Adjusting device for movable flap, in particular for vehicle flap

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device (3) for a movable flap (2), in particular for a vehicle flap, having at least one adjusting element (4) which is attached in an articulated manner for adjusting the flap (2), the at least one adjusting element (4) being designed as a piston-cylinder assembly, the invention relates to a piston-cylinder assembly comprising a piston and a cylinder (8) filled with a fluid, the piston being displaceably arranged in the cylinder (8) and dividing the cylinder (8) into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, the piston being arranged on a piston rod (9) which passes through the first working chamber and a guide sealing assembly which seals the cylinder (8), wherein the piston-cylinder assembly has a sensor device which is integrated into the first actuating element (4) or is arranged on the actuating element (4) for directly or indirectly detecting an internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly (4). According to the invention, the flap (2) and / or the adjusting element (4) can be blocked in the event that the sensor device detects an interruption of the force-fitting connection of the adjusting element (4). The invention further relates to a hatch arrangement (1) having a hatch (2), in particular a motor vehicle rear hatch, and an adjusting device (3), which is associated with the hatch (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment device for a movable hatch, particularly for a vehicle hatch, the adjustment device having at least one adjustment element hingedly attached for adjusting the hatch, wherein the at least one adjustment element is designed as a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a fluid-filled cylinder, the piston being displaceably arranged in the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, wherein the piston is arranged on a piston rod passing through the first working chamber and a guide sealing assembly sealing the cylinder, wherein the piston-cylinder assembly has a sensor device integrated into or arranged on the adjustment element for directly or indirectly detecting the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Adjustable covers for motor vehicles, particularly rear hatches, are well known, enabling the cover to be adjusted from an open position to a closed position or vice versa. Known adjustment devices in the form of gas springs, spring struts, or electric actuators allow for easy and convenient opening and closing of the cover, thereby improving vehicle user-friendliness and protecting the vehicle body.

[0003] Because the weight of the hatch can be significant in modern motor vehicles, the adjustment mechanism is designed to substantially compensate for this weight. This becomes problematic in the event of a failure in the force-fit connection of the adjustment element or a related interruption, such as due to gas loss in the gas spring or failure of the connecting parts of the adjustment element, which could lead to the hatch closing unexpectedly and suddenly.

[0004] For example, prior art document DE 10 2009 032 897 A1 proposes a sensor device for detecting the internal pressure of a piston-cylinder assembly, by means of which the internal pressure changes indicating a fault condition can be reported to the control unit. Corresponding warning messages can be displayed visually or audibly to the vehicle user or driver.

[0005] Especially in autonomous vehicles or vehicles used in car-sharing systems, malfunctions of the adjustment mechanism are often undetectable in the early stages, or warning messages may go unrecognized or be ignored. If the adjustment mechanism fails when the hood is open, it can cause serious injury if the vehicle's occupants are in the closed area of ​​the hood. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved adjustment device for a movable hatch that reliably prevents the hatch from accidentally closing suddenly. Furthermore, an improved hatch assembly is provided, comprising a hatch and an adjustment device disposed on the hatch.

[0007] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by an adjustment device for a movable hatch, particularly for a vehicle hatch, having at least one adjustment element articulated for adjusting the hatch, wherein the at least one adjustment element is designed as a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a fluid-filled cylinder, the piston being displaceably arranged in the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, wherein the piston is arranged on a piston rod passing through the first working chamber and a guide sealing assembly sealing the cylinder, wherein the piston-cylinder assembly has a sensor device integrated into or arranged on the first adjustment element for directly or indirectly detecting the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly.

[0008] According to the present invention, when the sensor device detects an interruption in the force-fit connection of the adjusting element, the hatch and / or the adjusting element can be obstructed. By obstructing, the unexpected sudden closure of the hatch can be reliably prevented. In the event of a detected fault, i.e., an interruption in the force-fit connection, the hatch can be obstructed in either the open or closed state, depending on the current state.

[0009] Preferably, an additional regulating element is provided, which may be designed as a gas spring, spring support, or electric actuator. Depending on the needs, the regulating device may have two passive regulating elements or may be designed as a passive / active system.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the additional regulating element can also be designed as a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a fluid-filled cylinder, the piston being displaceably arranged in the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, wherein the piston is arranged on a piston rod and has an integrated sensor device for directly or indirectly detecting the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly.

[0011] To achieve obstruction of the hatch in a simple manner, an actuator controllable by a sensor device can be provided, which has a restraining mechanism for mechanically obstructing the piston rod or cylinder. As an example, a clamping element for mechanical obstruction can be mentioned, which deforms due to changes in internal pressure, thereby obstructing relative movement between the piston rod and the cylinder. Similarly, all types of clamping elements are conceivable.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to impeding the hatch by an actuator controlled by a signal from a sensor device, the adjusting element or at least one of two adjusting elements may have a push-in damping device for damping the closing movement of the hatch.

[0013] Depending on the advantageous configuration, the adjusting element, or at least one of these adjusting elements, can be designed as a gas spring supporting the opening movement of the hatch or as a spring strut supporting the opening movement of the hatch.

[0014] According to another advantageous embodiment, the fluid in the cylinder can be configured to harden by means of an electrical signal from one or more sensor devices. For this purpose, the fluid is designed as an electrorheological fluid, whose flow behavior can be controlled by an electric field. It is also conceivable that the fluid be designed as a magnetorheological fluid, whose flow characteristics can be influenced by a magnetic field. This eliminates the need for additional clamping elements required to impede the piston rod or cylinder.

[0015] The present invention further relates to a hatch device having a hatch, particularly a rear hatch of a motor vehicle, and an adjustment device disposed on the hatch.

[0016] In addition to, or as an alternative to, impeding the hatch by an actuator controlled by a sensor device, an additional damping element can be provided to dampen the closing movement of the hatch. Preferably, the damping element is designed as a hydraulic damper, a rotary damper, or a coupling device, such as a magnetic coupling, connected to a friction brake or an additional hydraulic damping device, where the coupling ensures that the damping or braking function is only performed when necessary (in case of failure). Therefore, unnecessary increases in the force required to open or close due to continuous friction braking or hydraulic damping can be avoided. Similarly, this reduces the energy demand of the actuator and thus lowers costs. The additional damping element may have damping characteristics different from those of the other damping devices.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable that signals from one or more sensor devices could impede at least one hinge of the hatch. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with a movable hatch is shown, the movable hatch having an adjustment device according to the invention and a hatch device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having a hatch assembly 1 according to the present invention is shown. The hatch assembly has a movable hatch 2 and an adjusting device 3, which is assigned to the hatch 2. It should be noted that, within the framework of the present invention, the movable hatch can be a rear hatch, but it can also be a front hood, engine hood, trunk lid, door, or the like.

[0020] The adjusting device 3, with two adjusting elements 4 and 5, enables deformation-free adjustment of the hatch 2 between the open and closed positions. This adjusting device is designed to compensate for the weight of the hatch 2, thus supporting the user of the hatch and allowing for easy opening and closing of the hatch 2. In principle, different configurations of the adjusting device 3 are possible depending on the requirements and configuration of the hatch 2. The invention is not limited to the adjusting device 3 with two adjusting elements 4 and 5. In principle, it is also conceivable that the adjusting device 3 may be designed with only one adjusting element 4.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the movable hatch 3 is formed as the rear hatch of a motor vehicle and is mounted in a horizontal pivot axis 6 extending transversely to the motor vehicle. A first adjusting element 4 is arranged on one side of the hatch 2, and a second adjusting element 5 is arranged on the other side of the hatch 2, wherein the two adjusting elements 4 and 5 are respectively hinged to the hatch 2 and hinged to the body 7 of the motor vehicle by means of connecting elements.

[0022] The first adjusting element 4 is configured as a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a fluid-filled cylinder 8. The piston is displaceably arranged within the cylinder 8 and divides the cylinder 8 into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. The piston is arranged on a piston rod 9 that passes through the first working chamber and a guide sealing assembly that seals the cylinder.

[0023] The shape of the cylinder block 8 is not limited to a circular cross-section, and can also be designed as, for example, an ellipse.

[0024] To determine changes in the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly, which indicate a malfunction in the assembly, the first regulating element 4 includes a sensor device for directly or indirectly detecting the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly. The sensor device may be integrated into or disposed on the piston-cylinder assembly. The sensor, in particular a force or pressure sensor, monitors the load state of the regulating element 4 and, in the event of an interruption in force flow, transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit assigned to the regulating device 3. Other sensors are also conceivable.

[0025] The first adjusting element 4 is designed as a gas spring, but it can also be configured as a spring strut. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second adjusting element 5 is an electric actuator capable of motor-driven adjustment of the hatch 2. In this case, the adjusting device is designed as a passive / active system, where the gas spring represents the passive adjusting element and the electric actuator represents the active adjusting element. The electric actuator is preferably a spindle drive. However, a design with two passive adjusting elements (e.g., two gas springs or one gas spring and one spring strut) is also possible.

[0026] The adjusting device 3 further includes an actuator (not shown), which can be controlled by a signal from a sensor device to impede the hatch 2 or one of the two adjusting elements 4 and 5. By impeding, accidental sudden closing of the hatch 2 can be reliably prevented. In the event of a detected malfunction, depending on the current state, the hatch 2 can be impeded in either the open or closed state.

[0027] The actuator may have, for example, a restraining device for mechanically hindering the piston rod 9 or the cylinder 8. As an example, a clamping element may be used for mechanical restraint, which deforms due to changes in internal pressure, thereby hindering relative movement between the piston rod 9 and the cylinder 8. Furthermore, the gas spring may have an additional release piston that can move in the direction of the piston in the event of pressure loss to prevent retraction of the piston rod 9.

[0028] If two passive adjustment elements are provided, the actuator may also impede either the defective or faulty adjustment element. However, in principle, it is also possible to impede both adjustment elements.

[0029] If the obstruction is performed while the hatch is open, the obstruction device is designed so that the hatch can be closed by applying a large force.

[0030] When closed, the hatch 2 can be obstructed, for example, by a lock or closing system of appropriate design.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to impeding the hatch 2 by means of an actuator, at least one of the two adjusting elements 4 and 5 may have a push-in damping device for damping the closing movement of the hatch. Thus, accidental sudden closing of the hatch 2 can also be prevented. As a push-in damping device, a bypass opening in a piston can be used, for example. At least one of the adjusting elements 4 and 5 may be designed as a gas spring or spring strut, which supports the opening movement of the hatch.

[0032] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, in addition to or as an alternative to impeding the hatch 2 by an actuator, it is conceivable to provide the hatch assembly 1 with an additional damping element for damping the closing movement of the hatch. Possible configurations of the damping element are hydraulic dampers or rotary dampers. It is also conceivable to provide a coupling device, such as a magnetic coupling, connected to a friction brake or to an additional hydraulic damping device, wherein the coupling ensures that the damping or braking function is only performed when needed, i.e., in the event of failure. Therefore, the unnecessary increase in the force required to open or close due to continuous friction brakes or hydraulic damping can be avoided. Similarly, this reduces the energy demand of the actuator and thus reduces costs.

[0033] Additional damping elements can have different damping characteristics. These additional damping elements can have damping characteristics different from those of other damping devices. For example, it is conceivable that the damping element has internal force-dependent or velocity-dependent switching.

[0034] As an alternative configuration, a hinge axis for the hatch 2 can be provided, for example, by means of a spring-loaded offset pin.

[0035] Another alternative implementation provides that the fluid in the cylinder is designed as an electrorheological fluid or a magnetorheological fluid, whose flow behavior can be controlled by an electric field or a magnetic field. In the event of failure, i.e., when the sensor device detects a break in the force-fit connection of the regulating element, the obstruction of the regulating element 4 is achieved by hardening the fluid.

Claims

1. An adjustment device (3) for a movable hatch (2), particularly for a vehicle hatch, the adjustment device having at least one adjustment element (4) hingedly attached for adjusting the hatch (2), wherein the at least one adjustment element (4) is designed as a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a fluid-filled cylinder (8), the piston being displaceably arranged in the cylinder (8) and dividing the cylinder (8) into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, wherein the piston is arranged on a piston rod (9) passing through the first working chamber and a guide sealing assembly sealing the cylinder (8), wherein the piston-cylinder assembly has a sensor device integrated into or arranged on the first adjustment element (4) for directly or indirectly detecting the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly (4), characterized in that, If the sensor device detects that the force-fit connection of the adjusting element (4) is interrupted, it can impede the hatch (2) and / or the adjusting element (4).

2. The adjusting device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An additional adjustment element (5) is provided, which is configured as a gas spring, spring support or electric actuator.

3. The adjusting device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The additional regulating element (5) can also be designed as a piston-cylinder assembly having a piston and a fluid-filled cylinder, the piston being displaceable within the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber, wherein the piston is arranged on a piston rod and has an integrated sensor device for directly or indirectly detecting the internal pressure of the piston-cylinder assembly.

4. The adjusting device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An actuator is provided that can be controlled by means of a signal from the sensor device, the actuator having a blocking device for mechanically blocking the piston rod (9) or the cylinder (8).

5. The adjusting device (3) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The adjusting element (4) or at least one of the adjusting elements (4, 5) has a push-in damping device for damping the closing movement of the hatch (2).

6. The adjusting device (3) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjusting element (4) or at least one of the adjusting elements (4, 5) is configured as a gas spring supporting the opening movement of the hatch (2) or as a spring support supporting the opening movement of the hatch (2).

7. The adjusting device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fluid in the cylinder (8) is configured to harden by means of an electrical signal from one or more of the sensor devices.

8. A hatch cover device (1) having a hatch cover (2), particularly a rear hatch cover of a motor vehicle, and an adjustment device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, the adjustment device being assigned to the hatch cover (2).

9. The hatch cover device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, Additional damping elements are provided to dampen the closing movement of the hatch (2).

10. The hatch cover device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The damping element is configured as a hydraulic damper, a rotary damper, to dampen the closing movement of the hatch (2), or is configured as a coupling device connected to a friction brake or to an additional hydraulic damping device.

11. The hatch cover device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, By means of signals from one or more of the aforementioned sensor devices, at least one hinge of the hatch can be blocked.

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