DE102008008178A1 - Body component operation assisting method for motor vehicle i.e. car, involves controlling electrical drive by control unit based on signal such that component is moved between open position and closed position or in intermediate position - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for supporting an operation of a manually movable body component (2), which is moved by means of a controllable electric drive (3), wherein at least one of a control element (5) and / or in its surrounding area arranged sensor (4, 4.1, 4.2) detects a signal, by means of which a control unit (SE) of the electric drive (3) is controlled such that the body component (2, 2.1 to 2.3) between an open position and a closed position in the Open position or the closed position or moved to any intermediate position.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and device for assistance an operation of a manually movable bodywork component of a vehicle, wherein the body component by means of a controllable electrical Drive is moved.

From the DE 196 19 210 A1 is a sliding door with controllable electric drive known. The controllable electric drive acts via a pinion such on a connected to the sliding door rack that the sliding door at any time and without much effort, if necessary, also manually operated and can be locked securely in manual operation in the respective end positions. For this purpose, the sliding door on an electric, acting on the lock opener.

Furthermore, the describes DE 10 2005 061 610 A1 a method and an apparatus for controlling a closing movement of a body component for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles. The method provides to reduce a load when closing a manually closable body component, such as closing a door. In this case, during the closing movement, starting from an open position, the body component passes through a first adjustment area, in which the body component is moved toward an open position without intervention of control electronics on an electric drive. In a second adjustment, the control electronics intervenes, wherein the closing movement is changed by means of the electric drive such that a kinetic energy of the body component does not exceed a predetermined limit regardless of an initial speed after passing through the second adjustment. In a third adjustment range, the body component is automatically closed until a pre or main catch of a lock is reached.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an improved method and a device for controlling a manually movable Body components, in particular a door, of a vehicle in terms of support and reduction the force required to open or close the Specify body component.

The Task is according to the invention in terms of A method by the specified in claim 1 and in terms the device solved by the features specified in claim 8.

advantageous Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

At the inventive method of support an operation of a hand-movable body component of a Vehicle is the body component by means of a controllable moved by electrical drive, with at least one on an operating element of the body component and / or in its Surrounding area arranged sensor is detected a signal, by means of which controlled by a control unit of the electric drive so is that the body component between an open position and a closed position in the open position or the closed position or moved to any intermediate position.

By Such an operator-controlled and sensor-controlled movement of the body component it is ensured that to operate the body component to be applied manual force of a user is reduced. hereby is the ease of use of a manually movable body component clearly improved. In this case, an operator by means of the controllable Electric drive supports and a force advantageously reduced to operate the body component. In which movable bodywork component may in particular be a sliding door, Swing door or tailgate or the like act. Across from conventional automatic operations of the body component is ensured in the method according to the invention, that when you release the control element and thus interrupting the manual actuation of the operating element and / or of the body component automatically stops the movement of the body component, causing the body component held in the desired position becomes. In addition, on additional, off the prior art in automatic opening and closing movements the car body component known acoustic warning tones are dispensed with, because the user himself influences the movement of the body component and by the sensor-controlled actuation in this actuation is supported, leaving only a slight or just a touch and thus no operating force to be performed got to.

By the inventive method can thus the Operator of the body component advantageously its usual Movement is maintained and is controlled by means of the controllable electric Drive supported.

Conveniently, at least one sensor is arranged on an operating element, in particular on a door handle, and / or in its immediate surrounding area. For body parts, such. As in a tailgate, at least one sensor on the operating element, in particular the tailgate handle, -taster or -öffner is arranged. In a possible embodiment, further sensors may be provided, which in areas are ordered, which are commonly used for manual opening, for example, a lower edge of the tailgate, whereby the operator is supported in his usual movement advantageous in closing or opening.

Based the at least one sensor acts on the operating element or applied force and / or acting on the control element Touch detected. Preferably, the force and / or Touch recorded directional. For example, over detects the force acting on the control element and its direction, whether the body component should be opened or closed.

Based the detected signal and in particular depending from the detected direction of the acting force, z. B. printing or Traction, and / or touch and depending the value of the detected force or the type of contact the electric drive is then controlled so that the body component automatically closed or opened. D. H. the body component moves in the intended direction and releases or closes the opening path.

there an electronic control unit of the control unit is designed such that already at the lowest possible force or only by the type of touch (pulling or pushing) the body component in the direction in question in the open position, moved to an intermediate position or in the closed position becomes. When changing the movement or the direction the force acting on the control element automatically becomes the movement of the body component reversed. Also, the movement of the body component can changed, in particular accelerated, braked or with constant speed depending on the applied force be executed on the control, provided that the user doing the control and / or the body component touched. Alternatively or additionally, the direction of movement, the speed and / or the speed change recorded the movement of the body component and to control the electric drive can be used. For example, it can be independent from the operation of the control element in an example on a sloping road parked vehicle with as Sliding door formed body component that opens unintentionally, detects the resulting from the inclination unwanted movement of the sliding door and optionally modified, for example, reversed become.

Also Other parameters, such as vehicle parameters, z. B. vehicle standstill, vehicle speed, and / or operating parameters, z. B. Operation of the button or handle of a tailgate, detected and to adjust the current movement and / or triggering a movement of the body component can be used.

As soon as from the sensor no force acting on the control element or a Touch is detected, for example, when you release the Operating element, the electric drive is stopped, causing the Body component is stopped and preferably locked. Thereby, that the electric drive only when acting Force is controlled, may preferably be on an employment of otherwise required sensors and / actuators for anti-trap be waived.

alternative to the force detecting sensor can at least a large area arranged capacitive sensor can be used. This embodiment of sensors preferably detects a touch of the operator. When using such a running sensor can this arranged on any surfaces of the vehicle or the body be, with touching these surfaces the Movement of the body component is triggered.

Usually is used on vehicles with automatic opening or closing For example, a tailgate issued an audible warning. By the application of the method according to the invention this can be omitted, since the tailgate only operated is, if that control or the tailgate itself operated and / or touched accordingly.

About that in addition to the often loud and powerful Closing the body component in the invention Process is ensured even with a slow movement of the body component, that the body component only depending on an actuation of the operating element and / or a touch of the body component and regardless of the speed automatically closes, particularly advantageous automatically in a corresponding to the body component locking device engages and locks there.

For a familiar sequence of movements, such as acceleration and deceleration of the body component with regard to opening and closing the controllable electric drive is carried out in such a way that this opposite automatic doors one has greater dynamic range. It will for example, at a low speed at the opening or closing movement of the body component a large one Drive torque held, creating a precise closing, in particular the engagement of the body component in the locking device is ensured.

Further the electric drive is carried out in such a way that this has a self-locking, for example, when released the control unit braked, held and the body flap is locked.

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

there demonstrate:

1 1 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the method according to the invention for actuating a movable body component of a vehicle,

2a to 2g schematically possible positions for the arrangement of sensors, in particular force sensors or touch sensors on the body or on body components of the vehicle,

2a schematically a sliding door with sensors arranged on this outside and / or inside,

2 B schematically a hinged door with sensors arranged inside on a door opener and a door panel,

2c schematically a hinged door with a sensor arranged on the outside of a door handle,

2d schematically an opened tailgate with sensors arranged inside on a control element,

2e schematically another tailgate with sensors arranged inside controls,

2f schematically another tailgate with sensors arranged inside controls,

2g schematically a closed tailgate with externally arranged on a door opener sensors, and

3 schematically a further illustration of a control circuit for carrying out the method according to the invention using the example of a sliding door arranged on this capacitive sensors.

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

1 schematically shows a representation of a control circuit 1 a device for assisting an operation of a hand-movable body component 2 , z. As a vehicle door, a sliding door, a tailgate, a trunk lid or the like.

For operator-controlled and sensor-controlled actuation of the body component 2 this includes at least one sensor 4 for example, on a control 5 of the bodywork component 2 or in a surrounding area of the body component 2 , is arranged in particular on another vehicle component. That of the sensor 4 detected signal is fed to a control unit SE, which based on the detected signal an electric drive 3 controls the body component 2 moved between an open position and a closed position in the open position or the closed position or in any intermediate position.

In 2a is as a possible embodiment for the body component 2 a sliding door 2.1 shown. As a sensor 4 includes the body component 2 several sensors 4 , for example, as force sensors 4.1 . 4.2 inside of the vehicle in the window area A and vehicle outside on a door handle 5.1 trained operating element 5 are arranged.

Alternatively, the force sensors 4.1 also be arranged where an operator in a manual operation usually the body component 2 would touch.

During operation of the device, when operating or touching the operating element 5 and / or the bodywork component 2 even by means of at least one of the sensors 4 ie one of the force sensors 4.1 pointing to the control 5 acting force and / or the operating element 5 recorded effective contact. The detected signals are supplied to the control unit SE and processed. In this case, the control unit SE evaluates the supplied signals with regard to a direction, a speed and / or a speed change of the movement of the body component 2 , especially the sliding door 2.1 out. Depending on the size and the direction of the acting force or the type of touch, pressing or pulling, by means of the control unit SE, the electric drive 3 controlled so that the bodywork component 2 is moved in the direction in question or in the opposite direction with appropriate or a predetermined speed.

In this case, the control unit SE, in particular a control algorithm stored there, is designed in such a way that even at very small door handles 5.1 acting forces, z. B. only when touching the door handle 5.1 or the body component 2 the electric drive 3 for movement and thus for opening or closing the body component 2 ent is controlled speaking. In particular, the electric drive 3 as long as controlled and thus a movement of the body component 2 executed as the control 5 or the body component 2 is pressed or touched accordingly. In other words, the movement of the body component 2 corresponds to the operation of the operating element 5 and / or the bodywork component 2 by a user. Thus, a support for the operation of the manually movable body component takes place 2 even at low forces by means of the controllable electric drive 3 for the duration of the force sensors 4.1 acting force and in the relevant, corresponding to the direction of force direction. Acts by the operator a force in the opposite direction to the door handle 5.1 , the movement is preferably reversed immediately.

Once no force on the force sensors 4.1 acts, for example, the operator leaves the control 5 , especially the door handle 5.1 go, the electric drive stops 3 preferably, so that the bodywork component 2 held in that position and, where appropriate, locked in that position.

For this purpose, the controllable electric drive 3 For example, a self-locking, whereby the body component 2 latches and locks when released.

Advantage of the invention operator-controlled and sensor-controlled movement of the body component 2 is that in particular sensors for anti-trap safely avoided. As a result, the device according to the invention is particularly inexpensive and easy and low maintenance.

The controllable electric drive 3 can also be designed so that it has a dynamic range. Here is the controllable electric drive 3 a resulting from the manual operation by the operator movement of acceleration and deceleration of the closing or opening movement of the body component 2 for sure.

At low speed of the opening or closing movement of the body component 2 is further from the controllable electric drive 3 a large drive torque held, creating a precise closing, in particular an intervention of the body component 2 is ensured in a corresponding to this closing device. The drive torque is a low-noise closing of the body component 2 possible.

In the 2a to 2g are different positions for the arrangement of sensors 4 on various body parts 2 various vehicles shown.

2 B shows a section of a particular swing door 2.2 trained body parts 2 from the inside. Here are for an opening movement on the inside of the swing door 2.2 two force sensors 4.1 arranged. One of the force sensors 4.1 is on the control 5 , the door opener 5.2 arranged. Another force sensor 4.1 is for example on an armrest 6 a door panel 7 arranged. Usually, the armrest serves 6 in addition to a movement sequence of an opening and a closing movement of the hinged door 2.2 , Upon actuation of the control element 5 and / or when touching or operating the armrest 6 is determined by the force sensors 4.1 detects a signal on the basis of which then the electric drive 3 controlled so that the swing door 2.2 is moved in the appropriate direction with appropriate speed.

In 2c is an enlarged section of the swing door 2.2 from the outside with an outer door handle 5.1 shown. There is at least one force sensor 4.1 on the door handle 5.1 arranged. Captures the force sensor 4.1 a force acting on it becomes the electric drive 3 triggered and a corresponding movement of the hinged door 2.2 executed.

A section of an open tailgate 2.3 is in 2d shown. This is to support a closing movement of the tailgate 2.3 For example, a dedicated control element 5 , in particular a loop 5.3 , in particular arranged a hand strap. Here is the force sensor 4.1 at the bend 5.3 arranged or integrated into this.

The operator is supported in such a way that with appropriate gripping of the loop 5.3 the electric drive 3 is controlled such that the movement for opening or closing the tailgate 2.3 is supported. Leaves the operator of the tailgate 2.3 the loop 5.3 go, hold the tailgate 2.3 in this position and is locked there advantageous.

2e shows further possible, vehicle inside control surfaces B for the arrangement of force sensors 4.1 on one as a tailgate 2.3 trained body component. This shows the tailgate 2.3 controls 5 in the form of recessed grips 5.4 in which the operator engages the tailgate 2.3 close. In this embodiment, the force sensors 4.1 advantageous to or in the recessed grips 5.4 arranged.

In 2f is the tailgate 2.3 with the inside, in particular at the lower edge of the tailgate 2.3 arranged recessed grips 5.4 in magnification erten cutout shown.

2g shows a rear view of the vehicle with the tailgate closed 2.3 with a tailgate handle 5.5 in exploded view. Here are the vehicle outside the force sensors 4.1 on the as a tailgate handle 5.5 trained operating element 5 arranged. Will the tailgate handle 5.5 pressed or touched, becomes the electric drive 3 triggered, causing the tailgate 2.3 can be opened without increased force and locked in a position specified by the operator. The position is due to the continuous operation or touch of the tailgate handle 5.5 certainly. Will the tailgate handle 5.5 let go, then automatically the electric drive 3 stopped and the tailgate 2.3 remains in the relevant position and is locked there.

3 schematically shows a further illustration of a control circuit 1 , where instead of the force sensors 4.1 capacitive sensors 4.2 on the control 5 and / or on the movable body component 2 can be arranged.

Based on the capacitive sensors 4.2 In particular, a touch of the operator is detected. In this case, at least one capacitive sensor 4.2 large area to the bodywork component 2 be arranged. Touching the body component 2 , in particular the contact of the at least one capacitive sensor 4.2 is detected as a control request. The signals are fed to the control unit SE, whereby the electric drive 3 is controlled. By this arrangement, the operator of the body component 2 trigger the movement on arbitrary surfaces as well as stop.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention is a movement, in particular a door speed v of the sliding door 2.1 detected and supplied to the control unit SE as an input, where these in the control of the electric drive 3 is taken into account. In this case, for example, on the controllable electric drive 3 a speed sensor 7 , z. B. a speed sensor arranged. For example, by means of the speed sensor 7 detects a change in speed, it can be adjusted and changed by the control unit SE, the door movement and thus in turn the speed of the door movement by the electric drive 3 is controlled accordingly.

It can by combining the force and touch sensors 4.1 . 4.2 and the speed sensor 7 an accidental opening or closing of the body component 2 recorded and avoided. For example, if the vehicle is parked on a slope and the sliding door 2.1 is open. So can the sliding door through the slope force 2.1 set in motion, accelerated and unintentionally opened. The speed sensor 7 captures the speed and interprets it as a control request, reducing the drive 3 would be controlled so that the sliding door 2.1 accelerated closed or opened. Through the combination with the force and touch sensors 4.1 . 4.2 results in a parallel query that neither the control element 5 still the body component 2 pressed or touched, so that automatically the drive 3 stopped and the body part 2 held in the relevant position. This ensures that only one operator makes a movement of the body component 2 can trigger.

1

control circuit

2

body component

2.1

sliding door

2.2

hinged door

2.3

tailgate

3

controllable electric drive

4

sensors

4.1

force sensor

4.2

capacitive sensor

5

operating element

5.1

door handle

5.2

Door Opener

5.3

loop

5.4

grip

5.5

tailgate handle

6

armrest

7

speed sensor

A

pane

B

operating surface

SE

control unit

v

door speed

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• - DE 19619210 A1 [0002]
• DE 102005061610 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Method for supporting operation of a hand-operated body component ( 2 ) of a vehicle, wherein the body component ( 2 ) by means of a controllable electric drive ( 3 ) is moved, characterized in that based on at least one of an operating element ( 5 ) and / or arranged in its surrounding area sensor ( 4 . 4.1 . 4.2 ) a signal is detected, by means of which by means of a control unit (SE) of the electric drive ( 3 ) is controlled such that the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) is moved between an open position and a closed position in the open position or the closed position or in any intermediate position. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the sensors ( 4 . 4.1 . 4.2 ) one on the control element ( 5 ) acting force and / or on the operating element ( 5 ) and / or the bodywork element ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) acting touch is detected. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the force and / or touch detected directional becomes. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) in dependence on the detected force and / or the detected contact by means of the controllable electric drive ( 3 ) is automatically closed. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) in dependence on the detected force and / or the detected contact by means of the controllable electric drive ( 3 ) is opened automatically. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that based on at least one of the sensors ( 4 . 4.1 . 4.2 . 7 ) the direction of movement, the speed and / or speed changes of the movement of the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ). A method according to claim 6, characterized in that a momentary movement of the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) in dependence on the detected speed and / or the sensed change in speed of the moving body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) is adjusted and changed. A method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that further vehicle parameters and / or operating parameters detected and in the adjustment of the instantaneous movement of the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ). Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that regardless of the detected speed of the movement of the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) This is automatically moved to the closed position and locked there. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when no signals from the sensor ( 4 . 4.1 to 4.2 ), the controllable electric drive ( 3 ) and the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) is held in the relevant position and arrested, if necessary. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one sensor ( 4 . 4.1 . 4.2 ) on a control element ( 5 ) and / or is arranged in its surrounding area, which detects a signal which can be fed to a control unit (SE) which, based on the signal, drives an electric drive ( 3 ) such that a movable body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) is movable between an open position and a closed position in the open position or the closed position or in any intermediate position. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the sensors ( 4 ) as a force sensor ( 4.1 ) or a capacitive sensor ( 4.2 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one of the sensors ( 4 ) as a speed sensor ( 7 ), Acceleration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor or a distance sensor is formed. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the control unit (SE) the controllable electric drive ( 3 ) as a function of one of the sensors ( 4 . 4.1 to 4.2 . 7 ) detected, acting on the control element force and / or acting on the operating element touch and / or by a detected speed and / or speed change of the movement of the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) controls such that the body component ( 2 . 2.1 to 2.3 ) automatically opens or closes.