Method for detecting an overloaded trunk of a vehicle

Abstract

A method (20) for detecting an overload of a trunk (32) of a vehicle (34) is proposed, comprising the steps of: detecting an open tailgate (39) of a vehicle (34); emitting light beams (50) when an open tailgate (39) is detected, wherein the light beams (50) radiate from a first side (40, 44) of an opening (38) of the trunk (32) to a second side (42, 46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) opposite the first side (40, 44); and detecting an overload of the trunk (32) when the light beams (50) are interrupted.

Description

State of the art

[0001] From DE 10 2004 023 120 A1 a method for automatically operating a motor vehicle door is known. Disclosure of the invention

[0002] A method for detecting an overload of a trunk of a vehicle is proposed, comprising the steps of Detecting an open tailgate of a vehicle, Emitting light beams when an open tailgate is detected, the light beams radiating from a first side of a trunk opening to a second side of the trunk opening opposite the first side, detecting an overload of the trunk when the light beams are interrupted.

[0003] The advantage of the proposed method is that it can be used to detect when a collision between loaded objects and the tailgate and / or its interior paneling could occur. Advantageously, a potential or possible collision can thus be detected and prevented before the tailgate is closed, preferably already when the individual objects are being loaded. This can prevent the tailgate from touching the loaded objects when closing or from being unable to close due to the contact. This can prevent damage to the vehicle, in particular to the tailgate and / or the interior paneling. Furthermore, this can make loading a trunk easier and / or safer. Advantageously, the probability of the load having to be repositioned if the tailgate cannot be closed can be reduced.This can be detected during the charging process and reacted to accordingly. This can increase convenience for the user, making charging faster and easier.

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, sensors on the second side of the trunk opening can detect that the light beams are interrupted. This allows automatic detection, in particular, if a loaded object prevents the tailgate from closing. This allows the charging process to be carried out particularly easily and / or reliably.

[0005] In a further development, the first side can be designed as an upper end of the trunk opening and the second side as a lower end of the trunk opening, wherein the light beams radiate from the upper end of the trunk opening to the lower end of the trunk opening. Alternatively or additionally, the first side can be designed as a left side of the trunk opening and the second side as a right side of the trunk opening, wherein the light beams radiate from the left side of the trunk opening to the right side of the trunk opening, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the light beams can radiate at least approximately along a contour of the tailgate in a closed state. This makes it possible, in particular, to safely and / or reliably detect a potential collision of loaded objects with the tailgate.This makes it particularly easy and / or reliable to load a vehicle’s trunk.

[0006] Preferably, the method can include a further step of issuing a warning if overloading of the trunk is detected. This can inform the user if there is a risk of loaded objects colliding with the tailgate. This makes loading the trunk particularly simple and / or reliable.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, closing of the tailgate can be prevented if overloading of the trunk is detected. For example, automatic closing of the tailgate upon actuation of a switch can be prevented. This can prevent damage to moving parts, such as the tailgate and / or the load.

[0008] In a further development, light beams can be directed along a luggage compartment cover, with overloading of the trunk being detected when the light beams are interrupted. This can detect items placed in the trunk in such a way that the luggage compartment cover can no longer be closed. This can alert a user that an item should be repositioned so that the luggage compartment cover can still be closed. This can ensure the driver's view through the trunk and / or load securing, thus increasing road safety.

[0009] Furthermore, a device for detecting an overload of a trunk of a vehicle is proposed, wherein the device has at least one lighting unit for emitting light beams from a first side of an opening of the trunk to a second side of the opening of the trunk opposite the first side when an open tailgate of a vehicle is detected, wherein an overload of the trunk can be detected when the light beams are interrupted.

[0010] Using the proposed device, a collision of loaded objects with the tailgate and / or the interior trim can be detected, particularly before the tailgate is closed, preferably already during loading of the individual objects. This prevents the tailgate from contacting the loaded objects when closing, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle, particularly to the tailgate and / or the interior trim, and / or the cargo. Loading the trunk can thus be carried out more easily, quickly, and / or safely.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the device can have sensors for detecting interrupted light beams, wherein the sensors are arranged on the second side of the trunk opening. This allows, in particular, automatic detection if a loaded object prevents the tailgate from closing. This allows the charging process to be carried out particularly easily and / or reliably. Short description of the drawings

[0012] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following descriptions. The same reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and have a similar effect, and a repeated description of the elements is omitted. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention:

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a method 20 for detecting an overload of a trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 20 can be carried out, in particular, by means of a device. The device can, for example, be designed according to Fig. 4. The trunk of the vehicle can be designed in particular according to Fig. 4 be trained.

[0014] In a first step 22 of method 20, an open tailgate of a vehicle is detected. In other words, it is detected when a tailgate is open. An open tailgate can, in particular, allow detection of overloading of the trunk. Detection of an open tailgate can be performed, for example, using appropriate sensors in the vehicle.

[0015] In a second step 24 of the method 20, light beams are emitted when an open tailgate is detected, wherein the light beams radiate from a first side of a trunk opening to a second side of the trunk opening opposite the first side. In order to emit light beams, a lighting unit, which for example has one or more lighting elements, can be arranged in a region of the trunk opening. In an advantageous embodiment, the first side can be designed as an upper end of the trunk opening and the second side as a lower end of the trunk opening, wherein the light beams radiate from the upper end of the trunk opening to the lower end of the trunk opening. In other words, lighting elements can be arranged at an upper end of the trunk orthe opening of the trunk, wherein the lighting elements emit light beams in the direction of the lower end of the trunk or the opening of the trunk. Alternatively or additionally, the first side can be designed as a left side of the trunk opening and the second side as a right side of the trunk opening, wherein the light beams emit from the left side of the trunk opening to the right side of the trunk opening or vice versa. In other words, lighting elements can be arranged on a right and / or left side of the trunk or the opening of the trunk, wherein the lighting elements emit light beams in the direction of the opposite side. Advantageously, the light beams can emit at least approximately along a contour of the tailgate in a closed state.For example, the light beams can radiate horizontally and / or vertically along a contour, advantageously roughly along the contour of the tailgate when closed. In other words, the light beams radiate in the area where the tailgate would be in a closed state. In a further development, light beams can radiate along a luggage compartment cover, with overloading of the trunk being detected when the light beams are interrupted. For example, overloading of the trunk can be detected when at least one loaded object interrupts the light beams.

[0016] In a third step 26 of method 20, overloading of the trunk is detected when the light beams are interrupted. For example, overloading of the trunk can be detected when at least one loaded object interrupts the light beams. Advantageously, sensors on the second side of the trunk opening can detect that at least one loaded object is interrupting the light beams. Receptors and / or optical sensors, for example, can be used as sensors.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a method 20 for detecting an overload of a trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 20 can be carried out in particular by means of a device. The device can, for example, be designed according to Fig. 4. The trunk of the vehicle can be designed in particular according to Fig. 4. The method 20 according to Fig. 2 may in particular be carried out in accordance with procedure 20 pursuant to Fig. 1. The method 20 according to Fig. 2 can thus comprise the first step 22, the second step 24 and the third step 26.

[0018] Procedure 20 according to Fig. 2 has a further fourth step 28. In the fourth step 28 of the method 20, a warning is issued if an overload of the trunk is detected. A warning can be issued, for example, as a visual and / or acoustic signal. In other words, a person can be warned by means of a visual signal, for example a warning signal, for example by lighting or flashing, and / or by means of an acoustic signal, for example a warning tone.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a method 20 for detecting an overload of a trunk of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 20 can be carried out in particular by means of a device. The device can, for example, be designed according to Fig. 4. The trunk of the vehicle can be designed in particular according to Fig. 4. The method 20 according to Fig. 3 may in particular be carried out in accordance with procedure 20 pursuant to Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2. The method 20 according to Fig. 3 can thus comprise the first step 22, the second step 24 and the third step 26. In a further development, the method 20 can be carried out according to Fig. 3 in particular the fourth step.

[0020] Procedure 20 according to Fig. 3 has a further fifth step 30. In the fifth step 30 of the method 20, closing of the tailgate is prevented if overloading of the trunk is detected. In other words, the tailgate cannot be closed if overloading of the trunk is detected. For example, an electrically powered tailgate cannot be powered.

[0021] Fig. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a trunk 32 of a vehicle 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A device 36 for detecting an overload of the trunk 32 of the vehicle 34 can be arranged in the trunk 32. A method according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and / or Fig. 3 are executed.

[0022] The trunk 32 has an opening 38 and a tailgate 39. The opening 38 can be used in particular for loading the trunk 32. Advantageously, the opening 38 has a first side 40, 44 and a second side 42, 46 opposite the first side 40, 44. The device 36 further comprises at least one lighting unit 48. The lighting unit 48 can be designed to emit light beams 50. For this purpose, the lighting unit 48 can, for example, have one or more lighting elements. The lighting elements can, for example, be designed as light-emitting diodes, LEDs, and / or OLEDs.The lighting unit 48 is designed to emit light rays 50 from a first end 40, 44 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32 to a second end 42, 46 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32, opposite the first end 40, 44, when an open tailgate 39 of a vehicle is detected, wherein an overload of the trunk 32 can be detected when at least one loaded object interrupts the light rays 50.

[0023] In a further development, the first side 40 can be designed as an upper end 40 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32 and the second side 42 as a lower end 42 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32, wherein the light rays 50 radiate from the upper end 40 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32 to the lower end 42 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32. Alternatively or additionally, the first side 44 can be designed as a left side 44 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32 and the second side 46 as a right side 46 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32, wherein the light rays 50 radiate from the left side 44 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32 to the right side 46 of the opening 38 of the trunk 32 or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the light rays 50 can radiate, in particular, at least approximately along a contour of the tailgate 39 in a closed state.

[0024] In this advantageous embodiment, the device 36 has sensors 52 for detecting interrupted light beams 50. The sensors 52 are arranged at the second end of the opening 38 of the trunk 32. In other words, the sensors 52 can be arranged at the lower end 42 and / or on the right side 46 or the left side 44. The sensors 52 can be designed, for example, as optical sensors and / or receptors.

[0025] Advantageously, the device 36 can be designed as a light barrier, wherein the light barrier can be used to indicate or identify whether an object exceeds a certain limit, whereby closing the trunk lid is no longer possible and thus a collision with at least the inside of the tailgate can be expected. This can be detected in particular during the loading process. Advantageously, the light barrier defines an area which represents an envelope curve which items or objects must not exceed during loading. The light beams of the light barrier can, for example, have a linear shape or non-linear shapes, such as arcs, corresponding to the trunk lid contour. In a further development, the light barrier or the light beams can be formed and / or detected on the trunk floor and / or as a light plane.This can be designed, for example, in the form of a line laser. A lighting unit for forming the light barrier can, for example, be attached or arranged in an area at one end of the interior of the vehicle on the ceiling, from where a line of light beams can be emitted, for example in the manner of a light curtain. If this line is visible as an interruption on the vehicle floor, it can be detected that an object is in the way and that proper closing of the tailgate is not possible. If the light line is interrupted, it can be detected during loading that a potential collision is present and that something needs to be done about the positioning of the objects to be transported. In a further embodiment, automatic detection of whether the beam has completely reached the floor is conceivable, so that some type of receptor could be installed there to detect the arrival of the light beam and report back.When the light beam is fully visible, the vehicle can be informed that the charging process is correct, allowing or permitting the trunk to close, for example. In a further development, the driver can configure the effect of a detected obstacle in the actual closing area in the vehicle menu. The possible levels of notification range from no notification to a warning, or even to the closing movement not being permitted. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to install a light barrier at the level of the trunk lid to indicate when it can no longer be closed. 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] DE 10 2004 023 120 A1

[0001]

Claims

[1] Method (20) for detecting an overload of a trunk (32) of a vehicle (34), comprising the steps of Detecting an open tailgate (39) of a vehicle (34), emitting light beams (50) when an open tailgate (39) is detected, the light beams (50) radiating from a first side (40, 44) of an opening (38) of the trunk (32) to a second side (42, 46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) opposite the first side (40, 44), Detecting an overload of the trunk (32) when the light beams (50) are interrupted. [2] Method (20) according to claim 1, wherein sensors (52) on the second side (42, 46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) detect that the light beams (50) are interrupted. [3] Method (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side (40) is formed as an upper end (40) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) and the second side (42) is formed as a lower end (42) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32), wherein the light rays (50) radiate from the upper end (40) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) to the lower end (42) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32). [4] Method (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side (44) is formed as a left side (44) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) and the second side (46) is formed as a right side (46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32), wherein the light rays (50) radiate from the left side (44) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) to the right side (46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) or vice versa. [5] Method (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light beams (50) radiate at least approximately along a contour of the tailgate (39) in a closed state. [6] Method (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of issuing a warning when an overload of the trunk (32) is detected. [7] Method (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein closing of the tailgate (39) is prevented if overloading of the trunk (32) is detected. [8] Method (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein light beams (50) radiate along a luggage compartment cover, wherein an overload of the trunk (32) is then detected when the light beams (50) are interrupted. [9] Device (36) for detecting an overload of a trunk (32) of a vehicle (34), wherein the device (36) has at least one lighting unit for emitting light beams (50) from a first side (40, 44) of an opening (38) of the trunk (32) to a second side (42, 46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32) opposite the first side (40, 44) when an open tailgate (39) of a vehicle (34) is detected, wherein an overload of the trunk (32) can be detected when the light beams (50) are interrupted. [10] Device (36) according to claim 9, wherein the device (36) comprises sensors (52) for detecting interrupted light beams (50), the sensors being arranged on the second side (42, 46) of the opening (38) of the trunk (32).

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