Method for controlling a door or hatch drive of a motor vehicle, door or hatch drive for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle having a door or hatch drive

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a door or hatch drive of a motor vehicle, in which an actuating movement of an actuating motor (39) of the door or hatch drive (38) is triggered by means of a controller (42) on the premise that the following conditions are met: a rate of rise (S1) of an output signal (F) of a sensor (18) is within a specified range of values (S0; s2), and the output signal (F) of the sensor (18) is within a specified time period (t1; t2) is greater than the specified threshold value (F1), and additionally at least one safety condition of the safety device (41) is satisfied.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a door or hatch actuator of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a door or hatch actuator for a motor vehicle, and to a motor vehicle having such a door or hatch actuator.

[0002] Document US20100102978A1 relates to a keyless entry system for controlling access to a room door and a method for controlling the closed state of a closing system. Document CN106696878A relates to a system for securely opening a vehicle door after parking. Document CN207311269U relates to a vehicle door alarm system. Documents JPH06227252A, CN109305125A, and JP2013028903A relate to systems for opening and closing vehicle doors.

[0003] Modern motor vehicles typically have drive systems for automatically opening and closing the doors and hatches, or for assisting in opening and closing them. These drive systems can be operated, for example, using external switches or sensors facing the vehicle's surroundings, or using internal switches or sensors facing the passenger compartment.

[0004] Especially for external switches and sensors, distinguishing between operator commands and environmental influences acting on the switches and sensors to avoid unintended opening of related doors or hatches is a technical challenge.

[0005] A classic example of unintended trunk lid opening is driving through a car wash. In this situation, the car key (which is usually present near the vehicle as an additional condition for executing the opening command) is inside the vehicle, and the mechanical pressure of the wash brushes and / or directional water jets on the relevant switches or sensors can be interpreted as triggering the command to open the trunk lid. This is exacerbated because some car washes only allow operation while the engine is running. The same applies, for example, when using a pressure washer. Obviously, such misoperation is unacceptable to the end customer and can lead to significant damage to the vehicle involved.

[0006] The vehicle cleaning example described above is just one of many illustrating the extent to which environmental influences can lead to the false detection of operator commands. Another example is wind loads or hail acting on a vehicle and its corresponding sensors and switches, which can also trigger the unintended opening or closing of doors or hatches. Furthermore, for example, a person simply leaning against a vehicle without any intention to open a door or hatch should not be recognized as an opening command.

[0007] In general, the technical problem thus present is to specify a method for controlling a door or hatch actuator of a motor vehicle, a door or hatch actuator of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle having such a door or hatch actuator, which is suitable for distinguishing the effects of environmental influences from the presence of actual operator commands as reliably as possible and thereby avoiding false triggering of the door and hatch actuator.

[0008] The aforementioned technical problems are solved by each feature of the independent claims. Further embodiments of the invention arise from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] This invention is based on the concept of using a switching device with a sensor, analyzing the sensor's output signal with respect to multiple characteristics or conditions, which are human operator operating characteristics. Furthermore, the triggering of the opening or closing movement of a door or hatch actuator depends on one or more safety conditions to avoid incorrect or unsafe triggering of the door or hatch actuator. Moreover, sensor behavior can be personalized for the relevant vehicle operator.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a door or hatch actuator of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: operating a switching device of the door or hatch actuator of the motor vehicle by an operator, wherein the switching device has a sensor, particularly a force sensor or a travel sensor, and wherein the sensor generates an output signal based on an operating force acting on the sensor; generating a first control signal by means of a controller for triggering an actuation movement of the door or hatch actuator, the first control signal being generated under the condition that: the rise rate of the sensor's output signal is within a specified value range, and the sensor's output signal is greater than a specified threshold for a specified time period, wherein the specified value range and the specified time period have been defined based on calibration data, and wherein the sensor has been repeatedly operated to generate calibration data; generating a second control signal by means of the controller for triggering an actuation movement of an actuation motor of the door or hatch actuator, the second control signal being generated under the condition that at least one safety condition of a safety device is met; and triggering the actuation movement of the door or hatch actuator by means of the controller, provided that both the first control signal and the second control signal are present.

[0011] The applicant has determined that the rise rate of the sensor's output signal and the time period exceeding a specified threshold are characteristic features of human operator operation of the switching equipment.

[0012] Therefore, personnel actuating switching devices designed as pressure switches typically apply a moderately increased pressure and maintain this pressure for a short period before stopping the pressure application again. The resulting signal curve can be distinguished from those generated, for example, in a car wash as described in the introduction, under wind load, or caused by hail. This is because the pressure applied by the wash brush has a highly pulsating curve, and the pressure applied by the water jet or hail shows a sudden or abrupt increase, which typically does not occur when operated manually by the operator.

[0013] The actuation movement of the door or hatch actuator is triggered by means of a controller, specifically by the controller sending a control command to the actuation motor of the door or hatch actuator or triggering the actuation motor of the door or hatch actuator.

[0014] Specifically, for pressure actuation purposes, the switching device can be designed to: have a front panel, wherein the front panel has an operating side facing the operator in the assembled state, wherein the operating direction is oriented substantially perpendicular to the front of the front panel; have a fastening structure, wherein the front panel is connected to the fastening structure in a region of the fastening side opposite to the operating side, and wherein the front panel is coupled to a sensor.

[0015] The fastening structure may have one or more spring elements for defining the operating force. Accordingly, the force required to operate the switching device or to move the front panel along the operating path can be predetermined by the number of spring elements and / or the size setting of one or more spring elements.

[0016] Therefore, spring elements can be used to set or specify operating curves, where progressive, soft, or hard characteristics can be specified, for example, depending on the application. Spring elements can also be used to support or mount the front panel.

[0017] The front panel may be designed to display the vehicle manufacturer's logo, or may include the vehicle manufacturer's logo. For example, the front panel may have a surface area greater than 10 cm² and may have a surface area less than, for example, 100 cm².

[0018] In the context of this document discussing "door or hatch actuators," this specifically refers to actuators for automatically or fully automatically moving the corresponding designated door or hatch portion. Therefore, the actuators discussed can support opening and / or closing of doors or hatches, or can open and / or close doors or hatches fully automatically. Specifically, the actuator can have a motor or actuating motor for automatically or fully automatically pivoting the door or hatch portion, or can have a motor or actuating motor for automatically or fully automatically moving the door or hatch portion. Specifically, the motor can be equipped with mechanical components for switching or reducing the motor's movement, such as a spindle operating element or the like. Alternatively, the motor can be in the form of a direct drive.

[0019] According to this document, and based on the common usage of the term, "vehicle door" refers, for example, to driver's doors and passenger doors that allow personnel to enter the passenger compartment, as well as rear passenger doors. These doors may be pivoting doors or sliding doors.

[0020] According to this article, based on the common usage of the term, "vehicle hatch" is, for example, an engine hood, a trunk lid, or a hatch that allows access to the fuel tank opening or charging port of a motor vehicle, i.e., a hatch typically used for inspection or maintenance.

[0021] The terms "vehicle" and "motor vehicle" are used synonymously herein. The terms "vehicle door" and "door" are used synonymously herein. The terms "vehicle hatch" and "hatch cover" are used synonymously herein. The terms "motor" and "actuator motor" are used synonymously herein.

[0022] It can be specified that calibration data is generated before the sensor is installed in the vehicle, and that after installation, a specified range of values ​​and / or thresholds are adjusted to compensate for the stress state of the sensor caused by installation. This means that recalibration is not initially required after installation, i.e., there is no need to repeatedly apply a defined force to the sensor. For example, adjustments to the specified range of values ​​and / or thresholds can be used to compensate for zero-point offsets caused by stress states and / or for sensor compliance curves modified by stress levels.

[0023] As an alternative, it can be stipulated that calibration data be generated after the sensors have been installed in the vehicle.

[0024] As an alternative, it can be stipulated that calibration data be generated before and after the sensors have been installed in the vehicle.

[0025] The generation of calibration data specifically involves repeatedly applying a defined force to the sensor. In this way, the relationship between the operating force applied to the sensor and the sensor's output signal can be detected.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the method, a second control signal may be generated based on the presence or absence of one or more of the following safety conditions: the speed of the motor vehicle is below a specified speed limit, particularly below 5 km / h, below walking speed, etc.; there is no collision alarm from the surrounding environment and / or internal sensors of the motor vehicle; the digital and / or physical vehicle key of the motor vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle, particularly within a specified distance range around the motor vehicle; and no emergency lock or special lock is applied to the motor vehicle.

[0027] It can also be specified that a second control signal is generated based on the presence or absence of one or more of the following safety conditions: no one is in the driver's seat of the motor vehicle; someone is in the driver's seat of the motor vehicle, and this person operates an additional switching device for manual release of the switching equipment. In this way, collisions can be prevented, for example, at traffic lights, due to an unwanted person using a sensor to open a door or tailgate. Furthermore, an additional switching device can be used to offset residual risks, for example, in a car wash where the motor is running, the sensor generates a valid signal for opening a door or hatch. The additional switching device can be, for example, a switch or a button.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the method, it can be specified that the sensors are recalibrated when the vehicle is in driving mode.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the method, it can be specified that the sensors are recalibrated when the vehicle is stationary.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the method, the sensor can be recalibrated using one or more output signals generated by the operator's previous operations on the switching equipment, wherein, in particular, an average value is formed from multiple output signals generated by the operator's multiple previous operations on the switching equipment, wherein, in particular, a specified value range and / or threshold is adjusted. In this way, the sensor behavior can be adapted to the operator's operating behavior.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the method, it can be specified that the sensor be recalibrated after it has been pressed, particularly after it has been pressed to the stop. Pressing the sensor may subject it to stress and / or deform mechanical components. Therefore, recalibrating after pressing enables the sensor or switching device to operate reliably, similar to the procedure following the initial installation described above.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the method, the sensor can be recalibrated based on a reasonableness check, wherein, in particular, the specified value range and / or threshold and / or specified time period are adjusted only if the corresponding value range is within the specified reasonableness limits. In this case, unrealistic values ​​are excluded, ensuring that the sensor recalibration does not render the sensor unusable or inoperable, for example, due to setting an unrealistically high force threshold or an excessively long hold time.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the method, a first control signal for triggering the actuation movement of a door or hatch actuator may be generated by means of a controller, provided that one or more of the following conditions are met: the output signal of the sensor is below a specified threshold after a specified time period; the rise time of the output signal of the sensor is within a specified value range.

[0034] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a door or hatch actuator for a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising: a controller, wherein the controller is specifically configured to perform the method according to the invention; a switching device having a door or hatch actuator, wherein the switching device has a sensor, and wherein the sensor is configured to generate an output signal based on an operating force acting on the sensor; wherein the controller is configured to generate a first control signal for triggering an actuation movement of the door or hatch actuator, the first control signal being generated under the condition that the rise rate of the sensor's output signal is within a specified value range, and the sensor's output signal is greater than a specified threshold within a specified time period, wherein the specified value range and the specified time period have been defined based on calibration data, wherein the sensor has been repeatedly operated to generate calibration data; and a safety device, wherein the controller is configured to generate a second control signal for triggering an actuation movement of an actuation motor of the door or hatch actuator, wherein the controller is configured to generate the second control signal under the condition that at least one safety condition of the safety device is satisfied; wherein the controller is configured to trigger the actuation movement of the actuation motor of the door or hatch actuator under the condition that both the first control signal and the second control signal are present.

[0035] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a door or hatch actuator according to the invention.

[0036] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. In the drawings, each case is schematically depicted as follows: Figure 1 A front view of the switching device is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the switching equipment; Figure 3 It shows having Figure 1 A side view of a part of a motor vehicle containing switching equipment; Figure 4 The force curves are shown plotted relative to the time axis; Figure 5 Another force curve is shown, plotted relative to the time axis; Figure 6 A flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown; Figure 7 Another flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown; Figure 8 Another flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown; Figure 9 Another flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 1 A front view of switchgear 2 is shown. Switchgear 2 is used to operate the door or hatch actuator of a motor vehicle.

[0038] The switchgear 2 has a front panel 4. The front panel 4 has a mark L, which is designed in a star shape, for example, in the present case. The mark L is a placeholder used to indicate the logo of any vehicle manufacturer.

[0039] The front panel 4 has an operating side 6 facing the operator in the fully assembled state. The operating direction 8 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the front face 10 of the front panel 4. Figure 2 ).

[0040] Switchgear 2 has a fastening structure 12 ( Figure 2 ).

[0041] The front panel 4 is connected to the fastening structure 12 in the region of the fastening side 14 facing away from the operating side 6.

[0042] The fastening structure 12 has four spring elements 16.

[0043] The switching device 2 has a sensor 18 for detecting touch and operation of the front panel 4. In this example, the sensor 18 is a force sensor 18.

[0044] In the present case, the spring element 16 is a tab 16. Each of the tabs 16 has a first fastening portion 20 and a second fastening portion 22. The spring element 16 has progressive spring characteristics.

[0045] As in Figure 1 As observed in the front view shown, the corresponding first fastening portion 20 of the corresponding tab 16 extends laterally beyond the front panel 4. The corresponding second fastening portion 22 of the corresponding tab 16 is fastened to the front panel 4. Figure 2 ).

[0046] according to Figure 1 The dashed circles depict examples of pressure points P, within which the operator actuates the switching device 2 during actual operation (if necessary). Due to the arrangement of the first fastening portion 20, tilting of the front panel 2 can be prevented as much as possible, even during operation in the edge areas.

[0047] In this case, sensor 18 has a travel sensor, which has a first component 24 and a second component 26.

[0048] The first component 24 is held on the front panel 4 so that it is releasable and interchangeable.

[0049] The second component 26 is held on the fastening structure 12 so that it is releasable and interchangeable.

[0050] The second component 26 of sensor 18 is configured to detect the approach of the first component 24 to the second component 26. The stroke measurement result of the sensing stroke sensor and the spring characteristics of the spring element can be used to determine the operator's operating force. Therefore, the stroke signal can be converted into a force signal by means of the known spring characteristics. For calibration, a defined force or a defined force curve can be repeatedly applied to the front panel to detect the output signal of sensor 18 based on the operating force.

[0051] The spring element 16 is held on the base plate 30 of the fastening structure 12 by means of the bracket 28.

[0052] In the current configuration, sensor 18 is surrounded by a rubber bushing 32 to protect it from the surrounding environment U and from factors such as moisture and / or dirt. According to alternative exemplary embodiments, a rubber bushing or seal that seals a larger area than the rubber bushing 32 shown herein may be provided. For example, the seal may be fastened to the front panel 4 and / or substrate 30, such that the spring element 16 is also included in the seal. Such a seal may, for example, contact the vehicle chassis.

[0053] The front panel 4 has an associated device 34 for generating tactile signals to a user who touches the front panel. The device 34 is used, for example, to output micro-movements as feedback to the user. In the present case, a corresponding stop 44 of the fastening structure 12 is used to limit the operating path along the operating direction 8.

[0054] Micro-movements can be, for example, movements of the front panel 4 within a range of, for example, 50-500 μm, wherein these movements are performed along the operating direction 8 and / or in the opposite direction to the operating direction. These movements can be, for example, in the form of vibrations, or in the form of a single reverse movement or repeated reverse movements in the direction opposite to the pressure applied by the operator.

[0055] Figure 3 The motor vehicle 36 according to the invention is shown by way of example and in part.

[0056] The motor vehicle 36 has a hatch actuator 38 according to the invention, which has an actuating motor 39 for moving the vehicle hatch 40 of the motor vehicle 36. In this example, the vehicle hatch 40 is a trunk hatch.

[0057] The motor vehicle 36 also has the aforementioned switching device 2.

[0058] The motor vehicle 36 has a controller 42, which is connected to the switching device 2, the actuating motor 39 and the safety device 41.

[0059] The controller 42 is used to control the actuator motor 39 based on the signal from the sensor 18 of the switching device 2 and the signal from the safety device 41.

[0060] In this scenario, movement and / or deformation of the front panel 4 are detected by means of sensor 18 due to the force applied by the operator, wherein the proximity of the first component 24 to the second component 26 of sensor 18 is measured. Depending on the measured distance, the force curve of the operating force applied by the operator can be measured based on known spring characteristics. In this way, the applied force is measured for a specified period of time. Figure 4 An example is shown of the force curve F as a function of time T, measured by an operator applying pressure to the front panel 4.

[0061] The controller 42 is configured to generate a first control signal for triggering actuation movement of the actuation motor 39 of the hatch drive 38, wherein the first control signal is generated under the condition that the rise rate S1 of the output signal F of the sensor 18 is within the range of specified values ​​S0 to S2 (abbreviated as: S0 – S2), where S0 < S1 < S2.

[0062] The output signal F of sensor 18 is greater than a specified threshold F1 during the specified time period t1 to t2 (abbreviated as t1 – t2).

[0063] A specified value range S0 – S2 and a specified time period t1 – t2 have been defined based on the calibration data, wherein sensor 18 or switch device 2 has been repeatedly operated to generate calibration data.

[0064] The controller 42 is configured to generate a second control signal for triggering actuation movement of the actuation motor 39 of the hatch actuator 38, wherein the second control signal is generated by means of the controller 42 provided that at least one safety condition of the safety device 41 is met, particularly in the current case, provided that the speed of the motor vehicle is below a specified speed limit of 5 km / h. Therefore, in the current case, the safety device 41 transmits the current vehicle speed to the controller 42.

[0065] The controller 42 is configured to trigger the actuation movement of the actuation motor 39 of the hatch drive 38 when both the first control signal and the second control signal are present.

[0066] However, if controller 42 identifies, for example Figure 5 The pulses shown (such as those indicating a car wash or similar cleaning equipment) prevent the vehicle hood 40 from opening. This prevents the unintended opening of the vehicle hood 40.

[0067] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method according to the present invention is shown, the method comprising the following steps: (A) The operator operates the switching device 2 of the hatch actuator 38 of the motor vehicle 36, wherein a signal is generated according to... Figure 4 The signal F; (B) A first control signal is generated by means of controller 42 to trigger actuation movement of the actuation motor 39 of the hatch actuator 38. This first control signal is generated under the following conditions: the rise rate S1 of the output signal F of sensor 18 is within a specified value range S0 – S2, and the output signal F of sensor 18 is greater than a specified threshold F1 within a specified time period t1 – t2; and A second control signal is generated by means of the controller 42 to trigger the actuation movement of the actuation motor 39 of the hatch drive 38. This second control signal is generated under the safety conditions of the safety device 41, according to which the vehicle speed is less than 5 km / h. (C) When both the first control signal and the second control signal are present, the actuation movement of the actuation motor 39 of the hatch drive 38 is triggered by the controller 42.

[0068] Figure 7A flowchart of another method according to the present invention is shown, wherein method steps (A), (B) and (C) are preceded by an additional method step (K1), wherein method step (K1) includes the following features: generating calibration data before the sensor 18 is installed in the motor vehicle 36, and adjusting a specified value range S1 – S2 and / or a threshold F1 after the sensor is installed in the motor vehicle 36 in order to compensate for the stress state of the sensor 18 caused by the installation.

[0069] Figure 8 A flowchart of another method according to the present invention is shown, wherein method steps (A), (B) and (C) are preceded by an additional method step (K2), wherein method step (K2) includes the feature of generating calibration data after the sensor 18 has been installed in the motor vehicle 36.

[0070] Figure 9 A flowchart of another method according to the present invention is shown, wherein method steps (A), (B), and (C) are preceded by additional method steps (K1, K2) and followed by method step (K3), wherein, Calibration data is generated before and after sensor 18 is installed in motor vehicle 36. Furthermore, method step (K3) may include recalibrating sensor 18 while motor vehicle 36 is in driving mode.

[0071] Method steps (K3) can also be combined with Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Method variants and combinations.

[0072] To recalibrate sensor 18, in the current case, multiple output signals F of sensor 18 generated by the operator's previous operations on switch 2 are used, wherein an average value is formed from multiple output signals generated by the operator's multiple previous operations on switch 2, and wherein a specified value range S1 – S2 and a threshold F1 are adjusted. Therefore, the switching behavior of switch 2 can be adapted to the operator's usual applied force (i.e., personalized).

[0073] If the first operator of the first vehicle frequently activates the switch device 2 of the first vehicle with considerable abruptness and force, the values ​​of S1, S2, and F1 can be increased. If the second operator of the second vehicle frequently activates the switch device 2 of the second vehicle with considerable moderate force, the values ​​of S1, S2, and F1 can be decreased.

[0074] Therefore, the values ​​of S1, S2, and F1 can be adapted to the operator's behavior.

[0075] It can be specified that sensor 18 is recalibrated after it has been pressed, particularly after it has been pressed to the stop. Pressing may create a stress state in sensor 18 (similar to the initial assembly process described above), or may cause plastic deformation of the various mechanical components that alter the relative positions of the elements of sensor 18. Recalibrating sensor 18 after pressing allows for continued reliable operation.

[0076] Sensor 18 can be recalibrated based on a reasonableness check. In particular, the specified value range S1 – S2 and / or threshold F1 and / or specified time period t1 – t2 are adjusted only if the corresponding value range or threshold is within the specified reasonableness limits.

[0077] The first control signal generated by the controller 42 to trigger the actuation movement of the hatch actuator 38 may additionally depend on one or more of the following conditions: the output signal of the sensor is below a specified threshold F1 after a specified time period t1 – t2; the rise time of the output signal F of the sensor is within a specified value range.

[0078] As an alternative to or supplement to testing vehicle speed, a second control signal may be generated based on the presence or absence of one or more of the following listed safety conditions: no collision warning from the vehicle's surrounding environment and / or internal sensors; the vehicle's digital and / or physical key is located in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, particularly within a specified distance around the vehicle; no emergency or special locking of the vehicle; no one in the driver's seat of the vehicle; or a person in the driver's seat of the vehicle who operates an additional switching device for manual release of the switching equipment.

[0079] Figure Labels 2 Switchgear 4 front panels 6. Operating side 8 Operating directions 10 front 12 Fastening Structure 14 Fastening side 16 Spring Elements 18 sensors / sensors 20 Fastening parts 22 Fastening parts 24 First Component 26 Second Component 28 supports 30 substrates 32 rubber bushing 34. Devices for generating tactile signals 36 motor vehicles 38 hatch drive 39 Actuator Motor 40 vehicle hatches 41 Safety Devices 42 controllers 44 Stop section L logo U surrounding environment (A) Method and Steps (B) Method and Steps (C) Method Steps (K1) Method Steps (K2) Method Steps (K3) Method steps.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a door or hatch actuator of a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: -The switching device (2) of the door or hatch actuator (38) of the motor vehicle (36) operated by the operator. -in, The switching device (2) has a sensor (18), particularly a force sensor (18) or a travel sensor, and -The sensor (18) generates an output signal (F) based on the operating force acting on the sensor (18). -A first control signal is generated by means of the controller (42) to trigger the actuation movement of the actuation motor (39) of the door or hatch actuator (38), the first control signal being generated under the condition that the following conditions are met: - The rate of rise (S1) of the output signal (F) of the sensor (18) is within the specified value range (S0; S2), and - The output signal (F) of the sensor (18) is greater than a specified threshold (F1) within a specified time period (t1; t2). -The specified value range (S0; S2) and the specified time period (t1; t2) have been defined based on the calibration data, and the sensor (18) has been repeatedly operated to generate the calibration data; - By means of the controller (42), a second control signal is generated for triggering the actuation movement of the actuation motor (39) of the door or hatch actuator (38), the second control signal being generated under the premise that at least one safety condition of the safety device (41) is satisfied; -In the presence of both the first control signal and the second control signal, the actuator (39) of the door or hatch drive (38) is triggered by the controller (42) to move.

2. The method as described in claim 1, Its features are, - The calibration data is generated before the sensor (18) is installed in the motor vehicle (36), and after the sensor (18) has been installed in the motor vehicle (36), the specified value range and / or the threshold are adjusted to compensate for the stress state of the sensor (18) caused by the installation. or - The calibration data is generated after the sensor (18) has been installed in the motor vehicle (36). or - The calibration data was generated before and after the sensor (18) was installed in the vehicle (36).

3. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, Its features are, The second control signal is generated based on the presence or absence of one or more of the following listed safety conditions: - The speed of the motor vehicle (36) is below the specified speed limit, especially below 5 km / h, below walking speed, etc.; - There was no collision warning from the vehicle's (36) surrounding environment and / or internal sensors; - The digital and / or physical key of the motor vehicle (36) is located in the immediate vicinity (U) of the motor vehicle (36), particularly within a specified distance range around the motor vehicle (36); - No emergency or special locking was applied to the motor vehicle (36); - There was no one in the driver's seat of the vehicle; - There is a person in the driver's seat of the vehicle, and this person operates an additional switching device for manually releasing the switching device.

4. The method as described in any of the preceding claims, Its features are, The sensor (18) is recalibrated when the vehicle (36) is in driving mode or when the vehicle (36) is stationary.

5. The method as described in claim 4, Its features are, - The sensor (18) is recalibrated using the output signal (F) or multiple output signals (F) generated by the operator's previous operation of the switch (2). -In particular, an average value is formed from multiple output signals (F) generated by the operator from multiple previous operations of the switching device (2). - Specifically, the specified value range and / or the threshold are adjusted.

6. The method as described in any one of claims 4 and 5, Its features are, After the sensor (18) has been pressed, especially after the sensor (18) has been pressed to the stop (44), the sensor (18) is recalibrated.

7. The method as described in any one of claims 4 to 6. Its features are, - Recalibrate the sensor based on a reasonableness check (18). Specifically, the specified value range and / or the threshold and / or the specified time period are adjusted only if the corresponding value range is within the specified reasonableness limit.

8. The method as described in any one of claims 4 to 7. Its features are, Provided that one or more of the following conditions are met, the controller (42) generates the first control signal for triggering the actuation movement of the door or hatch actuator (38): - The output signal of the sensor (18) is lower than the specified threshold after the specified time period; - The rate of rise of the output signal of the sensor (18) is within the specified value range.

9. A door or hatch actuator for a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle -Has a controller (42), wherein, The controller (42) is specifically configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. - Switching device (2) with the door or hatch actuator (38). -The switching device (2) has a sensor (18), and -The sensor (18) is configured to generate an output signal based on the operating force acting on the sensor (18); -The controller (42) is configured to generate a first control signal for triggering actuation movement of the actuation motor (39) of the door or hatch actuator (38), the first control signal being generated under the condition that the following conditions are met: - The rate of rise of the output signal of the sensor (18) is within the specified value range, and - The sensor's output signal is greater than a specified threshold within a specified time period. -The specified value range and the specified time period have been defined based on the calibration data, wherein the sensor (18) has been repeatedly operated to generate the calibration data; - It has a safety device (41), wherein the controller (42) is configured to generate a second control signal for triggering the actuation movement of the actuation motor (39) of the door or hatch actuator (38), wherein the controller (42) is configured to generate the second control signal provided that at least one safety condition of the safety device (41) is satisfied; -The controller (42) is configured to trigger the actuation movement of the actuation motor (39) of the door or hatch drive (48) when both the first control signal and the second control signal are present.

10. A motor vehicle, Its features are, The motor vehicle (36) has a door or hatch actuator (38) as described in claim 9.

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