Sensor unit for contactlessly actuating a vehicle element
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a sensor unit for a contactless actuator of an adjustable vehicle element. The sensor unit may include: a carrier element for mounting to a vehicle; a first sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a first capturing area; and a second sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a second capturing area. When mounted on the vehicle, the first sensor device is arranged closer to a floor of the vehicle than the second sensor device; and the first capturing area extends further back with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle than the second capturing area.
1 . A sensor unit for a contactless actuator of an adjustable vehicle element, the sensor unit comprising:
a carrier element for mounting to a vehicle;
a first sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a first capturing area; and
a second sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a second capturing area;
wherein, when mounted on the vehicle, the first sensor device is arranged closer to a floor of the vehicle than the second sensor device; and
the first capturing area extends further back with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle than the second capturing area.
2 . The sensor unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first capturing area and the second capturing area at least partially overlap.
3 . The sensor unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the first sensor device has a radar sensor for sending and receiving a first radar signal;
and/or
the second sensor device has a radar sensor for sending and receiving a second radar signal.
4 . The sensor unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the first capturing area is substantially conical, and/or
the second capturing area is substantially conical.
5 . The sensor unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, when mounted on the vehicle, the first sensor device is arranged further forward in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle than the second sensor device.
6 . A vehicle component for a vehicle, the component comprising:
a vehicle part at least partially coated with a coating on an outer side; and
a sensor unit arranged opposite with respect to the outer side of the vehicle part;
wherein the sensor unit comprises:
a carrier element for mounting to a vehicle;
a first sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a first capturing area; and
a second sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a second capturing area;
wherein, when mounted on the vehicle, the first sensor device is arranged closer to a floor of the vehicle than the second sensor device;
the first capturing area extends further back with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle than the second capturing area; and
the first sensor area extends through the vehicle part past the coating.
7 . The vehicle component as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first sensor area extends through the vehicle part below the coating.
8 . The vehicle component as claimed in claim 6 , wherein
the vehicle part comprises a rear bumper, and/or
the coating comprises chrome.
9 . A vehicle having:
a passenger compartment;
a propulsion unit to move the vehicle;
a vehicle part at least partially coated with a coating ( 12 ) on an outer side; and
a sensor unit arranged opposite with respect to the outer side of the vehicle part;
wherein the sensor unit comprises:
a carrier element for mounting to a vehicle;
a first sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a first capturing area; and
a second sensor device attached to the carrier element and having a second capturing area;
wherein, when mounted on the vehicle, the first sensor device is arranged closer to a floor of the vehicle than the second sensor device;
the first capturing area extends further back with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle than the second capturing area; and
the first sensor area extends through the vehicle part past the coating.
10 . The vehicle as claimed in claim 9 , further comprising:
an adjustable vehicle element;
a drive unit to open or to close the adjustable vehicle element in relation to a vehicle body; and
a control unit to control the drive unit to move the adjustable vehicle element based on a capturing event of the sensor unit.
11 . The vehicle as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the adjustable vehicle element comprises a liftgate.