Advanced central locking systems, exterior mirrors and infrastructure on motor vehicles, as well as related procedures.

Abstract

This summary refers to the title: Advanced central locking, exterior mirrors, and infrastructure on motor vehicles, as well as related methods. The technical field lies in the area of ​​motor vehicles, rearview mirror systems, and vehicle and central locking systems. The objective is to provide a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional, and smart use and can operate within a networked communication infrastructure of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the motor vehicle play a crucial role. This is achieved, firstly, by exterior rearview mirrors equipped with proximity or touch sensors. In this way, door handles can be eliminated, and access is achieved via the exterior rearview mirrors. Secondly, this is achieved by exterior rearview mirrors equipped with a corresponding actuating element.Thirdly, this is achieved with exterior rearview mirrors that have a fallback or standby lock for access in the event of a power supply failure or central locking malfunction. Fourthly, it concerns the coupling of the exterior rearview mirror with central locking systems or mechanical keyless systems. Fifthly, it concerns the actuating method of exterior rearview mirrors in the course of detecting potential obstacle contact via proximity sensors to prevent damage. Overall, it concerns claims related to the setup, procedure, and use.

Description

[0001] Vehicles have doors to allow at least selective access to the vehicle. Doors are usually opened and closed using door handles.

[0002] In addition, doors are usually lockable, i.e., lockable and unlockable, often also via a central locking system or a so-called keyless-go system, which recognizes a vehicle key or a vehicle remote control in the vicinity of the vehicle and, under certain circumstances, can open doors upon request.

[0003] Vehicles are equipped with vehicle keys or remote controls. Some of these vehicle keys or remote controls are designed as mobile electronic devices. A vehicle key or remote control can be specifically assigned to at least one associated vehicle. This means that, technically, access to at least one assigned vehicle is possible using this vehicle key or remote control. This is achieved, for example, via a lock, where the key of the vehicle key or remote control mechanically fits the assigned lock(s) in the vehicle. This means that this specific vehicle can be unlocked using the matching vehicle key or remote control, and can generally also be locked again. This generally occurs in a legitimate, that is, authorized manner.

[0004] This works similarly with electronic keys, i.e., by means of electronic encryption, where the electronic key of the vehicle key or the electronic key of the vehicle remote control matches the assigned receiver(s) in the vehicle. This means that this specific vehicle can be unlocked electronically and wirelessly using the matching electronic vehicle key or the vehicle remote control, and generally also locked again. This is generally done in a legitimate, that is, authorized manner.

[0005] Keys for vehicle remote controls can also be part of a system such as keyless entry. As is known, within the vehicle's immediate radio reception range, under certain conditions, the vehicle assigned to the corresponding key or electronic key can unlock, thus granting access to that assigned vehicle.

[0006] In road vehicles, side rearview mirrors are known as external rearview mirrors, which can be viewed from inside the vehicle in order to better observe the area behind the vehicle.

[0007] In very modern vehicles, these exterior mirrors can be replaced by an electronic rearview mirror replacement. These systems are also called virtual rearview mirrors.

[0008] The task is to provide a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional, and smart use and can operate within a vehicle's communication infrastructure. Furthermore, the vehicle's efficiency and cost-effectiveness play a crucial role.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by: 1. Exterior rearview mirror ASR for a road vehicle S, characterized in that it includes at least one proximity sensor NS.

[0010] This creates a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional and smart use and can be networked and operate within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0011] Furthermore, efficiency can be improved. This can be achieved, for example, by potentially eliminating door handles entirely on at least one door near the new type of exterior mirror. In another design, these handles can be significantly simpler and more aerodynamically efficient. Besides reducing the number of parts in the complex door area, where cutouts currently necessitate functional cutouts, this also improves vehicle aerodynamics and thus vehicle efficiency. This reduces operating costs.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one proximity sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by:

[0014] 2. Exterior rearview mirror ASR for a road vehicle S, characterized in that it includes at least one touch sensor BR.

[0015] This creates a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional and smart use and can be networked and operate within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0016] Furthermore, efficiency can be improved. This can be achieved, for example, by potentially eliminating door handles entirely on at least one door near the new type of exterior mirror. In another design, these handles can be significantly simpler and more aerodynamically efficient. Besides reducing the number of parts in the complex door area, where cutouts currently necessitate functional cutouts, this also improves vehicle aerodynamics and thus vehicle efficiency. This reduces operating costs.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by:

[0018] 3. Exterior rearview mirror ASR for a road vehicle S, characterized in that it includes at least one actuating element BT.

[0019] This creates a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional and smart use and can be networked and operate within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0020] Furthermore, efficiency can be improved. This can be achieved, for example, by completely eliminating door handles as operating elements on at least one door near the new type of exterior mirror. In another design, these handles can be significantly simpler and more aerodynamically efficient. Besides reducing the number of parts in the complex door area, where cutouts currently necessitate functional cutouts, this also improves vehicle aerodynamics and thus vehicle efficiency. This reduces operating costs.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0022] 4. Exterior rearview mirror ASR according to at least one of ideas 1 to 3, or a combination thereof, arranged in such a way that at least one of the sensors can be connected to the infrastructure of a road vehicle S, so that at least this one sensor can cause at least one reaction in the infrastructure I of the road vehicle S.

[0023] This creates a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, and can operate networked within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0025] 5. Exterior rearview mirror ASR arranged according to at least one of ideas 1 to 3 or a combination thereof, such that at least one actuating element BT can be connected to the infrastructure of a road vehicle S, so that at least this actuating element BT can cause at least one reaction in the infrastructure I of the road vehicle S.

[0026] This creates a new type of exterior rearview mirror that enables diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, and can operate networked within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0027] The task is further solved by:

[0028] 6. Road vehicle S with at least one external rearview mirror ASR according to at least one of ideas 1 to 5 or a combination thereof.

[0029] The solution is achieved at the level of a road vehicle, thus enabling diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, and allowing them to work networked within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0030] Operating elements on doors are less complex and can sometimes be completely eliminated, improving costs, efficiency and aerodynamics.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0032] 7. Road vehicle S is set up according to at least idea 6 such that at least one of the sensors is connected to or can be connected to at least one central locking system of the road vehicle S.

[0033] The solution is achieved at the level of a road vehicle in cooperation with at least one central locking system, thus enabling diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, and allowing these to work networked within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0034] Operating elements on doors are less complex and can sometimes be completely eliminated, improving costs, efficiency and aerodynamics.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0036] 8. Road vehicle S according to at least one of ideas 6 to 7, arranged in such a way that at least one actuating element BT is connected to or can be connected to at least one central locking system ZV of the road vehicle S.

[0037] The solution is achieved at the level of a road vehicle in cooperation with at least one central control system, thus enabling diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, to work in a networked manner within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0038] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0039] 9. Road vehicle S is equipped according to at least one of ideas 6 to 8 such that at least one of the sensors is connected to or can be connected to at least one keyless go system ZK of the road vehicle S.

[0040] The solution is achieved at the level of a road vehicle in cooperation with at least one keyless go system, enabling diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures to operate in a networked manner within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0041] Operating elements on doors are less complex and can sometimes be completely eliminated, improving costs, efficiency and aerodynamics.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0043] 10. Road vehicle S is equipped according to at least one of ideas 6 to 9 such that at least one actuating element BT is connected to or can be connected to at least one keyless go system ZK of the road vehicle S.

[0044] The solution is achieved at the level of a road vehicle in cooperation with at least one keyless go system, thus enabling diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, to work in a networked manner within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0045] Operating elements on doors are less complex and can sometimes be completely eliminated, improving costs, efficiency and aerodynamics.

[0046] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:

[0047] 11. Road vehicle S according to at least one of ideas 6 to 10 such that at least one of the sensors is connected to or can be connected to at least one device, this device being equipped with at least one MASR device for the movement of at least one exterior mirror ASR.

[0048] The solution is achieved at the level of a road vehicle in cooperation with at least one MASR device set up for the movement of at least one ASR exterior mirror, thus enabling diverse, versatile, functional and smart use, as well as the related procedures, and enabling them to work networked within a motor vehicle's communication infrastructure.

[0049] In this way, for example, selected exterior rearview mirrors can be automatically retracted or folded in as side mirrors if the sensor detects an obstacle conflict or a probability of an obstacle conflict via proximity or contact. In one embodiment, this can also occur temporarily. In another embodiment, this can also occur only when the vehicle is stationary or traveling at low speed.

[0050] The task is further solved by:

[0051] 12. Method for actuating the movement of at least one external rearview mirror ASR on a road vehicle S in response to the action of at least one sensor, which includes at least one external rearview mirror ASR, this according to at least one of ideas 1 to 5.

[0052] In this way, for example, selected exterior rearview mirrors can be automatically retracted or folded in as side mirrors if the sensor detects an obstacle conflict or a probability of an obstacle conflict via proximity or contact. In one embodiment, this can also occur temporarily. In another embodiment, this can also occur only when the vehicle is stationary or traveling at low speeds. This increases the range of functions and can reduce costs and follow-up costs.

[0053] The task is further solved by:

[0054] 13. Method for responding to a central locking system (ZV) of a road vehicle (S) in the course of responding to at least one sensor, which includes at least one external rearview mirror (ASR), this according to at least one of ideas 1 to 5.

[0055] In this way, for example, selected exterior rearview mirrors with their sensors can serve as actuating elements for at least one central locking system. They can, for instance, detect a hand approaching or touching the mirror. In one embodiment, the heat from a hand can also be taken into account. Furthermore, in another embodiment, fingerprint sensors can be used as proximity or touch sensors. This can also be achieved using the corresponding methods.

[0056] Operating elements on doors are simplified and can, in some cases, be eliminated entirely, improving costs, efficiency, and aerodynamics. The task is further accomplished by:

[0057] 14. Method for responding to a central locking system ZV in a road vehicle S in the course of responding to at least one actuating element BT, which includes at least one external rearview mirror ASR, this according to at least one of ideas 1 to 5.

[0058] In this way, for example, the or selected exterior rearview mirrors with their operating elements can serve as operating elements for at least one central locking system.

[0059] For example, they can detect a hand approach or a touch by at least one human hand. In one embodiment, the heat from a hand can also be taken into account. In another embodiment, fingerprint sensors can be used as proximity or touch sensors. This can also be achieved procedurally using the corresponding methods.

[0060] Operating elements on doors are less complex and can sometimes be completely eliminated, improving costs, efficiency and aerodynamics.

[0061] The task is further solved by:

[0062] 15. Method for responding to at least one door release TO on a road vehicle S in the course of responding to at least one actuating element BT, which includes at least one external rearview mirror ASR, this according to at least one of ideas 1 to 5.

[0063] In this way, for example, selected exterior rearview mirrors with their actuating elements can serve as actuating elements for at least one central locking system. They can, for example, detect manual approach or touch by at least one human hand. In one embodiment, the heat from a hand can also be taken into account. Furthermore, in another embodiment, fingerprint sensors can be used as proximity or touch sensors. This can also be achieved using the corresponding methods.

[0064] Operating elements on doors are less complex and can sometimes be completely eliminated, improving costs, efficiency and aerodynamics.

[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one actuating element can be designed as a door lock, a backstop door lock, or a standby device.

[0066] The reason for this is that existing central locking systems have so-called door locks, fallback door locks, or standby door locks in the area of ​​the door or door handle, at least on the driver's door. These are often only accessible after a cover has been removed. They provide access to the vehicle as a backup in case of a malfunctioning, defective, or power-less central locking system.

[0067] According to this aspect of the invention, these can now be located in the area of ​​an exterior mirror or side mirror. For example, they could be mounted vertically below it. In one embodiment, a cover may need to be removed before the lock becomes accessible for a vehicle key or spare key.

[0068] The task is further solved by:

[0069] 16. Method according to at least one of ideas 12-14, with response to at least one sensor NS or BR and / or actuating element BT, by at least one proximity of at least one hand H of a person.

[0070] This allows the enhanced vehicle infrastructure to interact with human limbs, especially hands.

[0071] In another embodiment, gesture recognition can also be integrated into the function.

[0072] The task is further solved by:

[0073] 17. Use of at least one apparatus according to at least one of ideas 1 to 11 or of a method according to at least one of ideas 12 to 16 or of a combination thereof.

[0074] Regarding efficiency, it is known that vehicles must have advanced aerodynamics to achieve advantageous fuel consumption. For this reason, door handles on modern vehicles are often recessed. This creates a nearly flat surface over which the air can flow with almost no turbulence, thus increasing efficiency.

[0075] A second reason is that recessed door handles promote a truly appealing vehicle design that is simply clear and aesthetically pleasing.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one actuating element for at least one door is provided on at least one external rearview mirror of a motor vehicle, for actuation by persons in order to unlock or open at least one vehicle door.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, at least one actuating element for at least one door can be operated by persons on at least one external rearview mirror of a motor vehicle in order to unlock or open at least one vehicle door.

[0078] In another exemplary embodiment, a mechanical connection can exist between the actuating element and at least one vehicle door for unlocking or locking.

[0079] For example, pulling on a handle-like operating element by a person unlocks at least one vehicle door. Pull and push rods can be used for this purpose, which redirect the operating force accordingly to unlock or lock the door.

[0080] In a second exemplary embodiment, at least one exterior rearview mirror includes at least one device for detecting at least one approach and / or contact. This device can, for example, operate capacitively. If, for instance, a person's hand approaches or even touches an area, this device detects the movement and allows at least one door to be unlocked. Optionally, at least one door can also be opened slightly, so that, for example, an internal handle near the door's central pillar becomes accessible, allowing at least one person to open the door independently. Alternatively, a door can also be opened manually or with motor assistance.

[0081] Alternatively, as an alternative actuation means, for example, at least a push button could be implemented that switches on a relay, which in turn can control a door opening or locking mechanism, in the form of actuators that can at least unlock a door. Such a push button would preferably be placed on top of a rearview mirror assembly.

[0082] In another embodiment, a transponder can also be detected or readable from the exterior mirrors by means of the sensor.

[0083] In another version, the central locking system of the vehicle can also be activated or controlled by appropriately described actuating elements.

[0084] In another implementation form, the described actuating elements can also be integrated or embedded in a keyless go solution.

[0085] Another execution method is formed by: An actuating element can also operate solely or additionally via touch sensitivity, as is known from touchpads on laptops.

[0086] Another implementation form is formed by: An actuating element can also operate solely or additionally in a heat-sensitive manner, for example by detecting infrared radiation, e.g. also as an IR diode.

[0087] Another aspect of the invention is formed by: An actuating element can also operate alone or additionally in approximately the same way as, or similarly to, a capacitive door handle or a door handle with proximity sensors.

[0088] According to another aspect of the invention, an actuating element can also operate solely or additionally with camera support.

[0089] An external rearview mirror can also be implemented in another form, either as a replacement for a physical rearview mirror or as a virtual rearview mirror. In such a case, cameras and sensors can also be used as input or control elements.

[0090] According to a further aspect of the invention, an actuating element can also be formed solely or additionally by at least one lock that can be electrically activated, at least by means of a spare key. Such a lock could also act as a backup solution for the vehicle's central locking system, thus enabling opening. Such a lock would, for example, be located in a lower area of ​​a rearview mirror assembly.

[0091] According to another aspect of the invention, an actuating element can also use a fingerprint as a fingerprint sensor, either alone or additionally.

[0092] According to a further aspect of the invention, areas of an actuating element (such as touch-sensitive or proximity-sensitive surfaces) can be, or become, recognizable from the outside, for example by markings or light. These can also be made recognizable, for example by being backlit upon approach or touch.

[0093] This has the advantage that it is clearly determined where an actuating element is located, or that it can be clearly and selectively displayed where an actuating element is located, so that actuation becomes particularly easy.

[0094] According to a further aspect of the invention, areas around at least one actuating element or around at least one sensor can also be heated, at least selectively. According to a further aspect of the invention, an infrared heater, infrared-like heater, or radiant heater can also be used.

[0095] Furthermore, an inventive aspect can be developed by providing external rearview mirror arrangements (conventional or virtual) with a lever arm for opening the door, even in emergencies, upon which force can be applied. This can also be done using tools or via interfaces for docking devices or rescue equipment. These rearview mirror arrangements necessarily include this lever arm because they require a position slightly outside the vehicle to function. Therefore, their overall aerodynamic drag is necessary and tolerable, and they can also be designed to be aerodynamically efficient.

[0096] The invention may lead to the situation that door handles, at least in their existing conventional form on doors, are not absolutely necessary and may even be omitted.

[0097] This allows for better vehicle aerodynamics and more freedom in a, in particular, clean-lined design.

[0098] It also significantly reduces the effort required in door areas.

[0099] According to a further aspect of the invention, rearview mirror devices can also be designed to be movable and foldable in one embodiment with areas of an actuating element (such as touch-sensitive).

[0100] Another implementation form is formed by: Furthermore, this application concerns corresponding methods for unlocking and locking vehicles by means of corresponding actuating elements, also with the assistance of persons.

[0101] Another form of implementation is formed by: Furthermore, this application concerns the use of these facilities and / or procedures, also in combination and multiple combinations.

[0102] In one embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a road vehicle.

[0103] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a passenger car.

[0104] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a truck.

[0105] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as an aircraft.

[0106] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a watercraft.

[0107] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one proximity sensor can be designed as a capacitive sensor.

[0108] An infrastructure can be formed, for example, by an information infrastructure.

[0109] An infrastructure can be formed, for example, by a functional infrastructure.

[0110] An infrastructure can be formed, for example, by an electrical infrastructure.

[0111] An infrastructure can be formed, for example, by a data infrastructure.

[0112] A system (MASR) can, for example, actuate the exterior mirrors using electric servos and / or electric actuators. Preferably, they can be moved into a position that reduces the likelihood of damage. This can also reduce the overall width of the vehicle. Drawings

[0113] All drawings show, in principle and in a highly simplified manner, exemplary embodiments. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Claims

Exterior rearview mirror (ASR) for a road vehicle (S), characterized in that it includes at least one proximity sensor (NS). Exterior rearview mirror (ASR) for a road vehicle (S), characterized in that it includes at least one touch sensor (BR). Exterior rearview mirror (ASR) for a road vehicle (S), characterized in that it includes at least one actuating element (BT). Exterior rearview mirror (ASR) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, or a combination thereof, arranged such that at least one of the sensors can be connected to the infrastructure of a road vehicle (S) in such a way that at least this one sensor can trigger at least one reaction in the infrastructure (I) of the road vehicle (S). Exterior rearview mirror (ASR) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3 or a combination thereof arranged such that at least one actuating element (BT) can be connected to the infrastructure of a road vehicle (S) in such a way that at least this actuating element (BT) can cause at least one reaction in the infrastructure (I) of the road vehicle (S). Road vehicle (S) with at least one external rearview mirror (ASR) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5 or a combination thereof. Road vehicle (S) according to at least claim 6 arranged such that at least one of the sensors is connected to or can be connected to at least one central locking system (ZV) of the road vehicle (S). Road vehicle (S) according to at least one of claims 6 to 7, arranged such that at least one actuating element (BT) is connected to or can be connected to at least one central locking system (ZV) of the road vehicle (S). Road vehicle (S) according to at least one of claims 6 to 8 configured such that at least one of the sensors is connected to or can be connected to at least one keyless go system (ZK) of the road vehicle (S). Road vehicle (S) according to at least one of claims 6 to 9 configured such that at least one actuating element (BT) is connected to or can be connected to at least one keyless go system (ZK) of the road vehicle (S). Road vehicle (S) according to at least one of claims 6 to 10 such that at least one of the sensors is connected to or can be connected to at least one device, this at least one device (MASR) being equipped for the movement of at least one exterior mirror (ASR). Method for actuating the movement of at least one external rearview mirror (ASR) of a road vehicle (S) in response to the action of at least one sensor, comprising at least one external rearview mirror (ASR), the latter according to at least one of claims 1 to 5. Method for responding to a central locking system (ZV) in a road vehicle (S) in the course of responding to at least one sensor, which comprises at least one external rearview mirror (ASR), the latter according to at least one of claims 1 to 5. Method for responding to a central locking system (ZV) in a road vehicle (S) in the course of responding to at least one actuating element (BT), which comprises at least one external rearview mirror (ASR), the latter according to at least one of claims 1 to 5. Method for responding to at least one door release (TO) in a road vehicle (S) in the course of responding to at least one actuating element (BT) comprising at least one external rearview mirror (ASR), the latter according to at least one of claims 1 to 5. Method according to at least one of claims 12 - 14, comprising responding to at least one sensor (NS or BR) and / or actuating element (BT) by at least one proximity of at least one hand (H) of a person. Use of at least one device according to at least one of claims 1 to 11 or a method according to at least one of claims 12 to 16 or a combination thereof.

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