Method for unlocking an opening part of a motor vehicle and associated unlocking device

Abstract

A device for hands-free unlocking / locking of opening components of a motor vehicle, said device being intended to be placed on the vehicle and comprising: a radiofrequency antenna and a radiofrequency transmitting / receiving device, capable of authenticating a user's portable device; at least one capacitive sensor for detecting the proximity and / or contact of a user's body part in a predetermined area; an electronic unit controlling the unlocking of the opening components, said device being characterized in that it further comprises an emergency access device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and associated unlocking device for unlocking an opening component of a motor vehicle without hands-free operation. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicle door handles are equipped with devices for locking or unlocking doors. Detecting the proximity and / or contact of a user's body (e.g., a user's hand on the handle), combined with the recognition of a user-carried portable device (e.g., an electronic "hands-free" remote access control badge), allows for locking and unlocking of the vehicle's opening mechanisms. Therefore, when a user carrying the appropriate electronic badge and recognized by the vehicle wishes to unlock the vehicle, they touch the door handle, which then activates the electronic lock gate on one or more of the vehicle's opening mechanisms, automatically unlocking them. The door (or optionally all opening mechanisms) is unlocked by approaching or pressing a specific location on the vehicle door handle, known as the "unlock zone," without any further action from the user. Conversely, when a user still carrying the necessary badge and recognized by the vehicle wishes to lock their vehicle, they close their vehicle's door and momentarily press another specific location on the handle, called the "lock zone." This action automatically locks the vehicle's opening mechanisms.

[0003] These unlocking / locking devices typically include two capacitive sensors, which take the form of two electrodes electrically connected to a printed circuit, each electrode being coupled to a specific locking or unlocking area of ​​the door handle. Typically, one electrode is dedicated to each area; that is, one electrode is dedicated to detecting the proximity and / or contact of the user's hand in the locking area, and another electrode is dedicated to detecting the proximity and / or contact of the user's hand in the unlocking area.

[0004] The unlocking / locking device also includes a radio frequency antenna, typically LF (low frequency), but this antenna can also be a high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency antenna of the type UWB, BLE, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, etc. The unlocking / locking device also includes the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU), which receives presence detection signals from capacitive sensors. The vehicle's ECU has previously identified the user as authorized to enter the vehicle, or optionally, it performs this identification upon receiving the presence detection signal. To do this, it sends an identification request via the radio frequency antenna to a badge (or remote control) carried by the user. In response, the badge sends its identification code to the vehicle's ECU via radio frequency (RF) waves or via UWB, Wi-Fi, or BLE, etc. If the ECU recognizes the identification code as authorizing entry into the vehicle, it will trigger the locking / unlocking of the door (or all opening mechanisms). On the other hand, if the ECU does not receive any identification code, or if the received identification code is incorrect, it will not perform locking or unlocking.

[0005] Therefore, this vehicle is equipped with a door handle that includes an unlocking / locking device, which itself includes a radio frequency antenna and two electrodes connected to a microcontroller (which is integrated into a printed circuit and supplied with voltage), as well as an ECU connected to the door locking / unlocking system.

[0006] However, this type of locking / unlocking device in the prior art has several major drawbacks.

[0007] In this situation, if the badge or remote control carried by the user is not recognized (i.e., without authentication), the door will not unlock, and the user will be faced with the door blocked in its locked position without any information about the reason for the blockage.

[0008] Therefore, users need to receive at least some information about their authentication status. Visual feedback cannot be considered on most remote controls or badges because these devices lack screens.

[0009] A second drawback of this type of device lies in the electrical connection between the detection of a hand's presence by a sensor and the unlocking of the door. These unlocking / locking devices, which have no mechanical connection between the handle and the unlocking mechanism, reduce weight, size, and cost, and offer better operational comfort because the lock does not require a physical or mechanical connection during normal operation. However, particularly for safety reasons, these unlocking / locking devices still require an emergency entry device that provides a mechanical connection to the unlocking mechanism in an emergency. For example, in the event of an accident, the door handle or unlocking mechanism may be blocked, and it is essential to be able to unlock the door to rescue passengers inside the vehicle.

[0010] This invention proposes an unlocking / locking device that allows:

[0011] a. Haptic feedback, which is sensory feedback to users, allowing them to know whether authentication was successful or failed, or another reason why the door was blocked in its locked position;

[0012] b. Mechanical unlocking of the door in an emergency. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This invention relates to a device for unlocking / locking an opening component of a motor vehicle without hands-free operation. The device is intended to be placed on the vehicle and includes: a radio frequency antenna and a radio frequency transmitter / receiver capable of authenticating a user's portable device; at least one capacitive sensor for detecting proximity and / or contact of a user's body part within a predetermined area; and an electronic unit for controlling the unlocking of the opening component. The device is characterized in that it further includes an emergency entry device comprising:

[0014] a. Ontology;

[0015] b. A grippable pull member connected to a lock actuator and movable between: a retracted position in which the pull member is retracted into the body; and an extended position in which the pull member protrudes outside the body;

[0016] c. A retaining pin that slides laterally to the pulling member and is adapted to occupy: a blocking position in which the retaining pin is arranged against the pulling member to hold the pulling member in its retracted position; and a releasing position to release the pulling member;

[0017] d. An electric ejector, suitable for controlling the sliding of the retaining pin;

[0018] e. A control unit for an electric ejector, adapted to control the electric ejector in two modes: a release mode, wherein the electric ejector drives the retaining pin from its blocked position to its released position; and a vibration mode, wherein the electric ejector causes the retaining pin to oscillate between its blocked position and an intermediate position, the intermediate position being between the blocked position and the released position.

[0019] The control unit controls the electric ejector in vibration mode according to the authentication status of the user equipment. The device includes a vibration transmission chain for transmitting vibration between the contact surfaces of the electric ejector and the user's body part in order to notify the user of the authentication status.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining pin includes a ferromagnetic core, and the electric ejector is an electromagnet, comprising:

[0021] a. The magnetic circuit surrounding the ferromagnetic core of the retaining pin;

[0022] b. A coil, which is adapted to magnetize a magnetic circuit and attract a retaining pin, and has a ferromagnetic core.

[0023] Advantageously, the device includes a blocking spring that will hold the pin in its blocking position.

[0024] The device may include an ejector spring that pushes the pulling member to its deployed position.

[0025] The present invention is also applicable to any motor vehicle door handle or any motor vehicle including a device according to any of the foregoing features.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a method for unlocking the opening component of a motor vehicle without manual operation using a device that meets any of the foregoing features, characterized in that the method includes the following steps:

[0027] a. Detecting the user's hand approaching and / or touching within a predetermined area;

[0028] b. Request authentication, which is sent to the user's portable device (SD);

[0029] c. Activate the vibration mode of the electromagnet using a vibration mode that depends on the certification status.

[0030] Preferably, the oscillation frequency of the pin in vibration mode is in the range of 5 to 50 kHz.

[0031] Advantageously, the oscillation frequency of the pin in vibration mode is kept substantially equal to the resonant frequency of the pulling member.

[0032] The oscillation frequency of the pin in vibration mode can be a frequency that varies regularly within a predetermined frequency range. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] [ Figure 1 ]: Figure 1 A vehicle door handle including an unlocking / locking device according to the invention is schematically shown;

[0035] [ Figure 2 ]: Figure 2 An emergency entry device according to the invention's unlocking / locking mechanism is schematically shown;

[0036] [ Figure 3 ]: Figure 3 The unlocking / locking device according to the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0037] [ Figure 4 ]: Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the unlocking / locking method according to the present invention;

[0038] [ Figure 5A ]: Figure 5A The unlocking / locking device according to the invention is schematically shown in a stationary state;

[0039] [ Figure 5B ]: Figure 5B The invention schematically illustrates the unlocking / locking device according to the present invention when the user's hand approaches;

[0040] [ Figure 5C ]: Figure 5C An unlocking / locking device according to the invention is illustrated schematically during authentication failure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] exist Figure 1 ,3 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate an unlocking / locking device D based on a user portable device SD for hands-free unlocking / locking of an opening component (e.g., a door of a motor vehicle) according to the present invention.

[0042] The unlocking / locking device D is included, for example but not limited to, in the door handle P of the vehicle V. The device D may also be included in the door pillar, and / or some elements of the device D may be located in the handle while other elements may be located in the door pillar.

[0043] More specifically, this relates to a device suitable for detecting the approach of a user's hand in a predetermined unlocking area Z located between the handle P and the door 200 and / or the contact of the hand with the support surface S1 of the handle 100 of the vehicle V (see [reference]). Figure 1 This support surface S1 is located near electrode E1.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the unlocking / locking device D for the door 200 of vehicle V includes: at least one radio frequency antenna A, which is low frequency or ultra-wideband, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Low Energy. ® (Bluetooth Low Energy) type UHF; and a transmitter / receiver device 50 for transmitting / receiving radio frequency signals, which is connected to the antenna A; and a capacitive sensor C, the capacitive sensor C comprising:

[0045] a. Electrode E1, which is capable of detecting the proximity of a human body part in a predetermined area Z around the handle P and / or the contact of a hand with the support surface S1;

[0046] b. A control device 20 for controlling the sensor and generating proximity and / or contact detection signals, which may take the form of a microcontroller and software device integrated in printed circuit 30, for example.

[0047] Control unit 20 and transmitter / receiver 50 are connected to BCM (Body Control Module) type electronic unit 40 (see...) Figure 1 , 3 (5A, 5B, 5C), this electronic unit manages and controls the unlocking of the opening component upon receiving the following:

[0048] a. Proximity and / or contact detection signals confirmed and transmitted by control device 20;

[0049] b. Successful authentication of the portable device SD is based on an identifier received by antenna A and transmitted to electronic unit 40 by transmitter / receiver 50.

[0050] This type of unlocking / locking device is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] According to the present invention, device D further includes an emergency entry device E, such as Figure 2 As shown in detail below.

[0052] Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows the main components of an emergency entry device E for opening components of a vehicle. The device E includes a body 1, which forms a frame supporting the various components of the device. Figure 2 The middle part shows the body 1. The body 1 includes a groove 2 in which a pulling member 3 is arranged.

[0053] The pull member 3 is a grippable element designed to be grasped by the user in the event of activation of the emergency entry device. The pull member 3 is connected to a lock actuator, which in this example is constituted by cable 4.

[0054] In this example, the emergency entry device E is intended to be installed in the vehicle handle P, which is not mechanically connected to the lock, and the entire device is mounted on the opening component 200 of the motor vehicle. However, the cable 4 of the pull member 3 is mechanically connected to the lock, so that the lock can be actuated by pulling the pull member 3 when the pull member is in the extended position after the emergency entry device E is activated.

[0055] Therefore, the pulling member 3 can retract to the retracted position in the body 1. Figure 2 The component moves between the position shown and the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the component is pulled away from the groove 2 and placed outside the body 1.

[0056] In the retracted position, the pulling member 3 presses against the ejector spring 5, and the ejector spring 5 pushes the pulling member 3 to its extended position.

[0057] By means of the retaining pin 6 engaging with the recess 7, the pulling member 3 is held in the retracted position, compressing the ejector spring 5. The pin 6 is adapted to occupy a blocking position, in which its end is arranged in the recess 7, abutting against the shoulder 16 of the pulling member 3, holding the pulling member 3 in its retracted position. Figure 2 (The position seen in the middle). Pin 6 can be vertical (along...) Figure 2 The pin 6 moves slidably in the direction shown, and is also adapted to occupy a release position for releasing the pull member, in which the pin 6 is lifted and its end exits the recess 7, so that the pull member 3 enters its unfolded position under the action of the ejector spring 5.

[0058] The emergency entry device E also includes an electrically driven ejector adapted to control the sliding of the retaining pin 6. In this case, the electrically driven ejector is composed of an electromagnet 8, which includes: a magnetic circuit 9, generated, for example, by an assembly of laminated sheets; a coil 10 adapted to magnetize the magnetic circuit 9; and a ferromagnetic core 11 fixed to the pin 6. The electromagnet 8 is connected to a control unit 12, which controls the power supply to the coil.

[0059] Optionally, the electromagnet 8 may include a position sensor 15, which is also connected to the control unit 12. The position sensor 15 is adapted to detect whether the pin 6 is in its blocked position or its released position.

[0060] Device E also includes a blocking spring 13, which pushes pin 6 to its blocking position.

[0061] According to this structure, when the electromagnet 8 is not activated (i.e., when the coil 10 is not powered), and when the pulling member 3 is in its retracted position, the pin 6 is in its blocking position by default under the pushing action of the blocking spring 13.

[0062] Control unit 12 is adapted to control electromagnet 8 according to a first mode called "unblocking" mode, in which, in this example, coil 10 is supplied with direct current to attract core 11 upward (in Figure 2 (as schematically shown in the diagram), thereby controlling the pin 6 from its blocking position to its releasing position.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In the handle P, sensor C and emergency entry device E are arranged, and the end of the pull member 3 protrudes from the outer surface of the handle P so that it can be operated by the user pressing.

[0064] According to the invention, the control unit 12 and the control device 20 are connected together to communicate with each other, and may be located, for example, on the printed circuit board 30.

[0065] According to the invention, the control unit 12 is also adapted to control the electromagnet 8 according to a second mode called a “vibration” mode, in which the electromagnet 8 drives the pin 6 to oscillate between its blocking position and an intermediate position, the intermediate position being between the blocking position and the release position.

[0066] According to the invention, the unlocking / locking device D further includes a chain 100 for disengaging vibrations from the emergency entry device E (see...). Figure 3 () is transmitted to the user on the support and / or contact surface S1 on the handle P.

[0067] For example, the vibration transmission chain 100 consists of one or more interconnected metal parts whose stiffness allows vibration to be transmitted from the electromagnet 8 to the support and / or contact surface S1.

[0068] The transmission chain 100 can directly connect the electromagnet 8 to the support surface S1, or it can connect the pin 6 or the body 1 of the pulling member 3 to the support surface S1.

[0069] The vibration transmission chain 100 mechanically connects the vibrating electromagnet 8 to the support surface S1. The transmission chain 100 can connect the pin 6 vibrating by the electromagnet 8 to the support surface S1, or even connect the body 1 of the pulling member 3 to the support surface S1.

[0070] In practice, when the electromagnet 8 controls the pin 6 to oscillate, the pin 6 contacts the pulling member 3 near the recess 7, and the pin also drives the pulling member 3 to vibrate. The pulling member 3 itself is located in a narrow groove 2 of the body 1, which may include, for example, a seal 14, or may not include a seal, but may be narrow enough to prevent the ingress of any foreign matter. The vibrating pulling member 3 causes the body 1 of the pulling member 3 located around it to vibrate. By mechanically connecting the body 1 of the pulling member to the support surface S1 via a transmission chain 100 including one or more metal parts, the support surface S1 will also begin to vibrate. Those skilled in the art know how to design chains for transmitting vibration from the vibrating element (i.e., the electromagnet 8) to a distal surface.

[0071] Device D also includes an activation device M1, which activates the electromagnet 8 in a vibration mode based on information received from the control device 20 for controlling the capacitive sensor C. This information relates to the authentication status of the user's portable device SD, in this case, successful or failed authentication. This will be described below.

[0072] The activation device M1 may be included, for example and in a non-limiting manner, in the control unit 12 of the emergency entry device, or in the BCM, or even in the control device 20.

[0073] exist Figure 1 , 2 In models 3, 5A, 5B, and 5C, the activation device M1 is integrated into the control unit 12.

[0074] In fact, as mentioned earlier, existing unlocking / locking devices do not allow users to know whether authentication was successful or failed. Therefore, in the event of authentication failure, users are faced with a door that cannot be opened and do not know why.

[0075] Therefore, the device according to the invention allows for the solution of two problems: one is the problem of emergency entry when the electrical connection with the lock is interrupted, and the other is the problem of the lack of tactile feedback depending on the authentication status (success or failure).

[0076] To generate this vibration, the control unit 12, in its vibration mode, supplies power to the coil 10 to induce a slight upward movement (in Figure 1In the orientation example, the end of pin 6 slides upward against the shoulder 16 of recess 7, but does not reach edge 17, i.e., it remains below the point where the end of pin 6 is released from the pull member 3 by being pulled out of recess 7. This vibration of pull member 3 is actually caused when pull member 3 is held in its retracted position. Therefore, coil 10 will be configured to oscillate, for example, by a square wave signal or a sine wave signal. This control is calibrated for the amplitude of movement of pin 6, which does not exceed the depth of recess 7 (the distance between edge 17 and bottom of recess 7), so that the device is not triggered by turning pull member 3 to its extended position.

[0077] Therefore, controlling the unit 12 in vibration mode includes: energizing the coil 10 to induce this movement of the pin 6 without releasing the pulling member 3, and then stopping the energizing of the coil 10 such that, at least under the push of the locking spring 13, the pin 6 returns to its blocking position by hitting the bottom of the recess 7 of the pulling member 3.

[0078] Depending on the oscillation frequency of pin 6, this vibration sequence causes the desired vibration of the pulling member 3.

[0079] Preferably, the vibration mode control unit calibrates the oscillation frequency of the pin 6 on the pulling member 3, preferably in the range of 5 to 50 kHz. More preferably, this frequency is from 10 to 20 kHz, which allows for vibrations that are inaudible to the human ear.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the frequency is selected to correspond to the resonant frequency of the pulling member 3, thereby amplifying the vibrational motion of the pulling member 3. This resonant frequency is a characteristic related to the structure of the pulling member and the structure of the elements in contact with the pull rod member. This resonant frequency is easily determined empirically or through calculation.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the oscillation frequency is variable within a predetermined frequency range, such that the vibration of the device will necessarily experience one or more resonant frequencies of its constituent elements, even if such resonant frequencies are not predetermined.

[0082] Alternative embodiments of the emergency entry device can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the electric ejector can be formed by actuators using different technologies, such as piezoelectric actuators or rotary or linear electric motors, or any other actuator controlled by the control unit 12 in a vibration mode.

[0083] Now refer to Figure 4 Section 5 describes the unlock / lock methods.

[0084] In the initial step E0, device D is at rest. This is in Figure 5A As shown in the image.

[0085] In the first step E1, the user's hand is detected approaching and / or touching a predetermined area Z by the capacitive sensor C, and the control device 20 sends a detection signal to the electronic unit 40. This... Figure 5B As shown in the image.

[0086] Then, in step E2, antenna A sends an authentication request signal to the user's portable device SD (i.e., a badge or remote control (or smartphone) carried by the user), and the transmitting / receiving device 50 notifies the electronic unit 40 of the authentication status. Figure 5B As shown in the image.

[0087] In step E3, if authentication is successful, then in step E4a, the electronic unit 40 sends a request to the activation device M1 to activate the vibration mode of the electromagnet 8. The electromagnet 8 then begins to vibrate in a "successful authentication" type vibration mode (e.g., a single vibration), and transmits this vibration VB to the contact surface S1 via the transmission chain 100. By simply placing their hand on the surface S1, the user thus feels the vibration, which notifies them that authentication has been successful and the door will unlock. This... Figure 5C As shown in the image.

[0088] If authentication fails, in step E4b, the electronic unit 40 sends a request to the activation device M1 to activate the vibration mode of the electromagnet 8. The electromagnet 8 then begins to vibrate in a "failed authentication" type vibration mode (e.g., two vibrations) and transmits this vibration VB to the contact surface S1 via the transmission chain 100. By simply placing their hand on the surface S1, the user thus feels the vibration, which notifies them that authentication has failed and the door will not unlock. This... Figure 5C As shown in the image.

[0089] The vibration pattern used for successful authentication or failed authentication can be significantly different from the vibration pattern mentioned by example, as long as they are different for the user and enable them to distinguish between successful and failed authentication.

[0090] Therefore, the present invention ingeniously solves the problems of the prior art. The unlocking / locking device according to the present invention not only allows emergency entry into the vehicle in the event of an accident, but also allows sensitive feedback during normal operation of the door handle, which allows the user to be notified of the authentication status.

[0091] Both functions are achieved through the synergy between the various components of the device, antennas, receiving / transmitting devices, electronic units, capacitive sensors, and emergency access mechanisms. Therefore, the emergency device not only performs its primary function (i.e., allowing emergency access), but also introduces a second, less obvious function: informing the user of the authentication status of their portable device when they attempt to unlock the access mechanism.

Claims

1. A device (D) for unlocking / locking an opening component of a motor vehicle (V) without hands-free operation, the device (D) being intended to be placed on the vehicle (V) and comprising: Radio frequency antenna (A) and radio frequency transmitting / receiving device (50) capable of authenticating user portable devices (SD); At least one capacitive sensor for detecting proximity and / or contact (C) of a user's body part in a predetermined area (Z); an electronic unit (40) for controlling the unlocking of an opening component, the device (D) being characterized in that it further includes an emergency entry device (E) comprising: a) Ontology (1); b) A grippable pull member (3) connected to a lock actuator (4) and movable between: a retracted position in which the pull member (3) is retracted into the body (1); and an extended position in which the pull member (3) protrudes outside the body (1). c) A retaining pin (6) that slides laterally to the pulling member (3) and is adapted to occupy: a blocking position in which the retaining pin is arranged against the pulling member (3) to hold the pulling member (3) in its retracted position; and a releasing position to release the pulling member; d) An electric ejector (8) adapted to control the sliding of the retaining pin (6); e) A control unit (12) for the electric ejector (8), adapted to control the electric ejector (8) in two modes: a release mode, wherein the electric ejector (8) drives the retaining pin (6) from its blocked position to its released position; and a vibration mode, wherein the electric ejector (8) causes the retaining pin (6) to oscillate between its blocked position and an intermediate position, the intermediate position being between the blocked position and the released position. The control unit (12) controls the electric ejector (8) in vibration mode according to the authentication status of the user equipment. The device (D) includes a chain (100) for transmitting vibration between the electric ejector (8) and the contact surface (S1) of the user's body part in order to notify the user of the authentication status.

2. The apparatus (D) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining pin (6) includes a ferromagnetic core (11), and wherein the electric ejector is an electromagnet comprising: a) Magnetic circuit (9) surrounding the ferromagnetic core (11) of the retaining pin (6); b) A coil (10) adapted to magnetize the magnetic circuit (9) and attract the ferromagnetic core (11) of the retaining pin (6).

3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It includes a blocking spring (13) that pushes the retaining pin (6) to its blocking position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The device includes an ejector spring (5) that pushes the pulling member (3) to its unfolded position.

5. A door handle (P) for a motor vehicle (V), characterized in that, It includes the device (D) as described in any of the preceding claims.

6. A motor vehicle (V), characterized in that, It includes the device (D) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A method for unlocking the opening component of a motor vehicle (V) without manual operation using the device (D) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: a) Detect the user's hand approaching and / or touching within a predetermined area (Z); b) Request authentication, which is sent to the user's portable device (SD); c) Activate the vibration mode of the electric ejector (8) with a vibration mode that depends on the certification status.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The oscillation frequency of the retaining pin (6) in vibration mode is in the range of 5 to 50 kHz.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that, The oscillation frequency of the retaining pin (6) in vibration mode is substantially equal to the resonant frequency of the pulling member (3).

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The oscillation frequency of the retaining pin (6) in vibration mode is a frequency that changes regularly within a predetermined frequency range.

Images