An obstacle detection system at a car door

Abstract

This application discloses an obstacle detection system for a vehicle door. The system includes a door frame, a door body, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. A first end of the first connecting member is connected to the door frame; a first end of the second connecting member is connected to the door body; and a friction sensing module, comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, which are in contact with each other. The first sensor is connected to a second end of the first connecting member, and the second sensor is connected to a second end of the second connecting member. The friction sensing module is used to acquire frictional force information between the first and second sensors; this frictional force information is used to characterize whether there is an obstacle between the door frame and the door body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive control technology, and more specifically, to an obstacle detection system at a vehicle door. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standards, cars have become a necessity in thousands of households. People's requirements for the comfort, intelligence, and safety of car driving have also gradually increased.

[0003] Currently, there are still areas for improvement in automotive safety. For example, car doors, as a crucial component of the vehicle body, are also among the components with potential safety hazards. Current automotive structures lack systems to detect the presence of obstacles at the door openings, which is detrimental to improving vehicle safety. For instance, if a driver fails to notice an obstacle at the door opening while closing it, passengers or pedestrians on the side of the door could easily be injured by the door, leading to an accident.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to effectively detect whether there are obstacles at the car door. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide a new technical solution for an obstacle detection system at a vehicle door.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this application, a vehicle door obstacle detection system is provided, the vehicle door obstacle detection system comprising:

[0007] Door frame and door body;

[0008] A first connecting member, the first end of which is connected to the door frame;

[0009] The second connecting member has its first end connected to the door body;

[0010] A friction sensing module includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor being in contact with each other, the first sensor being connected to the second end of the first connecting member, and the second sensor being connected to the second end of the second connecting member; the friction sensing module is used to acquire frictional force information between the first sensor and the second sensor; the frictional force information is used to characterize whether there is an obstacle between the door frame and the door body.

[0011] Optionally, it further includes: a main controller connected to the friction sensing module; the main controller is configured to: control the door to remain open when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame and the door body.

[0012] Optionally, the main controller is further configured to: when the friction information indicates that there is no obstacle between the door frame and the door body, control the door body to move towards the door frame until the door body is in a closed state.

[0013] Optionally, both the first sensor and the second sensor are pressure sensors; or, both the first sensor and the second sensor are motion sensors.

[0014] Alternatively, the first sensor may be a pressure sensor, and the second sensor may be a motion sensor.

[0015] Optionally, it further includes: a booster mechanism, one end of which is connected to the door frame and the other end of which is connected to the door body; the booster mechanism is connected to the main controller, and the main controller is further configured to control the booster mechanism to push the door body toward or away from the door frame.

[0016] Optionally, it further includes: a signal processing module, a first end of which is connected to the friction sensing module, and a second end of which is connected to the main controller, the signal processing module being used to amplify the friction information.

[0017] Optionally, the boosting mechanism includes an electric strut, which comprises a fixed housing and a telescopic rod. The fixed housing is connected to the door frame, one end of the telescopic rod is connected to the fixed housing, and the other end of the telescopic rod is connected to the door body. The telescopic rod can extend or retract relative to the fixed housing. When the telescopic rod is retracted relative to the fixed housing, the boosting mechanism drives the door body to move towards the door frame. When the telescopic rod is extended relative to the fixed housing, the boosting mechanism pushes the door body away from the door frame.

[0018] Optionally, the booster mechanism further includes a fixed seat and a base; the fixed seat is disposed on the door frame, one side of the base is connected to the fixed seat through an elastic element, and the other side of the base is connected to the fixed housing.

[0019] Optionally, it further includes: a door locking mechanism, which is connected to the main controller, the door locking mechanism having an unlocked state, and the door locking mechanism being in the unlocked state when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame and the door body.

[0020] Optionally, when the booster mechanism pushes the door away from the door frame, the locking mechanism maintains the unlocked state.

[0021] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a lock body and a lock hook, wherein the lock body is disposed on one of the door frame and the door body, and the lock hook is disposed on the other of the door frame and the door body; when the lock body and the lock hook are separated from each other, the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state.

[0022] Optionally, the obstacle detection system at the vehicle door further includes a warning module, which is signal-connected to the main controller. When the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame and the door body, the main controller controls the warning module to issue an alarm signal.

[0023] According to a second aspect of this application, an automobile is provided, the automobile including an obstacle detection system at the door as described in the first aspect.

[0024] The technical solution adopted in this application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0025] In the obstacle detection system at the vehicle door provided in this application embodiment, by setting a friction sensing module, it can reflect whether there is an obstacle between the door frame and the door body, thereby providing an important basis for improving the safety performance of the vehicle door.

[0026] Other features and advantages of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle door obstacle detection system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle door obstacle detection system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a friction sensing module in a door obstacle detection system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the booster mechanism in an obstacle detection system at a vehicle door according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the door locking mechanism in an obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a partial control block diagram of an obstacle detection system at a vehicle door according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 11. Door frame; 12. First connecting member; 21. Door body; 22. Second connecting member; 3. Friction sensing module; 301. First sensor; 302. Second sensor; 4. Main controller; 5. Pushing mechanism; 501. Electric support rod; 502. Fixing base; 503. Base; 504. Pushing controller; 6. Signal processing module; 7. Locking mechanism; 701. Lock body; 702. Lock hook; 703. Driver; 704. Vehicle lock controller. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0037] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of this application and its application or use.

[0038] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0039] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0041] Reference Figures 1-6As shown, according to one embodiment of this application, a vehicle door obstacle detection system is provided. The vehicle door obstacle detection system includes a door frame 11 and a door body 21; it also includes a first connecting member 12, a second connecting member 22, and a friction sensing module 3. A first end of the first connecting member 12 is connected to the door frame 11; a first end of the second connecting member 22 is connected to the door body 21; the friction sensing module 3 includes a first sensor 301 and a second sensor 302, which are in contact. The first sensor 301 is connected to a second end of the first connecting member 12, and the second sensor 302 is connected to a second end of the second connecting member 22; the friction sensing module 3 is used to acquire frictional force information between the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302; the frictional force information is used to characterize whether there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21.

[0042] In the obstacle detection system at the vehicle door provided in this embodiment, a friction sensing module 3 is specifically installed between the first connecting member 12 connected to the door frame 11 and the second connecting member 22 connected to the door body 21. More specifically, the friction sensing module 3 includes a first sensor 301 connected to the first connecting member 12 and a second sensor 302 connected to the second connecting member 22; and the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 are in contact. The friction information between the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 can reflect whether there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21; for example, when there is no obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the friction between the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 is small; while when there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the friction between the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 is large.

[0043] In summary, the obstacle detection system at the vehicle door provided in this application embodiment can reflect whether there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, thereby providing an important basis for improving the safety performance at the vehicle door.

[0044] Reference Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the obstacle detection system at the door further includes a main controller 4, which is connected to the friction sensing module 3; the main controller 4 is configured to control the door 21 to remain open when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21.

[0045] In this specific example, if the friction information obtained by the friction sensing module 3 between the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 reflects that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, then the door body 21 is kept open relative to the door frame 11. This can avoid the safety hazards caused by the door closing when there is an obstacle, prevent people from being trapped during the closing process of the door, and improve safety performance.

[0046] In one embodiment, the main controller 4 is further configured to: when the friction information indicates that there is no obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, control the door body 21 to move toward the door frame 11 until the door body 21 is in a closed state.

[0047] In this specific example, if the friction information obtained by the friction sensing module 3 between the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 indicates that there is no obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, then the door body 21 is moved closer to the door frame 11 to close the door body 21 normally. Optionally, the door body 21 is movably connected to the door frame 11; for example, the door body 21 can rotate relative to the door frame 11. When the door body 21 rotates relative to the door frame 11 and moves away from the door frame 11, the door switches to the open state; when the door body 21 rotates relative to the door frame 11 and moves closer to the door frame 11, the door switches to the closed state.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 are both pressure sensors; or, the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 are both motion sensors; or, the first sensor 301 is a pressure sensor and the second sensor 302 is a motion sensor.

[0049] In this specific example, when both the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 are pressure sensors, pressure information between the door frame 11 and the door body 21 can be detected; when both the first sensor 301 and the second sensor 302 are motion sensors, angle information between the door frame 11 and the door body 21 can be detected; when the first sensor 301 is a pressure sensor and the second sensor 302 is a motion sensor, both pressure information and angle information between the door frame 11 and the door body 21 can be detected. By calculating the friction information using the pressure information and the angle information, a more accurate judgment result can be obtained.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the obstacle detection system at the vehicle door further includes a push mechanism 5, one end of which is connected to the door frame 11, and the other end of which is connected to the door body 21. The push mechanism 5 is connected to the main controller 4, and the main controller 4 is further configured to control the push mechanism 5 to push the door body 21 toward or away from the door frame 11.

[0051] In this specific example, the push mechanism 5 can be used to assist in keeping the door 21 in the open state. Optionally, when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door 21, the main controller 4 controls the push mechanism 5 to open. The push mechanism 5 pushes the door 21 to move away from the door frame 11, preventing the door from closing when there is an obstacle, thereby preventing people from being trapped at the door and improving safety performance.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the obstacle detection system at the car door further includes a signal processing module 6, the first end of which is connected to the friction sensing module 3, and the second end of which is connected to the main controller 4. The signal processing module 6 is used to amplify the friction information.

[0053] In this specific example, the friction signal detected by the friction sensing module 3 is amplified by the signal processing module 6 and then sent to the main controller 4; this can reduce the influence of external interference on the friction signal during transmission.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the boosting mechanism includes an electric support rod 501, which includes a fixed housing and a telescopic rod. The fixed housing is connected to the door frame 11, one end of the telescopic rod is connected to the fixed housing, and the other end of the telescopic rod is connected to the door body 21. The telescopic rod can extend or retract relative to the fixed housing. When the telescopic rod is retracted relative to the fixed housing, the boosting mechanism 5 drives the door body 21 to move towards the door frame 11. When the telescopic rod is extended relative to the fixed housing, the boosting mechanism 5 pushes the door body 21 away from the door frame 11.

[0055] In this specific example, the booster mechanism 5 mainly includes an electric strut 501, which can extend or retract along its axial direction. For example, the electric strut 501 has a fixed housing and a telescopic rod connected to the fixed housing. The fixed housing is installed on the door frame 11, and the free end of the telescopic rod away from the fixed housing is connected to the door body 21. The telescopic rod can extend or retract relative to the fixed housing. When the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the main controller 4 controls the booster mechanism 5 to open. After the booster mechanism 5 is opened, the telescopic rod extends relative to the fixed housing, and the booster mechanism 5 pushes the door body 21 to move away from the door frame 11, thereby assisting the door to open. When the door is opened to its limit position, the booster mechanism 5 closes. When the friction information indicates that there is no obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the booster mechanism 5 is opened again. After the booster mechanism 5 is opened, the telescopic rod retracts relative to the fixed housing, and the booster mechanism 5 drives the door body 21 to move closer to the door frame 11, thereby assisting the door to close.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the booster mechanism 5 further includes a fixed seat 502 and a base 503; the fixed seat 502 is disposed on the door frame 11, one side of the base 503 is connected to the fixed seat 502 through an elastic member, and the other side of the base 503 is connected to the fixed housing.

[0057] In this specific example, the fixed housing is mounted on the door frame 11 via a fixing seat 502 and a base 503, and an elastic element, such as a spring, is installed between the fixing seat 502 and the base 503 to provide elastic cushioning force.

[0058] Furthermore, the booster mechanism 5 may also include a booster controller 504, which is signal-connected to the main controller 4 and to the electric strut 501. The main controller 4 sends a control signal to the booster controller 504, which then controls the electric strut 501 to open and move along its axial direction.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the obstacle detection system at the car door further includes a door locking mechanism 7, which is connected to the main controller 4. The door locking mechanism 7 has an unlocked state, and when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the door locking mechanism 7 is in the unlocked state.

[0060] In this specific example, when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the locking mechanism 7 is in the unlocked state. In this way, if there is an obstacle during the closing process of the car door, the car door can be prevented from locking under inertia, thereby further preventing the car door from trapping people during the closing process and improving safety performance.

[0061] In one embodiment, when the pusher mechanism 5 pushes the door body 21 away from the door frame 11, the locking mechanism 7 maintains the unlocked state.

[0062] In this specific example, if the pusher mechanism 5 pushes the door body 21 away from the door frame 11, it indicates that the door needs to remain in the open state. At this time, the locking mechanism 7 is kept in the unlocked state to prevent the door from being accidentally locked.

[0063] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the door locking mechanism 7 includes a lock body 701 and a lock hook 702. The lock body 701 is disposed on one of the door frame 11 and the door body 21, and the lock hook 702 is disposed on the other of the door frame 11 and the door body 21. When the lock body 701 and the lock hook 702 are separated from each other, the door locking mechanism 7 is in the unlocked state.

[0064] In this specific example, the locking mechanism 7 mainly includes a lock body 701 and a lock hook 702. When the lock body 701 and the lock hook 702 are connected to each other, for example, when they are engaged, the locking mechanism 7 is in the locked state; when the lock body 701 and the lock hook 702 are separated from each other, the locking mechanism 7 is in the unlocked state.

[0065] Optionally, the locking mechanism 7 further includes a driver 703, which is signal-connected to the main controller 4; and the driver 703 is connected to the lock body 701. When the main controller 4 controls the driver 703 to apply force to the lock body 701, for example, when the driver 703 pulls the lock body 701, the lock body 701 and the lock hook 702 separate from each other; when the main controller 4 controls the driver 703 to release the lock body 701, the lock body 701 and the lock hook 702 connect to each other.

[0066] Optionally, the main controller 4 can directly control the driver 703, and a vehicle lock controller 704 can also be set in the door locking mechanism 7. The vehicle lock controller 704 is signal-connected to the main controller 4 and signal-connected to the driver 703. The main controller 4 sends control signals to the vehicle lock controller 704, and the vehicle lock controller 704 then controls the driver 703.

[0067] In one embodiment, the obstacle detection system at the vehicle door further includes an alarm module, which is signal-connected to the main controller 4. When the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the main controller 4 controls the alarm module to issue an alarm signal.

[0068] In this specific example, if the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door body 21, the warning module can issue an alarm signal to remind the vehicle driver and people around the door to pay attention to safety, thereby further preventing people from being trapped at the door and improving safety performance.

[0069] Optionally, the warning module may include a warning controller and a buzzer, wherein the warning controller is signal-connected to the main controller 4, and the warning controller is signal-connected to the buzzer. When the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame 11 and the door 21, the main controller 4 sends a control signal to the warning controller, which then controls the buzzer to sound.

[0070] According to another embodiment of this application, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including the obstacle detection system at the door as described above.

[0071] The above embodiments mainly describe the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0072] While specific embodiments of this application have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An obstacle detection system at a vehicle door, characterized in that, include: Door frame (11) and door body (21); A first connecting member (12) is connected at its first end to the door frame (11); The second connecting member (22) has its first end connected to the door body (21); The friction sensing module (3) includes a first sensor (301) and a second sensor (302). The first sensor (301) and the second sensor (302) are in contact with each other. The first sensor (301) is connected to the second end of the first connecting member (12), and the second sensor (302) is connected to the second end of the second connecting member (22). The friction sensing module (3) is used to obtain friction information between the first sensor (301) and the second sensor (302). The friction information is used to characterize whether there is an obstacle between the door frame (11) and the door body (21).

2. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a main controller (4), which is connected to the friction sensing module (3); the main controller (4) is configured to control the door (21) to remain open when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame (11) and the door body (21).

3. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main controller (4) is also configured to: when the friction information indicates that there is no obstacle between the door frame (11) and the door body (21), control the door body (21) to move toward the door frame (11) until the door body (21) is in a closed state.

4. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first sensor (301) and the second sensor (302) are pressure sensors; Alternatively, both the first sensor (301) and the second sensor (302) may be motion sensors; Alternatively, the first sensor (301) may be a pressure sensor and the second sensor (302) may be a motion sensor.

5. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes: a booster mechanism (5), one end of which is connected to the door frame (11), the other end of which is connected to the door body (21), the booster mechanism (5) being connected to the main controller (4), and the main controller (4) being configured to control the booster mechanism (5) to push the door body (21) toward or away from the door frame (11).

6. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes: a signal processing module (6), the first end of which is connected to the friction sensing module (3), and the second end of which is connected to the main controller (4). The signal processing module (6) is used to amplify the friction information.

7. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 5, characterized in that, The boosting mechanism includes an electric support rod (501), which includes a fixed housing and a telescopic rod. The fixed housing is connected to the door frame (11), one end of the telescopic rod is connected to the fixed housing, and the other end of the telescopic rod is connected to the door body (21). The telescopic rod can extend or retract relative to the fixed housing. When the telescopic rod retracts relative to the fixed housing, the boosting mechanism (5) drives the door body (21) to move toward the door frame (11). When the telescopic rod extends relative to the fixed housing, the boosting mechanism (5) pushes the door body (21) away from the door frame (11).

8. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 7, characterized in that, The booster mechanism (5) also includes a fixed seat (502) and a base (503); the fixed seat (502) is disposed on the door frame (11), one side of the base (503) is connected to the fixed seat (502) through an elastic member, and the other side of the base (503) is connected to the fixed housing.

9. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes: The locking mechanism (7) is connected to the main controller (4). The locking mechanism (7) has an unlocked state, and when the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame (11) and the door body (21), the locking mechanism (7) is in the unlocked state.

10. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the booster mechanism (5) pushes the door body (21) away from the door frame (11), the locking mechanism (7) maintains the unlocked state.

11. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (7) includes a lock body (701) and a lock hook (702). The lock body (701) is disposed on one of the door frame (11) and the door body (21), and the lock hook (702) is disposed on the other of the door frame (11) and the door body (21). When the lock body (701) and the lock hook (702) are separated from each other, the locking mechanism (7) is in the unlocked state.

12. The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door according to claim 2, characterized in that, The obstacle detection system at the vehicle door also includes a warning module, which is connected to the main controller (4). When the friction information indicates that there is an obstacle between the door frame (11) and the door body (21), the main controller (4) controls the warning module to issue an alarm signal.

13. A car, characterized in that, The vehicle includes an obstacle detection system at the door as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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