EP0918309B1 - Locking system for motor vehicles detecting approach of the user - Google Patents

Locking system for motor vehicles detecting approach of the user Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0918309B1
EP0918309B1 EP98402881A EP98402881A EP0918309B1 EP 0918309 B1 EP0918309 B1 EP 0918309B1 EP 98402881 A EP98402881 A EP 98402881A EP 98402881 A EP98402881 A EP 98402881A EP 0918309 B1 EP0918309 B1 EP 0918309B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
capacitance
user
vehicle
dipole
value
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98402881A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0918309A1 (en
EP0918309B2 (en
Inventor
Vincent Portet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=9513707&utm_source=***_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0918309(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS filed Critical Valeo Securite Habitacle SAS
Publication of EP0918309A1 publication Critical patent/EP0918309A1/en
Publication of EP0918309B1 publication Critical patent/EP0918309B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0918309B2 publication Critical patent/EP0918309B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/26—Electrical actuation by proximity of an intruder causing variation in capacitance or inductance of a circuit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00658—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by passive electrical keys
    • G07C9/00714—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by passive electrical keys with passive electrical components, e.g. resistor, capacitor, inductor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped a user approach detection system.
  • Such detection systems are already used in some motor vehicles to automatically trigger the unlocking a door lock or authorization door opening, as soon as the user approaches, without the user need to use a key or remote control.
  • a system generally called “hands-free access system", which system is to enable a remote exchange of information between an identifier on the vehicle and an identifier carried by the user.
  • the lock will be unlocked, allowing the user to open the door by simple pull on the door pallet.
  • the identifier and the identifier must be able to be activated at any time because approaching the vehicle by the user is unpredictable. Therefore, it has already been proposed to use a approach detection system or pallet entry by the user, to activate the vehicle identifier only when the user prepares to open the door.
  • EP-A-0735219 describes a system for detecting the approach of the user in order to wake up the device on-board interrogation, using an antenna connected to a Doppler type, volumetric, or infrared sensor.
  • Document DE n ° 196 17 038 describes a motor vehicle comprising a first electrode integrated into a handle of a door, a second electrode on the door surface, a capacitive sensor integrated in the door handle, the capacitive detector being connected by an electrical connection to centralized control unit, voltage from opposite poles being applied to both electrodes and, to produce a field electric, between the handle and the door, the insertion of the user's hand between the two electrodes modifying the electric field, this modification being measured by the capacitive detector which can thus trigger the interrogation in view of user identification.
  • a field change electric generated between two electrodes and insert the hand between the two electrodes, which delays detection.
  • the invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and to offer a motor vehicle equipped with a new system approach detection of a user, allowing a detection, which is anticipated compared to that of a contactor of pallet and whose cost price is lower than that of a optical or ultrasonic detector, without the need for connection by connectors or electrical harness additional with the pallet.
  • the invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a user approach detection system, as defined in claim 1.
  • This capacity variation detection could be processed by an electronic module, for example, previously integrated in the lock of a vehicle door, to control various functions, such as unlocking a lock doors, as well as the transfer of state information from one lock to the other locks.
  • the aforementioned surface is part of an opening pallet of a vehicle opening, for example, a door, a fuel door, a trunk, said pallet being connected to a door lock by a mechanical connection which is electrically conductive and isolated from the mass of the vehicle to serve as an electrical connection between - said surface and the aforementioned generator.
  • the dipole aforementioned is formed, on the one hand, by the mass of the vehicle and, on the other hand, by the whole of said surface and of the connection mechanical, which can be constituted, for example, by a cable sheathed or a control rod actuating an opening lever of the door lock.
  • the detector is arranged to activate a identifier on the vehicle, which identifier, first, checks, when activated, if the user is wearing a authorized identifier and, secondly, if the verification shows that the identifier is recognized as correct, ordered at least a function of the vehicle, for example unlocking a sash lock.
  • the device has a system to perform automatic recalibration of the aforementioned threshold value. For example, when the value of detected capacity remains stably higher than the threshold value Cs for a predetermined period, for example of the order of 30 s, the minimum capacity value Cmin takes then this new capacity value detected. Conversely, when the detected capacity value remains lower, by stably, at the minimum capacity value Cmin during a predetermined duration, for example, of the order of 2 s, Cmin takes then this new capacity value detected.
  • the maximum capacity value Cmax is also modified to keep the report constant Cmax / Cmin.
  • the device has a system for performing a series of basic capacity detections, each corresponding to different generated frequencies, said capacitance values elementaries detected in the same series then being averaged, by possibly discarding the discordant values, said mean value then being compared to the threshold value predetermined Cs to activate, if necessary, the identifier. If all the generated frequencies of the same series result in discordant elementary detections, the system is arranged not to activate the identifier, in order to maintain the security of conviction.
  • the detector is arranged to detect the imaginary part only of admittance dipole for a fixed frequency delivered by an oscillator stable serving as a high frequency wave generator, in order to make detection insensitive to the presence of liquid more or less conductive, for example, salt water in contact with the palette. In this case, we can even consider correct operation of the immersion system total of the pallet.
  • an inductor can be provided in parallel with the equivalent impedance of the dipole and determined to eliminate from the detected capacity value, the value of the residual capacity of the dipole in the absence of the user.
  • the metal surface can be covered with an insulating overmold to protect it from attack External.
  • the stable frequency generator can be obtained from a signal linked to the clock of a microcontroller or from the microcontroller itself, this microcontroller can be part of a electronic module integrated into the lock.
  • a door 1 of motor vehicle which includes a detector 2, a identifier 3 and a lock 4.
  • Detector 2 is intended to detect the approach of a user 5 of the door 1, as indicated by arrow 6.
  • the detector 2 will send a signal by a line 7 to the identifier 3 to activate it.
  • identifier 3 When identifier 3 is activated, it exchange of information signals with a worn identifier by user 5, as represented by the two arrows at opposite directions 8, 9.
  • the identifier 3 recognizes user id 5 as correct, it sends a control signal via line 10 to lock 4 for cause, its unlocking.
  • Detector 2 will have been arranged to way to detect the approach of user 5 sufficiently early to allow unlocking of lock 4 before that user 5 does not operate this same lock 4 by a pallet to open the door 1, according to an indicated action by arrow 11.
  • pallet 12 has a metal surface portion 15 which is electrically connected to detector 2 via the cable 13 and lever 14 which are electrically conductive and isolated from the mass of the vehicle.
  • the surface portion 15 can also be covered with an overmolding for the protect from external aggressions.
  • the set of the pallet 12 can constitute said metallic surface.
  • this surface 15 is supplied with current by a high-frequency wave generator 16, which generator 16 may already be present in an electronic module M integrated into the lock 4.
  • a high-frequency wave generator 16 which generator 16 may already be present in an electronic module M integrated into the lock 4.
  • the torque formed by, on the one hand, the vehicle V which is grounded, and on the other hand, the whole of the surface 15 and of the cable 13, defines a radiating dipole whose equivalent impedance Z 1 is shown in Figure 3.
  • This impedance Z 1 is generally constant and consists of a low capacity C 1 resulting from the residual capacity of the cable 13 and a parallel conductance g 1 , the value of which represents the resistive leaks between l 'assembly (pallet-cable-lock) and the mass of the vehicle, this conductance may vary depending on untimely leaks to the mass, for example, in the presence of water in the door.
  • the dipole admittance value should be minimized to limit the radiation effect around the vehicle. In other words, this dipole is determined so that it behaves like an antenna which is not tuned and undersized with respect to the wavelength emitted by the generator 16.
  • the dipole also comprises in parallel a variable capacitor C which is defined between the aforementioned surface 15 and the hand of the user 5.
  • This variable capacitance C increases as the hand approaches the surface 15.
  • the capacity becoming infinite, the capacitor C disappears and the user then acts as a radiating strand of antenna, which has the effect of lengthening the antenna and transmitting more high waves -frequency.
  • an insulating overmolding is provided on the surface 15, there can never be direct contact between the surface 15 and the hand of the user 5.
  • the aforementioned dipole further comprises, in series with the capacitor C, an impedance Z 2 equivalent to the user / mass couple, this impedance Z 2 being generally low compared to C and consisting of a capacitor C 2 in parallel with a conductance g 2 .
  • FIG. 4 represents an electronic circuit for measuring the imaginary part alone of the admittance of the dipole. Measuring the imaginary part of the admittance alone has the advantage of only detecting the capacitive part of the dipole and eliminating the value of the resistance of the dipole, which resistance can vary in the presence of liquid more or less conductor and therefore may distort the measurement to be made.
  • the frequency used is constant, we can model the radiating dipole by the simplified equivalent electrical diagram referenced Z.
  • the equivalent impedance Z of the dipole has a conductance g equivalent to all of the conductances g 1 and g 2 and, in parallel, a variable capacity C ′ equivalent to the set of capacities C 1 , C 2 and C in FIG. 3.
  • the voltage U (t) is also applied to the positive input of a comparator A 0 whose negative input is at the mean value of the signal, therefore at a zero value, thanks to the capacitor 25, which connects said negative input to ground, a resistor 26 being, moreover, disposed between the two inputs of comparator A 0 .
  • This comparator A 0 makes it possible to detect the zero crossings of the voltage U (t) and emits a slot at each of these passages.
  • a monostable flip-flop T detects the rising or falling edges of the output signal from A 0 as appropriate, and generates pulses sent to a capture circuit Cp. These pulses control an electronic switch I which receives the output signal U 2 (t) from the operational amplifier A 1 .
  • U (t O ) 0.
  • C ' is the capacity of the equivalent capacitor
  • U the peak amplitude of U (t) and f 0 the frequency of U (t)
  • the current value i (to) is independent of the conductance g.
  • circuit of Figure 4 The advantage of the circuit of Figure 4 is that it can be used in conjunction with the microcontroller present in the electronic module integrated into the door lock, in simply using a current acquisition interface.
  • a high frequency signal can be generated outside and superimpose the measurement signals detected for different reasons, for example, by effect antenna, parasitic capacitive coupling, induction, etc. may result in amplitude and phase beats on the measured current, as well as random errors on the current measurements, for high frequency disturbances modulated by the generator.
  • the measures performed are not sensitive to untimely phenomena so-called "high frequency envelope detection" present in non-modulated disturbances because here the measurement does not hold has continuous components.
  • n an integer predetermined, each detection corresponding to a frequency different fi, with i between 0 and n. From these n measurements, we will take the average value, having, beforehand, discarded all measures with too much discrepancy important vis-à-vis other measures. Then this value mean will be compared to the threshold capacity value Cs for whether or not to activate the vehicle identifier.
  • the threshold capacity value Cs is acquired during assembly of the system on the vehicle, by self-learning the capacity values minimum Cmin and maximum Cmax which correspond respectively to a state of non-approach and maximum approach to the surface 15 by the user.
  • the value of the coefficient ⁇ is taken, preferably, less than 1 because the capacitance capacity curve as a function of the distance between the surface and the hand is of the exponential type. Therefore, in order to have a detection of the approach of the hand when it is still far enough away from the pallet, to allow a unlocking the lock before the user completes the pallet actuating stroke, it is best to weight more the value of the minimum capacity Cmin than that of the maximum capacity Cmax. For example, the threshold capacity value Cs will be determined so that it corresponds to a distance about 10 cm between the hand and the palette.
  • Cmin will be equal to C 1 and Cmax will be at most equal to C 2 + C 1 .
  • an additional inductance L can be used in parallel with the impedance Z of the dipole (see FIG. 5) to eliminate the detection of C 1 .
  • recalibration automatic Cs can be kept operational, to prevent the detection system could be blocked for a long time in a state leading to permanent activation of the identifier, this which could cause the vehicle battery to discharge.
  • the detected capacity may increase in consequence and trigger the activation of the identifier. from we can then foresee that, if the detected capacity value remains superior stably for a specified period at the threshold value Cs, the minimum capacity value Cmin is replaced by this new value, to shift as much the value of the threshold capacity Cs and thus deactivate the identifier.
  • the detected capacity value becomes lower again at Cmin, and after a predetermined period of time, the system is arranged to replace Cmin with this new detected value when it remains stable during this period. So, the minimum capacity value Cmin returns to its value of usual reference after a fixed period.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un véhicule automobile équipé d'un système de détection de l'approche d'un utilisateur.The present invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped a user approach detection system.

De tels systèmes de détection sont déjà utilisés dans certains véhicules automobiles pour déclencher automatiquement la décondamnation d'une serrure de portière ou une autorisation d'ouverture de portière, dès l'approche de l'utilisateur, sans que celui-ci ait besoin d'utiliser une clé ou une télécommande. Pour effectuer ce déverrouillage automatique avant ouverture de la portière, on utilise un système généralement appelé "système d'accès mains libres", lequel système consiste à activer un échange à distance d'informations entre un identificateur sur le véhicule et un identifiant porté par l'utilisateur. Lorsque l'identifiant aura été reconnu correct par l'identificateur, la serrure sera décondamnée, permettant ainsi à l'utilisateur d'ouvrir la portière par simple traction sur la palette de portière.Such detection systems are already used in some motor vehicles to automatically trigger the unlocking a door lock or authorization door opening, as soon as the user approaches, without the user need to use a key or remote control. To do this automatic unlocking before opening the door, a system generally called "hands-free access system", which system is to enable a remote exchange of information between an identifier on the vehicle and an identifier carried by the user. When the identifier has been recognized as correct by the identifier, the lock will be unlocked, allowing the user to open the door by simple pull on the door pallet.

Toutefois, il n'est pas envisageable de laisser constamment activé l'identifiant et/ou l'identificateur car leur consommation électrique est trop importante. D'autre part, l'identifiant et l'identificateur doivent pouvoir être activés à tous moments car l'approche du véhicule par l'utilisateur est imprévisible. Dès lors, on a déjà proposé d'utiliser un système de détection d'approche ou de saisie de la palette par l'utilisateur, pour activer l'identificateur du véhicule uniquement lorsque l'utilisateur se prépare à ouvrir la portière.However, it is not possible to leave it constantly activated the identifier and / or the identifier because their electrical consumption is too important. On the other hand, the identifier and the identifier must be able to be activated at any time because approaching the vehicle by the user is unpredictable. Therefore, it has already been proposed to use a approach detection system or pallet entry by the user, to activate the vehicle identifier only when the user prepares to open the door.

On a ainsi proposé d'équiper les palettes de portières d'un contacteur électrique pour détecter le début de la course d'actionnement de la palette pour l'ouverture de la portière. Toutefois, cette solution a comme inconvénient d'effectuer une détection trop tardive de l'approche de l'utilisateur, car le temps nécessaire pour que l'identificateur reconnaisse correctement l'identifiant de l'utilisateur et commande la décondamnation de la serrure est généralement bien supérieur à la durée nécessaire pour que l'utilisateur termine la course d'actionnement de la palette. En d'autres termes, la portière n'est généralement pas encore décondamnée lorsque l'utilisateur a terminé la course d'actionnement de la palette et il est parfois nécessaire qu'il actionne plusieurs fois la palette avant d'obtenir l'ouverture de la portière.It has thus been proposed to equip the door pallets with a electrical switch to detect the start of the actuation stroke of the pallet for opening the door. However, this solution has as a disadvantage of carrying out a too late detection of user approach because the time it takes for the identifier correctly recognizes the user identifier and commands unlocking the lock is generally fine greater than the time required for the user to complete the race actuation of the pallet. In other words, the door is not generally not yet unlocked when the user has finished the pallet actuation stroke and it is sometimes necessary that it operate the paddle several times before obtaining the opening of the door.

On sait également utiliser des systèmes de détection optique ou à ultra-sons, mais leur coût est généralement trop élevé.We also know how to use optical detection systems or ultrasonic, but their cost is usually too high.

Le document EP-A-0735219 décrit un système pour détecter l'approche de l'utilisateur afin de mettre en éveil le dispositif d'interrogation embarqué, utilisant une antenne raccordée à un capteur d'éveil de type Doppler, volumétrique, ou à infra-rouge.EP-A-0735219 describes a system for detecting the approach of the user in order to wake up the device on-board interrogation, using an antenna connected to a Doppler type, volumetric, or infrared sensor.

Le document DE n° 196 17 038 décrit un véhicule automobile comportant une première électrode intégrée à une poignée d'une portière, une deuxième électrode sur la surface de la portière, un détecteur capacitif intégré dans la poignée de portière, le détecteur capacitif étant relié par une liaison électrique à l'unité de commande centralisée, une tension de pôles opposés étant appliquée aux deux électrodes et, pour produire un champ électrique, entre la poignée et la portière, l'insertion de la main de l'utilisateur entre les deux électrodes modifiant le champ électrique, cette modification étant mesurée par le détecteur capacitif qui peut ainsi déclencher l'interrogation en vue de l'identification de l'utilisateur. Toutefois, un tel système nécessite de détecter une modification du champ électrique engendré entre deux électrodes, et d'insérer la main entre les deux électrodes, ce qui retarde la détection.Document DE n ° 196 17 038 describes a motor vehicle comprising a first electrode integrated into a handle of a door, a second electrode on the door surface, a capacitive sensor integrated in the door handle, the capacitive detector being connected by an electrical connection to centralized control unit, voltage from opposite poles being applied to both electrodes and, to produce a field electric, between the handle and the door, the insertion of the user's hand between the two electrodes modifying the electric field, this modification being measured by the capacitive detector which can thus trigger the interrogation in view of user identification. However, such system needs to detect a field change electric generated between two electrodes, and insert the hand between the two electrodes, which delays detection.

En outre, toutes les solutions actuellement connues nécessitent des raccordements électriques supplémentaires entre la palette et un autre élément de la portière.In addition, all currently known solutions require additional electrical connections between the pallet and another element of the door.

L'invention a pour but d'éliminer les inconvénients précités et de proposer un véhicule automobile équipé d'un nouveau système de détection d'approche d'un utilisateur, permettant une détection, qui est anticipée par rapport à celle d'un contacteur de palette et dont le prix de revient est inférieur à celui d'un détecteur optique ou à ultra-sons, sans nécessiter de raccordement par connectique ou faisceau électrique supplémentaire avec la palette.The invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and to offer a motor vehicle equipped with a new system approach detection of a user, allowing a detection, which is anticipated compared to that of a contactor of pallet and whose cost price is lower than that of a optical or ultrasonic detector, without the need for connection by connectors or electrical harness additional with the pallet.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un véhicule automobile équipé d'un système de détection de l'approche d'un utilisateur, tel que défini dans la revendication 1. To this end, the invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a user approach detection system, as defined in claim 1.

Cette détection de variation de capacité pourrait être traitée par un module électronique, par exemple, préalablement intégré dans la serrure d'une portière de véhicule, pour commander diverses fonctions, telles que la décondamnation de serrure de portières, ainsi que le transfert de l'information sur l'état d'une serrure aux autres serrures.This capacity variation detection could be processed by an electronic module, for example, previously integrated in the lock of a vehicle door, to control various functions, such as unlocking a lock doors, as well as the transfer of state information from one lock to the other locks.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la surface précitée fait partie d'une palette d'ouverture d'un ouvrant de véhicule, par exemple, une portière, une trappe à essence, un coffre, ladite palette étant reliée à une serrure d'ouvrant par une liaison mécanique qui est électriquement conductrice et isolée de la masse du véhicule pour servir de connexion électrique entre - ladite surface et le générateur précité. Dans ce cas, le dipôle précité est formé, d'une part, par la masse du véhicule et, d'autre part, par l'ensemble de ladite surface et de la liaison mécanique, qui peut être constituée, par exemple, par un câble gainé ou une tringle de commande actionnant un levier d'ouverture de la serrure de l'ouvrant.In a particular embodiment, the aforementioned surface is part of an opening pallet of a vehicle opening, for example, a door, a fuel door, a trunk, said pallet being connected to a door lock by a mechanical connection which is electrically conductive and isolated from the mass of the vehicle to serve as an electrical connection between - said surface and the aforementioned generator. In this case, the dipole aforementioned is formed, on the one hand, by the mass of the vehicle and, on the other hand, by the whole of said surface and of the connection mechanical, which can be constituted, for example, by a cable sheathed or a control rod actuating an opening lever of the door lock.

Avantageusement, le détecteur est agencé pour activer un identificateur sur le véhicule, lequel identificateur, en premier lieu, vérifie, lorsqu'il est activé, si l'utilisateur porte un identifiant autorisé et, en second lieu, si la vérification montre que l'identifiant est reconnu correct, commandé au moins une fonction du véhicule, par exemple la décondamnation d'une serrure d'ouvrant. Advantageously, the detector is arranged to activate a identifier on the vehicle, which identifier, first, checks, when activated, if the user is wearing a authorized identifier and, secondly, if the verification shows that the identifier is recognized as correct, ordered at least a function of the vehicle, for example unlocking a sash lock.

La valeur de seuil Cs est avantageusement obtenue par la formule suivante : Cs = Cmin + a Cmax1+ a a étant un coefficient sans dimension compris entre 0 et 1.The threshold value Cs is advantageously obtained by the following formula: Cs = Cmin + a Cmax 1+ a a being a dimensionless coefficient between 0 and 1.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, le dispositif comporte un système pour effectuer un recalibrage automatique de la valeur de seuil précitée. Par exemple, lorsque la valeur de capacité détectée reste supérieure, de manière stable, à la valeur de seuil Cs pendant une durée prédéterminée, par exemple de l'ordre de 30 s, la valeur de capacité minimale Cmin prend alors cette nouvelle valeur de capacité détectée. Inversement, lorsque la valeur de capacité détectée reste inférieure, de manière stable, à la valeur de capacité minimale Cmin pendant une durée prédéterminée, par exemple, de l'ordre de 2 s, Cmin prend alors cette nouvelle valeur de capacité détectée. Dans le cas du recalibrage automatique, lorsque la valeur de capacité minimale Cmin est modifiée, la valeur de capacité maximale Cmax est également modifiée de façon à conserver constant le rapport Cmax/Cmin.In a particular embodiment, the device has a system to perform automatic recalibration of the aforementioned threshold value. For example, when the value of detected capacity remains stably higher than the threshold value Cs for a predetermined period, for example of the order of 30 s, the minimum capacity value Cmin takes then this new capacity value detected. Conversely, when the detected capacity value remains lower, by stably, at the minimum capacity value Cmin during a predetermined duration, for example, of the order of 2 s, Cmin takes then this new capacity value detected. In the case of automatic recalibration, when the minimum capacity value Cmin is modified, the maximum capacity value Cmax is also modified to keep the report constant Cmax / Cmin.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le dispositif comporte un système pour effectuer une série de détections élémentaires de capacité, correspondant chacune à des fréquences générées différentes, lesdites valeurs de capacité élémentaires détectées d'une même série étant ensuite moyennées, en écartant éventuellement les valeurs discordantes, ladite valeur moyenne étant alors comparée à la valeur de seuil prédéterminée Cs pour activer, le cas échéant, l'identificateur. Si toutes les fréquences générées d'une même série résultent en des détections élémentaires discordantes, le système est agencé pour ne pas activer l'identificateur, afin de maintenir la sécurité de condamnation.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the device has a system for performing a series of basic capacity detections, each corresponding to different generated frequencies, said capacitance values elementaries detected in the same series then being averaged, by possibly discarding the discordant values, said mean value then being compared to the threshold value predetermined Cs to activate, if necessary, the identifier. If all the generated frequencies of the same series result in discordant elementary detections, the system is arranged not to activate the identifier, in order to maintain the security of conviction.

Dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, le détecteur est agencé pour détecter la partie imaginaire seule de l'admittance du dipôle pour une fréquence fixe délivrée par un oscillateur stable servant de générateur d'ondes haute fréquence, afin de rendre la détection insensible à la présence de liquide plus ou moins conducteur, par exemple, de l'eau salée en contact avec la palette. Dans ce cas, on peut même envisager un fonctionnement correct du système en immersion totale de la palette.In an advantageous embodiment, the detector is arranged to detect the imaginary part only of admittance dipole for a fixed frequency delivered by an oscillator stable serving as a high frequency wave generator, in order to make detection insensitive to the presence of liquid more or less conductive, for example, salt water in contact with the palette. In this case, we can even consider correct operation of the immersion system total of the pallet.

Avantageusement, une inductance peut être prévue en parallèle à l'impédance équivalente du dipôle et déterminée pour éliminer de la valeur de capacité détectée, la valeur de la capacité résiduelle du dipôle en l'absence de l'utilisateur.Advantageously, an inductor can be provided in parallel with the equivalent impedance of the dipole and determined to eliminate from the detected capacity value, the value of the residual capacity of the dipole in the absence of the user.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique, la surface métallique peut être recouverte d'un surmoulage isolant pour la protéger des agressions externes.According to yet another characteristic, the metal surface can be covered with an insulating overmold to protect it from attack External.

Bien entendu, on pourrait également en variante mesurer la capacité du dipôle suivant d'autres méthodes : par exemple, par insertion du condensateur dans un circuit oscillateur dont la fréquence est mesurée, par mesure de la réponse impulsionnelle du condensateur à une émission d'impulsions haute fréquence, ou par mesure du module de l'admittance du condensateur pour une fréquence fixe délivrée par un oscillateur stable.Of course, we could also alternatively measure the capacity of the dipole according to other methods: for example, by insertion of the capacitor in an oscillator circuit whose frequency is measured, by measuring the impulse response of the capacitor to a high frequency pulse emission, or by measurement of the module of the capacitor admittance for a fixed frequency delivered by a stable oscillator.

Le générateur de fréquence stable pourra être obtenu à partir d'un signal lié à l'horloge d'un micro-contrôleur ou à partir du micro-contrôleur lui-même, ce micro-contrôleur pouvant faire partie d'un module électronique intégré à la serrure.The stable frequency generator can be obtained from a signal linked to the clock of a microcontroller or from the microcontroller itself, this microcontroller can be part of a electronic module integrated into the lock.

Pour mieux faire comprendre l'objet de l'invention, on va en décrire maintenant à titre d'exemple purement illustratif et non limitatif, un mode de réalisation représenté sur le dessin annexé.To better understand the object of the invention, we will now describe as a purely illustrative example and not limiting, an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing.

Sur ce dessin :

  • la figure 1 est un schéma synoptique fonctionnel d'un véhicule automobile selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique d'une portière d'un véhicule selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est un schéma électrique de principe du système de détection d'un véhicule selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est un schéma électrique illustrant de manière plus détaillée le système de détection d'un véhicule selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 représente le schéma électrique simplifié d'une variante de la figure 3.
On this drawing :
  • Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a motor vehicle according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a door of a vehicle according to the invention;
  • Figure 3 is an electrical block diagram of the detection system of a vehicle according to the invention;
  • Figure 4 is an electrical diagram illustrating in more detail the detection system of a vehicle according to the invention;
  • FIG. 5 represents the simplified electric diagram of a variant of FIG. 3.

Suivant l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur le dessin, on a indiqué, par des traits interrompus sur la figure 1, une portière 1 de véhicule automobile qui comporte un détecteur 2, un identificateur 3 et une serrure 4. Le détecteur 2 est destiné à détecter l'approche d'un utilisateur 5 de la portière 1, comme indiqué par la flèche 6. Lorsque l'utilisateur 5 aura été détecté suffisamment proche de la portière 1, le détecteur 2 émettra un signal par une ligne 7 vers l'identificateur 3 pour l'activer. Lorsque l'identificateur 3 est activé, il échange des signaux d'information avec un identifiant porté par l'utilisateur 5, comme représenté par les deux flèches à sens opposés 8, 9. Dès que l'identificateur 3 reconnaít l'identifiant de l'utilisateur 5 comme correct, il envoie un signal de commande par la ligne 10 vers la serrure 4 pour provoquer, sa décondamnation. Le détecteur 2 aura été agencé de façon à détecter l'approche de l'utilisateur 5 suffisamment tôt pour permettre une décondamnation de la serrure 4 avant que l'utilisateur 5 n'actionne cette même serrure 4 par une palette pour ouvrir la portière 1, selon une action indiquée par la flèche 11.According to the embodiment shown in the drawing, we have indicated, by broken lines in Figure 1, a door 1 of motor vehicle which includes a detector 2, a identifier 3 and a lock 4. Detector 2 is intended to detect the approach of a user 5 of the door 1, as indicated by arrow 6. When user 5 has has been detected close enough to door 1, the detector 2 will send a signal by a line 7 to the identifier 3 to activate it. When identifier 3 is activated, it exchange of information signals with a worn identifier by user 5, as represented by the two arrows at opposite directions 8, 9. As soon as the identifier 3 recognizes user id 5 as correct, it sends a control signal via line 10 to lock 4 for cause, its unlocking. Detector 2 will have been arranged to way to detect the approach of user 5 sufficiently early to allow unlocking of lock 4 before that user 5 does not operate this same lock 4 by a pallet to open the door 1, according to an indicated action by arrow 11.

Toutefois, au cas où la décondamnation n'aura pas été terminée au moment où l'utilisateur termine de soulever la palette, on peut prévoir d'utiliser, en outre, une serrure rendant inutile une double action sur la poignée de porte, par exemple la serrure décrite dans la demande de brevet français n° FR2767348. Dans ce cas, l'ouverture de la porte se fera en même temps que sa décondamnation.However, in the event that the unlocking has not been finished by the time the user finishes lifting the pallet, we can plan to use, in addition, a lock eliminating the need for a double action on the door handle, by example the lock described in the French patent application n ° FR2767348. In this case, the door will be opened by at the same time as his unlocking.

Pour ouvrir la portière 1, l'utilisateur 5 doit saisir une palette d'ouverture de portière 12 et exercer un effort de traction sur celle-ci pour provoquer l'ouverture de la serrure 4, par l'intermédiaire d'un câble gainé 13 ou d'une tringle de commande reliant la palette 12 à un levier d'ouverture 14 lié à la serrure 4. Comme visible sur la figure 2, la palette 12 comporte une portion de surface métallique 15, qui est électriquement reliée au détecteur 2 par l'intermédiaire du câble 13 et du levier 14 qui sont électriquement conducteurs et isolés de la masse du véhicule. La portion de surface 15 peut être également recouverte d'un surmoulage pour la protéger des agressions externes. En variante, l'ensemble de la palette 12 peut constituer ladite surface métallique. En utilisant la liaison mécanique 13 entre la palette 12 et le module de détection 2, on évite une connectique supplémentaire dans la portière.To open door 1, user 5 must enter a door opening pallet 12 and exert an effort of pull on it to open the lock 4, via a sheathed cable 13 or a rod control connecting the pallet 12 to a linked opening lever 14 to lock 4. As shown in Figure 2, pallet 12 has a metal surface portion 15 which is electrically connected to detector 2 via the cable 13 and lever 14 which are electrically conductive and isolated from the mass of the vehicle. The surface portion 15 can also be covered with an overmolding for the protect from external aggressions. Alternatively, the set of the pallet 12 can constitute said metallic surface. In using the mechanical connection 13 between the pallet 12 and the detection module 2, an additional connection is avoided in the door.

En se référant maintenant à la figure 3, on voit que cette surface 15 est alimentée en courant par un générateur d'ondes haute fréquence 16, lequel générateur 16 peut être déjà présent dans un module électronique M intégré à la serrure 4. Dans ces conditions, le couple formé par, d'une part, le véhicule V qui est mis à la masse, et d'autre part, l'ensemble de la surface 15 et du câble 13, définit un dipôle rayonnant dont l'impédance équivalente Z1 est représentée sur la figure 3. Cette impédance Z1 est généralement constante et constituée d'une faible capacité C1 résultant de la capacité résiduelle du câble 13 et d'une conductance en parallèle g1, dont la valeur représente les fuites résistives entre l'ensemble (palette-câble-serrure) et la masse du véhicule, cette conductance pouvant varier en fonction des fuites intempestives à la masse, par exemple, en présence d'eau dans la portière. La valeur de l'admittance du dipôle doit être minimisée pour limiter l'effet de rayonnement autour du véhicule. En d'autres termes, ce dipôle est déterminé de façon qu'il se comporte comme une antenne non accordée et sous-dimensionnée par rapport à la longueur d'onde émise par le générateur 16. Le dipôle comporte, en outre, en parallèle un condensateur C à capacité variable qui est défini entre la surface 15 précitée et la main de l'utilisateur 5. Cette capacité variable C augmente au fur et à mesure que la main s'approche de la surface 15. Lorsque la main de l'utilisateur vient au contact avec la surface 15, la capacité devenant infinie, le condensateur C disparaít et l'utilisateur agit alors comme un brin rayonnant d'antenne, ce qui a pour effet d'allonger l'antenne et de transmettre davantage d'ondes haute-fréquence. En revanche, si un surmoulage isolant est prévu sur la surface 15, il ne pourra jamais y avoir contact direct entre la surface 15 et la main de l'utilisateur 5. Le dipôle précité comporte, en outre, en série avec le condensateur C, une impédance Z2 équivalente au couple utilisateur/masse, cette impédance Z2 étant généralement faible par rapport à C et constituée d'un condensateur C2 en parallèle à une conductance g2.Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that this surface 15 is supplied with current by a high-frequency wave generator 16, which generator 16 may already be present in an electronic module M integrated into the lock 4. Under these conditions , the torque formed by, on the one hand, the vehicle V which is grounded, and on the other hand, the whole of the surface 15 and of the cable 13, defines a radiating dipole whose equivalent impedance Z 1 is shown in Figure 3. This impedance Z 1 is generally constant and consists of a low capacity C 1 resulting from the residual capacity of the cable 13 and a parallel conductance g 1 , the value of which represents the resistive leaks between l 'assembly (pallet-cable-lock) and the mass of the vehicle, this conductance may vary depending on untimely leaks to the mass, for example, in the presence of water in the door. The dipole admittance value should be minimized to limit the radiation effect around the vehicle. In other words, this dipole is determined so that it behaves like an antenna which is not tuned and undersized with respect to the wavelength emitted by the generator 16. The dipole also comprises in parallel a variable capacitor C which is defined between the aforementioned surface 15 and the hand of the user 5. This variable capacitance C increases as the hand approaches the surface 15. When the hand of the user comes into contact with the surface 15, the capacity becoming infinite, the capacitor C disappears and the user then acts as a radiating strand of antenna, which has the effect of lengthening the antenna and transmitting more high waves -frequency. On the other hand, if an insulating overmolding is provided on the surface 15, there can never be direct contact between the surface 15 and the hand of the user 5. The aforementioned dipole further comprises, in series with the capacitor C, an impedance Z 2 equivalent to the user / mass couple, this impedance Z 2 being generally low compared to C and consisting of a capacitor C 2 in parallel with a conductance g 2 .

On va maintenant se référer à la figure 4, qui représente un circuit électronique pour mesurer la partie imaginaire seule de l'admittance du dipôle. Le fait de mesurer la partie imaginaire seule de l'admittance présente l'avantage de ne détecter que la partie capacitive du dipôle et de s'affranchir de la valeur de la résistance du dipôle, laquelle résistance peut varier en présence de liquide plus ou moins conducteur et donc peut fausser la mesure à effectuer. Comme la fréquence utilisée est constante, on peut modéliser le dipôle rayonnant par le schéma électrique équivalent simplifié référencé Z. Sur la figure 4, on voit que l'impédance Z équivalente du dipôle, comporte une conductance g équivalente à l'ensemble des conductances g1 et g2 et, en parallèle, une capacité variable C' équivalente à l'ensemble des capacités C1, C2 et C de la figure 3.We will now refer to FIG. 4, which represents an electronic circuit for measuring the imaginary part alone of the admittance of the dipole. Measuring the imaginary part of the admittance alone has the advantage of only detecting the capacitive part of the dipole and eliminating the value of the resistance of the dipole, which resistance can vary in the presence of liquid more or less conductor and therefore may distort the measurement to be made. As the frequency used is constant, we can model the radiating dipole by the simplified equivalent electrical diagram referenced Z. In FIG. 4, we see that the equivalent impedance Z of the dipole, has a conductance g equivalent to all of the conductances g 1 and g 2 and, in parallel, a variable capacity C ′ equivalent to the set of capacities C 1 , C 2 and C in FIG. 3.

Le générateur 16 est un oscillateur stable délivrant un signal sinusoïdal de tension U(t), avec U(t) = Ucos(2πf0.t). Ce signal de tension engendre dans le dipôle Z un courant, qui est converti en une tension U2(t) par un amplificateur A1 branché aux bornes d'une résistance Rm, Rm étant reliée d'une part, au générateur 16 et d'autre part, au dipôle Z.The generator 16 is a stable oscillator delivering a sinusoidal signal of voltage U (t), with U (t) = Ucos (2πf 0 .t). This voltage signal generates in the dipole Z a current, which is converted into a voltage U 2 (t) by an amplifier A1 connected to the terminals of a resistor R m , R m being connected on the one hand, to the generator 16 and on the other hand, at dipole Z.

La tension U(t) est également appliquée à l'entrée positive d'un comparateur A0 dont l'entrée négative est à la valeur moyenne du signal, donc à une valeur nulle, grâce au condensateur 25, qui relie ladite entrée négative à la masse, une résistance 26 étant, en outre, disposée entre les deux entrées du comparateur A0. Ce comparateur A0 permet de détecter les passages à zéro de la tension U(t) et émet un créneau à chacun de ces passages. Une bascule monostable T détecte les fronts montants ou descendants du signal de sortie de A0 selon le cas, et génère des impulsions envoyées sur un circuit de capture Cp. Ces impulsions commandent un interrupteur électronique I qui reçoit le signal de sortie U2(t) de l'amplificateur opérationnel A1. On effectue ainsi par échantillonnage/blocage une capture de la tension U2(t) et on obtient une tension qui procure par l'intermédiaire d'un amplificateur opérationnel A2, une sortie exploitable US qui permet d'obtenir la valeur capturée instantanée du courant i(to) à l'instant tO tel que U(tO) = 0. On a i(to) = 2.π.fo.C'.U, où C' est la capacité du condensateur équivalent, U l'amplitude de crête de U(t) et f0 la fréquence de U(t) ; la valeur de courant i(to) est bien indépendante de la conductance g.The voltage U (t) is also applied to the positive input of a comparator A 0 whose negative input is at the mean value of the signal, therefore at a zero value, thanks to the capacitor 25, which connects said negative input to ground, a resistor 26 being, moreover, disposed between the two inputs of comparator A 0 . This comparator A 0 makes it possible to detect the zero crossings of the voltage U (t) and emits a slot at each of these passages. A monostable flip-flop T detects the rising or falling edges of the output signal from A 0 as appropriate, and generates pulses sent to a capture circuit Cp. These pulses control an electronic switch I which receives the output signal U 2 (t) from the operational amplifier A 1 . A capture of the voltage U 2 (t) is thus carried out by sampling / blocking and a voltage is obtained which provides, via an operational amplifier A 2 , an exploitable output U S which makes it possible to obtain the instantaneous captured value of current i (to) at time t O such that U (t O ) = 0. We have (to) = 2.π.fo.C'.U, where C 'is the capacity of the equivalent capacitor, U the peak amplitude of U (t) and f 0 the frequency of U (t); the current value i (to) is independent of the conductance g.

Le circuit électronique de la figure 4 et son fonctionnement pour obtenir la partie imaginaire seule de l'admittance du dipôle Z ne sera pas décrit ici plus en détail et on se référera, à cet effet, à la demande de brevet français n° FR2768508 au nom de la demanderesse.The electronic circuit of Figure 4 and its operation for get the imaginary part only of the admittance of the dipole Z will not not described here in more detail and we will refer, for this purpose, to French patent application No. FR2768508 in the name of the Applicant.

En variante, au lieu de capturer la valeur instantanée du courant au passage par 0 du signal de tension, on pourrait mesurer le déphasage entre la tension et le courant ainsi que l'amplitude du courant, pour obtenir la valeur de la capacité désirée indépendamment de la résistance, bien que, dans ce cas, une unité de calcul soit nécessaire.Alternatively, instead of capturing the instantaneous value of the current when the voltage signal passes through 0, we could measure the phase shift between voltage and current as well as the amplitude of the current, to obtain the value of the capacity desired regardless of resistance, although in this case, a calculation unit is necessary.

L'intérêt du circuit de la figure 4 est qu'il peut être utilisé conjointement au micro-contrôleur présent dans le module électronique intégré à la serrure de portière, en utilisant simplement une interface d'acquisition du courant.The advantage of the circuit of Figure 4 is that it can be used in conjunction with the microcontroller present in the electronic module integrated into the door lock, in simply using a current acquisition interface.

Par ailleurs, un signal haute fréquence peut être engendré à l'extérieur et venir se superposer aux signaux de mesure détectés pour différentes raisons, par exemple, par effet d'antenne, couplage capacitif parasite, induction, etc... Il peut en résulter des battements d'amplitude et de phase sur le courant mesuré, ainsi que des erreurs aléatoires sur les mesures de courant, pour les perturbations haute fréquence modulées par le générateur. Bien entendu, les mesures effectuées ne sont pas sensibles aux phénomènes intempestifs dits de "détection d'enveloppe haute fréquence" présents dans les perturbations non- modulées car ici la mesure ne tient pas compte des composantes continues.In addition, a high frequency signal can be generated outside and superimpose the measurement signals detected for different reasons, for example, by effect antenna, parasitic capacitive coupling, induction, etc. may result in amplitude and phase beats on the measured current, as well as random errors on the current measurements, for high frequency disturbances modulated by the generator. Of course, the measures performed are not sensitive to untimely phenomena so-called "high frequency envelope detection" present in non-modulated disturbances because here the measurement does not hold has continuous components.

Pour s'affranchir des erreurs de mesure provoquées par une perturbation de type champ rayonné, on peut effectuer une série de n détections élémentaires, n étant un nombre entier prédéterminé, chaque détection correspondant à une fréquence différente fi, avec i compris entre 0 et n. A partir de ces n mesures, on prendra la valeur moyenne, en ayant, au préalable, écarté toutes mesures présentant une discordance trop importante vis-à-vis des autres mesures. Puis cette valeur moyenne sera comparée à la valeur de capacité de seuil Cs pour l'activation ou non de l'identificateur du véhicule.To avoid measurement errors caused by a radiated field type disturbance, we can perform a series of n elementary detections, n being an integer predetermined, each detection corresponding to a frequency different fi, with i between 0 and n. From these n measurements, we will take the average value, having, beforehand, discarded all measures with too much discrepancy important vis-à-vis other measures. Then this value mean will be compared to the threshold capacity value Cs for whether or not to activate the vehicle identifier.

Si la totalité des fréquences résulte en des détections discordantes, dans le cas d'une perturbation extrême et à très large spectre ou d'une détérioration d'une partie du système, une valeur moyenne ne pourra pas être obtenue, de façon fiable, et le système sera agencé pour se placer "par défaut" dans un état maintenant la condamnation de la serrure.If all frequencies result in detections discordant, in the case of an extreme disturbance and with very broad spectrum or a deterioration of part of the system, an average value cannot be obtained, reliably, and the system will arranged to be placed "by default" in a state now the locking the lock.

La valeur de capacité de seuil Cs est acquise lors du montage du système sur le véhicule, par auto-apprentissage des valeurs de capacité minimale Cmin et maximale Cmax qui correspondent respectivement à un état de non-approche et d'approche maximale de la surface 15 par l'utilisateur.The threshold capacity value Cs is acquired during assembly of the system on the vehicle, by self-learning the capacity values minimum Cmin and maximum Cmax which correspond respectively to a state of non-approach and maximum approach to the surface 15 by the user.

La valeur de seuil Cs sera obtenue par la formule suivante : Cs = Cmin + α Cmax1 + α    avec 0 | α | 1 The threshold value Cs will be obtained by the following formula: Cs = Cmin + α Cmax 1 + α with 0 | α | 1

La valeur du coefficient α est prise, de préférence, inférieure à 1 car la courbe de capacité du condensateur en fonction de la distance entre la surface et la main est de type exponentiel. Dès lors, afin d'avoir une détection de l'approche de la main lorsque celle-ci est encore suffisamment distante de la palette, pour permettre une décondamnation de la serrure avant que l'utilisateur n'ait terminé la course d'actionnement de la palette, il est préférable de pondérer davantage la valeur de la capacité minimale Cmin que celle de la capacité maximale Cmax. Par exemple, la valeur de capacité de seuil Cs sera déterminée de façon qu'elle corresponde à une distance d'environ 10 cm entre la main et la palette.The value of the coefficient α is taken, preferably, less than 1 because the capacitance capacity curve as a function of the distance between the surface and the hand is of the exponential type. Therefore, in order to have a detection of the approach of the hand when it is still far enough away from the pallet, to allow a unlocking the lock before the user completes the pallet actuating stroke, it is best to weight more the value of the minimum capacity Cmin than that of the maximum capacity Cmax. For example, the threshold capacity value Cs will be determined so that it corresponds to a distance about 10 cm between the hand and the palette.

Dans le cas de la figure 3, Cmin sera égale à C1 et Cmax sera au plus égale à C2 + C1. Toutefois, si la valeur de C1 est trop élevée par rapport à C2 pour obtenir une détection fiable de la variation de capacité, on peut utiliser une inductance supplémentaire L en parallèle à l'impédance Z du dipôle (voir figure 5) pour éliminer la détection de C1. Par exemple, on choisit L.C1. (2 π fo)2 équivalent à 1 pour éliminer C1 de la valeur détectée par le module M et C' devient alors fonction uniquement de C et C2, C' variant entre 0 et C2.In the case of Figure 3, Cmin will be equal to C 1 and Cmax will be at most equal to C 2 + C 1 . However, if the value of C 1 is too high compared to C 2 to obtain a reliable detection of the variation in capacitance, an additional inductance L can be used in parallel with the impedance Z of the dipole (see FIG. 5) to eliminate the detection of C 1 . For example, we choose LC 1 . (2 π fo) 2 equivalent to 1 to eliminate C 1 from the value detected by the module M and C 'then becomes a function only of C and C 2 , C' varying between 0 and C 2 .

Tout au long de la durée de vie du système, le recalibrage automatique de Cs peut être maintenu opérationnel, pour éviter que le système de détection puisse se retrouver bloqué de manière prolongé dans un état conduisant à l'activation permanente de l'identificateur, ce qui pourrait provoquer une décharge de la batterie du véhicule. Par exemple, si le véhicule est stationné suffisamment près d'un mur ou d'un poteau, la capacité détectée peut augmenter en conséquence et provoquer l'activation de l'identificateur. Dès lors, on peut prévoir que, si la valeur de capacité détectée reste supérieure de façon stable pendant une durée déterminée à la valeur de seuil Cs, la valeur de capacité minimale Cmin est remplacée par cette nouvelle valeur, pour décaler d'autant la valeur de la capacité de seuil Cs et ainsi, désactiver l'identificateur. Puis, lorsque cette perturbation est supprimée, la valeur de capacité détectée redevient inférieure à Cmin, et au bout d'une durée prédéterminée, le système est agencé pour remplacer Cmin par cette nouvelle valeur détectée lorsque celle-ci reste stable au cours de cette durée. Ainsi, la valeur de capacité minimale Cmin revient à sa valeur de référence habituelle après une durée déterminée.Throughout the life of the system, recalibration automatic Cs can be kept operational, to prevent the detection system could be blocked for a long time in a state leading to permanent activation of the identifier, this which could cause the vehicle battery to discharge. Through example, if the vehicle is parked close enough to a wall or of a pole, the detected capacity may increase in consequence and trigger the activation of the identifier. from we can then foresee that, if the detected capacity value remains superior stably for a specified period at the threshold value Cs, the minimum capacity value Cmin is replaced by this new value, to shift as much the value of the threshold capacity Cs and thus deactivate the identifier. Then, when this disturbance is deleted, the detected capacity value becomes lower again at Cmin, and after a predetermined period of time, the system is arranged to replace Cmin with this new detected value when it remains stable during this period. So, the minimum capacity value Cmin returns to its value of usual reference after a fixed period.

Il est également préférable de modifier en conséquence la valeur de capacité maximale Cmax, de façon à conserver le même rapport Cmax/Cmin.It is also preferable to modify the maximum capacity value Cmax, so as to keep the same Cmax / Cmin ratio.

Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec un mode de réalisation particulier, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons, si celles-ci entrent dans l'étendue de l'invention définie par les revendications.Although the invention has been described in connection with a particular embodiment, it is obvious that it is in no way limited to it and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations, if these fall within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims (11)

  1. Motor vehicle (V) equipped with a system for detecting the approach of a user (5), comprising :
    a metallic surface (15) which is isolated from the chassis of the vehicle (V) and is connected to a high-frequency wave generator (16), so that the pair formed by the chassis of the vehicle and the said surface define a radiating dipole with high impedance (Z1) behaving as an untuned antenna which is underdimensioned relative to the wavelength, and
    a capacitance-variation detector (2) which is connected to the said surface (15) and is intended to detect the variation in the capacitance of the dipole ;
    characterized in that the said dipole having a capacitance which varies as a function of the capacitance of the capacitor (C) formed by the hand/surface (15) pair whose capacitance increases when the user's hand approaches the said surface, the detector (2) is designed to activate an identifier (3) on the vehicle when it detects a capacitance greater than a predetermined threshold value Cs lying between a predetermined minimum capacitance value Cmin of the dipole, corresponding to its residual capacitance in the user's absence, and a predetermined maximum capacitance value Cmax of the dipole, corresponding to its capacitance when the hand of a user (5) is in contact with the said surface (15).
  2. Vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned surface (15) forms part of an opening handle (12) of an opening vehicle panel (1), the said handle being connected to an opening-panel lock (4) by a mechanical link (13) which is electrically conductive and isolated from the chassis of the vehicle in order to serve as an electrical connection between the said surface and the generator (16).
  3. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the said identifier, firstly, checks when it is activated whether the user (5) is carrying authorized identification and, secondly, if the check shows that the identification is recognized as correct, actuates at least one function of the vehicle.
  4. Vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the threshold value Cs is obtained by the following formula: Cs = Cmin + a Cmax1+a a being a dimensionless coefficient lying between 0 and 1.
  5. Vehicle according to Claim 4, characterized in that it includes a system for automatically recalibrating the threshold value Cs when the detected capacitance value remains stably greater than this threshold value Cs for a predetermined period of time, the minimum capacitance value Cmin then assuming this new detected capacitance value:
  6. Vehicle according to one of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that it includes a system for automatically recalibrating the threshold value Cs when the detected capacitance value remains stably less than the minimum capacitance value Cmin for a predetermined period of time, the minimum capacitance value Cmin then assuming this new detected capacitance value.
  7. Vehicle according to one of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that it includes a system for modifying the maximum capacitance value Cmax so as to keep the ratio Cmax/Cmin constant when the minimum capacitance value Cmin is modified by automatic recalibration.
  8. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a system for performing a series of elementary capacitance detections, each corresponding to different generated frequencies, the said detected elementary capacitance values in a given series then being averaged, optionally discarding the spurious values, the said average value then being compared with the predetermined threshold value Cs in order to activate the identifier (3) if appropriate.
  9. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector (2) is designed to detect only the imaginary part of the admittance of the dipole for a fixed frequency delivered by a stable oscillator serving as a high-frequency wave generator (16).
  10. Vehicle according to Claim 9, characterized in that it includes an inductor (L), in parallel with the equivalent impedance (Z) of the dipole, designed to eliminate from the detected capacitance value the residual capacitance (Ci) of the dipole in the user's absence.
  11. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metallic surface (15) is covered with an insulator moulded over it.
EP98402881A 1997-11-24 1998-11-20 Locking system for motor vehicles detecting approach of the user Expired - Lifetime EP0918309B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9714718 1997-11-24
FR9714718A FR2771534B1 (en) 1997-11-24 1997-11-24 MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE APPROACH OF A USER

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0918309A1 EP0918309A1 (en) 1999-05-26
EP0918309B1 true EP0918309B1 (en) 2004-04-07
EP0918309B2 EP0918309B2 (en) 2008-12-10

Family

ID=9513707

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98402881A Expired - Lifetime EP0918309B2 (en) 1997-11-24 1998-11-20 Locking system for motor vehicles detecting approach of the user

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US6081185A (en)
EP (1) EP0918309B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69822970T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2771534B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2799490B1 (en) 1999-10-11 2002-05-31 Valeo Systemes Dessuyage MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A USER PRESENCE DETECTION SYSTEM
FR2807462B1 (en) * 2000-04-06 2003-06-20 Valeo Electronique SYSTEM FOR UNLOCKING OR OPENING A VEHICLE OPENING DEVICE (S), PARTICULARLY A MOTOR VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR A TRUNK OPENING SYSTEM
FR2809132B1 (en) 2000-05-18 2003-09-26 Valeo Electronique MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A USER PRESENCE DETECTION SYSTEM
FR2809759B1 (en) * 2000-06-02 2003-06-20 Eaton Corp AUTOMATED LOCKING DEVICE FOR ACCESS TO A MOTOR VEHICLE
FR2809885B1 (en) * 2000-06-02 2003-01-17 Eaton Corp SWITCHING DEVICE OPERATING BY CONTACT OF A HUMAN BODY
DE10108354B4 (en) * 2001-02-21 2021-01-14 Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg Keyless actuation and / or locking device
US20030216817A1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2003-11-20 Richard Pudney Vehicle access system with sensor
DE102004024387B3 (en) * 2004-05-17 2006-02-02 Siemens Ag Method for preventing false triggering of a passive entry system in the automotive sector
WO2007048639A1 (en) * 2005-10-28 2007-05-03 Ident Technology Ag Method and circuit for detecting the presence, position and/or approach of an object in relation to at least one electrode device
DE102008036240A1 (en) * 2008-08-02 2010-02-04 Dr.Ing.H.C.F.Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Capacitive object i.e. creature body part, detecting arrangement for use in observation region, in cabriolet, has electrically conductive connections between metallic element and metal part of vehicle body in idle position of roof segment
CN104675270B (en) 2009-07-17 2017-05-03 霍弗·霍斯贝克及弗斯特两合公司 Sensor Device And Modular Unit Therefor
US8400209B2 (en) * 2010-10-22 2013-03-19 Atmel Corporation Proximity detection
DE102011103406B4 (en) * 2011-06-06 2015-03-26 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hallstadt Adjustment device for a vehicle
FR2981026A1 (en) * 2011-10-11 2013-04-12 Johnson Contr Automotive Elect REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCKING AND / OR AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKING AT LEAST ONE OPENING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND / OR STARTING AN ENGINE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE USING A REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
EP2683084B1 (en) 2012-07-06 2015-11-18 abatec group AG HGV anti-theft device incorporating a cord
TWI551048B (en) * 2015-07-31 2016-09-21 國立雲林科技大學 Linear triangular wave generator with stray effect compensation and associated method for compensating stray effect
DE102016203521A1 (en) 2016-03-03 2017-09-07 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Method and system for authenticating a user and a motor vehicle
DE102016009825A1 (en) * 2016-08-15 2018-02-15 BROSE SCHLIEßSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG Functional arrangement for mounting in a motor vehicle door
US10821937B1 (en) 2020-01-24 2020-11-03 Ford Global Technologies, Llc. Active approach detection with macro capacitive sensing

Family Cites Families (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1870181A (en) † 1926-04-23 1932-08-02 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Protective system
US2708746A (en) * 1952-03-19 1955-05-17 Joseph D Shaw Approach signal system with selfadjusting control
US3333160A (en) † 1964-02-24 1967-07-25 Water Economy And Res Company Proximity responsive system
US3276005A (en) * 1964-05-05 1966-09-27 Mosler Res Products Inc Capacity intruder alarm having capacitive a.c. coupling and d.c. bias coupling in parallel between a detector and amplifier
US3314081A (en) † 1964-05-22 1967-04-18 Tung Sol Electric Inc Capacity operated automatic flushing system
GB1058000A (en) † 1964-10-29 1967-02-08 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co An automatic water supply control system
JPS4838489B1 (en) † 1967-10-25 1973-11-17
JPS606280B2 (en) * 1977-03-24 1985-02-16 三菱電機株式会社 proximity detection device
DE3111684A1 (en) † 1981-03-25 1982-10-14 FHN-Verbindungstechnik GmbH, 8501 Eckental "ELECTRONIC CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR THE DRIVE MOTOR OF A LOWERABLE CAR WINDOW"
DE3417338C2 (en) † 1984-05-10 1993-10-07 Friedrich Lenk Device for checking the filling status of electrically non-conductive containers
US4796013A (en) * 1985-10-18 1989-01-03 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Capacitive occupancy detector apparatus
US4831279A (en) † 1986-09-29 1989-05-16 Nartron Corporation Capacity responsive control circuit
SE8700442D0 (en) * 1987-02-05 1987-02-05 Tore Hesthamar DETECTION WITH ELECTRICAL FIELD OF SPACE CHANGE IN SPACE CONFIGURATION
US5081406A (en) † 1990-06-26 1992-01-14 Saf-T-Margin, Inc. Proximity responsive capacitance sensitive method, system, and associated electrical circuitry for use in controlling mechanical and electro-mechanical equipment
US5394292A (en) * 1991-04-30 1995-02-28 Tsuden Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic car bumper
DE4226053C2 (en) * 1991-08-09 1994-12-01 Alps Electric Co Ltd Remote control device for a motor vehicle locking system
US5604384A (en) * 1993-02-08 1997-02-18 Winner International Royalty Corporation Anti-theft device for motor vehicle
DE4409167C1 (en) * 1994-03-17 1995-06-29 Siemens Ag Remote-controlled centralised locking system for automobile
US5973611A (en) * 1995-03-27 1999-10-26 Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc. Hands-free remote entry system
FR2732798B1 (en) * 1995-04-06 1997-06-06 Rcdc Radio Concept Dev & Commu AUTONOMOUS ACCESS CONTROL DEVICE
JPH0946205A (en) * 1995-05-25 1997-02-14 Omron Corp Object detection device and human body sensor
US5730165A (en) † 1995-12-26 1998-03-24 Philipp; Harald Time domain capacitive field detector
US5682032A (en) † 1996-02-22 1997-10-28 Philipp; Harald Capacitively coupled identity verification and escort memory apparatus
DE19617038C2 (en) * 1996-04-27 2000-11-30 Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst Gmbh Locking system, in particular for motor vehicles
FR2750155B1 (en) * 1996-06-25 1998-09-04 Valeo Securite Habitacle DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE OPENING OF A LOCK OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OPENING ELEMENT
FR2753739B1 (en) * 1996-09-20 1998-10-23 CONTROL HANDLE FOR OPENING A LOCK OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OPENING ELEMENT
FR2799490B1 (en) † 1999-10-11 2002-05-31 Valeo Systemes Dessuyage MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A USER PRESENCE DETECTION SYSTEM

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69822970T3 (en) 2009-08-13
DE69822970D1 (en) 2004-05-13
DE69822970T2 (en) 2005-04-14
FR2771534A1 (en) 1999-05-28
FR2771534B1 (en) 2000-06-09
US6081185A (en) 2000-06-27
EP0918309A1 (en) 1999-05-26
EP0918309B2 (en) 2008-12-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0918309B1 (en) Locking system for motor vehicles detecting approach of the user
EP1001117B1 (en) System for ensuring the security of a bidirectional data transmission for the access to an enclosed space, in particular for the access to a vehicle
EP2652719B1 (en) Electronic communication module for locking/unlocking a movable panel of a motor vehicle, associated control central processing unit, and hands-free access system
EP1160400B1 (en) Switching device operating by contact of human body
WO2013079642A1 (en) Sensor for triggering an action on a door of a motor vehicle
WO2013091821A1 (en) Capacitance variation measurement device with low power consumption and associated method
EP0955431B1 (en) Security system for an opening of a motor vehicle
WO2015091950A2 (en) Presence sensor for an openable body section of a motor vehicle
WO2018154211A1 (en) Detection of the presence of a human hand on an openable panel of a vehicle
EP0058095A1 (en) Device for determining the time of arrival of pulses, for use in distance measuring equipment
FR2809132A1 (en) Automotive vehicle mounted system for detecting the approach/departure of a vehicle driver and automatically unlocking/locking the door of the vehicle
CH690936A5 (en) Ultrasonic detection device, in particular for an automatically controlled windshield cleaning system.
FR2834344A1 (en) Hands-free keyless entry badge detecting method for use inside vehicle, has four antennas within vehicle which transmit at low frequency but high amplitude and badges which signal identity and amplitude size received
EP1000420B1 (en) Device for detecting a human body
EP0649110B1 (en) Device with spectral purity for exchanging at a distance information between a portable object and a station
EP1495541B1 (en) Method for interpretation of a radio-electrical command
WO2020048764A1 (en) Device and method for detecting intention to lock or unlock a motor vehicle opening element
EP0521742A1 (en) Electronic delay measuring device
FR2799490A1 (en) Keyless car door opening hand presence detector involves hand brushing against external door handle detection zone and detector central command unit signals sending
FR3063097A1 (en) METHOD FOR DETERMINING PARASITE CONTACTS ON AN APPROACH DETECTION SENSOR AND / OR CONTACT SENSOR AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE SAME
WO2023021114A1 (en) Approach detection device
FR2768508A1 (en) Detecting bolt position on vehicle door
WO2023020850A1 (en) Device for detecting an approach
EP1280170B1 (en) Switch with inductive coupling
FR3141528A1 (en) MOTION DETECTION DEVICE

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19990826

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE ES GB IT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030108

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7E 05B 49/00 B

Ipc: 7G 07C 9/00 B

Ipc: 7G 08B 13/26 A

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE S.A.S.

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20040407

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040407

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69822970

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040513

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040718

GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20040407

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

PLAQ Examination of admissibility of opposition: information related to despatch of communication + time limit deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDOPE2

PLAR Examination of admissibility of opposition: information related to receipt of reply deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDOPE4

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: HUF HUELSBECK & FUERST GMBH. & CO. KG.

Effective date: 20050107

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: HUF HUELSBECK & FUERST GMBH. & CO. KG.

Effective date: 20050107

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

PLAY Examination report in opposition despatched + time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNORE2

PLBC Reply to examination report in opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNORE3

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20081210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20041122

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20101112

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69822970

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130601

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130601