DE10132886A1 - Method and device for opening and closing a part rotatably or tiltably mounted on the vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for opening and closing a part (10) which can be rotated or tilted on a vehicle, especially a door (60) of a hinged window, a boot lid, an engine bonnet (12) or a folding roof. According to the invention, the part (10) is displaced between a closed position and an open position, and when the part (10) is open and/or closed, obstructions (30) are detected and the displacement of the part (10) is stopped or reversed by means of a control unit (28).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a method and a device for opening and closing one rotatable in a vehicle or tiltable mounted part, in particular a door, one Opening window, a trunk lid, a hood or a folding roof, according to the genre of the independent Expectations.

DE 199 34 629 A1 describes a device for opening and Closing one hinged to a vehicle Flap, for example a trunk lid known become. In this case, a drive is used by means of a control actuated, the flap between an open position and a folding position moves, the respective position of the Flap is found. The electric motor is over a swivel connected to a lever mechanism, which is in turn connected to the flap via a swivel joint.

If such a flap is now used by the driver using a Automatically operated switch on the dashboard exists the danger of the flap opening against an obstacle bumps and thereby damaged or third-party damage wreaks. This is the case when the flap is closed by motor Risk of objects or parts of the body becoming trapped and can be insignificantly damaged.

Advantages of the invention

The inventive method with the characteristic Features of claim 1 has the advantage that obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle when opening a rotatably or tiltably mounted part detected in time and the part is stopped before hitting an obstacle becomes. The obstacle becomes completely independent of this recognized whether the part is operated by motor or manually. In addition, when the part is closed, an obstacle that is between the part and the vehicle, registered and the movements of the part stopped or reverses if the part already touches the obstacle. This both creates a risk of injury from getting caught of body parts, as well as damage to your own Vehicle or surrounding objects prevented.

By the features listed in the subclaims advantageous developments of the method according to claim 1 possible. Are on the outside and / or inside of the Movable part sensors arranged, so obstacles completely independent of the actuation mechanism of the part detected early, so that the movements of the part during Stopped or reached a minimum distance to the obstacle can be reversed. The sensor signals become one Control unit fed to either the motor Controls movements of the part, or the manual movements of the part affected. The sensors can also be connected to the Body, for example on the door or window frame be arranged to the range of motion of the movable Partially monitor.

Since doors and flaps are usually only when the The sensors need to be operated ready for operation below a minimum speed his. This saves the sensors and energy saved for operating the sensors.

It is particularly favorable for the ultrasonic Sensors or sensors to use the electromagnetic Send and receive waves (RADAR). You can advantageously transmitter and receiver in one component be united. These sensors can be an obstacle detected without contact, which means that the part in front of the Bumping into the obstacle can be stopped.

Ideally, the sensors are arranged so that their Radiation fans cover the entire inner and / or outer surface of the Cover partially. When the sensors move with the part the sensitivity of obstacle detection remains in every position of the part equally well. Because of the overlap The entire area of the part ensures that each Obstacle in the movement area of the part in time is detected.

If the sensors are attached to the body, include their radiation cone covers the entire adjustment range of the part. Around it is an obstacle to be recognized with certainty advantageous if a reference signal in the control unit the undisturbed movement of the part is stored. Now the detected sensor signal deviates from the stored one Reference signal, this deviation is considered an obstacle recognized and the movement of the part stopped or reversed. This procedure can also make the movement more agile Parts with a complex or changing structure (Folding roof) can be monitored safely. advantageously, the sensors can also be used for a any period of time that can be set remains active. So can for example one on the inside of a hood attached sensor the intrusion of animals, in particular Marten register in the engine compartment and a warning signal trigger to drive these animals away. The The sensor is ready for operation according to the cooling time of the motor can be selected. Another advantage of operational sensors when the vehicle is parked is the Realization of burglary protection. So the sensors can both as a motion detector in the interior of the vehicle and also in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle unauthorized entry into the vehicle and register Trigger alarm signal.

If the rotatable or tiltable part is motorized actuated, it is particularly convenient to detect a Obstacle to continuously measure a parameter that for the adjustment force applied by the motor is characteristic. This can result in both pinching between the part and the body as well as the movement of the part against an external obstacle as soon as the measured parameter exceeds a predetermined limit or falls below. Particularly suitable parameters are the speed, the torque or the motor current.

An obstacle is recognized particularly reliably if the non-contact sensors with the detection of the Adjustment force of the parameter representing the part is combined. In a first stage, Obstacle before touching it with the Detects sensors and, if the obstacle of these not detected or the part not in time was stopped / reversed in a second stage Obstacle in contact with the part by means of the Adjusting force representing parameters detected.

Another option is the range of motion to divide the part into different danger areas. For example, an obstacle with a wide open Part by means of sensors and immediately before the complete Closing by means of the adjusting force Parameters can be detected. This makes a higher one Security against a risk of getting caught is guaranteed.

In a further variation, the function of the detection by means of sensors through which the adjusting force of the part representing parameters are monitored. Doing so primarily evaluates the sensor signal but also simultaneously with the result of measuring the adjusting force representing parameters compared. You can also Areas where obstacles are primarily related to the Parameters representing the adjusting force are detected, be monitored by comparison with the sensor signal. This also improves the reliability of obstacle detection elevated.

The operation represents a significant increase in comfort of the motor-driven part by remote control. By reliably realizing obstacle detection will damage the part / obstacle or Pinching prevented.

In the event of an accident, the function of obstacle detection preferably switched off. The control unit gets for example from the triggering device of the airbag Signal, e.g. B. a door with maximum force without Consider opening an obstacle detection. Thereby the exit or recovery of the occupants after a Accident much easier.

Conveniently there is also the possibility of the function to actively switch off obstacle detection, for example a part despite being touched by soft, elastic To open obstacles (plants). It can also the closing function of the part when undesired Attempts to intrude (hold up) are maintained.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the Sensors the distance to a potential obstacle in the Movement range of the part to make an allowable one Calculate the opening / closing angle of the part. This can happen before moving the part and during the Movement process can be updated. The calculated permissible opening / closing angle is determined by the the position detection of the position of the part compared and before reaching the permissible opening / closing angle stopped. The position is preferably recorded by measuring the speed or another the Adjustment of the parameter representing the part. This Procedure is especially for opening a door when getting out suitable in a narrow parking space.

The method according to the invention is advantageous for devices for opening and closing doors, Opening windows, trunk lids, bonnets and Canopies applied to motor vehicles. This increases the Comfort while minimizing injury or Risk of damage.

The use of ultrasound Sensors, as these are particularly important at short distances deliver reliable reception signals. Also for radiation the wave is parallel to the surface of the part Sensor with combined transmitter and receiver in particular suitable.

Alternatively, RARDAR sensors can also be used, by other applications, such as park pilot Systems have been adequately tested (short range RADAR). there become sources of interference that affect the reliability of the detection reduce, excluded with high certainty.

It is advantageous if the part, for example a Vehicle door, is designed to be bendable, because it does more Free space, for example, for getting in or out becomes. The more complex movement mechanism can are also reliably monitored by the sensors, to avoid hitting an obstacle. On This way, the folding roof can be opened Vehicle can be stowed very compactly.

The device has a locking mechanism or a braking device, for example in the hinge area of the Partially on, when an obstacle is detected, it can also manually moved part of this before touching the Obstacle can be stopped. To do this, send in the sensors Signal to the control unit, which is then, for example, a Interlock or an electromagnetic braking device activated. This can prevent a not motor-driven part hits an obstacle.

Assigns the device for actuating the part Electric motor on, can by switching off or reversing the polarity same the part in a simple manner before reaching the Obstacle can be stopped or reversed. With motor driven parts also exists Possibility to measure an obstacle using a Detect parameters that determine the displacement force of the part - and thus the engine power - represents.

drawing

Several exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawing inventive method and device shown and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a motor-operated hood in section, the

FIGS. 2a and 2b, the views of an ultrasonic sensor, which

FIGS. 3a-3f various sensor arrangements on a vehicle door, the

Fig. 4, the sensor arrays of a tailgate,

Fig. 5 shows the sensor arrangement for actuating a trunk lid and the

Fig. 6 shows schematically the arrangement of a multi-part vehicle door according to the invention.

Description of the embodiments

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows, as a movable part 10, an engine hood 12 according to the invention which can be opened and closed via a linkage 14 by means of an adjusting motor 16 . The hood is rotatably supported by a hinge 18 . On the outside and the inside 20 , 22 of the bonnet 12 , sensors 24 are arranged in the vicinity of the hinge 18 in such a way that their radiation cones 23 essentially cover the entire outside surface 20 and inside surface 22 of the bonnet 12 .

To open or close the hood 12 , for example, an operating switch 26 is actuated inside the vehicle, which actuates the adjusting motor 16 via a control unit 28 . The control unit 28 sets the sensors 24 ready for operation, so that they send a signal to the control unit 28 as soon as the part 10 approaches an obstacle 30 to a minimum distance 32 . The minimum distance 32 can be given by the dimensions of the radiation cone 23 , or the position and the distance of the obstacle from the sensors 24 can be determined. If an obstacle 30 is detected by the sensors 24 , the control unit 28 stops or reverses the adjusting motor 16 . When opening and closing, the part 10 sweeps over a movement area 34 which is divided into different detection areas 36 , 38 . In the detection area 36, an obstacle 30 between the part 10 and the body 11 is detected by means of the sensors 24, and in the detection area 38 , shortly before the hood is closed, an obstacle 30 is detected by measuring a parameter representing the adjusting force of the part 10 .

In the exemplary embodiment, as the parameter representing the adjusting force of the part 10 , the speed of the adjusting motor 16 is continuously measured and compared with a previously determined limit value. If the speed falls below this threshold value as long as the part 10 is not yet completely closed, this is interpreted as an pinching event of an obstacle 30 . A signal is then sent to the control unit 28 , which stops or reverses the adjusting motor 16 . For the differentiation of the detection areas 36 , 38 , a position detection 40 is necessary, which detects the position of the part 10, for example, by means of two Hall sensors arranged offset on the motor shaft of the adjusting motor 16 . Similarly, an obstruction is detected during the opening 30 of the part 10 by means of the measured speed and comparing it with a threshold value, when the member 10 rests upon opening the obstacle 30th Normally, both detection methods for obstacle detection are active at the same time. An obstacle 30 is detected by means of the sensors 24 before the part 10 touches the obstacle 30 . If the part 10 is stopped too late, or an obstacle 30 is overlooked by the sensors 24 , the obstacle 30 is detected in a second step by means of the speed measurement (parameter representing the adjusting force). This two-stage system is used when opening and closing part 10 and provides a high level of security.

In a variant, the function of the sensors 24 in the detection area 36 can also be monitored by measuring the speed (parameters representing the adjusting force). For example, if the sensors 24 do not provide a pinching signal when closing, although the speed measurement detects an obstacle 30 , a test mechanism of the sensors 24 is activated. The same applies if there is no pinching signal of the speed measurement in the detection area 38 if the sensors 24 detect an obstacle 30 for this area. Alternatively, the two detection methods for each detection area 36 , 38 can be weighted as desired by means of a microprocessor 29 in the control unit 28 or the signals can be subjected to a processing algorithm.

As an alternative to actuating the bonnet 12 by means of the operating switch 26 , it can also be opened and closed by remote control. In this case, the sensors 24 are activated when the remote control is actuated or are automatically put into operational readiness when the speed falls below a predetermined minimum (for example 20 km / h).

FIGS. 2a and 2b show the construction of an ultrasonic sensor 42, as used in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The ultrasonic waves are generated by means of a membrane 46 arranged on a printed circuit board 44 , which is located at one end within a damping medium 48 and a transducer element 50 . In the construction shown, the transmitter 52 and the receiver 54 are identical (membrane 46 ), as a result of which a signal is first emitted by means of a microprocessor 56 and switched over to reception in the subsequent time period. Typically, the send and receive times are approximately one millisecond and 49 milliseconds. The range of the ultrasound sensor 42 can be set by setting the reception time over the transit time of the reflected signal. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter 52 and the receiver 54 are implemented by two separate membranes 46 . As a result, transmission and reception can be carried out at the same time, as a result of which extremely short transit times and therefore very small distances between sensor 24 and obstacle 30 can be registered.

As a further alternative, sensors 24 are used which emit electromagnetic waves, in particular short-distance RADAR sensors. The RADAR sensors are arranged in the same way as the ultrasonic sensors. An advantage of the radar sensors is the lower probability of interference sources.

FIGS. 3a to 3f show different arrangements of ultrasonic sensors 42 using the example of a vehicle door 60th In FIG. 3a, only one sensor 24 is attached to the outer surface 20 of the vehicle door in the vicinity of the hinge 18 . Since the hinge 18 facing away from the door edge 62 traverses the greater path of movement, it is particularly important that the entire edge 62 is covered by the radiation cone 23 of the sensor 24th The thickness 64 of the radiation cone 23 perpendicular to the door surface is predetermined by the construction of the sensor 24 . This thickness 64 can be defined in a simple manner as a minimum distance 32 from part 10 to obstacle 30 . In Fig. 3a, two sensors 24 are arranged diagonally so that their radiation cones 23 overlap. So that the transmission signal of one sensor 24 is not received directly by the other sensor 24 , the two transmitters are operated either alternately in time or at different transmission frequencies. In Fig. 3c, two sensors 24 are also arranged diagonally, with the two radiation cone 23 do not overlap here. In Fig. 3d, two sensors 24 are arranged at the upper edge 66 of the vehicle door 60, wherein the cone of radiation 23 may have due to the profile of the door 60 at the bottom edge 68 of the vehicle door at a certain distance to the same. In this arrangement, a larger minimum distance 32 from the obstacle 30 is predetermined on the lower edge 68 of the door for geometric reasons. With a plurality of radiation cones 23 superimposed, the location of the obstacle 30 and its distance from the door 60 can be determined very precisely, as a result of which the obstacle is detected even more reliably. The sensor arrangement in FIG. 3e is analogous to that in FIG. 3a. The sensor 24 is only integrated in the outside mirror 70 . In Fig. 3f of the sensor 28 is arranged in the middle of the door surface and is designed as all-round vision sensor. This means that signals are transmitted and received parallel to the outer surface 20 of the door 60 in the angular range of 360 °.

In FIG. 4, a plurality of sensors 24 are arranged of a hatchback vehicle with a rear hatch 73 in a rear spoiler 72 in the transverse direction. The sensors 24 are moved here with the tailgate 73 , as is the case with the vehicle door 60 , so that when the tailgate 73 is opened, an obstacle 30 is detected as soon as the tailgate 73 approaches this to a minimum distance 32 .

In FIG. 5, the sensors 24 are fixedly attached to the body 11 of the vehicle to the movement range of 34 to monitor a boot flap 74. Here, the sensors 24 are not moved, that is, the trunk flap 74 moves as a movable part 10 into the radiation cone 23 of the sensors 24 , which cover the entire movement path 34 . With this method, however, it is necessary to store the sensor signal curve of the undisturbed opening / closing of the part 10 in the control unit 28 as a reference signal. When an obstacle 30 occurs in the movement area 34 of the part 10, the sensors 24 detect a sensor signal which deviates from the reference signal and which is registered as the occurrence of an obstacle 30 .

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a device for opening and closing a vehicle door 60th The vehicle door 60 as a movable part 10 is mounted on one edge by means of hinges 18 and has a distance sensor 80 on the opposite edge 62 . When the opening mechanism of the door 60 is actuated, the distance sensor 80 determines the distance to a potential obstacle 30 . If, when the door 60 is opened, a predetermined distance of at least 32 (safety distance) is undershot, the distance sensor 80 sends a signal to the control unit 28 which activates a locking mechanism 82 which prevents the door 60 from being opened further. The locking can also take place by means of electromagnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic braking devices arranged on the hinges 18 . Alternatively, a permissible opening angle 86 of the door 60 is calculated from the determined distance from the obstacle 30 and compared with the current opening angle measured by means of an angle transmitter 88 . When the maximum permissible calculated opening angle 86 is reached, the locking mechanism 82 or the braking device 84 is activated by the control unit 28 . Thus, even if the vehicle door 60 is opened manually, its damage or the damage to an obstacle 30 is prevented.

In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle door 60 has two parts which are connected to one another by means of an articulated joint 90 . Again, the distance to the obstacle 30 is determined by the distance sensor 80 and the two-part locking mechanism 82 is controlled by the sensor 80 via a control unit 28 . As a result, the two-part door buckles before touching the obstacle 30 and a collision of the outer door part 92 with the obstacle 30 is prevented. By kinking the door 60 , more space is available for the passengers to get on and off.

In a further variant of the vehicle door 60 is operated by means of an adjusting motor 16, can be opened automatically whereby the door 60 by remote control and closed. In the event of an accident, there is also the possibility of sending a signal from the triggering device of the airbag to the control unit of the motor-operated door 60 in order to automatically unlock the doors 60 when the obstacle detection is deactivated and to open them completely by motor with maximum force. In order to ensure an emergency closing of the vehicle door 60, for example in the event of a robbery, the obstacle detection and the stopping / reversing of the adjusting motor 16 are deactivated by means of an additional hand switch. The deactivation of the obstacle detection is also actuated (by hand switch) in order to be able to open or close moving parts 10 of the vehicle even when touched by light, moving objects, such as plant parts. The sensors 24 for obstacle detection are put into operational readiness on the one hand by actuating the opening mechanism of the moving parts 10 , alternatively the sensors 24 for vehicle doors 60 , folding roofs, bonnet 12 and trunk lid are automatically put into operational readiness by supplying a speedometer signal to the control unit 28 which supplies the Sensors 24 activated as soon as the speed falls below a minimum.

Another option of the device according to the invention is to leave the sensors 24 ready for operation for a predefinable time even when the vehicle is parked. For example, a reference signal in the closed state is stored in the control unit 28 of a hood 12 . If there is a deviation from this reference signal, this is an indication that something has entered the engine compartment. In this case, a warning signal is triggered to scare away rodents that may have entered. The sensors are automatically switched off after a period typical for the cooling of the motor. Likewise, the sensors 24 on the inner surfaces 22 of the vehicle doors 60 can be used to identify unauthorized intruders in the parked vehicle in order to then trigger a warning system. The sensors 24 on the outer surfaces of the moving parts 10 can optionally remain in operational readiness when the vehicle is parked in order to detect the approach of unauthorized persons to the vehicle, which is also indicated by the triggering of a warning signal.

Claims (21)

1. A method for opening and closing a rotatably or tiltably mounted part ( 10 ), in particular a door ( 60 ), an opening window, a trunk lid, a hood ( 12 ) or a folding roof, the part ( 10 ) in one Movement range ( 34 ) is moved between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that when the part is opened and / or closed, obstacles ( 30 ) are detected and the movement of the part ( 10 ) is stopped by means of a control unit ( 28 ) or is reversed. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that on the outside and / or inside ( 20 , 22 ) of the part ( 10 ) or the vehicle arranged sensors ( 24 ) when adjusting the part ( 10 ) a signal to the control unit ( 28 ) for stopping or reversing the movement of the part ( 10 ) as soon as the part ( 10 ) approaches an obstacle ( 30 ) to less than a minimum distance ( 32 ). 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensors ( 24 ) are put into operational readiness as soon as the vehicle falls below a minimum speed. 4. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensors ( 24 ) emit and receive electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the waves, in particular in a plurality of overlapping radiation cones ( 23 ), are emitted essentially parallel to the part ( 10 ) and preferably cover the entire surface of the part ( 10 ). 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 24 ) on the fixed environment ( 11 ) of the movable part ( 10 ) are arranged and monitor the entire range of motion ( 34 ) of the part ( 10 ), with particular reference to this the sensor signal of the undisturbed closing / opening is used as a reference signal. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 24 ) remain operational for an adjustable time after switching off the vehicle engine, and upon detection of an obstacle ( 30 ) in the closed position of the part ( 10 ), in particular in the engine compartment , a warning signal is triggered. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part ( 10 ) is adjusted by means of an adjusting motor ( 16 ) and for the detection of an obstacle ( 30 ) measured values of at least one parameter which is representative of an adjusting force of the part ( 10 ) , continuously recorded and evaluated and compared with a predetermined threshold value and the adjustment motor ( 16 ) is stopped or reversed when the threshold value is exceeded. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that an obstacle ( 30 ) is detected contactlessly by means of the sensors ( 24 ) in a first stage and in a second stage, if the part ( 10 ) touches the obstacle ( 30 ), by means of this of the parameter representing the adjusting force of the part ( 10 ) is detected. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement area ( 34 ) of the part ( 10 ) is divided into detection areas ( 36 , 38 ) in which the obstacle ( 30 ) is detected by means of sensors ( 24 ) and other areas in which the obstacle ( 30 ) is detected by means of the parameter representing the adjusting force of the part ( 10 ). 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the obstacle detection by means of the sensors ( 24 ) is monitored by the parameter representing the adjusting force of the part ( 10 ), and the obstacle detection by means of the parameter representing the adjusting force of the part ( 10 ) the sensors is monitored. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part ( 10 ) is opened and closed automatically by remote control. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event of an accident, a signal from an accident detection device (pre-crash sensing) is passed to the control unit ( 28 ) in order to automatically carry the part ( 10 ) with it unlock and open maximum force without taking into account obstacle detection. 14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function for detecting an obstacle ( 30 ) and / or for stopping or reversing the movement of the part ( 10 ) can be deactivated. 15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the sensors ( 24 ) a distance ( 32 ) between the part ( 10 ) and the obstacle ( 30 ) is determined and from this a permissible opening / closing angle ( 86 ) of the part ( 10 ) is specified. 16. Device for opening and closing a rotatably or tiltably mounted part ( 10 ), in particular a door ( 60 ), an opening window, a trunk lid, a hood ( 12 ) or a folding roof, with a control unit ( 28 ), thereby characterized in that the device has sensors ( 24 ) which, when opening and / or closing the part ( 10 ), recognize an obstacle ( 30 ) which is in the adjustment path of the part ( 10 ) and a signal to the control unit ( 28 ) to stop or reverse the movement of the part ( 10 ). 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the sensors ( 24 ) are ultrasonic sensors ( 42 ). 18. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the sensors are RADAR sensors. 19. Device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the part ( 10 ) is constructed in several parts, in particular can be bent. 20. Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the device has a locking mechanism ( 82 ) controlled by the sensors ( 24 ) by means of a control unit ( 28 ) or a braking device ( 84 ) which detects the movement of the part ( 10 ) limit or stop as soon as the sensors ( 24 ) have detected an obstacle ( 30 ). 21. Device according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the device for adjusting the part ( 10 ) has an adjusting motor ( 16 ) which is stopped or reversed as soon as an obstacle ( 30 ) is detected.