Method for operating at least one control element for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating at least one control element (12,20) for at least one vehicle door (4,6) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein - while the motor vehicle (1) is locked, it is continuously checked by means of a monitoring device (7) whether a person (8) authorized to operate at least one vehicle door (4,6) is within a specified distance (A) of the motor vehicle (1), - from the monitoring device (7) upon detection of the presence of the authorized person (8) an activation signal (S A ) is output to the control element (12,20) or at least one of the control elements (12,20), and - due to the activation signal (S A ) the respective control element (12,20) is moved from a sleep state to an active state, wherein the authorized person (8) is located in which sub-area (26) of the environment of the motor vehicle (1) is determined, wherein the control element (12,20) of the vehicle door (4,6) assigned to this sub-area (26) is activated and, in addition to activating the control element (12,20), the assigned vehicle door (4,6) is unlocked, and wherein the control element (12,20) includes a sensor which is configured to detect an approach of the person (8) to the control element (12,20) and to interpret this approach as a request to open the door.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a control element for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a control element.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles are sometimes equipped with a control system known as a keyless entry or keyless drive system. This control system is designed to verify a person's authorization to use the vehicle. To this end, the control system typically includes a radio-based identification system (RFID system), which comprises a transmitting and receiving system with one or more (radio) antennas distributed throughout the vehicle and an associated responding device (transponder). The transponder is conventionally integrated into a key fob assigned to the vehicle. The transmitting and receiving system sends a vehicle-specific coded radio signal via the antennas, which is received and transmitted back by the corresponding transponder.Due to a corresponding coding of the transponder, it is ensured that the transmitting and receiving system receives only the ("correct") response signal from the transponder assigned to the vehicle. The RFID system interprets the receipt of the correct response signal as authorization of the person (and thus the person as the vehicle user).

[0003] In the case of the driving system, when an engine start device (such as a start button) is activated, authorization is checked, and if necessary, the engine is allowed to start, and any (electronic) immobilizer is deactivated. In the case of the access system, the control system, when the vehicle is locked (i.e., the door lock associated with the respective vehicle door cannot be opened), checks authorization if the person attempts to open one of the vehicle doors, for example, by grasping an exterior door handle. Therefore, no active use of the key fob by the vehicle user is required in either case. However, the vehicle user can actively lock the vehicle, particularly by pressing the key fob button.However, the vehicle is also frequently locked automatically if authorization is no longer granted, i.e., if the transmitting and receiving system no longer detects a response signal from the assigned transponder or if the transponder is outside a predetermined distance from the vehicle. Locking is often achieved by controlling the door locks of all vehicle doors via a central locking system.

[0004] To detect a person's desire to open a vehicle door (door opening request), pressure sensors, non-contact distance sensors, or similar devices are regularly used to detect when the person grasps the exterior door handle. Alternatively, sensor devices are used that detect a person's approach without physical contact and infer a desire to open the door from this. In both cases, the sensors are constantly active when the vehicle is locked. However, primarily for energy efficiency reasons, the transmitter and receiver system itself is only activated when the sensors on the exterior door handle detect that the person is grasping it. This can lead to a delayed response from the access system, especially if the authorized person wants to open the vehicle door quickly.

[0005] From DE 101 29 177 A1, a vehicle opening system is known that comprises a first opening secured by a first lock and at least a second opening secured by a second lock. A control unit is connected to at least one first lock, thereby controlling the actuation of at least the first lock. At least one proximity sensor is connected to the control unit and scans an electronic key device. The control unit actuates the first lock without actuating the second lock when the at least one proximity sensor scans the electronic key device at a predetermined distance from the first opening.

[0006] From US Patent 2011 / 0276234 A1, a device for the contactless actuation of a movable vehicle part, in particular a tailgate or a side door, is known. The device comprises a first capacitive proximity sensor that detects an object in a first detection area, and a second capacitive proximity sensor that detects the object in a second detection area separate from the first. The two proximity sensors are configured to actuate the movable vehicle part.

[0007] US Patent 6,034,617 A discloses a passive remote control system that can be used to gain access to a vehicle. In this system, a remote control carried by a driver periodically sends a command signal whenever the remote is moved. As the driver approaches the vehicle, the remote control enters the reception range of a control circuit in the vehicle, which then receives the command signal. Receiving the command signal activates the control circuit to begin detecting an action by the driver, such as turning a door handle, indicating an intention to enter the vehicle. If this action is detected within a certain timeframe after receiving the command signal, the vehicle doors are unlocked.

[0008] A passive access system for a motor vehicle is known from WO 02 / 25040 A1. The access system comprises a central control station for locking and unlocking the vehicle's doors and for establishing a radio link to a remote portable electronic identification device. The control station is prompted to query the portable device when the vehicle is locked and a person enters a predetermined detection zone around the vehicle. A number of proximity sensors mounted externally, for example in the vehicle's indicator lights and taillights, detect when a person is within the detection zone and prompt the control station to query the identification device. Once a valid communication is received from the control station, it unlocks the vehicle. Unlocking also occurs from an unlocked state if a person leaves the vehicle.Opening and closing the driver's door triggers a query, and if no valid response is received after a predetermined time, the vehicle is locked.

[0009] The article "The First Contact" by J. Pander and R. Büttner, published on Spiegel Online on October 13, 2006, describes an access system in which the car key sends an encrypted code to a vehicle's locking system as an indication of access authorization. When the door handle is subsequently touched, the vehicle is unlocked and can be opened and started.

[0010] Finally, DE 10 2005 056 457 A1 discloses a device for opening and closing a lock located between a movable and a stationary body part of a vehicle. The device comprises a handle for opening the lock and a locking cylinder for locking and unlocking the device using an associated key. The key allows the locking cylinder to be rotated between at least two positions, one of which determines the locked position and the other the unlocked position of the device. For reliable and convenient operation, it is proposed that the position of the handle within the body part be changed by turning the key. The handle assumes a different position when locked than when unlocked. Only when unlocked is the handle accessible and easily operated manually.

[0011] DE 10 2006 035 651 A1 discloses a vehicle equipment control system for locking vehicle doors using an automatic locking system and a trigger locking system. The automatic locking system defines an extended communication range covering the entire vehicle interior. The trigger locking system defines a smaller communication range that prevents communication with a portable unit carried by a user near a vehicle. If no response signal is received from the portable unit within the respective communication ranges, the corresponding vehicle doors are locked. Consequently, even when both the automatic locking system and the trigger locking system are used, the system prevents the portable unit from being left in the interior and the corresponding vehicle doors from being locked.

[0012] A vehicle control system is known from DE 699 13 607 T2. The system comprises a large-area identification request device for sending an identification request signal to a portable transmitter / receiver located in a specific area around a vehicle to establish a large area. The system further comprises an identification verification device for receiving a response identification in response to the identification request signal in order to perform verification against the received response identification, and an area switching device for activating at least one detection device using a detection area that is smaller than the larger area when the received response identification has been verified as matching a reference identification.Finally, the system includes a control device for controlling the operation of a device attached to a vehicle based on a detection result by the detection device.

[0013] Finally, German patent DE 10 2007 041 288 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a keyless entry system, a self-opening tailgate, and a sensor for monitoring the rear area. When the access system detects a user approaching the vehicle, it activates the sensor. The tailgate opens when the user enters the rear area.

[0014] The invention is based on the objective of improving the operation of a motor vehicle.

[0015] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved according to the invention by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 7. Advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0016] The method according to the invention serves to operate at least one control element for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle. According to the method, when the vehicle is locked, a monitoring device continuously, i.e., continuously or at short intervals (preferably exclusively), checks whether a person authorized to operate the vehicle door is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. Upon detection of the presence of the authorized person, the monitoring device sends an activation signal to the control element or at least one of the control elements. Based on the activation signal (i.e., upon receipt of the activation signal), the respective control element is switched from a standby state to an active state.

[0017] The term "standby state" here and in the following refers to a state of the respective control element in which actuation (or operation) of the control element, and thus of the vehicle door, is not possible. If the control element is an electronic switching device, it is, for example, not supplied with energy in the standby state, so that actuation is not registered. Alternatively, within the scope of the invention, the control element can also be inaccessible in the standby state, for example, by being arranged behind a cover or recessed into the vehicle's outer skin. Conversely, in the active state, actuation of the control element is possible. Preferably, the respective control element is always in the standby state when the vehicle is locked. In particular, the control element is automatically put into the standby state when the vehicle is locked.

[0018] By ensuring that the respective control element is only activated if the person (present within the specified distance) is authorized to do so, it is advantageously achieved that the person can open the vehicle door immediately (i.e., without having to perform an authorization check triggered by the actuation of the control element). This enables quick and user-friendly operation of the vehicle door.

[0019] The distance to the motor vehicle is appropriately chosen so that the respective control element can be activated after the detection of presence, before the person can reach and / or operate this control element.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring device is a transmitting and receiving system (as described above) of a radio-based identification system (RFID system). Preferably, a key signal from a transponder integrated into the key fob specifically assigned to the vehicle is used to detect the presence of the authorized person. This key signal is transmitted by the transponder (particularly within a predetermined distance of the vehicle) as a response to a radio signal ("test signal") emitted by the monitoring device and received by the monitoring device via one—preferably several—antennas. The "correct" key signal (i.e., that of the assigned key fob) is interpreted by the monitoring device as the presence of the key fob and thus as authorization of the person (carrying the key fob).The physical presence of the authorized person within the specified distance is therefore derived solely from the presence of the correct radio key.

[0021] The distance around the vehicle used to detect presence is determined, for example, by the range of the key signal emitted by the key fob and / or by the range of the test signal emitted by the monitoring device. Alternatively, within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the monitoring device records the time between the transmission of the test signal and the reception of the key signal, determines the distance of the key fob to the vehicle from this time (transit time measurement), and uses this distance to determine whether the key fob is within the specified range. In both cases, the distance is in particular approximately 0.5 to 4 meters, preferably approximately 2 meters.

[0022] In a suitable procedural variant, upon detection of the presence of the authorized person, the control element of each vehicle door (i.e., in particular all control elements) is activated.

[0023] The term "vehicle door" is used here and in the following to refer both to side doors located on one side of the vehicle, which serve to allow people to enter the passenger compartment, and to the trunk door (also called trunk lid or tailgate) used for loading the trunk. A conventional vehicle typically has three or five doors, one of which is always the trunk door.

[0024] In a suitable embodiment, the monitoring device comprises several antennas distributed throughout the vehicle. The monitoring device is specifically designed to monitor the vehicle's surroundings in zones. The vehicle's surroundings are divided into several zones, each representing a sub-area of ​​the environment, which is specifically assigned to one (or a subset of) the antennas. Preferably, the device determines in which zone the authorized person (i.e., the key fob) is located. Upon detection of the authorized person within one of the zones, only the control element of the vehicle door assigned to that zone (e.g., the nearest one) is activated.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that several vehicle doors are assigned to a zone, so that the operating elements of these vehicle doors are activated accordingly. For example, only the operating elements of the vehicle doors located on the left side of the vehicle are activated when the authorized person is detected on the left side of the vehicle. This makes it easy to ensure that only the authorized person on one side of the vehicle has access, while unauthorized persons on the other side are denied access.

[0026] In another practical variant of the procedure, the multiple antennas are used to determine the direction in which the authorized person is moving towards the vehicle. If it is detected that the person is moving towards a vehicle door, only the control element of that vehicle door is activated.

[0027] In a suitable embodiment, the control element, or at least one of the control elements, is configured to trigger automatic adjustment of the vehicle door. In this case, the control element includes a sensor designed to detect a person's approach to the vehicle or the control element and interpret this approach as a request to open the door. Preferably, however, the sensor is configured to recognize the request to open the door based on the person's approach. For this purpose, the detected approach is compared (by an evaluation unit of the control element) with a predefined criterion. If there is sufficient similarity, the person's request to open the door is inferred. The sensor is preferably a capacitive proximity sensor.Alternatively, the sensor within the scope of the invention can also be an optical sensor or a radar-based sensor (i.e., a camera or a radar sensor). When the respective control element is activated, the sensor associated with that control element is put into a detection state. For example, a sensor electrode of the capacitive sensor is energized, the camera is extended from a concealed position, or the like. Consequently, the respective control element requires electrical energy in its active state. Thus, particularly if the vehicle has several such control elements and the total energy consumption of the control elements is higher than that of the monitoring device, the method according to the invention also enables energy-efficient operation of the control elements and therefore of the vehicle.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the position of the respective control element on the vehicle is indicated by means of indicators assigned to it when the element is active. These indicators are mechanical components or, preferably, light sources, such as LEDs, which are arranged in the vicinity of the control element on the vehicle or directly connected to it. This is particularly advantageous if the control element is designed for contactless detection of the door opening request and is barely or only with difficulty distinguishable from the surface of the vehicle.Particularly in cases where the vehicle door is the trunk door, the control element is typically concealed within the rear bumper of the vehicle, requiring the user to make a kicking motion towards the bumper to signal the door opening request. The (authorized) person is thus advantageously shown the area of ​​the vehicle where they must make the necessary movement to indicate the door opening request.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the indicator means are integrated as an electronic display into the respective vehicle door or the associated window pane (e.g., by means of a head-up display or as an electrochromic area of ​​the window pane), by means of which, for example, an instruction can be issued. Likewise, within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the light sources, in particular, are additionally configured to output status signals (e.g., a warning signal is issued by flashing or a color change when the door is adjusted, or the locked or unlocked state of the door lock is indicated by a color change).

[0030] In another variant of the system, the respective control element, or at least one of the control elements, is designed for manual operation of the vehicle door. In this case, the control element is, in particular, an exterior door handle that unlocks the door lock of the respective vehicle door via a mechanism activated by the movement of the exterior door handle. In its resting state, this control element is at least partially concealed from the outside of the vehicle, meaning it is inaccessible to unauthorized persons. When this control element is activated, it is expediently released towards the outside of the vehicle; in the case of the exterior door handle, this means it is folded out or extended from its concealed position.Alternatively, a recessed grip associated with the exterior door handle, into which the person grips to operate the handle, is closed in its resting state by one or more cover flaps, so that the vehicle has a (nearly) closed, smooth surface in the area of ​​the exterior door handle. Upon activation, this cover flap is adjusted, in particular, so that the recessed grip is open (accessible). Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the vehicle includes both the exterior door handles described above and operating elements for contactless detection of the door opening request. The former are arranged, in particular, on the side doors, while the latter are preferably arranged in the rear bumper and associated with the trunk door.It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that, in particular, the trunk door may be assigned both an external door handle and a control element designed for contactless detection of the door opening request.

[0031] According to the invention, upon detection of the presence of an authorized person, the locked state of the vehicle is lifted in addition to the activation of the respective control element. This means that at least the vehicle door associated with the activated control element is unlocked. In particular, to unlock all vehicle doors, the central locking system is completely deactivated.

[0032] Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that, in addition to activating the respective control element, further functions of the vehicle are activated. For example, in the case of a frameless vehicle door, the corresponding window regulator is controlled in such a way that the respective window pane lowers by a short portion of its total travel. This function, also known as short-stroke operation, is activated in particular when it is detected that the authorized person is in the zone directly in front of this vehicle door or is moving towards it. As an additional function, it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that—depending on the climate zone and / or season—the air conditioning or heating of the vehicle is started upon detection of the presence of the authorized person. Furthermore, the vehicle's lighting (interior lighting and / or headlights) is also activated, for example.

[0033] Preferably, the motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one vehicle door (in particular at least two side doors and a trunk door) and the control element associated with the vehicle door or at least one of the vehicle doors. Furthermore, the motor vehicle comprises the monitoring device, which is configured to check the vehicle's surroundings for the presence of an authorized person when the vehicle is locked. The monitoring device is also configured to switch the control element, or at least one of the control elements, from its resting state to the active state upon detection of the presence of an authorized person (by outputting the activation signal to the respective control element).

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of a motor vehicle and a person approaching the motor vehicle. Fig. 2 in schematic sectional view a control element of a vehicle door of the motor vehicle, and Fig. 3 in view according to Fig. 1 another embodiment of the motor vehicle.

[0035] Corresponding parts and sizes are always marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 depicts a motor vehicle (vehicle 1). Vehicle 1 is a five-door model, meaning that it has two doors arranged longitudinally one behind the other on its left side 2 and on its right side 3 (referred to as side doors 4), as well as a (fifth) door at its rear 5, referred to as the trunk door 6. Furthermore, vehicle 1 has an access control system (hereinafter referred to as the monitoring device 7). The monitoring device 7 is designed to automatically lock vehicle 1, specifically its side doors 4 and trunk door 6, when the person using vehicle 1 (the vehicle user 8) moves away from it. For this purpose, the monitoring device 7 includes several (radio) antennas 9 distributed throughout vehicle 1. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each vehicle door 4 or 6 is assigned one antenna 9.

[0037] The monitoring device 7 forms a transmitting and receiving system of an RFID system. In order to detect the presence of the vehicle user 8, the monitoring device 7 transmits a radio signal (test signal S) via the antennas 9. T ) out. Is this test signal S T A transponder 10, integrated into a (radio) key of the vehicle 1, receives a signal and transmits a response signal (referred to as the key signal Ss). This key signal Ss (as well as the test signal S) T ) is encrypted with a code specific to vehicle 1, so that the monitoring device 7 can detect the key signal S upon receiving it. SThe monitoring device 7 recognizes the key's association with vehicle 1. If the vehicle user 8, together with the key (and thus also the transponder 10), moves more than a distance A (e.g., 2 meters) away from vehicle 1, the monitoring device 7 sends a locking signal to the central locking system of vehicle 1, so that the vehicle doors 4 and 6 are locked (not shown in detail). The distance A is determined by the range of the test signal S. T and / or the key signal Ss is determined.

[0038] Each of the side doors 4 and the trunk door 6 is assigned a control element for opening them. In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1. The operating elements are each an exterior door handle 12. The vehicle user 8 can, in the unlocked state of the vehicle 1, open one of the side doors 4 or the trunk door 6 by pulling on a handle lever 14 of the door handle 12 (see Fig. 2) pulls and thereby unlocks the door lock assigned to the respective vehicle door 4 or 6 via a lever mechanism. The exterior door handle 12 is thus set up for manually opening the respective vehicle door 4 or 6.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the exterior door handle 12 comprises the handle lever 14 and a recessed grip 16 embedded in the outer surface of the respective vehicle door 4 or 6, which is spanned by the handle lever 14 in a bridge-like fashion. To aerodynamically close the recessed grip 16 while driving and to protect the handle lever 14 from unauthorized access when the vehicle 1 is locked, the exterior door handle 12 also includes two cover flaps 18. These cover the recessed grip 16 when the exterior door handle 12 is at rest. In an active state, i.e., when the exterior door handle 12 can be operated by the vehicle user 8, the two cover flaps 18 are automatically pivoted into the recessed grip 16.

[0040] When the vehicle 1 is locked, i.e., when the transponder 10 is outside the distance A to the vehicle 1, the operating elements of the vehicle doors 4 and 6 (in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1. The exterior door handles 12) are thus put into the rest position. The monitoring device 7 continuously checks the presence of the transponder 10 (and thus the vehicle user 8) within distance A while the vehicle 1 is locked. For this purpose, the monitoring device 7 sends the test signal S continuously or at short intervals. T via the antennas 9. If the monitoring device 7 detects the key signal Ss of the transponder 10 within the distance A of the vehicle 1, the monitoring device 7 interprets this as the presence of the vehicle user 8 - consequently as authorization of the person carrying the key - and outputs an activation signal S Ato the exterior door handles 12. This activation signal S A The cover flaps 18 of the exterior door handles 12 are pivoted into the handle recess 16, thus switching the exterior door handles 12 from their resting state to their active state ("activated"). The exterior door handles 12 (i.e., the handle lever 14 and the handle recess 16) are therefore accessible to the vehicle user 8. Additionally, the monitoring device 7 sends an unlock signal to the central locking system of the vehicle 1, so that all vehicle doors 4 or 6 are unlocked. Upon arrival at the vehicle 1, the vehicle user 8 can therefore operate the exterior door handle 12 and open the respective side door 4 or the trunk door 6 without having to actively issue an unlock command, for example, by pressing a remote control button on the key.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, which is also based on Fig. 1 and Fig. As described in Figure 2, the handle lever 14 of the exterior door handle 12 is rigidly designed and not mechanically coupled to the respective door lock. Instead, the exterior door handle 12 has a capacitive sensor that detects when the vehicle user 8 grips the handle lever 14. Upon detection of this grip change, the capacitive sensor sends an opening command to the door lock, which in this case is electrically operated. In this design of the exterior door handle 12, the capacitive sensor is also deactivated when the exterior door handle 12 is at rest; that is, no electrical voltage is applied to the sensor electrode (or, if applicable, all sensor electrodes) of the capacitive sensor. Thus, energy is saved when the vehicle 1 is locked, as only the monitoring device 7 is active and therefore consumes less energy compared to the active control element (i.e., the sensors of the exterior door handles 12).

[0042] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the vehicle 1. The control element for the trunk door 6 is designed as a contactless proximity switch 20. This is arranged in a rear bumper 22 (viewed in the vertical direction of the vehicle) below the trunk door 6. The proximity switch 20 is configured to detect the approach of a leg of the vehicle user 8, compare the detected approach with at least one stored criterion, and, if the signal change caused by the approach corresponds sufficiently with the criterion, issue a door opening command to an actuator assigned to the trunk door 6. For this purpose, the proximity sensor 20 comprises two capacitive measuring sensor electrodes. When the vehicle 1 is locked, the proximity sensor 20 is in its resting state, i.e., no electrical voltage is applied to the sensor electrodes.The proximity sensor 20 is activated analogously to the (second) embodiment described above only upon the output of the activation signal S. A activated by the monitoring device 7 and the reception thereof, whereby an electrical voltage (in particular an alternating electrical voltage) is applied to the sensor electrodes.

[0043] The proximity sensor 20 is further equipped with several light-emitting diodes 24 to indicate its position. These emit a (visual) light signal when the proximity sensor 20 is activated, so that the vehicle user 8 can see in which area of ​​the rear bumper 22 he has to perform the foot movement.

[0044] The monitoring device 7 is also configured to divide the area around the vehicle 1 into several sub-areas (zones 26). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the zones 26 is assigned to one of the antennas 9. The monitoring device 7 is further configured to use the zones 26 to detect the location of the vehicle user 8 or the transponder 10 associated with the vehicle 1. The monitoring device 7 outputs the activation signal S for this purpose. A only to vehicle door 4 or 6, which is spatially assigned to the respective zone 26 in which the vehicle user 8 is located. In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 3. The monitoring device 7 gives the activation signal S. A It only responds to the proximity sensor 20. In addition, the monitoring device 7 controls the central locking system in such a way that only the trunk door 6 is unlocked.

[0045] The zones 26 of the side doors 4 also have a common overlap area 28 in pairs on their respective longitudinal sides 2 and 3. If the transponder 10 is detected by the monitoring device 7 in one of the two overlap areas 28, the monitoring device 7 activates the external door handles 12 of both side doors 4 located on the respective longitudinal sides 2 and 3. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 long side 3 Long side 4 side doors 5 Rear 6 Trunk door 7 Monitoring device 8 vehicle users 9 (Radio) antenna 10 transponders 12 Door handle 14 handle levers 16 Recessed handles 18 Cover flap 20 proximity sensor 22 Rear bumper 24 LEDs Zone 26 28 Overlap area A distance S T Test signal S S Key signal S A Activation signal

Claims

[1] Method for operating at least one control element (12,20) for at least one vehicle door (4,6) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein - while the motor vehicle (1) is locked, it is continuously checked by means of a monitoring device (7) whether a person (8) authorized to operate at least one vehicle door (4,6) is within a specified distance (A) of the motor vehicle (1), - from the monitoring device (7) upon detection of the presence of the authorized person (8) an activation signal (S A ) is output to the control element (12,20) or at least one of the control elements (12,20), and - due to the activation signal (S A ) the respective control element (12,20) is moved from a sleep state to an active state, wherein the authorized person (8) is located in which sub-area (26) of the environment of the motor vehicle (1) is determined, wherein the control element (12,20) of the vehicle door (4,6) assigned to this sub-area (26) is activated and, in addition to activating the control element (12,20), the assigned vehicle door (4,6) is unlocked, and wherein the control element (12,20) includes a sensor which is configured to detect an approach of the person (8) to the control element (12,20) and to interpret this approach as a request to open the door. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein a key signal (Ss) of a radio key assigned to the motor vehicle (1) is used to detect the presence of the authorized person (8) within the specified distance (A) to the motor vehicle (1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control element (12, 20) comprises a radar sensor. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control element (12,20) or at least one of the control elements (12,20) is configured to trigger an automatic adjustment of the at least one vehicle door (4,6), and wherein in the active state the sensor associated with the respective control element (12,20), which serves to detect a door opening request based on the approach of the person (8), is put into a detection state. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the active state the position of the respective control element (12,20) is indicated on the motor vehicle (1) by means of indicator means (24) which are assigned to the respective control element (12,20). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control element (12,20) or at least one of the control elements (12,20) is provided for manual operation of the respective vehicle door (4,6) and is at least partially concealed towards the outside of the vehicle in the rest state, and wherein the respective control element (12,20) is released towards the outside of the vehicle when activated. [7] Motor vehicle (1), - with at least one vehicle door (4, 6), - with at least one of the vehicle doors (4,6) or one of the vehicle doors (4,6) associated with a control element (12,20), - with a monitoring device (7) which is designed to check the surroundings of the motor vehicle (1) for the presence of a person (8) authorized to operate at least one vehicle door (4,6) when the motor vehicle (1) is locked and, upon detection of the presence of the authorized person (8), to move the control element (12,20) or at least one of the control elements (12,20) from a resting state to an active state, wherein the monitoring device (7) is configured to determine in which sub-area (26) of the motor vehicle's (1) environment the authorized person (8) is located, to activate the control element (12, 20) of the vehicle door (4, 6) assigned to this sub-area (26), and, in addition to activating the control element (12, 20), to unlock the assigned vehicle door (4, 6), and wherein the control element (12, 20) has a sensor includes, which is designed to detect the approach of the person (8) to the control element (12,20) and to interpret this approach as a request to open the door.

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