Opening device for motor vehicle door components

Abstract

The present invention relates to an opening device (1) for a motor vehicle door element (6), the opening device having an electric drive (7) and an actuating element (4), particularly a sliding element, acting on the door element (6), wherein the actuating element (4) is adjustable by means of the electric drive (7) and a transmission mechanism (3) arranged between the electric drive (7) and the actuating element (4) such that at least the door element (6) can be opened by means of the actuating element (4), wherein the transmission mechanism (6) has a drive rod (10) arranged on the outer end (19) of the actuating element (4), the outer end being associated with the door element (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for a motor vehicle door element, the opening device having an electric drive device and an actuating element, particularly a sliding element, acting on the door element, wherein the actuating element can be adjusted by means of the electric drive device and a transmission mechanism arranged between the electric drive device and the actuating element, such that the door element can be opened by means of the actuating element. Background Technology

[0002] One of the goals pursued by automakers is to improve comfort when entering a motor vehicle. This can be achieved, for example, by providing vehicles that omit exterior door handles or, although they have exterior door handles, these handles only generate a switch signal to open and close the door components. In vehicles without exterior door handles, the operator can open the vehicle, for example, by means of sensors located on the vehicle or by means of a radio remote control. To enable the gripping and full opening of the door components in the above-mentioned cases, so-called opening devices, or door opening mechanisms or door openers, are used.

[0003] DE 10 2016 105 760 A1 discloses an opening device for a motor vehicle door, comprising a base plate, a drive element supported on the base plate, and a drive mechanism, wherein a first sensor associated with the drive element is provided, the first sensor distinguishing at least between an opening process and a manual opening process. Here, the opening device includes a drive mechanism that can be driven by a sensor and a control unit. A flexible connector enables the swinging of a transmission rod, which in turn enables the opening movement via a drive rod and a drive slider. To achieve door movement or door opening, the drive slider moves linearly and, for example, moves out of an opening in the vehicle body, such that disengaged and unlocked doors can be opened at least partially. The end position of the drive slider can be detected by means of a position-fixed sensor, allowing the drive mechanism to be closed in the open position of the door element.

[0004] Another opening device for a motor vehicle door is known from DE 10 2017 124 282 A1. This opening device has an electric drive and an actuator, wherein the actuator is adjustable by means of the drive, and the motor vehicle door can be opened by means of the actuator, and includes at least one sensor for detecting actuated movement. To continuously detect the actuated movement of the door element, the opening device additionally includes a sensor directly integrated into the actuator. The actuator is provided with a sliding element, which engages with the moving door element and acts in conjunction with a switching element whenever the actuator applies force to the door element. Therefore, the actuated movement can be detected and probed by means of the sensor whenever the actuator moves the door element. If, for example, an operator grasps the door element, the sensor signal terminates, and the actuator can, for example, return to its initial position.

[0005] Another type of opening device with sensing detection of the position of a door element is known from DE 10 2015 103 830 A1. An actuator arranged on the door restraint band can move the restraint band and open the door. For this purpose, the actuator acts on a drive disc movably arranged in the door element, which in turn acts with a stop and thus opens the door element. If the door element is opened to the open position, this open position is detected by means of a switching element, particularly the switching element of a sensor. An additional second actuator allows the door to be fully opened beyond the open position.

[0006] Opening devices for motor vehicle door components, known from the prior art, have proven effective in principle; however, they reach their limits when a compact and, particularly, lightweight structure is required. A lightweight, non-compact structure is advantageous, especially when the opening device must be housed within a vehicle lock or in the area of ​​a lock in a side door, as space requirements are always limited. In addition to the requirements of lightweight construction and compactness, the opening device must also be able to meet all functional needs and, particularly, extreme conditions. This invention is proposed for this purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an improved opening device. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a compact and lightweight structure for the opening device.

[0008] According to the present invention, the stated objective is achieved by the features of the technical solutions described below. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the further described technical solutions. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any variation of the features described in the specification, dependent claims, and drawings is possible.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by providing an opening device for a vehicle door element, the opening device having an electric drive and an actuating element, particularly a sliding element, acting on the door element, wherein the actuating element is adjustable by means of the electric drive and a transmission mechanism arranged between the electric drive and the actuating element, such that the door element can be opened by means of the actuating element, wherein the transmission mechanism has a drive rod arranged on the outer end of the actuating element associated with the door element. Now, by means of the structure of the opening device according to the invention, it is possible to very precisely adapt the actuating element to the stated requirements. In particular, the actuating element can be constructed as a whole with a lightweight design, because the transmission from the drive rod to the actuating element, that is, the force flow from the drive rod to the actuating element, occurs in the area directly arranged for the force to be introduced for opening the door element. In other words, the drive rod is arranged so far on the outer end of the actuating element that, although the actuating element is performing the opening movement, the force transmission is still directly introduced into the outer end of the actuating element through the drive rod. Therefore, the force flow is transmitted through the drive rod to the actuating element and then to the door element or body, where the force flow through the actuating element is minimized. By minimizing the force flow through the actuating element, the overall load is reduced and it can be very precisely adapted and constructed to the demand, that is, the required force.

[0010] The drive rod can also be regarded as the first rod of the rod drive mechanism, wherein the first rod is directly arranged on the actuating element.

[0011] The opening device relates to motor vehicle door components, but within the scope of this invention, it can also be used for hatches, covers, hoods, or hoods. In other words, a movable component on a motor vehicle is held in a closed position and moved to any location in an open position for opening. The open position allows an operator to then reach into the gap created by the opening device, thereby enabling manual opening.

[0012] The electric drive unit here enables the movement of the actuator. The electric drive unit includes a motor, preferably a DC motor, which acts on the actuator via at least one transmission stage. By means of the motor, the actuator can be moved, specifically, moved in such a way that the door element can be opened by the driven actuator. Here, the actuator moves relative to the vehicle body and applies pressure to the vehicle door element, thereby enabling the disengaged and unlocked doors to move.

[0013] According to the present invention, a vehicle locking system works in conjunction with an unlocking device, wherein the vehicle locking system has a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl. The locking device formed by the rotating locking fork and the locking pawl is electrically unlockable. Particularly in electrically unlockable locking systems, the vehicle operator only needs an electrical pulse to move the locking system to the unlocked, i.e., open position. After unlocking, the locking system is in the open state, allowing the door or hatch to move. Here, the electrical unlocking pulse for the locking system can be generated by means of a sensor, a key, or by means of a sensing element, such as a touch sensor or a door handle with an integrated sensor.

[0014] Once the vehicle door element is in the unlocked state, it can swing freely in the hinge. The door may also have a door restraint band capable of holding the door in multiple open positions. Once the door is unlocked, it can be moved by means of an opening device, wherein the different positions of the door element enable the detection of the functional position of the actuator by means of the arrangement of sensors or switches according to the invention.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive rod can be pivotally fixed to the actuating element. This pivotal support of the drive rod on the actuating element enables an advantageous engagement relationship between the actuating rod and the drive rod. In particular, the drive rod can be adjusted for altered engagement relationships and thus can be improved into a cost-effective lever mechanism. Preferably, the drive rod is driven by another actuating rod, wherein the pivotal support of the drive rod allows for rolling of the first and second rods, or the drive rod and the actuating rod, relative to each other.

[0016] Another advantageous design variation of the invention can be provided if the actuating element has at least one guiding region and an opening region. By connecting the drive rod to the outer end of the actuating element, it is possible to divide the actuating element into different regions, imposing different requirements on the actuating element in each region. On one hand, there is an opening region on the actuating element, wherein the opening region is the area on which the drive rod is arranged. Here, as described above, force transmission for opening the door element occurs. In extreme cases, a large force may be required in this region to open the door element. Especially when the door element is difficult to move due to extreme conditions, a large force must be transmitted. Therefore, high requirements are placed on the opening region in terms of structural design.

[0017] Conversely, a stable design can be abandoned in the guiding region of the actuating element, since only the stability and guidance of the actuating element need to be ensured in the guiding region. Force is transmitted from the transmission mechanism through the drive rod to the opening region. Preferably, the guiding region, which can begin after the support portion of the drive rod, is used solely for the orientation and guidance of the actuating element. Therefore, lower requirements are placed on the stability of the guiding region of the actuating element. Thus, these regions on the actuating element are distinguished by purpose and can be adapted to requirements or purposes according to the invention. In particular, there is the possibility that different regions are structurally adapted to requirements, where both one-piece and multi-piece structures of the actuating element can be realized. Thus, for example, the guiding region can be structurally elongated and optimally adapted to guiding characteristics using guide grooves or ribs, while the opening region can have a structurally stable implementation. Therefore, different regions can be individually adapted to the stated requirements.

[0018] It has proven advantageous that at least the opening area is at least partially formed of a metallic material. The opening area of ​​the actuating element is used to transmit force from the electric drive to the structural member to be opened via a transmission mechanism. As mentioned above, the structural member to be opened can be a door or a hatch. Here, the opening device itself can be arranged in the movable structural member or fixedly held in the vehicle body. In any case, relative movement between the door element and the vehicle body is initiated by the opening device. In extreme cases, a large force may be required for opening. For example, an extreme situation may occur when a person leans against the door to be opened. In this case, a larger force is required to open the door element. However, extreme situations may also exist when, for example, the door seal is blocked by ice due to environmental factors. In this case, a large force of up to 500 N must be transmitted through the actuating element and, according to the invention, through the opening area. Therefore, it is advantageous that at least in the opening area there is a metallic material as a support for the drive rod and / or for force transmission in the actuating element. This also allows for the continuous and stable transmission of large forces, which ensure reliable opening throughout the entire service life of the vehicle. Consider metallic materials such as steel, and lightweight materials such as aluminum. The opening area can be formed entirely of metallic materials. Damping elements can be arranged in the area where it contacts the door element or the body. However, it is also conceivable to construct the opening area as a hybrid component, thus including, for example, a metal core with a plastic sheath. Here, the support portion for the drive rod can be formed of a metal sheath, a metal core, or both.

[0019] Another advantageous design variation of the invention is obtained if the actuating element is at least partially formed of plastic. A number of advantages arise for the opening device by forming the actuating element of plastic and, particularly, at least partially forming the guide region of plastic. The use of plastic allows for a very lightweight actuating element. Furthermore, it makes it possible to form complex shapes, such as guide ribs, on the actuating element, which improves the characteristics of the actuating element. It is also possible to use plastics with lubricating properties, thereby enabling reliable and low-maintenance guidance of the actuating element, for example, in the guide region. It is also conceivable that the actuating element can be designed as a two-piece or multi-piece unit, wherein, for example, the opening region has a metal core with a plastic sheath, while the guide region is formed solely of plastic. Here, the connection between the opening region and the guide region can use form-locking and / or force-locking and / or material-locking connections. By using plastic and, particularly by constructing the actuating element as a hybrid component in one-piece or multi-piece embodiments, the weight of the actuating element can be minimized. Therefore, a lightweight opening device can be provided that also offers all load and functionality due to the high degree of design freedom in the plastic area.

[0020] In addition to the design advantages and the lightweight nature of plastics, plastics also offer the possibility of cost-effectively manufacturing actuating elements. Therefore, in the case of the opening device according to the invention, the advantages of light weight, design freedom, and lightweight complement each other.

[0021] Another embodiment according to the invention is obtained if the support portion of the drive rod protrudes at least partially, preferably completely, from the opening of the receiving portion of the opening device in the open position of the door element. The support portion for the drive rod is arranged on the outer end of the actuating element and in the opening area. Here, the support portion can be arranged so far toward the end of the actuating element that, in the open position of the door element, the drive rod protrudes from the opening for the actuating element. Therefore, the support portion and the drive rod can be seen in the area of ​​the actuating element or the opening. The opening device is preferably arranged in the vehicle door or body such that, in the unoperated state, that is, in the initial position, the actuating element is flush with the opening of the body. The initial position can also be a position in which the actuating element has protruded beyond the opening and rests against the door element or the body. Resting against the body shortens the actuation time and minimizes noise.

[0022] Furthermore, in a design variant of the invention, it can be advantageously stipulated that the opening device works in conjunction with an electrically unlockable vehicle lock, at least by means of a control device. In the conventional operation of the opening device, the vehicle lock is electrically unlocked in a first method step, wherein the locking pawl of the locking device moves out of its engagement area with the rotating locking fork. The rotating locking fork is released and the lock retainer is disengaged, thereby allowing the door element to move freely. After the vehicle lock is unlocked, a signal is transmitted to the drive mechanism of the opening device and actuates the actuating element. The door element then moves from the closed position to the open position, thereby creating a door gap into which the operator can insert their hand and fully open the door element. Thus, the operator can advantageously signal, for example, via a radio remote control device, to open or open the door element to the open position. Here, the vehicle lock is unlocked and the door element is opened to such an extent that the operator can grasp the door element and partially or fully open it.

[0023] The structure of the opening device according to the invention, with the drive rod arranged in the first third of the actuating element, achieves a structurally advantageous yet lightweight design. This allows for the fulfillment of all functional requirements of the opening device, thereby combining a lightweight structure with a compact and cost-effective design. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and an embodiment. However, the following principle applies: the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely illustrates an advantageous design. The features shown may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and the claims.

[0025] The diagram shows:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment is shown in a side view, wherein only the components important for illustrating the invention are shown, including the initial position of the opening device.

[0027] Figure 2 An opening device is shown in a position where a door element with a first effective radius capable of breaking ice and partially opening is illustrated.

[0028] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an opening device in the following position: a door element has been moved into its open position, a second effective radius acts on the actuating element and holds the door element in the open position, and

[0029] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 An enlarged view of the schematic diagram of the opening device when the door element is in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of an opening device 1 installed in the body 2 of a motor vehicle, with a side view of the transmission mechanism 3 and the actuating element 4. The opening device 1 is shown in its initial position, with the actuating element 4 flush with the opening 5 in the body 2. The motor vehicle door element 6 is in the closed position, held in a main locked position, for example, by an electrically operable locking system. The opening device 1 also has an electric drive 7, which engages with the transmission mechanism 3, for example, via a Bowden cable 8. In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 is formed by two levers 9 and 10, wherein the first lever 10 is oscillatingly received in the actuating element 4, and the second lever 9 is oscillatingly received in the opening device 1. Here, the first lever 10 is fixed in the opening device 1 in a manner that allows it to oscillate about a swing axis 11, while the second lever 9 is fixed in a manner that allows it to oscillate about a swing axis 12.

[0031] Two engagement areas 13 and 14 are formed between the first rod 10 and the second rod 9. These two engagement areas are formed in the transmission mechanism 3 with corresponding effective radii R1 and R2, respectively.

[0032] Figure 1 The initial position A of door element 6 is shown, where door element 6 is in the closed position. Actuating element 4 is held in the initial position, for example, by spring loading, that is, held flush with opening 5 in opening device 1. If the operator now transmits a control signal to control device 15, the control signal is first sent to electric lock 16, whereby the electric lock is unlocked. Subsequently, control device 15 initiates the opening process. For this purpose, control device 15 operates the electric drive mechanism, thereby moving the second lever 9, for example, by means of Bowden cable 8, in the direction of arrow P. Figure 1 As shown, the second rod 9 abuts against the first rod 10 in the engagement area 13 and rolls in the engagement area 13 with an effective radius R1.

[0033] This transmission ratio results in a larger force being applied to actuator 4, enabling actuator 4 to also break the ice, that is, pry open the frozen door seal. If door element 6 is opened to the extent that it has definitively achieved release from the door seal, then door element 6 is in a state of... Figure 2 In the ice-breaking position shown, door element 6 has opened gap S1. Upon reaching ice-breaking position E, a second effective radius R2 acts on the first rod 10 in the engagement region 14, where the larger effective radius R2 engages with the first rod 10. Here, the transmission ratio is changed such that opening can be achieved at an increased speed.

[0034] After further manipulating the second lever 9, the door element 6 is reached. Figure 3The open position O is shown in the diagram. (As shown in...) Figure 3 As can be clearly seen, the larger effective radius R2 now acts on the first lever 10, thereby enabling the rapid opening of the door element 6. A discontinuous transmission ratio can be achieved in the opening device through the spacing L of the engagement regions 13 and 14. Therefore, continuous opening with different functionalities can be achieved with the simplest structural components. Here, the spacing L of the engagement regions 13 and 14 can be chosen such that an optimized force variation curve can be achieved in the opening device 1 according to the available or required force consumption. It has proven advantageous here that the ratio between the effective radii is R1:R2 = 1:2. After the door element is opened, the opening device 1 can, for example, move the actuating element 4 back to its initial position by means of a spring element. However, it is also conceivable that the actuating element 4 returns to its initial position by means of the movement of the door element 6 itself when the door element 6 is closed.

[0035] exist Figure 4 The text shows the data according to... Figure 3 The location to open. Figure 4 It is also shown that the actuating element 4 is divided into an opening region 17 and a guiding region 18. The dotted line L here illustrates that approximately one-third of the actuating element 4 is divided into the opening region 17 and two-thirds into the guiding region 18.

[0036] exist Figure 4 Different embodiments of the actuating element 4 as a hybrid component are shown. Preferably, a metal core 19 is arranged in the region of the swing axis 11, extending at least into the region of the swing axis 11. Depending on the embodiment and the requirements for the stability of the actuating element 4, an extension 20 of the metal core 19 into the guide region 18 may also be present.

[0037] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that, to improve stability, the metal core 19 extends a considerable distance into the guide region 18, as exemplarily shown by the dashed line 21. It is also conceivable that multiple metal cores 19, 22 are arranged in the actuating element 4 to further stabilize the actuating element. In addition to the metal cores 19, 22, the actuating element may also have a plastic region 23 that connects to and / or stabilizes the metal cores 19, 22.

[0038] The embodiments shown here of the metal cores 19 and 22, the extension 20, the dashed line 21, and the plastic region 23 are merely exemplary, wherein this division can be adapted to the requirements of the actuating element 4. In particular, different requirements can be imposed on the actuating element 4 depending on the opening position, speed, and gap size, thus requiring structurally adapted embodiments. Specifically, guide ribs 24, for example formed by the plastic sheath 23 of the metal cores 19 and 22, can be arranged in the guide region 18. A multi-piece structure of the actuating element can also be constructed, for example, in the region of the dashed line L, such that the opening region 17 is structurally strong, and the guide region 18 can be constructed lightweight and solely as a guide element. Therefore, a lightweight opening device 1 can be provided that meets all the load and functionality requirements of the opening device 1.

[0039] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0040] 1. Turn on the device

[0041] 2. Body

[0042] 3. Transmission mechanism

[0043] 4 Actuating elements

[0044] 5 Openings

[0045] 6. Motor vehicle door components

[0046] 7. Electric drive unit

[0047] 8. Baudenlaso

[0048] 9, 10 strokes

[0049] 11, 12 Swing Axis

[0050] 13, 14 Joint Area

[0051] 15. Control device

[0052] 16 Electric locks

[0053] 17 Open Area

[0054] 18. Guiding Area

[0055] 19, 22 metal core

[0056] 20 Extension

[0057] 21 Dashed line

[0058] 23 Plastic Area

[0059] 24 guide ribs

[0060] R, R1 effective radius

[0061] A. Initial position

[0062] E Icebreaking location

[0063] O Open location

[0064] P arrow

[0065] S1, S gap

[0066] L-shaped dotted line

Claims

1. An opening device (1) for a motor vehicle door element (6), which opening device has an electric drive (7) and an actuating element (4) which acts on the door element (6), wherein The actuating element (4) can be moved by means of an electric drive (7) and a transmission (3) arranged between the electric drive (7) and the actuating element (4) in such a way that at least the door element (6) can be opened by means of the actuating element (4), characterized in that The transmission (3) has a drive lever (10) which is arranged on an outer end of the actuating element (4) which is associated with the door element (6); a bearing point (11) of the drive lever (10) on the actuating element (4) at least partially projects from an opening (5) of a receiving part of the opening device (1) in the open position (O) of the door element (6).

2. Opening device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The drive lever (10) is mounted in a pivotable manner on the actuating element (4).

3. Opening device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The actuating element (4) has at least one guide region (18) and at least one opening region (17).

4. Opening device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The drive lever (10) is fixed in the opening region (17) of the actuating element (4).

5. Opening device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that At least the opening region (17) is formed at least partially from a metallic material.

6. Opening device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The actuating element (4) is formed at least partially from a plastic (23).

7. Opening device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4-6, characterized in that, The drive lever (10) can be actuated by means of an actuating lever (9).

8. Opening device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4-6, characterized in that, The bearing point (11) of the drive lever (10) completely projects from the opening (5) of the receiving part of the opening device (1) in the open position (O) of the door element (6).

9. Opening device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4-6, characterized in that, The opening device (1) interacts at least by means of a control device (15) with an electrically unlockable lock (16).

10. Opening device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4-6, characterized in that The actuating element (4) is constructed in two parts.

11. Opening device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The actuating element (4) is a sliding element.

12. Opening device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4-6, characterized in that The actuating element (4) is constructed in multiple parts.

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