Door system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Door system for a motor vehicle (1) with - a door (5, 11, 12), - an environmental sensor (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 41) for detecting an obstacle (10, 130) in the vicinity of the motor vehicle (1), - a door sensor (42, 43) for outputting an output signal dependent on the initiation of an opening of the door (5, 11, 12) and - a control unit (40) for detecting an impending collision between the door (5, 11, 12) and the obstacle (10, 130) as a function of an output signal from the environment sensor (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 41) and for controlling a warning device (44) such that a warning can be issued by means of the warning device (44) upon detection of an impending collision between the door (5, 11, 12) and the obstacle (10, 130), wherein the control unit (40) distinguishes between at least two selectable warning levels, a first warning level and a second warning level, wherein the selection of a warning level by the control unit (40) depends on the output signal of the door sensor (42, 43), characterized in that the warning device (44) - a controllable damping (53) to generate a mechanical resistance when opening the door (5, 11, 12) in the presence of the second or a further warning stage and / or - has a door lock (54) to block the door (5, 11, 12) when the second or a further warning level is present.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door system for a motor vehicle with a door, with an environmental sensor for detecting an obstacle in the environment of the motor vehicle, with a door sensor for outputting an output signal dependent on the initiation of opening the door and with a controller for detecting an impending collision between the door and the obstacle in dependence on an output signal of the environmental sensor and for controlling a warning device in such a way that a warning can be output by means of the warning device upon detection of an impending collision between the door and the obstacle,

[0002] Such a door system is known from DE 195 37 619 C2. DE 195 37 619 C2 discloses a device for monitoring the traffic area of ​​a motor vehicle, comprising at least one traffic area sensor for detecting a body approaching the vehicle and an associated signaling system and / or a blocking device for at least one door, which operates when the vehicle is stationary or almost stationary. When a person / hand approaches at least one door handle, the system or blocking device is activated. When a body approaches in the traffic area, the opening of at least one door of the vehicle is prevented, made more difficult, or blocked, and / or an optical and / or acoustic signaling system indicates the approach of the body. At least one sensor detects the vehicle's operating status.

[0003] DE 100 56 569 A1 discloses a vehicle with at least one pivoting door and with a device for preventing a collision of the door with an object adjacent to the vehicle during the opening of the door, wherein a sensor with evaluation logic detects the object in its position and in its change in position relative to the vehicle during a vehicle movement immediately preceding the opening of the door, and wherein a warning signal or a locking device is triggered in the event of a risk of collision between the object and the vehicle door.

[0004] DE 198 36 310 A1 discloses an inhibiting device for a vehicle door, which mechanically inhibits the opening at the latest from a still safe opening angle and / or triggers an acoustic and / or optical inhibiting signal, wherein the inhibiting device is controlled by means of a monitoring device which monitors the vehicle exterior area for the presence of stationary and / or approaching obstacles, in particular in the opening area of ​​the respective vehicle door.

[0005] DE 198 08 181 A1 discloses a device for collision protection of protruding parts of motor vehicles, which device has a controllable adjusting mechanism at least for retracting and / or folding the protruding motor vehicle parts. At least one distance detection or proximity sensor, arranged in an exterior mirror, is provided on the motor vehicle and functionally connected to the adjusting mechanism, for example, for detecting the distance and / or approach of an object relative to a respective protruding motor vehicle part. The adjusting mechanism retracts or folds the respective motor vehicle part in response to a detection signal supplied by the sensor indicating a risk of collision with the object. Sensors installed in the exterior mirror housings and the detection results determined from their detection signals can be used for additional functions. These include, for example:a door opening warning signal or a door opening blocking signal when an object is too close to the door to be opened.

[0006] DE 100 04 161 A1 discloses an adaptive door locking system for motor vehicles with a locking device which enables or prevents the opening of a vehicle door depending on at least one vehicle environment situation detected by a sensor, and which comprises a door locking system, an environmental sensor system provided on / in the motor vehicle and monitoring means acting on the door locking system, wherein the environmental sensor system generates signals which are fed to the monitoring means which control the door locking system in such a way that it keeps the door closed permanently or for a specific or determinable time if it emerges from the signals supplied by the environmental sensor system that the safety when opening the door is called into question by the vehicle environment situation.

[0007] DE 41 19 579 A1 discloses a device for detecting objects in the non-directly visible field of vision of a motor vehicle, with a distance measuring device directed contactlessly into the field of vision and with a controlled door brake which can be activated before or during the movement of the door when an object approaches the motor vehicle.

[0008] DE 103 58 177 A1 discloses an optical display device for a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle. The optical display device comprises a first optical display device for a first warning level of the driver assistance system at a first hazard level and a second optical display device for a second warning level of the driver assistance system at a second hazard level of a higher hazard level than the first hazard level, wherein the second display device generates an optical signal that is significantly more perceptible to the driver of the motor vehicle than the first display device. The driver assistance system can be configured as a door opening assistant.

[0009] DE 102 61 622 A1 A method for warning a driver of a stationary motor vehicle of a possible collision of an object with a vehicle door of the motor vehicle, wherein at least the driver-side rear lateral space of a predetermined width and depth is monitored.

[0010] DE 696 15 905 T2 discloses an object detector system for a vehicle including an antenna configuration defining overlapping antenna fields around the vehicle, wherein the antenna fields combine to provide accurate detection of obstacles within a desirable obstacle detection zone.

[0011] EP 1 271 179 A2 discloses a method for detecting the presence of objects using a detection device mounted on a vehicle, said vehicle having at least one blind spot, where said detection device serves to detect an object, such as a vehicle approaching in said blind spot, and to distinguish said object from other objects.

[0012] DE 102 29 033 A1 discloses a device and a method for detecting a risk of accident, in which objects in detection areas in front of and / or behind the vehicle are detected by means of distance sensors of a vehicle, distances of the objects in front of and / or behind the vehicle are determined from the distance signals while the vehicle is moving and, when the vehicle is stationary, a risk of collision between the object and an opening vehicle door of the vehicle is determined.

[0013] DE 198 29 731 A1 discloses a vehicle with a tailgate, wherein the tailgate has means for detecting objects during the opening process.

[0014] DE 103 12 252 A1 discloses a device for preventing personal injury and property damage caused by motor vehicle doors of stopped and / or parked vehicles, comprising at least one camera monitoring the exterior of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is stopped, if an evaluation unit detects that the speed falls below a fixed or variable speed-, acceleration-, and / or distance-dependent threshold, or if the evaluation unit detects that a signal unlocking the locking mechanism of the vehicle doors is received, an operating mode monitoring the interior and / or exterior door handle is activated, and the exterior of the vehicle is monitored by the camera, triggering the output of an acoustic, visual, and / or haptic warning signal as soon as a person operates the door handle of the vehicle door or, possibly automatically, unlocks it, even though a stationary or approaching object is detected in the camera's field of view.

[0015] Further safety systems for motor vehicle doors are known, for example, from WO 96 / 33079 A1 and JP H03-61120 A.

[0016] The object of the invention is to improve a door system as mentioned above.

[0017] The above object is achieved by a door system for a motor vehicle with a door according to the claims, wherein it is provided, among other things, that the door system has an environmental sensor for detecting an obstacle in the environment of the motor vehicle, a door sensor for outputting an output signal dependent on the initiation of opening of the door and a controller for detecting an impending collision between the door and the obstacle as a function of an output signal of the environmental sensor and for controlling a warning device in such a way that a warning can be output by means of the warning device upon detection of an impending collision between the door and the obstacle, and wherein the controller, when controlling the warning device, distinguishes between at least two selectable warning levels, a first warning level and a second warning level, wherein the selection of a warning level by the controller is dependent on the output signal of the door sensor.

[0018] A door within the meaning of the invention can, in particular, be a side door or a tailgate of a motor vehicle. An environmental sensor within the meaning of the invention can, in particular, be an ultrasonic, radar, or laser sensor. A door sensor within the meaning of the invention can, in particular, be a sensor for detecting a (possibly imminent) actuation of a door opener. However, a door sensor within the meaning of the invention can also be a sensor by means of which an opening angle of a door can be detected. The opening of a door can, for example, also be detected by actuating a door release lever and / or via a contact switch in the door.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the controller selects the first warning level if no initiation of door opening is detected. However, if an initiation of door opening is detected, the controller selects the second warning level in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the warning device has a first display for displaying a visual warning associated with the first warning level. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first display can be used to output a visual warning associated with the second warning level, which can be distinguished from the visual warning associated with the first warning level.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the warning device has a second display for displaying an optical warning associated with the second warning level.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the warning device has a loudspeaker for outputting an acoustic warning associated with the second warning level, an actuator for outputting a haptic warning associated with the second warning level, a controllable damping for generating a mechanical resistance when opening the door when the second or a further warning level is present, and a door lock for blocking the door when the second or a further warning level is present.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an obstacle in an environment above the motor vehicle can be detected by means of the environmental sensor.

[0024] A motor vehicle within the meaning of the invention is, in particular, a land vehicle that can be used individually on public roads. Motor vehicles within the meaning of the invention are not limited to land vehicles with internal combustion engines.

[0025] Further advantages and details are revealed in the following description of exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1 a plan view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 a front view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 3 a side view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 4 a door system, Fig. 5 an embodiment of an exterior mirror, Fig. 6 another embodiment of an exterior mirror, Fig. 7 another embodiment of an exterior mirror, Fig. 8 another embodiment of an exterior mirror, Fig. 9 another embodiment of an exterior mirror, Fig. 10 another embodiment of an exterior mirror, Fig. 11 an embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 13 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 16 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 17 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of an interior view of a motor vehicle, Fig. 19 an advertisement and Fig. 20 a side view of a motor vehicle.

[0026] Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a motor vehicle 1, wherein Fig. 1 the motor vehicle 1 in a plan view, Fig. 2 the motor vehicle 1 in a front view and Fig. 3 shows a side view of the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 has two environmental sensors 20 and 21 on a front bumper 3 for detecting an obstacle, such as the motor vehicle designated by reference numeral 10, in the surroundings of the motor vehicle 1. Further environmental sensors 22, 24, 26, and 27 for detecting an obstacle in the surroundings of the motor vehicle 1 are provided on a rear bumper 4 and on side doors 11 and 12. A further environmental sensor 25 is arranged on a roof 19 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0027] The environmental sensors 25, 26, and 27 are advantageously designed as ultrasonic sensors, with the environmental sensors 26 and 27 being aligned substantially transversely of the motor vehicle 1, and with the environmental sensor 25 pointing upwards. The environmental sensors 20, 21, 22, and 24 are advantageously designed as radar sensors. The environmental sensors 20, 21, 22, and 24 are directed obliquely outward, as indicated by the beams 30, 31, 32, and 33.

[0028] Reference numerals 6 and 7 denote outside mirrors, reference numerals 14 and 15 denote side windows, and reference numeral 5 denotes a tailgate.

[0029] In order to avoid collisions with an obstacle, such as the passing motor vehicle designated by reference numeral 10, when opening the door 11 and / or 12, the motor vehicle 1 has a Fig. 4. The door system has one or more of the environmental sensors 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26 and 27, which is Fig. 4 is indicated by an environmental sensor designated by reference numeral 41.

[0030] The door system also has a door opener sensor 42 for detecting a (possibly imminent) actuation of a door opener and optionally an opening sensor 43, by means of which an opening angle of a door 11 or 12 can be detected. A door sensor for outputting an output signal dependent on the initiation of a door opening within the meaning of the claims can be a door opener sensor 42 and / or an opening sensor 43.

[0031] The ambient sensor 41, the door opener sensor 42, and the opening sensor 43 are connected to a controller 40 for detecting an impending collision between the door 11 or 12 and an obstacle, such as the passing motor vehicle designated by reference numeral 10, and for controlling a warning device 44. The warning device 44 has at least one display 50 for displaying a visual warning, at least one loudspeaker 51 for outputting at least one acoustic warning, at least one actuator 52 for outputting a haptic warning, at least one controllable damping 53 for generating mechanical resistance when the door 11 or 12 is opened, and / or at least one door lock 54 for blocking the door 11 or 12.

[0032] When activating the warning device 44, the controller 40 distinguishes between two selectable warning levels, a first warning level and a second warning level, or more than two warning levels, with the controller 40 selecting a warning level depending on an output signal from the door opener sensor 42 and / or depending on an output signal from the opening sensor 43. However, a distinction is made in particular between the first warning level and the second warning level. The first warning level is selected when an impending collision between the door 11 or 12 and an obstacle is detected, but no initiation of opening of the door 11 or 12 is detected. The second warning level, on the other hand, is selected when an impending collision between the door 11 or 12 and an obstacle is detected and an initiation of opening of the door 11 or 12 is detected.

[0033] In the first warning level, a warning for the driver and front passenger can be provided, for example, via a warning lamp (e.g., display 50 or part of display 50) mounted on or near the exterior mirrors 6 and 7. Options for positioning this warning lamp, positioning a status indicator, and dimming the warning lamp and status indicator using a light sensor are described with reference to the following figures.

[0034] In the second warning level, an additional, more intense warning is issued. The more intense warning can be visual (display 50) and / or acoustic (loudspeaker 51) and / or haptic (actuator 52). Opening the door can also be made more difficult (controllable damping 53) and / or completely prevented (locking 54). The warning lights of the first warning level can be used to display the more intense visual warning.

[0035] An acoustic warning can be provided, for example, via a simple tone (e.g., a buzzer), a simple sequence of tones (e.g., a jingle), or a complex sequence of tones (e.g., a voice message). Speakers already installed in the vehicle can be used as sound generators, such as door speakers, speakers in an instrument cluster, or speakers from other applications, such as those for a parking aid or lane change assistant. Separate speakers can also be installed for the door system.

[0036] For a haptic warning of occupants, for example, a vibration of a door opening lever or the seat cushions can be provided by means of the actuator 52.

[0037] Opening the door can be made more difficult by means of the controllable damping 53 by increasing the force required to operate the door opening lever. Furthermore, the force required to pivot the door 11 or 12 can be increased by means of the controllable damping 53. For this purpose, electro- or magnetorheological substances can be used. These can be liquids (electro- or magnetorheological fluids (ERF, MRF)) or solids. With ERF or MRF substances, the flow resistance increases when an electric or magnetic field is applied. They react within a few milliseconds and return to their original state once the field is switched off. If these fluids are used in a damper, for example, its damping constant can be continuously adjusted electrically. If this damper is used in a vehicle door, the door opening torque or the door closing torque can be adjusted electrically.The force required to open the door can be continuously adjusted.

[0038] Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show various embodiments of a configuration of the display 50 in the exterior mirror 7 for displaying an optical warning for an occupant of the motor vehicle 1 in a front seat. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, a triangular light 59 is provided in a mirror surface 60, which lights up essentially constantly in the first warning stage and flashes in the second warning stage.

[0039] In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, three LED elements 62, 63 and 64 are provided in a frame 61 of the exterior mirror 7, wherein the LED element 63 shines essentially constantly in the first warning stage, and wherein the LED elements 62 and 64 flash alternately in the second warning stage.

[0040] In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, two LED elements 66 and 67 are provided in the frame 61 of the exterior mirror 7, wherein the LED elements 66 and 67 illuminate essentially constantly in the first warning level and flash alternately in the second warning level.

[0041] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8, the frame 61 of the exterior mirror 7 is provided with an elongated light 70 (LED), which illuminates essentially constantly in the first warning stage and flashes in the second warning stage. It may be provided that a quick double flash is provided in each period.

[0042] In the embodiment according to Fig. 9, a round light 72 (LED) is provided in a holder 71 for the exterior mirror 7, which light is essentially constant in the first warning stage and flashes in the second warning stage.

[0043] In the embodiment according to Fig. 10, two lights 75 and 76 are provided in the mirror surface 60 of the exterior mirror 7, wherein the lights 75 and 76 are essentially constantly illuminated in the first warning stage and flash alternately in the second warning stage.

[0044] A substantially constant illumination may include dimming when switching on and / or off, e.g. control by means of a ramp.

[0045] Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, and Fig. 18 show various embodiments of a configuration of the display 50 in the interior of the motor vehicle 1 for displaying an optical warning for a passenger of the motor vehicle 1 on a rear seat. Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 shows a section of the interior of the motor vehicle 1 viewed from the inside outwards. Reference numeral 80 in Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 denotes an interior light and reference numeral 100 a door lock button.

[0046] In the embodiment according to Fig. 11, a display 84 provided as part of the display 50 is integrated into the interior light 80. In the embodiment according to Fig. 12, a display 85 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged on a roof liner 90. In the embodiment according to Fig. 13, a display 86 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged in an upper window frame 91. In the embodiment according to Fig. 14, a display 87 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged in a lateral window frame 92. In the embodiment according to Fig. 15, a display 96 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged in a B-pillar, e.g. in the area of ​​a belt. In the embodiment according to Fig. 16, a display 101 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged in a lower window frame 97. In the embodiment according to Fig. 17, a display 102 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged on the door lock button 100. In the embodiment according to Fig. 18, a display 106 provided as part of the display 50 is arranged in the region of a lever 105 for opening the door 12.

[0047] Fig. 19 shows a display 120 as an embodiment of the displays 84, 85, 86, 87, 96, 101, 102 and 106. The display 120 has a yellow status light 121 and a red warning light 122, wherein the status light 121 illuminates in the first warning level and the warning light 122 illuminates in the second warning level.

[0048] The preceding statements regarding collision avoidance between the doors 11 and 12 and an obstacle can also include the tailgate 5, whereby by means of the control 50, which evaluates an output signal of the environment sensor 25, an impending collision between the tailgate 5 and an obstacle in Fig. 20 shown obstacle 130 in an environment above the motor vehicle 1 can be avoided. List of reference symbols 1, 10 motor vehicle 3, 4 bumpers 5 Tailgate 6, 7 Exterior mirrors 11, 12 Door 14, 15 side windows 19 Roof 20, 21, 22, 24,25, 26, 27, 41 Environmental sensor 30, 31, 32, 33 Club 40 Control 42 Door opener sensor 43 Opening sensor 44 Warning device 50, 84, 85, 86, 87, 96, 101, 102, 106, 120 Advertisement 51 speakers 52 Actuator 53 controllable damping 54 Door lock 59, 75, 76 lamp 60 mirror surface 61 frames 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 70, 72 LED element 71 Bracket 80 interior light 90 headliner 91, 92, 97 window frames 100 door lock button 105 levers 121 Status light 122 warning light 130 Obstacle

Claims

[1] Door system for a motor vehicle (1) with - a door (5, 11, 12), - an environmental sensor (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 41) for detecting an obstacle (10, 130) in an environment of the motor vehicle (1), - a door sensor (42, 43) for outputting an output signal dependent on an initiation of opening of the door (5, 11, 12) and - a controller (40) for detecting an impending collision between the door (5, 11, 12) and the obstacle (10, 130) as a function of an output signal from the environmental sensor (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 41) and for controlling a warning device (44) such that a warning can be output by means of the warning device (44) upon detection of an impending collision between the door (5, 11, 12) and the obstacle (10, 130), wherein the controller (40) distinguishes between at least two selectable warning levels, a first warning level and a second warning level, when controlling the warning device (44), wherein the selection of a warning level by the controller (40) depends on the output signal from the door sensor (42, 43), characterized by that the warning device (44) - a controllable damping (53) for generating a mechanical resistance when opening the door (5, 11, 12) when the second or a further warning level is present and / or - a door lock (54) for blocking the door (5, 11, 12) when the second or a further warning level is present. [2] Door system according to claim 1, characterized by that the first warning level is selected by the control (40) if no initiation of opening of the door (5, 11, 12) is detected. [3] Door system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second warning level is selected by the controller (40) when an initiation of opening of the door (5, 11, 12) is detected. [4] Door system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the warning device (44) has a first display (50, 59, 63, 66, 67, 70, 72, 75, 76, 84, 85, 86, 87, 96, 101, 102, 106, 120) for displaying an optical warning associated with the first warning level. [5] Door system according to claim 4, characterized bythat by means of the first display (50, 59, 63, 66, 67, 70, 72, 75, 76, 84, 85, 86, 87, 96, 101, 102, 106, 120) an optical warning associated with the second warning level can be output, which is distinguishable from the optical warning associated with the first warning level. [6] Door system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the warning device (44) has a second display (64, 66, 67, 70, 72, 75, 76, 84, 85, 86, 87, 96, 101, 102, 106, 122) for displaying an optical warning associated with the second warning level. [7] Door system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the warning device (44) has a loudspeaker (51) for emitting an acoustic warning associated with the second warning level. [8] Door system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the warning device (44) has an actuator (52) for outputting a haptic warning associated with the second warning level. [9] Door system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the door is a tailgate (5). [10] Door system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an obstacle (130) in an environment above the motor vehicle (1) can be detected by means of the environmental sensor (25).

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