Kick switch for opening and closing automobile tail door

By using a dual-capacitor filter circuit and dual-sensor capacitive sensing technology, combined with a transistor constant current circuit, the inaccuracy and power short-circuit problems of the tailgate kick switch in recognizing kicking actions were solved, achieving higher recognition accuracy and circuit stability.

CN223772029UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-06GUANGDONG TAIGANG AUTO PARTS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520096242.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-16
Publication Date
2026-01-06
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tailgate kick switches for automobiles are not accurate enough in recognizing kicking actions, and the power circuit is prone to short circuits due to single-point failures, affecting system stability.

Method used

The system employs a dual-capacitor filter circuit design, combining dual-sensor capacitive sensing technology and a transistor constant current circuit. It detects kicking actions by sensing changes in capacitance and time intervals through the capacitive sensing strip, and uses a bracket to fix the capacitive sensing strip, thereby increasing system stability.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy of kicking motion recognition, prevents power short circuits, ensures stable circuit operation, and enhances the reliability and safety of the system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile accessories, and provides a kick switch for opening and closing an automobile tail door, which comprises a power supply circuit electrically connected with the kick switch, the power supply circuit is provided with a power supply filtering loop, and the power supply filtering loop comprises a first filtering capacitor C3 and a second filtering capacitor C4 which are connected in series. When one filter capacitor is damaged and short-circuited, the positive and negative ends of the power supply are not short-circuited. The first capacitive sensing belt is used for sensing and collecting capacitance change values of the lower portions of the shanks, the second capacitive sensing belt is used for sensing capacitance change values of the backs of the soles, and the capacitance change values of the sensing belts of the first capacitive sensing belt and the second capacitive sensing belt are judged and collected through cooperation of the control circuit. Kicking judgment is carried out according to regular conditions such as the induction sequence of the two capacitive induction belts; and meanwhile, the recognition degree of the algorithm on the kicking signal is improved according to factors such as the kicking time interval and the kicking duration, so that the kicking action is more accurately judged.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a foot-operated switch for opening and closing a car tailgate. Background Technology

[0002] Foot switches are typically installed below the rear bumper of a car and are used to open and close the tailgate. Foot switches are more commonly used in SUVs.

[0003] A foot-activated trunk opening system is an intelligent method for opening a car's trunk. It uses sensors to detect a kick and automatically opens the trunk. Its working principle is roughly as follows: Sensor Installation: A sensor, typically a pressure sensor or infrared sensor, is installed inside or outside the tailgate. When the door is closed, the sensor is blocked and cannot receive a signal. Kick Recognition: When the user intends to use the foot-activated function, they kick a specific location on the vehicle (usually a spot on the tailgate) forward or upward. This kick is detected by the sensor installed in the corresponding location on the vehicle. Signal Transmission and Processing: The signal captured by the sensor is transmitted to the vehicle's control module for processing. The control module determines whether the user has performed a valid kick based on the characteristics of the signal. Trunk Opening: If the control module determines that the user has indeed performed a valid kick, it sends a command to the trunk's motor or other opening mechanism to open the trunk door. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention proposes a foot-operated switch for opening and closing a car tailgate. A first capacitive sensing band senses the capacitance change at the lower leg, and a second capacitive sensing band senses the capacitance change at the back of the foot. A control circuit, in conjunction with the collected capacitance changes of the first and second sensing bands, determines the kicking action based on the intensity of the capacitance change and the sensing sequence of the two bands. Furthermore, the algorithm's recognition of the kicking signal is improved by considering factors such as the kicking time interval and duration, resulting in more accurate kicking action identification. The power supply circuit includes a power filter circuit composed of two capacitors: a first filter capacitor C3 and a second filter capacitor C4 connected in series. If one of these capacitors fails and short-circuits, it will not cause a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0005] A foot switch for opening and closing a car tailgate is designed for this purpose, including a power supply circuit electrically connected to the foot switch. The power supply circuit is equipped with a power supply filter circuit, which consists of two capacitors, including a first filter capacitor C3 and a second filter capacitor C4 connected in series. If one of the filter capacitors is damaged and short-circuited, it will not cause a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0006] It also includes a control circuit that is electrically connected to the power supply circuit, and the control circuit includes a microcontroller chip for cooperating with signal acquisition and processing.

[0007] The foot switch for opening and closing the tailgate of a car also includes a data signal transmission circuit electrically connected to the control circuit. The data signal transmission circuit includes transistors Q1 and Q2 forming a transistor constant current circuit, and a resistor R12 that adjusts the switching of transistors Q1 and Q2 according to the resistance value.

[0008] The foot switch for opening and closing the tailgate of a car also includes a first capacitive sensing strip and a second capacitive sensing strip. The first capacitive sensing strip and the second capacitive sensing strip are electrically connected to the power supply circuit respectively. A height difference is formed between the first capacitive sensing strip and the second capacitive sensing strip. The first capacitive sensing strip forms a first foot kick detection position, and the second capacitive sensing strip forms a second foot kick detection position.

[0009] The foot switch for opening and closing the tailgate of a car also includes a proximity sensor sensing circuit electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0010] The first and second capacitive sensing strips are fixedly mounted on the bracket; the bracket is provided with fixing buckles for fixing the capacitive sensing strips.

[0011] The first capacitive sensing strip and the second capacitive sensing strip are arranged on the bracket with vertical spacing and front-back offset.

[0012] The bracket is equipped with a control box, and the control box contains a circuit board. The terminals of the first capacitive sensing strip and the second capacitive sensing strip are electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0013] The bracket is installed below the rear bumper of the car.

[0014] The bracket includes a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate. The first fixing plate extends laterally toward one side of the bracket and forms a fixing part for fixing the first capacitive sensing strip. The first capacitive sensing strip is fixedly disposed inside the first fixing plate. The second fixing plate is vertically disposed on one side of the first fixing plate. The second fixing plate is provided with a boss that protrudes toward one side of the second fixing plate. The second capacitive sensing strip is fixed on the boss.

[0015] Both the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are provided with a number of spaced reinforcing ribs.

[0016] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] The first capacitive sensing band is used to sense the capacitance change value at the lower part of the calf, and the second capacitive sensing band is used to sense the capacitance change value at the back of the foot. Through the coordination of the control circuit, the algorithm judges the kicking action by measuring the capacitance changes of the first and second sensing bands and based on the intensity of the capacitance change and the sensing sequence of the two sensing bands. Simultaneously, factors such as the kicking time interval and kicking duration are considered to improve the algorithm's recognition of kicking signals, thus more accurately judging the kicking action. The power supply circuit includes a power filter circuit composed of two capacitors: a first filter capacitor C3 and a second filter capacitor C4 connected in series. If one of these filter capacitors fails and short-circuits, it will not cause a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0018] A transistor constant current circuit is constructed using transistors Q1 and Q2 and resistor R12. The switching between transistors Q1 and Q2 is adjusted according to the resistance value of R12, thereby limiting the current in the output line and providing a certain degree of protection for the output port.

[0019] Working principle: When the load increases, the voltage drop across resistor R12 increases, the input current of transistor Q1 increases, the equivalent resistance of transistor Q1's collector and emitter decreases, resulting in a decrease in the current flowing through transistor Q2. Consequently, the equivalent resistance of transistor Q2 increases, and the output current decreases. This is actually a negative feedback, which serves as a constant current. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation and fixing structure of the first capacitive sensing strip and the second capacitive sensing strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the bracket from another perspective in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the data signal transmission circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing circuit structure of a proximity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more apparent and understandable, many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0029] See Figures 1-7 A foot switch for opening and closing a car tailgate includes a power circuit 3 electrically connected to the foot switch. The power circuit 3 is provided with a power filter circuit, which is composed of two capacitors, including a first filter capacitor C3 and a second filter capacitor C4 connected in series. If one of the filter capacitors is damaged and short-circuited, it will not cause a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0030] In this embodiment, the filter capacitor has multiple functions in the electronic circuit, mainly including noise filtering, voltage stabilization, energy storage, and decoupling.

[0031] Noise filtering: In electronic circuits, signals are often affected by noise due to the presence of various interference sources. Filter capacitors, through their energy storage and release characteristics, can short-circuit high-frequency noise signals to ground, thereby reducing the impact of noise on the circuit and ensuring its stability and reliability.

[0032] Voltage Stabilization: In power supply circuits, output voltage often fluctuates due to changes in load and fluctuations in the power supply itself. Filter capacitors can absorb these fluctuations, keeping the output voltage stable. When the voltage rises, the filter capacitor absorbs excess energy; when the voltage drops, the filter capacitor releases energy, thus ensuring stable circuit operation.

[0033] Energy storage: Filter capacitors can store energy when the voltage rises and release energy when the voltage drops, thus ensuring continuous circuit operation. This energy storage function is particularly important for power supply circuits and pulse circuits, improving their reliability and stability.

[0034] Decoupling: In complex electronic circuits, mutual interference between different parts is an unavoidable problem. Filter capacitors reduce mutual interference between different parts through decoupling, ensuring the normal operation of the circuit.

[0035] Filter capacitors are used in power supply circuits, signal processing circuits, pulse circuits, and analog circuits.

[0036] Power supply circuit: In power supply circuits, filter capacitors are one of the most commonly used components. They can effectively filter out noise in the power supply and ensure its stability and reliability.

[0037] Signal processing circuits: In signal processing circuits, filter capacitors can filter out high-frequency noise in the signal and improve signal quality. Filter capacitors are key components in signal processing circuits such as amplifiers, filters, and oscillators.

[0038] Pulse circuits: In pulse circuits, the energy storage and release characteristics of the filter capacitor are particularly important, as they can ensure the continuous operation of the pulse circuit and improve the stability of the circuit.

[0039] Analog Circuits: In analog circuits, filter capacitors can effectively remove noise and improve circuit performance. Filter capacitors play a crucial role in the amplification, filtering, and modulation of analog signals.

[0040] This invention employs dual-sensor capacitive sensing technology. A first capacitive sensing strip 1 and a second capacitive sensing strip 2 are located on the inner side below the rear bumper of the car, corresponding to the tailgate. The first capacitive sensing strip 1 is used to sense and collect capacitance changes at the lower leg position. The second capacitive sensing strip 2 is used to sense capacitance changes at the back of the foot position.

[0041] The control circuit 4 works in conjunction with the acquisition of capacitance changes in the first and second capacitor sensing bands 1 and 2 to determine the kicking action based on the intensity of the capacitance change and the sensing sequence of the two capacitor sensing bands. At the same time, the algorithm's recognition of the kicking signal is improved by considering factors such as the kicking time interval and the kicking duration, thus making the kicking action more accurate.

[0042] In the input power supply line, a design using two capacitors connected in series is employed, referencing... Figure 4 The capacitors at the positions of the first filter capacitor C3 and the second filter capacitor C4 are designed so that even if one capacitor fails and short-circuits during use, there is no risk of a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0043] It also includes a control circuit 4 electrically connected to the power supply circuit 3, and the control circuit 4 includes a microcontroller chip 5 for cooperating with signal acquisition and processing.

[0044] The foot switch for opening and closing the tailgate of the car also includes a data signal transmission circuit 6 electrically connected to the control circuit 4. The data signal transmission circuit 6 includes transistors Q1 and Q2 forming a transistor constant current circuit, and a resistor R12 that adjusts the switching of transistors Q1 and Q2 according to the resistance value.

[0045] See Figure 5 A transistor constant current circuit is constructed using transistors Q1 and Q2 and resistor R12. The switching between transistors Q1 and Q2 is adjusted according to the resistance value of R12, thereby limiting the circuit of the output line and providing a certain degree of protection for the output port.

[0046] Working principle: When the load increases, the voltage drop across resistor R12 increases, the input current of transistor Q1 increases, the equivalent resistance of transistor Q1's collector and emitter decreases, resulting in a decrease in the current flowing through transistor Q2. Consequently, the equivalent resistance of transistor Q2 increases, and the output current decreases. This is actually a negative feedback, which serves as a constant current.

[0047] The foot switch for opening and closing the tailgate of a car also includes a proximity sensor sensing circuit 7 electrically connected to the control circuit 4.

[0048] The foot switch for opening and closing the tailgate of a car also includes a first capacitive sensing strip 1 and a second capacitive sensing strip 2. The first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 are electrically connected to the power supply circuit 3 respectively. A height difference is formed between the first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2. The first capacitive sensing strip 1 forms the first foot kick detection position, and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 forms the second foot kick detection position.

[0049] The first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 are fixedly installed on the bracket 8; the bracket 8 is provided with a fixing buckle 9 for fixing the capacitive sensing strip.

[0050] The first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 are arranged on the bracket 8 with vertical spacing and front-back offset.

[0051] Since the first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 are arranged vertically spaced and staggered front to back on the bracket 8, the first capacitive sensing strip 1 is used to sense and collect the capacitance change value at the lower part of the calf. The second capacitive sensing strip 2 is used to sense the capacitance change at the back of the foot.

[0052] The bracket 8 is equipped with a control box 10, and the control box 10 contains a circuit board. The terminals of the first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 are electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0053] The bracket 8 is installed below the rear bumper of the car.

[0054] The bracket 8 includes a first fixing plate 11 and a second fixing plate 12. The first fixing plate 11 extends laterally toward one side of the bracket 8 and forms a fixing part for fixing the first capacitive sensing strip 1. The first capacitive sensing strip 1 is fixedly disposed inside the first fixing plate 11. The second fixing plate 12 is vertically disposed on one side of the first fixing plate 11. The second fixing plate 12 is provided with a boss 13, which protrudes toward one side of the second fixing plate 12. The second capacitive sensing strip 2 is fixed on the boss 13.

[0055] Both the first fixing plate 11 and the second fixing plate 12 are provided with a plurality of spaced reinforcing ribs 14. The reinforcing ribs 14 can increase the mechanical strength of the bracket 8 and make the bracket 8 less prone to deformation.

[0056] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the first capacitive sensing strip 1 and the second capacitive sensing strip 2 can be found in Chinese Patent No. ZL201910107755.4, which discloses a novel foot kick sensor capacitive sensing strip.

[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0058] In the above description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0059] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] In the foregoing description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections using screws, rivets, or welding; detachable connections; or connections formed by metal processing (die casting, deep drawing, lathe machining, etc.) or injection molding; they can also be mechanical or electrical connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the above description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of terms such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact, or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0062] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

Claims

1. A foot-operated switch for opening and closing a car tailgate, characterized in that: The power supply circuit (3) is electrically connected with the foot kick switch, and a power supply filter circuit is arranged on the power supply circuit (3), wherein the power supply filter circuit is composed of double capacitors, and the double capacitors include a first filter capacitor C3 and a second filter capacitor C4 connected in series, and one of the filter capacitors is damaged and short-circuited, and the positive and negative ends of the power supply are not short-circuited.

2. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit (4) is electrically connected with the power supply circuit (3), and the control circuit (4) includes a single-chip microcomputer chip (5) for signal acquisition and processing.

3. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The data signal transmission circuit (6) is electrically connected with the control circuit (4), and the data signal transmission circuit (6) includes a triode Q1, a triode Q2 and a resistor R12 for adjusting the switch-on of the triode Q1 and the triode Q2 according to the resistance value.

4. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The proximity sensor sensing circuit (7) is electrically connected with the control circuit (4).

5. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first capacitor sensing band (1) and the second capacitor sensing band (2) are electrically connected with the power supply circuit (3), and a height difference is formed between the first capacitor sensing band (1) and the second capacitor sensing band (2), the first capacitor sensing band (1) forms a first foot kick detection position, and the second capacitor sensing band (2) forms a second foot kick detection position.

6. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The first capacitor sensing band (1) and the second capacitor sensing band (2) are fixedly installed on the support (8); the support (8) is provided with a fixed buckle (9) for fixedly installing the capacitor sensing band.

7. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of an automobile according to claim 6, wherein: The first capacitor sensing band (1) and the second capacitor sensing band (2) are arranged on the support (8) in an up-down interval and a front-rear staggered manner.

8. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of an automobile according to claim 6, wherein: The support (8) is provided with a control box (10), the control box (10) is provided with a circuit board, and the wiring ends of the first capacitor sensing band (1) and the second capacitor sensing band (2) are electrically connected with the circuit board.

9. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of an automobile according to claim 6, wherein: The support (8) is installed below the automobile rear bumper.

10. The foot-activated switch for opening and closing a tailgate of an automobile according to claim 6, wherein: The support (8) includes a first fixed plate (11) and a second fixed plate (12), the first fixed plate (11) extends horizontally towards one side of the support (8) and forms a fixed portion for fixing the first capacitor sensing band (1), and the first capacitor sensing band (1) is fixedly arranged on the inner side of the first fixed plate (11); the second fixed plate (12) is vertically arranged on one side of the first fixed plate (11), the second fixed plate (12) is provided with a boss (13) which protrudes towards one side of the second fixed plate (12), and the second capacitor sensing band (2) is fixed on the boss (13). The first fixed plate (11) and the second fixed plate (12) are both provided with a plurality of reinforcing rib blocks (14) arranged at intervals.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Novel kick sensor capacitive sensing belt

    CN109724631A