Device for acting on a motor vehicle adjustable element, such as, for example, a motor vehicle door, and associated method for operating such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for acting on a motor vehicle adjustable element (1), such as, for example, a motor vehicle door (1). In its basic construction, the device is equipped with an arresting device (4) and a drive device (3), and with a control unit (5) which acts on one or both devices (3, 4) on the basis of signals from at least one sensor (6, 7, 8). According to the invention, the control unit (5) controls the preferably currentlessly fixing arresting device (4) and the drive device (3) in dependence on signals from the sensor (6, 7, 8) with a time overlap.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device for actuating a motor vehicle actuating element such as a motor vehicle door and associated method for operating such a device

[0003] The invention relates to a device for actuating a motor vehicle actuating element, such as a motor vehicle door, with a locking device and a drive device, and with a control unit which acts on one or both devices in accordance with signals from at least one sensor.

[0004] This means that, depending on the sensor signals, the control unit ensures that the locking device, the drive device, or the locking device and the drive device are actuated. This allows different functional positions of the motor vehicle actuator to be realized. For example, the motor vehicle actuator, and in particular the motor vehicle door, can be moved back and forth relative to a motor vehicle body using the drive device, or opened and closed. Intermediate states such as a half-open state are also conceivable. Furthermore, the motor vehicle actuator or the motor vehicle door in question can also be fixed in any position. The locking device ensures this.

[0005] Within the scope of the generic prior art according to EP 3 272 987 B1, a device for the power-operated and manual adjustment of such a motor vehicle actuator is described in detail. For this purpose, a drive device is provided, with the aid of which the motor vehicle actuator can be power-operated both in an opening direction and in an opposite closing direction. Furthermore, the drive device can be switched between a holding position and a release position. A sensor can be used to detect a desired adjustment by a user. This results in the drive device first triggering an adjustment in the direction desired by the user before the drive device is switched to its release position.This is intended to improve overall comfort when operating and changing between the holding position and the release position of the drive device.

[0006] The door drive provided at this point changes from the holding position to its release position, for example, by interrupting a coupling between a drive motor and a drive element on the transmission side or by disengaging a clutch. An associated abrupt transition is generally absorbed within the framework of the known teaching. However, both the assumption of the holding position and the release position require activation of the drive device or the known door drive. Depending on the duration of the motor vehicle actuator's corresponding functional position, this can correspond to increased power consumption.

[0007] However, the electrical energy consumption of today's motor vehicles is a critical consideration. For this reason, practical solutions are consistently sought that allow for significantly reduced power consumption. This is where the invention comes in.

[0008] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a device for actuating a motor vehicle actuator, such as a motor vehicle door, in such a way that the required electrical energy consumption is reduced while maintaining a functional design. To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes that, in a generic device for actuating a motor vehicle actuator, the control unit actuates the preferably currentless locking device and the drive device in response to sensor signals with a temporal overlap.

[0009] Within the scope of the invention, two significant differences are first of all observed compared to the prior art according to EP 3 272 987 B1. For example, the locking device according to the invention preferably operates in such a way that the motor vehicle actuator is regularly locked in place without current by means of the locking device. This means that if the locking device ensures the locking or locking of the motor vehicle actuator, this usually occurs without current. The transition from the locking to the non-locking or releasing position of the locking device requires control by means of a drive motor as a component of the locking device and therefore by application of electrical current. However, while the motor vehicle actuator is locked, the locking device is generally de-energized, so that no electrical energy is consumed at this point.

[0010] As a further difference and, as it were, a consequence of this design of the locking device, in the sense that it preferably operates without current, the invention or the control unit ensures that the locking device and the drive device are controlled with a temporal overlap. This means that, in contrast to the generic teaching of EP 3 272 987 B1, there is no switching back and forth between the locking device and the drive device in the sense of a respective alternative.

[0011] Rather, according to the invention, functional positions are specifically monitored and provided in which, depending on signals from the sensor, the locking device and the drive device are controlled in an overlapping manner using the control unit. In this case, the locking device ensures that the motor vehicle actuator is locked. On the other hand, and in addition, the locking is then also performed with the aid of the drive device.

[0012] In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if the locking device, on the one hand, and the drive device, on the other, are designed technologically and functionally separately from one another. For example, the locking device used within the scope of the invention may be one such as that described in detail in the applicant's DE 10 2019 134 979 A1. In contrast, the drive device used may be one such as that described in detail in DE 10 2018 120 553 A1.

[0013] In any case, the spatially and functionally separate design of the locking device and the drive device, on the one hand, favors the inventive design, namely that the two aforementioned devices can be controlled with temporal overlap using the control unit. In principle, however, the locking device and the drive device can also be combined. This means that a functionally separate design is not absolutely necessary and merely represents a particularly suitable option.

[0014] Either way, the design according to the invention initially leads to a significant reduction in electrical energy consumption compared to the prior art. For example, during the entire time in which the motor vehicle actuator is held in place by the locking device, the currentless locking design of the locking device ensures that no unnecessary electrical energy is consumed at this point. At the same time, functionality and safety are guaranteed, as with the prior art. For example, as soon as an operating signal from a user is detected by the sensor, the control unit ensures that the locking device and the drive device are typically controlled with a temporal overlap. This allows, for example, the locking device to be moved from its previously locking position to the releasing position.The drive device, which is controlled simultaneously and with a temporal overlap in this context, then ensures that the motor vehicle actuator is not released in an uncontrolled manner during this process, but rather is held in its position with the help of the now active drive device.

[0015] Depending on whether the user subsequently applies force to the motor vehicle actuator with or without power assistance from the drive device, the drive device releases the motor vehicle actuator so that it can be moved manually by the user. Alternatively, the manual movement can also be assisted by the drive device. This represents the key advantages.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor is an external force sensor that detects an external force acting on the motor vehicle actuator. This external force can, for example, be compared with a threshold value stored in the control unit. If this threshold value is exceeded, this is interpreted as a user signal to actuate the motor vehicle actuator.

[0017] In principle, the sensor can also be a time sensor, which can be implemented using the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can also be designed as a displacement sensor and, for example, an opening angle sensor for the motor vehicle actuator. In this case, the sensor or displacement sensor can be used to measure, for example, a specific opening distance of the motor vehicle actuator relative to a vehicle body. A corresponding opening angle may correspond to this.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for operating the described device. In this case, when the motor vehicle actuator is open or opened relative to the motor vehicle body and the locking device is actuated, user interaction is detected using the external force sensor. Subsequently, the drive device is actuated in addition to the locking device. This means that as soon as user interaction, for example in the form of a user request to open the vehicle, is detected using the external force sensor when the motor vehicle actuator is open and the locking device is de-energized, the control unit, depending on this sensor signal and according to the invention, ensures that the drive device is actuated in response to this and in addition. This means that the locking device and the drive device are controlled with a temporal overlap - as described.

[0019] In more detail, the procedure can be further developed by releasing the locking device while simultaneously applying pressure to the drive mechanism. A so-called release criterion for the vehicle actuator is then usually checked. This release criterion could, for example, be a time measurement using the time sensor. If this release criterion is not met, the locking device is applied again.

[0020] In other words, the detected user interaction initially ensures that the drive device is actuated by the control unit in addition to the locking device, so that the locking device can subsequently be released while the drive device is simultaneously actuated. In this case, the motor vehicle actuator remains fixed in place using the drive device as before. The release criterion mentioned above is now checked. This may correspond to a new user interaction having occurred within a specified period of time or to the fact that the user interaction that has already occurred is continuing. Typically, the latter scenario applies.

[0021] This means that if, for example, a user wishes to open a motor vehicle actuator, applying an opening force to the motor vehicle actuator will result in the drive mechanism being actuated first and simultaneously when the locking device is in a de-energized state, and then the locking device being released. If user interaction continues for a certain period of time, this is interpreted as a serious desire to open the vehicle. The associated time measurement as a release criterion therefore ensures that user interaction within the time period fulfills the release criterion and, consequently, the drive mechanism immediately releases the motor vehicle actuator. However, it is also possible for the drive mechanism to provide motorized support for the user's desired opening movement.

[0022] However, if there is no further or continuous user interaction within the aforementioned period and during the time measurement, this is interpreted by the control unit as a failure to meet the release criterion. In this case, the control unit then ensures that the previously released locking device is reactivated, holding or fixing the vehicle actuator.

[0023] This prevents the motor vehicle actuator from being released, for example, by a brief and possibly unintentional opening impulse, and then performing uncontrolled movements. The invention effectively prevents this.

[0024] In another variant, the procedure is such that, when the device in question is operating, with the motor vehicle actuator closed and the drive device actuated to open, the position sensor and / or the external force sensor detect that a target position has been reached. The locking device is then also activated, resulting in a temporal overlap between the drive device and the locking device.

[0025] In this case, it's not about releasing the previously fixed motor vehicle actuator for an opening or closing movement. Rather, it's about an opening or closing process of the motor vehicle actuator and its subsequent locking using the locking device. For this purpose, the control unit can detect the reaching of a target position of the motor vehicle actuator using the displacement sensor and / or the external force sensor. As soon as the target position is reached, the locking device is activated in addition to the drive device.

[0026] However, the locking device is typically only activated when a so-called locking criterion is met. This locking criterion may, for example, be linked to a time measurement using the time sensor. This means that if the motor vehicle actuator maintains a certain position for a period of time previously specified using the control unit, which can be measured using the time sensor, this is interpreted as the target position and, at the same time, as meaning that the locking criterion is met. The control unit then ensures that the locking device is activated.

[0027] Subsequently, and with the locking device activated and the retention criterion met, the drive device can be deactivated. This results in the vehicle actuator being held in place solely by the de-energized locking device. Since the drive device is also deactivated at this point, unnecessary power consumption is also prevented in such a case.

[0028] The target position can be reached by the motor vehicle actuator in such a way that a specific distance traveled by the motor vehicle actuator corresponds to this, which can be detected using the displacement sensor or via an opening angle. However, it is also possible to determine that the target position has been reached using the external force sensor. In this case, the control unit determines that, for example, the motor vehicle actuator is no longer subjected to a force acting on the motor vehicle actuator. This may also correspond to the speed of the motor vehicle actuator or the force acting on it being below a threshold value for a defined period of time. In this case, the signal from the displacement sensor is differentiated over time, and this is used to determine the speed of the motor vehicle actuator.Or based on temporal changes in the signal from the external force sensor, conclusions can be drawn as to whether the target position has been reached.

[0029] Either way, the locking device is only activated when the locking criterion is met. This means that the locking device is only activated when it can be safely assumed that the vehicle actuator has reached its target position and this is also desired by the user. Following this, and once the locking criterion is met, the drive device is subsequently deactivated so that it no longer contributes to power consumption.

[0030] As a result, a device for applying pressure to a motor vehicle actuator, as well as a method for its operation, are presented that not only functions properly but, in particular, can be operated with reduced electrical energy consumption. The alternating application of the locking device and the drive device, and in particular the possibility of controlling both devices with temporal overlap, ensures that the motor vehicle actuator in question, on the one hand, does not exhibit indifferent functional states and, on the other hand, can be operated with minimal electrical energy consumption and held in the desired position. These are the key advantages.

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings:

[0032] Fig. 1 to 4 show the device according to the invention and an associated method in connection with an operation of the device for opening or closing the motor vehicle actuator and

[0033] Fig. 5 shows the device according to Figs. 1 to 4 in connection with an opening process of the motor vehicle actuating element and its subsequent fixing by means of the locking device.

[0034] The figures depict a device for actuating a motor vehicle actuator 1. The motor vehicle actuator 1 is, in the context of the illustration, a motor vehicle door, and in particular a motor vehicle side door 1 that can be rotated or pivoted relative to a motor vehicle body 2. This is, of course, only an example and is in no way to be understood as limiting. This means that the motor vehicle actuator 1 can, in principle, also be a sliding door or a flap or any other type of actuator of a motor vehicle that can be adjusted relative to a body 2.

[0035] The basic structure of the device includes a drive device 3 and a locking device 4. According to the exemplary embodiment, the drive device 3 and the locking device 4 are designed to be functionally and technologically separate from one another and can both be actuated together using a control unit 5. The control unit 5 is also provided and configured to evaluate signals from a sensor 6. The motor vehicle actuator 1 can be moved and fixed using the two devices 3, 4.

[0036] In addition to the sensor 6, which in this case is designed as an external force sensor 6, a further sensor or time sensor 7 is also provided, which according to the exemplary embodiment is integrated into the control unit 5 and serves for time measurement. Furthermore, a further sensor 8 in the form of a displacement sensor 8 is provided. According to the exemplary embodiment, the displacement sensor 8 is an opening angle sensor 8, with the aid of which an opening angle of the pivotable motor vehicle actuating element 1 relative to the motor vehicle body 2 can be determined.

[0037] A first procedure for operating the device described above will now be explained using a sequence of Figs. 1 to 4. According to this, user interaction can first be measured and recorded with the motor vehicle actuator 1 open and the locking device 4 actuated, namely with the aid of the external force sensor 6. The drive device 3 is then actuated with the aid of the control unit 5. Starting in Fig. 1, for this purpose, the motor vehicle actuator or the motor vehicle door 1 is fixed using the locking device 4, specifically according to the exemplary embodiment and as already described without current. For this purpose, the locking device 4 can engage behind a recess or opening on or in the motor vehicle actuator 1 with a movable hook, for example. If the motor vehicle door 1, which has been locked or fixed in this way, is to be opened, this corresponds to the illustration in Fig.2, according to the exemplary embodiment, a user performs a user interaction by applying a force indicated there to the motor vehicle actuator 1. The force acting on the motor vehicle actuator 1 results in a corresponding signal being generated at the external force sensor 6, which can also be detected by the control unit 5.

[0038] The control unit 5 then ensures that the drive device 3 is actuated in addition to the locking device 4. In the simplest case, this can be done and designed such that an electric motor, as a component of the drive device 3, is engaged relative to the motor vehicle actuator 1 and can thus act mechanically on the motor vehicle actuator 1. The locking device 4 is now released while the drive device 3 is simultaneously actuated. In the example, this corresponds to the previously mentioned hook, as a component of the locking device, being pivoted away from its engagement with the opening on the motor vehicle actuator 1.

[0039] Following this, a so-called release criterion is checked. According to the two variants in Figs. 3 and 4, this release criterion corresponds to a time measurement performed using the time sensor 7. A specific and predetermined detection period may correspond to this. If the control unit 5 observes continued user interaction or an application of external force sensor 6 within the detection period, this is interpreted by the control unit 5 as meaning that the release criterion has been met. According to the illustration in Fig. 3, this results in the drive device 3 releasing the motor vehicle actuator 1 or supporting the user interaction in a manner similar to a servo motor. This can be a closing movement or an opening movement of the motor vehicle actuator 1. This movement can be servo-assisted using the drive device 3.

[0040] If the release criterion is not observed within the detection period, i.e., if there is no continuous or repeated user interaction within the detection period, the initial user interaction is interpreted as a false signal. In any case, failure to meet the release criterion corresponds to the locking device 4 being actuated again, as can be seen from Fig. 4. This results in the motor vehicle actuator 1 being fixed unchanged (without power) using the locking device 4. The drive device 3 is deactivated, unless this has already happened.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a different mode of operation of the device. Here, with the motor vehicle actuator initially closed, the drive device 3 is actuated to open the motor vehicle actuator. With the help of the displacement sensor 8 and / or the external force sensor 6, the control unit 5 can now detect when a specific target position of the motor vehicle actuator 1 has been reached during this opening process. Reaching the target position can correspond to the user no longer applying a force to the motor vehicle actuator 1, so that in this case the force sensor 6 reports a decreasing force application signal to the control unit 5. However, it is also possible for reaching the target position to be accompanied by a specific signal from the displacement sensor 6. For this purpose, the target position may be stored in the control unit 5.However, it is also conceivable that the signal from the displacement sensor 8 is differentiated over time. If the speed signal determined in this way is interpreted by the control unit to mean that the door speed is below a threshold value for a certain period of time, for example, this is again interpreted as reaching the target position shown as an example in Fig. 5.

[0042] In any case, reaching the target position results in the locking device 4 only being activated when an additional locking criterion is met. This locking criterion is linked to a time measurement using the time sensor 7. Therefore, if the speed of the motor vehicle actuator 1 is below the threshold value or has dropped to zero within the time period specified by the time sensor 7, or if a force application has ceased within the time period, this is interpreted by the control unit 5 as a fulfilled locking criterion. This then results in the locking device 4 being activated with the help of the control unit 5. At the same time, the fulfilled locking criterion ensures that the drive device 3 can be deactivated and is deactivated subsequently in order to reduce overall electrical energy consumption.

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] Motor vehicle actuator 1

[0045] Motor vehicle side door 1 Body 2

[0046] Drive device 3

[0047] Locking device 4

[0048] Control unit 5

[0049] Sensor / External force sensor 6 Force sensor 6

[0050] Time sensor 7

[0051] Sensor / Displacement Sensor 8

[0052] Opening angle sensor 8

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for actuating a motor vehicle actuator (1) such as a motor vehicle door (1) with a locking device (4) and a drive device (3), and with a control unit (5) which actuates one or both devices (3, 4) according to signals from at least one sensor (6, 7, 8), characterized in that the control unit (5) actuates the preferably de-energized locking device (4) and the drive device (3) depending on signals from the sensor (6, 7, 8) with temporal overlap.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (6, 7, 8) is designed as an external force sensor (6) which detects an external force acting on the motor vehicle actuator (1).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (6, 7, 8) is designed as a time sensor (7).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor (6, 7, 8) is designed as a displacement sensor (8), for example an opening angle sensor (8), of the motor vehicle actuator (1 ).

5. Method for operating a device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, with the motor vehicle actuator (1) open and the locking device (4) engaged, user interaction is detected by means of the external force sensor (6) and the drive device (3) is subsequently additionally actuated.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking device (4) is released while the drive device (3) is simultaneously actuated and a release criterion is subsequently checked.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the release criterion is coupled, for example, to a time measurement using the time sensor (7) and, if not fulfilled, leads to the re-actuation of the locking device (4).

8. Method for operating a device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, with the motor vehicle actuator (1) closed and the drive device (3) being actuated to open, the achievement of a target position is detected by means of the displacement sensor (8) and / or the external force sensor (6) and the locking device (4) is then additionally activated.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking device (4) is only activated when a holding criterion is met, which is for example linked to a time measurement using the time sensor (7).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that when the locking device (4) is activated and the holding criterion is met, the drive device (3) is deactivated.

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