Method for operating a motor vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle door (1), wherein the motor vehicle door (1) is equipped, for example, with an actuator (4) as an electrical consumer and / or a motor vehicle door lock and at least one sensor (5) for detecting a door movement. Furthermore, a control unit (6) is provided which evaluates the signals of the sensor (5) and which is transferred from a sleep mode into an operating state and back into the sleep mode depending on the recorded door movement situation. According to the invention, the sensor (5), which is free of current in the sleep mode, is caused to generate a current pulse by the door movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle door, wherein the vehicle door is equipped, for example, with an actuator as a power consumer and / or a vehicle door lock and at least one sensor for detecting door movement, and wherein a control unit for evaluating the sensor signal switches from a sleep mode to an operating state and back to a sleep mode based on the recorded door movement. Background Technology

[0002] The control unit here is at least capable of evaluating the signals from the sensors. Typically, the control unit is also used to monitor and, when necessary, operate actuators and / or vehicle door locks. Currently, the term "vehicle door" should be interpreted broadly to include all hoods, roofs, doors, etc., that can move relative to the vehicle body, more precisely, both inside and outside.

[0003] This method is described within the scope of DE 10 2006 058 723 A1. In fact, the goal here is to achieve keyless entry. Here, a proximity sensor is used to switch the door controller from a first operating state to a second operating state. These two operating states are, on the one hand, a sleep mode, and on the other hand, an operating state.

[0004] In addition to the proximity sensors of this type described above according to DE 10 2006 058 723 A1, acceleration sensors are also known in principle in this context. DE 10 2006 030 986B4 is considered an example in this regard. An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle hatch are described herein. The acceleration of the vehicle hatch or door can be detected by means of an acceleration sensor.

[0005] DE 10 2007 062 472 B4 proposes a similar method. It relates to a device for adaptively adjusting the adjusting force of an actuator to support opening and / or closing movements. With the aid of an evaluation device, the adjusting force of the actuator is now adaptively adjusted according to the corresponding operating conditions of the door. For this purpose, an acceleration sensor is also specifically provided, positioned near the door handle.

[0006] In principle, existing technology has proven advantageous in that the control unit transitions from sleep mode to operating mode and back to sleep mode using sensors located in or on the vehicle door. However, for this to function correctly, both the sensors and the control unit must, in principle, be powered. Considering the numerous electrical devices or power consumers in a vehicle, there is a general need to reduce quiescent current or current consumption, particularly in sleep mode. Further improvements are still possible in this regard. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further improve this method for operating vehicle doors, so as to further reduce current consumption, especially in sleep mode, compared with the previous solution.

[0008] To address this technical problem, the present invention proposes a method of this type for operating a vehicle door, wherein the movement of the door causes a sensor that is not in a sleep mode to generate a current pulse.

[0009] The measure taken in this principle is to wake up the control unit and transition it from sleep mode to operating state using the aforementioned current pulse. Furthermore, in sleep mode, the control unit is typically switched to a no-current state as well. That is, within the scope of this invention, the sleep mode is characterized by the fact that both the sensor and the control unit of the evaluation sensor are current-free, i.e., they do not consume quiescent current. The same applies to power supplies.

[0010] The sensor generates a current pulse only when the door moves. This current pulse is used to wake up the control unit or to bring it from a sleep mode to operation.

[0011] To this end, the present invention typically employs a method whereby a current pulse generated by a sensor due to door movement activates the power supply unit allocated to the control unit. Thus, the power supply unit is first turned on by the current pulse generated by the sensor, or in other words, the power supply unit is transitioned from its sleep mode state, which is also a current-free state, to an active state. Once the power supply unit is activated, the control unit is powered by the power supply unit and can then transition from its previously current-free sleep mode to the operating state. That is, the activated power supply unit causes the control unit to transition from sleep mode to operating state.

[0012] In this way, the quiescent current required according to the invention is significantly reduced again compared to previous solutions. This is because, in sleep mode, the control unit, sensors, and the power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit are switched to a state without current. The same applies to one or more power-consuming devices. Only when a door moves is a current pulse ensured by the sensor. The current pulse generated by the sensor activates the power supply unit, which in turn supplies the necessary power to the control unit, thereby bringing the control unit from its sleep mode into the operating state. This type of energy management, and the result observed here, has not been considered feasible to date.

[0013] Here, the sensor performs its core function in such a way that it not only detects the movement of the vehicle door during operation, but also typically ensures that, starting from sleep mode, the current pulse generated by its movement activates the power supply unit, which in turn puts the control unit into operation. The same applies to the sensor. This is considered a major advantage.

[0014] According to an advantageous design, the sensor is an inductive accelerometer or a sensor that generates an induced current through motion when it moves. This can be implemented in detail and advantageously as follows: in its simplest case, the sensor is equipped with one or more coils and one or more permanent magnets that can move relative to the coils. Here, the permanent magnets are advantageously arranged and oriented such that they move relative to one or more coils that are fixed in position relative to them when the relevant vehicle door moves, thereby inducing a current in the coils. The current induced in this way now provides a current pulse, which, according to the invention, is used to activate a power supply unit, which in turn causes the control unit to switch from sleep mode to operating state. However, in principle, the sensor can also be equipped with a correspondingly operating sensing unit.

[0015] For this purpose, the aforementioned sensing unit assigned to the sensor can, for example, operate in a linear direction. This means that, in this case, a permanent magnet, for example, in the shape of a rod, moves linearly relative to one or more coils in a fixed position. However, it is also possible, in principle, for the sensing unit to operate in a rotating manner. In this case, one or more coils can be arranged in a circular pattern. Once this circular arrangement rotates relative to the fixed permanent magnet, this again induces a current in the coil, which can be used for the current pulses mentioned earlier.

[0016] According to the present invention, the sensing unit that operates in a linear or rotating manner can now be used not only to generate current pulses as wake-up pulses.

[0017] In principle, linearly or rotating inductive units can initially be considered as sensors. This is because the acceleration of a permanent magnet moving linearly relative to a coil, and the associated induced current signal, are both measures of acceleration, just like the rotational speed in the case of a rotating inductive unit. This means that, in this case, the sensor itself is designed as an inductively operating accelerometer. However, in principle, the inductive unit can also be combined with other sensors, such as those based on semiconductors or designed as Hall effect sensors. This means that sensors can typically be designed as inductively operating accelerometers and / or include inductive units.

[0018] Typically, the sensor is connected to the power supply unit via a communication link. This communication link can operate wirelessly or via a wired connection. It is usually designed such that, in sleep mode, only the communication link is active / operational. Conversely, the sensor, power supply unit, control unit, and usually all power-consuming devices controlled by the control unit are without current. For example, this includes the aforementioned actuators and / or vehicle door locks. In this way, for example, in sleep mode, the actuators that move the vehicle door or support that movement are switched to no-current operation. This is particularly relevant when the vehicle door is open and stationary. Only when the control unit transitions from sleep mode to operation via a current pulse generated by the sensor does the control unit, in conjunction with the activated power supply unit, ensure that the actuators can support the desired movement of the vehicle door. Of course, this is only an example.

[0019] Typically, the control unit and sensors are located within the door panels of a vehicle. In contrast, the power supply unit is usually located on the vehicle body. Therefore, compared to previous implementations, current consumption is significantly reduced, particularly in sleep mode. This is considered a major advantage of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show only one embodiment; wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A- Figure 1 C schematically illustrates the method according to the invention and a motor vehicle door operating according to the method;

[0022] Figure 2 The vehicle doors and sensors are shown in detail; and

[0023] Figure 3 The sensor signal regarding time is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The figure shows a vehicle door 1, which can swing its door leaf 2 about an axis 3 from a closed position (indicated by a dashed line) to an open position (indicated by a solid line). In this embodiment, vehicle door 1 is a vehicle side door, vehicle hood, fuel filler cap, etc. This means that the term "vehicle door 1" should be interpreted broadly and ultimately encompass all flaps, closures, etc., that can move relative to the vehicle body. This may also include flaps located inside the vehicle body, such as glove box lids. Similarly, the term "vehicle door 1" should be understood as a vehicle door, vehicle hood, vehicle roof, etc., that can rotate, slide, or otherwise move.

[0025] The measure taken within the scope of this invention is to equip the vehicle door 1 with an actuator 4. The actuator 4 can operate in or in the region of the shaft or rotation shaft 3 and ensure that the door leaf 2 can be opened or closed by means of the actuator, or to support the swinging movement of the door leaf 2 initiated by the user. Therefore, the actuator 4 is a power consumer.

[0026] The basic structure also includes a sensor 5 connected to the control unit 6. It can be seen that the control unit 6 and the sensor 5 are arranged within the door leaf 2 of the vehicle door 1. Of course, this is not mandatory, and within the scope of this invention, it is important only that the movement of the vehicle door 1 or door leaf 2 can be detected by means of the sensor 5. For this purpose, the control unit 6 can detect the signal from the sensor 5 based on the recorded door movement.

[0027] Now, control unit 6 can switch from sleep mode to operating mode and back to sleep mode. Here, the sleep mode of control unit 6 is characterized by the fact that not only control unit 6 but also actuator 4, which is loaded via control unit 6, is switched to a state without current. The same applies to sensor 5. Now, in order for control unit 6 to switch from sleep mode to operating mode and thus ensure that actuator 4 is controlled via control unit 6 and can support the movement of door 2 as described, according to the invention, sensor 5, which is also without current in sleep mode, now generates current pulses through door movement.

[0028] With the aid of a current pulse, the control unit 5 is awakened and transitions from sleep mode to operating state. Specifically, the present invention takes the following measures: According to this embodiment, the sensor 5 is designed as an inductively operating accelerometer and has a sensing unit 5. According to this embodiment, the sensor 5 and the sensing unit 5 are synonyms or the same device. However, in principle, it is also possible that the sensor 5 includes or has a sensing unit 5, and is additionally equipped with sensor elements in the form of semiconductor sensors, Hall sensors, etc., so that the movement of the vehicle door 1 can be detected by means of them. However, this is not shown.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the sensing unit 5 or sensor 5 now operates as follows: Figure 2 The sensing unit 5 is equipped with a function that can move along Figure 2 The permanent magnet 7, as shown by the arrow, reciprocates linearly. This permanent magnet 7 moves relative to two coils 9 fixed in two positions. Here, the permanent magnet 7 is not only held and guided within the coils 9, but springs 8 positioned on one or both sides ensure that the permanent magnet 7 is not damaged during its linear movement, but is instead elastically braked at its ends.

[0030] The two coils 9 are respectively connected to the control unit 6. Besides Figure 2In addition to the linear sensing unit 5 shown, the rotary sensing unit 5, which has been explained in the above description, can also be used alternatively or additionally.

[0031] Regardless of the method used, in this example, the movement of the vehicle door 1 or its door leaf 2 about axis 3 will cause the associated linear motion of the permanent magnet 7 to induce a current in coil 9, according to... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, this current causes the sensor signal or sensor current I to increase from a no-current state (0). Correspondingly, a wake-up pulse is generated by sensor 5. This wake-up pulse or current pulse from sensor 5 ensures that control unit 6 is awakened. Therefore, control unit 6 transitions from a no-current sleep mode to an operating state.

[0032] To achieve and implement the above solution, specifically, the power supply unit 10 allocated to the control unit 6 is activated, ensuring that the current pulse or wake-up pulse generated by the sensor 5 through the movement of the vehicle door 1 is activated. Figure 1 A- Figure 1 C and Figure 2 A comparison shows that the power supply unit 10 is located on the vehicle body, while the control unit 6 and sensor 5 are arranged in the door leaf 2 of the vehicle door 1. Currently, sensor 5 is connected to the power supply unit 10 via communication link 11. In fact, according to... Figure 2 It can be seen that sensor 5 is continuously electrically connected to communication link 11, while the connection between sensor 5 and control unit 6 can be optionally implemented, which is indicated by the corresponding dashed line connection.

[0033] In this way, the current pulse or wake-up pulse generated by sensor 5 ensures that the power supply unit 10 allocated to control unit 6 is activated first when door leaf 2 and subsequently vehicle door 1 moves. Now, the power supply unit 10, activated in this way, itself causes control unit 6 to transition from sleep mode to operating state. For this purpose, power supply unit 10 is connected to control unit 6 so that when power supply unit 10 is activated, control unit 6 immediately transitions from its previous no-current state in sleep mode to operating state. The same applies to sensor 5.

[0034] The communication link 11 between sensor 5 and power supply unit 10, shown in the figure, can be implemented in a wired or wireless manner, or both. Generally, it is designed such that in sleep mode, only communication link 11 is activated so that when the vehicle door 1 moves, the current pulse or wake-up pulse generated by sensor 5 is directly sent to power supply unit 10. Then, power supply unit is activated and subsequently switches control unit 6 from sleep mode to operating mode. Conversely, in sleep mode, sensor 5, control unit 6, and power supply unit 10 are all switched to a no-current state.

[0035] exist Figure 1 A- Figure 1 C now shows the various stages during the transition from sleep mode to running state. Figure 1 A shows the sleep mode of vehicle door 1 or door leaf 2. Power supply unit 10 is disabled, a condition accompanied by state "0". Once... Figure 3 The sleep mode is activated when the sensor signal, or the current I output by sensor 5, is below the threshold I0. However, instead of the threshold I0, a threshold band can also be evaluated. Simultaneously, the duration of the sensor signal being below the threshold I0 is recorded. This includes the starting time point t1. If the sensor signal remains below the threshold I0 for the duration from t1 to t2... Figure 3 If the threshold I0 shown in the diagram is reached, then the control unit 6, sensor 5, and power supply unit 10 transition to sleep mode. This includes... Figure 1 Functional states in A.

[0036] like Figure 1 As indicated by B, if the vehicle door 1 or its door leaf 2 begins to move from now on, this first ensures that sensor 5 generates the aforementioned current pulse or wake-up pulse. Correspondingly, Figure 3 The current rise shown is from a no-current state. Here, the wake-up pulse may correspond to the duration up to time point t0, in which case the aforementioned threshold I0 or other thresholds of the sensor signal may be exceeded again, and corresponding to the transition from the previously occupied sleep mode to the subsequent operating state.

[0037] Under any circumstances, the wake-up pulse or current pulse from sensor 5 ensures that, from... Figure 1 B transition to Figure 1 During process C, the power supply unit 10 transitions from its previously inactive state (0) to an active state (1). Now, the power supply unit 10, activated in this way, itself ensures that the control unit 6 transitions from sleep mode to or into operating mode. This causes the actuator 4, which was previously without current, to be subsequently controlled by the control unit 6, resulting in the loading of the door leaf 2 by means of the actuator 4. Of course, instead of the actuator 4, the control unit 6 can also activate every other conceivable power consumer in or on the vehicle door 1, such as the vehicle door lock. However, this is not shown. Subsequently, the control unit 6 can record the movement of the door leaf 2 caused by the actuator 4 by means of the sensor 5 and control the actuator 4 accordingly.

[0038] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0039] Motor vehicle door 1

[0040] Door 2

[0041] Axis 3

[0042] Actuator 4

[0043] Sensors, sensing units 5

[0044] Control Unit 6

[0045] Permanent magnet 7

[0046] Spring 8

[0047] Coil 9

[0048] Power supply unit 10

[0049] Communication Link 11

[0050] Sensor signal, sensor current I

[0051] Status (0)

Claims

1. A method for operating a motor vehicle door (1), wherein, The vehicle door (1) is equipped with an actuator (4) as a power consumer and / or a vehicle door lock, and at least one sensor (5) for detecting door movement, wherein a control unit (6) that evaluates the signal of the at least one sensor (5) switches from sleep mode to operating mode and back to sleep mode according to the recorded door movement. Its features are, The movement of the vehicle door causes a current pulse to be generated in the sensor (5) which is not in sleep mode. The sensor (5) is designed to be an inductive accelerometer and / or has a sensing unit. The sensor is equipped with one or more coils and one or more permanent magnets. The permanent magnets and coils can move relative to each other when the vehicle door moves, thereby inducing a current in the coils.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current pulse from the sensor (5) wakes up the control unit (6) and transitions it from sleep mode to running state.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The current pulse activates the power supply unit (10) assigned to the control unit (6).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The activated power supply unit (10) causes the control unit (6) to switch from sleep mode to running mode.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor (5) is connected to the power supply unit (10) via a communication link (11).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The communication link (11) operates wirelessly or via wired means.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In sleep mode, only the communication link (11) is active, while the sensor (5), power supply unit (10), control unit (6), and power consumer are all without current.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit (6) and the sensor (5) are arranged in the door leaf (2) of the motor vehicle door.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power supply unit (10) is mounted on the vehicle body.

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