DE102005005665A1 - Vehicle body part e.g. tail gate, locking device, has locking mechanism with overload mechanism, which enables rotation of part in two rotation directions, during exceeding of defined threshold value for rotation force exerted on part - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a locking mechanism that holds a vehicle body part in a position, where the mechanism includes a door strap (3), frames, locking unit and a lift magnet. The door strap and a shaft support a body section. The locking mechanism has an overload mechanism, which enables rotation of the body part in two rotation directions, during exceeding of a defined threshold value for a rotation force exerted on the body part.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for blocking a pivotable mounted body part according to the preamble of claim 1.

Out The prior art relating to motor vehicle technology has several devices and methods known by means of which the opening of a body part, such as a vehicle door or tailgate or controlled and monitored, so that the Nudge obstacles that are in close proximity to the vehicle or to the body part at the time of opening prevented becomes.

From the German patent application DE 101 32 886 A1 For example, a control method is known which interrupts the pivoting process falls below a minimum distance of a pivotable body part to an obstacle. The locking of the body part takes place by arranged on the hinges of the body part electromagnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic brake devices whose design is not detailed. Sensors detected here the distance between the body part and a possible obstacle and determine therefrom an allowable opening or closing angle. This is done for example by means of radar radiation. As an adjusting device, among other things, an adjusting motor is proposed, which stops the pivoting movement of the body part and reverses as soon as an obstacle is in the opening area. The control unit is designed so that in case of an accident the detection function is deactivated and the blocking device releases the body part.

From the German patent application DE 195 33 804 A1 a vehicle is known in which when opening one of the doors, the maximum door opening angle is independently adapted to the respective space conditions in the immediate vicinity in such a way that neither the door nor next to the vehicle objects, in particular other vehicles, by a Touch can be damaged. For this purpose, a contact-free operating sensor is provided on the door edge which, in the event of a collision with an obstacle adjacent to the vehicle, abruptly activates a door-locking device at a defined distance from this obstacle so that the door is locked.

Furthermore, from the German patent application DE 100 56 569 A1 a method is known which uses the already located in the vehicle distance sensor, which is used for the distance control, for example when parking, to determine via a corresponding Auswertelogik lateral obstacles already when passing or parking and if necessary to actuate a locking device for the door movement.

From the German patent DE 100 29 227 C2 a controllable braking system is known, which stops the pivoting movements of car doors as soon as a control unit outputs corresponding signals. The locking device is accomplished by means of a piston-cylinder device in which there is a magnetorheological fluid.

By Building a corresponding magnetic field will change the motion blocked the piston and the cylinder and thus the pivoting movement of the body part stopped.

The German patent application DE 100 23 274 A1 discloses an actuating device for opening and closing pivoting vehicle wings, such as the tailgate or bonnet, which can lock the movement in an intermediate position depending on parameters determined by a sensor, which is accomplished with a fluid drive, for example a gas spring pair, which accordingly can be blocked.

An adaptive door lock for motor vehicles, for example, from the German patent application DE 100 04 161 A1 It is known in which a door closing system keeps the door closed for a certain period of time when an environmental sensor detects obstacles, for example an approaching cyclist.

Another device for blocking a pivotally mounted body part is known from the German patent application DE 199 59 990 A1 in which by means of a drive or holding element due to sensor signals, which originate from a drive control, the pivoting movement is stopped. The drive or holding element is realized via a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder acting in both directions. Optionally, this may also be an electric drive.

From the European patent EP 0 475 078 B1 a device is known in which a door hinge, which extends between the fixed body and a pivotally articulated thereto body part, via a linear motor or via an electromagnet blo can be canceled if an obstacle is detected. This electromagnetic locking device has a holding element, which presses on blocking the door hinge and thus prevents further pivotal movement of the body part.

The Previously described devices and methods of the prior art The technology is common that this emergency opening or emergency closure of allow pivotally mounted body part, if this is independent of the parameters provided by the sensor and control unit, which the conditions for a maximum permissible opening angle pivoting is desired by the vehicle occupants.

outgoing Of these, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device provide for blocking a pivotally mounted body part and to further develop, which a further opening or closing of the Body parts allowed, if system independent of the vehicle occupants required becomes.

These Task is solved with a device for blocking a pivotally mounted body part with the features of claim 1.

Of the Essence of the invention is therefore that a locking mechanism an overload mechanism has, which in both pivoting directions a further Pivoting the body part respectively when exceeding a defined Threshold for allows a force exerted on the body part pivoting force.

Of the defined threshold, each in both pivot directions can be different, can be determined individually and in advance be deposited in a control unit. The size of the threshold may be dependent, for example be of the age and sex of the vehicle occupants and thus from the for a press or pulling the body part available power.

The Device according to the invention becomes available upon provision of a block Controlled control unit, which monitors the values of a sensor the ambient space to the pivotally mounted body part supplies and due to this determines the maximum possible opening angle. The Sensor technology consists of the adequate ones known in automotive engineering devices, such as Radar, and should not be further explored here. Appropriate Sensors are ideally located on the outside of the pivotally mounted Body part arranged.

The Invention provides an overload mechanism ready, which in both the opening and as well as in the closing direction at any time by the vehicle occupants can be operated, and indeed independent of the specified by the control unit condition of the maximum possible opening angle. For example, an emergency opening The vehicle occupant inevitably takes a collision of the body part with an obstacle in buying.

Of the the overload mechanism having locking mechanism has a locking element on, which consists of an actuator and one of the actuator movable controllable coupling element consists. The coupling element cooperates with a holding element together to block this.

The Retaining element extends between the pivotally mounted body part and one opposite the body part fixed body section. It can do this, how adequate known in the art, a door hinge or a hinge rod, which is arranged between these two components.

In an embodiment according to the invention has the holding element to the coupling element form complementary locking elements, for example, teeth or grooves into which an end of the coupling element in blocking form-fitting under provision of a secure holder engages.

In a first embodiment of the device for blocking according to the invention the actuator is designed as a solenoid.

This Solenoid is displaceable in the pivotally mounted body part guided, in particular such that it is substantially parallel to can move the holding element.

In this embodiment is the overload mechanism from a sliding carriage and formed from at least one tension spring and a compression spring. The carriage and the locking element or the lifting magnet are together on guide elements arranged in the body part, such as guide rails or rods led.

Between the carriage and the locking element, the at least one tension spring is arranged. Preferably, a plurality of tension springs are provided, in particular in an equal number as the guide elements. Is it Füh? Rods, the springs are designed as coil springs, the rods pass through the coil springs.

The Tension spring is designed in terms of their spring characteristic such that these are exceeded the defined threshold during the Blocking of the coupling element with the holding element from a certain Point overstretched and thereby a further pivoting of the body part in which allows a pivoting direction.

Of the Carriage is pivotable between one end of the holding member in the mounted body part and the Verriege ment element. In the basic position, this means with a closed door, is the carriage with the locking element on the tension spring in a defined Location held together. When the vehicle occupant at one in a certain opening angle blocked door to open these further trying to give these springs from a certain threshold after and the locking element can along the retaining element move towards the fixed body part until the Door is completely open.

A such emergency opening is desirable if, for example, due to panic of the vehicle occupant regardless of in the immediate vicinity in the swivel range of the body part located obstacles would like to leave the vehicle.

Between the carriage and the body part-side end of the holding element is arranged at least one compression spring.

At This end is further provided a pressure sensor, which is designed so that it is actuated by the carriage can. The pressure sensor itself is connected to a control unit and the Actuator of the locking element in conjunction and can this disable at a certain pressure exerted by the carriage so that the blocking between the coupling element and the holding element is released by the actuator.

The Spring characteristic of the compression spring is designed so that this when crossing the defined threshold during the blocking of the coupling element with the holding element so far compressible is that the carriage is moving in the direction of the pressure sensor and pressed this. The locking element moves with a pulling force exerted on the vehicle door toward the body part-side end of the holding member until this comes to a on impact bolt of the carriage to the plant. The stopper bolt is directed towards the locking element and has such a length on that between the carriage and the locking element provided tension springs can not be further compressed. carriage and locking element move together to the end of Retaining element, wherein the carriage compresses the compression springs and so comes into contact with the pressure sensor.

is the pressure sensor is actuated this one delivers over the control unit in dependence a predefined pressure, a signal to the locking element, which opens, whereby the blocking between the coupling element and the holding element is lifted, so that the door can now close normally. A such emergency closure can be desired by the vehicle occupant at any time.

In a further embodiment the actuator is designed as an electric brake motor, which preferably has a coupling element in the form of a gear, which meshes with a toothed holding element.

Of the Brake motor leaves to turn in the de-energized state without resistance. By creating a electrical voltage are the coils inside the brake motor supplied with electricity and built up a magnetic field, which in the following prevents the further rotation of the brake motor, so this one stationary. This is the driven by this brake motor Coupling locked and blocked in the form of a gear thus the position of the holding element and thus the opening position the pivotally mounted body part relative to the body.

The Coupling element which is driven by the brake motor is preferably designed as a ratchet or Rätschengetriebe. This cogged gear is designed so that this when exceeded the defined threshold during the blocking of the gear slipped with the toothed holding element and by a further pivoting of the body part in the allows a pivoting direction.

Regarding the other pivoting direction is the holding force of the brake motor so designed that this when exceeded the defined threshold during the blocking of the coupling element releases with the holding element and thereby a further pivoting of the body part in the other pivoting direction permits. In this way can be with such an actuator also an emergency opening and an emergency closure perform at any time.

In a third embodiment the device for blocking a pivotally mounted body part according to the invention the actuator is designed as a hydraulic motor with an oil circulation system. The hydraulic motor itself is over a coupling element connected to the holding element, wherein preferably also a gear transmission is used.

By a normal door movement, that means opening and Shut down the door, the hydraulic motor is over this gear drive is driven, in the oil circuit circulating hydraulic oil without pressure in the flow and return promoted in this cycle becomes.

detected the sensors now an obstacle in the immediate pivoting environment of the body part, will the oil circulation by an electromagnetically actuated Hydraulic valve stopped, indicating the further rotation of the hydraulic motor persists and thus the door movement in a certain opening angle locked.

In the circulatory system is a check valve integrated, which the oil flow direction via a bypass line always releases in a direction of circulation and thus closing the Door anytime allows. The spring load of the check valve can be set at any time defined.

Around an opening the door in an emergency situation by the vehicle occupant to allow Furthermore, the circulatory system has a pressure relief valve in a bypass line on. At an increased effort dependent on of the defined threshold opens this valve bypasses the oil so that the oil circulates again and the Hydraulic motor can rotate freely again.

It becomes clear that according to the invention in the three different embodiments an overload mechanism is provided, which is an opening and closing the door a motor vehicle in emergency situations or when needed by the Vehicle occupants at any time.

The Invention will now be described below with reference to the in the enclosed drawings illustrated embodiments will be explained in more detail.

there demonstrate:

1 a perspective view of a device for blocking a vehicle door according to a first embodiment;

2 schematically in plan view of this device for blocking;

3 schematically in side view this device for blocking,

4 in side view schematically the device for blocking with an overload mechanism;

5 schematically the state of the device for blocking in an emergency opening;

6 schematically the state of the device for blocking in an emergency closure;

7 in perspective, the arrangement of the device for blocking within a vehicle door according to a second embodiment;

8th schematically in perspective view the device for blocking according to the second embodiment; and

9 schematically a hydraulic circuit diagram for a device for blocking according to a third embodiment.

In the 1 to 6 schematically is a first embodiment of the device for blocking a pivotally mounted vehicle door 1 shown.

The vehicle door 1 is opposite a fixed body frame 2 pivoted. Between the vehicle door 1 and the body frame 2 is a holding element 3 arranged, in the present case, a door hinge, which extends through the frame of the vehicle door 1 extends into these and in a joint 4 on the body frame 2 is rotatably mounted.

As in 3 can be seen, the door hinge extends 3 in a frame 5 which is inside the bodywork of the vehicle door 1 is arranged. The door hinge 3 is in the frame 5 attached.

The frame 5 has four parallel guide rods 6 on which a locking element 7 is guided longitudinally displaceable.

The locking element 7 consists of an actuator, which in this embodiment as a solenoid 8th is trained. The lifting magnet 8th , which is electrically actuated by a control unit, not shown, has a vertically displaceable coupling element 9 in the form of a plunger having an element at its end indicates that with the door hinge 4 cooperates positively or frictionally during blocking.

Also on the four guide rods 6 is a sled 10 mounted longitudinally displaceable. The sled 10 is between the body part-side end of the frame 5 the device and the locking element 7 arranged.

Towards the locking element 7 shows the sled 10 a stop bolt 11 on, on which the locking element 7 can come to the plant.

At the back end of the frame 5 is a pressure sensor 12 provided, which communicates with the control unit and from the carriage 10 can be operated.

In 4 is shown schematically the overload mechanism of the device for blocking the vehicle door. This consists of tension springs 13 and compression springs 14 , These feathers were in the representations of the 1 to 3 omitted for the sake of clarity.

The tension springs 13 are between the locking element 7 and the movable carriage 10 arranged and hold these two components together with the door closed. Between the sled 10 and the back end of the frame 5 are the compression springs 14 arranged.

The spring characteristics of both the tension springs 13 as well as the compression springs 14 are defined defined.

In 5 is an example of the state of an emergency opening of the device for blocking the vehicle door 1 shown.

The tension springs 13 are designed such that they exceed the defined value during the blocking of the coupling element 9 with the door hinge 3 be overstretched and thereby a further pivoting in the opening direction of the vehicle door 1 allow. In this case, the locking element moves 7 in the direction of in 5 shown arrow on the guide rods 6 although the coupling element 9 still in locking connection with the door hinge 3 stands.

In 6 the state of an emergency closure is shown schematically. The compression springs 14 are designed such that they exceed the defined value during the blocking of the coupling element 9 with the door hinge 3 so far compressible are that the slide 10 at the pressure sensor 12 abuts and actuates after the locking element 7 on the stop bolt 11 of the sled 10 came to the plant. The elongated extent of the stop pin 11 is chosen so that between the locking element 7 and the sled 10 arranged tension springs 13 can not be further compressed. When the sled 10 the pressure sensor 12 actuated, a signal is output, which causes the solenoid 8th is deactivated, and the coupling element 9 the door hinge 3 releases, leaving the door 1 can be closed without problems.

In 7 is shown schematically in perspective view a second embodiment of the device according to the invention for blocking.

In the body structure of the vehicle door 1 is an electric brake motor 15 arranged. This electric brake motor 15 has a driven pinion 16 on which one as a gear 17 trained coupling element meshes. The gear 17 in turn is in mesh with a rack 18 , which in turn with an extending door hinge 3 is coupled.

The arrangement of the gear 17 and the rack 18 is designed as a creaking gear.

This creaking gear is designed so that this when exceeding the defined threshold during the blocking of the gear 17 with the rack 18 slipping in one direction and thereby further pivoting the vehicle door 1 allows in a pivoting direction. This can cause an emergency opening of the vehicle door 1 will be realized. The ratchet mechanism is arranged releasing in the direction that closing the vehicle door 1 even with a blocked brake motor 15 is possible at any time.

One Emergency opening in this embodiment the Device for blocking is accomplished by the Holding force of the motor defined is set. From an increased effort can overcome this holding force of the engine in a simple manner be and the door let yourself open without problems.

In the 9 Fig. 1 schematically shows a hydraulic circuit diagram for a third embodiment of the blocking device according to the invention.

In this comes as an actuator hydraulic motor 19 used, which with an oil circulation system 20 communicates.

The coupling between the hydraulic motor 19 and the holding element 3 can in principle in the same way via a gear ratio be accomplished, as exemplified in the 8th with respect to the second embodiment with an electric brake motor 15 is shown.

In the hydraulic circuit 20 is an electromagnetically actuated switching valve 21 arranged between the hydraulic motor 19 and an oil reservoir 22 is provided. The switching valve 21 is in an open position, as in 9 shown so that the hydraulic oil is released through the oil circuit 20 can circulate. The hydraulic oil is thereby by a rotation of the hydraulic motor 19 through the oil circulation system 20 promoted, which in turn on the gear ratio of the rack 18 is set in rotation when the vehicle door 1 is pivoted.

Should now the vehicle door 1 be stopped in a certain opening angle, for example, because a sensor detects an obstacle in the swivel range, the switching valve 21 switched to the interruption position, so that suddenly the oil circulation system 20 is blocked and thus a rotation of the hydraulic motor 19 is prevented. In the oil circulation system 20 is in the return a pressure relief valve 23 arranged, which is adjustable for a low pressure to allow a door detection in any position.

To bypass the switching valve 21 is in a first bypass line 24 a check valve 25 arranged. The spring load of the check valve 25 is such that the vehicle door 1 can be closed in any situation, if over the gear transmission, the pressure on the hydraulic motor 19 and that in the oil circulation system 20 through the switching valve 21 at rest persistent hydraulic oil is too large.

In a second bypass line 26 for bridging the switching valve 21 is a second pressure relief valve 27 arranged. This is adjustable for a high pressure so that an emergency opening of the vehicle door 1 can be accomplished.

Claims (19)

Device for blocking a pivotally mounted body part ( 1 ) in a position with a defined opening angle, comprising a locking mechanism ( 3 . 5 . 7 . 8th . 9 ; 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ; 19 . 20 ), which the body part ( 1 ) holds in this position, wherein the locking mechanism ( 3 . 5 . 7 . 8th . 9 ; 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ; 19 . 20 ) to a relative to the body part ( 1 ) fixed body section ( 2 ) mounted retaining element ( 3 . 18 ), which is elongated in the body part ( 1 ), and one with the holding element ( 1 ) cooperating in a blocking, in the body part ( 1 ) arranged locking element ( 8th . 9 ; 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ; 19 . 20 ), characterized in that the locking mechanism ( 3 . 5 . 7 . 8th . 9 ; 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ; 19 . 20 ) an overload mechanism ( 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 ; 20 ; 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 ), which in both pivoting directions a further pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in each case when a defined threshold value for a on the body part ( 1 ) exerted pivoting force allows. Device according to claim 1, in which the locking element comprises an actuator ( 8th . 15 . 19 ) and one of the actuator ( 8th . 15 . 19 ) movably controllable coupling element ( 9 . 17 ), which in blocking with the holding element ( 3 . 18 ) cooperates. Device according to Claim 2, in which the retaining element ( 3 . 18 ) to the coupling element ( 9 . 17 ) Complementary locking elements has. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator as a solenoid ( 8th ) is trained. Device according to Claim 4, in which the lifting magnet ( 8th ) in the body part ( 1 ) is guided so displaceable that the solenoid ( 8th ) substantially parallel to the holding element ( 3 ) can move. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the overload mechanism ( 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 ) a slidably guided slide ( 10 ) having. Device according to Claim 6, in which the locking element ( 7 ) and the carriage ( 10 ) together in the body part ( 1 ) arranged guide elements ( 6 ) are guided. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein between the carriage ( 10 ) and the locking element ( 7 ) at least one tension spring ( 13 ) which is designed in such a way that, when the defined threshold value is exceeded during the blocking of the coupling element (FIG. 9 ) with the retaining element ( 3 ) and thus a further pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in the one swivel direction. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein between the carriage ( 10 ) and the body part ( 1 ) at least one compression spring ( 14 ) is arranged and the body part ( 1 ) a pressure sensor ( 12 ), wherein the compression spring ( 14 ) is designed such that when the defined threshold value is exceeded during blocking of the coupling element ( 9 ) with the retaining element ( 3 ) is compressible to the extent that the carriage ( 10 ) the pressure sensor ( 12 ), which the locking element ( 7 ) and thereby a further pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in the other pivoting direction. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator as an electric brake motor ( 15 ) is trained. Device according to Claim 10, in which the coupling element is designed as a gear ratio ( 16 . 17 . 18 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the coupling element as a cogwheel gear ( 16 . 17 . 18 ) is formed, which is designed such that this when exceeding the defined threshold value during the blocking of the coupling element ( 17 ) with the retaining element ( 18 ) and thereby a further pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in the one swivel direction. Device according to one of claims 10, 11 or 12, in which a holding force of the brake motor ( 15 ) is designed such that this when exceeding the defined threshold during the blocking of the coupling element ( 17 ) with the retaining element ( 18 ) and thereby a further pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in the other pivoting direction. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator as a hydraulic motor ( 19 ) with an oil circulation system ( 20 ) is formed, wherein the blocking takes place by an interruption of the oil circulation. Device according to Claim 14, in which the coupling element is in the form of a gear ratio ( 16 . 17 . 18 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the oil circulation system ( 20 ) the overload mechanism ( 24 . 25 . 26 . 27 ) having. Device according to claim 16, in which the oil circulation system ( 20 ) a bypass line ( 24 ) with a check valve ( 25 ), which is designed such that, when the defined threshold value is exceeded during the blocking of the coupling element (FIG. 17 ) with the retaining element ( 18 ) the oil circulation via the bypass line ( 24 ) and thereby a further pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in the one swivel direction. Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, in which the oil circulation system ( 20 ) another bypass line ( 26 ) with a pressure relief valve ( 27 ), which is designed such that, when the defined threshold value is exceeded during the blocking of the coupling element (FIG. 17 ) with the retaining element ( 18 ) the oil circulation via the bypass line ( 26 ) and thereby continue the pivoting of the body part ( 1 ) in the other pivoting direction. Device according to one of claims 2 to 18, in which the actuator ( 3 . 15 . 19 ) is controllable by a control unit under determination of the defined opening angle, which with a sensor system for monitoring a pivoting range of the body part ( 1 ) interacts with obstacles.