Vehicle component for detecting damage to an outer body shell

Abstract

Vehicle component (1) for detecting damage to an outer body skin (2), comprising a vehicle body (20) with an outer body skin (2), and a monitoring device (3). The outer body skin (2) is constructed in multiple layers, at least in sections, and comprises two layers (4), namely an inner layer (14) and an outer layer (24), and an insulating means (5) arranged between the layers (4). The layers (4) have different electrical charges. The monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed to detect contact between the outer layer (24) and the inner layer (14), caused by damage to the outer body skin (2), by means of a sensor device (6) based on a current flow between the layers (4) and / or a change in conductivity, and to register this as damage to the outer body skin (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle component for detecting damage to an outer body shell. The vehicle component comprises a vehicle body with an outer body shell and a monitoring device.

[0002] When tracking down mostly minor damage to the exterior bodywork, difficulties often arise in determining the cause, for example, due to hit-and-run drivers. Even with rented vehicles, it is often necessary to determine the exact time and other circumstances of the damage in order to locate the responsible renter. If the damage is not immediately identified, it is often no longer possible to clearly assign the damage to a responsible party.

[0003] DE 10 2019 207 435 A1 discloses an underrun protection device for a motor vehicle that can notify the driver of the potential severity of a ground impact. This allows the differentiation between mild, non-critical underbody impacts and more severe underbody impacts. The underrun protection device is mounted on the underbody and comprises an outer layer facing the road, an inner layer facing the vehicle interior, and an outer layer located in between. If a force applied by the terrain being driven on exceeds the threshold, the outer layer is deformed and brought closer to the inner layer. Electrical elements are provided to detect the deformation; these cause a change in an electrical circuit when the inner layer approaches the outer layer. A detected deformation is recorded and stored for later maintenance.

[0004] A generic vehicle component is known from DE 10 2008 044 211 A1.

[0005] DE 10 2014 014 835 A1 shows a motor vehicle with a sensor foil for detecting accident-related damage to a component, such as a power steering system, rear-axle steering, or chassis height adjustment. The component is encased in the sensor foil. A detection device sends a damage signal to a control unit when it detects a ground fault between the sensor foil and a metal object penetrating the sensor foil due to an accident.

[0006] DE 10 2014 114 789 A1 discloses a watercraft with a sensor element mounted on its outer skin. The sensor element has a forward conductor insulated from the outer skin, allowing a current flow between the forward conductor and the outer skin to be detected.

[0007] DE 10 2012 218 090 A1 discloses a vehicle collision detection system with a sensor array having a plurality of measuring points arranged adjacent to one another on the vehicle. The individual measuring points each have two electrically conductive layers separated by a dielectric. If a measuring point undergoes a change in shape during a collision, its electrical characteristics are altered. Using an interface, the affected measuring point and its position within the sensor array can be detected.

[0008] DE 10 2006 012 336 A1 describes a motor vehicle with a touch sensor embodied as a piezoelectric paint. The paint is in contact with an on-board evaluation device.

[0009] DE 10 2021 112 762 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a capacitive sensor device for detecting the approach of an external object. A flat, electrically conductive body part serves as the measuring electrode. The body part and the object form a capacitor. The approach of the object is detected based on a change in the capacitor's capacitance.

[0010] DE 20 2023 000 033 U1 describes a system for damage detection on vehicles and for subsequent damage processing.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for detecting damage to the outer body shell. In particular, the tracking of minor damage to the outer body shell (e.g., dents or bumps) is to be improved.

[0012] This object is achieved by a vehicle component having the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0013] The vehicle component according to the invention serves to detect (minor) damage and in particular dents or bumps or the like in the body shell. The vehicle component is intended in particular for a passenger car. The vehicle component comprises a vehicle body with a body shell and a monitoring device. The body shell extends at least over a front region and a rear region and over a side region of the vehicle body. In particular, the side region comprises a left and a right longitudinal side of the vehicle. The body shell has a multi-layer construction, at least in sections. In particular, the body shell has a multi-layer construction over at least a quarter and preferably at least half and particularly preferably at least three-quarters of its surface. The body shell comprises at least two layers, namely an inner layer and an outer layer.The body outer skin comprises at least one insulating means arranged between the layers (and spatially separating or spacing the layers from one another). In particular, the layers have different electrical charges and / or are at different voltage levels. The monitoring device is suitable and designed to detect (direct) contact between the outer layer and the inner layer caused by damage to the body outer skin by means of a sensor device based on a current flow between the layers and / or a change in conductivity and to register this as damage to the body outer skin. The layers are each provided by at least one body wall, so that the body outer skin has at least a double-walled design.

[0014] The present invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is the multi-layered construction of the body shell in combination with the monitoring system. This allows even minor damage to the body shell to be reliably detected and easily recorded. This recording allows for reliable tracking and clarification of the circumstances, even in cases of minor damage to the body shell.

[0015] Preferably, the monitoring device is suitable and designed to electrically charge at least one of the two layers, preferably the inner layer, using an electrical energy source. Additionally or alternatively, the outer layer can be electrically chargeable. The energy source is in particular a voltage source and / or current source. It is possible for the electrical charge to be provided by at least one material property of the layers. For example, the materials create an electrochemical potential between the layers. The outer layer is in particular uncharged or uncharged (electrically neutral). In particular, the outer layer is not charged by the electrical energy source. In particular, the two layers are charged or uncharged in such a way that an electrical potential develops between them.

[0016] It is advantageous and preferred that the insulating agent is or comprises an electrically non-conductive material. It is particularly preferred and advantageous that the insulating agent is a solid or liquid material. For example, the insulating agent is a solid substance arranged between the layers. The insulating agent can also be a liquid arranged between the layers.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least two layers is provided by a body wall. In particular, the inner layer is provided by the body wall. Additionally or alternatively, the outer layer can also be provided by the body wall.

[0018] The body wall is made, in particular, of a metallic material. Another suitable material, such as a plastic or the like, is also possible. The body wall is, in particular, part of a sheet metal structure. In particular, the body wall consists at least partially of a body sheet.

[0019] According to the invention, the layers are each provided by at least one body wall. According to the invention, the body outer skin is thus at least double-walled. In particular, the insulating material is accommodated in the double-walled body outer skin. In particular, the insulating material is arranged between the body walls and preferably enclosed.

[0020] It is possible and advantageous for at least one of the at least two layers to be provided by a coating or to comprise such a coating. Such a coating can be referred to as an outer skin coating. In particular, the coating is applied to at least one body wall. The body wall can be provided, in particular, by the inner layer or the outer layer.

[0021] It is possible and advantageous for the insulating means to be formed as a coating or at least to comprise such a coating. Such a coating can be referred to as an insulating coating. In particular, the coating is applied to at least one of the layers. The insulating coating can be applied to the inner layer and / or the outer layer.

[0022] The monitoring device is preferably suitable and designed to register at least one additional parameter characterizing the damage to the body's outer skin. The additional parameter preferably comprises at least one of the following information: time of the damage, location of the vehicle during the damage, operating state, and, for example, speed or acceleration of the vehicle. The operating state can, in particular, comprise data relating to the brakes, a driving safety system, and / or data from a control unit of the vehicle. In particular, the monitoring device registers the additional parameter in addition to the damage to the body's outer skin. This can significantly improve tracking.

[0023] In an advantageous development, the monitoring device is suitable and designed to communicate with at least one vehicle sensor system. This allows the monitoring device to retrieve the additional parameter from the vehicle sensor system. It is also possible for the monitoring device to retrieve data from the vehicle sensor system and determine the additional parameter from the data. This enables a particularly reliable determination of the circumstances of the damage. The vehicle component can comprise at least one such vehicle sensor system. This is preferably a vehicle sensor system already provided in the vehicle, which is also used for other tasks. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring device can also comprise its own vehicle sensor system.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle sensor system comprises at least one camera device. The monitoring device is particularly suitable and configured to control the camera device depending on the detected damage in order to record the circumstances of the damage. In particular, the recorded data is stored in a memory device. Such image data enables particularly effective tracking.

[0025] The camera system comprises at least one camera. It is also possible for the camera system to comprise multiple cameras, which are selected by the monitoring system as needed. For example, the cameras are selected taking into account an affected outer skin zone. Advantageously, at least one camera from a camera system already provided in the vehicle is used for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring system can also have its own camera system with at least one camera.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the body outer skin is divided into spatially defined outer skin zones. The sensor device can preferably detect in which outer skin zone(s) the current flow and / or the change in conductivity caused by the contact of the outer skin layer with the inner layer occurs or has occurred. In particular, the monitoring device is suitable and designed to register the at least one outer skin zone affected by the damage. In particular, the monitoring device can use this information to more precisely localize the location of the damage and / or more precisely determine the spatial extent of the damage. The monitoring device can preferably use this information to calculate a damage profile and / or implement further measures.The monitoring device can be suitable and designed to control at least one vehicle safety system and / or an emergency assistant depending on the registered damage.

[0027] The applicant reserves the right to claim a motor vehicle, and in particular a passenger car, with a vehicle component according to the invention. The motor vehicle according to the invention also solves the aforementioned problem particularly advantageously. The applicant reserves the right to claim a method for operating the vehicle component according to the invention. In particular, the method is designed such that the steps necessary for detecting damage using the vehicle component according to the invention can be carried out. In particular, the monitoring device is suitable and designed to carry out the steps described here in a method-like manner.

[0028] In particular, the inner layer is at a different voltage level than the outer layer. In particular, an electrical potential exists between the inner layer and the outer layer. In particular, the insulating means is designed to prevent a charge flow (or potential equalization) between the inner layer and the outer layer. In particular, the sensor device detects the current flow or the change in conductivity by measuring at least one characteristic electrical variable. The variable is, for example, a current, a voltage, and / or a resistance or the like.

[0029] In particular, the insulating material is electrically non-conductive. In the context of the present invention, an electrically non-conductive insulating material is understood to mean, in particular, an insulating material with a conductivity that is electrically insulating or non-conductive at the voltages or currents expected between the layers during operation.

[0030] The body outer skin may comprise at least one of the following components: flap (engine compartment lid, tailgate), door (driver's door, passenger door, right rear door, left rear door), fender, sills, vehicle pillar, bumper. These parts are arranged in particular in the front, rear, and / or side areas. The body outer skin may comprise a roof area with a roof skin and / or an underbody area with an underbody.

[0031] The vehicle component serves in particular to detect (minor) damage, which is particularly not safety-relevant for the vehicle occupants and occurs at low speeds and, for example, when parking (parking bumps). Damage within the scope of the present invention is, in particular, a dent or a bump or the like. The body outer skin comprises, in particular, a sheet metal structure. The sheet metal structure can provide at least one of the layers and / or be connected to at least one of the layers. It is possible for at least one of the layers to be arranged on the sheet metal structure.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0033] In the figure shows: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of a vehicle with a vehicle component according to the invention in a sectional side view.

[0034] The Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 100 configured as a passenger car, comprising a vehicle component 1 according to the invention with a vehicle body 20. The motor vehicle 100 is shown here purely as an example as a convertible. The vehicle component 1 according to the invention can also be advantageously used in a motor vehicle 100 with a different body shape (sedan or the like).

[0035] The vehicle body 20 has an outer body shell 2, which extends over a front region 12 and a rear region 22, as well as a side region 32. The side region 32 comprises the left and right longitudinal sides of the vehicle. Parts of the outer body shell 2 include, for example, an engine compartment lid and a tailgate, as well as two or more doors and several fenders.

[0036] In order to simplify the identification of those responsible for minor damage, such as dents, bumps or parking bumps, the outer body skin 2 is constructed in several layers and comprises two layers 4, namely an inner layer 14 and an outer layer 24. An electrically non-conductive insulating means 5 made of a solid or liquid material is arranged between the layers 4.

[0037] If the outer layer 24 is dented, contact with the inner layer 14 occurs, which can be measured by measuring a current flow and / or conductivity values ​​on the layers 4 using a sensor device 6. Based on the measured values, the monitoring device 3 detects that damage is present and registers it.

[0038] To detect the current flow or the change in conductivity, the inner layer 14 can, for example, be charged using an electrical energy source 13. When the inner layer 14 then comes into contact with the outer layer 24, the charge partially flows away, which is measured by the sensor device 6.

[0039] In order to record the time and other circumstances of the damage, the monitoring device is operatively connected to a vehicle sensor system 7 with a camera device 17. The camera device 17 can comprise one or more cameras, of which a camera in the area of ​​the windshield is shown here as an example.

[0040] Depending on the damage detected by the monitoring device 3, the vehicle's surroundings are recorded so that images or evidence can be provided for tracking purposes. Using the vehicle sensor system 7, the monitoring device 3 can also record additional parameters, such as the vehicle's location. When damage is detected, the monitoring device 3 can also contact other components of the vehicle sensor system 7.

[0041] In order to be able to individually register spatially distributed damage, the body outer skin 2 is divided into several outer skin zones 16. The sensor device 6 can detect in which of the outer skin zones 16 the current flow or the change in conductivity occurred. From this, the monitoring device 3 can deduce where on the vehicle the damaged outer skin zone 16 is located. In the example shown here, the damage (outlined by the triangle) is in the front area 12. Depending on the affected outer skin zone 16, the monitoring device 3 can then, for example, also select and control the appropriate camera of the camera device 17.

[0042] The layers 4 of the multi-layered body outer skin 2 can, for example, each be provided by a body wall 34 made of a body sheet or the like. In an advantageous variant, for example, the inner layer 14 is formed as a body wall 34. The outer layer 24 can then be applied thereto in the form of a coating 44. For example, the insulating agent 5 can also be formed as a coating and applied to one of the two layers 4. List of reference symbols: 1 vehicle component 2 Body outer skin 3 Monitoring device 4 layer 5 Insulating agents 6 Sensor device 7 Vehicle sensor system 12 Front area 13 Energy source 14 inner layer 15 Coating 16 Outer skin zone 17 Camera setup 20 vehicle body 22 Rear area 24 Outer layer 32 page range 34 Body wall 44 Coating 100 motor vehicles

Claims

[1] Vehicle component (1) for detecting damage to a vehicle body outer skin (2), comprising a vehicle body (20) with a vehicle body outer skin (2) and a monitoring device (3), wherein the vehicle body outer skin (2) extends at least over a front region (12) and a rear region (22) and over a side region (32) with a left and a right longitudinal side of the vehicle body (20), and wherein the vehicle body outer skin (2) is constructed in multiple layers at least in sections and for this purpose has at least two layers (4), comprising an inner layer (14) and an outer layer (24), and at least one insulating means (5) arranged between the layers (4), wherein the layers (4) are electrically charged differently and wherein the monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed toto detect contact between the outer layer (24) and the inner layer (14) caused by damage to the body outer skin (2) by means of a sensor device (6) due to a current flow between the layers (4) and / or a change in conductivity and to register this as damage to the body outer skin (2), characterized by that the layers (4) are each provided by at least one body wall, so that the body outer skin (2) is at least double-walled. [2] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed to electrically charge one of the two layers (4), preferably the inner layer (14), by means of an electrical energy source (13). [3] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the outer layer (24) is not charged. [4] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insulating means (5) is an electrically non-conductive solid or liquid material. [5] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the layers (4) is provided by a body wall (34). [6] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the layers (4) is provided by or comprises a coating (44). [7] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insulating means (5) is designed as a coating (15). [8] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed to register at least one additional parameter characterizing the damage to the body outer skin (2) and that the additional parameter comprises at least one of the following information: time of the damage, location of the vehicle during the damage, operating state and, for example, speed or acceleration of the vehicle. [9] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed to communicate with at least one vehicle sensor system (7) in order to retrieve the additional parameter from the vehicle sensor system (7) and / or to retrieve data and determine the additional parameter from the data. [10] Vehicle component (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the vehicle sensor system (7) comprises at least one camera device (17) and that the monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed to control the camera device (17) depending on the registered damage in order to record the circumstances of the damage. [11] Vehicle component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the body outer skin (2) is divided into spatially defined outer skin zones (16) and that by means of the sensor device (6) it is possible to detect in which outer skin zone (16) the current flow and / or the conductivity change occurs and that the monitoring device (3) is suitable and designed to register the at least one outer skin zone (16) affected by the damage.

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