Sliding door actuation device, sliding door device for vehicle, and sliding door actuation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an actuation device of a sliding door, a sliding door device of a vehicle, and an actuation method of a sliding door, the actuation device of a sliding door comprising: an electric rotating mechanism having a driving element arranged to selectively move between a first position and a second position when the electric rotating mechanism is rotated, the drive element is configured to selectively couple or discouple with a mating coupling element of the sliding door when in the first position, where the drive element is configured to drive the mating coupling element coupled thereto when the motorized rotary mechanism is rotated from the first position to the second position, and where the drive element is configured to drive the mating coupling element coupled thereto when the motorized rotary mechanism is rotated from the first position to the second position. The second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of German patent application number 102023131507.2 filed on November 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to actuation of a sliding door, and more particularly to an actuation device for a sliding door, a sliding door device, a vehicle, and an actuation method for a sliding door. Background Art

[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] Sliding doors that open horizontally by sliding are used in various fields. For example, in addition to buildings, they are also applied to transportation vehicles such as motor vehicles, buses, trains, etc.

[0006] When a sliding door is to be closed, some external force is required to slide or initiate the movement of the door, such as manual operation and / or the application of an operating force. For example, sliding doors of motor vehicles usually have several solid locks, into which the sliding door must be inserted and / or pressed with appropriate force to close. When producing the motor vehicle, these locks need to be aligned with the sliding door, require appropriate installation space, and increase the overall weight of the sliding door. In general, regardless of the field of application, closing and / or locking a sliding door usually involves manual operation and / or requires the application of an operating force. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides an actuating device for a sliding door, a sliding door device for a vehicle, a method for actuating a sliding door, and a computer program for executing the method.

[0008] According to a first aspect, an actuating device for a sliding door is provided. The actuating device comprises a rotating mechanism that can be driven by a motor or powered by electricity. The rotating mechanism comprises a driving element that is arranged to selectively move between a first position and a second position when the powered rotating mechanism rotates. The driving element is configured to selectively couple or disengage with a mating coupling element of the sliding door when in the first position. The driving element is configured to drive the mating coupling element coupled thereto at least when the powered rotating mechanism rotates from the first position to the second position, the second position corresponding to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

[0009] The proposed actuating device improves the closing and / or locking of the sliding door by using a simple structural mode. In one embodiment, the actuating device may include a rotating element, which may be driven by a motor and include a driving element. By selectively receiving and / or connecting the mating coupling element by the driving element, the mating coupling element can be easily driven by the driving element with the rotational movement of the rotating mechanism, such as moving, transporting, etc. For example, the mating coupling element and / or the sliding door can be slid to the driving element, such as in a guide rail, etc., and the driving element then drives it to a second position together with the rotational movement of the rotating mechanism through a corresponding connection. The second position is the closed position and / or locked position of the sliding door. Due to the rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism can have a compact size and a low weight, so that it can be simply implemented and / or integrated in vehicles, buildings, etc. In the case of a motor vehicle, the lock and / or the lock catch at the B-pillar can be omitted. In addition, the actuating device does not require wires on one side of the sliding door. The actuating device can be used to safely close and / or lock the sliding door. For example, the actuating device can be used to perform the final movement of the sliding door, such as approaching and / or pulling it into the opening of the wall to be closed, in a motor-assisted and / or at least semi-automatic manner. Thus, at least the manual operation and / or operating force for closing and / or locking the sliding door can be reduced.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the rotating mechanism can be self-locking at least in the second position. For example, the rotating mechanism can include a motor, a drive, etc. with a self-locking effect. This can provide a structural locking of the sliding door in the second position, i.e., the closed position and / or the locked position of the sliding door.

[0011] In one embodiment, the actuating device may further comprise a self-locking gearbox coupled to the rotating mechanism. The gearbox may be configured to limit its rotation at least in the direction of the first position. For example, the gearbox may be configured as a worm gear, a linear spindle gear, etc. The gearbox may be coupled to the rotating mechanism via its toothed gear (e.g. via a meshing corresponding to the toothed gear). Such gears have a strong self-locking effect and allow the rotating mechanism and / or its drive element to be locked particularly firmly in its second position.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the actuating device may include a locking mechanism, which is configured to be selectively coupled to the rotating mechanism at least in the second position to limit its rotation at least in the direction of the first position. In addition to any self-locking of the rotating mechanism, a locking mechanism may also be provided. The locking mechanism may include at least one mechanical locking element, which can be selectively engaged and disengaged with the rotating mechanism, for example by force locking and / or shape locking. In addition, the locking mechanism may include an actuator, which is coupled to the locking element and is configured to move the locking element relative to the rotating mechanism. The actuator may be coupled to at least one of a control circuit and a power supply. For example, the locking mechanism may be supported by a structural element, such as a building, a vehicle, etc., and its opening in the wall is closed by a sliding door. In the case of a vehicle, the locking mechanism may be supported on the vehicle body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to at least control the motor-driven rotation of the rotating mechanism. For example, the control circuit may include at least one of a data processor, an integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The control circuit may be coupled to the rotating mechanism (e.g., its motor). In addition, the control circuit may be coupled to a power source.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to receive a first detection signal, which indicates that there is a matching coupling element at least at the drive element. The control circuit may be configured to generate a first control signal based on the first detection signal, and the first control signal is configured to control the rotation of the rotating mechanism. For example, the actuating device may include or may be connected to at least one detection device, such as a sensor, etc., which is configured to detect that there is a matching coupling element at least at the drive element. For example, at least one detection device may include at least one of a magnetic detection sensor, a Hall sensor, etc. At least one detection device may be arranged at or near the drive element. When indicating that there is a matching coupling element at least at the drive element, the control circuit may rotate the rotating mechanism in the direction of the second position, thereby closing and / or locking the sliding door. Therefore, the final movement of closing and / or locking the sliding door can be further automated.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to receive a second detection signal indicating that the drive element has reached the second position. The control circuit may be configured to generate a second control signal, which is configured to control the rotating mechanism to stop rotating. For example, at least one detection device may include at least one of a magnetic detection sensor, a Hall sensor, etc., which is configured to detect whether the drive element has reached the second position. Optionally, the detection may be based on measuring and / or monitoring the electrical power of the motor to determine whether the second position has been reached. Therefore, the final movement of closing and / or locking the sliding door can be further automated.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the control circuit may be configured to generate a third control signal configured to control the locking mechanism to lock the rotating mechanism, thereby limiting its rotational movement. For example, the third control signal may be used to control the above-mentioned locking mechanism (e.g., its actuator). Therefore, the final movement for closing and / or locking the sliding door may be further automated.

[0017] In one embodiment, the actuating device may further include at least one detection device configured to detect at least one of the presence of a mating coupling element at the drive element and the drive element being located at the second position. The at least one detection device may also be configured to detect whether the drive element has reached the second position. For example, the at least one detection device may include at least one of a magnetic detection sensor, a Hall sensor, and the like.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the drive element may be configured to be open toward the peripheral side or outside of the rotating mechanism when in the first position to selectively receive the mating coupling element to couple and release the mating coupling element to disengage. For example, the drive element may be formed as a recess, a groove, etc. It may be configured so that when the drive element is in the first position, the mating coupling element can be selectively inserted or removed. For example, in the first position, a guide rail for guiding the sliding door may lead to the drive element, such as a recess, a groove, etc. This allows the sliding door or its mating coupling element to slide into the drive element. This can be detected by at least one detection device, whereby the rotating mechanism can be controlled to rotate the drive element to the second position.

[0019] In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism may include a rotatable gear element that can be driven by a motor, or may be formed by the rotatable gear element. The gear element may include a drive element at its peripheral section. For example, the gear element may have teeth, such as internal teeth or external teeth, via which the gear element is driven by the motor. In addition, for example, a gear box may be arranged to be effective between the motor and the gear element. In this case, the gear box may engage with the teeth of the gear element. In addition, the gear box may be connected to the motor via a transmission element (such as a shaft, etc.). The gear element allows a sturdy and compact design.

[0020] According to a second aspect, a sliding door arrangement is provided. The sliding door arrangement comprises a sliding door having a mating coupling element. Furthermore, the sliding door arrangement comprises an actuating device according to the first aspect.

[0021] For example, a sliding door can be used to selectively open and close an opening in a wall of a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle, a bus, a train, a building, etc.). The sliding door can be configured to slide horizontally relative to the wall and / or slide parallel to the wall. The sliding door includes a mating coupling element. Optionally, the opening in the wall can include at least one seal to seal the sliding door when closed.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the sliding door device may further include a guide rail configured to guide the sliding door and / or a mating coupling element. The guide rail may be open toward the driving element in the first position. For example, the sliding door may be guided in a guide rail extending parallel to the wall. Since the guide rail may be open toward the driving element, the sliding door may easily slide along the guide rail to the driving element or slide into the driving element. For example, in the first position of the driving element, the guide rail may open to the driving element, such as a recess, a groove, etc. This allows the sliding door or its mating coupling element to slide into the driving element. This can be detected by at least one detection device, whereby the rotation of the rotary mechanism can be controlled to move the driving element to the second position, thereby closing and / or locking the sliding door.

[0023] A third aspect relates to a vehicle, the vehicle comprising the device of the first aspect, and / or comprising the sliding door device of the second aspect. The vehicle may be any motor vehicle, train or the like.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, a method for actuating a sliding door is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first detection signal, the first detection signal indicating that a matching coupling element of the sliding door exists at least at a driving element of a rotating mechanism in a first position, the driving element and the matching coupling element selectively coupling or disengaging from each other. In addition, the method further comprises generating a first control signal based on the first detection signal, the first control signal being configured to control the rotating mechanism to rotate so as to move the driving element and the matching coupling element coupled thereto to a second position, wherein the second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

[0025] The method may be applied to the actuating device of the first aspect, or any other controller of a vehicle configured to control a rotating mechanism. For example, the method may be performed by a control circuit of the actuating device. This allows further automation of the closing and / or locking of the sliding door.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the method may further include receiving a second detection signal indicating that the drive element has reached a second position, and the method may further include generating a second control signal configured to control the rotating mechanism to stop rotating. This allows further automation of the closing and / or locking of the sliding door.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method may further include generating a third control signal configured to control the locking mechanism to lock the rotating mechanism to restrict its rotational movement. This allows further automation of the closing and / or locking of the sliding door.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an actuation device according to the first aspect to perform a method according to the fourth aspect. The computer program may be stored on a computer readable medium.

[0029] It should be understood that the above-mentioned aspects and / or embodiments may be combined with each other unless otherwise stated.

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification.

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention should be readily understood as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description.

[0033] The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals represent the same or functionally the same components, and wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 An actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0035] Figure 2 An actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0036] Figure 3 An actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0037] Figure 4 An actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0038] Figure 5 An actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0039] Figure 6 An actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0040] Figure 7 The operation of the actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0041] Figure 8 The operation of the actuating device for a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown in a schematic top view;

[0042] Fig. 9 A vehicle including a sliding door and an actuating device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0043] Fig.10 A flow chart describing an actuation method of a sliding door according to an embodiment is shown.

[0044] Although specific embodiments are shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. In general, this application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0045] Description of reference numerals:

[0046] 1 Vehicle

[0047] 2 walls

[0048] 4 Guide rails

[0049] 6 Seals

[0050] 10 Sliding Doors

[0051] 12 Mating connection elements

[0052] 100 Actuator

[0053] 110 Rotating mechanism

[0054] 112 drive element

[0055] 114 Rotation axis

[0056] 116 Direction of rotational motion

[0057] 120 Motor

[0058] 130 Gear Box

[0059] 140 Locking mechanism

[0060] 142 Locking element

[0061] 144 Actuator

[0062] 150 Detection device

[0063] 160 Detection device

[0064] 170 Control circuit

[0065] 200 Methods

[0066] 210-220 method steps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] It should be understood that the actuating device can be applied to various fields, wherein the sliding door is actuated. For example, the actuating device can be used in vehicles, buildings, etc. As used herein, the term "vehicle", "vehicle" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles. Such motor vehicles may include sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, etc. Such motor vehicles may also include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, for example, a vehicle that has both gasoline power and electric power. In addition, the term "vehicle" may include watercraft (including various boats and ships), airplanes, trains, etc.

[0068] In addition, as used herein, a drive element can be any element, such as a machine element, a machine part, etc., which is configured to set another part or workpiece when moving, i.e., the movement of a matching coupling element and / or a sliding door connected thereto. The drive element can be configured to be connected to a press fit, a form fit, or a combination of a press fit and a form fit with a matching coupling element. The connection between the drive element and the matching coupling element can be provided by a coupling mechanism. The connection can be selectively released to disengage. For example, at least one of the drive element and the matching coupling element can include a recess, a groove, a protrusion, a coupling portion, etc., which can be selectively connected to a corresponding counterpart of the other of the drive element and the matching coupling element, such as meshing. Connection can also be understood as causing the drive element and the matching coupling element to engage with each other. Disengagement can also be understood as causing the drive element and the matching coupling element to disengage from each other.

[0069] In addition, as used herein, the first position may correspond to a first angular position associated with the rotation of the rotating mechanism. The second position may correspond to a second angular position associated with the rotation of the rotating mechanism. The first position and the second position may be arranged relative to each other so that when the rotating mechanism rotates in the direction from the first position to the second position, the sliding door is moved toward and / or to the opening closed by the sliding door via the drive element. In addition, the first position and the second position may be reached by the back and forth movement of the rotating mechanism instead of the circumferential movement, respectively. For example, one of the first position and the second position is reached by moving clockwise, and the other of the first position and the second position is reached by moving counterclockwise from the corresponding other position.

[0070] For example, the rotating mechanism may include or may be coupled to a motor, such as an electric motor, configured to rotate the rotating mechanism. The motor may be coupled to at least one of a control circuit and a power supply. For example, the motor may be controllable to move the rotating mechanism back and forth around the rotation axis of the rotating mechanism. The motor may be controllable, for example based on at least one detection signal, to selectively rotate the rotating mechanism, particularly when the mating coupling element is coupled to the drive element of the rotating mechanism.

[0071] When the controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. of the present invention is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be considered as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function. Each controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. may be embodied separately or include a processor and a memory, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, as part of the device.

[0072] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but it should be understood that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled to" or "directly in contact with" another component, it should be understood that no other components exist in between. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between" or "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0073] Figure 1 The actuating device 100 for the sliding door 10 is shown in a schematic top view. The sliding door 10 shown by the dashed line can be used to selectively open and close the vehicle 1 shown by the dashed line (in the Fig. 9 ), an opening in a wall 2 of a building or the like. The sliding door 10 may be configured to slide horizontally relative to the wall 2 and / or to slide parallel to the wall 2. For example, the sliding door 10 may be guided in a guide rail 4 extending parallel to the wall 2. The sliding door 10 may include a mating coupling element 12 configured to engage with the guide rail 4. Optionally, the opening in the wall 2 may include at least one seal 6 configured to seal with the sliding door 10 when the sliding door 10 is closed.

[0074] The actuating device 100 comprises a motor-driven or electric rotating mechanism 110. The rotating mechanism 110 comprises at least one drive element 112, which is arranged to selectively move between a first position A and a second position B when the rotating mechanism 110 rotates. For example, the rotating mechanism 110 and / or the drive element 112 can rotate around a rotation axis 114. For example, the drive element 112 can be arranged in a peripheral section, a circumferential section, etc. of the rotating mechanism 110, for example away from the rotation axis 114. When the rotating mechanism 110 rotates or pivots, any section of the rotating mechanism 110 that moves in a suitable manner relative to the opening in the wall 2 can be used to arrange the drive element 112. At least one of the drive element 112 and the counter-coupling element 12 can include a recess, a groove, a protrusion, a coupling, etc., which is configured to selectively couple, for example engage, with a corresponding counterpart of the other of the drive element 112 and the counter-coupling element 12.

[0075] The driving element 112 is configured to selectively couple or disengage with the mating coupling element 12 of the sliding door 10 when the driving element 112 is in the first position A. In addition, the driving element 112 is configured to drive the mating coupling element 12 coupled thereto, i.e., the mating coupling element 12 coupled to the driving element 112, when the rotating mechanism 110 rotates (e.g., in the direction of arrow 116, at least from the first position A of the rotating mechanism 110 to the second position B). Figure 1 The drive element 112 is shown in a second position B, and in a first position A. In the first position A, the drive element 112 and the counter-coupling element 12 can be selectively coupled or decoupled from each other. The second position B corresponds to a closed position and / or a locked position of the sliding door 10 .

[0076] In at least some embodiments, the swivel mechanism 110 is self-locking at least in the second position B. In this case, the drive element 112 and the mating coupling element 12 coupled thereto can be locked in the second position B. Thus, in this configuration, locking the sliding door 10 in its closed position can close the opening in the wall 2 .

[0077] In addition, in at least some embodiments, the rotating mechanism 110 may include a rotatable gear element or be composed of a rotatable gear element. The gear element may include a drive element 112 at its peripheral section. In addition, for example, the gear element may have teeth, such as internal teeth or external teeth. The rotating mechanism 110 (e.g., a gear element) may be arranged so that its rotation axis 114 is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the guide rail 4. In other words, the rotating mechanism 110 can be arranged horizontally. The drive element 112 can be arranged on one end of the surface of the rotating mechanism 110.

[0078] Figure 2An actuating device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0079] Thus, the actuating device 100 and / or the rotating mechanism 110 may include and / or may be coupled to a motor 120 (e.g., an electric motor, etc.) configured to rotate the rotating mechanism 110. The motor 120 may be coupled to a power source (not shown). For example, the motor 120 may be controlled by the device 100, the control circuit (controller) of the vehicle 1, or any other control circuit to rotate the rotating mechanism 110, such as to move back and forth around the rotation axis 114 of the rotating mechanism 110.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, the rotating mechanism 110 may include or may be constituted by a rotatable gear element driven by the motor 120. The gear element may include a driving element 112 at its peripheral section. Furthermore, for example, the gear element may have teeth, such as internal teeth or external teeth, and the gear element may be driven by the motor 120 through tooth meshing. Therefore, the motor 120 may have corresponding teeth, etc.

[0081] It should be noted that the motor 120 may be self-locking at least in the second position B. Optionally, the motor 120 may include or may be coupled to a self-locking gearbox or the like.

[0082] Figure 3 An actuating device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0083] The actuating device 100 may include a self-locking gearbox 130 coupled to the rotating mechanism 110. The gearbox 130 may be configured to limit the rotation of the rotating mechanism 110 at least in the direction of the first position A. For example, the gearbox 130 may be configured as a worm gear, a linear spindle gear, etc. The gearbox 130 may be coupled to the rotating mechanism 110 via its toothed gears. The gearbox 130 may be arranged to be effective between the motor and the rotating mechanism 110 (e.g., a gear element). The gearbox 130 may engage with the teeth of the gear element. In addition, the gearbox 130 and the motor 120 may be coupled to each other via a transmission element 140 (such as a shaft, etc.).

[0084] Figure 4 An actuating device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0085] The actuating device 100 may include a locking mechanism 140 configured to selectively couple to the rotating mechanism 110 at least in the second position B. The locking mechanism 140 may be configured to limit the rotation of the rotating mechanism 110 at least in the direction of the first position A. In addition to any self-locking of the rotating mechanism 110, the locking mechanism 140 may also be provided. The locking mechanism 140 may include at least one mechanical locking element 142, which may selectively engage and disengage with the rotating mechanism 110, for example in a force locking and / or shape locking manner. For example, the locking element 142 may be configured to engage with the drive element 112 when in the second position B. In addition, the locking mechanism 140 may include an actuator 144, which is coupled to the locking element 142 and is configured to move the locking element 142 relative to the rotating mechanism 110. The actuator 144 may be coupled to at least one of a control circuit (not shown) and a power supply (not shown). For example, the locking mechanism 140 may be supported by a structural element (e.g., a building, a vehicle 1, etc.), and its opening in the wall 4 is closed by a sliding door. In the case of the vehicle 1 , the locking mechanism 140 may be supported by the vehicle body or the like.

[0086] Figure 5 An actuating device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0087] The actuation device 100 may include or may be coupled to at least one detection device 150, 160, such as at least one sensor or the like. Figure 5 , the actuating device 100 includes two detection devices, a first detection device 150 and a second detection device 160. The first detection device 150 and the second detection device 160 may be connected to a control circuit, a motor 120, etc. For example, the first detection device 150 and the second detection device 160 may include at least one of a magnetic detection sensor, a Hall sensor, etc.

[0088] The first detection device 150 may be arranged at or near the drive element 112 and / or the first position A. The first detection device 150 may be configured to detect the presence of the mating coupling element 12 at least at the drive element 112. When indicating the presence of the mating coupling element 12 at least at the drive element 112, the first detection device 150 may generate a corresponding first detection signal and / or provide a corresponding first detection signal to a control circuit or the like. Based on the first detection signal, the rotating mechanism 110 may rotate in the direction of the second position B, thereby closing and / or locking the sliding door 10.

[0089] The second detection device 160 may be configured to detect whether the driving element 112 has reached the second position B. The second detection device 160 may be configured to generate and / or provide a corresponding second detection signal or a second control signal to a control circuit, etc., and is configured to control the rotating mechanism 110 to stop its rotation. Optionally, the detection may be based on measuring and / or monitoring the electric power of the motor 120 to determine whether the second position B has been reached.

[0090] Figure 6 An actuating device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic top view.

[0091] The actuator 100 may include or may be coupled to a control circuit 170 configured to at least control the electric rotation of the rotating mechanism 110. It should be noted that the control circuit 170 may also be provided externally, for example as a controller of the vehicle 1, etc. For example, the control circuit 170 may include at least one of a data processor, an integrated circuit, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The control circuit 170 may be coupled to the rotating mechanism 110, for example, its motor 120. In addition, the control circuit 170 may be coupled to a power source (not shown).

[0092] The control circuit 170 may be coupled to a power source (not shown), at least one motor 120 , and at least one detection device 150 , 160 .

[0093] The control circuit 170 may be configured to receive the above-mentioned first detection signal of the first detection device 150, which indicates that the mating coupling element 12 exists at least at the driving element 112 and / or the position A. The control circuit 170 may be configured to generate a first control signal based on the first detection signal, and the first control signal is configured to control the rotation mechanism 110 to rotate. For example, the rotation mechanism 110 may be controlled to selectively move back and forth between the first position A and the second position B.

[0094] The control circuit 170 may be configured to receive the second detection signal of the second detection device 160, which indicates that the driving element 112 has reached the second position B. The control circuit 170 may be configured to generate a second control signal based on the second detection signal, which is configured to control the rotating mechanism 110 to stop its rotation at the second position B.

[0095] The control circuit 170 may be configured to generate a third control signal configured to control the locking mechanism 140 to lock the rotating mechanism 110 to restrict the rotational movement thereof.

[0096] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8, which respectively show schematic top views of the actuating device 100. In addition, each of the figures explains the function and operation of the actuating device 100 respectively.

[0097] Starting from the open position of the sliding door 10 (in which the openings in the wall 2 are respectively opened, such as Figure 1-6 As shown), when the driving element 112 is in the first position A, it can be arranged and / or configured to be open to the guide rail 4 and / or aligned with the guide rail 4. Therefore, this configuration enables the driving element 112 and the mating coupling element 12 to be coupled to each other. When the driving element 112 is in the first position A, the driving element 112 can be configured to be open toward the outer peripheral side or the outer side of the rotating mechanism 110. This allows the driving element to selectively receive the mating element 12 for coupling, and release the mating coupling element 12 for disengagement. For example, the driving element 112 can be formed as a recess, a groove, etc. The driving element 112 can be configured so that when the driving element 112 is in the first position A, the mating coupling element 12 can be selectively inserted into or removed from the driving element 112. For example, when the mating coupling element 12 is in the first position A, it can slide toward and / or slide into the driving element 112. In the same first position A, the mating coupling element 12 can also slide out from the driving element 12 and slide along the guide rail, for example, slide into the open position of the sliding door 10, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0098] The sliding door 10 can then be operated manually or with the aid of a motor to slide along the guide rail 4. The drive element 112 in the first position A is then located at the corresponding end of the guide rail 4, i.e. at the end of the sliding movement, and is open to the guide rail 4. This arrangement thus couples the drive element 112 and the counter-coupling element 12 to each other.

[0099] Figure 7 The sliding door 10 after the above operation is shown. Figure 7 The sliding door 10 is shown sliding along the guide rail 4. The drive element 112 and the counter coupling element 12 are coupled to each other.

[0100] refer to Figure 8 After the driving element 112 and the mating coupling element 12 are coupled to each other, the rotating mechanism 110 can be controlled to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to move the driving element 112 from the first position A to the second position B. This movement in turn drives the mating coupling element 12. Under the drive of the driving element 112, the mating coupling element 12 and the sliding door 10 coupled thereto move to close the opening of the wall 2. The second position B corresponds to a closed position and / or a locked position of the sliding door 10.

[0101] It should be understood that the drive element 112 and the mating coupling element 12 can be disengaged from each other again by controlling the rotating mechanism 110 to rotate in the clockwise direction and moving the drive element 112 back to position A. The sliding door 10 can then slide in and / or along the guide rail 4 in the open position of the sliding door 10.

[0102] Fig. 9 The vehicle 1 described above is schematically shown, comprising a sliding door 10 and an actuating device 100 coupled to each other. The actuating device 100 can be used to close and / or lock the sliding door 10 relative to a vehicle body comprising the above-described wall 2. The sliding door 10 can be guided in the above-described guide rail 4.

[0103] Fig.10 A flow chart illustrating a method 200 for actuating a sliding door is shown. The method can be applied to a control circuit, an actuating device 100, and the like.

[0104] The method 200 includes a receiving step 210 of receiving a first detection signal, which indicates that there is a mating coupling element 12 of the sliding door 10 at the drive element 112 of the rotating mechanism 110 at least in the first position. The drive element 112 and the mating coupling element 12 can be selectively coupled or disengaged from each other. The method 200 also includes generating a first control signal based on the first detection signal, the first control signal being configured to control the rotation mechanism 110 to rotate so as to move the drive element 112 and the mating coupling element 12 coupled thereto to a second position. The second position corresponds to a closed position and / or a locked position of the sliding door 10.

[0105] In the foregoing detailed description, various features in one or more embodiments are grouped together for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. The above description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the different features and embodiments. Many other embodiments should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The embodiments are selected and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so that those of ordinary skill in the art can utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the specific purpose contemplated.

Claims

1. An actuating device for a sliding door, the actuating device comprising: an electric rotary mechanism having a drive element arranged to selectively move between a first position and a second position upon rotation of the electric rotary mechanism, wherein the driving element is configured to selectively couple or disengage with a mating coupling element of the sliding door when in the first position, wherein the driving element is configured to drive the mating coupling element coupled thereto when the electric rotating mechanism rotates from the first position to the second position, and The second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

2. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein: The electric rotating mechanism is self-locking at least in the second position. 3 . The actuating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a self-locking gear box coupled to the electric rotating mechanism and configured to limit rotation thereof at least in the direction of the first position.

4. The actuating device according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to be selectively coupled to the electric rotating mechanism at least in the second position so as to restrict rotation thereof at least in the direction of the first position. 5 . The actuating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control circuit configured to control rotation of the electric rotating mechanism.

6. The actuating device according to claim 5, wherein: The control circuit is further configured to receive a first detection signal indicating the presence of the counterpart coupling element at least at the drive element, and to generate a first control signal based on the first detection signal, the first control signal being configured to control the electric rotating mechanism to rotate.

7. The actuating device according to claim 5, wherein: The control circuit is further configured to receive a second detection signal indicating that the drive element has reached the second position, and generate a second control signal configured to control the electric rotating mechanism to stop rotating.

8. The actuating device according to claim 5, wherein: The control circuit is further configured to generate a third control signal, and the third control signal is configured to control a locking mechanism to lock the electric rotating mechanism to limit the rotational movement thereof.

9. The actuation device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one detection device configured to detect at least one of the presence of the counter coupling element at least at the drive element and the presence of the drive element at least at the second position.

10. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein: The drive element is configured to be open toward a peripheral side or an outer side of the electric rotating mechanism when in the first position to selectively receive the counterpart coupling element for coupling and release the counterpart coupling element for disengagement.

11. The actuating device according to claim 1, wherein: The electric rotating mechanism includes: a rotatable gear element that can be driven by a motor, and the driving element located at a peripheral section thereof.

12. A sliding door device, comprising: Sliding doors, including a mating coupling element; as well as An actuating device comprising: an electric rotary mechanism having a drive element arranged to selectively move between a first position and a second position upon rotation of the electric rotary mechanism, wherein the driving element is configured to selectively couple or disengage with a mating coupling element of the sliding door when in the first position, wherein the driving element is configured to drive the mating coupling element coupled thereto when the electric rotating mechanism rotates from the first position to the second position, and The second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door. 13 . The sliding door apparatus according to claim 12 , further comprising a guide rail configured to guide the sliding door and the mating coupling element and configured to be open toward the driving element located at the first position.

14. A vehicle comprising: Sliding doors, including a mating coupling element; as well as An actuating device comprising: an electric rotary mechanism having a drive element arranged to selectively move between a first position and a second position upon rotation of the electric rotary mechanism, wherein the driving element is configured to selectively couple or disengage with a mating coupling element of the sliding door when in the first position, wherein the driving element is configured to drive the mating coupling element coupled thereto when the electric rotating mechanism rotates from the first position to the second position, and The second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

15. A method of actuating a sliding door, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a first detection signal indicating the presence of a mating coupling element of the sliding door at least at a drive element of the rotation mechanism in a first position, wherein the drive element and the mating coupling element are selectively coupled to or decoupled from each other; and A first control signal is generated based on the first detection signal, and the first control signal is configured to control the rotation mechanism to rotate so as to move the driving element and the mating connecting element connected thereto to a second position, wherein the second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: receiving a second detection signal indicating that the drive element has reached the second position, and A second control signal configured to control the rotating mechanism to stop rotating is generated. 17 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising generating a third control signal configured to control a locking mechanism to lock the rotating mechanism to restrict rotational movement thereof.

18. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an actuator to: A first detection signal is received, which indicates the presence of a counter-coupling element of a sliding door at least at a drive element of a rotation mechanism of the actuating device in a first position, wherein: The driving element and the mating coupling element are selectively coupled to or decoupled from each other; as well as A first control signal is generated based on the first detection signal, and the first control signal is configured to control the rotation mechanism to rotate so as to move the driving element and the mating connecting element connected thereto to a second position, wherein the second position corresponds to a closed position or a locked position of the sliding door.

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