DE102013018839A1 - Collision protection method and collision protection device for a vehicle door - Google Patents

Abstract

A collision protection device (14) according to the invention for a vehicle door (2) of a vehicle (1) that is automatically adjustable along a travel path (X) between a closed position and an open position (xO) comprises a distance sensor (18) and a control and evaluation unit (22). While the vehicle door (2) is arranged in the open position (xO), by means of the distance sensor (18) and the control and evaluation unit (22) one of the vehicle door (2) in the closing direction upstream protection area (20) on an approach of an object ( 16) monitored. Upon detection of an object (16) in the protection area (20) at least one protective measure is taken.

Description

The invention relates to a collision protection method and to a collision protection device for a vehicle door of a vehicle, in particular for a vehicle door which can be automatically adjusted along a travel path between a closed position and an open position.

Modern vehicles, in particular passenger cars, often have automatic, in particular electric motor-adjustable vehicle parts such as windows, vehicle seats and vehicle doors, in particular tailgates (also known as trunk doors or trunk lid) on. In order to prevent jamming of objects or body parts during an automatic adjustment and thereby damage or injury, these automatically adjustable vehicle parts are regularly assigned anti-pinch devices. These usually recognize the contact of the vehicle part with an object or body part and then stop or reverse the adjustment movement as a protective measure. To early, d. H. Even before contact of the vehicle part with the object or body part to be able to take a protective measure, collision protection devices are also used to monitor by means of non-contact distance sensors the vehicle part upstream Stellweg and stop or reverse the adjustment already upon detection of an obstacle within the monitored travel the adjustment. If the vehicle part is, for example, the tailgate, it can thus be prevented that when closing the tailgate, a person who is loading or unloading the trunk, for example, is being clamped.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved collision protection for a vehicle door.

With respect to a collision protection device, this object is achieved by the features of claim 7. Advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims and the description below.

The collision protection method according to the invention is provided for a vehicle door of a vehicle which can be automatically adjusted along a travel path between a closed position and an open position. According to the method, while the vehicle door is stationary in the open position, monitored by means of a distance sensor one of the vehicle door in the closing direction upstream protection area on an approach of an object out. Upon detection of the object in the monitored protection area, at least one protective measure is taken.

Preferably, the collision protection method according to the invention is provided for a vehicle door, which is pivotable about an approximately horizontally oriented axis. Such a vehicle door is, in particular, a gullwing door or a tailgate (also referred to as a trunk door or boot lid). Under "automatic adjustment" is understood here and below that the vehicle door is moved in particular without human manual intervention. In the context of the invention is z. B. a spring drive or a pneumatic drive conceivable. Preferably, however, the vehicle door is adjustable by means of an electric (door) servomotor. In particular, the position of the vehicle door is referred to as the closed position, in which the vehicle door bears against the stationary vehicle body and thus closes the vehicle interior (or the boot). In the open position, the vehicle door consequently releases the vehicle interior for entry and / or exit (or the trunk for loading and / or unloading).

By "protected area" is here and below understood a volume of space, which is preferably limited by a predetermined distance from the vehicle door, in particular to the distance sensor. This distance is for example 5 to 50 cm, preferably about 10 to 20 cm. As an object is here and below in particular a person, for. B. the vehicle user, a body part of the person or else another, lifeless object understood.

The fact that, according to the method, even when the vehicle door is stationary, the protection area is monitored for approach and optionally a protective measure is taken, can advantageously be prevented or at least reduced the risk that a person moving backwards, for example, with the (stationary) vehicle door , especially with a particularly hard and / or sharp-edged part of the vehicle door collides. In the event that it is at the vehicle door to the tailgate, thus can be advantageously prevented that the person loading or unloading the trunk and then straightens, collides with the tailgate - especially strikes the head - and injured. In the case of a hinged door, the same applies in particular to the person who straightens when leaving the vehicle.

Basically, it is within the scope of the invention conceivable that the scope of protection over the extends the entire surface of the vehicle door, so that the vehicle door is monitored over the entire surface. In a preferred variant of the method, however, a space volume which is arranged within the predetermined (ie the above-mentioned) distance around a lock element of the door lock of the vehicle door is monitored as a protection area. In other words, preferably the lock element of the vehicle door is monitored for an approach of an object. In this case, the lock element is a fixed, rigid, as a striker (or striker) designated component or an assembly comprising a plurality of mutually movable items, by means of which the vehicle door is locked in the closed position with the fixed vehicle body. These items are, for example, a (lock) case that engages around the striker, as well as a pawl that holds the latch in its position encompassing the striker. Optionally, the assembly further includes an electric drive for releasing the pawl and the latch. This module is referred to below as the closing group. The monitoring of the arranged on the vehicle door lock element is particularly advantageous because this lock element regularly protrudes from the vehicle door and often (in comparison to the regularly provided with a plastic trim inside surface of the vehicle door) is hard and / or sharp-edged, so that for a person at a striking the lock element, the risk of injury is particularly high. The locking group is preferably arranged on the vehicle door, while the striker is attached to the fixed vehicle body.

In an advantageous variant of the method, a preferably acoustic warning signal, for example via loudspeakers already mounted in the vehicle or via a separate loudspeaker, is output as a protective measure. An acoustic warning signal has the advantage that the warning signal can be perceived particularly easily.

In a preferred variant of the method, the open position of the vehicle door is predetermined such that it is arranged between the closed position and an end position limiting the travel of the vehicle door in the opening direction. In other words, the vehicle door is not fully opened when adjusting in the open position, but for example, only about 70 to 90%, in particular 80% of the entire travel. As a protective measure, the vehicle door is expediently moved further beyond the open position in the opening direction in this process variant. This means that the vehicle door "dodges" the approaching object in an imminent collision, by further opening. As a result, a collision (in particular a striking of the person's head) on the vehicle door itself or on the lock element can be prevented particularly reliably. This variant of the method is particularly preferably provided for use in the adjustable by means of the servomotor vehicle door.

The position of the vehicle door in the open position (that is, the travel traveled to the open position) is preferably user-specifically adjustable in a teach-in mode. In this case, it is expediently provided that always a predetermined residual travel between the open position and the end position is kept available as an "avoidance path" for the vehicle door. In other words, the open position can preferably not be set such that it corresponds to the end position.

In an optional and expedient embodiment, the opening of the vehicle door beyond the open position is provided as a protective measure only on condition that release of the further opening by an opening collision protection device is present. Otherwise, for example, only the output of the warning signal is provided. Such an opening collision protection device monitors the vehicle door in the opening direction to prevent a collision of the opening vehicle door with an obstacle located outside the vehicle door (in the case of the tailgate, for example, a ceiling of a garage or a parking garage located just above the vehicle). In the event that such an obstacle is detected in the travel path of the vehicle door, the opening collision protection device preferably stops the vehicle door in front of this obstacle and thus adapts the open position specifically to the surroundings of the vehicle.

In the event that the vehicle has a height-adjustable chassis, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that as a protective measure, the chassis is adjusted to a greater height. In other words, the landing gear is extended to prevent a collision of the object with the vehicle door (in particular with the lock element).

In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that as a protective measure the vehicle is moved in particular slightly (for example by about half or up to one meter) in the direction of travel. In this case, therefore, the entire vehicle deviates from the person (or the object approaching the vehicle door).

In a further (alternative) variant of the method, a padding assigned to the lock element arranged on the vehicle door is moved over this lock element as a protective measure. This upholstery is, for example, a covering cap (preferably made of a particularly soft plastic) or an inflatable cushion called a "lock airbag". In this variant of the method, a collision with the vehicle door per se is not prevented, but the risk of injury is reduced by the contact with the padding instead of the hard and / or sharp-edged lock element.

In a further expedient variant of the method, as a protective measure, the lock element arranged on the vehicle door is adjusted in particular into a protective position which is inserted in the vehicle door. Preferably, the lock element is flush in this protective position or sunk in the plastic trim of the vehicle door, so that a direct contact with the lock element is prevented.

The collision protection device according to the invention is set up and provided for use with the vehicle door of the vehicle, which is automatically (preferably, therefore, adjustable by means of the (door) servomotor along the travel path between the closed position and the open position). For this purpose, the collision protection device comprises the distance sensor for monitoring the protection area located upstream of the vehicle door in the closing direction. Furthermore, the collision protection device comprises a control and evaluation unit which is set up (in terms of circuitry or program) for carrying out the collision protection method described above. In other words, when the vehicle door is open and stationary, the control and evaluation unit is set up to monitor the area of protection by an approaching object, and to take a protective measure when an object is detected within the protected area.

In the context of the invention, the control and evaluation unit can be designed as a non-programmable electronic circuit and in this case can be integrated into a control of the servomotor, for example. However, the control and evaluation unit is preferably formed by a microcontroller in which the functionality for carrying out the collision protection method according to the invention is implemented in the form of a software module. This software module can in this case in particular form part of a comprehensive control software (firmware) of the control of the servomotor.

In a preferred embodiment, the monitored protection area corresponds to the volume of space which is disposed in front of the lock element of the door lock arranged on the vehicle door. In other words, the distance sensor is arranged to monitor the volume of the space upstream of the lock element in order, if appropriate, to detect an approach of an object to the lock element. Preferably, the distance sensor is arranged next to or directly on the lock element (in particular integrated in this).

In an advantageous embodiment, the collision protection device is provided for use with a vehicle door, the open position between the closed position and the end position limiting the travel in the opening direction is arranged. In this case, the collision protection device is preferably configured to adjust the vehicle door beyond the open position upon detection of the object within the protected area as a protective measure (ie, to further open it). Conveniently, the collision protection device is in terms of control technology connected to the drive, in particular with the servomotor of the vehicle door.

In an expedient embodiment, the collision protection device comprises a warning signal device for outputting a warning signal as a protective measure. In the context of the invention may be a signal light, in particular a light emitting diode, act. In a preferred embodiment, however, the warning signal device is a loudspeaker for outputting an acoustic warning signal.

In a further expedient embodiment, the collision protection device comprises a padding associated with the lock element of the door lock. This is adapted to be adjusted as a protective measure on the lock element, so that direct contact with the lock element itself is prevented.

In a further expedient embodiment, the collision protection device is provided for use with a vehicle door, the lock element is adjustable between a normal position and an inset in the tailgate protective position. In this case, the lock element is moved to the protective position as a protective measure.

In principle, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the distance sensor used is, for example, an ultrasound sensor, an optical sensor (for example a laser scanner), a radar sensor or another sensor which measures contactlessly. Preferably, however, the distance sensor is a capacitive sensor.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:

1 a schematic side view of the rear of a vehicle with an open door designed as a tailgate, with a collision protection device for the tailgate and a vehicle user who loads the trunk of the vehicle,

2 in view according to 1 a protective measure taken by the collision protection device for preventing a collision of the vehicle user with a lock element of the door lock arranged on the tailgate,

3 in view according to 1 another protective measure, and

4 in an enlarged view again another protective measure.

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

In 1 is a schematic and cutaway a vehicle 1 shown. The vehicle 1 has a tailgate 2 trained vehicle door, which is automatically adjustable along a travel X between an open position x _O and a (not shown) closed position. The tailgate 2 is pivotable about an axis which is aligned horizontally and in the region of a roof edge of the vehicle 1 is arranged. In the closed position conceals the tailgate 2 the trunk 4 and is located on a circumferential around the trunk opening and arranged on the vehicle body closing edge 6 on. For automatic adjustment of the tailgate 2 includes the vehicle 1 a servomotor 8th , which cooperates transmission-technically with a spindle drive.

The tailgate 2 indicates at its lower edge 10 as a closing group 12 designated lock element, which forms part of the door lock. The closing group 12 in this case comprises a latch, which in the closed position engages around a striker fastened to the vehicle body (not shown in detail). Furthermore, the locking group includes 12 a pawl which locks the latch in its position encompassing the striker. It also includes the locking group 12 a lock drive for automatically unlocking the tailgate 2 releases the pawl and the latch.

The vehicle 1 further comprises a collision protection device 14 , which is set up and intended to cause a collision of a person (as a vehicle user 16 designated) with the tailgate 2 , specifically with the locking group 12 to avoid. This is the collision protection device 14 adapted to automatically perform a collision protection method described in more detail below. In this case, when open, ie in the open position x _O stationary, tailgate 2 by means of a capacitive distance sensor 18 a volume of space on an approach of an object (the vehicle user 16 or an object). This volume is the closing group 12 upstream in the closing direction (ie in the direction of the closed position) and is hereinafter referred to as the protection area 20 designated. The protection area 20 extends approximately hemispherically with a radius of 20 cm around the closing group 12 , The distance sensor 18 is this next to the locking group 12 arranged. Specifically, in the context of the collision protection procedure by means of a control and evaluation unit 22 the collision protection device 14 the current value of the sensor capacitance of the capacitive distance sensor 18 determined. Approaching the vehicle user 16 to a distance smaller than the radius of the protection zone 20 to the locking group 12 to - for example, by the vehicle user 16 as by the arrow 24 indicated after loading the trunk 4 erected - registers the control and evaluation unit 22 an abnormal change in the values of the sensor capacitance and then take a protective measure.

In the context of the invention, it is conceivable that the capacitive distance sensor 18 is set up so that only when approaching the vehicle user 16 in the protection area 20 a change in the values of the sensor capacity is registered. In this case, the protection area corresponds 20 So the range of the distance sensor 18 , Alternatively, already before the intrusion of the person 16 detects a change in the values of the sensor capacity. In this case, the penetration into the protected area 20 Recognized that the currently determined value of the sensor capacity in the control and evaluation 22 stored threshold exceeds.

As in 2 is shown, the tailgate 2 in addition to the open position x _O in the opening direction the travel X limiting end position x _E on. This means that between the open position x _O and the end position x _E a partial section of the travel path X designated as a residual travel path X _R is present. As a protective measure against an impending collision of the vehicle user 16 with the lock element 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the tailgate 2 from the collision protection device 14 beyond the open position x _O out to the end position x _E.

In a further embodiment according to 3 becomes a protective measure a padding 26 about the locking group 12 adjusted. At the upholstery 26 it is a "lock airbag" that is inflated when the vehicle user 16 in the protection area 20 penetrates.

In an alternative embodiment, the padding 26 is one reversible over the closing group 12 adjustable cover made of soft plastic.

In a further alternative embodiment according to 4 becomes the locking group 12 as a protective measure in a protective position 28 adjusted in which the closing group 12 in an interior paneling 30 the tailgate 2 sunk. In the protective position 28 is the locking group 12 thus the contact with the person 16 withdrawn. The vehicle user 16 can in this case only with the interior trim 30 collide, however, compared to the closing group 12 soft and without sharp edges.

The object of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other embodiments of the invention may be derived by those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. In particular, the individual features of the invention described with reference to the various exemplary embodiments and their design variants can also be combined with one another in a different manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

tailgate

4

trunk

6

closing edge

8th

servomotor

10

lower edge

12

closing group

14

Collision safety device

16

vehicle users

18

distance sensor

20

the scope

22

Control and evaluation unit

24

arrow

26

upholstery

28

protective position

30

Interior trim

X

Travel Range

X _R

Reststellweg

x _O

open position

x _E

end position

Claims (10)

Collision protection method for a vehicle door which can be automatically adjusted along a travel path (X) between a closed position and an open position (x ₀ ) ( 2 ) of a vehicle ( 1 ), while, while the vehicle door ( 2 ) is arranged unmoved in the open position (x _O ), by means of a distance sensor ( 18 ) one of the vehicle door ( 2 ) in the closing direction upstream protection area ( 20 ) on an approach of an object ( 16 ) and at least one protective measure is taken when an object ( 16 ) in the protected area ( 20 ) is detected. Collision protection method according to claim 1, wherein as a protected area ( 20 ) within a predetermined distance around a lock element ( 12 ) a door lock of the vehicle door ( 2 ) is monitored spatial volume. Collision protection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a warning signal is issued as a protective measure. Collision protection method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the open position (x _O ) between the closed position and the travel (X) in the opening direction limiting end position (X _E ) of the vehicle door ( 2 ) is arranged and as a protective measure the vehicle door ( 2 ) is further adjusted in the opening direction. Collision protection method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein as a protective measure a the lock element ( 12 ) of the vehicle door ( 2 ) associated padding ( 26 ) via the lock element ( 12 ) is moved. Collision protection method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein as a protective measure, the lock element ( 12 ) of the vehicle door ( 2 ) in one in the vehicle door ( 2 ) embedded protective position ( 28 ) is adjusted. Collision protection device ( 14 ) for an automatically adjustable along a travel (X) between a closed position and an open position (x _O ) vehicle door ( 2 ) of a vehicle ( 1 ), - with a distance sensor ( 18 ) for monitoring one of the vehicle door ( 2 ) in the closing direction upstream protection area ( 20 ) on an approach of an object ( 16 ), and - with a control and evaluation unit ( 22 ), which is adapted to carry out the collision protection method according to one of claims 1 to 6. Collision protection device ( 14 ) according to claim 7, wherein the distance sensor ( 18 ) is arranged to monitor a volume of space which is a lock element ( 12 ) a door lock of the vehicle door ( 2 ) is upstream. Collision protection device ( 14 ) according to claim 7 or 8, with a warning signal device for outputting a warning signal. Collision protection device ( 14 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, with a lock element ( 12 ) of the vehicle door ( 2 ) associated padding ( 26 ).

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