Control unit for vehicles

Abstract

Operating device (2) for vehicles (1), wherein the operating device has a handle section (2a, 21) on which at least one sensor device (5, 6; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) is arranged, which is designed as a capacitive, resistive or inductive sensor device for proximity detection. The sensor device is coupled to a control evaluation device (10). The control evaluation unit has a signal output (5) for outputting operating signals to a downstream, vehicle-side central control unit (3) and processes the signals from the sensor device (5, 6; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) and generates at least one operating signal (m1.1, m1.2; m2.1, m22) as well as a confidence signal (k1.1, k1.2; k2.1, k2.2) associated with the operating signal. The confidence signal indicates a measure of the detection reliability of the operating signal by the control device. The operating signal and the associated confidence signal are output via the signal output (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for use as a door handle or flap handle on a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for detecting an actuation on an operating device.

[0002] Numerous operating devices are known from the prior art in which a sensor device on a vehicle door handle detects the approach of a user.

[0003] Such vehicle operating devices typically feature a handle section (also referred to as a grip) in which at least one sensor is arranged to detect operator access. This sensor is a capacitive proximity sensor coupled to a control / evaluation unit, which is also integrated into the operating device. The control / evaluation unit has a signal output for transmitting operating signals to a central vehicle control unit. This central control unit then uses the signals from the operating device to activate the vehicle's locking mechanisms, for example, unlocking the vehicle door on which the operating device is installed.

[0004] In capacitive sensor devices, the field changes of electric fields in the vicinity of the sensor element are detected via at least one sensor electrode by measuring capacitance, whereby the capacitance of a sensor electrode is measured relative to a reference electrode. The reference electrode can be part of the operating device or also part of the environment. A corresponding system is known, for example, from EP3620802 A1.

[0005] To determine the variable capacitance in such an operating device through measurements, various methods are established in the prior art. In simple circuits, the variable capacitances can be used in an oscillator circuit whose frequency is measured. Alternatively, a charging or discharging curve can be measured using a known impedance. Other methods involve a charge transfer between the variable capacitance and a known capacitance. Based on the charge state after a number of transfers, the unknown capacitance can be determined by the control evaluation unit. Bridge circuits can also be used for charge determination, as can methods using integrators and comparators.

[0006] Capacitive sensors are well-established in these applications; they are inexpensive to manufacture and also durable. However, by their very nature, their accuracy is highly dependent on environmental influences. Interference from electromagnetic fields or climatic conditions (rain, fog, heat, etc.) can affect the detection accuracy of a capacitive sensor device in an operating unit, especially in outdoor applications such as vehicles.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an operating device with improved signal output to vehicle-side control devices.

[0008] This task is solved by an operating device and a method according to the patent claims.

[0009] The operating device according to the invention is designed such that the control evaluation device processes the signals from the sensor device and generates both an operating signal and a confidence signal associated with the operating signal.

[0010] When the term confidence signal is used here, it refers to any type of information transfer, i.e., the output of an analog signal (e.g., voltage level) as well as the coded transmission of a value (confidence value).

[0011] Insofar as the terms door handle, grip, or vehicle door handle are used in this application, they encompass all types of door handles on vehicles. In particular, these terms include movable door handles with protruding, grippable handles, fixed door handles, extendable and retractable door handles, and, more generally, flaps and handles that allow a user access to the mechanical movement of a vehicle component. Especially in the case of electrically operated doors, vehicles often have permanently mounted handles or grip assemblies, frequently in shapes that differ from traditional door handles (for example, so-called wing door handles, whose design is derived from an aircraft wing). The invention is applicable to all of these types of handles.

[0012] Both the operating signal and the associated confidence signal are provided via the signal output of the control evaluation unit. A vehicle-side control unit (not part of the invention) coupled to the operating unit can receive and evaluate the signals. Based on the operating signal and taking the associated confidence signal into account, the higher-level control unit then decides whether a vehicle function should be activated or whether other further process steps should be initiated.

[0013] The confidence signal can be generated by the control evaluation unit solely from the signals of the sensor system. However, additional information to which the control evaluation unit has access can also be incorporated into the confidence signal. This includes, in particular, time series data from the sensor system as well as signals from other sensors.

[0014] While the control signal indicates that the control device has detected an operation, the confidence signal provides a measure of the certainty or reliability of the detection. Considering both the control signal and the confidence signal together, a downstream control unit in the vehicle can initiate the appropriate activation of other vehicle functions. For example, if an operation by the control device is detected with high reliability under good environmental conditions, this is indicated by the corresponding confidence signal and communicated to the vehicle's control unit. Knowing the high reliability of the control signal, this unit can then, for example, initiate the rapid activation of a door opening mechanism.If, however, the confidence signal indicates that the control signal has only moderate or even low reliability, a different behavior can be initiated, or additional information (further sensors, evaluation of vehicle states, communication with user access devices such as vehicle keys or mobile phones, etc.) can be incorporated into the evaluation by the central control unit. This allows for a rapid vehicle response when the control signal has high certainty, while preventing false activation of vehicle functions when the certainty is moderate or low. The handling of this information is the responsibility of the more central, usually manufacturer-integrated, control unit. This unit receives valuable information beyond the control signal and, due to its more centralized and powerful position, can potentially...It can access significantly more information than the control unit's evaluation unit. This allows a vehicle manufacturer to react more precisely to the signals from the control unit.

[0015] Numerous different methods can be implemented in the control evaluation unit for generating the confidence signal. Even the inclusion of simple measured values ​​that provide information about the environmental conditions in the vicinity of the control unit can form the basis for or influence the generation of the confidence signal. For example, if the control evaluation unit detects unfavorable environmental conditions via a temperature measurement in the control unit, this can be taken into account when generating the confidence signal. Environmental signals and electromagnetic interference can be detected and incorporated into the generation of the confidence signal by measuring the time-varying capacitance at the sensor electrode or at other devices coupled to the control evaluation unit (e.g., antennas or coils).A confidence signal can also be generated from the control variables of the capacitive sensor device, for example, a setting of the sensitivity or from the evaluation of historical signal patterns from a moving period that precedes a current recording.

[0016] Finally, the confidence signal can also be generated solely from the sensor signals, as explained in the examples below. Evaluation methods exist for capacitance sensors in which the same physical sensor device is used multiple times for a measurement with different measurement parameters, and the operating signal is generated as a function of the totality of these multiple measurements, for example, as a mean or median. Reliability and thus confidence can be derived from a comparison of the measured values ​​under different measurement parameters. False detections triggered by environmental conditions (e.g., water hammer on the operating device) are evident in the fact that different results are achieved when the capacitive sensor devices are controlled differently according to different measurement parameters in quick succession.In particular, measurements with different recharge frequencies or different pulse durations in a burst of control pulses, which the control evaluation unit applies to the capacitive sensor device, regularly make it possible to provide information about the reliability of the operating signal.

[0017] The confidence signal can be encoded for output in a variety of ways. For example, a numerical value can be transmitted as the confidence signal, encoded digitally or analogously, providing a quantitative measure of the uncertainty or certainty of the transmitted control signal. With digital encoding, any numerical scale can be used, such as a value between zero and one or between zero and ten. Category values ​​can also be transmitted, for example, a characteristic value for a category corresponding to "high reliability of acquisition," a value for the category "medium reliability of acquisition," and a value for the category "low reliability of acquisition."Information on the generation of the confidence signal can also be transmitted together with the confidence signal, and several confidence signals can also be transmitted for one control signal, which, for example, were each derived in different ways from the available signals and data of the control evaluation unit.

[0018] The transmission of the control signal and the confidence signal can be provided in a single signal package at the signal output, but the signals can also be provided separately and even via separate outputs at the signal output.

[0019] Transmitting the confidence signal, in addition to the control signal, also allows for a vehicle-adjustable tolerance for operating procedures. Specifically, it is possible to define a threshold for the desired reliability of a control signal in the central control unit, for example, by service personnel or through user settings.

[0020] The conditions under which an operating signal with its associated confidence signal is output by the operating device can be determined by the programming or configuration of the control evaluation unit. Depending on the configuration, a signal is output, for example, whenever the control evaluation unit has detected a possible operation, even if the reliability of the detection is low, as indicated by the associated confidence signal. Alternatively, a configuration can be provided that only outputs signals for operations with medium to high reliability. Even in such configurations, the additional information of the confidence signal is helpful for the vehicle's control unit in classifying the operating signal.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating device is designed such that the confidence signal is generated at least partially from a sensitivity setting set by the control evaluation device for the sensor device.

[0022] Capacitive sensor arrays can be adjusted in different ways depending on their control method. This setting is periodically adjusted by the control and evaluation unit, for example, depending on the temporal development of the signals and noise or the signal-to-noise ratio. From the currently set sensitivity, the control evaluation unit can generate a confidence signal for the respective measurement and provide it at the signal output. Since the sensitivity setting is already known in the control evaluation unit, a current confidence value for transmitting a confidence signal can be maintained at any time.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating device is designed to generate the confidence signal at least partially from a trigger threshold value set by the control evaluation device for the sensor device. Similar to sensitivity, a trigger threshold value is often adjusted by the control evaluation device for a sensor device depending on how the signal behavior of the sensor device develops. The trigger threshold value can therefore also be a measure of the reliability of a determined operating signal. The control evaluation device determines this information anyway and can therefore easily use it to generate the confidence signal.

[0024] It is further preferred if the confidence signal is generated at least partially from a time profile of the signals of the sensor device within a sliding time window before the triggering of the operating signal.

[0025] The time course of a sensor signal often provides insights into the sensor's detection conditions. Significant signal fluctuations or disturbances, along with the detection of sensor value fluctuations, can indicate unfavorable detection conditions and a correspondingly unreliable measurement. By evaluating a moving time interval prior to the acquisition and output of the control signal, a confidence signal can be generated from the signal history, taking into account the detection conditions during that time interval.

[0026] It is particularly advantageous if at least two voltage pulse sequences (bursts) are applied to the sensor device by the control evaluation unit of an operating device according to the invention for a measurement, wherein the voltage pulse sequences differ in their frequency and / or pulse duration and the confidence signal is generated at least partially from a comparison of the sensor values ​​resulting from the voltage pulse sequences by the control evaluation unit.

[0027] Controlling a sensor device with a voltage pulse sequence, a so-called "burst," is a known method in the art for determining the capacitance at the sensor electrode. Each voltage pulse causes a charge transfer process at the capacitance formed at the sensor electrode, and the capacitance can be determined based on the resulting charges and known voltages. Within the scope of this invention, the specific evaluation method used to determine the capacitance is not essential. However, it has been shown that using different voltage pulse sequences with respect to their frequency and / or pulse duration can allow for differentiation of the type of event detected.As described below, for example, the capacitance change caused by a splash of water on a vehicle door handle serving as an operating device can be distinguished from the approach of a user's hand if several voltage pulse sequences are evaluated for a measurement that differ in their frequency and / or pulse duration. The actual operating signal is then generated by the control evaluation device when these several voltage pulse sequences have been evaluated as a whole and, for example, the median of the respective detection signals an operation. However, the more the signals of the individual voltage pulse sequences differ from one another, the greater the uncertainty regarding the actual presence of an operating process, which is incorporated into the generation of the confidence signal.

[0028] It is further provided in a preferred embodiment of the operating device that at least one filter device is formed which filters the signals of the sensor device, wherein the control evaluation device generates the confidence signal at least partially from the signal components filtered out by the filter device.

[0029] The use of filters in the evaluation of capacitive sensors is well-established. Low-pass filters are frequently employed, but other filtering devices are also possible, including both hardware- and software-implemented filters. The signal difference between the filtered signal and the unfiltered input signal can be used to generate a confidence signal. Depending on the filtered signal components, conclusions can be drawn about the reliability of the detection of an operator action.

[0030] In a preferred development of the invention, in addition to the first sensor device, at least one further sensor device is provided in the operating device, which has a detection range that is at least partially different from the first sensor device. The sensor devices are coupled to the control evaluation device, and the control evaluation device generates the confidence signal at least partially from a comparison of the sensor signals from the different sensor devices.

[0031] The control unit can control the sensor devices simultaneously, but sequential control of the sensor devices is also possible. For example, if different sensor electrodes are used in an operating device, capacitive evaluation can be achieved by changing the couplings of the sensor electrodes using different electrode combinations. If these different electrode combinations produce a consistent signal pattern for an operating operation, the confidence signal will indicate a corresponding value of high certainty. In the case of inconsistencies between the different capacitive readings with different combinations of sensor devices, the confidence signal will indicate lower certainty of the operating signal.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, at least one sensor device is provided in the operating device, via which the control evaluation device can acquire a measured value for the ambient conditions of the operating device. Depending on these ambient conditions, the confidence signal can be generated or modified. It is known that capacitive sensor devices produce values ​​with varying degrees of reliability under different ambient conditions. These varying influences on an operator's input can be incorporated into the confidence signal, for example, by the control evaluation device looking up a value in tabulated values ​​and including the reliability of a sensor under these operating conditions in the confidence signal.It is advantageous that the ambient conditions are recorded directly at the control device, since, given the location of a control device on a vehicle, the conditions at different control devices can vary considerably depending on the vehicle's orientation, position, and location. Depending on the position of the sun, wind direction, or precipitation direction, for example, the ambient conditions at other control devices can differ significantly from the conditions at the location of a central recording device on the vehicle.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned advantageous embodiments, a temperature, pressure, deformation, or vibration in the operating device is recorded as a measured value for ambient conditions. This data can also be recorded as a time series with a sliding time window, for example, to detect a change in the operating device from areas with different ambient conditions. For example, these ambient conditions can be used to detect changes in ambient conditions (vibration, temperature, etc.) when the vehicle enters a car wash, allowing the confidence signals for detected operations to be adjusted.

[0034] It is a further preferred embodiment of the invention if the operating device is configured to provide the control evaluation unit with a frequency analysis of at least one temporal signal waveform of a component of the operating device. The control unit can then generate the confidence signal at least partially from the result of the frequency analysis. In an operating device according to the invention, additional components may be installed besides the actual sensor device. The control evaluation unit can use both the sensor device and other components, for example, transmitting coils or receiving coils, to perform a frequency analysis of the signals and to infer electromagnetic interference in the area of ​​the operating device from these signals.Characteristic frequencies can be detected by the control evaluation unit, which may indicate, for example, the proximity of interference sources in the area of ​​the operating device.

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which show exemplary embodiments of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the arrangement of an operating device according to the invention on a vehicle; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of an operating device according to the invention and its coupling to a vehicle-side control unit; Fig. Figure 3a shows signal curves that are detected by the control evaluation unit in a first embodiment using the sensor device; Fig. 3b shows a process flow according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4a to 4d show the detection according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4e shows a method flow according to the second embodiment;

[0036] In Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 1 having a vehicle-mounted central control device 3 (not part of the invention). This central control device 3 is integrated into the on-board system and can initiate vehicle functions, in particular the unlocking of doors and hatches on the vehicle. The central control device 3 is coupled to an operating device 2 according to the invention, which in this example is arranged on a driver's door or passenger door. The operating device 2 has a non-graspable door handle 2a (corresponding arrangements can also be arranged on tailgates or other hatches of the vehicle).

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of the operating device 2 according to the invention and its coupling with the vehicle's central control unit 3. The operating device according to this embodiment has a control evaluation unit 10. Furthermore, sensor devices 5, 6 are arranged in the operating device 2 and are coupled to the control evaluation unit 10. At least one of the sensor devices 5, 6 is designed as a capacitive sensor device, which can be evaluated with respect to its changing capacitance values ​​by being controlled by the control evaluation unit 10. If an operator approaches the vehicle 1 and moves their hand towards the door handle 2a of the operating device 2, the approach of the operator's hand can be detected by the changing capacitance values. On the other hand, other events that do not constitute an operation should be distinguished from a deliberate operating process.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 3a shows how, according to a first embodiment, the reliability of targeted operator detection can be determined by different control of the capacitive sensor device.

[0039] Two signal waveforms from the same capacitive sensor array are shown over time. Signal waveform lp1 was generated by using pulses of a first length, which is longer than those used in signal waveform lp2, to evaluate the capacitive sensor array. Accordingly, the pulses used for signal waveform lp2 are shorter than the evaluation pulses used in signal waveform lp1.

[0040] During time interval t1, an intense water hammer (also called a water surge) impacted the control unit 2 in both measurement runs. Such water impacts on the control unit can occur, for example, during a heavy downpour or in a car wash. During time interval t2, however, the control unit was activated by the approach of an operator's hand. In practice, each event is recorded sequentially, once with the longer pulses (lp1) and once with the shorter pulses (lp2). During time interval t1, it is evident that the signals vary significantly depending on the pulse length when a water hammer occurs. During time interval t2, i.e., when a user's hand approaches, the measured capacity values ​​are highly similar. Accordingly, after recording the event in time interval t2, the control evaluation unit initially generates an operating signal m1.1. The signal indicates a possible activation; however, the associated confidence value k1.1 is low due to the strong variation in signals between long and short pulses, indicating a large uncertainty in detecting the operation. The operating signal m1.1, along with the associated confidence value k1.1, converted into a confidence signal, is output at the signal output.

[0041] During the measurement in the time interval t2, an operating signal ml.2 is output, which signals an operation; however, the confidence signal k1.2 is significantly higher (or larger) than kl.1, since the signals show slight differences with different pulse lengths during the evaluation and the certainty of the recording is therefore greater.

[0042] A vehicle-side control unit, which receives the respective operating signals and the associated confidence signals, can decide whether or not to open a door, depending on the confidence signal. With lower reliability (k1.1), the vehicle-side control unit may, for example, consider further checks regarding the environmental conditions or the vehicle's state before making its decision, or wait for further measurements, which may result in a longer evaluation time. However, if the certainty of the detection (k1.2) is high, the door can open solely based on the measurement signal, allowing for a faster response from the vehicle to operator input.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3b shows the basic procedure, which is also used in the embodiment just described. In step 100, the control evaluation unit first acquires the capacitance values ​​from a sensor device using initial measurement parameters. In step 110, the control evaluation unit determines second capacitance values ​​from the same sensor device. In step 120, the different capacitance values, which were determined with different measurement parameters from the same sensor device, are evaluated, and a resulting capacitance value is determined. Based on this capacitance value, step 125 determines whether an operating signal should be output.If an operating signal is output, the control evaluation unit will generate a confidence value corresponding to the resulting capacitance value at step 130. This confidence value is determined by comparing the capacitance values ​​obtained with different measurement parameters. Subsequently, at step 140, an operating signal resulting from the capacitance value, along with the corresponding confidence value, is output at the signal output and transmitted to a central control unit in the vehicle.

[0044] The Fig. 4a to 4d show an alternative embodiment.

[0045] In this embodiment, the operating device has a vehicle handle 21 with several sensor electrodes 25a to 25d, which are positioned at different locations in the vehicle handle 21. Depending on the control signal from the control evaluation unit 5, different electrodes 25a to 25d can be measured against each other to determine a capacitance. Fig. 4a and Fig. In step 4c, electrodes 25a and 25b, and 25c and 25d respectively, are coupled together to measure capacitances. Fig. 4b and Fig. In contrast, in step 4d, electrodes 25a and 25c or 25b and 25d are coupled together to determine capacitances. Determining the capacitance values ​​accordingly includes an initial measurement in the configuration of Fig. 4a and Fig. 4c as well as an immediately subsequent measurement of the electrode configurations of the Fig. 4b and Fig. 4d. Determining an operating signal therefore involves several different combinations of capacitive couplings. This evaluation exploits the fact that when a user's hand approaches, the capacitance values ​​vary depending on the electrode coupling. In the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b actually involves a user accessing the site with their hand 20, while in the Fig. 4c and Fig. 4d instead a surge of water 30 acts on the vehicle door handle 21. Deliver in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b If the various measurements with different sensor arrangements yield consistent results, a high confidence value k2.1 can be output together with the corresponding measured value m2.1 at the signal output. In the case of the Fig. 4c and Fig. In contrast, 4d will contain at least slightly inconsistent measurement values, so that the confidence value k2.2 with the corresponding measurement m2.2 indicates that the certainty of the measurement is lower than in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b.

[0046] The method shown in this embodiment is summarized in Fig.4e. In step 200, the control evaluation device detects a first capacitance value under control of a first sensor configuration. In step 210, the control evaluation device detects a second capacitance value with a second sensor configuration. In step 220, the control evaluation device generates a resulting capacitance value based on the first and second capacitance values ​​and decides in step 225 whether a possible operation is present. If this is the case, a confidence value is generated in step 230 depending on the consistency of the values, and in step 240, the resulting confidence value is provided together with the operating signal at the signal output for a control unit on the vehicle side. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3620802 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Operating device (2) for vehicles (1), wherein the operating device has a handle section (2a, 21) on which at least one sensor device (5, 6; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) is arranged, wherein the sensor device (5, 6; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) is designed as a capacitive or resistive or inductive sensor device for proximity detection, which is coupled to a control evaluation device (10), wherein the control evaluation device (10) is also designed as part of the operating device (2), wherein the control evaluation device has a signal output (5) for the output of operating signals to a downstream, vehicle-side central control unit (3), characterized by , that the control evaluation device (10) processes the signals of the sensor device (5, 6; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) and generates at least one operating signal (m1.1, m1.2; m2.1, m22) as well as a confidence signal (k1.1, k1.2; k2.1, k2.2) associated with the operating signal, wherein the confidence signal indicates a measure of the detection reliability of the operating signal by the operating device, wherein the control evaluation device (10) outputs the operating signal and the associated confidence signal via the signal output (5). [2] Operating device according to claim 1, wherein the confidence signal is generated at least partially from a sensitivity specification set by the control evaluation device for the sensor device. [3] Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the confidence signal is generated at least partially from a trigger threshold value set by the control evaluation device for the sensor device. [4] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the confidence signal is generated at least partially from a time profile of the signals of the sensor device within a sliding time period before the triggering of the operating signal. [5] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control evaluation device is designed to apply at least two voltage pulse sequences to a sensor electrode of the sensor device for a measurement, wherein the voltage pulse sequences differ in their frequency and / or pulse duration and wherein the confidence signal (k1.1, k1.2) is generated at least partially from a comparison of the sensor values ​​(lp1, lp2) resulting from the voltage pulse sequences. [6] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one filter device is provided in the operating device, which filter the signals of the sensor device, wherein the control evaluation device generates the confidence signal at least partially from the signal components filtered out by the filter device. [7] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two sensor devices (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) are provided, which at least partially have different detection ranges and are each coupled to the control evaluation device, wherein the control evaluation device generates the confidence signal (k2.1, k2.2) at least partially from a comparison of the sensor signals of the various sensor devices (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d). [8] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control evaluation device detects at least one measured value for ambient conditions of the operating device and wherein the control evaluation device generates the confidence signal at least partially from this measured value. [9] Operating device according to claim 8, wherein the measured value for ambient conditions represents a temperature or a pressure or a vibration. [10] Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control evaluation device is designed to carry out a frequency analysis of at least one signal of a structural unit of the operating device, wherein the control evaluation device generates the confidence signal at least partially from the result of this frequency analysis. [11] Method for operating an operating device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the signals of the sensor device are processed and at least one operating signal and a confidence signal associated with the operating signal are generated, where the operating signal and the associated confidence signal are output via the signal output.

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