Device for detecting a gesture for triggering an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle flap of the vehicle, vehicle flap device, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) for detecting a predetermined gesture of an operator of a vehicle (10) for triggering an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle flap (12) of the vehicle (10). The device (100) comprises: a sensor unit (110), which is designed to emit an electromagnetic signal and to receive again an emitted electromagnetic signal reflected in the surroundings of the vehicle (10); and a cover element (120), which is arranged at a predetermined distance (114) from the sensor unit (110), is at least partially impermeable to the electromagnetic signal of the sensor unit (110) and has at least one opening (122, 123) through which at least part of a detection region (112) extends. The predetermined distance (114) and / or the at least one opening (122, 123) are designed to form a predetermined detection region (112) of the signal region (111), said detection region extending on an opposite side of the cover element (120) in relation to the sensor unit (110).

Description

[0001] 202400759

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Device for recognizing a gesture to trigger an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle hatch, vehicle hatch device and vehicle

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for recognizing a predetermined gesture of an operator of a vehicle to trigger an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle flap of the vehicle, as well as a vehicle flap device and a vehicle.

[0006] A variety of triggering and control devices for vehicles are known from the prior art for initiating and controlling the opening and / or closing process of a vehicle flap, such as a tailgate, front flap, side flap, fuel filler flap, or charging port flap. Such triggering and control devices are designed to allow the operator to open or close the vehicle flap. Opening can be triggered by an electrical switch, such as a simple open or close contact, which outputs an electrical trigger signal depending on the user's actuation. A simple form of this is known as a (micro)switch, in which an electromechanical switch must be actuated to trigger both the opening and closing processes.

[0007] Other triggering and control devices known from the prior art for triggering and controlling an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle hatch can be based on the capacitive or inductive principle, in which a metallic triggering element is moved, at least partially, relative to a corresponding capacitive or inductive sensor device to change the capacitance or inductance in order to initiate an opening and / or closing process of the vehicle part. 202400759

[0008] 2

[0009] Furthermore, contactless systems and devices are known in which the operator of the vehicle generates a predetermined gesture with a body part, such as hand, arm, leg or foot, which is detected contactlessly by a corresponding sensor device, for example by means of electromagnetic signals, e.g. high-frequency waves such as radar signals, optical signals or ultrasonic signals.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for recognizing a predetermined gesture of an operator of a vehicle to trigger an opening and / or closing process, which is simple, compact, robust and reliable.

[0011] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1, a vehicle flap device according to claim 9, and a vehicle according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The present invention is essentially based on the idea of ​​providing a device for recognizing a predetermined gesture by a vehicle operator to trigger an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle hatch, in which the electromagnetic signals emitted by the device can be shaped as desired by providing a cover element. For this purpose, the cover element has an opening permeable to the electromagnetic signals and is arranged at a predetermined distance from a sensor unit configured to transmit and receive the electromagnetic signal. This predetermined distance and the size and shape of the at least one opening in the cover element can adjust the shape and form of the emitted electromagnetic signal as desired, so that the predetermined gesture occurs within a predetermined, desired range.Space can be detected efficiently and reliably. 202400759.

[0013] 3

[0014] Consequently, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a device is provided for recognizing a predetermined gesture by a vehicle operator to trigger an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle flap, such as a door. The device according to the invention comprises a sensor unit configured to emit an electromagnetic signal and to receive an emitted electromagnetic signal reflected in the vicinity of the vehicle. The sensor unit is further configured to emit the electromagnetic signal in such a way that a signal range is formed within which the predetermined gesture of the vehicle operator is recognizable.The device according to the invention further comprises a cover element arranged at a predetermined distance from the sensor unit, which is at least partially opaque to the electromagnetic signal of the sensor unit and has at least one opening through which the detection area extends at least partially. The predetermined distance and / or the at least one opening are configured to form a predetermined detection area of ​​the signal range extending on a side of the cover element opposite the sensor unit.

[0015] According to the invention, a cover element with at least one opening is provided, wherein the predetermined distance between the sensor unit and the cover element and / or the size and shape of the at least one opening are selected such that the predetermined detection area is formed as desired in order to provide reliable and efficient recognition of the predetermined gesture of the operator of the vehicle within the detection area that can be positioned therewith.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sensor unit comprises at least one transmitting device for transmitting the electromagnetic signal and at least one receiving device for receiving the reflected electromagnetic signal. 202400759

[0017] 4

[0018] In such a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, it may further be preferred that the cover element has at least a first opening through which the electromagnetic signal of the transmitting device is emitted, and at least a second opening through which the reflected electromagnetic signal is received by the receiving device.

[0019] In a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sensor unit has a transmitting and receiving device which is designed both to transmit the electromagnetic signal and to receive the reflected electromagnetic signal.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the detection area is essentially ellipsoidal and has a predetermined opening angle. Preferably, the predetermined opening angle lies in the range between approximately 50° and approximately 160°.

[0021] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, the predetermined distance between the emission plane of the sensor unit and the opening lies in the range between approximately 5 mm and approximately 70 mm.

[0022] The values ​​mentioned above are, of course, exemplary and preferably selected based on frequency. Automotive applications typically use frequencies in the range of approximately 2.4 GHz to approximately 80 GHz.

[0023] The cover element can be a separate component, such as a sheet of metal. Alternatively, the cover element can be integrally formed with the vehicle body and thus be part of the vehicle body. 202400759

[0024] 5

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cover element is essentially plate-shaped. It may also be preferred that the cover element consists of several parts or...

[0026] It consists of elements or plates that are arranged in such a way as to create at least one opening through which the electromagnetic signals of the transmitting unit can be sent and received.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one opening is substantially circular and has a diameter in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 50 mm.

[0028] Furthermore, it may be preferred that the electromagnetic signal is a radar signal having a predetermined radar wavelength between approximately 2.4 GHz and approximately 300 GHz.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle flap device for a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a vehicle flap movably arranged on the vehicle, which at least partially forms an outer skin of the vehicle and has at least one flap opening, and a device according to the invention. The cover element is attached to the vehicle flap in such a way that the electromagnetic signal can pass through the flap opening.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle flap device according to the invention further comprises a decorative element which is attached to the vehicle flap on one side opposite the device and which is transparent to the electromagnetic signal of the sensor unit. It is particularly preferred if the decorative element at least partially covers the flap opening.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle flap device according to the invention, the decorative element is a vehicle emblem and can thus indicate the vehicle manufacturer. 202400759

[0032] 6

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle with a vehicle flap device according to the invention is disclosed.

[0034] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art by carrying out the teaching described herein and by looking at the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle with a device according to the invention for detecting a predetermined gesture to trigger an opening and / or closing process of a flap of a vehicle,

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of area II of the device according to the invention shown in Fig. 1,

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention of Fig. 2 for detecting a predetermined gesture to trigger an opening and / or closing process of the flap of the vehicle of Fig. 1,

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention of Fig. 2 for detecting a predetermined gesture to trigger an opening and / or closing process of the flap of the vehicle of Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention for detecting a predetermined gesture to trigger an opening and / or closing process of the flap of the vehicle of Fig. 1,

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle of Fig. 1 without a device according to the invention, and 202400759

[0041] 7

[0042] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle of Fig. 1 with a device according to the invention.

[0043] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "electromagnetic signal" describes an electromagnetic wave, which is a wave consisting of coupled electric and magnetic fields propagating in space. Examples include electromagnetic radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, light, X-rays, and gamma radiation. Radar signals are also considered electromagnetic signals according to this disclosure.

[0044] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "predetermined gesture" describes a predefined movement performed by the user or operator of the vehicle for the purpose of opening and / or closing a vehicle hatch. This could be, for example, a kick, a forward and backward movement of a body part, a swiping motion with the hand, or any other movement that can be detected by means of electromagnetic signals. The measurement and evaluation principle used here is preferably based on the so-called Doppler principle. Other common principles, such as time-based measurement methods, phase-based measurement methods, or FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous wave radar) methods, are also conceivable.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 10 with a device 100 according to the invention for recognizing a predetermined gesture by an operator of the vehicle to trigger an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle flap 12, such as the hood, of the vehicle 10. In other embodiments, the vehicle flap 12 can be a tailgate, a charging port flap, a fuel filler flap, or any other flap that can grant or deny access to a vehicle function. The vehicle flap 12 can also be pivotably or rotatably mounted on the vehicle 10, or be sliding. 202400759

[0046] 8 attached to the vehicle 10 or otherwise movable to the vehicle 10 flap 12.

[0047] With further reference to Fig. 2, which shows an enlarged view of area II of the device 100 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1, it is evident that the device 100 according to the invention comprises a sensor unit 110 and a cover element 120 arranged at a predetermined distance 114 (see Fig. 3) from the sensor unit 110. The sensor unit 110 is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal 112 and to receive an emitted electromagnetic signal 112 that has been reflected in the vicinity of the vehicle 10. The electromagnetic signal can, for example, be a radar signal having a predetermined radar wavelength, which is, for example, between approximately 2.4 GHz and approximately 300 GHz.

[0048] As further shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle flap 12 has an opening 13 through which the electromagnetic signal 112 can be transmitted and received. The opening 13 of the vehicle flap 12 is covered on one outer side by a decorative element 14, on which, for example, the logo of the vehicle manufacturer is located. The decorative element 14 preferably consists of a material through which the electromagnetic signal can propagate essentially unimpeded.

[0049] The cover element 120 is at least partially opaque to the electromagnetic signal 112 of the sensor unit 110 and has an opening 122 (see Fig. 3) through which the electromagnetic signal 112 can extend. Preferably, the openings 13 and 122 are arranged at least partially aligned with each other so that the electromagnetic signal 112 of the sensor unit 110 can be transmitted from the area inside the vehicle 10 into the surrounding environment.

[0050] Preferably, the cover element 120 is integrally formed with the vehicle flap 12, so that the opening 122 corresponds to the opening 13. 202400759

[0051] 9

[0052] With further reference to Fig. 3, it can be seen that the cover element 120 is arranged at the predetermined distance 114 from the sensor unit 110. Furthermore, the opening 122 in the cover element 120 has an opening cross-section 124 which is designed to at least partially form a detection area for the electromagnetic signal 112.

[0053] The sensor device 110 is configured to emit the electromagnetic signal 112 as a signal area 111. By adjusting the predetermined distance 114 between the cover element 120 and the sensor unit 110 and / or by adjusting the opening cross-section 124 of the opening 122 in the cover element 120, a predetermined detection area 112 of the electromagnetic signal from the sensor unit 110 can be shaped, at least partially, such that it forms as desired on a side of the cover element 120 opposite the sensor unit 110. The detection area 112 describes the portion of the signal area 111 that extends through the opening 122 to the other side of the cover element.The electromagnetic signal 112 of the sensor unit can then detect a predetermined gesture, such as a swiping motion with one hand, by the operator 20 of the vehicle 10 to trigger an opening and / or closing process of the vehicle flap 12.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention of Fig. 2 and differs from the embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention of Fig. 3 in that the predetermined distance 114 is smaller than the predetermined distance 114 of Fig. 3. This results in a larger opening angle of the detection range 112 of the electromagnetic signal of the sensor unit 110 and thus a larger detection range 112.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment of the devices 100 of Figs. 3 and 4, the sensor unit 110 is designed to both emit the electromagnetic signal 112 and to reflect a signal 202400759 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10.

[0056] 10. To receive an electromagnetic signal. The evaluation or comparison, also with regard to the time differences between transmission and reception, can either take place in the sensor unit 110, or a separate processing unit, such as a computer, can be provided on which the signal analysis is performed.

[0057] Furthermore, the sensor unit 110 can also be tilted as desired for beam optimization.

[0058] With reference to Fig. 5, a further exemplary embodiment of a device 100 according to the invention for detecting a predetermined gesture to trigger an opening and / or closing process of the vehicle hatch of the vehicle 10 of Fig. 1 is shown. The sensor unit 110 of the device 100 of Fig. 5 consists of a transmitter 116, which is configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal, and a receiver 118, which is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal reflected in the vicinity of the vehicle. For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 5, the cover element 120 can have two openings, for example a first opening 122 and a second opening 123.It may be preferred that the electromagnetic signal 112 emitted by the transmitting device 116 passes through the first opening 122, and that the electromagnetic signal 113 reflected in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 is received by the receiving device 118 through the second opening 123. Alternatively, it may also be possible to provide only one opening 122 in the cover element 120, through which both the electromagnetic signal emitted by the transmitting device 116 and the electromagnetic signal reflected in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 are received by the receiving device 118.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, it can be advantageous to provide any combination or division of transmit and receive paths. In particular, the possibility of dualism of the individual transmit and receive devices should also be noted here. 202400759

[0060] 11

[0061] According to the invention, by positioning the cover element 120 at a predetermined distance 114 from the sensor unit 110 and / or by adjusting the shape and size of the opening 122 in the cover element 120, the detection range 112 of the electromagnetic signal 111 can be adjusted as desired, so that a predetermined gesture within the detection range 112 thus formed and generated is reliably and easily recognized. Upon recognition of a corresponding predetermined gesture, an opening and / or closing process of the vehicle's hatch 12 can then be triggered.

[0062] The present invention thus aims to prevent accidental activations that trigger an opening and / or closing process of a vehicle hatch 12 of the vehicle 10, for example, if a pedestrian accidentally enters the detection area 122 and accidentally performs a gesture that the sensor unit 110 recognizes as such. Therefore, the shape of the detection area 122 is to be optimized in such a way as to reduce such so-called misuse cases.

[0063] For this purpose, with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, it is shown how accidental activation of the device 100 according to the invention can be avoided by appropriately adjusting the detection range 112.

[0064] Figure 6 shows the vehicle 10 with a device 30 for recognizing a predetermined gesture by an operator of the vehicle 10 to trigger an opening and / or closing process of the vehicle flap 12 of the vehicle 10. However, the device 30 of Figure 6 is not designed according to the device 100 according to the invention. In particular, the device 30 does not have a cover element 114.

[0065] If a pedestrian 200 now walks past vehicle 20, he could inadvertently enter the detection area 32 of the device 30, which would then 202400759

[0066] 12 recognizes a predetermined gesture and initiates the opening or closing process of the vehicle flap 12.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 7, it is shown that by providing the cover element 114 (see also Figs. 3 to 5) the detection area 112 can be adjusted in such a way that a passing pedestrian 200 does not or with only a low probability accidentally enters the detection area 112, thereby at least partially reducing the risk of unintentional activation of the device 100.

Claims

202400759 13 Patent claims 1. Device (100) for recognizing a predetermined gesture of an operator of a vehicle (10) to trigger an opening or closing process of a vehicle flap (12) of the vehicle (10), wherein the device (100) comprises: a sensor unit (110) configured to emit an electromagnetic signal and to receive an emitted electromagnetic signal reflected in the vicinity of the vehicle (10), wherein the sensor unit (110) is further configured to emit the electromagnetic signal in such a way that a signal area (111) is formed in which the predetermined gesture of the operator of the vehicle (10) is recognizable; a cover element (120) arranged at a predetermined distance (114) from the sensor unit (110), which is at least partially opaque to the electromagnetic signal of the sensor unit (110) and has at least one opening (122, 123).through which a detection area (112) extends at least partially, wherein the predetermined distance (114) and / or the at least one opening (122, 123) are configured to form a predetermined detection area (112) of the signal area (111) extending on a side of the cover element (120) opposite the sensor unit (110).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (110) has at least one transmitting device (116) for transmitting the electromagnetic signal (112) and at least one receiving device (118) for receiving the reflected electromagnetic signal (113).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the cover element (120) has at least a first opening (122) through which the electromagnetic signal (112) of the transmitting device (116) is emitted, and at least a second opening (123) through which the reflected electromagnetic signal (113) is received by the receiving device (118). 202400759 14 4. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (110) has at least one transmitting and receiving device configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal (112) as well as to receive the reflected electromagnetic signal (113).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection area (112) is substantially ellipsoidal and has a predetermined opening angle.

6. Device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined opening angle is in the range between approximately 50° and approximately 160°.

7. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined distance (114) is in the range between approximately 5 mm and approximately 70 mm.

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (120) is essentially plate-shaped.

9. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one opening (122) is substantially circular and has a diameter (124) which is in the range between approximately 5 mm and approximately 50 mm.

10. Device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic signal is a radar signal having a predetermined radar wavelength between approximately 2.4 GHz and approximately 300 GHz.

11. Vehicle flap device for a vehicle, with: 202400759 15 a vehicle flap (12) movably arranged on the vehicle (10), which forms at least a section of the outer skin of the vehicle (10) and has at least one flap opening (13), and a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (120) is attached to the vehicle flap (12) in such a way that the electromagnetic signal can pass through the flap opening (13).

12. Vehicle flap device according to claim 11, further comprising: a decorative element (14) which is attached to the vehicle flap (12) on one side opposite the device (100) and is permeable to the electromagnetic signal (112) of the sensor unit (110).

13. Vehicle flap device according to claim 12, wherein the decorative element (14) is a vehicle emblem.

14. Vehicle (10) with a vehicle flap device according to one of claims 11 to 13.

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