Control system for automotive vehicle opening

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (23) for a motor vehicle (10) opening (16). The control system comprises opening actuating means (20) and a control unit (22) configured to control the actuating means. The control unit is configured to receive opening data and to identify a closing command, referred to as manual reactivation, by pressing on the opening in the closing direction. The control unit is configured to calculate an opening parameter based on the opening data, to compare the opening parameter to a closing command end criterion, and to identify a command end when the opening parameter meets the criterion; then, after identifying the command end, to control the actuating means to close the opening, and to analyze the data to detect an obstacle. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Control system for motor vehicle opening

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle safety. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for controlling a motor vehicle opening. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for closing a motor vehicle opening.

[0002] A motor vehicle opening element, such as a trunk lid, can be motorized to facilitate its use. Still with this aim of ease of use, the motorized closing movement is initiated in different ways. In a common way, the motorized closing is initiated using a push button, which forms a human-machine interface. According to another possibility, the closing is initiated when a user presses directly on the opening element in the closing direction. This closing control mode is commonly called "manual restart". It responds to the case where the user is not aware of the motorized closing assistance function; or when the user does not reach the dedicated human-machine interface. This control mode is detected and controlled by a dedicated control unit.

[0003] From a safety point of view, the motorized opening commonly has pressure sensors on the side edges. These sensors make it possible to detect a pinching situation between the opening and the contour of the associated opening. More generally, these sensors make it possible to identify an obstacle on the closing path. This anti-pinch analysis mode is commonly called "direct analysis mode". However, these sensors have limited effectiveness since their detection zone is limited to their lengths.

[0004] In order to detect and avoid possible pinching situations on the entire motorized opening, it is known to analyze the behavior of the opening according to its closing instruction. In the event of a discrepancy, the vehicle concludes that there is an obstacle preventing closing, and therefore a risk of pinching. The vehicle then deactivates the motorized closing function of the opening. Therefore, certain user injuries are avoided, as is possible mechanical damage.

[0005] However, this obstacle detection mode remains incompatible with a closing initiated by a manual restart since the latter disrupts the behavior of the opening during its closing. The physical effort of the user generates a deviation in closing behavior. When the user interrupts his effort on the shutter and the automatic motorized closing maneuver has already started, this loss of effort in the direction of the maneuver is then perceived by the anti-pinch function as an effort opposing the maneuver; and therefore as a potential pinch. From then on, the means of actuation of the opening stop.

[0006] The closing assistance is deactivated for safety reasons, but the opening no longer closes despite the user's wishes. A solution remains to be found to improve the situation.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the ergonomics of a motorized opening of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the ergonomics and safety of an opening of a motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle opening control system, the control system comprising opening actuating means, and a control unit configured to control the actuating means, to receive opening data and to identify an opening closing command by pressing on the opening in the closing direction as a function of said opening data; remarkable in that the control unit is configured to calculate at least one opening parameter as a function of the opening data, to compare the opening parameter(s) with one or more associated opening closing command end criteria, and to identify an end of closing command when the or at least one of the opening parameters meets the or at least one of the associated command end criteria; then after identifying the end of command, to control the actuating means so as to close the opening.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit is configured to calculate at least one opening parameter as a function of the opening data, to compare the opening parameter(s) with one or more associated opening closing command end criteria, and to identify an end of closing command when the or at least one of the opening parameters meets the or at least one of the associated command end criteria; then after identifying the end of command, to control the actuating means so as to close the opening, and to analyze the opening data in order to detect an obstacle to the closing of the opening.

[0010] It will be clearly understood that the invention proposes a system for controlling a motor vehicle opening, the control system comprising means for actuating the opening, and a control unit configured to control the actuating means, the control unit being configured to detect a closing command for the opening by pressing on the opening in the closing direction; remarkable in that the control unit is configured to detect an end of closing command phase and then to start closing the the opening and / or the search for a possible obstacle in the closing path of the opening; optionally simultaneously.

[0011] The invention makes it possible to optimize both the safety and the ergonomics of a motor vehicle since the motorized closing of the opening and the monitoring of the presence of an obstacle is conditioned by a phase or a sub-step of end of closing control caused by the user. This configuration makes it possible to actuate the opening and to monitor a probability of pinching cases without being disturbed by the physical action of the user when he presses on the opening in order to close it. In this way, the invention optimizes the ease of use of the vehicle.

[0012] Document FR2900206B1 is known, which presents a motor vehicle comprising a motorized opening. The vehicle also comprises means for controlling the closing of the opening, means for motorizing the opening and anti-pinch means for detecting an obstacle to the closing of the opening. The motor vehicle also has means for activating a forced closing mode of the opening connected to means for deactivating the anti-pinch means. This solution is not satisfactory since it does not guarantee safety during certain operating phases since the anti-pinch is temporarily deactivated.

[0013] Preferably, the opening parameter(s) comprise an opening closing speed, and the associated end of control criterion(s) comprise a closing speed threshold.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the actuating means so as to close the opening by imposing a closing speed instruction.

[0015] Preferably, the opening parameter(s) comprise an opening closing acceleration, and the associated end of command criterion(s) comprise a closing acceleration threshold.

[0016] Preferably, the opening parameter(s) comprise a movement, and the associated end of command criterion(s) comprise a minimum movement threshold.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit is configured to identify the end of the command when at least one end of command criterion is met for a duration greater than or equal to a duration threshold.

[0018] Preferably, the actuating means comprise measuring means adapted to determine the opening data; the control unit is preferably configured to analyze the opening data in order to detect an obstacle to the closing of the opening, after identification of the end of the command.

[0019] Preferably, the control system comprises the opening.

[0020] Preferably, the end of command criterion comprises a deceleration of the closing movement of the opening.

[0021] Preferably, the control unit is configured to identify the end of control when the opening data includes a zero opening closing speed.

[0022] Preferably, the control unit is configured to actuate the actuating means by imposing a closing speed setpoint for the opening by adapting the power supply to the actuating means as a function of a measurement of the movement speed.

[0023] Preferably, the control unit is configured to identify the end of the command when the opening data includes an opening movement greater than or equal to a movement threshold.

[0024] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising an opening element, and an opening control system, remarkable in that the opening control system is in accordance with the invention, and the opening element is a trunk flap.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for closing an opening of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle comprising an opening, means for actuating the opening, and a unit for controlling the actuating means, remarkable in that the control system is in accordance with the invention and in that the method comprises the following steps: receiving opening data, detecting an opening closing command by pressing on the opening in the closing direction as a function of the opening data; calculating at least one opening parameter as a function of the opening data; comparing the opening parameter(s) with one or more associated closing command end criteria, identifying an end of closing command when the or at least one of the opening parameters meets the or at least one of the associated command end criteria;then, closing the opening by actuating the actuating means so as to close the opening.;

[0026] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of analyzing the opening data in order to detect an obstacle to the closing of the opening, the closing step and the analysis step begin simultaneously, and in the identification step the opening is stationary relative to a chassis of the motor vehicle.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention provides a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the closing method according to the invention.

[0028] According to another aspect, the invention provides a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, lead it to implement the steps of the closing method according to the invention.

[0029] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0030] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0031] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an enlargement of [Fig.l], on the rear part of the vehicle automobile according to the invention.

[0032] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a diagram of a method of closing an opening of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0033] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will designate respectively that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0034] In the present description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinally”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle. The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction.

[0035] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0036] [Fig. 1] shows a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 is shown from the side, in the transverse direction, along the Y axis. The arrow of the X axis is oriented towards the front of the vehicle.

[0037] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a chassis 12 forming its main structure. The chassis 12 forms the framework. The various components of the motor vehicle 10 are fixed to the chassis 12. The chassis 12 connects the running gear of the vehicle, and supports the motor(s) necessary for driving the vehicle 10. The chassis 12 delimits the passenger compartment and the rear loading space, in this case the rear trunk.

[0038] The motor vehicle 10 comprises openings and openings 16 capable of closing the associated openings. The motor vehicle 10 comprises front and rear doors 14 allowing a user to enter the passenger compartment. The doors 14 are generally pivotable relative to vertical axes (i.e., along the Z axis). The vehicle 10 further comprises a trunk flap 18, commonly called a tailgate. The trunk flap 18 generally pivots along a transverse pivot axis in its opening and closing movements. The trunk flap 18 and the doors 14 are generally openings 16. The opening 16 moves along the trajectory T in its opening and closing movements. Generally, the openings 16 are pivotally mounted relative to the body 12.

[0039] According to a variant of the invention, the vehicle may be a utility vehicle. Access to its rear loading space may be closed by openings with vertical pivot axes, such as doors.

[0040] According to another variant of the invention, the openings can be sliding. They can open and close their openings according to a longitudinal translation movement. In general, the openings 16 can be sliding openings.

[0041] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of openings 16. For convenience, the description will focus on one of the openings 16, for example the trunk lid 18. However, the following characteristics apply to all the openings 16 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0042] The opening 16 is advantageously a motorized opening. It comprises actuating means 20 (only one shown) configured to open and close the opening 16 against the chassis 12. In the open position, the free end of the opening 16 is at a distance from the body 12, and for example raised relative to the roof. The actuating means 20 may be jacks (only one shown) arranged at a distance from the hinges 21. Alternatively, the actuating means are motors (not shown) integrated into the hinges 21.

[0043] The actuating means 20 may comprise measuring means (not shown). These measuring means make it possible to determine the position or the opening angle of the opening 16. The measuring means may comprise Hall probes, which generate electrical pulses during the movements of the actuating means 20. These electrical pulses form an electrical signal understood as data relating to the opening. The Hall probes distributed along the cylinder make it possible to estimate its length, and by extension the position of the opening. The closing position of the latter may be initialized at each closing, when the lock is locked.

[0044] The opening movement of the opening 16 is controlled by a control unit 22, also called a motorization control device. The control unit 22 may comprise a motorization control box. The control unit 22 communicates with the actuating means 20, for example with a link wired, or by electromagnetic waves. The control unit 22 is capable of managing one or more closing commands. A closing command can come from a push button on the opening 16, from a remote control (not shown) integrated into a vehicle key, or from a user terminal. The control unit 22 is capable of recognizing a closing command by pressing on the opening. When the actuating means are in a stopped state and a movement is detected, the control unit 22 recognizes an opening command. The control unit 22 is preferably integrated into the opening 16.

[0045] The control unit 22 controls the electrical power supply to the actuating means 20 so as to impose a closing speed on them. The control unit 22 sends a closing speed instruction to the actuating means 20.

[0046] Alternatively, the control unit is integral with the chassis. It can be integrated into a central computer of the vehicle.

[0047] The control unit 22 comprises a computer 24 and a storage device 26. The computer 24 may be a processor. The storage device 26 may be a computer memory. It is capable of storing a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the closing method according to the invention. The storage device 26 forms a computer-readable recording medium. It may be removable. The control unit 22 may be a computer. It may be a programmable electronic card.

[0048] The control unit 22 is configured to detect an obstacle 28 when it closes. The obstacle 28 is a physical obstacle. It forms a body opposing the closing movement. The obstacle 28 blocks the complete closing of the opening 16. It may be a user's limb or an inert element. For this reason, the control unit 22 implements an anti-pinch function. The anti-pinch function aims to prevent any obstacle 28 from being crushed between an opening edge and the opening 16 when it travels its trajectory T. This prevents injuries or mechanical damage.

[0049] [Fig. 2] shows a part of a motor vehicle 10 comprising an opening 16 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 preferably corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1]. A user 30 is shown pressing on the opening 16, in this case the trunk flap 18. The user 30 presses in the closing direction.

[0050] The control unit 22 is configured to receive opening data and to identify a closing command for the opening 18. In particular, the control unit 22 is configured to analyze the opening data and to identify a closing command by pressing on the opening 18. Such a command comprises pressing in the closing direction, towards the associated opening, or more generally to the chassis 12. The control unit 22 and the actuation means form a control system 23 for the opening 16. The control system 23 is generally a control assembly. It can be powered by a vehicle battery.

[0051] The control unit 22 is configured to calculate at least one opening parameter based on the opening data, to compare the opening parameter(s) with one or more associated closing command end criteria for the opening, and to identify an end of closing command when the or at least one of the opening parameters meets the or at least one of the associated end of command criteria. The control unit 22 is capable of recognizing an end or a final phase of closing command. In response to this identification of the end of command, the control unit 22 controls the actuation means 20 so as to close the opening 18. The actuation means 20 switch from a standby mode to a drive mode. In parallel, the control unit 22 launches the analysis of a possible presence of an obstacle 28 when closing the opening based on the opening data. An arm or hand of the user 30 may form the obstacle 28.

[0052] By counting the electrical pulses, for example grouped in a square-wave electrical signal, the control unit 22 is able to estimate the position of the opening 12 when it retracts. The pulses can also be used to track and record the position of the opening when it opens. By deriving the electrical pulses with respect to time, the control unit 22 determines the closing speed of the opening. Using the second derivative with respect to time, the control unit 22 calculates the acceleration of the closing movement. By convention, when the acceleration is negative; it is designated as deceleration. The speed can be an angular speed, and the acceleration can be an angular acceleration. Thus, the control unit 22 has the closing speed of the opening and optionally the acceleration of the closing movement of the opening.The opening parameter(s) comprise an opening closing acceleration 16, and the associated end of control criterion(s) comprise a closing acceleration threshold. The control unit 22 is configured to compare the opening closing acceleration and the closing acceleration threshold.

[0053] The end of command criterion(s) may comprise an opening closing speed threshold 16. The end of command criterion(s) may comprise a deceleration of the closing movement of the opening. The opening parameter(s) 16 comprise an opening closing speed 16. The control unit 22 is configured to compare the opening closing speed with the closing speed threshold.

[0054] The control unit 22 is configured to identify the end of the order when at least one end of order criterion is met for a duration greater than or equal to a duration threshold. This makes it possible to improve the probability of identifying the end of the order.

[0055] The control unit 22 is configured to identify the end of control when the opening parameter(s) comprise an opening movement greater than or equal to a movement threshold. With respect to a previously estimated open position, the control unit 22 counts the pulses or slots of the signal.

[0056] The actuating means 20 are configured so as to provide the opening parameter(s) 16 by means of measuring means. The measuring means make it possible to determine the opening parameter(s), for example in the form of an electrical signal with pulses or square waves.

[0057] Alternatively or in addition to the measuring means, the vehicle 10 may comprise force sensors 32, such as strain gauges. The force sensors 32 may be arranged at the ends of the cylinders or at the hinges 21.

[0058] According to another alternative or optionally, optical means 34 make it possible to estimate the position of the opening. The optical means can be arranged on the opening 16 and / or on the frame 12. The comparison of the images acquired by the optical means makes it possible to estimate an opening movement. The images form opening data.

[0059] [Fig. 3] shows a diagram of a method for closing a motor vehicle opening. The motor vehicle 10 preferably corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1] and / or [Fig. 2].

[0060] The method comprises the steps listed below, in particular carried out in the following order.

[0061] Reception 100 of opening data, possibly continuously.

[0062] Detection 102 of an opening command based on the opening data.

[0063] Calculation 104 of at least one parameter relating to the opening, for example a state parameter of the opening, as a function of the opening data.

[0064] Comparison 106 of the parameter(s) with one or more associated opening closing command end criteria.

[0065] Identification 108 of an end of closing command when the or at least one opening parameter (or each opening parameter) satisfies at least one criterion for the end of the closing command of the associated opening (or each associated command end criterion).

[0066] Closing 110 of the opening by actuation of the actuation means using the control unit following identification of the end of the command.

[0067] Analysis 112 of the presence of an obstacle in the closing path of the opening.

[0068] Stop 114 of the opening in the closed position.

[0069] At the receiving step 100, the opening is in the open position. The open position may correspond to a maximum opening, or to an intermediate position between the maximum opening and the final closing of the opening. Before the receiving step 100, the opening is stationary relative to the associated opening, preferably to the chassis of the vehicle.

[0070] During the receiving step 100 and / or the detecting step 102, a user presses on the opening. This pressing moves the opening towards its closed position. This movement in the closing direction involves a movement distance, for example measured as a movement angle or as a movement length. The movement involves a movement speed and an acceleration. Each of these parameters is calculated by the control unit.

[0071] At the detection step 102, an audible signal is optionally emitted. This audible signal invites the user to stop pressing against the opening. The audible signal confirms the detection of a closing command by the control unit. It announces the motorized actuation of the opening.

[0072] The calculation step 104 comprises the calculation of at least one parameter based on the opening data. The opening parameter(s) comprise one or more parameters chosen from a measured closing movement, a measured closing speed, a measured closing acceleration, a measured force, preferably the opening parameters comprise all of said parameters. The measured acceleration may be a deceleration. The force is advantageously measured using the force gauges, for example at the actuating means or the hinges.

[0073] In the comparison step 106, the associated end-of-command criterion(s) may comprise one or more speed criteria; for example chosen from a maximum speed threshold, and / or a speed range. A speed criterion may be a zero speed. The measured speed is compared to the speed criterion. In addition or as a variant, the associated end-of-command criterion(s) comprise a displacement threshold and / or a deceleration threshold and / or a constraint threshold. An associated end-of-command criterion may be a complex criterion composed of the combination of several of the previously mentioned criteria.

[0074] When the measured movement is greater than or equal to the movement threshold, the associated end of command criterion is met. When the opening is moved by at least this movement threshold, the control unit considers that the user has pushed the opening sufficiently to indicate a desire to close the opening.

[0075] When the measured speed is less than or equal to the speed threshold, the associated end-of-command criterion is met. The speed threshold can be zero speed. Therefore when the opening is stopped, the associated end of command criterion is met. This configuration corresponds to the case where the user has stopped pressing the opening. If the criterion includes the speed range, the associated end of command criterion is met if the measured speed is within the speed range.

[0076] In the comparison step 106, the associated end-of-command criterion(s) may comprise an acceleration criterion. The acceleration criterion may comprise an acceleration threshold, or an acceleration range. When the measured acceleration is less than or equal to the acceleration threshold, the associated end-of-command criterion is met; and / or when the measured acceleration is within the acceleration range, the end-of-command criterion is met.

[0077] When the measured force is greater than or equal to the force threshold, the associated end of command criterion is met.

[0078] In the identification step 108, the, or at least one, or each parameter respects and / or fulfills the, or at least one, or each criterion for the end of the closing command of the associated opening. From then on, the control unit supplies the actuating means so as to move the opening in the closing direction. This supply imposes a closing speed setpoint. The opening closes progressively at a constant speed.

[0079] The identification step 108 is possibly conditioned by a minimum duration relating to the time when the opening parameter(s) meet the criterion. This aspect makes it possible to filter out vibrations of the opening likely to mislead the control unit. Certain shocks are thus ignored.

[0080] In the closing step 110, the opening is advantageously controlled according to a closing speed setpoint. When the parameter(s) include the measured speed, the invention fulfills its control and monitoring functions by using the same parameter. This simplifies the processing of the data and the associated calculations. The precision is increased. The closing step 110 is generally a step of actuation of the actuation means by the control unit.

[0081] The closing 110 and analysis 112 steps begin simultaneously, and can also end at the same time. Thus, the invention optimizes the analysis time for obstacle detection relative to the actuation time. The invention avoids deactivating the obstacle detection analysis when the opening is moving and is likely to pinch a foreign body. Safety is improved.

[0082] Alternatively, the closing 110 and analysis 112 steps begin with a staggered start. According to an option of the invention, the analysis step begins after the closing step when an additional condition is met.

[0083] At stop step 114, the opening is optionally locked in the closed position. The associated opening is closed and the opening is held in position, for example at the end stop. The closed position can be initialized.

[0084] The aforementioned steps are advantageously controlled by computer, in particular by the control unit.

Claims

Claims

1. Control system (23) for an opening (16) of a motor vehicle (10), the control system (23) comprising actuating means (20) for the opening (16), and a control unit (22) configured to control the actuating means (20), to receive opening data (16) and to identify a closing command for the opening (16) by pressing on the opening (22) in the closing direction as a function of said opening data (16); characterized in that the control unit (22) is configured to calculate at least one opening parameter as a function of the opening data, to compare the opening parameter(s) with one or more associated closing command end criteria for the opening (16), and to identify an end of closing command when the or at least one of the opening parameters (16) meets the or at least one of the associated command end criteria;then after identifying the end of the command, to control the actuating means (20) so as to close the opening (16), the control unit (22) is configured to identify the end of the command when at least one end of command criterion is met for a duration greater than or equal to a duration threshold.;

2. Control system (23) according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening parameter(s) (16) comprise a closing speed of the opening (16), and the associated end of control criterion(s) comprise a closing speed threshold.

3. Control system (23) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (22) is configured to control the actuating means (20) so as to close the opening (16) by imposing a closing speed setpoint.

4. Control system (23) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening parameter(s) (16) comprise an acceleration of closing of the opening (16), and the associated end of control criterion(s) comprise a closing acceleration threshold.

5. Control system (23) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening parameter(s) (16) comprise a movement, and the associated end of control criterion(s) comprise a minimum movement threshold.

6. Control system (23) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating means (20) comprise measuring means adapted to determine the opening data (16); the control unit (22) is preferably configured to analyze the opening data (16) in order to detect an obstacle (28) when the opening (16) closes, after identifying the end of the command.

7. Motor vehicle (10) comprising an opening (16), and a control system (23) for the opening (16), characterized in that the control system (23) for the opening is in accordance with one of the preceding claims, and the opening (16) is a trunk flap (18).

8. Method for closing an opening (16) of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle (10) comprising an opening (16), means (20) for actuating the opening (16), and a control unit (22) for the actuating means (20), characterized in that the control system (23) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 7 and in that the method comprises the following steps: reception (100) of opening data, detection (102) of an opening closing command by pressing on the opening (16) in the closing direction as a function of the opening data; calculation (104) of at least one opening parameter as a function of the opening data;comparison (106) of the opening parameter(s) (16) with one or more associated closing command end criteria for the opening (16), identification (108) of an end of closing command when the or at least one of the opening parameters (16) meets the or at least one of the associated command end criteria for a minimum duration; then, closing (110) of the opening by actuating the actuating means (20) so as to close the opening (16).;

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the method further comprises a step of analyzing (112) the opening data in order to detect an obstacle to the closing of the opening (16), the closing step (110) and the analysis step (112) begin simultaneously, and in the identification step (108) the opening (16) is stationary relative to a chassis of the motor vehicle (10).

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