with the position at which the sound is to be recorded being able to be selected comparatively freely. As an alternative to this, the sound sensor is arranged between the possible outer skin and the door module, which has the door control device. So with a detection of sound impinging on the door from the environment is improved by means of the sound sensor, and by means of the sound sensor, sound from the interior of the motor vehicle is detected to a reduced extent, which is desired for example. The door preferably comprises a plurality of sound sensors, on the basis of whose respective sound signals the counter-sound signal is created. A quality in the creation of the anti-sound signal is thus improved. Here, for example, at least one of the sound sensors is a part of the door control unit, one of the sound sensors is a part of the door module, but not the door control unit, and/or one of the sound sensors is arranged between the door module and the outer skin.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with such a door. In particular, the motor vehicle includes one or more external sound sensors, one of which, for example, is located in a possible interior of the motor vehicle. is arranged. In an alternative, the external sound sensor is arranged in a wheel housing/wheel housing of the motor vehicle, so that rolling noises of the wheel, which in particular includes a tire, can be detected by means of the external sound sensor. In a further alternative, the motor vehicle additionally or alternatively includes one or more external condition sensors, such as an ABS sensor, a wheel speed sensor and/or a sensor for detecting a deflection/elongation of a shock absorber. The motor vehicle preferably comprises a plurality of such doors, with the sound sensor of one of the doors being used as an external sound sensor of another of the doors, for example. A hardware requirement is thus reduced.

The computer program product comprises a number of instructions which, when the program (computer program product) is executed by a computer, cause the computer to use a method for operating a door of a motor vehicle, with a door control unit and with a sound sensor, which has a counter-sound unit of the Door control device is connected to a speaker for signaling purposes, at least in part. With this, a sound signal is created by means of the sound sensor and sent to the anti-sound unit. Using the anti-sound unit, an anti-sound signal is created based on the sound signal and sent to the speaker, and the anti-sound signal is output using the speaker.

The computer is expediently a component of a control unit or the door control unit and is formed by means of this, for example. The computer preferably includes or is formed by a microprocessor. The computer program product is, for example, a file or a data carrier that contains an executable program that automatically runs the method when installed on a computer.

The invention also relates to a storage medium on which the computer program product is stored. Such a storage medium is, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD or a Blu-Ray disc. Alternatively, the storage medium is a USB stick or other storage medium which, for example, can is writable or only writable once. Such a memory is, for example, a flash memory, a RAM or a ROM. The inventions also relate to a control unit for carrying out the method, which is therefore suitable, in particular provided and set up, for this purpose. For example, the possible door control device is formed by means of the control unit, so that the invention relates to the door control device.

The developments and advantages explained in connection with the method can also be transferred to the door/the computer program product/the storage medium/the motor vehicle/the control unit and to each other and vice versa.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

Fig. 1 in a side view schematically a motor vehicle with a door,

Fig. 2 in a rear view schematically the door, and

3 shows a method of operating the door. Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car in a schematically simplified manner. The motor vehicle 2 includes a plurality of wheels 4, by means of which contact is made with a roadway, not shown in detail. The wheels 4 are movably connected to a body 8 of the motor vehicle 2 by means of a chassis 6 . For this purpose, the chassis 6 has shock absorbers 10 , one of the shock absorbers 10 being assigned to each of the wheels 4 . The motor vehicle 8 also includes an interior 12, which serves to accommodate people. For this purpose, the interior 12 includes seats that are not shown in detail.

In the interior 12 extends an opening by means of a door 14 in the form of a Side door can be closed, and is shown in Figure 2 in a rear view along a longitudinal direction.

The door 14 is pivotably mounted on the body 8 by means of a plurality of hinges 16 and has an outer skin 18 which is formed by means of a painted metal sheet or a painted plastic. The outer skin 18 forms the outer boundary of the motor vehicle 2 to an environment. A door handle 20 is connected to the outer skin 18, which is used for one person to grip so that they can pivot the door 4. 14 with respect to the body 8 and thus release the opening.

The door 14 is board on the side facing the interior 12 by means of a door 22 is limited, through which a speaker 24 protrudes at least partially. The loudspeaker 24 is used to output sound into the interior 12 with suitable control. A door module 26 is arranged between the door board 22 and the outer skin 18, on which both the outer skin 18 and the door board 22 are fastened.

The door module 26 includes a door control unit 28, which is used to operate an electric window lifter 30, which includes a first electric motor 32, by means of which a transmission, not shown, and a cable pulley are driven, which acts on a window pane 34. The energization of the first electric motor 32 is set here by means of the door control unit 28 so that the window pane 34 is adjusted by means of the door control unit 28 . The first electric motor 32 is part of the door module 26, as are the gearbox and pulley.

The door control unit 28 also includes a second electric motor 36 which is also controlled by means of the door control unit 28 and which is part of a door adjustment 38 . When the second electric motor 36 is energized, the door 14 is pivoted with respect to the body 8 . The door control unit 28 and the two electric motors 32, 36 and each driven of the components th electric motor window 30 and the door adjustment 38 are on one common carrier of the door module 26 attached. Furthermore, the door control unit 28 has an anti-trap device, not shown in detail, for both the electric window lifter 30 and for the door adjustment 38 .

The door control device 28 is coupled in terms of signals to an external multimedia system 40, for example via a bus system (bus system) or a “high-speed bus system”. The external multimedia system 40 has a radio and a multimedia playback device and/or a hard drive on which pieces of music are stored. The external multimedia system 40 also includes a touchpad, not shown in any more detail, which is arranged inside the interior 12 and is intended for use by one person.

In addition, two status sensors 42 are connected via the bus system or a separate bus system to the door control unit 28 in terms of signals, one of the status sensors 42 being a wheel speed sensor that is assigned to one of the wheels 4 . A speed of precisely this wheel 4 can be detected by means of this state sensor 42 . The other of the two state sensors 42 is used to detect the deflection of one of the shock absorbers 10, with both state sensors 42 being assigned to the same wheel 4 in this example. In a variant that is not shown in detail, one of the status sensors 42 is designed as an ABS sensor, or there is a corresponding additional status sensor. Furthermore, an external sound sensor 44, which is a microphone or a structure-borne sound sensor and which is arranged in the wheel housing of one of the wheels 4, is connected to the door control unit 28 in terms of signal technology, so that the external sound sensor 44 can be used to detect the rolling noise that occurs when this wheel 4 is in operation be detected noise.

Two sound sensors 46 are also connected in terms of signaling by means of the door control device 28 , one of the two sound sensors 46 being arranged between the outer skin 18 and the door module 26 and therefore not being part of the door module 26 . Here, this sound sensor 46 is offset with respect to the door module 26 in the direction of one of the wheels 4, namely the vehicle 2 in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. This sound sensor 46 is connected to an anti-sound unit 48 of the door controller 28, which includes an amplifier 50. The other of the sound sensors 46 is part of the door control device 28 and is also connected to the anti-sound unit 28 in terms of signals.

The sound sensors 46 are configured either as a microphone or as a structure-borne sound sensor. In the example shown, the switch sensor 46, which is an integral part of the door control unit 28, is a structure-borne noise sensor, whereas the noise sensor 46, which is arranged between the door module 26 and the outer skin 18, is a microphone. In this case, sound waves in the air are detected by means of the microphone, whereas sound of a body, ie a mechanical excitation of a component of the door 14, is detected by means of the structure-borne noise sensor. In a variant that is not shown in more detail, there are a plurality of sound sensors 46, with a microphone and a structure-borne sound sensor being assigned to the door control unit 28, for example.

Furthermore, the door control unit 28 includes a vibration unit 52, which has an electric motor, not shown, and an imbalance driven therewith. It is possible by means of the vibration unit 52 to mechanically stimulate a component of the door control unit 28 (not shown in detail), so that sound waves are emitted by means of the water.

The door controller 28 also includes a computer 54 which includes a programmable microprocessor. The door control unit 28 also includes a memory 56 on which a computer program product 58 is stored. The memory 56 is a non-volatile memory, and the computer program product 58 comprises instructions which, when the computer program product 58 is executed by the computer 54, cause the computer 54 to carry out a method 60 for operating the door 14 illustrated in FIG. Thus, the door 14 is operated according to the procedural ren 60.

In a first step 62, the anti-sound unit 48 detects sound signals 64, which were created by the sound sensors 46 and sent to the anti-sound unit 48. Here, by means of each of the sound sensors 46 each created one of the sound signals 64, so that a total of two such sound signals 64 are present. These sound signals 64 correspond to the sound that was detected using the respective sound sensor 46 . Consequently, one of the sound signals 64 corresponds to the (airborne) sound between the outer skin 18 and the door module 26 . By contrast, the structure-borne noise of the door control unit 28 is detected by means of the sound sensor 46 designed as a structure-borne noise sensor.

In addition, a further sound signal 66 is detected by means of the anti-sound unit 48 , which was detected by means of the external sound sensor 44 and sent to the anti-sound unit 48 . The additional sound signal 66 corresponds to the prevailing sound in the wheel housing of the wheel 4. The anti-sound unit 48 also detects status signals 68, which are each created using one of the external status sensors 42 and sent to the anti-sound unit 48. In this case, one of the status signals 68 is created by means of each of the status sensors 42 . The status signals 68 correspond to the status of the wheel 4, namely a speed of the wheel 4 and the deflection of the shock absorber 10. Furthermore, an audio signal 70 of the external multimedia system 40 is recorded by means of the anti-sound unit 48, which is transmitted via the bus system to the door control unit 28 is conducted.

In a subsequent second step 72, an opposing sound signal 74 is created based on the status signals 68, the further sound signal 66 and the sound signal 64. The counter-sound signal 74 is thus based on the sound signals 64, the status signals 68 and the further sound signal 66. Furthermore, the counter-sound signal 74 is amplified by means of the amplifier 50 and mixed with the audio signal 70.

In a third step 76, the amplified and mixed with the audio signal 70 anti-sound signal 74 is sent to the loudspeaker 24 and output by means of the sen. As a result, sound is emitted into the interior 12 by means of the loudspeaker 24 so that it can be heard by the people inside. This sound includes a component that belongs to the audio signal 70 corresponds and in particular corresponds to a piece of music desired by the persons. Furthermore, the sound includes an anti-sound as a further component, which corresponds to the anti-sound signal 74 . Furthermore, the vibration unit 52 is also controlled by means of the counter-sound signal 74 , so that a counter-sound that corresponds to the counter-sound signal 74 is also generated by means of this unit.

The anti-noise signal 74 was created in the second work step 20 in such a way that when the anti-noise is superimposed in the interior 12 with the sound that was detected by the sound sensors 46 and the external sound sensor 44 and that is due to the condition of the wheel 4 or the shock absorber 10 results in a destructive interference, so that this sound is not perceptible or only to a reduced extent for the people located in the interior 12 . This increases comfort for them, and a lower volume setting for the external multimedia system 40 can be selected.

In addition to the prevailing and directly detectable sound, the state of the motor vehicle 2 is also taken into account when generating the counter-sound. Namely, when a pothole is passed, the wheel 4 is moved comparatively extensively with respect to the body 8, which leads to a vibration of the motor vehicle 2 and subsequently to a characteristic noise that does not occur continuously but suddenly. When passing the pothole, the state of the shock absorber 10 changes, which is detected using the state signal 68 . With the counter-sound signal 74 based thereon, this noise development is also compensated for.

Furthermore, different wheel speeds and thus different states of wheel 4 result in different rolling noises, which are also taken into account, so that the rolling noises are compensated for by counter-sound signal 74 , regardless of the current rotational speed of wheel 4 . The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. On the contrary, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by the person skilled in the art without leaving the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference List

2 motor vehicle

4 wheel 6 undercarriage

8 body

10 shock absorbers

12 interior

14 door 16 hinge

18 skin

20 door handle

22 door cardboard

24 loudspeaker 26 door module

28 door controller

30 electric window regulator 32 first electric motor

34 window pane 36 second electric motor

38 door adjustment

40 external multimedia system 42 status sensor

44 external sound sensor 46 sound sensor

48 anti-sonic unit

50 amplifiers

52 vibration unit

54 Computers 56 Storage

58 computer program product 60 method

62 first step Sound signal, further sound signal, status signal, audio signal, second work step, counter-sound signal, third work step

Claims

Expectations

1. Method (60) for operating a door (14) of a motor vehicle (2), with egg nem door control unit (28), and with a sound sensor (46), which has an anti-sound unit (48) of the door control unit (28) with a loudspeaker (24) is signaling connected, in which

- a sound signal (64) is created by means of the sound sensor (46) and sent to the anti-sound unit (48),

- An anti-sound signal (74) is created by means of the anti-sound unit (48) on the basis of the sound signal (64) and sent to the loudspeaker (24), and

- the anti-sound signal (74) is output by means of the loudspeaker (24).

2. Method (60) according to claim 1, characterized in that an audio signal (70) of an external multimedia system (40) is detected and mixed with the anti-sound signal (74) and sent to the loudspeaker (24).

3. The method (60) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a vibration unit (52) is controlled by means of the anti-sound signal (74).

4. The method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a microphone or a structure-borne noise sensor is used as the sound sensor (46).

5. The method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a further sound signal (66) of an external sound sensor (44) is recorded, on the basis of which the counter-sound signal (74) is also created.

6. The method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a status signal (68) of an external status sensor (42) is detected, based on which the anti-sound signal (74) is also created.

7. Door (14) of a motor vehicle (2), which has a door control unit (28) and a sound sensor (46), which is connected via an anti-sound unit (48) of the door control unit (28) to a loudspeaker (24) in terms of signal technology , and operated in accordance with a method (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Door (14) according to claim 7, characterized in that the sound sensor (46) is part of the door control unit (28).

9. Door (14) according to claim 7, characterized in that the sound sensor (46) is arranged between an outer skin (18) and a door module (26) having the door control unit (28),

10. Computer program product (58) comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer (54), cause the computer (54) to carry out a method (60) according to one of claims 1 to 6.