SETTING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE DOOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an opening device for a motor vehicle door, comprising an electric drive and an actuating means, wherein the actuating means is adjustable by means of the drive and wherein the motor vehicle door can be opened by means of the actuating means and at least one sensor for detecting the actuating movement.

[0002] Today's motor vehicles are increasingly being equipped with convenience features. For example, to make getting into a vehicle easier and to enhance both aesthetic and aerodynamic design, vehicles are being equipped without an exterior door handle. It is also conceivable, however, to provide an exterior door handle that simply transmits a switching signal to the vehicle door lock to open it. To facilitate and automate entry, and to enable entry in vehicles without exterior door handles, for example, so-called door stays or door stays are used.

[0003] A known door stay or correspondingly designed opening device for a motor vehicle door, as disclosed in DE 198 35 994 A1, operates with a spindle drive. The spindle drive or ejector device is activated by unlocking an associated door lock on a hatch, particularly a tailgate. With the help of the ejector device, the hatch is pivoted, forming a gap with a first opening position. This allows a handle to pivot into the gap and protrude beyond the outer contour of the hatch. As a result, a relatively complex design is pursued.

[0004] DE 10 2016 105 760 A1 discloses a positioning device for a motor vehicle door, comprising a base plate, a drive element mounted on the base plate, and a drive. A first sensor is provided, associated with the drive element, which distinguishes at least between a positioning process and a manual opening process. The positioning device comprises a drive that can be driven via a sensor and a control unit. A flexible connecting means then enables pivoting of a transmission lever, which in turn enables a positioning movement via a drive lever and a drive slide. To enable the door to be moved or opened, the drive slide moves linearly, for example, out of an opening in a vehicle body, so that an unlocked and unlatched door can be opened at least partially.The end position of the drive slide can be detected by a second stationary sensor so that the drive can be switched off again.

[0005] DE 10 2015 103 830 A1 discloses a door opener in the form of a driven actuating rod. A threaded rod interacts with a stop fixed in the vehicle door. A force can thus be exerted on the stop via the actuator and the actuating rod, allowing the door to be opened after the vehicle lock is unlocked.

[0006] The devices known from the prior art for opening a motor vehicle door after unlocking a motor vehicle lock allow the door to be opened at least partially, so that a motor vehicle operator is able to open the door through a gap. These known opening devices have generally proven themselves to be effective, but they sometimes provide complex design solutions that, moreover, only allow continuous monitoring of the actuating movement with considerable effort. This is where the invention comes in.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an improved positioning device for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a positioning device that enables the motor vehicle door to be opened safely and allows the actuating movement to be detected with the least possible means. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0009] The invention is based on an opening device for a motor vehicle door, comprising an electric drive and an actuating means, wherein the actuating means is adjustable by means of the drive and wherein the motor vehicle door can be opened by means of the actuating means, wherein the opening device can be arranged in the body of the motor vehicle and the actuating means can be removed from the body of the motor vehicle, wherein the actuating means performs a linear movement along the central axis (Ms) of the actuating means during the movement, wherein the movement of the actuating means moves the motor vehicle door in such a way that a gap (S) is created into which an operator can manually intervene in order to fully open the motor vehicle door.According to the invention, the actuating means is constructed in at least two parts and has a drive region and a sliding element. The sliding element is movably received in the actuating means. A sensor is integrated into the actuating means to detect the movement of the sliding element. The sliding element is provided for contacting a motor vehicle door, and the sensor continuously monitors the actuating means. The inventive design of the actuating device now creates the possibility of enabling a safe and energy-saving actuating of a motor vehicle door or hatch.

[0010] By continuously monitoring the actuating element using a sensor, the actuating movement of the actuating device can be interrupted at any time, for example if the door is opened manually. This continuous detection makes it possible to adapt the actuating movement to the driver's operating behavior. If, for example, the door is grasped and opened manually immediately after being opened using the actuating device, this can be detected by the sensor, making it possible to interrupt the drive of the actuating device, allowing the door to be opened as required with the least possible energy expenditure. In addition, the actuating device can be retracted immediately after the operator has grasped the door, allowing the operator to enter the vehicle unhindered.Any hindrance to the operator caused by the installation device is thus prevented or reduced to a minimum.

[0011] The positioning device relates to motor vehicle doors, but within the scope of the invention can also be used for tailgates, hatches, covers, or hoods. In other words, wherever movably arranged components on motor vehicles are held in a closed position and moved into a raised position for opening. The raised position then allows the operator to reach into a gap created by the positioning device, enabling manual opening.

[0012] An electric drive enables the movement of the actuating element. Electric motors are preferred as electric drives. The electric motor then makes it possible to move the actuating element in such a way that the door can be opened by the driven actuating element. The actuating element moves relative to the body and exerts a pressure force on the vehicle door, allowing the unlocked door to move.

[0013] According to the invention, a motor vehicle locking system having a rotary latch and at least one pawl interacts with the positioning device, wherein the locking mechanism comprising the rotary latch and at least one pawl can be electrically unlocked. Particularly with electrically unlockable locking systems, the operator of the motor vehicle only requires an electrical impulse to transfer the locking system to an unlocked, i.e., open, position. The locking system is then open, allowing the door or hatch to be moved. The electrical opening impulse for the locking system can be generated by means of a sensor, a key, or, for example, a sensitive device such as a touch sensor or a door handle with an integrated sensor.

[0014] Once the motor vehicle door is unlocked, it can pivot freely on its hinges. If necessary, the door also has a door check strap that can hold the door in multiple opening positions. Once unlocked, the door can then be moved using the opening device, whereby the movement of the motor vehicle door can be detected by sensors according to the invention. The entire opening process is detected. And in particular, it is detected continuously, so that any movement of the door can be detected independently of the opening means or the opening device. Once the door has been manually moved beyond the movement of the opening device, the sensor detection is interrupted, so that the electric drive can be de-energized or the polarity of the electric drive can be reversed so that the actuating means can be returned to its original position.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor can be integrated into the actuating means. Arranging the sensor as an integrated means in the actuating means offers several advantages. On the one hand, a structurally favorable and space-saving arrangement of the sensor is possible, and on the other hand, a signal can be obtained directly from the movement of the actuating means. Both sensitive and mechanical switching means, such as microswitches or proximity sensors, can be used as the sensor. The switching means can interact directly with the door or be switchable indirectly. The switching means is preferably activated or generates a switching signal when the actuating means moves. The switching means is switched or activated by the movement of the actuating means in the direction of the door or flap, so that a switching signal can be forwarded to a control unit.The control unit serves to detect the signal for unlocking the locking mechanism of the locking device, so that the electric drive of the opening device can be controlled and the actuating means moves the door in the direction of the opening movement. The actuating means preferably performs a linear movement.

[0016] If the actuating means is constructed in at least two parts and has a drive section and a sliding element, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. A multi-part design of the actuating means offers the possibility of adapting the actuating means to the different requirements in the interaction between drive, bearing, and pressure section. On the one hand, the actuating means must be able to be guided safely, whereby low-noise and wear-free guidance is necessary. In particular, a low-noise installation of the actuating means in the installation device increases the value and the feeling of comfort for the operator. Advantageously, the drive section can be made of a metallic material, for example, which ensures durability and enables, for example, a plain bearing or roller bearing.

[0017] Furthermore, the drive area must be designed in such a way that a permanently stable connection and transmission of the electric drive to the actuating means is possible. The electric drive preferably comprises, for example, a worm gear that can be brought into engagement with the actuating means, wherein the actuating means can, for example, have a toothing complementary to the worm gear.

[0018] In addition, the actuating means must be able to engage with the door or at least a portion of the door, so that the door can be moved or pivoted by means of the actuating device. In particular, in the contact area between the actuating means and the door, it can be advantageous to arrange a sliding element which can be engaged with the door, for example under spring tension. The sliding element can preferably be made of plastic, so that on the one hand no or only minimal contact noise can be achieved and on the other hand a dampened movement is possible by means of the actuating means. In addition to the drive area and the sliding element, it is of course also conceivable that components necessary, for example, for mounting the actuating means are integrated into the actuating means or arranged on the actuating means.

[0019] To integrate the sensor into the actuating device, sealing covers can also be arranged on the actuating device.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sliding element can be movably received in the actuating means. Preferably, the sliding element is displaceably mounted in the drive region. For this purpose, the drive region and / or the sliding element can have guide elements, wherein a spring element, such as a compression spring, can additionally position the sliding element relative to the drive region. Preferably, the sliding element is held in the actuating means in a spring-biased manner such that the sliding element is pushed out of the actuating means or the drive region by the pressure of the spring. In the unactuated state of the actuating means, the sliding element is thus in a state protruding from the drive region and rests, for example, against a stop in the drive region.

[0021] If the electric drive is now activated, the actuating means is moved out, for example from a B-pillar of the body, and the sliding element engages with the vehicle door. Preferably, the sliding element rests against the vehicle door when the vehicle door is closed, so that the door can be opened with the lowest possible noise level. Preferably, the sliding element has a damping means on the side opposite the vehicle door. The damping means can be made of an elastic plastic, for example. Preferably, the sliding element is made of plastic and can be constructed, for example, as a two-component component. On the one hand, a rigid plastic offers the possibility of secure mounting and guidance in the actuating means, and on the other hand, an elastic, soft plastic offers the possibility of favorable contact with the vehicle door.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sensor can be actuated using the sliding element. If the sensor can be activated indirectly via the vehicle door, with the sliding element being displaceable upon actuation by the vehicle door or by the electric drive unit, this can be immediately concluded that the actuating device has been actuated. When the actuating device is not actuated, the sliding element rests against the vehicle door under spring preload.

[0023] If the actuating means is now activated by means of the drive and moved out of, for example, a B or C pillar of the motor vehicle, the sliding element moves relative to the drive area of ​​the actuating means, whereby the relative movement of the sliding element preferably causes the sliding element to be moved into the drive area, and the sensor is arranged such that the sliding element activates the sensor. In other words, although the actuating means is driven directly by the electric drive, the first movement of the actuating means results in a relative movement between the sliding element and the drive area. The sensor is thus actuated by the actuating means itself. Preferably, for example, a microswitch can be integrated into the actuating means, which can then be actuated by the relative movement of the sliding element.Of course, it is also conceivable that the switching means is attached to the sliding element, whereby a relative movement between the sliding element and the drive area can, for example, activate a touch-sensitive sensor.

[0024] If the actuating means is designed as a rack, at least in part, preferably in the drive area, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. A rack offers the advantage of good engagement conditions with respect to the electric drive. A rack is advantageously favorable with respect to a linear bearing of the actuating means. Preferably, a part of the drive area is provided with a toothing into which, for example, a spur gear of a company and / or a gear attached to the motor shaft can engage. A rack simultaneously offers a cost-effective and structurally simple design.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the actuating means can be driven by means of a gear. The use of a gear and preferably a combination of a worm gear and one or more spur gear stages offers the advantage that, on the one hand, the actuating speed of the actuating means can be adjusted and, at the same time, the available force for the actuating means can be defined. Furthermore, one or more spur gear stages offer a cost-effective and structurally simple solution for driving an actuating means. Preferably, a worm gear stage is located directly after the electric drive, followed by a spur gear stage and finally the rack and pinion drive. With regard to the arrangement of the components of the setting device, this preferred embodiment offers the possibility of designing the electric drive and the actuating means so that they can be arranged preferably at an angle of 90° to one another.This is particularly advantageous with regard to the installation situation in the body.

[0026] For example, the positioning device can be arranged in the body of the motor vehicle. The positioning device can be arranged such that a hood, door, flap and / or cover can be moved by means of the adjusting means. For this purpose, the positioning device can be arranged, for example, in the body and in the front panel of the motor vehicle or in the A, B or C pillar of the motor vehicle. If, for example, a cover for a convertible top is raised by means of the positioning device, the positioning device can also be positioned inside the motor vehicle. The arrangement of the adjusting means on the body of the motor vehicle can be selected such that the adjusting means can be raised out of the body of the motor vehicle. The adjusting means can preferably be arranged flush with the body in the motor vehicle.However, it is also conceivable that, for example, a sliding element protrudes from the body, so that when the door or hatch is closed, the sliding element or adjusting device rests directly against the door or hatch. The arrangement is, of course, adaptable depending on the design and application.

[0027] Advantageously, the actuating means can be made of plastic, at least in part. As already described above, the design of the actuating means from one or more plastics as a single-piece or multi-piece component offers the possibility of adapting the actuating means to different requirements. In the contact area, a damping property of a plastic is advantageous, whereas in the area of ​​contact with the sensor, a guiding property of a plastic can be advantageous. In the drive area, a high hardness or strength of a plastic is advantageous for the long-term durability of the actuating means. By means of the design according to the invention, a safe and durable as well as structurally advantageous actuating means and thus a setting device can be provided.

[0028] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents one embodiment. The features presented may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0029] It shows: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a mounting device designed according to the invention, wherein the mounting device is shown partly without a housing and detached from the motor vehicle, Figure 2 shows a side view of a mounting device equipped with a gear housing according to the Figure 1 in a starting or starting position, and Figure 3 shows a side view of a setup device according to the Figure 2in an extended position of the actuating means.

[0030] In the Figure 1 A three-dimensional representation of a support device 1 is shown, detached from the motor vehicle. The support device comprises a drive 2, a gear 3, and an actuating means 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the electric drive 2 and the actuating means 4 are arranged substantially at right angles to one another with respect to the central axes MM and Ms.

[0031] The electric drive 2 is preferably a DC motor that can be attached to a body of the motor vehicle by means of a mounting flange 5, and with which, for example, a transmission housing 6 can also be connected to the electric drive 2. The electric drive and the transmission 3 are fixedly mounted in a motor vehicle body (not shown).

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, gear stage 3 is designed as a three-stage gear 3. A worm 8 is arranged on an output shaft 7 of the electric drive 2, which engages with a worm gear 9 mounted in the gear housing 6. The worm gear 9 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a pinion 11 via a first axis. The pinion 11, in turn, meshes with a gear 12 and thus forms the second gear stage. A pinion 14 is arranged on a second axis 13, which engages with a toothed rack 15 of the actuating means 4. The pinion 14 and the rack 15 form the third gear stage.

[0033] In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuating means is essentially constructed in two parts and comprises a drive section 16 and a sliding element 17. The sliding element 17 is accommodated in the actuating means 4 so as to be displaceable in the direction of arrow P. The sliding element 17 can be displaced linearly along the central axis MS of the actuating means 4. The actuating means 4 has a recess 18 which has several functions. The recess 18 serves, on the one hand, to integrate the sliding element 17 and a switching means 19, and at the same time serves as a cable guide for contacting the microswitch 19. At the same time, the recess 18 serves as a stop 20 for the sliding element 17. By means of a cover (not shown), the sliding element 17 and the switching means 19 can be protected against moisture, whereby screw connections 21 can be used to fasten the cover.

[0034] In the Figures 2 and 3The function of the installation device 1 is now shown as an example. Figure 1 The positioning device 1 is in a starting or starting position. The actuating means 4 is positioned essentially flush with a body 22 of the motor vehicle. The actuating means 4 is thus in a starting or starting position. The locking system is locked and / or blocked, and a motor vehicle door 23 is in its closed position. If the motor vehicle lock is now unlocked by sensors and preferably electrically and thus opened, the drive 2 simultaneously receives a control signal, so that the transmission is initiated and the actuating means can be moved out of the starting or starting position.

[0035] In the Figure 2the position is shown in which the actuating means 4 has been completely moved out of the gear housing 6 or the body 22. As can clearly be seen, the actuating means 4 performs a linear movement along the central axis Ms of the actuating means 4 during the movement. The movement of the actuating means 4 moves the motor vehicle door 23 in such a way that a gap S is created, into which the operator can, for example, manually intervene in order to fully open the motor vehicle door. The movement of the actuating means 4 or the gap size S to be achieved depends on the length and the stroke of the actuating means 4 and can vary depending on the embodiment. Actuating movements of 20-150 mm are preferably realized, and even more preferably of 40-90 mm and most preferably of approximately 70 mm.

[0036] At the beginning of the actuating movement of the actuating means, the sliding element comes into contact with the motor vehicle door and is moved into the drive area 16 in the direction of arrow P. This movement can, for example, act against a compression spring and simultaneously causes the switching means 19 to be actuated. As long as the sliding element 17 is in contact with the motor vehicle door 23, the switching means 19 remains closed. If, for example, an operator opens the motor vehicle door 23 further, the sliding element 17 is moved out of the drive area 16 of the actuating means by, for example, a compression spring, and a signal can be generated which can be evaluated to the effect that the electric drive 2 can be switched off. Of course, the spring of the switching means can also be used to counteract the sliding element 17.

[0037] Of course, alternative bearings for the actuating means 4 or a linear sliding bearing for the sliding element 17 can also be advantageously used. By means of the actuating device according to the invention, it is now possible to continuously detect the actuating movement, thus enabling economical actuation of the actuating means. List of reference symbols

[0038] 1Installation device 2Drive 3Gearbox 4Adjusting device 5Mounting flange 6Gearbox housing 7Drive shaft 8Worm 9Worm wheel 10First axis 11, 14Pinion 12Gear 13Second axis 15Rack 16Drive area 17Sliding element 18Recess 19Switching device 20Stop 21Screw connection 22Body 23Vehicle door MsCenter axis Adjusting means MM Center axis Drive PPfile SSlot

Claims

1. Opening device (1) for a motor vehicle door (23), having an electric drive (2) and a control means (4), the control means (4) being adjustable by means of the drive (2) and the motor vehicle door (23) being able to be opened by means of the control means (4), the opening device (1) being arrangeable in the body (22) of the motor vehicle and the control means (4) being removable from the body (22) of the motor vehicle, the control means (4) performing a linear movement along the central axis (Ms) of the control means (4) during the movement, the movement of the control means (4) moving the motor vehicle door (23) in such a way that a gap (S) is created into which an operator can manually intervene in order to fully open the motor vehicle door (23), characterized in that the control means (4) is constructed in at least two parts and has a drive region (16) and a sliding element (17), the sliding element (17) being movably accommodated in the control means (4), and in that a sensor (19) is integrated into the control means (4), which sensor detects the movement of the sliding element (17), the sliding element (17) being provided for contacting a motor vehicle door (23), the control means (4) being continuously monitored by means of the sensor (19).

2. Opening device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (19) is operable by means of the sliding element (4).

3. Opening device according to either of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the control means (4) is designed as a toothed rack (15) at least in some regions, preferably in the drive region (16).

4. Opening device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means (4) can be driven by means of a gear mechanism (3).

5. Opening device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means (4) can be formed at least in some regions from plastics material.