Vehicle door opening system and method

Abstract

The present application provides a vehicle door opening system for opening a vehicle door from inside a vehicle. The system includes a handle provided on the inner surface of the vehicle door and a latch assembly connected to the handle and configured to lock to keep the vehicle door closed or unlock to allow the vehicle door to open, wherein the handle has a connection portion pivotally connected to the vehicle door and a grip portion opposite to the connection portion. The system also includes a controller and a proximity sensor provided at a distance from the grip portion of the handle for detecting whether an object is approaching. The controller is configured to activate the latch assembly in a first opening mode based on the proximity sensor detecting that an object is approaching or in contact, thereby allowing the opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle door opening system, and in particular to a system and method for opening a vehicle door from inside a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In the current traffic environment, pedestrian passages or bicycle passages are often adjacent to motor vehicles such as car lanes. In this way, when the driver of a vehicle on the car lane stops and opens the door, pedestrians / bicycle users who are traveling faster on the pedestrian passage or bicycle passage behind the vehicle are easily hit by the suddenly opened door. Conventional vehicle systems include various units to solve such problems. For example, Chinese patent application CN203937565U discloses a door opening system including a sensor and a prompt unit, the sensor is installed on the inner handle to detect whether the hand of a vehicle user such as a driver or a passenger touches the inner handle of the door, and the prompt unit emits a sound prompt or a flashing light warning when the sensor detects that the inner handle of the door is touched, reminding the user to pay attention to the vehicle or pedestrian behind. For example, Chinese patent application CN205256167U discloses another door opening system including a sensor and a controller, the sensor is installed on the outer surface of the door to detect pedestrians at a certain distance near the door, and the controller is configured to prohibit unlocking the door latch when the sensor determines that there is a pedestrian at a certain distance near the door, so as to prevent the door from hitting the pedestrian who may pass through the door opening path when the door is opened. These door opening systems need to introduce sensors to determine whether the user intends to open the door or whether there are pedestrians passing by on the door opening path. Sometimes misjudgment may occur, wasting the user's time and thus reducing user satisfaction. In addition, these door opening systems all rely on vehicle components such as sensors or controllers to safely open the door. For example, Chinese patent application CN205743368U discloses another safe right-hand door opening mechanism for automobiles, including a starter for triggering the door handle to open. Therefore, when opening the door, the starter must be pushed open in advance by the right thumb. Therefore, the driver or the passenger on the same side is allowed to open the door with the right hand so that the driver can turn sideways and move the line of sight to the outside of the door on that side to pay attention to the vehicle coming from behind, so as to achieve the purpose of road safety. This mechanism adds a door opening step, has poor flexibility and reduces user satisfaction. Therefore, a convenient and flexible door opening system based on user requirements is beneficial. [Summary of the invention]

[0003] To address at least one of the above problems, the present application provides a stabilizing assembly that is simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and has improved rigidity and lateral stability.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present application, a vehicle door opening system for opening a vehicle door from inside a vehicle is provided, the vehicle door opening system comprising a handle disposed on the inner surface of the vehicle door, a proximity sensor spaced apart from a portion of the handle, a latch assembly connected to the handle, and a controller. The handle has a connection portion pivotally connected to the vehicle door and a grip portion opposite to the connection portion, the proximity sensor is spaced apart from the grip portion of the handle and is used to detect whether an object is close to the proximity sensor, and the latch assembly is configured to lock to keep the vehicle door closed or unlock to allow the vehicle door to open. In a first opening mode, the controller activates the latch assembly based on the proximity sensor detecting an object approaching or contacting, thereby allowing the opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the distance between the proximity sensor and the grip portion of the handle is configured so that the thumb of the user's palm and any one of the remaining fingers of the palm can contact the proximity sensor and the operating grip portion respectively at the same time.

[0006] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is disposed on the connecting portion of the handle.

[0007] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is disposed on an inner surface of the vehicle door adjacent to a connection portion of the handle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is further away from the grip portion of the handle than the connecting portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vehicle door opening system further includes a mode selection switch, and the controller is further configured to operate the vehicle door in a first opening mode or a second opening mode in response to the mode selection switch, wherein in the second opening mode, only the opening action of the gripping portion of the handle can unlock the latch assembly and allow the vehicle door to open.

[0011] In some embodiments, the latch assembly includes a drive path that can be disconnected and connected, and activating the latch assembly includes connecting the drive path of the latch assembly to allow an opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: in response to the opening mode selection switch selecting the second opening mode, connect the drive path of the latch assembly to allow the opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, the latch assembly includes a first latch and a second latch that are independent of each other, and the controller is further configured to: in response to the proximity sensor detecting an object approaching, control the first latch to unlock, and the opening action of the gripping part of the handle can unlock the second latch, thereby allowing the vehicle door to open.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present application, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a door, an inner handle disposed on the inner surface of the door, at least one proximity sensor disposed on the inner surface of the door, a latch assembly connected to the inner handle and configured to lock the door to keep it closed or unlock it to allow the door to open, a mode selection switch for a user to select to operate the door in a plurality of different opening modes, and a controller. The inner handle has a connecting portion pivotally connected to the door and a gripping portion opposite to the connecting portion, and the proximity sensor is arranged spaced apart from the gripping portion of the inner handle, and the spacing distance between the two is configured to facilitate the user's thumb in one palm to contact the proximity sensor while any of the remaining fingers of the palm can operate the gripping portion. In a first opening mode, the controller unlocks the latch assembly in response to the proximity sensor detecting that an object is approaching or contacting the proximity sensor. In a second opening mode, the controller unlocks the latch assembly in response to the opening action of the gripping portion of the inner handle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a plurality of proximity sensors spaced at different distances from the grip portion of the inside handle, each individually communicating with the controller and each being operable to unlock the latch assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a display mark disposed on the periphery of the proximity sensor, for indicating that the user is approaching or touching the proximity sensor with a hand.

[0017] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a reminder unit in communication with the controller and configured to, in the first mode, issue a reminder in response to an opening action of the grip portion of the inner handle while the proximity sensor is not activated.

[0018] In some embodiments, the reminder unit includes: a reminder light located near the grip of the inner handle, a text display module located near the grip of the inner handle, a speaker of the vehicle, a vibration module of the vehicle seat or the inner handle, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the mode select switch is located on the steering wheel or dashboard of the vehicle.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present application, a vehicle door opening method for controlling the vehicle door to be opened from the inside is disclosed, wherein the vehicle door comprises an inner handle having a connection portion pivotally connected to the vehicle door and a grip portion opposite to the connection portion, a latch assembly, and a proximity sensor adjacent to the connection portion. The vehicle door opening method comprises: responding to a user selecting to operate the vehicle door in a first vehicle door opening mode; determining whether the user's finger is close to the proximity sensor; and unlocking the latch assembly to allow the vehicle door to be opened based on the finger being close to the proximity sensor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is disposed at a position that allows the user to conveniently touch the proximity sensor and open the inner handle at the same time with a hand away from the vehicle door.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vehicle door opening method further includes responding to a user selecting to operate the vehicle door in a second vehicle door opening mode, in which the latch assembly is controlled to unlock in response to an opening action of a grip portion of the inner handle to allow the vehicle door to open.

[0023] It should be understood that the above brief description is provided to introduce a series of selected concepts that will be further described in the detailed description in a simplified form, and it is not meant to identify the key or essential features of the protected subject matter of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention will be uniquely defined by the claims of the present invention. In addition, the protected subject matter is not limited to embodiments that overcome any disadvantages described above or in any part of this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] One or more features and / or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from one or more embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having an embodiment according to the present application, showing a door opening system and a door in an open state.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle door having a vehicle door opening system according to an embodiment of the present application, showing a gesture for opening the vehicle door.

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle door having a vehicle door opening system according to an embodiment of the present application, showing an embodiment of a proximity sensor at the vehicle door position.

[0028] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle door having a vehicle door opening system according to another embodiment of the present application, showing another embodiment of a proximity sensor at the vehicle door position.

[0029] Figure 5 The present invention is a block diagram of a vehicle door opening system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] 6A and 6B are perspective views of a portion of a vehicle door opening system according to an embodiment of the present application, showing a driving path of a latch assembly in an off state and an on state, respectively.

[0031] Figure 7 6B is a perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly of the vehicle door opening system, showing the state of the portion when the vehicle door is locked.

[0032] Figure 8 The present invention is a flow chart of a vehicle door opening method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Specific implementation method]

[0033] As required, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the present application specification; however, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples of the present invention that can be implemented in multiple, alternative forms. The drawings need not be drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show the details of specific components. The same or similar reference numerals may indicate the same parameters and components or similar modifications and alternatives thereto. In the description below, multiple operating parameters and components are described in multiple contemplated embodiments. These specific parameters and components are used in this specification only as examples and are not meant to be limiting. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in this specification should not be understood as limitations, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to implement the present invention in multiple forms.

[0034] When opening the door from the inside of the vehicle using the Dutch Reach method, the user opens the door with the hand away from the door. For example, a user sitting on the left side of the vehicle opens the left door with the right hand. In this way, the user will turn his body toward the door and observe the side of the door and the road conditions behind the vehicle except for the front of the vehicle, which can effectively reduce the damage to the rear vehicles or pedestrians when the door is opened suddenly after stopping. The inventor of the present application has realized that the door opening system can be configured to allow the user to use the Dutch Reach method.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The vehicle 10 has a door opening system 100 (hereinafter also referred to as system 100) for opening a door from inside the vehicle (e.g., a passenger compartment) and a door 200. The door 200 can pivot about a vehicle body connection mechanism on one side thereof, and is held in a locked position (not shown) on the vehicle body (e.g., a B-pillar) by a locking mechanism on the opposite side thereof when the vehicle 10 is traveling. When the vehicle 10 stops and a user gets off the vehicle to open the door 200, the door 200 pivots outward about the connection mechanism to a position where the vehicle 10 stops and the user gets off the vehicle to open the door 200. Figure 1 Shown in open position.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a handle 110 disposed on the inner surface of a vehicle door 200, a proximity sensor 120 disposed adjacent to one end of the handle 110, a latch assembly 130 that can be driven by the handle 110 to lock or release the vehicle door 200, and a controller 300 that communicates with the proximity sensor 120 and the latch assembly 130. The controller 300 is configured to operate the vehicle door 200 in a first opening mode, in which the latch assembly 130 can be unlocked to allow the vehicle door 200 to be opened based on the proximity sensor 120 detecting an object (e.g., a user's finger) while the opening action of the handle 110 is performed. The controller executes one or more control programs, such as a vehicle door latch control program stored in a memory, to monitor and implement the opening mode of the vehicle door.

[0037] The latch assembly 130 has an unlocked state and a locked state. In the unlocked state, the door can be released from the vehicle body and opened by a user's push force (from inside the vehicle to outside the vehicle) or pull force (from outside the vehicle to inside the vehicle). In the locked state, the door is locked to the vehicle body and cannot be opened by a user's push force or pull force. In one embodiment, the latch assembly 130 has a drive path. When the drive path is connected, the latch assembly 130 can be driven to the unlocked state, for example, by operating the handle 110. In the first opening mode, when the proximity sensor 120 is activated (i.e., a finger contacts or approaches the proximity sensor 120), the drive path of the latch assembly 130 can be connected. In other words, the driver needs to contact or approach the proximity sensor 120 with one finger and operate the handle 110 with another finger to open the door.

[0038] by Figure 1 Taking the door 200 as an example, it is inconvenient for the driver to perform these two actions with his left hand. Therefore, the user is urged to use a hand away from the door 200 (such as Figure 1 In this way, during the process of opening the door 200, the driver's body needs to turn a certain angle toward the door 200, so that in addition to the road conditions in front of the vehicle, the driver can also observe the road conditions outside the door 200 and a certain distance behind it, thereby effectively avoiding the damage to pedestrians and other vehicles and the damage to the vehicle 10 itself caused by suddenly opening the door due to lack of attention to the road conditions around the vehicle 10 (especially, vehicles and pedestrians coming from behind). In one embodiment, the system 100 may only have a first opening mode (i.e., the Dutch door opening method). In another embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to provide different door opening modes based on user selection. For example, the user may select the Dutch door opening method or the traditional door opening mode. The first opening mode can guide the user to use the hand away from the door to perform the door opening action, and provide more flexibility while guiding the user to develop a habit of safe door opening through repeated operations.

[0039] It should be understood that the handle 110 is also referred to as an inner handle, and is used to open the door from the inside of the vehicle. The inner surface of the door 200 refers to the surface of the door 200 adjacent to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, or the outer surface of the interior trim of the door 200. A user in the vehicle 10 can unlock the latch by operating the handle 110 and then pivot the door 200 to the outside by pushing the handle 110. Figure 1 Shown in open position. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the door 200 represents the door on the driver's side, and the user may be the driver of the vehicle 10. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the door may represent the door on the passenger side or the door on the rear passenger side, and the user may represent the corresponding passenger passenger or rear passenger.

[0040] The handle 110 may include two opposite ends, such as a connection portion 112 pivotally connected to the vehicle door 200 and a grip portion 114. The grip portion 114 may be operated by one or more fingers of a user, and pivots toward the vehicle interior about the vehicle door 200 together with the connection portion 112 (corresponding to the opening action of the handle or the handle grip portion) to drive the latch of the vehicle door 200 to unlock and allow the vehicle door 200 to open.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 The system 100 further includes a proximity sensor 120 spaced apart from the grip portion 114 of the handle 110 for detecting whether an object (e.g., a user's finger) is close to or in contact with the handle 114. The distance between the proximity sensor 120 and the grip portion 114 of the handle 110 can be configured such that the thumb of the user's palm and any one of the remaining fingers of the palm can contact the proximity sensor 120 and the operating grip portion 114 at the same time. In this way, it is inconvenient to open the door with the hand near the door, but it is convenient for the user to open the door with the hand far from the door, for example, using the Dutch door opening method.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 120 is disposed on the inner surface of the vehicle door 200 and adjacent to the connecting portion 112. For example, considering that the size of the handle 110 of the vehicle door 200 is generally smaller than the palm of the user, the proximity sensor 120 may be disposed at a position farther away from the grip portion 114 relative to the connecting portion 112, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 120 may be disposed on the connecting portion 112 of the handle 110. Such an arrangement may facilitate operation of the handle 110 by users with smaller hands, such as women or children.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a plurality of proximity sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d spaced at different distances from the grip portion 114 of the handle 110, any one of which may independently act on the latch assembly in response to the output of the controller, such as activating the latch assembly or connecting the driving path of the latch assembly. Figure 2In the embodiment, four proximity sensors 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d are arranged in a row in a direction gradually away from the grip portion 114, that is, in a direction horizontally to the left from the connection portion 112. In this way, for users with larger palms (e.g., adult males), proximity sensor 120b may be selected, and the distance A between it and the grip portion 114 is larger, so that such users can operate the grip portion 114 with other fingers of the palm while the thumb approaches or contacts the proximity sensor 120b. Similarly, for users with smaller palms (e.g., women or children), proximity sensor 120c may be selected, and the distance B between it and the grip portion 114 is smaller, so that such users can perform the opening action in the first opening mode.

[0045] It should be understood that this application is not limited to Figure 2 The four proximity sensors are arranged horizontally in a direction away from the grip portion 114. A person skilled in the art may reasonably adjust the number, arrangement direction, and arrangement position of the proximity sensors to meet actual user needs, which should be considered to be included in the protection scope of this application.

[0046] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 120 may be a capacitive sensor. The proximity sensor 120 includes at least one sensor activation field that provides a sense of the contact or distance of an object (e.g., a user's hand, such as a palm or finger) relative to one or more proximity sensors (e.g., within 1 mm). The capacitive sensor can function as a capacitive switch. The sensing activation field of the proximity sensor 120 is a capacitive field, including the user's hand having conductivity and dielectric properties that can cause changes or disturbances in the sensing activation field. The capacitive sensor can be a capacitive sensor of the prior art or later development. However, it should also be understood by those skilled in the art that additional or optional types of proximity sensors can be used, such as but not limited to inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, and resistive sensors, etc., or a combination thereof. Exemplary proximity sensors can be found in the ATMELk Touch Sensor Design Guide (Touch Sensors Design Guide) of April 9, 2009, 10620D-AT42-04 / 09, which is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification of the present application in its entirety.

[0047] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 120 is formed by printing conductive ink on the connection portion 112 of the handle 110 or the inner surface of the door 200. In other embodiments, the proximity sensor 120 may be formed, for example, by mounting a preformed conductive circuit board on the connection portion 112 or the inner surface of the door 200.

[0048] refer to Figure 1-4In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a display mark C disposed on the periphery of each proximity sensor 120 to indicate the location of the proximity sensor 120, so as to facilitate the user to approach or touch the proximity sensor 120 with his hand to open the vehicle door.

[0049] In some embodiments, the display mark C may be a graphic or text. In some embodiments, the display mark includes a light display, and when the user selects the first opening mode, the display mark may be illuminated to remind the driver or passenger to use a gesture matching the first opening mode (i.e., the Dutch door opening method) to perform the door opening action.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , the system 100 may further include a reminder unit 170, which communicates with the controller 300 and is configured to: in the first mode, in response to the proximity sensor 120 being not activated (e.g., no finger approaching or contacting is detected) and the grip portion 114 of the handle 110 being operated (e.g., the grip portion 114 is opened), send a signal to remind the user to use the Dutch method. In such an embodiment, the handle 110 may be provided with a sensor that communicates with the controller 300, such as a pressure sensor or a capacitive sensor, for detecting whether the grip portion 114 is operated and the detection result may be transmitted to the controller 300. The reminder unit 170 is not limited to Figure 1 The reminder light shown in the figure located near the grip portion 114 may also include a display module near the grip portion 114 (e.g., a text display on the window glass), a speaker at any position in the vehicle 10, a vibration module of a seat or an inner handle of the vehicle, or a combination thereof.

[0051] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle door opening system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The system 100 includes a handle 110, a proximity sensor 120, a latch assembly 130 that can be driven to lock or unlock by the handle 110, and a controller 300. The controller 300 may include a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU) that communicates with various types of computer-readable storage devices or media. The computer-readable storage devices or media may include volatile and non-volatile memories of read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). The controller 300 may execute one or more control programs, such as a vehicle door latch control program stored in the memory, to monitor and implement the opening mode of the vehicle door. The controller 300 may be a separate controller or may be integrated in a vehicle-mounted computer system or a power control module (PCM) 121. The controller 300 is configured to receive a signal from the proximity sensor 120 to control the opening of the vehicle door. For example, in the first opening mode, the controller 300 controls the latch assembly 130 to unlock and allow the vehicle door to open in response to a signal that the proximity sensor 120 detects an object (eg, a hand or finger) and a signal that the grip portion 114 of the handle 110 is operated.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system 100 communicates with the PCM 121. For example, the system 100 may receive information from the PCM 121 whether the power system is shut down.

[0053] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a mode selection switch 180, and the user can select to control the vehicle door 200 in the first opening mode or the second opening mode by operating the mode selection switch 180. Figure 1 The mode selection switch 180 may be disposed on a steering wheel or a dashboard of the vehicle 10 to facilitate operation by a driver of the vehicle 10. The controller 300 may respond to input from the mode selection switch 180 to select a first opening mode or a second opening mode to control the vehicle door 200.

[0054] In the first opening mode, when the proximity sensor 120 detects the finger contact or approach, the controller 300 controls the latch assembly 130 to activate, for example, the driving path of the latch assembly 130 is turned on. When the finger contacts or approaches the proximity sensor 120, the door can only be opened by performing the opening action of the handle. That is, the first opening mode facilitates the user to use the hand away from the door side to perform the action of opening the door, so it is also called the Dutch door opening method or the passenger guidance mode. Using the first opening mode can reduce the probability of the door colliding with objects coming from behind (such as bicycles or pedestrians) when opening the door, and can guide passengers to develop a good habit of observing the side and rear of the door while opening the door. In the second opening mode, only the opening action of the grip 114 of the handle 110 can unlock the latch assembly 130 and allow the door 200 to open, which is also called the normal opening mode. In these embodiments, the opening action of the handle can be performed manually by the user. In other embodiments, regardless of the first opening mode or the second opening mode, a sensor may be additionally provided to detect the opening action of the handle (for example, the above-mentioned pressure sensor or capacitance sensor), and the sensor communicates with the controller. When the controller receives the opening action signal of the gripping part of the handle, the latch assembly is controlled to unlock.

[0055] It is expected that after the user has been guided by the first opening mode for a period of time, the user may have developed a good habit of opening the door, for example, whenever opening the door, the user will habitually turn around and observe the side of the door and the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the opening gesture in the first opening mode (i.e., the Dutch door opening method) may not be used, and the simpler and faster second opening mode may provide additional convenience and flexibility.

[0056] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 , two opening modes (i.e., the first opening mode and the second opening mode) are realized by a plurality of latches. Figure 5As shown, the latch assembly may include a first latch and a second latch that are independent of each other. In the first mode, the vehicle door is locked using the first latch and the second latch. The first latch may be communicated with a proximity sensor, and the controller unlocks the first latch in response to the proximity sensor detecting a finger approaching or contacting. The second latch may be a conventional latch that is locked or released by a handle, and after unlocking the first latch, only the opening action of the gripping portion of the handle can be performed to unlock the second latch. In this way, the two latches are unlocked in sequence, and the vehicle door can be opened. In some embodiments, in response to the user operating the mode selection switch to select the second opening mode, the controller controls the first latch to unlock (for example, by controlling the motor connected to the first latch). That is, in the second opening mode, the first latch is unlocked in advance, and only the second latch performs the locking function, and at this time, only the opening action of the gripping portion of the handle can unlock the second latch. In this way, both latches are unlocked and the vehicle door can be opened. Therefore, the first latch and the second latch can operate together in the first opening mode, and the second latch can operate alone in the second opening mode.

[0057] In some embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, two opening modes may be provided by one latch assembly. In the first opening mode, the driving path P of the latch assembly is disconnected (as shown in FIG. 6B), and the opening action of the gripping portion of the handle cannot unlock the latch assembly. The driving path P of the latch assembly is connected as shown in FIG. 6A only when the proximity sensor detects that the finger is close to or in contact with and maintains this position, allowing the subsequent opening action of the gripping portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly. In some embodiments, in response to the user operating the mode selection switch to select the second opening mode, the controller controls the driving path to be connected (for example, by a motor communicating with the controller), allowing the opening action of the gripping portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly.

[0058] 6A-6B and Figure 7The latch assembly 130 may include a pull wire 131 connected to the grip portion of the handle, an inner opening handle 132 that can swing with the pull wire 131, a locking link 133 that is pivotally connected to the inner opening handle 132 and can translate with its swing, a release rod 134 that selectively engages with the locking link 133, a pawl 135 that contacts the release rod 134 at one end and can be pushed by it, a card plate 136 that selectively abuts against the pawl 135, and a lock hook 137 that selectively engages with the card plate 136. The lock hook 137 is located on the vehicle body (e.g., the B-pillar), and its engagement or release with the card plate 136 defines the locking or unlocking of the latch assembly, respectively. The system 100 may also include a first motor 140, a worm 150 that can be driven by the first motor 140, and a turbine 160 that meshes with the worm 150. The turbine 160 has a protrusion 162 that can contact the first end 138 of the locking link 133, and the second end 139 of the locking link 133 selectively engages with the groove 141 in the release lever 134. FIG6A shows that the second end 139 of the locking link 133 is engaged with the groove 141 in the release lever 134, that is, the drive path of the latch assembly 130 is in the on state.

[0059] 6B, the card plate 136 engages with the lock hook 137 to lock the door (eg, Figure 7 6B ), the protrusion 162 of the turbine 160 abuts against the first end 138 of the locking link 133 so that the second end 139 of the locking link 138 swings upward to leave the groove 141 and does not connect or engage with the release rod 134 (as shown in FIG. 6B ). In this case, because the driving path of the latch assembly is disconnected at the junction of the locking link 138 and the release rod 134 (see the disconnection at the dotted line P in FIG. 6B ), pulling the pull wire 131 (i.e., the opening action of the handle) cannot ultimately drive the pawl 135 to release the card plate 136 and the lock hook 137 to open the door. That is, the latch assembly 130 is still in a locked state.

[0060] In the first opening mode, referring to FIG. 6A , in response to the proximity sensor 120 detecting the finger contact or approach, the first motor 140 is turned on, and the controller 300 controls the first motor 140 to drive the worm rod 150 to push the turbine 160, and the protrusion 162 of the turbine 160 rotates clockwise, so that the first end 138 of the locking link 133 swings upward and the second end 139 swings downward to enter the connection between the groove 141 and the release rod 134. In this way, the driving path of the latch assembly is connected. At this time, the connection line 131 is pulled, and the inner opening handle 132 swings with the pull line 131 to drive the locking link 133 to push the release rod 134 forward, and the pawl 135 is pushed by the release rod 134 so that the card plate 136 is released from the lock hook 137 (not shown), so that the latch assembly is unlocked and the door can be opened. In this way, the first motor 140 associated with the proximity sensor 120 can be used to connect the driving path of the latch assembly, thereby assisting the opening of the door in the first opening mode.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , the system 100 may further include a second motor 170, which may directly drive the locking link 133 to connect or disconnect it with the release rod 134. That is, in addition to using the proximity sensor and the first motor, the driving path of the latch assembly 130 may be connected by the second motor 170. In some embodiments, in response to the user operating the mode selection switch to select the second opening mode, the controller 300 controls the second motor 170 to drive the locking link 133 so that its second end 139 swings downward into connection with the release rod 134, thereby connecting the driving path of the latch assembly. At this time, pulling the connection line 131 may ultimately promote the release of the card plate 136 from the lock hook 137 (not shown), so that the door can be opened.

[0062] Figure 8 The present invention is a method 800 for controlling the door of a vehicle to be opened from the inside according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle has the door and door opening system described above. At 802, the method 800 determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on multiple parameters of the vehicle. For example, the method 800 can determine that the vehicle is stopped based on the shutdown information of the PCM power system. If it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, at 804, the method 800 determines whether the user selects the first opening mode based on the operation of the mode selection switch. If it is determined that the first opening mode is selected, at 806, the method determines whether there is a finger approaching or touching the proximity sensor. If so, at 808, the method 800 determines whether the grip portion of the handle is operated, such as being pulled. If so, the method 800 unlocks the latch assembly at 810 to allow the door to be opened.

[0063] In one embodiment, if it is determined at 806 that no finger is approaching or in contact, then at 812, it is determined whether the grip portion of the handle is operated, and if so, a reminder is issued at 814. This can remind the user to open the door using the Dutch door opening method.

[0064] If it is determined at 804 that the first opening mode is not selected, for example, the second opening mode is selected, then at 816, the method 800 unlocks the latch assembly and allows the door to be opened. In this way, the door can be opened using a conventional door opening method.

[0065] The system and method for opening a door from inside a vehicle according to the present application can effectively guide but not restrict the user to use the Dutch door opening method to open the door, thereby ensuring safety while improving user flexibility and comfort.

[0066] It should be noted that the exemplary control and estimation procedures included herein can be applied in conjunction with various engine and / or vehicle system structures. The specific procedures described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threaded processing strategies, etc. Therefore, the various actions, operations, or functions shown may be performed in the order shown, in parallel, or in some cases may be omitted. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the actions or functions shown may be performed repeatedly depending on the specific strategy used. Moreover, the actions may be graphically represented as code in a computer-readable storage medium programmed into the engine control system.

[0067] It should be understood that the structures and procedures disclosed in the specification of the present application are exemplary in nature, and the specific embodiments should not be understood as limiting because there may be many variations.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A door opening system for opening a door from inside a vehicle, comprising: A handle provided on the inner surface of the vehicle door, comprising a connecting portion pivotally connected to the vehicle door and a gripping portion opposite to the connecting portion; a proximity sensor, which is arranged at a distance from the grip portion of the handle and is used to detect whether an object is close to the proximity sensor, wherein the proximity sensor is arranged at a position that allows a user to conveniently touch the proximity sensor and perform an opening action of the handle with a hand away from the vehicle door at the same time; a latch assembly connected to the handle and configured to latch to keep the door closed or to unlock to allow the door to open; a controller configured to activate the latch assembly in a first opening mode based on the proximity sensor detecting an object approaching or contacting, thereby allowing an opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly; and a mode selection switch, the controller being further configured to operate the vehicle door in the first opening mode or the second opening mode in response to the mode selection switch, wherein in the second opening mode, only the opening action of the gripping portion of the handle can unlock the latch assembly and allow the vehicle door to be opened, Wherein, the first opening mode and the second opening mode are realized by one latch assembly.

2. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the proximity sensor and the grip portion of the handle is configured such that a thumb of a user's palm and any one of the remaining fingers of the palm can contact the proximity sensor and operate the grip portion simultaneously.

3. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1, wherein: The proximity sensor is arranged on the connecting portion of the handle.

4. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1, wherein: The proximity sensor is disposed on an inner surface of the door and adjacent to a connection portion of the handle.

5. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 4, wherein: The proximity sensor is further away from the gripping portion of the handle than the connecting portion.

6. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1, wherein: The proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor.

7. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1 further comprises a sensor disposed on the handle, wherein the sensor communicates with the controller, and when the controller receives an opening action signal from the grip portion of the handle, the controller controls the latch assembly to unlock.

8. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1, wherein: The latch assembly includes a drive path that can be disconnected and connected, and the activation includes connecting the drive path of the latch assembly to allow an opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly.

9. The vehicle door opening system according to claim 7, wherein: The controller is configured to, in response to the mode selection switch selecting the second opening mode, connect a drive path of the latch assembly to allow an opening action of the grip portion of the handle to unlock the latch assembly. 10 . The vehicle door opening system according to claim 1 , further comprising a reminder unit in communication with the controller and configured to, in the first opening mode, issue a reminder in response to an opening action of the grip portion of the handle while the proximity sensor is not activated.

11. A vehicle comprising: Car doors; An inner handle provided on the inner surface of the vehicle door, the inner handle having a connecting portion pivotally connected to the vehicle door and a gripping portion opposite to the connecting portion; at least one proximity sensor disposed on the inner surface of the vehicle door, which is spaced apart from the gripping portion of the inner handle, and the spacing distance between the two is configured to facilitate the thumb of a user's palm to contact the proximity sensor while any of the remaining fingers of the palm can operate the gripping portion, wherein the location of the proximity sensor enables the user to conveniently contact the proximity sensor and perform an opening action of the inner handle with a hand away from the vehicle door at the same time; a latch assembly connected to the grip portion of the interior handle and configured to lock the door to keep it closed or unlock it to allow the door to open; A mode selection switch for a user to select a first opening mode or a second opening mode to operate the vehicle door; and a controller that, in the first opening mode, activates the latch assembly in response to the proximity sensor detecting that an object is approaching or contacting the proximity sensor, thereby allowing an opening action of the grip portion of the inner handle to unlock the latch assembly; and in the second opening mode, the controller unlocks the latch assembly in response to the opening action of the grip portion of the inner handle, Wherein, the first opening mode and the second opening mode are realized by one latch assembly.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of proximity sensors are arranged in a row in a direction gradually away from the grip portion of the handle.

13. The vehicle of claim 11 including a plurality of proximity sensors spaced at different distances from a grip portion of the interior handle, each individually in communication with the controller and each operable to activate the latch assembly. 14 . The vehicle according to claim 11 , further comprising a display mark provided on an outer periphery of the proximity sensor for indicating that a user approaches or touches the proximity sensor with a hand. 15 . The vehicle of claim 11 , further comprising a reminder unit in communication with the controller and configured to, in the first opening mode, issue a reminder in response to an opening action of the grip portion of the inner handle while the proximity sensor is not activated.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The reminder unit includes: a reminder light located near the grip of the inner handle, a text display module located near the grip of the inner handle, a speaker of the vehicle, a vibration module of the vehicle seat or the inner handle, or a combination thereof.

17. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The mode selection switch is arranged on the steering wheel or the dashboard of the vehicle.

18. A method for controlling a vehicle door to be opened from the inside, the vehicle door comprising an inner handle having a connection portion pivotally connected to the vehicle door and a grip portion opposite to the connection portion, a latch assembly, and a proximity sensor adjacent to the connection portion, wherein: The proximity sensor is arranged at a position that allows the user to conveniently use a hand away from the vehicle door to simultaneously touch the proximity sensor and perform an opening action of the inner handle. The method comprises: operating the door in a first door opening mode in response to a user selection; determining whether a user's finger is close to the proximity sensor; and Based on the finger approaching the proximity sensor, activating the latch assembly and performing an opening action of the gripping portion of the inner handle, thereby unlocking the latch assembly and allowing the vehicle door to be opened; In response to a user selecting to operate the vehicle door in a second vehicle door opening mode, in the second vehicle door opening mode, in response to an opening action of the gripping portion of the inner handle, the latch assembly is controlled to unlock to allow the vehicle door to open, Wherein, the first door opening mode and the second door opening mode are realized by one latch assembly. 19 . The vehicle door opening method according to claim 18 , further comprising a controller controlling the latch assembly to unlock in response to an opening action signal of the gripping portion of the handle transmitted by a sensor disposed on the handle.

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