Vehicle door with variable power assist

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a "vehicle door with variable power assist." A vehicle door is provided that includes a door panel, a door handle on the panel having a contact surface, and one or more proximity sensors on the handle to sense engagement of a user's hand with the handle. The vehicle door further includes an actuator for actuating the door panel, and a controller configured to control the actuator to open the door to an open position at a speed that varies based on the sensed user hand contact with the contact surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electric doors, and more specifically to electric doors having variable speed power assistance based on user input sensed via proximity sensing. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles include various door assemblies for allowing access to the vehicle, such as passenger doors that allow access to the passenger compartment. Doors typically include a door handle and a latch assembly that locks the door in a closed position and can be operated by a user to unlock the door to allow it to open. The door can pivot between an open position and a closed position or slide on a track. Some doors are equipped with motors to provide electric door opening assistance. Upon receiving user input, the motor typically actuates the door to the open position at a constant speed. It is desirable to provide an electric door opening assistance that offers enhanced functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a variable-speed electric door is provided. The variable-speed electric door includes: a door panel; a door handle located on the panel and having a contact surface; a proximity sensor device located on the handle to sense the interfacing of a user's hand with the handle; and an actuator that actuates the door panel to an open position at a speed varying based on the sensed contact of the user's hand with the contact surface.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may include any or a combination of the following features:

[0005] • When a first-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a first speed, and when a larger second-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a larger second speed;

[0006] • When the third contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at the third speed;

[0007] The electric door also includes a latch, which is unlocked when initial contact is sensed;

[0008] The electric gate also includes a controller configured to process one or more signals sensed by one or more proximity sensors to detect contact and control the actuator based on the detected contact;

[0009] • A proximity sensor includes one or more capacitive sensors;

[0010] • One or more capacitive sensors include multiple capacitive sensors;

[0011] • The proximity sensor is configured to sense contact on the inner surface of the handle.

[0012] The door is located on the vehicle; and

[0013] • The door handle is located on the outside of the door panel.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle door is provided. The vehicle door includes: a door panel; a door handle located on the panel and having a contact surface; one or more proximity sensors located on the handle to sense engagement of a user's hand with the handle; an actuator for actuating the door panel; and a controller configured to control the actuator to open the door to an open position at a speed varying based on the sensed contact of the user's hand with the contact surface.

[0015] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0016] • When a first contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a first speed, and when a larger second contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a larger second speed;

[0017] • When the third contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at the third speed;

[0018] The door also includes a latch, which is unlocked when initial contact is sensed;

[0019] • A proximity sensor includes one or more capacitive sensors;

[0020] • One or more capacitive sensors include multiple capacitive sensors;

[0021] • The proximity sensor is configured to sense contact on the inner surface of the handle.

[0022] The door is located on a motor vehicle;

[0023] The door handle is located on the outside of the door panel; and

[0024] • The controller is configured to process one or more signals sensed by one or more proximity sensors to detect contact with the contact surface.

[0025] Upon studying the following description and drawings, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objectives, and features of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] In the attached diagram:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment, the motor vehicle having a door equipped with a door handle and having power assist with transmission;

[0028] Figure 2It is a top view of the vehicle, which further shows the two foremost electric doors in the open position;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part II, which further shows the door handle;

[0030] Figure 4 According to one embodiment Figure 3 The partial cross-sectional view of the door handle shown illustrates a proximity sensor located on the handle to sense the engagement of a user's hand with the handle;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing controls for processing proximity sensors associated with a door handle and controlling door unlocking and actuator motors;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a signal diagram illustrating the signal generated by one of the proximity sensors when a user engages the door handle to input a variable speed door opening assist command; and

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for controlling the door latch and door / actuator opening speed using an electric door, according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and their derivatives should be used in accordance with… Figure 1 The present invention is associated with the orientation described herein. However, it should be understood that the invention may take various alternative orientations unless the opposite is expressly specified. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0035] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2According to one embodiment, a wheeled motor vehicle 10 is generally shown as having multiple variable-speed electric doors. The vehicle 10 includes doors 16 disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 has front and rear doors on one side of the vehicle to allow the driver and passengers to enter and exit the seating area, and front and rear doors on opposite sides of the vehicle to allow passengers to enter the seating area from that side. Each door 12 includes a door panel 14 pivotally connected to the body 26 of the vehicle 10. The connection between each door panel 14 and the body 26 may include one or more hinge assemblies 18 that allow the door to swing between closed and open positions about the hinge assembly 18. While the door 12 is a pivot door in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that one or more of the doors may move in other ways between the open and closed positions, such as sliding doors.

[0036] Each door 12 also includes a door handle 16 located on the outer side of the door panel 14. The door handle 16 is configured such that a user can grip the handle 16, and the door handle 16 has a contact surface on its inner surface to allow the user to contact the door handle 16 to input a door unlock command and a door open command. It should be understood that the door handle 16 may have other shapes, sizes, and configurations.

[0037] Door 12 includes an actuator, such as an electric motor 20, shown located near hinge assembly 18. Motor 20 can be actuated in a first direction to open the door to an open position. Motor 20 can also be actuated in the opposite second direction to close the door to a closed position. In response to a sensed user hand contact with the contact surface accompanied by a door speed control command, the actuator can operate at various speeds. For example, door panel 14 can open at a first slow speed, or a second medium or normal speed faster than the first speed, or a third fast speed faster than the second speed, depending on the amount of contact area sensed on the door handle by a proximity sensor device.

[0038] The door 12 may also include a latch assembly 22 configured to engage a latch mechanism 24 on the vehicle body when the door panel 14 is in the closed position. The latch assembly 22 can be electronically controlled to lock and unlock the door based on user input sensed by a proximity sensor device. For example, the latch assembly 22 can unlock when a user's hand is detected or sensed touching a contact surface on the door handle 16 and a vehicle key fob or other electronic device such as a smartphone is sensed to be adjacent (e.g., within one meter) to the corresponding door 12. Once unlocked, the door can be actuated to the open position. When the door is closed, the latch assembly 22 will lock onto the latch mechanism 24 on the vehicle body 26 to keep the door 12 locked in the closed position. Various latch configurations can be used. It should be understood that the latch assembly 22 can also be controlled using a key fob or user input controls provided on the vehicle.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The door 12 and door handle 16 are shown in more detail. The door handle 16 is shown located on the outer surface of the door panel 14 and extends outward from a recess 28 formed in the door panel 14. The space between the recess 28 and the door handle 16 allows a user's hand to reach around the door handle 16 and grasp the inner surface of the door handle 16 and contact the contact surface 30 on the inner surface of the door handle 16. The recess 28 in the door panel 14 allows the user's hand to extend further in the space without the door handle 16 extending further away from the vehicle.

[0040] The electric door 12 includes a proximity sensor device 32 located on the door handle 16 and configured to sense engagement of a user's hand with the door handle 16, particularly on the contact surface 30 on the inner side of the door handle 16. The proximity sensor device 32 has one or more proximity sensors configured to sense a user adjacent to (e.g., within one millimeter) or in contact with the contact surface 30 on the door handle 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity sensor device 32 includes four proximity sensors 32A-32D, shown as evenly spaced along the length of the door handle 16, for generating corresponding sensing activation fields 42A-42D. The sensing activation fields 42A-42D are shown overlapping each other and sufficiently covering the space within the recess 28 between the door panel 14 and the door handle 16. Each proximity sensor 32A-32D generates a sensing activation field 42A-42D and generates a signal in response to interference with the sensed corresponding sensing activation field. The signals generated by each proximity sensor 32A-32D are processed by the controller to detect the presence of a user (e.g., a user's hand) within the sensing activation field and generate a signal amplitude that depends on the amount of interference or contact with the contact surface 30 within the sensing activation field. For example, a relatively small amplitude signal is generated when the user's hand lightly touches the inner surface of the door handle 16, while a larger amplitude signal is generated if the user pulls on the inner surface of the door handle 16 on the contact surface 30.

[0041] Proximity sensors 32A-32C are located within the housing of the door handle 16, immediately adjacent to the contact surface 30. The door handle 16, particularly the inner contact surface 30, is preferably made of a material that does not interfere with the sensing activation fields 42A-42D, such as a polymeric material. Each proximity sensor 32A-32D is located on a printed circuit board 34, which may include other circuitry. The printed circuit board 34 includes a controller in the form of a microprocessor 40, which can be electrically connected to the proximity sensors 32A-32D and can process the signals generated by each sensor. It should be understood that each proximity sensor 32A-32D is located on the side of the printed circuit board 34 facing inwards on the contact surface 30 of the handle 16. A ground layer 36 is disposed on the opposite side of the printed circuit board 34, and thus on the side of the board 34 facing outwards on the door handle 16. The ground layer 36 is made of a conductive material that is grounded to electrical ground. The grounding layer 36 prevents the sensing activation fields 42A-42D generated by each sensor 32A-32D from extending outward toward the handle 16, while allowing the sensing activation fields 42A-42D to extend inward toward the contact surface 30 of the handle 16.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of proximity sensors 32A-32D comprises a linear array of four sensors; however, it should be understood that one or more proximity sensors may be employed in the proximity sensor array. Additionally, it should be understood that, according to one embodiment, the array of proximity sensors 32A-32D is configured to sense the proximity of an object located on the inner portion of the handle 16 at or near the contact surface 30 on the inner side of the door handle 16. However, it should be understood that, according to other embodiments, the array of proximity sensors 32A-32D may be disposed on different sides of the door handle 16. It should also be understood that, according to other embodiments, the variable-speed power door 12 may be implemented on any side door of the vehicle or on another door of the vehicle, such as the tailgate or inner door handle.

[0043] According to one embodiment, proximity sensors 32A-32D are shown and described herein as capacitive sensors. Each capacitive sensor includes at least one capacitive sensor that provides a sensing activation field 42A-42D to sense the contact or proximity of an object (e.g., within one millimeter), such as the hand (e.g., palm and / or fingers) of a user or operator associated with one or more proximity sensors 32A-32D. The capacitive sensors can operate as capacitive switches capable of unlocking a door latch and as switch inputs to control a variable speed of a door motor used to open a door. In this embodiment, the sensing activation field of each proximity sensor is a capacitive field, and the user's hand (including the palm, thumb, and other fingers) has conductivity and dielectric properties that cause changes or disturbances in the sensing activation field, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other or alternative types of proximity sensors can be used, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, etc., or combinations thereof. Exemplary proximity sensors are described in the April 9, 2009 issue. The Touch Sensor Design Guidelines, 10620D-AT42-04 / 09, are described in their entirety and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] According to one embodiment, each capacitive sensor may be configured with circuitry printed with ink on a substrate, and typically includes a driving electrode and a receiving electrode, each having interdigitated fingers for generating a capacitive field. It should be understood that each proximity sensor 32A-32D may be formed in other forms. Each capacitive sensor may have a driving electrode and a receiving electrode, the driving electrode typically receiving a square wave driving pulse applied in voltage, and the receiving electrode having an output terminal for generating an output voltage. It should be understood that the electrodes may be arranged in various configurations to generate a capacitive field as a sensing activation field.

[0045] In one embodiment, a voltage input, as a square wave pulse, is applied to the drive electrode of each proximity sensor. This square wave pulse has a charge pulse period sufficient to charge the receiving electrode to the desired voltage. The receiving electrode thus serves as a measuring electrode. When a user or operator (such as a user's hand or thumb or other finger) enters a sensing activation field associated with one of the sensors, interference with the activation field caused by the hand or finger is detected and a signal is generated. According to one embodiment, each signal is processed by a controller to determine whether to unlock or unlock a door latch and whether to control the actuator to control the door opening speed at high, medium, or low speeds. Interference in each sensing activation field is detected by processing the charge pulse signal associated with the corresponding signal channel. When a user's hand or finger enters a sensing activation field, interference in each sensing activation field is processed via a separate signal channel.

[0046] The sensing activation field 42A-42D generated by each individual proximity sensor in Figure 4 Slight overlap is shown; however, it should be understood that the sensing activation fields can be smaller or larger, and may overlap more or less depending on the sensitivity of each sensing activation field. By employing multiple sensing activation fields on the inner side of the handle 16 immediately adjacent to the contact surface 30, the size and shape of the hand and the amount of gripping contact with the contact surface 30 can be determined based on the sensed signals. The amplitude of each signal can vary based on the size of the hand and the amount of contact on the contact surface 30 where the sensing activation field is located. Additionally, the amount of contact on the contact surface 30 extending across the entire inner surface of the handle 16 can be determined by processing the signals generated using all four capacitive sensors. The sum or average of the signals generated by the capacitive sensors can be processed to determine the contact area and the user input command. Therefore, one or all of the proximity sensors 32A-32D can sense the size of the contact area engaged by the user's hand.

[0047] An initial signal level can be established when the hand makes initial or firm contact with the handle 16, which can be used to unlock the door. According to one embodiment, the initial level is established when the user inputs a door unlock command. However, the initial signal level can be input under other contact forces. Once unlocked, the door can be controlled to open with actuator assistance based on user input applied by the hand contacting the contact surface 30 of the handle 16. When a first-sized contact area larger than the initial contact is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a first speed. When a second-sized contact area larger than the initial contact is sensed, the actuator is controlled to actuate the door at a greater second speed. When a third-sized contact area larger than the initial contact is sensed, the actuator is further controlled to actuate the door at a third speed. Thus, the user can grasp the handle 16 and unlock or unlock the door, and can then apply a further amount of force to the contact surface 30 by gripping the handle 16, which flattens the hand and increases the contact area of ​​the contact surface 30 applied to the inside of the handle. The sensed changes in contact area are used to control the speed at which the door is opened using the actuator. Achieving an initial contact area by gently pulling the door, and a greater door opening speed by pulling the door with more force resulting in a larger contact area with the contact surface 30 of the handle 16, can be achieved. An even greater door opening speed can be achieved by pulling the door with even greater force on a further increased contact surface.

[0048] refer to Figure 5The diagram illustrates a controller 40 for controlling a door latch assembly 22 and a door actuator 20 to perform variable-speed door opening control on one of the doors. The controller 40 may include a microprocessor 40 and a memory 46. It should be understood that the controller 40 may include analog and / or digital circuitry. The controller 40 receives signals from each of the capacitive sensors 32A-32D associated with the door handle and controls the door latch assembly 22 and the door actuator 20 for that door based on the amplitude and pattern of the signals (such as the sum or average of the four signals). The controller 40 processes the input signals according to a control program 100 executable by the microprocessor 40.

[0049] refer to Figure 6 This illustrates an example of a signal generated by the average of four capacitive sensors during user input applied to a door handle, where the user sequentially moves their grip between a door unlock command and three variable-speed door open commands. The signal amplitude is a function of the sensor counts changing over time and indicates the amount of contact area on the contact surface. When the user's hand approaches the contact surface on the handle, a disturbance in the sensing activation field is achieved, which causes an increase in the signal amplitude.

[0050] Signal 50 is shown rising and exceeding a first threshold T1 during the initial contact of the user's hand with the contact surface, which is a low threshold used to determine the door unlock input. When signal 50 is substantially stable, as shown by signal portion 50A above threshold T1, controller 40 can control the door latch to unlock the door, provided that the user has permission to open the door, such as having a key fob nearby. The signal amplitude at signal portion 50A can be used to establish an initial signal level and store it in memory. Signal 50 is further shown rising above a second higher threshold T2, which is a threshold that the signal must exceed to detect a speed control input for opening the door. Signal 50 rises to a substantially stable signal at portion 50B above threshold T2. If signal 50 has increased by twenty percent (20%) from the initial signal level, a slow door opening input is determined, and the controller controls the actuator to open the door at a slow first speed. If the signal increases by forty percent (40%) from the initial signal, as shown by portion 50C, the controller controls the actuator to open the door at a normal second speed, which is greater than the first speed. If the signal increases by 60 percent or more compared to the initial signal, as shown in section 50D, the controller controls the actuator to open the door at a faster third speed, which is greater than the second speed. In this way, the speed at which the door opens can be controlled by the amount of force applied to the door handle, which increases the amount of surface area of ​​the hand on the contact surface sensed by the proximity sensor.

[0051] refer to Figure 7The diagram illustrates a program 100 for controlling a variable-speed electric door according to one embodiment. Program 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to step 104 to determine whether an unlock trigger level has been reached and whether the signal is stable. If not, the initial signal is cleared and the program returns to step 102. If the unlock trigger level has been reached and the signal is stable, program 100 proceeds to step 106 to unlock the door if it is not yet unlocked, and stores the unlock signal level as the initial signal level. Next, program 100 proceeds to step 108 to determine whether the door is fully open. If so, the program proceeds to step 110 to clear the initial signal level before returning.

[0052] If the door is fully open, program 100 proceeds to decision step 112 to determine if the signal has increased by 60 percent (60%) compared to the initial signal level. If so, the door is moved at a rapid third speed before returning to step 102. Next, at decision step 116, program 100 determines if the signal has increased by 40 percent (40%) compared to the initial signal level. If so, the door is moved outward at a normal second speed at step 118, and then returns to step 102. Next, at decision step 120, program 100 determines if the signal has increased by 20 percent (20%) compared to the initial signal level. If so, the door is moved outward at a slow first speed at step 122, and then returns to step 102. If the signal has not yet increased by 20 percent (20%) compared to the initial signal level, program 100 proceeds to step 124 to prevent the door from moving, and then returns to the beginning at step 126.

[0053] Therefore, it should be understood that the variable-speed electric door 12 advantageously controls the door opening speed based on the varying degrees of force applied or contacted by the user on the contact surface of the door handle. This allows for control of the door opening speed, which may be desirable, especially when an object may be in front of the door or when the user may be in a hurry to open the door. As a result, the electric door opening assist device provides enhanced door opening functionality.

[0054] It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the foregoing structure without departing from the concept of the invention, and it should also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless otherwise expressly stated in their language.

[0055] According to the present invention, a variable speed electric door is provided, the variable speed electric door having: a door panel; a door handle located on the panel and having a contact surface; a proximity sensor device located on the handle to sense engagement of a user's hand with the handle; and an actuator that actuates the door panel to an open position at a speed varying based on the sensed contact of the user's hand with the contact surface.

[0056] According to one embodiment, when a first-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a first speed, and when a larger second-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a larger second speed.

[0057] According to one embodiment, when a third-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a third speed.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a latch, wherein the latch is unlocked when initial contact is sensed.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a controller configured to process one or more signals sensed by one or more proximity sensors to detect contact and control an actuator based on the detected contact.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor includes one or more capacitive sensors.

[0061] According to one embodiment, one or more capacitive sensors include a plurality of capacitive sensors.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor is configured to sense contact on the inner surface of the handle.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the door is located on the vehicle.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the door handle is located on the outside of the door panel.

[0065] According to the present invention, a vehicle door is provided, the vehicle door having: a door panel; a door handle located on the panel and having a contact surface; one or more proximity sensors located on the handle to sense engagement of a user's hand with the handle; an actuator for actuating the door panel; and a controller configured to control the actuator to open the door to an open position at a speed varying based on the sensed contact of the user's hand with the contact surface.

[0066] According to one embodiment, when a first contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a first speed, and when a larger second-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a larger second speed.

[0067] According to one embodiment, when a third-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the door at a third speed.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a latch, wherein the latch is unlocked when initial contact is sensed.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor includes one or more capacitive sensors.

[0070] According to one embodiment, one or more capacitive sensors include a plurality of capacitive sensors.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor is configured to sense contact on the inner surface of the handle.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the door is located on a motor vehicle.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the door handle is located on the outside of the door panel.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the controller is configured to process one or more signals sensed by one or more proximity sensors to detect contact with a contact surface.

Claims

1. A variable-speed electric door, comprising: Door panel; A door handle, which is located on the door panel and has a contact surface; A proximity sensor is located on the handle to sense the engagement of the user's hand with the handle; as well as An actuator actuates the door panel to an open position at a speed varying based on the sensed contact of a user's hand with the contact surface, wherein the actuator actuates the electric door at a first speed when a first-sized contact area is sensed, and at a greater second speed when a larger second-sized contact area is sensed.

2. The electric door as claimed in claim 1, wherein when a third-sized contact area is sensed, the actuator actuates the electric door at a third speed.

3. The electric door of claim 1, further comprising a latch, wherein the latch is unlocked upon sensing initial contact.

4. The electric door of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to process one or more signals sensed by one or more of the proximity sensors to detect the contact and control the actuator based on the detected contact.

5. The electric door as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the proximity sensor comprises one or more capacitive sensors.

6. The electric door as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more capacitive sensors include a plurality of capacitive sensors.

7. The electric door as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to sense contact on the contact surface on the inner surface of the handle.

8. The electric door as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the electric door is located on a vehicle.

9. The electric door of claim 8, wherein the door handle is located on the outside of the door panel.

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