DE102009032444A1 - Method for avoiding collision during opening of door of vehicle i.e. passenger car, involves monitoring surrounding field of vehicle, and generating warning signal when collision danger of opened vehicle door exists with objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves monitoring a surrounding field of a vehicle (F) by a sensor arrangement (2) that is arranged at the vehicle, and determining a distance to objects (O1, O2). A warning signal is generated when a collision danger of an opened vehicle door (T) exists with the objects, where the warning signal is generated as acoustic, optical and/or haptic warning signals. A passenger is detected on a vehicle seat by seat occupancy detection, where the seat is attached at the door of the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for a device for avoiding collision when opening a door of a vehicle.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for avoiding a collision when opening at least one vehicle door after the Features of the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus to avoid a collision when opening at least one vehicle door according to the features of the preamble of claim 9.

From the prior art, as in the DE 10 2007 049 256 A1 described a multi-functional sensor system for the detection of precipitation and environmental detection in vehicles. The sensor system for detecting particles, in particular dirt particles or water droplets on a vehicle window, comprises an optical sensor. The sensor is based on light transit time measurement and receives from a transmitting element emitted and at least partially reflected light signals, wherein the transmitting element and the sensor are arranged and aligned on or in the region of a tailgate of the vehicle on the outside of the vehicle such that particles on the tailgate by detecting a to the Particles backscattered fraction can be detected by means of the sensor emitted by the transmitting element light signals. The invention also relates to a use of a sensor system and a method for detecting particles, in particular dirt particles or water droplets on a vehicle window, wherein light signals are emitted by a transmission element, reflected light signals from a sensor based on light transit time measurement, on or in the region of a tailgate of the vehicle is arranged outside of the vehicle, are received and wherein particles are detected on the tailgate by means of a detected by the sensor, backscattered portion of the light emitted from the transmitting element light signals.

In the DE 10 2006 002 232 A1 a start warning is described with a collision detector in a commercial vehicle. In a method for collision monitoring for a non-visible by the driver of a commercial vehicle area before and / or laterally of the cab with the aid of this area detecting ultrasonic sensors determine at a standstill vehicle, the ultrasonic sensors given in the area actual state. As a result, the area is measured by the ultrasonic sensors over a defined period of time and the distance to the at least one object already present at the time of the standstill is determined. The actual state is determined anew at each standstill of the vehicle and stored as a reference state in a control unit. When reducing at least one distance from the stored reference state, a pre-signal to the driver is triggered and another signal occurs when at least one distance is less than at a derivable from the pedal position and / or the state of the drive train and / or the state of the braking device Anfahrwunsch in the saved reference state.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an improved method and an improved collision avoidance device specify when opening at least one vehicle door.

The The object is achieved by a method to avoid a collision when opening at least one Vehicle door with the features of claim 1 solved. With regard to the device for avoiding a collision when opening at least a vehicle door is the task by the in the claim 9 specified characteristics solved.

preferred Embodiments and developments of the invention are in the dependent Claims specified.

In a method for avoiding a collision when opening at least one vehicle door of a halted at a standstill Vehicle with at least one object in an environment of the vehicle is According to the invention, the environment of the halted Vehicle monitored by means of a sensor arrangement arranged on the vehicle and determines a distance to the at least one object, wherein at least a warning signal is generated when a risk of collision at least an opening vehicle door with the at least an object exists.

When Vehicle in the sense of the invention are both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, like pickup trucks and trucks understood. As a vehicle door For the purposes of the invention, both vehicle doors are used to and exit of persons as well as vehicle doors to the and unloading the vehicle understood, for example, a tailgate or a cargo door of a commercial vehicle, in particular also partially or fully automatically movable vehicle doors.

By means of the solution according to the invention and its embodiments, objects in the surroundings of the vehicle can be detected and their distance, in particular using a sensor arrangement already present in the vehicle for driver assistance systems, such as radar, lidar, ultrasound, infrasound sensors or cameras for a parking assistance system are determined to the vehicle, wherein in a collision hazard with at least one vehicle door, a warning signal is generated. This is particularly important in partially or fully automatically movable vehicle doors, for example, in an opening by means of a drive tailgate of great importance, in which such Movement is automatically interrupted in the event of a detected risk of collision.

additionally can also be warned of objects that are the vehicle approach and fall below a given distance, for example, approaching other vehicles.

On This way are by the solution according to the invention and their embodiments damages the Vehicle doors and objects in the vicinity of the vehicle and in particular a risk of getting out of the vehicle People avoidable by passing other vehicles. In particular no additional sensor is required is the invention Solution cost-effective.

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

there demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a vehicle and two objects, and

2 a block diagram of a device for preventing a collision when opening at least one vehicle door.

each other corresponding parts are in all figures with the same reference numerals Mistake.

1 shows for clarification of a method and a device 1 to avoid a collision when opening at least one vehicle door T is a schematic representation of a vehicle F, a first object O1 next to the vehicle F and a second object O2, which approaches the vehicle F. 2 shows a block diagram of the device 1 , The vehicle F in in 1 illustrated embodiment is a car. In addition, commercial vehicles such as vans and trucks are also to be understood as vehicle F in the sense of the invention.

Im in 1 1, the first object O1 is positioned next to the vehicle F such that the vehicle door T, for which there is a danger of collision with the first object O1, is a driver's door of the vehicle F. The second object O2 approaches the vehicle F in such a way that there is a risk of collision at least when the vehicle doors T are opened on a left-hand side of the vehicle.

The method and the device 1 However, are not limited to these vehicle doors T, but also applicable to the other vehicle doors T of the vehicle F, wherein as a vehicle door T in the meaning of the invention both vehicle doors T for entry and exit of people and vehicle doors T for loading and unloading of the vehicle F, for example, a tailgate of the vehicle F or a load compartment door of a commercial vehicle, in particular partially or fully automatically movable vehicle doors T, for example, a tailgate opening and closing by means of a drive.

The device 1 to avoid a collision when opening at least one vehicle door T points, as in 1 and 2 illustrated, for monitoring an environment of the vehicle F, a sensor arrangement 2 on, which in the embodiment shown here sensors 2.1 includes, which are arranged laterally and in a rear area of the vehicle F. In other, not shown embodiments, the sensor arrangement 2 additional sensors 2.1 at other positions on the vehicle F, for example in a front area or especially in a truck in a door entry area directly below the vehicle doors T.

The sensors 2.1 the sensor arrangement 2 For example, ultrasound, infrasound, radar, lidar sensors and / or cameras. Some or all sensors 2.1 the sensor arrangement 2 can already installed in the vehicle F sensors 2.1 for driver assistance systems, for example for a parking assistance system. As a result, the method and the device 1 feasible in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Furthermore, the device comprises 1 , as in 2 shown, a control unit 3 for the evaluation of sensor data of the sensor arrangement 2 and for generating at least one warning signal W1, W2 and at least one warning means 4 to output the warning signal W1, W2. The warning signal W1, W2 may be, for example, an audible, visual and / or haptic warning signal W1, W2.

In a further embodiment, as in 2 shown, the device 1 additionally a vehicle door opening recognition 5 and / or a seat occupancy recognition 6 on.

In the method for avoiding a collision when opening at least one vehicle door T of the stationary vehicle F with at least one object O1, O2 in the environment of the vehicle F, the environment of the stationary vehicle F is at least in the area of the vehicle doors T by means of the sensor arrangement 2 supervised. In the example shown here, this is done by means of the side of the vehicle F arranged sensors 2.1 for monitoring the area around the side doors of the vehicle T and by means of arranged in the rear of the vehicle F sensors 2.1 for monitoring the area around the vehicle door T designed as a tailgate

By evaluation of the sensor data in the control unit 3 In the example shown here, the first object O1 is detected in the region of the vehicle door T, ie the driver's door, and a distance to this first object O1 is determined. Furthermore, the approaching second object O2 is detected and likewise its distance is determined continuously. If the first object O1, as shown here, is located in a swiveling range of the vehicle door T, so that when the vehicle door T is opened there is a danger of collision of the vehicle door T with the first object O1, a first warning signal W1 is generated.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, a second warning signal W2 is generated, which is preferably significantly stronger than the first warning signal W1 when the second object O2 falls below a predetermined minimum distance to the vehicle F. In this case, for example, a minimum distance may be fixed or in the control unit 3 a map is stored in which different approach speeds are assigned different minimum distances. In this way, when the second object O2 approaches the vehicle F at a very high speed, the second warning signal W2 is already generated at a very large distance of the second object O2 from the vehicle F, so that even then a sufficient level of vehicle occupant still exists Reaction time is available.

By the different strength of the warning signals W1, W2 is For vehicle occupants immediately recognizable, which kind of collision danger consists. Furthermore, this ensures that In particular, the second warning signal W2 is strictly observed because from an approaching second object O2, for example from an approaching other vehicle, one clearly greater danger, in particular a risk of injury to from the vehicle F descending persons consists.

The warning signals W1, W2 are on at least one warning means 4 output in acoustic, optical and / or haptic form, for example as a warning sound, as a flashing light or as a vibration alarm in a door handle, wherein the second warning signal W2 is generated for example as a louder warning tone and / or differently colored flashing light than the first warning signal W1, for example as red flashing light.

The warning signals W1, W2 are preferably generated in such a way that it can be recognized on which vehicle door T the risk of collision exists, for example by means of warning means 4 , which are arranged on each vehicle door T, wherein the warning signal W1, W2 only on the vehicle door T associated warning means 4 is output for which the risk of collision exists.

This can take place, for example, in the form of the flashing light on the respective vehicle door T and / or as a vibration alarm on the respective door handle. Alternatively or additionally, for example, an opening mechanism of the corresponding vehicle door T are blocked, at least for a predetermined period of time or until the risk of collision no longer exists. Furthermore, for example, an opening angle of the respective vehicle door T can be limited such that the vehicle door T can only be opened to the extent that a collision with the object O1, O2 is ruled out. This is particularly due to highly accurate sensor data of the sensor array 2 allows, so that a position of the object O1, O2 with respect to the vehicle F is sufficiently accurately determined.

to Limiting the opening angle can be made from the State of the art known mechanisms and methods are applied. In this way, for example, in a partially or fully automatic moving vehicle door T, for example, the tailgate the vehicle F, including their movement in a detected object O1, O2 are interrupted in the swivel range. In this way Damage to the vehicle door T and the Object O1, O2 and in particular prevents an injury when the object O1, O2 is a human.

Another warning device 4 for the output of the warning signal W1, W2 is for example a central display instrument in a dashboard of the vehicle F, for example, a display unit of a navigation system of the vehicle F, on which the warning signals W1, W2 in general optical form or the respective vehicle door T are assigned. In this case, for example, for visual clarification, the second warning signal W2 can take the form of a red warning message on the display unit and an additional strong warning gate, whereas the first warning signal W1 is output in a clearly attenuated form.

In order to avoid unnecessary warning signals W1, W2 and resulting irritations to vehicle occupants, in a preferred embodiment for vehicle doors T, which are used for entry and exit of persons, by means of seat occupancy recognition 6 first determined whether a vehicle door T assigned to the vehicle seat is occupied by a vehicle occupant, so that only then the respective warning signal W1, W2 is generated when for a vehicle door T a Kol danger of lysis, whose assigned vehicle seat is occupied.

Of Furthermore, the respective warning signal W1, W2 is preferred only then generated when the opening of the vehicle door T, for which the risk of collision exists is initiated. This is for example due to capacitive sensors in the door handle or by sensors which actuate the door handle register, recordable. In this way, the respective warning signal W1, W2 only generates when it is actually required so that unnecessary and irritating warning signals W1, W2 be avoided.

By the method and the device are damage to the Vehicle doors T and objects O1, O2 in the area of the vehicle F and in particular a risk of off the vehicle F people descending by passing others Vehicles F avoidable. In particular, no additional Sensor technology is required, the inventive Solution cost-effective.

1

contraption

2

sensor arrangement

2.1

sensors

3

control unit

4

warning means

5

Vehicle door opening detection

6

Seat occupancy recognition

F

vehicle

T

vehicle door

O1, O2

objects

W1, W2

Warning signals

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102007049256 A1 [0002]
• DE 102006002232 A1 [0003]

Claims (13)

Method for avoiding a collision when opening at least one vehicle door (T) of a stationary vehicle (F) with at least one object (O1, O2) in an environment of the vehicle (F), characterized in that the environment of the vehicle at standstill (F) by means of a sensor arrangement arranged on the vehicle (F) ( 2 ) is monitored and a distance to the at least one object (O1, O2) is determined, wherein at least one warning signal (W1, W2) is generated when a risk of collision of at least one opening vehicle door (T) with the at least one object (O1, O2) exists. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor arrangement ( 2 ) monitors the environment of the vehicle (F) at least in an area of at least one vehicle door (T) of the vehicle (F). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the at least one warning signal (W1, W2) as an acoustic, optical and / or haptic warning signal (W1, W2) is generated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one warning signal (W1, W2) is only generated if for the at least one vehicle door (T), for which there is a risk of collision, by means of a seat occupancy detection ( 6 ) a vehicle occupant on one of the vehicle door (T) associated vehicle seat in the vehicle (F) is detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning signal (W1, W2) is generated only when the opening of at least a vehicle door (T) is initiated, for which there is a risk of collision. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning signal (W1, W2) is generated such that it can be seen on which vehicle door (T) of the vehicle (F) there is a risk of collision. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first warning signal (W1) generated when the at least one object (O1) is an object (O1) which in a swivel range of at least one vehicle door (T) of the vehicle (F) is located. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second warning signal (W2) generated if the at least one object (O2) is a moving and is the vehicle (F) approaching object (O2), which falls below a predetermined distance to the vehicle (F). Contraption ( 1 ) for avoiding a collision when opening at least one vehicle door (T) of a stationary vehicle (F) with at least one object (O1, O2) in an environment of the vehicle (F), comprising a sensor arrangement ( 2 ) for monitoring the environment of the stationary vehicle (F) and for determining a distance to the at least one object (O1, O2), a control unit ( 3 ) for the evaluation of sensor data of the sensor arrangement ( 2 ) and for generating at least one warning signal (W1, W2) in the event of a risk of collision of at least one opening vehicle door (T) with the at least one object (O1, O2) and at least one warning means ( 4 ) for outputting the at least one warning signal (W1, W2). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor arrangement ( 2 ) at least one sensor ( 2.1 ) which is arranged in an area of at least one vehicle door (T) of the vehicle (F). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the sensor arrangement ( 2 ) comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor, infrasonic sensor, radar sensor, lidar sensor and / or at least one camera. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, comprising a vehicle door opening recognition ( 5 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a seat occupancy recognition ( 6 ).