Device for detecting an object in the interior of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and associated method

Abstract

Device (1) for detecting an object (7) in an interior (6) of a motor vehicle (11), comprising a sensor device (2) for determining a distance value which describes a distance between the sensor device (2) and the object (7), and comprising an interior trim part (5) for the motor vehicle (11), wherein the sensor device (2) is arranged on the interior trim part (5) in such a way that, in the intended installation position of the device (1) in the motor vehicle (11), the sensor device (2) is arranged on a side (8) of the trim part (5) facing away from the interior (6), characterized in that the sensor device (2) comprises an ultrasonic sensor which is designed to emit an ultrasonic signal through the interior trim part (5) in order to determine the distance value and to receive the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object (7) through the interior trim part (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting an object in the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a sensor device for determining a distance value which describes a distance between the sensor device and the object, and comprising an interior trim part for the motor vehicle, wherein the sensor device is arranged on the interior trim part such that, in the intended installation position of the device in the motor vehicle, the sensor device is arranged on a side of the trim part facing away from the interior. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a device. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for detecting an object in the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0002] In the present case, interest is directed in particular to the detection of objects in the interior of the motor vehicle. To detect objects in the interior of the motor vehicle, appropriate sensor devices can be used which can determine whether an object is located in the interior and / or the position of the object in the interior of the motor vehicle. The detection of objects in the interior of the motor vehicle is known, for example, in connection with the control of occupant restraint systems for motor vehicles. In this case, for example, sensor devices are used with which the seating position of a driver in the driver's seat can be detected. Depending on this, an airbag and / or a belt tensioner can be controlled, for example. In this context, sensor devices are also known with which the occupancy of a seat can be detected.For example, a passenger airbag can only be deployed if it detects that a person is sitting in the passenger seat. Seat occupancy detection currently uses contact sensors or pressure sensors to determine whether a person is sitting in the respective seat.

[0003] A disadvantage of such sensor systems for seat occupancy detection is that, for example, pressure sensors cannot distinguish whether a person is sitting on the seat or whether, for example, an object has been placed on the seat. Since pressure sensors only detect the pressure or weight, it is not possible to distinguish between a person and a bag. Furthermore, such pressure sensors cannot detect how the person is positioned on the seat. This means, for example, that it is not possible to detect that the vehicle occupant in the front passenger seat is currently asleep with their head leaning against the side window. In this case, in which the vehicle occupant is not correctly positioned in their seat, it is particularly dangerous for the occupant if the side airbag is triggered.

[0004] Restraint systems for motor vehicles are known from the prior art, which, for example, trigger an airbag provided to protect the occupant depending on an individual position detected by a sensor system. Furthermore, it is also known for such a sensor system or sensor device to include an ultrasonic sensor. Such a sensor device is disclosed, for example, in DE 198 53 322 B4.

[0005] Furthermore, EP 1 286 864 B1 describes a seat occupancy detection system for motor vehicles. The seat occupancy detection system comprises a corresponding sensor device for detecting an occupant of the motor vehicle. The sensor device can comprise a radar sensor. It can also be provided that the radar sensor is arranged hidden behind a trim part of the motor vehicle, since the radar sensor can transmit through thin plastic layers.

[0006] Another use of a radar sensor for detecting an object in the interior of a motor vehicle is shown in DE 100 62 511 B4. This describes a method for automatically adjusting seat components of a vehicle seat to the correct seating position. Contactless distance sensors, in particular radar sensors, are arranged in the headrest and backrest, with which the distance between the vehicle occupant's head and the headrest and their upper back and the backrest can be measured.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution as to how an object in the interior of a motor vehicle can be detected more cost-effectively and in a more space-saving manner.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device, a motor vehicle, and a method having the features according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0009] A device according to the invention is used to detect an object in the interior of a motor vehicle. The device comprises a sensor device for determining a distance value that describes a distance between the sensor device and the object. The device further comprises an interior trim part for the motor vehicle, wherein the sensor device is arranged on the interior trim part such that, in the intended installation position of the device in the motor vehicle, the sensor device is arranged on a side of the trim part facing away from the interior. The sensor device further comprises an ultrasonic sensor that is designed to emit an ultrasonic signal through the interior trim part to determine the distance value and to receive the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object through the interior trim part.

[0010] The device can be used to detect whether an object, in particular an occupant, is located in the interior of the motor vehicle. The sensor device, which comprises an ultrasonic sensor, is used to detect the object. The device also comprises an interior trim part for the motor vehicle. This interior trim part can be arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle. When the device is installed as intended in the motor vehicle, the sensor device is arranged concealed behind the interior trim part. In particular, the interior trim part is continuous and / or without holes in the area in which the sensor device is arranged. When the device is installed as intended, the sensor device cannot be seen in the vehicle interior. The appearance of the interior trim part is therefore not negatively affected by the sensor device.

[0011] The ultrasonic sensor of the sensor device can have a membrane that can be excited to mechanical vibrations using a corresponding transducer, for example a piezoelectric element. As a result of the excitation of the membrane, an ultrasonic signal is emitted. This ultrasonic signal is transmitted through the interior trim part to the object in the interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, it is provided that the membrane of the ultrasonic sensor is mechanically connected to the interior trim part. In particular, the membrane of the ultrasonic sensor is integrally connected to the interior trim part. Thus, the ultrasonic signal can be transmitted from the membrane to the interior trim part. The interior trim part can be set into mechanical vibrations by the membrane. Thus, the ultrasonic signal can be transmitted to the object.The ultrasonic signal reflected by the object hits the interior trim part, which is then excited into mechanical vibrations. These mechanical vibrations are transmitted to the membrane and the transducer. The transducer can detect this mechanical vibration. The distance between the sensor device and the object can be determined based on the propagation time between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and the reception of the reflected ultrasonic signal. In particular, it is provided that the trim part has a smooth surface or a surface with a predetermined roughness on the side facing the interior. In this way, the reflected ultrasonic signal can be coupled into the interior trim part. The use of ultrasonic sensors also has the advantage that they can be provided cost-effectively and in a space-saving manner.

[0012] The device preferably comprises a control device configured to determine an external dimension of the object based on the distance signal. In particular, an external dimension of a side of the object facing the distance sensor can be determined. The control device can be formed by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the motor vehicle. The control device is connected to the sensor device for data transmission. The control device is configured to evaluate the distance value accordingly. Thus, for example, a distinction can be made between whether a person or a bag is located on a seat of the motor vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the interior trim part is designed to cover a door of the motor vehicle. In other words, the interior trim part can form at least part of an interior door trim. If the interior trim part and the sensor device arranged behind it are arranged on the door of the motor vehicle, the sensor device can be used, for example, to check whether an object, in particular an occupant, is located on a seat facing the trim part.

[0014] In one embodiment, the interior trim part is designed to cover a supporting vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle. In other words, the interior trim part can be used to cover an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and / or a C-pillar of the motor vehicle in the interior of the motor vehicle. If the interior trim part and the sensor device arranged behind it are arranged in a region of the supporting vehicle pillars, the sensor device can be used, for example, to determine the position of an upper body and / or a head of a vehicle occupant.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the interior trim part is designed as at least part of a roof lining of the motor vehicle. In other words, the interior trim part can form at least part of the roof lining of the motor vehicle. If the interior trim part and the sensor device concealed behind it are arranged in the region of the roof lining, the seating position of at least one vehicle occupant can be detected, for example.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the interior trim part is designed as at least part of a seat of the motor vehicle. The sensor device can be arranged, for example, in a seat cushion, a backrest, and / or a headrest of a vehicle seat. The interior trim part can form at least part of an outer shell of a part of the seat. With such an arrangement of the interior trim part and the sensor device, the sensor device can detect whether an occupant is sitting on a seat of the motor vehicle. In addition, the seating position or the position of the occupant on the seat can be reliably detected.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the interior trim part is designed at least as part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle. With such a design of the device, the sensor device can detect the position of at least one occupant of the motor vehicle relative to the cockpit of the motor vehicle. For example, a current distance between the head of a vehicle occupant and the dashboard can be determined.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the interior trim part is formed at least partially from a textile material, leather and / or artificial leather. If the interior trim part is designed as part of the roof lining of the motor vehicle, the interior trim part can be formed from a fabric or a textile material. If the motor vehicle is designed as a convertible, the interior trim part can form at least part of the convertible top. If the interior trim part is designed as part of the seat or as part of the door panel, the interior trim part can be formed from the textile material, leather and / or artificial leather. Furthermore, the interior trim part can be formed from a plastic, a natural fiber composite material, textile fibers, wood, Plexiglas or the like.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the interior trim part is at least partially made of a plastic. This is particularly suitable if the interior trim part is designed to cover vehicle pillars or as part of the dashboard. The interior trim part can be made, for example, of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and / or a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. It is also conceivable for the interior trim part to be made of glass and / or Plexiglas. The interior trim part can also be made of metal. The sensor device can also be arranged behind an operating element, a display device, a display, a touchpad and / or a touchscreen.

[0020] A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a device according to the invention. The motor vehicle is designed, in particular, as a passenger car. It can also be provided that the motor vehicle comprises several devices according to the invention.

[0021] Preferably, the control device of the device is designed to determine a relative position of the object to a component in the interior of the motor vehicle based on the distance value. The device can be used for various applications. Depending on the design of the interior trim part and the sensor device concealed behind it, the position of the object or the occupant relative to this interior trim part can be detected.

[0022] Preferably, the control device is configured to determine a relative position of the object to a seat of the motor vehicle based on the distance value. The control device is configured to generally detect, based on the received distance values, whether, for example, a seat of the motor vehicle is occupied or not. Furthermore, the seating position of an occupant on the seat can be determined. In particular, a distinction can be made as to whether an occupant or a person is sitting on the seat or whether only a bag has been placed there.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the control device is designed to use the distance value to determine a relative position of the object to a steering wheel and / or a dashboard. For example, the distance from the head of a motor vehicle occupant to a steering wheel and / or a dashboard can be determined. This information can be used, for example, to control an occupant restraint system of the motor vehicle.

[0024] Furthermore, the sensor device is preferably designed to detect at least part of the object in a footwell of the motor vehicle. The device can, for example, be arranged in a motor vehicle such that a detection range of the sensor device is directed toward a footwell of the motor vehicle. Here, the sensor device can, for example, be arranged under a carpet in the interior of the motor vehicle. If, for example, the legs of an occupant are detected in the footwell, it can be assumed that the footwell belonging to the seat is occupied by a person or occupant.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the motor vehicle has an occupant restraint system, wherein the occupant restraint system can be controlled depending on the detected object. Such an occupant restraint system can comprise corresponding airbags for the driver and the front passenger. Side airbags or the like can also be provided. The occupant restraint system can also comprise a belt tensioner. The motor vehicle can also comprise corresponding crash sensors with which a collision with an obstacle can be detected. The information determined by the device regarding the object in the interior of the motor vehicle can be used to control the occupant restraint system. For example, a front passenger airbag can only be triggered if the device detects that the front passenger seat is occupied by an occupant or a person. In addition, the relative position of the object orWhen the occupant contacts a component of the vehicle, an airbag is activated. This allows the vehicle to be operated particularly safely.

[0026] A method according to the invention is used to detect an object in the interior of a motor vehicle. A sensor device is used to determine a distance value that describes a distance between the sensor device and the object. Furthermore, the sensor device is arranged on an interior trim part of the motor vehicle such that, in the intended installation position of the device in the motor vehicle, the sensor device is arranged on a side of the trim part facing away from the interior. The sensor device also comprises an ultrasonic sensor, by means of which an ultrasonic signal is emitted through the trim part to determine the distance value, and by which the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object is received through the interior trim part.

[0027] The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the device according to the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the motor vehicle according to the invention and to the method according to the invention.

[0028] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Embodiments are therefore also to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed by the invention which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which emerge and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed which therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Showing: Fig. 1 a device for detecting an object in an interior of a motor vehicle in a schematic representation; and Fig. 2 a motor vehicle which has three devices according to Fig. 1.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for detecting an object 7 in an interior 6 of a motor vehicle 11 in a highly simplified representation. The device 1 comprises a sensor device 2 with which a distance value can be determined. The distance value describes a distance between the sensor device 2 and the object 7. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor device 2 is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. The sensor device 2 comprises a membrane 3, which can be excited to mechanical vibrations by a corresponding transducer 4. The transducer 4 can be designed, for example, as a piezoelectric element. The transducer 4 can be integrally connected to the membrane. The sensor device 2 is designed to emit an ultrasonic signal and to receive the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object 7.The distance value can be determined based on the transit time between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and the reception of the ultrasonic signal.

[0032] The device 1 also comprises an interior trim part 5 for the motor vehicle 11. The interior trim part 5 can be arranged in the interior 6 of the motor vehicle 11. In the intended installation position of the device 1 in the interior 6 of the motor vehicle 11, the sensor device 2 is arranged concealed behind the interior trim part 5. A front side 9 of the interior trim part 5 faces the interior 6 of the motor vehicle 11 in the intended installation position of the device 1. The sensor device 2 is arranged on the rear side 8 opposite the front side 9. In particular, the membrane 3 of the sensor device 2 is integrally connected to the interior trim part 5. The membrane 3 can, for example, be glued to the rear side 8. The interior trim part 5 is continuous and without holes in the area in which the sensor device 2 is arranged.

[0033] During operation of the sensor device 2 or the ultrasonic sensor, the membrane 3 is excited to mechanical vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted in the form of structure-borne sound to the interior trim part 5, which is thus also excited to mechanical vibrations. The sensor device 2 thus transmits the ultrasonic signal through the interior trim part 5 to the object 7. The ultrasonic signal is reflected by the object 7 and again strikes the front side 9 of the interior trim part 5. The front side 9 of the interior trim part 5 is, in particular, smooth. The ultrasonic signal is transmitted through the interior trim part 5 to the membrane. This excites the membrane 3 to mechanical vibrations. This mechanical vibration of the membrane 3 can be detected by the transducer 4 or the piezoelectric element.

[0034] The device 1 also comprises a control device 10. The control device 10 can be a control device of the device 1. The control device 10 can also be formed by a control unit of the motor vehicle 11. The control device 10 is designed to determine, based on the distance value transmitted from the sensor device 2 to the control device 10, whether an object 7 is located in the interior 6 of the motor vehicle 11. The device 1 can be used, in particular, to detect the occupancy of a seat 14 of the motor vehicle 11. Furthermore, a seating position of an occupant or of an object 7 on the seat 14 can be determined. The device 1 can be arranged at various positions in the interior 6 of the motor vehicle 11.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows an example of a motor vehicle 11 which has three devices 1 according to Fig.1. A first device 1 is arranged in an area of a roof lining of the motor vehicle 11. The interior trim part 5 in this case forms at least part of the roof lining of the motor vehicle 11. With such an interior trim part 5, which forms part of the roof lining, and the sensor device 2 arranged behind it, it can be detected whether an object 7 or an occupant is located on the seat 14 of the motor vehicle 11. In addition, the seating position of the occupant can be determined. Furthermore, a distance between the occupant and the steering wheel 12 and / or the dashboard can be determined.

[0036] Another device 1 is presently arranged in the backrest of the seat 14. The interior trim part 5 is thus designed as a part or cover of the seat 14. With such a device 1, the relative position of the object 7 or the occupant to the seat 14 can be determined.

[0037] Another device 1 is presently arranged in a trim part of the motor vehicle 11, which is located under the dashboard or under the steering wheel 12. The sensor device 2 of this device 1 can be used to monitor a footwell 13 of the motor vehicle 11. This allows the position of the occupant's legs to be determined. Furthermore, it can be assumed that the seat 14 is occupied if legs are detected in the footwell.

[0038] The signals from devices 1 can be used to control an occupant restraint system of motor vehicle 11. Such an occupant restraint system can, for example, comprise at least one airbag and / or at least one belt tensioner. The signals from a crash sensor system can also be taken into account. Thus, for example, an airbag can be controlled depending on the relative position of the object 7 or the occupant to the seat 14 and / or the steering wheel 12. Furthermore, the passenger airbag can only be deployed if a device 1 detects that the passenger seat is occupied.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for detecting an object (7) in an interior (6) of a motor vehicle (11), comprising a sensor device (2) for determining a distance value which describes a distance between the sensor device (2) and the object (7), and comprising an interior trim part (5) for the motor vehicle (11), wherein the sensor device (2) is arranged on the interior trim part (5) in such a way that the sensor device (2) is arranged on a side (8) of the trim part (5) facing away from the interior (6) in the intended installation position of the device (1) in the motor vehicle (11), characterized by that the sensor device (2) comprises an ultrasonic sensor which is designed to emit an ultrasonic signal through the interior trim part (5) in order to determine the distance value and to receive the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object (7) through the interior trim part (5). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the device (1) has a control device (10) which is designed to determine an outer dimension of the object (7) on the basis of the distance value. [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is designed to cover a door of the motor vehicle (11). [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is designed to cover a supporting vehicle pillar of the motor vehicle (11). [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is designed at least as part of a roof lining of the motor vehicle (11). [6] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is designed at least as part of a seat (14) of the motor vehicle (11). [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is designed at least as part of a dashboard of the motor vehicle (11). [8] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is at least partially formed from a textile material, a leather and / or an artificial leather. [9] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior trim part (5) is at least partially made of a plastic. [10] Motor vehicle (11) with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 10, characterized by that the control device (10) of the device (1) is designed to determine a relative position of the object (7) to a component in the interior (6) of the motor vehicle (11) on the basis of the distance value. [12] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 11, characterized by that the control device (10) is designed to determine a relative position of the object (7) to a seat (14), to a steering wheel (12) and / or to a dashboard based on the distance value. [13] Motor vehicle (11) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the sensor device (2) is designed to detect at least part of the object (7) in a footwell (13) of the motor vehicle (11). [14] Motor vehicle (11) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the motor vehicle (11) has an occupant restraint system, wherein the occupant restraint system can be controlled as a function of the detected object (7). [15] Method for detecting an object (7) in an interior (6) of a motor vehicle (11), in which a distance value is determined by means of a sensor device (2), which describes a distance between the sensor device (2) and the object (7), and the sensor device (2) is arranged on an interior trim part (5) for the motor vehicle (11) in such a way that the sensor device (2) is arranged in the intended installation position of the device (1) in the motor vehicle (11) on a side (8) of the trim part (5) facing away from the interior (6), characterized by that the sensor device (2) comprises an ultrasonic sensor, by means of which an ultrasonic signal is emitted through the interior trim part (5) to determine the distance value and by which the ultrasonic signal reflected by the object (7) is received through the interior trim part (5).

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