Motor vehicle lock arrangement for a primary locking element of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock arrangement for a primary locking element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), in particular a front side door (4), wherein the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) has a motor vehicle lock (5), wherein the motor vehicle lock (5) has a housing (6) and a locking mechanism (7), wherein the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) has a sensor (13) and a control unit (14), wherein the sensor (13) is directly connected to the motor vehicle lock (5), wherein the sensor (13) is an environmental sensor which generates sensor data comprising obstacles (15) for a locking element (11) of the motor vehicle (3), wherein the control unit (14) carries out obstacle detection using the sensor data. It is proposed that the sensor (13) is a camera for visible light, and that the sensor data is image data.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock arrangement for a primary locking element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, to a sensor arrangement with a motor vehicle lock arrangement according to claim 10 and to a locking element arrangement with a motor vehicle lock arrangement according to claim 12.The motor vehicle lock in question can be assigned to any closure element of a motor vehicle. In this respect, the term "(primary) closure element" is to be interpreted broadly. It comprises, for example, a side door, a rear door, a tailgate, a rear cover, a front hood, a bonnet or the like. The closure element can be articulated on the body of the motor vehicle in the manner of a swing door or in the manner of a sliding door. The foreground here is side doors. As a result of the increasing motorization of closure elements, which permits automatic opening processes, obstacle sensors for closure elements have also increasingly appeared. These obstacle sensors are intended to prevent an automatic opening operation of the closure member from damaging the closure member by a collision with an obstacle. Furthermore, such obstacle sensors, even in the case of closure elements which can be opened manually, are intended to prevent collisions with pedestrians and in particular cyclists who approach one another from behind, for example.The known prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 11,465,557 B2) from which the invention starts out relates to a motor vehicle lock arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. The direct connection of the sensor to the motor vehicle lock is advantageous in this prior art, as a result of which an energy supply and / or the computing power of the motor vehicle lock can also be used.Radar sensors and infrared sensors are expensive, technically complex and their evaluation is challenging. There is therefore a need for a simpler and more cost-effective sensor system which can be designed to be flexibly more complex or more favorable depending on the overall concept of the motor vehicle.The invention is based on the problem of configuring and further developing the known motor vehicle lock arrangement in such a way that a further optimization is achieved with regard to the said need.The above problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.The fundamental consideration is that a camera, i.e. a sensor for optically visible light, is cost-effective and can be obtained with very simple processing. In addition, cameras can be obtained flexibly as required in high-resolution or low-resolution manner, in color or as a grayscale sensor. Various algorithms are known for the evaluation and can be implemented easily. Embedding in further optical sensor systems and cooperation with further sensors can also be easily implemented.In detail, it is proposed that the sensor is a visible light camera and that the sensor data is image data.In a preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the camera is arranged such that it receives light through an opening of the motor vehicle, wherein this opening is produced only by an opening process of the primary closure element. In particular, the camera can be arranged in or on the motor vehicle lock. Thus, the camera is protected from contaminants and can be easily mounted with the vehicle lock.The control unit can likewise be part of the motor vehicle lock and in particular also control the motor vehicle lock (claim 3). Thus, no separate control unit is required and the evaluation takes place as quickly as possible directly on site without, for example, a slowing bus communication.In an embodiment according to claim 4, a warning element is additionally provided, preferably likewise on or in the motor vehicle lock, which warning element warns an environment or occupant of the motor vehicle if an obstacle has been detected.It is also possible to arrange the camera in a recessed grip, wherein the camera can then likewise be used as a grip sensor (claim 5). Often, the handle is mounted as a mounting unit with the motor vehicle lock or is at least conceptually close to the motor vehicle lock, as a result of which fewer coordination with other suppliers or the motor vehicle manufacturer is necessary.In one embodiment according to claim 6, it is provided that the primary closure element carries out a multi-part opening process, as is known in particular from push-on arrangements. During the first part of the opening process, the obstacle detection can take place, in particular before the second part takes place. The second part can be effected manually or automatically. The obstacle detection is performed as accurately as it is needed.According to claim 7, it can be provided that a mechanical protective measure, for example a blockage of the opening process, is triggered. This can also be carried out directly by the motor vehicle lock, for example by the latter not releasing a pre-ratchet position, initiating a reversal of the opening process or the like.In a preferred embodiment according to claim 8, the control unit detects obstacles in a movement path of a secondary closure element, in particular a rear side door. This is advantageously in the viewing angle. For example, if the sensor is arranged in the grip recess and optionally additionally in the motor vehicle lock, an obstacle sensor system for the rear door can possibly be completely omitted.A camera also has the advantage that three-dimensional information can easily be obtained by taking images from different angles (claim 9).According to a further teaching according to claim 10, which is of independent significance, a sensor arrangement having a motor vehicle lock arrangement according to the proposal is claimed, wherein the sensor arrangement has a further sensor designed as a camera for visible light, wherein a sensor control unit of the sensor arrangement, in particular the control unit of the motor vehicle lock arrangement, concludes that the obstacle is a property from image data of the sensor and of the further sensor.Reference may be made to all explanations concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement.In an embodiment according to claim 11, the further sensor is connected to a motor vehicle lock of the secondary locking element.According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which is likewise of independent significance, a closure element arrangement having a motor vehicle lock arrangement according to the proposal is claimed, wherein the closure arrangement has the primary closure element.Reference may be made to all explanations concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement and the proposed sensor arrangement.In a preferred embodiment according to claim 13, the secondary closure element is at least sometimes only opened when the control unit of the primary closure element has previously performed obstacle detection.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle having a motor vehicle lock arrangement according to the proposal and a schematic internal view of a motor vehicle lock, FIG. 2 shows a sensor in the motor vehicle lock from two views, and FIG. 3 shows a sensor in a grip recess as a lateral view and in section of a closure element.The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures and preferred in this respect relates to a motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 for a primary locking element 2 of a motor vehicle 3. The primary locking element 2 is here and preferably a front side door 4 of the motor vehicle 3. The motor vehicle lock 5 has at least one housing 6 and a locking mechanism 7, as is known from conventional motor vehicle locks 5. The housing 6 can be formed by a housing plate or can be substantially closed off. The locking mechanism 7 here and preferably has a latch 8 and a pawl 9 locking the latch 8 in a engaged state (FIG. 1 ). The latch 8 interacts here and preferably with a locking part 10. In the engaged state, the latch 8 holds the locking part 10 and thus locks the closure element 11 against an opening movement. If the pawl 9 releases the latch 8, the motor vehicle lock 5 allows an opening movement of the closure element 11, as a result of which the latter releases an opening 12. The opening 12 is particularly suitable for allowing persons to enter and exit.The motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 further comprises a sensor 13 and a control unit 14. The sensor 13 is connected directly to the motor vehicle lock 5. The term "directly connected" means that there is a direct mechanical and / or electrical connection between the components, here the sensor 13 and the motor vehicle lock 5. The electrical connection can transmit signals in a cable-bound manner and / or transmit a supply voltage from one of the components to the other component. Here and preferably, the sensor 13 is connected directly to the motor vehicle lock 5 in terms of signal technology, i.e. without the interposition of other control units 14, and / or is connected directly mechanically to the motor vehicle lock 5, in particular in such a way that the motor vehicle lock 5 and the sensor 13 form an assembly module, and / or the sensor 13 is supplied with electrical energy by the motor vehicle lock 5.The sensor 13 is an environmental sensor which generates sensor data comprising obstacles 15 for a closure element 11 of the motor vehicle 3. The control unit 14 performs obstacle detection using the sensor data. The closure element 11 can be the primary closure element 2 or a secondary closure element 16, in particular a rear side door 17, which is still to be explained. The control unit 14 can also perform obstacle detection for a plurality of closure elements 11, here and preferably for the primary closure element 2 and the secondary closure element 16. Here and preferably, the control unit 14 evaluates the sensor data directly for detecting an obstacle 15. Alternatively, however, the sensor 13 can also have a sensor control unit which carries out partial or complete obstacle detection and outputs a result as sensor data. The obstacle detection of the control unit 14 is then optionally limited to the evaluation of the result.It is now essential that the sensor 13 is a camera for visible light and that the sensor data are image data. Visible light is light in the visible wavelength range of about 750 nm to 400 nm.As shown in the figures, it is here and preferably such that the camera has a field of view 18 which is oriented rearward along a longitudinal extent of the motor vehicle 3. Here and preferably, a movement range of at least one closure element 11 is arranged at least partially in the field of view 18. Further, the field of view 18 may be oriented such that a cyclist who is on a course of collision with the range of movement of a closure member 11 is likely to traverse the field of view 18.It is preferably provided that the primary closure element 2 carries out an opening process and thus releases an opening 12 of the motor vehicle 3. In particular, the opening process is carried out partially or completely by motor, as a result of which there is the risk of a collision. It can be clearly seen in FIG. 2 that here, preferably, when the primary closure element 2 is at least partially open, the sensor 13 receives visible light through the opening 12 released by the primary closure element 2 and generates the sensor data therefrom. Before performing the opening process with the closure element 11 closed, the opening 12 is closed.The control unit 14 here and preferably performs a plurality of functions. The control unit 14 can carry out a classification and / or risk assessment of potential collisions and / or, in particular depending on the classification and / or risk assessment, initiate a situation-dependent reaction to the potential collision.As shown in FIG. 1, it is particularly preferred that the motor vehicle lock 5 has the control unit 14, and that the control unit 14 is a lock control unit which, for example, evaluates signals from lock sensors in the motor vehicle lock 5 and / or actuates a first motor 19 of the motor vehicle lock 5. Such a lock control unit can logically map lock states and / or trigger unlocking and locking of the motor vehicle lock 5 and the like.Furthermore, it is provided here and preferably that the sensor 13 and / or the control unit 14 is or are arranged on or in the housing 6 of the motor vehicle lock 5. By using a lock control unit arranged on or in the housing 6, assembly and use of the sensor 13 are possible with little effort. If the sensor 13 is additionally arranged on or in the housing 6, no additional assembly steps are required.In a preferred and illustrated embodiment, it is furthermore the case that the motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 has a warning element 20 which is connected directly to the control unit 14 and is arranged in particular on or in the housing 6 of the motor vehicle lock 5, and that the lock control unit actuates the warning element 20 in response to the detection of an obstacle 15 in order to warn vehicle occupants and / or a vehicle environment. The warning element 20 can be an acoustic or optical warning element 20. An optical and an acoustic warning element 20 can also be provided.Here and preferably, the warning element 20 also experiences a double use. An optical warning element 20 can be used as a logo lamp during door opening and / or puddle lamp and / or orientation aid and / or warning light for the rear traffic and / or lighting element of an ambient lighting assigned to the interior. An acoustic warning element 20 can be used as a component of an acoustic vehicle alternating system (AVAS) or an active noise balancing (ANC) system. Here and preferably, the respective function is controlled by the control unit 14.In an exemplary embodiment (FIG. 3 ), the sensor 13 is arranged in a recessed grip 21. It is then optionally possible to provide the sensor 13 as a grip sensor for dual use. Preferably, the sensor 13 sends the sensor data to a gesture control unit 22, which performs gesture recognition in the image data. The gesture control unit 22 may be the control unit 14. Alternatively, the gesture control unit 22 can also be another control unit 14 of the primary closure element 2 or of the motor vehicle 3 in general. The gesture control unit 22 can trigger unlocking of the motor vehicle lock 5, for example, if the presence of a smart key is simultaneously detected. Gesture recognition may be very simple and may recognize, for example, little more than one dimming. The gesture can thus be an intervention in the grip depression 21 of a hand of a user.Furthermore, it is provided here and preferably that the primary closure element 2 carries out a multi-part, in particular two-part, opening process. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 has a pressing arrangement 23, which is connected directly to the motor vehicle lock 5. In a first part of the opening process, the push-on arrangement 23 adjusts the primary closure element 2 by motor by means of a first motor 19 into a partially open position 24. in FIG. 1, the push-on arrangement 23 has the latch 8 which acts on the closure part 10 and thus generates a gap between the primary closure element 2 and the vehicle body. This gap can correspond to a pre-ratchet position or the latch 8 can move the primary locking element 2 past a pre-ratchet position. In the partially open position 24, the control unit 14 detects obstacles 15.Preferably, a second part of the opening process takes place by motor by means of a second motor 25 external to the motor vehicle lock 5. the second motor 25 can be an opening drive, for example a linear drive, which adjusts the closure element 11 over at least a large part of its movement range. Here and preferably, the first part of the opening process is controlled by the control unit 14 and preferably the second part is controlled or enabled or optionally interrupted by the control unit 14.If an obstacle 15 is present for the primary closure element 2, the control unit 14 preferably initiates a mechanical protective measure. A mechanical protection measure is more than a mere shutdown of a drive. In the simplest case, the drive brakes the primary closure element 2 for this purpose. however, the protective measure is preferably carried out at least partially mechanically by the motor vehicle lock 5. It can be provided that the protective measure comprises a mechanical locking of the second part of the opening process. In a pre-ratchet position, for example, the motor vehicle lock 5 can prevent a further opening 12. Some motor vehicle locks 5 are also suitable for further preventing an opening 12.A further embodiment provides that the sensor data comprise obstacles 15 in a movement path of a secondary closure element 16, and that the control unit 14 carries out obstacle detection in the movement path of the secondary closure element 16. The secondary closure element 16 can be a rear side door 17. This is advantageously arranged in or next to the field of view 18 of the camera. Preferably, the control unit 14 interrupts or prevents an opening process of the secondary closure element 16 when an obstacle 15 is detected.It is further conceivable that during the opening process of the primary closure element 2, the control unit 14 analyzes image data of the sensor 13 from different opening angles of the primary closure element 2 in a combined manner in order to infer a property of the obstacle 15, in particular a spatial property and / or a movement property. Thus, disadvantages of two-dimensional image recording of a camera are compensated.According to a further teaching, a sensor arrangement 26 with a proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 is proposed, wherein the sensor arrangement 26 has a further sensor 27 designed as a camera for visible light, wherein a sensor control unit of the sensor arrangement 26, in particular the control unit 14 of the motor vehicle lock arrangement 1, concludes from image data of the sensor 13 and of the further sensor 27 a property of the obstacle 15.Reference may be made to all explanations concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement 1.The sensor arrangement 26 preferably has a further motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 with a further motor vehicle lock 5 with a lock control unit, and the further sensor 27 is arranged in the secondary lock element 16 and is preferably connected directly to the lock control unit of the motor vehicle lock 5 of the secondary lock element 16.According to a further teaching, a closure element arrangement 28 with a motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 according to the teaching is proposed, wherein the closure arrangement has the primary closure element 2. The closure element arrangement 28 can also have the sensor arrangement 26.Reference may be made to all explanations concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement 1 and the proposed sensor arrangement 26.Furthermore, it is provided here and preferably that the closure element arrangement 28 has the secondary closure element 16, that the closure element arrangement 28 has a secondary control unit, that the secondary control unit, in response to an opening signal, causes a motorized opening 12 of the secondary closure element 16 to check, before causing the motorized opening 12 of the secondary closure element 16, whether an opening operation of the primary closure element 2 has been started and, if an opening operation of the primary closure element 2 has been started, delays the motorized opening 12 of the secondary closure element 16 until the control unit 14 has carried out the obstacle detection in the movement path of the secondary closure element 16.If the secondary closure element 16 and the primary closure element 2 are opened approximately simultaneously, an opening 12 of the secondary closure element 16 can be delayed in order to enable obstacle detection first.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedU.S. Pat. No. 11,465,557 B2

[0003]

Claims

Motor vehicle lock arrangement for a primary locking element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), in particular a front side door (4), wherein the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) has a motor vehicle lock (5), wherein the motor vehicle lock (5) has a housing (6) and a locking mechanism (7), wherein the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) has a sensor (13) and a control unit (14), wherein the sensor (13) is directly connected to the motor vehicle lock (5), wherein the sensor (13) is an environment sensor which generates sensor data comprising obstacles (15) for a locking element (11) of the motor vehicle (3), wherein the control unit (14) carries out obstacle detection by means of the sensor data, characterized in that the sensor (13) is a camera for visible light, and in that the sensor data is image data.Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the primary closure element (2) carries out an opening process and thus releases an opening (12) of the motor vehicle (3), preferably in that, when the primary closure element (2) is at least partially open, the sensor (13) receives visible light through the opening (12) released by the primary closure element (2) and generates the sensor data therefrom.Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motor vehicle lock (5) has the control unit (14), and in that the control unit (14) is a lock control unit which evaluates signals from lock sensors in the motor vehicle lock (5) and / or actuates a first motor (19) of the motor vehicle lock (5), for example.Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (13) and / or the control unit (14) is or are arranged on or in the housing (6) of the motor vehicle lock (5), and / or in that the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) has a warning element (20) which is connected directly to the control unit (14) and is arranged in particular on or in the housing (6) of the motor vehicle lock (5), in that the lock control unit actuates the warning element (20) in response to the detection of an obstacle (15) for warning vehicle occupants and / or a vehicle environment.Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (13) is arranged in a recessed grip (21), preferably in that the sensor (13) sends the sensor data to a gesture control unit (22), in that the gesture control unit (22) carries out gesture recognition in the image data, further preferably in that the gesture control unit (22) is the control unit (14).Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary lock element (2) carries out a multipart, in particular two-part, opening process, in that the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) has a pressing-on arrangement (23) which is connected directly to the motor vehicle lock (5), in that the pressing-on arrangement (23), in a first part of the opening process, adjusts the primary lock element (2) by motor into a partially open position (24) by means of a first motor (19), in that, in the partially open position (24), the control unit (14) detects obstacles (15), preferably in that a second part of the opening process is carried out by motor by means of a second motor (25) external to the motor vehicle lock (5).Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (14) initiates a mechanical protective measure in the presence of an obstacle (15) for the primary locking element (2), preferably in that the protective measure is carried out at least partially mechanically by the motor vehicle lock (5), further preferably in that the protective measure comprises a mechanical locking of the second part of the opening process.Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor data comprise obstacles (15) in a movement path of a secondary locking element (16), in that the control unit (14) carries out obstacle detection in the movement path of the secondary locking element (16), preferably in that the control unit (14) interrupts or prevents an opening process of the secondary locking element (16).Motor vehicle lock arrangement according to one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, during the opening process of the primary closure element (2), the control unit (14) analyzes image data of the sensor (13) from different opening angles of the primary closure element (2) in a combined manner in order to infer a property of the obstacle (15), in particular a spatial property and / or a movement property.Sensor arrangement having a motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor arrangement (26) has a further sensor (27) designed as a camera for visible light, wherein a sensor control unit of the sensor arrangement (26), in particular the control unit (14) of the motor vehicle lock arrangement (1), concludes from image data of the sensor (13) and of the further sensor (27), that a property of the obstacle (15) is involved.Sensor arrangement according to claim 10, characterised in that the sensor arrangement (26) has a further motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) with a further motor vehicle lock (5) with a lock control unit, in that the further sensor (27) is arranged in the secondary lock element (16) and is preferably connected directly to the lock control unit of the motor vehicle lock (5) of the secondary lock element (16).Closure element arrangement with a motor vehicle lock arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the closure arrangement has the primary closure element (2).Closure element arrangement according to claim 12, characterised in that the closure element arrangement (28) comprises the secondary closure element (16), that the closure element arrangement (28) comprises a secondary control unit, that the secondary control unit, in response to an opening signal, causes a motorized opening (12) of the secondary closure element (16), that the secondary control unit checks, before causing the motorized opening (12) of the secondary closure element (16), whether an opening operation of the primary closure element (2) has been started and, if an opening operation of the primary closure element (2) has been started, delays the motorized opening (12) of the secondary closure element (16) until the control unit (14) has carried out the obstacle detection in the movement path of the secondary closure element (16).

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