Opening device for a motor vehicle door

Abstract

This invention relates to an opening device for a motor vehicle door (1), the opening device being equipped with a pusher (2), an electric drive unit (3, 4), and a pyrotechnic actuator (7, 8). The electric drive unit (3, 4) and the pyrotechnic actuator (7, 8) selectively act on the pusher (2). According to the invention, the electric drive unit (3, 4) and the pyrotechnic actuator (7, 8) are divided into two spatially and functionally separated modules (3, 4, 5, 6; 2, 7, 8, 9). These two modules are, on the one hand, a drive module (3, 4, 5, 6), and on the other hand, an actuator module (2, 7, 8, 9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for a motor vehicle door, the opening device having a pusher, an electric drive, and an actuator, particularly a pyrotechnic actuator, wherein the drive and actuator selectively act on the pusher. Background Technology

[0002] Opening devices for motor vehicle doors are typically used in conjunction with, and within, handle-less motor vehicle doors. In fact, this type of opening device begins from the locked position of the relevant motor vehicle door and, after the door lock is opened, ensures that the door leaf is opened at least far enough so that the operator can swing the relevant door leaf open, taking into account the resulting gap. In this regard, the previously opened vehicle lock can be a so-called electric lock or a vehicle lock with an electric opening actuation mechanism.

[0003] Such opening devices are widely known (as demonstrated by the prior art according to DE 10 2007 021 840 B4) and are becoming increasingly popular. This can be attributed to the aerodynamic advantages of handle-less vehicle doors compared to conventional implementations.

[0004] Within the scope of the teachings of this invention as defined in DE 10 2020 131 792 B3, the method employed is to provide a first shaft loaded by a motor and equipped with a first gear. Furthermore, a second shaft, extending parallel to the first shaft and designed as a lead screw, is provided, on which a second gear is arranged in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The second gear is operatively connected to the first gear. Additionally, a lead screw sleeve is provided, operatively connected to the lead screw, which axially displaces during motor operation.

[0005] Furthermore, the known teachings constituting this type of invention also include a pyrotechnic device designed to axially displace the second gear when needed, thereby disconnecting its operative connection with the first gear. Additionally, the lead screw connected to the second gear and its sleeve also suddenly displace axially. This allows for both normal operation and emergency operation.

[0006] During normal operation, the motor causes the lead screw sleeve to move axially via two shafts and a lead screw. Conversely, if the electric drive fails, the pyrotechnic device or an additional pyrotechnic actuator ensures that the action connection with the first gear is broken, and the lead screw connected to the second gear, together with the lead screw sleeve, undergoes the required sudden axial displacement. This has essentially proven effective.

[0007] However, the known opening devices according to DE 10 2020 131 792 B3 are characterized by their relatively complex structure and large size. Considering that such opening devices are typically installed inside the door leaf of a motor vehicle, practical installation of known opening devices often encounters difficulties. This is because, inside the door leaf, in addition to the already described vehicle lock, window regulators are usually also required. Furthermore, there are speakers, side airbags, additional side impact protection devices, etc. This often results in limited installation space available for the opening device, and in some cases, intricate arrangements. Therefore, the present invention generally aims to provide a remedy. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further improve this type of opening device so that, while taking into account the compact structural form, it can be adapted to installation conditions with limited installation volume and complex installation conditions.

[0009] To address this technical problem, for such opening devices used in motor vehicle doors, the present invention proposes that the electric drive device and actuator, especially the pyrotechnic actuator, be divided into two spatially and functionally separate modules, namely the drive module and the actuator module.

[0010] Therefore, unlike the teachings of this class of invention according to DE 10 2020 131 792 B3, according to the present invention, the opening device is designed such that it is not integrally received and positioned within a (sole) dedicated housing. Instead, separate housings are typically provided, one for receiving the electric drive and the other for receiving the actuator. The actuator can typically be an actuator with its own electric drive, and, if necessary, an output gear and a worm. Typically, the actuator is designed as a pyrotechnic actuator.

[0011] In other words, the electric drive unit and the actuator, especially the pyrotechnic actuator, are spatially and functionally separated, defining a drive module including the electric drive unit and an actuator module including the actuator, especially the pyrotechnic actuator, on the other hand. In this context, the drive module and the actuator module are replaceable complex components within the entire system (i.e., the opening device according to the invention). Each drive module and actuator module defines a complete functional unit. Advantageously, these two modules are equipped with their own housings, but in principle they can also be housed in a single housing, or such housings can be omitted entirely or partially.

[0012] However, not only the drive module but also the actuator module are typically spatially and functionally separated functional units. Furthermore, the drive module and the brake module each have their own housing. Advantageously, the following design is also employed: the actuator module has a pusher, while the drive module does not.

[0013] As a result, according to a further advantageous design, the drive module is mechanically connected to the actuator module via a connecting device, and thereby acts on the pusher. That is, the drive motion of the drive module, generated by the electric drive unit, is transmitted to the actuator module via the connecting device, and then to the pusher mounted on the brake module. For this purpose, the connecting device can be a cable, particularly a Bowden cable.

[0014] In this way, the two modules can be installed inside the vehicle door in a spatially separate manner. This spatial separation and the connection with the flexible / elastic connecting device, especially with the Bowden cable, ensure that the opening device according to the invention can be adapted for installation under complex installation conditions or in the presence of two spatially separated installation spaces. Furthermore, both modules can be compactly designed, so that the installation space required for both modules is significantly less than that required for the combined installation of opening devices with electric drives and actuators or pyrotechnic actuators. This is where the main advantage becomes apparent.

[0015] According to a further advantageous design, the present invention proposes that, in addition to the electric drive unit, the drive module additionally includes a control unit, and if necessary, an energy storage unit. Here, the invention is based on the understanding that relevant vehicle doors are typically equipped with their own control unit. Through this control unit, for example, all the functions of a vehicle lock or vehicle door lock, also located inside the vehicle door, can be reproduced. According to the present invention, this control unit is now additionally used to operate and load the opening device. For example, the control unit can be used to control the electric drive unit and the actuator, especially the pyrotechnic actuator.

[0016] In this context, it is particularly advantageous to additionally provide an optional accumulator unit. Thus, the control unit installed inside the vehicle door is also designed to be independent of the vehicle-side battery or corresponding accumulator. Its advantage is that, even if the vehicle-side battery or accumulator unit fails, essentially all locking functions can still be achieved. If the electric drive also fails, the combustible chemical propellant inside the pyrotechnic actuator, located within the actuator's housing, can still be triggered, for example, by the optional accumulator unit in conjunction with the control unit. As a result of the rapid expansion of the chemical propellant, a punch is pushed out of the pyrotechnic actuator's housing and secured, by means of this punch instead of the electric drive, the pusher secures the desired opening movement of the vehicle door.

[0017] In this context, it further proves suitable that the control unit, optional energy storage unit, and electric drive unit are arranged on a common circuit board. This provides a compact structure because the circuit board houses all the electrical / electronic components that are part of the drive module. Subsequently, the circuit board with the relevant electrical / electronic components is encapsulated in its respective housing.

[0018] The actuator module and the drive module are typically coupled not only mechanically to each other via flexible connection devices, but also via electrical connection lines. Here, the electrical connection lines are used to supply energy. This is to enable the pyrotechnic actuator to be triggered when needed. Needless to say, the electrical connection lines also ensure, and when needed, the transmission of the corresponding data and trigger signals from the control unit, which is part of the drive module, to the pyrotechnic actuator, which is part of the actuator module.

[0019] Finally, a vehicle lock, and especially a vehicle door lock, is typically additionally installed inside the vehicle door. Here, the vehicle lock is designed to be functionally and spatially separate from the described opening device. Advantageously, the vehicle lock is a so-called electric lock, i.e., a lock equipped with an electrically operated opening actuator. If necessary, a locking / tensioning device for the vehicle lock can also be additionally installed and implemented. In this case, the locking device can again have a modular structure, i.e., designed to be spatially and functionally separate from the vehicle lock and form its own functional unit. Of course, this is merely exemplary and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0020] The result is an opening device for motor vehicle doors that, due to its modular nature, is suitable for installation under complex and constrained conditions. Furthermore, this opening device operates flawlessly because even if the electric drive unit and its subordinate drive modules fail, the jacking member remains loaded—specifically, by means of actuators, particularly pyrotechnic actuators—to open the motor vehicle door. The mechanical coupling between the electric drive unit and the jacking member, achieved through a flexible connection device, also ensures perfect normal operation, given the modular structure. This is where the main advantage lies. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show only one embodiment; wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 An schematic overview diagram illustrates the opening device according to the invention; and

[0023] Figure 2 Detailed illustrations are provided as a basis. Figure 1 The actuator module is a component of the opening device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The diagram shows the opening device used for vehicle door 1. Figure 1 The vehicle door 1 shown is only schematically illustrated and may be a side door of a vehicle that is pivotally connected to the vehicle body (not shown). However, according to the present invention, the term "vehicle door 1" should be interpreted broadly in principle. In addition to pivotable side doors, it naturally includes front covers, rear covers, sliding doors, and even fuel tank caps, charging caps, etc.

[0025] anyway, Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows an opening device for a vehicle door 1 equipped with a pusher 2, according to... Figure 2 The enlarged view in the image allows for detailed identification and understanding of the opening device. The pusher 2 can generally move along its axial direction A, such as... Figure 2 As indicated by the double arrows, the vehicle door 1 can be brought into a position that forms a gap relative to the vehicle body (not shown). In this gap position, the operator can grasp the vehicle door 1 through the formed intervention gap and swing it fully open. Therefore, the vehicle door 1 can be designed as a handle-less type.

[0026] In addition to the jacking component 2, the basic structure also includes electric drive units 3 and 4, which can be adjusted according to... Figure 1 As seen in the overview diagram. For this purpose, the electric drive units 3 and 4 have a motor 3 and a transmission mechanism 4, which is optional, following the motor 3. It can be seen that the electric drive units 3 and 4, together with the control unit 5, are housed on a circuit board 6. That is, the control unit 5 and the electric drive units 3 and 4 are arranged on the circuit board 6. This also applies to the optional energy storage unit, which is not shown.

[0027] In addition to the electric drive units 3 and 4, actuators 7 and 8 are additionally provided. According to this embodiment and without limitation, the actuators are designed as pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8, which can be based on... Figure 2 This is most clearly seen. For this purpose, the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 have a sleeve or housing 7 containing an ignitable chemical propellant. Once the chemical propellant is ignited, its rapid expansion ensures the extension of a punch 8 supported within the housing 7. The punch 8, upon its extension, acts on... Figure 2 The swing arm 9, visible in the image, is swung clockwise about its axis according to this embodiment, thereby abutting against the stop 10 on the pusher 2. As a result, the pusher 2 extends relative to the vehicle door 1 in the axial direction A during this process and generally abuts against the vehicle body (not shown). This opens the vehicle door 1 to form the aforementioned intervention gap.

[0028] The same situation occurs when the electric drive units 3 and 4 are loaded. In this case, the connecting device 11 between the electric drive units 3 and 4 and the pusher 2 ensures that the pusher 2 also moves along the axial direction A and, according to this embodiment, "to the right" so that the vehicle door 1 opens relative to the vehicle body.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the flexible connection device 11 is a Bowden cable or rope, which can be subjected to both tensile and compressive loads. Figure 2 As can be seen, the Bowden cable abuts against the end of the pusher 2 via the pin 12 on its end side, thereby causing the pusher 2 to move axially in the axial direction A as described above. For this purpose, the pin 12 can be moved into the corresponding recess of the pusher 2, or simply abut against the end face of the end side of the pusher 2.

[0030] The jacking component 2 and the transmission mechanism 4 are made of plastic and / or metal. This maintains low manufacturing costs and provides a weight-optimized solution. Finally, based on the basic structure, and in comparison... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, an additional electrical connection line 13 is provided, which, according to this embodiment, leads from the circuit board 6 to the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8. The power supply to the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 can be achieved via the electrical connection line 13. Furthermore, the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 can be activated as needed at the control unit 5 via the electrical connection line.

[0031] According to Figure 1 In the overall view, the vehicle lock 14 inside the vehicle door 1 can also be seen. Furthermore, a closing device 15 for the vehicle lock 14 is implemented and provided. In this context, an additional flexible connecting device 16 ensures that the mechanical locking movement generated with respect to the closing device 15 is transmitted to the vehicle lock 14. Of course, this is an option implemented in this embodiment, but it is not mandatory.

[0032] Now, what is particularly important for this invention is that not only the electric drive units 3 and 4, but also the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 selectively act on the pusher 2. This allows not only normal operation, which will be described in more detail later, but also emergency operation. Moreover, the electric drive units 3 and 4 and the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 are divided into two spatially and functionally separate modules 3, 4, 5, 6; 2, 7, 8, 9. In fact, the drive modules 3, 4, 5, 6 can be seen on one side, and the actuator modules 2, 7, 8, 9 can be seen on the other. Here, both modules 3, 4, 5, 6; 2, 7, 8, 9 are equipped with their own housings 17 and 18.

[0033] In practice, drive modules 3, 4, 5, and 6 are independent functional units, spatially and functionally separate from actuator modules 2, 7, 8, and 9. Therefore, drive modules 3, 4, 5, and 6 non-limitingly include the described electric drive devices 3 and 4, control unit 5, and circuit board 6. In contrast, actuator modules 2, 7, 8, and 9 are equipped with pusher 2 and pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8, and finally, rod 9. Of course, this is merely exemplary and not restrictive.

[0034] The working principle is as follows. During normal operation, the vehicle door 1, which is in a locked state, is first opened. To this end, the vehicle lock 14 undergoes an electric opening process, and the vehicle door 1 is slightly opened by the elastic force generated by the surrounding rubber seals. This is achieved by the control unit 5. Subsequently, the control unit 5 ensures that the electric drive units 3 and 4 are loaded, thereby causing the pusher 2 to complete the opening movement of the vehicle door 1. This control command corresponds to the motor 3 generating a rotational movement of an optional transmission mechanism, which applies pressure to the flexible connecting device 11 or the Bowden cable.

[0035] The pressure applied by the connecting device 11 is remotely transmitted via the pin 12 on the end side to the pusher 2, which is part of the actuator modules 2, 7, 8, and 9. As a result, the pusher 2 extends along the axial direction A and rests against the vehicle body (not shown), thereby opening the vehicle door 1 as a whole to form the described gap or intervention gap. Now, the operator can fully open the vehicle door 1.

[0036] Conversely, if, under the aforementioned normal operating conditions, the electric drive units 3 and 4 malfunction, for example due to an interruption in the power supply to the electric drive units 3 and 4 or a malfunction in other ways, then the control unit 5 switches to emergency operation. As a result, the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 are loaded at the control unit 5 via the electrical connection line 13. This ignites the chemical propellant inside the housing 7, thereby ensuring that the punch 8 of the pyrotechnic actuators 7 and 8 extends suddenly, and that the rod 9... Figure 2 The diagram shows a clockwise swing. Thus, lever 9 drives the pusher 2 along the axial direction A via the stop 10 on the pusher 2, and alternatively ensures that the vehicle door 1 completes the desired opening movement again. Now, the operator can again grasp the vehicle door 1 through the formed gap or the intervention gap and swing it fully open.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 1. Motor vehicle door

[0039] 2 pushers

[0040] 3 motors

[0041] 4. Transmission mechanism

[0042] 3, 4 Electric drive units

[0043] Drive modules 3, 4, 5, and 6

[0044] Actuator modules 2, 7, 8, and 9

[0045] 5 control units

[0046] 6 circuit boards

[0047] 7. Shell

[0048] 8 punches

[0049] 7, 8 Pyrotechnic Actuators

[0050] 9. Swing bar

[0051] 10 Stop section

[0052] 11 Connecting Device

[0053] 12 pins on the end side

[0054] 13 Electrical connection lines

[0055] 14 Motor vehicle locks

[0056] 15 Closing Device

[0057] 16 Flexible connection device

[0058] 17, 18 shell

[0059] Axial direction

Claims

1. An opening device for a motor vehicle door (1), the opening device having a pusher (2), an electric drive unit (3, 4), and an actuator (7, 8), particularly a pyrotechnic actuator (7, 8), wherein, The drive unit (3, 4) and actuator (7, 8) selectively act on the pusher (2), characterized in that the electric drive unit (3, 4) and actuator (7, 8) are divided into two modules (3, 4, 5, 6; 2, 7, 8, 9) that are spatially and functionally separated from each other, namely the drive module (3, 4, 5, 6) and the actuator module (2, 7, 8, 9).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both modules (3, 4, 5, 6; 2, 7, 8, 9) are equipped with their own housings (17, 18).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuator modules (2, 7, 8, 9) include the pusher (2).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive modules (3, 4, 5, 6) are mechanically connected to the actuator modules (2, 7, 8, 9) via the connecting device (11), and thereby act on the pusher (2).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting device (11) is designed as a rope, especially a Bowden cable.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In addition to the electric drive unit (3, 4), the drive module (3, 4, 5, 6) additionally has a control unit (5) and, if necessary, an energy storage unit.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit (5), optional energy storage unit and electric drive unit (3, 4) are arranged on the circuit board (6).

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The actuator modules (2, 7, 8, 9) and drive modules (3, 4, 5, 6) are coupled to each other via electrical connection lines (13).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The electrical connection line (13) is used to supply energy and, when necessary, to transmit data from or to the actuators (7, 8).

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Additionally, a vehicle lock (14), especially an electric lock, is provided in a way that is functionally and spatially separate, and a locking device (15) is also provided if necessary.

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