Actuating device for assisted opening and closing of a vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation device (1) for the assisted opening and closing of a vehicle door (2) pivotally connected to a vehicle body (4), a vehicle (3) comprising such an actuation device, and a method for opening a door. The actuation device includes an obstacle detector (6) for detecting an obstacle (7) in the path of the door (2) during its opening and at least one actuator (8) connected to a control device (5) for actuating the door. According to the invention, the actuation device (1) includes a position detector (9) for detecting the position of the door (2) relative to the vehicle body (4) and a data storage means (11) comprising predefined stop-trigger distance values ​​for the door D relative to the obstacle (7) based on the position of the door (2) relative to the vehicle body (4). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Actuating device for the assisted opening and closing of a vehicle opening panel

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating device for the assisted opening and closing of a vehicle opening panel, to a vehicle comprising such an actuating device and to a method of opening an opening panel.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the rear openings (or flaps) of a motor vehicle and more precisely to motorized openings with systems for protection against impacts by obstacle detection. These openings are intended to close a storage space (or trunk).

[0003] In the case of openings with manual opening and closing carried out by a user, the latter himself ensures the monitoring of the external environment and in particular the protection of the opening against possible obstacles on the opening path, which is not the case for motorized openings.

[0004] Indeed, the opening movement of motorized openings is automatic, which requires an obstacle detection system since the user does not operate the opening himself, nor does he monitor its opening.

[0005] Known motorized (or assisted) actuation devices are integrated into the opening. A lock allows the opening to be locked onto the vehicle body. The motorized actuation devices comprise two motorized cylinders to ensure the opening of the opening, an obstacle detection system (of the ultrasonic sensor, radar, camera, lidar type, for example) and an electronic control unit (commonly called BCM) allowing the information to be transmitted between the elements (lock, cylinders, detection system) via the vehicle's on-board network.

[0006] Following a request to open the opening by the user using the remote control or any other opening means made available to him (push button, opening control for the opening of the opening, for example), an analysis of the environment is carried out by the obstacle detection system.

[0007] This analysis is transmitted by the on-board network to the electronic control unit of the motorization which will authorize the opening movement of the opening by actuating the motorized cylinders on the condition that the analysis does not show the presence of an obstacle at a predetermined distance from the opening.

[0008] The scanning of the environment to detect obstacles is then done iteratively throughout the process of opening the opening.

[0009] If an obstacle is detected by the detection system, then the latter sends information to the motorization control box which in turn transmits the stopping of automatic opening. The user can then continue to open the opening manually.

[0010] In order to take into account all the elements entering into the kinematic chain of opening of the opening (mass of the opening, inertia of stopping the opening movement, reaction of the opening cylinders, position of the opening), it is known from the state of the art that it is necessary to trigger the command to stop the opening when the detected obstacle is at a predetermined distance of the order of 20 cm from the opening. Thus, whatever the position of the opening, the command to stop the opening is triggered when the opening is 20 cm from the obstacle.

[0011] The actual and physical stopping of the opening then takes place at a shorter distance from the obstacle than 20 cm since the elements of the opening kinematic chain have been taken into account after the triggering of the stop command.

[0012] The problem with a fixed trigger distance of 20 cm is that in certain cases, the actual stopping distance of the opening is not optimized to allow a larger opening area of ​​the opening despite the presence of an obstacle.

[0013] Indeed, this method is penalizing because there may be cases where the opening of the opening will not be sufficient to access the loading area of ​​the vehicle trunk. This is the case when the detected obstacle is very close to the closing position of the opening, that is to say the trunk.

[0014] The invention therefore aims to solve these problems by providing an actuating device making it possible to adapt as precisely as possible the value of the trigger distance for stopping the opening of the opening when an obstacle is detected in order to provide the largest possible loading area for the vehicle trunk.

[0015] The invention relates to an actuating device for the assisted opening and closing of a vehicle opening pivotally connected to a vehicle body.

[0016] The actuating device comprises:

[0017] - a control device,

[0018] - an obstacle detector connected to the control device and intended to detect an obstacle on the path of the opening when it opens, and

[0019] - at least one actuator connected to the control device and intended to actuate the opening to open and close it.

[0020] According to the invention, the actuating device comprises:

[0021] - a position detector connected to the control device and intended to detect the position of the opening in relation to the vehicle body, and

[0022] - a data storage means comprising die distance values stop triggering of the opening D in relation to the obstacle predefined according to the position of the opening in relation to the vehicle body.

[0023] When the opening leaf is opened and when an obstacle is detected by the obstacle detector, the control device is configured to determine a stop trigger distance value D of the opening leaf relative to the obstacle from the predefined stop trigger distance values ​​D and the position of the opening leaf relative to the vehicle body, then to transmit this stop trigger distance value D to the actuator to stop the opening of the opening leaf.

[0024] The invention thus provides an actuating device making it possible to adapt the triggering distance value of the opening stop control of the opening panel as precisely as possible when an obstacle is detected in order to provide the largest possible loading area for the vehicle trunk.

[0025] Thus, the position of the opening (or shutter) is taken into account in order to adapt the distance between the opening and the detected obstacle or the moment to trigger the request to stop the opening.

[0026] All the elements entering into the kinematic chain of opening the opening (mass of the opening, inertia of stopping the opening movement, reaction of the opening cylinders, position of the opening) and causing a stopping time of the opening are taken into account.

[0027] For example, at the start of opening, the inertia of the movement of the opening being low (the system not yet having its nominal speed for the thrust of the opening actuators or cylinders), the time required to stop the opening will also be low. The stop request can then be made later with regard to the detected obstacle and therefore at a short distance between the opening and the detected obstacle.

[0028] Conversely, when the opening is at the end of its opening and an obstacle is detected, the actual stopping time of the shutter will be longer due to the inertia of the opening movement. A greater distance between the opening and the detected obstacle is therefore taken into account to trigger or launch the command to stop the movement.

[0029] The opening of the opening is thus always optimum even in the presence of an obstacle, since the stopping of the opening following detection of an obstacle is carried out at the exact point necessary thanks to the taking into account of the opening kinematic chain.

[0030] Preferably, the position detector is an angular position sensor intended to measure angle values ​​corresponding to the angle of the opening relative to the vehicle body.

[0031] Advantageously, the position detector is mounted on a rotation axis of a hinge pivotally connecting the opening to the vehicle body.

[0032] This provides a simple and low cost solution.

[0033] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an opening pivotally connected to a vehicle body and an actuating device intended for opening and the assisted closing of the opening as defined previously.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for opening a vehicle opening comprising an actuating device as defined above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0035] - opening of the opening by actuation of at least one actuator, and

[0036] - transmission of alert information to a control device when an obstacle is detected on the path of the opening by an obstacle detector when the opening is opened.

[0037] According to the invention, the method also comprises the following steps:

[0038] - measurement of the position of the opening relative to the vehicle body by a position detector connected to the control device when the opening is opened,

[0039] - when an obstacle is detected, determination by the control device of a stop trigger distance value D of the opening leaf relative to the obstacle from predefined stop trigger distance values ​​D and the position of the opening leaf relative to the vehicle body, and

[0040] - transmission of a command to stop the opening to the actuator when the opening is at the stop trigger distance D from the obstacle in order to allow the opening to stop at an actual stopping distance d from the obstacle. The actual stopping distance d is less than the stop trigger distance D.

[0041] This method provides the same advantages as those cited for the actuating device.

[0042] The opening is intended to close a storage space. Preferably, the further the opening is from the storage space, the greater the stopping trigger distance D of the obstacle.

[0043] Advantageously, the opening having a maximum opening angle of X degrees, a step of P degrees is defined between a minimum stop triggering distance value Dmin and a maximum stop triggering distance value Dmax. The number N of stop triggering distance values ​​D between the values ​​Dmin and D max is defined according to the formula N=X / P.

[0044] Advantageously, the step P is chosen so that N is less than 20. The stop trigger distance values ​​D vary linearly between the first and last steps.

[0045] This makes it possible not to overload the memory space of the storage means.

[0046] Preferably, the minimum stop trigger distance value Dmin and the maximum stop trigger distance value Dmax are less than 20 cm.

[0047] This makes it possible to further optimize the memory space of the storage means.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the minimum stop trigger distance value Dmin is 5 cm and the maximum stop trigger distance value Dmax is 20 cm. The pitch P is 10° and the number N of stop release distance values ​​D is 12. The maximum opening angle of the sash is 120°.

[0049] In order not to overload the memory space of the electronic card of the storage means, a specific distance is thus defined for each 10° step of opening angle of the opening. Thus, if an opening has a total opening angle of 120°, there are then 12 different values ​​to be integrated into the parameters of the electronic card of the storage means.

[0050] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, with reference to the appended figures:

[0051] [fig. 1] represents a diagram of a motor vehicle comprising an opening equipped with an actuating device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0052] [fig.2] represents a diagram of a vehicle with several opening positions in the case of an obstacle close to the opening in the closed position;

[0053] [fig.3] represents a diagram of a vehicle with several opening positions in the case of an obstacle close to the opening when it is in the maximum opening position.

[0054] Figure 1 represents a vehicle 3, and more precisely a motor vehicle, comprising an opening 2 (or shutter) equipped with an actuating device 1 intended for the assisted (or motorized) opening and closing of the opening 2, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0055] The opening 2 is pivotally connected to the vehicle body 4 between a closed position and an open position in which a storage space 12 (or trunk) is freed at the rear of the vehicle 3, allowing a user to store objects there. In the closed position, the opening 2 closes the trunk.

[0056] The opening 2 is connected to the vehicle body 4 by means of at least one hinge 10 (or articulation) comprising a rotation axis. In Figure 1, the opening 2 is pivotally connected to the vehicle body 4 by means of two hinges 10.

[0057] The actuating device 1 comprises at least one actuator 8 electrically connected to a control device 5. The actuator 8 is intended to actuate the opening 2 to open and close it. The actuator 8 is preferably a motorized cylinder. The control device 5 comprises an electronic box provided with an electronic card.

[0058] In the example of Figure 1, the actuating device 1 comprises two actuators 8 or motorized cylinders.

[0059] The actuating device 1 comprises an obstacle detector 6 connected to the control device 5 and intended to detect an obstacle 7 on the path of the opening 2 at least when it is opening. It may optionally be configured to detect an obstacle 7 when the opening 2 is closing.

[0060] The obstacle detector 6 is preferably positioned at the rear of the vehicle 3, on the opening 2 or near the opening 2.

[0061] The vehicle 3 also comprises locking means 13 for locking or authorizing the opening of the opening 2 by the actuation of a remote control or a button, for example.

[0062] The locking means 13 are positioned at the rear of the vehicle 3.

[0063] The actuating device 1 comprises a control device 5 connected to the locking means 13, to the actuators 8 and to the obstacle detector 6 by a network of electrical wires 14.

[0064] The control device 5 is preferably positioned at the rear of the vehicle 3. The control device 5 can alternatively be positioned at another location.

[0065] According to the invention, the actuating device 1 comprises a position detector 9 connected to the control device 5. The position detector 9 is intended to detect the position of the opening 2 relative to the vehicle body 4.

[0066] Alternatively, the actuating device 1 may comprise several position detectors 9.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the position detector 9 is an angular position sensor intended to measure angle values ​​corresponding to the angle of the opening 1 relative to the body 4 of the vehicle. The more the opening 2 is open, the greater the angle.

[0068] Other types of sensors are possible.

[0069] Preferably, the position detector 9 is mounted on a rotation axis of a hinge 10 pivotally connecting the opening 2 to the vehicle body 4.

[0070] In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the actuating device 1 comprises a single angular position sensor mounted on a rotation axis of one of the two hinges 10.

[0071] The opening angle of the opening 2 can thus be measured at any time.

[0072] The actuating device 1 comprises a data storage means 11 comprising values ​​of the distance for triggering the stop of the opening D relative to the obstacle 7 predefined as a function of the position of the opening 2 relative to the vehicle body 4.

[0073] The stop trigger distance D is variable because it takes into account the impacts linked to the kinematic chain for opening the opening 2 (inertia, mass, thrust force of the cylinders, etc.).

[0074] Preferably, the data storage means 11 is integrated into the control device 5 for simplification.

[0075] The stop trigger distance values ​​D are integrated into the parameters of the electronic card of the control device 5.

[0076] When the opening leaf 2 is opened and when an obstacle 7 is detected by the obstacle detector 6, the control device 5 is configured to determine a stop trigger distance value D of the opening leaf 2 relative to the obstacle 7 from the predefined stop trigger distance values ​​D and the position of the opening leaf 2 relative to the vehicle body 4. The control device 5 then transmits this stop trigger distance value D to the actuator 8 to stop the opening of the opening leaf 2 at an actual distance d from the obstacle 7.

[0077] The invention also relates to a method for opening an opening 2 of a vehicle 3 comprising an actuating device 1 as defined previously.

[0078] The method ideally comprises a step of unlocking the opening 2 by the locking means 13. A request to open the opening 2 is made by the user using a remote control or any other opening means made available to him (“push” button, opening control for opening the opening 2, for example).

[0079] The method then comprises a step of opening the opening 2 by actuating at least one actuator 8.

[0080] An analysis of the environment is carried out by the obstacle detector 6.

[0081] The scanning of the environment to detect the obstacles 7 is carried out iteratively throughout the process of opening the opening 2. An iteration loop can be carried out approximately every 200 ms, for example.

[0082] This analysis is transmitted by the network of electrical wires 14 (or on-board network) to the electronic motor control unit (BCM) of the control device 5 which authorizes the opening movement of the opening 2 by actuating the motorized cylinders (actuator 8) on the condition that the analysis does not show the presence of an obstacle 7 at a predetermined distance from the opening 2.

[0083] When an obstacle 7 is detected on the path of the opening 2 by the obstacle detector 6 during the opening of the opening 2, alert information is transmitted to the control device 5.

[0084] This is followed by a step of measuring or detecting the position of the opening 2 relative to the vehicle body 4 by the position detector 9, and preferably the angle detector, which is connected to the control device 5 when the opening 2 continues to open.

[0085] The step of measuring the position of the opening 2 is triggered when an obstacle 7 is detected by the obstacle detector 6.

[0086] Alternatively, the measurement of the position of the opening 2 is carried out continuously.

[0087] The control device 5 then determines a stop trigger distance value D of the opening 2 relative to the obstacle 7 from the stop trigger distance values ​​D predefined and stored in the data storage means 11, and from the position of the opening 2 relative to the vehicle body 4.

[0088] A command to stop the opening 2 is then transmitted to the actuator 8 when the opening 2 is at the stop trigger distance D from the obstacle 7 in order to allow the opening 2 to stop at an actual stopping distance d from the obstacle 7. The actual stopping distance d is less than the stop trigger distance D.

[0089] Thus, the control device 5, as a function of the position information of the opening 2 transmitted by the angular position sensor and as a function of the scanning carried out by the obstacle detector 6, then triggers the request to stop opening if an obstacle 7 is present.

[0090] This stop request is then made at a distance D between the obstacle 7 and the opening 2 which is variable depending on the position of the opening 2. This thus makes it possible to take into account the impacts linked to the kinematic chain for opening the opening 2 (inertia, mass, thrust force of the cylinders, etc.).

[0091] The example of figure 2 represents a diagram of a vehicle 3 with several opening positions 2a, 2b, 2c in the case of an obstacle 7 close to the storage space 12 or of the opening in the closed position 2a, that is to say when the opening 2 closes the storage space 12.

[0092] Figure 2 also shows an opening in the stop trigger position 2b, i.e. when the control device 5 transmits the command to stop the opening 2 to the control device 5.

[0093] The distance D between this opening in the stop trigger position 2b and the obstacle 7 is small because account has been taken of the fact that the opening 2 has a low inertial movement in this position, that is to say that it does not take long to stop after transmission of the stop command from the opening 2 to the actuators 8.

[0094] The gap E represents the distance difference between the opening in the stop trigger position 2b and the opening in the actual stop position 2c. The gap E relates to a stopping time of the opening 2 after transmission of the stop command for the opening 2 by the control device 5.

[0095] The gap E or the stopping time of the opening 2 linked to the inertia of the movement is therefore small in the case of figure 2.

[0096] The example of figure 3 represents a diagram of a vehicle 3 with several opening positions 2a, 2b, 2c in the case of an obstacle 7 far from the storage space 12 or of the opening in the closed position 2a, that is to say when the opening 2 is close to its maximum opening position (end of opening).

[0097] The distance D between this opening in the stop trigger position 2b and the obstacle 7 is important because it has been taken into account that the opening 2 has a greater inertial movement in this position, that is to say that it takes longer to stop after transmission of the stop command from the opening 2 to the actuators 8.

[0098] The gap E (distance between the opening in the stop trigger position 2b and the opening in the actual stop position 2c) linked to the inertia of the movement is therefore significant in the case of figure 3. Opening 2 takes longer to stop.

[0099] From Figures 2 and 3, it appears that the further the opening 2 is from its closed position 2a, that is to say from the storage space 12, the greater the stopping triggering distance D of the obstacle 7, the difference E linked to the inertia of the movement being greater.

[0100] The opening 2 having a maximum opening angle of X degrees, a step of P degrees is defined between a minimum stop triggering distance value Dmin and a maximum stop triggering distance value Dmax. The number N of stop triggering distance values ​​D between the values ​​Dmin and Dmax is defined according to the formula N=X / P.

[0101] The minimum stop triggering distance value Dmin corresponds to an opening leaf 2 in the process of opening near the storage space 12. The maximum stop triggering distance value Dmax corresponds to an opening leaf 2 in the process of opening near its maximum opening position.

[0102] Preferably, the step P is chosen so that N is less than 20. The stop trigger distance values ​​D vary linearly between the first and last steps.

[0103] Advantageously, the minimum stop trigger distance value Dmin and the maximum stop trigger distance value Dmax are less than 20 cm.

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment, the minimum stop triggering distance value Dmin is 5 cm and the maximum stop triggering distance value Dmax is 20 cm. The pitch P is 10° and the number N of stop triggering distance values ​​D is 12. The maximum opening angle of the opening 2 is 120°.

[0105] Other values ​​of pitch, minimum stop triggering distance values ​​D min, maximum stop triggering distance values ​​Dmax and opening angle of the opening leaf 2 are possible.

[0106] According to another embodiment, this method also applies to the closing of the opening 2.

Claims

Claims

1. Actuating device (1) for the assisted opening and closing of an opening leaf (2) of a vehicle (3) pivotally connected to a vehicle body (4) comprising a control device (5), an obstacle detector (6) connected to the control device (5) and intended to detect an obstacle (7) in the path of the opening leaf (2) when it is opened, and at least one actuator (8) connected to the control device (5) and intended to actuate the opening leaf (2) to open and close it, characterized in that it comprises a position detector (9) connected to the control device (5) and intended to detect the position of the opening leaf (2) relative to the vehicle body (4), and a data storage means (11) comprising values of the distance for triggering the stopping of the opening leaf D relative to the obstacle (7) predefined as a function of the position of the opening leaf (2) relative to the vehicle body (4),when the opening leaf (2) is opened and when an obstacle (7) is detected by the obstacle detector (6), the control device (5) being configured to determine a stop trigger distance value D of the opening leaf (2) relative to the obstacle (7) from the predefined stop trigger distance values D and the position of the opening leaf (2) relative to the vehicle body (4), then to transmit this stop trigger distance value D to the actuator (8) to stop the opening of the opening leaf (2).,

2. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the position detector (9) is an angular position sensor intended to measure angle values corresponding to the angle of the opening (2) relative to the vehicle body (4).

3. Actuating device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the position detector (9) is mounted on an axis of rotation of a hinge (10) pivotally connecting the opening (2) to the vehicle body (4).

4. Vehicle (3) comprising an opening (2) pivotally connected to a vehicle body (4) characterized in that it comprises an actuating device (1) intended for the assisted opening and closing of the opening (2), as defined according to any one of claims 1 to

5. d 3. Method for opening an opening (2) of a vehicle (3) pivotally connected to a vehicle body (4) comprising a device actuating device (1) intended for the assisted opening and closing of the opening (2), as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the method comprising a step of opening the opening (2) by actuation of at least one actuator (8), and a step of transmitting alert information to a control device (5) when an obstacle (7) is detected on the path of the opening (2) by an obstacle detector (6) when the opening (2) is opened, characterized in that it comprises a step of measuring the position of the opening (2) relative to the vehicle body (4) by a position detector (9) connected to the control device (5) when the opening (2) is opened, when an obstacle (7) is detected,a step of determining by the control device (5) a stop trigger distance value D of the opening (2) relative to the obstacle (7) from predefined stop trigger distance values D and the position of the opening (2) relative to the vehicle body (4), and a step of transmitting a stop command for the opening (2) to the actuator (8) when the opening (2) is at the stop trigger distance D from the obstacle (7) in order to allow the opening (2) to stop at an actual stopping distance d from the obstacle (7), the actual stopping distance d being less than the stop trigger distance D.,

6. Opening method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the opening (2) being intended to close a storage space (12), the further the opening (2) is from the storage space (12), the greater the stopping trigger distance D of the obstacle (7).

7. Method for opening any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that, the opening (2) having a maximum opening angle of X degrees, a step of P degrees is defined between a minimum stop triggering distance value Dmin and a maximum stop triggering distance value Dmax, the number N of stop triggering distance values D between the values Dmin and Dmax being defined according to the formula N=X / P.

8. Opening method according to claim 7, characterized in that the step P is chosen so that N is less than 20, the stop trigger distance values D varying linearly between the first and the last step.

9. An opening method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the minimum stop trigger distance value Dmin and the stop trigger distance value maximum Dmax are less than 20 cm.

10. Opening method according to claim 9, characterized in that the minimum stop triggering distance value Dmin is 5 cm and the maximum stop triggering distance value Dmax is 20 cm, the pitch P being 10° and the number N of stop triggering distance values D being 12 for a maximum opening angle of the opening (2) of 120°.

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