Electronic door operating arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic door actuation arrangement (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising an auxiliary power source (3) and a heating element (5), wherein with the auxiliary energy source (3) an auxiliary supply energy is provided during an auxiliary operating state in the event of the unavailability of a main supply energy provided by a main energy source (4), the heating element (5) is galvanically connected to the auxiliary power source (3), and The heating element (5) is designed to heat the auxiliary energy source (3). In this way, a cold-resistant electronic door operating arrangement is provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic door actuation arrangement for a vehicle, comprising an auxiliary energy source, wherein the auxiliary energy source provides auxiliary supply energy during an auxiliary operating state in the event of the unavailability of a main supply energy provided by a main energy source.

[0002] Electrically actuated door locks, door openers, and door closers are increasingly being installed in vehicles to facilitate opening, closing, and unlocking / locking the vehicle's doors and tailgate. The electrically actuated door lock, often also called an eLatch, is electrically unlocked and locked. The electrically actuated door opener, also called a presenter, is also electrically operated and serves to open the door. The electrically actuated door closer closes the opened door. Frequently, the electrically actuated door opener, the electrically actuated door closer, and the electrically actuated door lock are integrated into a single component. Opening and closing the door can be accomplished in various ways. For example, there are doors that swing open and close. However, there are also doors that are pushed or pulled in one direction. Such sliding doors can, for example, be used in...equipped with an automatic system to implement an electrically actuated sliding door. In this context, electrically actuated door locks, electrically actuated door openers, and electrically actuated door closers are subsumed under the term "electronic door operating arrangement".

[0003] To enable the operation of an electronic door control system, such as an electrically actuated door lock, without mechanical operation even in the event of a power failure caused by an emergency situation, such as a crash or prolonged parking, emergency or auxiliary power sources, such as accumulators, batteries, or supercapacitors, are integrated into the electronic door control system. These can provide auxiliary power for a certain period of time to ensure the electrical opening of a lock even after a failure of a primary vehicle power source, such as a vehicle battery, caused by the emergency situation.

[0004] The auxiliary power supplied by auxiliary energy sources is highly temperature-dependent. At low temperatures, a sufficient energy density from these sources may no longer be guaranteed. This means that the functionality of the electronic door control system can be significantly impaired in cold environments. Particularly under extreme cold conditions, the auxiliary energy sources may not provide enough power to reliably operate the electronic door control system.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a cold-resistant electronic door actuation arrangement.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, an electronic door actuation arrangement for a vehicle is thus provided, comprising an auxiliary energy source and a heating element, wherein the auxiliary energy source provides an auxiliary supply energy during an auxiliary operating state in the event of a main supply energy not being available, the heating element is galvanically connected to the auxiliary energy source, and the heating element is designed to heat the auxiliary energy source.

[0008] According to the invention, the electronic door actuation arrangement comprises an auxiliary power source and a heating element. An auxiliary power source is a power source that ensures the power supply in the event of a failure of the main power source. In the event of a failure or unavailability of the main power supply, the auxiliary power source provides the auxiliary power supply in an auxiliary operating state.

[0009] The auxiliary power source is designed to provide auxiliary power during auxiliary operating conditions in the event of the primary power supply being unavailable. An advantage of this configuration is that the auxiliary power remains available even if the vehicle's primary power source fails, for example, after an accident or during extended periods of inactivity. This allows the electronic door control system to continue operating.

[0010] The electronic door actuation arrangement according to the invention further provides that the heating element is galvanically connected to the auxiliary power source. Such a galvanic connection means that there is an electrical connection between the heating element and the auxiliary power source through which electric current can flow. An advantage of this design is that the heating element is powered directly by the auxiliary power source, which ensures efficient heat generation. This also helps to maintain the auxiliary power source at an optimal operating temperature and thus guarantee the functionality of the auxiliary power supply.

[0011] The heating element is designed to heat the auxiliary energy source. The heating element can therefore be understood as an electrical component that generates heat when an electric current flows through it. Similarly, in this context, the heating element is understood as an element designed to intrinsically generate heat within the auxiliary energy source.

[0012] The electronic door actuation arrangement according to the invention thus reliably provides an auxiliary power supply that remains functional even at low ambient temperatures by keeping the auxiliary power source at temperature through a galvanically connected heating element.

[0013] It is possible to position the heating element at various locations within the electronic door actuation assembly. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating element is provided to make thermally conductive contact with the auxiliary energy source, thus enabling heat transfer from the heating element to the auxiliary energy source.

[0014] The heating element is in thermal contact with the auxiliary power source, allowing the generated heat to be transferred to it. An advantage of this arrangement is that the auxiliary power source is protected from excessive cooling, which is particularly important at low ambient temperatures. This ensures that the energy density of the auxiliary power source is maintained and that the auxiliary power supply can be reliably provided.

[0015] In principle, various auxiliary energy sources can be used. However, according to a further development of the invention, the auxiliary energy source is a battery or an accumulator. An accumulator is a rechargeable energy storage device that stores electrical energy and can release it again when needed. An advantage of this configuration is the possibility of repeated use and the reliable provision of auxiliary power. Batteries have a low self-discharge rate, so that even after extended periods, almost full battery capacity is available.

[0016] In principle, various heating elements can be used. However, according to a further development of the invention, the heating element is a resistor, and the resistor is galvanically connected to the auxiliary power source in such a way that the auxiliary power source is short-circuited to the resistor. A resistor is an electrical component that limits the current flow and generates heat. The resistor is therefore galvanically connected to both poles of the auxiliary power source. The heat is generated directly and intrinsically within the auxiliary power source itself by the resistor. The resistor enables a current flow between the poles corresponding to its resistance. In this case, the resistor acts as a load on the auxiliary power source, and according to Joule's law, the flowing current leads to a heating of the auxiliary power source.One advantage of this arrangement is that heat generation can be efficiently controlled by selecting the appropriate resistance to maintain the auxiliary power source at an optimal temperature. According to a further development of the invention, the heating element is designed to increase the temperature of the auxiliary power source by a predetermined amount. If the heating element is a resistor, its resistance is selected to increase the temperature of the auxiliary power source by this predetermined amount. This allows the electronic door actuation arrangement to be adapted to the respective ambient conditions. Based on an expected minimum temperature, a resistor corresponding to this minimum temperature can be used as the heating element to heat the auxiliary power source and thus reduce charge losses due to low ambient temperatures.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the heating element is a heating wire. A heating wire is a special type of wire that generates heat when an electric current flows through it. When an electric current flows through a wire with a specific resistance, this wire generates heat. This occurs according to Joule's law, which states that the heat generated in the wire is proportional to the square of the current, the resistance of the wire, and the time the current flows. A heating wire is typically made of materials such as nickel-chromium alloys, which have a high specific resistance and a high melting point, making them ideal for applications requiring continuous heat output.

[0018] The heat generated in a heating wire is distributed evenly along its length, meaning the temperature remains constant. This is particularly advantageous in applications where uniform heating is crucial. Controlled application of current allows for precise regulation of the heating wire's temperature, enabling accurate control of the heating power.

[0019] A key technical advantage of this arrangement is the efficiency of heat transfer. Because the heating wire can be integrated directly into the environment to be heated, heat loss is minimized, and all the generated heat is utilized effectively. This is particularly advantageous when heating the auxiliary power source, where a stable temperature is crucial for optimal performance. To achieve this, the heating wire is thermally connected to the auxiliary power source, allowing heat to be transferred from the heating wire to the auxiliary power source.

[0020] Using a heating wire also improves the response time to temperature changes. Because the heating wire heats up and cools down quickly, the heating power can be adjusted in real time to meet current needs, enabling flexible and efficient temperature control. This leads to better use of electrical energy, as only the amount of energy actually required to maintain the desired temperature is used.

[0021] This arrangement also contributes to the longevity of the components involved. According to a further development of the invention, the heating wire is made of materials such as nickel-chromium alloys, which are corrosion-resistant and withstand high temperatures, thus extending the service life of the heating wire and increasing the reliability of the heating element. This is particularly important in the present safety-critical application of an emergency release for the electronic door operating mechanism, where the availability and reliability of the heating element are crucial.

[0022] One advantage of this design is the uniform heat distribution along the heating wire, which effectively heats the auxiliary energy source.

[0023] It is possible to arrange the heating element in various ways. However, in the context described above, a further development of the invention provides that the heating element surrounds the auxiliary power source. An advantage of this arrangement is the comprehensive heating of the auxiliary power source, which ensures a uniform temperature distribution and thus reliable operation of the auxiliary power supply. In particular, if the heating element is designed as a heating wire, the auxiliary power source can be heated especially effectively in this way.

[0024] In principle, it is possible that the auxiliary power source does not need to be charged. However, according to a further development of the invention, the auxiliary power source can be charged with the main power supply during normal vehicle operation, so that the auxiliary power supply is provided by the auxiliary power source during the auxiliary operating state. In normal operation, the electronic door actuation arrangement is thus powered by the vehicle's main power source. In the case of an electrically actuated door lock, an actuator is operated with the main power supply, which in turn actuates a locking mechanism, thus enabling the door lock to be opened or closed. An advantage of this configuration is the constant availability of the auxiliary power source, as it is regularly charged during normal operation.

[0025] In principle, the heating element can directly contact the auxiliary energy source. However, according to a further development of the invention, the electronic door actuation arrangement additionally includes a heat-conducting element, wherein the heating element thermally contacts the auxiliary energy source with the heat-conducting element. In this context, a heat-conducting element is understood to be an element that ensures that, in the electronic door actuation arrangement according to the invention, the thermal conductivity between the heating element to which the heat-conducting element is connected and the auxiliary energy source to which the heat-conducting element is also connected is better than without the heat-conducting element. The installation of the heat-conducting element thus improves the ability to dissipate heat generated at or within the heating element to the auxiliary energy source. According to a further development, the heat-conducting element is thermally conductive and galvanically non-conductive.The thermally conductive and galvanically non-conductive heat-conducting element enables a galvanically insulating, yet thermally conductive contact between the auxiliary power source and the heating element, such that only the galvanically conductive connection is used to operate the heating element. This offers the advantage of reduced heat loss from the heating element and simultaneous short-circuit protection. The heating element requires less energy from the auxiliary power source.

[0026] It is possible to construct the heat-conducting element from various materials. However, according to a further development of the invention, the heat-conducting element is made of silicone. Silicone is a temperature-resistant and flexible material that conducts heat well. An advantage of this design is the additional insulation and protection of the auxiliary power source and the heating element.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, ceramic particles are formed in the silicone of the heat-conducting element. These ceramic particles improve the thermal conductivity of the silicone. An advantage of this design is the improved heat distribution and efficiency of heat dissipation from the heating element to the auxiliary energy source.

[0028] In principle, the heat-conducting element can be designed in various ways. According to a further development of the invention, the heat-conducting element completely encloses the auxiliary energy source. An advantage of this arrangement is the complete protection of the auxiliary energy source from external temperature influences and an improved coupling of the auxiliary energy source to the heating element, which increases the reliability of the auxiliary power supply.

[0029] According to a further development of the invention, the heat-conducting element completely encloses the heating element. An advantage of this embodiment is the comprehensive thermal insulation and protection of the heating element. The arrangement according to the invention, which includes a heat-conducting element that thermally connects the heating element to the auxiliary energy source, also offers the advantage of avoiding heat losses due to convection. In conventional systems, a significant portion of the generated heat can be lost through convection, especially if the heating element and the component to be heated are not optimally coupled. Convection occurs when heat is transported by the movement of liquids or gases, such as air. This leads to inefficient heat transfer and higher energy consumption, as more energy is required to reach the desired temperature.

[0030] By using the heat-conducting element, the generated heat is transferred directly and efficiently from the heating element to the auxiliary energy source. This direct heat transfer minimizes heat loss to the environment, as the heat does not need to be transferred through gaps or the air, but is channeled through the heat-conducting element.

[0031] One advantage of this arrangement is that the auxiliary power source can be brought up to a suitable temperature more quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important in low-temperature environments, where the functionality of the auxiliary power source is highly dependent on its temperature. Thanks to efficient heat transfer, the auxiliary power source can maintain its performance even under extreme weather conditions, thus increasing the reliability of the entire electronic door operating system.

[0032] Another technical advantage is the reduction in energy consumption. Because the heat is used effectively and hardly any energy is lost through convection, less electrical energy is required to keep the auxiliary power source at temperature. This leads to better utilization of the stored energy and extends the operating time of the auxiliary power source before it needs to be recharged.

[0033] Additionally, this arrangement contributes to the longevity of the components. The uniform and controlled heating of the auxiliary power source avoids thermal stresses and uneven heating patterns that could lead to material fatigue and premature wear. This increases the service life of the auxiliary power source and the heating element, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the reliability of the electronic door operating system.

[0034] The heat-conducting element in the arrangement according to the invention thus enables efficient and targeted heat transfer from the heating element to the auxiliary energy source, thereby avoiding heat losses through convection. This leads to faster and more efficient heating, reduced energy consumption, and an increased service life of the components, which significantly improves the overall performance and reliability of the electronic door actuation arrangement. In this context, a further development of the invention provides that the heating element, the auxiliary energy source, and the heat-conducting element are enclosed by a thermal insulation element. This further improves energy efficiency.

[0035] According to a further development of the invention, the electronic door actuation arrangement comprises a control unit and a switch. The control unit is connected to the switch and the auxiliary power source for signal transmission. The switch is interposed between the auxiliary power source and the heating element, allowing the galvanic connection between the auxiliary power source and the heating element to be interrupted. The control unit is configured to actuate the switch. A control unit is an electronic module that processes and controls signals. A switch is a component that can interrupt or allow the flow of electrical current. An advantage of this arrangement is the precise control of the connection between the auxiliary power source and the heating element, thereby optimizing the efficiency and safety of the heating process.

[0036] In principle, the switch can be designed in various ways. However, according to a further development of the invention, the switch is a field-effect transistor. A field-effect transistor is an electronic component that, in this case, functions as a switch and is controlled by electric fields. The field-effect transistor has a gate terminal, a source terminal, and a drain terminal. The control unit is connected to the gate terminal for signal transmission, the auxiliary power source is galvanically connected to the source terminal, and the heating element is galvanically connected to the drain terminal. When a signal or trigger from the control unit is applied to the gate terminal, the field-effect transistor becomes conductive, and the heating element is galvanically connected to the auxiliary power source. An advantage of this design is its fast and reliable switching function with low energy consumption.

[0037] It is possible to design the electronic door actuation arrangement in various ways. However, according to a further development of the invention, the electronic door actuation arrangement includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is connected to the control unit for signal transmission. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the ambient temperature, and the control unit is configured to actuate the switch when a predetermined temperature threshold is undershot, thus galvanically connecting the auxiliary power source to the heating element. A temperature sensor is a component that measures temperatures and outputs corresponding signals. An advantage of this arrangement is the automatic activation of the heating element at low temperatures, which ensures the functionality of the auxiliary power source.This also ensures that the auxiliary energy source is only heated when the ambient temperature is below the predetermined temperature limit.

[0038] According to a further development of the invention, the auxiliary power source is configured to provide the auxiliary power supply for actuating the electronic door control device in the auxiliary operating state. An advantage of this embodiment is the guaranteed provision of the necessary energy for the electronic door control device even in emergencies, which is used for operating the electronic door control device in the event of a failure of the main power source.

[0039] Alternatively, it can be provided that a buffer storage device is formed with the auxiliary energy source, which can be used to maintain a voltage supply to another auxiliary energy source, such as a supercapacitor group in the electronic door actuation arrangement.

[0040] According to a further development of the invention, the electronic door actuation arrangement is an electrically actuated door lock.

[0041] The invention also relates to the use of the electronic door actuation arrangement on a door of the vehicle.

[0042] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0043] The drawings show Fig. 1 schematically an electronic door actuation arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 2 schematically a vehicle with an electronic door actuation arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows an electronic door actuation arrangement 1 for a vehicle 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The electronic door actuation arrangement 1 has an auxiliary power source 3 and a heating element 5, wherein the auxiliary power source 3 can be charged during a normal operating state of the vehicle 2 with main supply energy provided by a main power source 4, so that in the event of the main supply energy being unavailable, auxiliary supply energy is provided by means of the auxiliary power source 3 during an auxiliary operating state. The auxiliary power source 3 is configured to provide the auxiliary supply energy for actuating the electronic door actuation arrangement 1 in the auxiliary operating state.

[0045] The electronic door actuation arrangement 1 additionally comprises a control unit 7, a switch 8, and a temperature sensor 9. The control unit 7 is connected to the switch 8, the auxiliary power source 3, and the temperature sensor 9 for signal transmission. The temperature sensor 9 is configured to detect the ambient temperature. The switch 8 is connected between the auxiliary power source 3 and the heating element 5. The control unit 7 is configured to actuate the switch 8 when the ambient temperature falls below a predetermined temperature threshold, so that the auxiliary power source 3 is galvanically connected to the heating element 5 and the heating element 5 heats up. In this case, the switch 8 is a field-effect transistor.

[0046] The heating element 5 is a heating wire connected to each terminal of the auxiliary power source 5, which is a battery. The switch 8 is connected between the positive terminal of the auxiliary power source 5.

[0047] The heating element 5 makes thermal contact with the auxiliary power source 3 via a heat-conducting element 6. The heat-conducting element 6 is a silicone containing ceramic particles that completely encloses both the auxiliary power source 3 and the heating element 5 in a thermally conductive manner. The heating wire is accordingly overmolded with the heat-conducting element 6.

[0048] If the heating element 5 is now galvanically connected to the auxiliary energy source 3 via the switch 8, the resistance of the heating element 5 ensures, on the one hand, an intrinsic heating of the auxiliary energy source 3, and on the other hand, the heating of the heating element 5 via the thermal contact of the heating element 5 with the auxiliary energy source 3 ensures a heating of the auxiliary energy source 3.

[0049] Out of Fig. Figure 2 shows the electronic door actuation arrangement 1, which in this case is an electrically actuated door lock and is installed in a door 10 of the vehicle 10. The electronic door actuation arrangement 1 is galvanically connected to the main power source 4, a vehicle battery. Reference symbol list 1 electronic door operating arrangement 2 vehicles 3 Auxiliary power source 4 Main energy source 5 heating element 6 Heat conducting element 7 Control unit 8 switches 9 Temperature sensor 10 Door

Claims

[1] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising an auxiliary power source (3) and a heating element (5), wherein with the auxiliary energy source (3) an auxiliary supply energy is provided during an auxiliary operating state in the event of the unavailability of a main supply energy provided by a main energy source (4), the heating element (5) is galvanically connected to the auxiliary power source (3), and the heating element (5) is designed to heat the auxiliary energy source (3). [2] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the heating element (5) thermally contacts the auxiliary energy source (3) so that heat transfer from the heating element (5) to the auxiliary energy source (3) is possible. [3] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary power source (3) is a battery or an accumulator. [4] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (5) is a resistor and the resistor is galvanically connected to the auxiliary power source (3) such that the auxiliary power source (3) is short-circuited with the resistor. [5] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (5) is a heating wire. [6] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (5) surrounds the auxiliary energy source (3). [7] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary energy source (3) can be charged with the main supply energy during a normal operating state of the vehicle (2), so that the auxiliary supply energy is provided in the auxiliary operating state by means of the auxiliary energy source (3). [8] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims with a heat conducting element (6), wherein the heating element (5) thermally contacts the auxiliary energy source (3) with the heat conducting element (6). [9] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the heat conducting element (6) comprises a silicone. [10] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the heat conducting element (6) completely surrounds the auxiliary energy source (3). [11] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the heat conducting element (6) completely surrounds the heating element (5). [12] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims comprising a control unit (7) and a switch (8), wherein the control unit (7) is connected to the switch (8) and the auxiliary power source (3) for signal transmission, the switch (8) is connected between the auxiliary power source (3) and the heating element (5) so that the galvanically conductive connection between the auxiliary power source (3) and the heating element (5) can be interrupted, and the control unit (7) is designed to actuate the switch (8). [13] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the two preceding claims with a temperature sensor (9), wherein the temperature sensor (9) is connected to the control unit (7) for signal transmission, the temperature sensor (9) is designed to detect an ambient temperature, and the control unit (7) is designed to actuate the switch (8) when a predetermined temperature limit is undershot, so that the auxiliary energy source (3) is galvanically connected to the heating element (5). [14] Electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary energy source (3) is configured to provide the auxiliary supply energy for actuating the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) in the auxiliary operating state. [15] Use of the electronic door actuation arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims on a door (10) of the vehicle (2).

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