DE102004033037A1 - Rear door apparatus for motor vehicle, has motor for moving ball joints to automatically open or close rear door - Google Patents

Abstract

The rear door (1) is pivotably mounted on the car body, with a spring member extending between ball joints (5,6). At least one ball joint is designed to be moveable. At least one actuating motor (7) is provided for automatically opening and closing the rear door. The motor moves the ball joints.

Description

The The present invention relates to a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a tailgate pivotally mounted on a tailgate opening of a Body of the motor vehicle is articulated, at least a first Ball stud, which is arranged on an inner side of the tailgate, at least one second ball stud attached to the body of the Vehicle is arranged, at least one spring force element, the extending between the ball pins, and means for automatically opening and Shut down the tailgate.

tailgate arrangements for motor vehicles of the type mentioned are from the prior art in various Embodiments already known. To increase the ease of use, the known tailgate arrangements means for automatic opening and closing the tailgate on. The principles of action of this means of automatic opening and Shut down the tailgate are always based on an electrically controlled, electric or electro-hydraulic power assistance. For the constructive Implementation requires relatively expensive components.

Here uses the present invention.

task The present invention is a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle of initially mentioned type available to provide, which is easy and inexpensive to produce and thereby has essentially the same functionality as the previous one known in the art tailgate assemblies.

The The object underlying the present invention is achieved by a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above with the characterizing Characteristics of the main claim solved. According to the invention, it is proposed that at least one of the ball pins is designed to be movable and that the means for automatically opening and closing the Tailgate have at least one servomotor, suitable, the To effect movement of the at least one movable ball stud. The tailgate assembly according to the invention offers opposite The prior art has the advantage that it is largely made of standard components is already constructed for attaching the tailgate to the tailgate opening of the Bodywork are used, so that on the use of special and thus expensive components can be dispensed with. The leadership of the at least one movable ball stud and its connection to The servomotor are structurally also relatively easy and inexpensive to implement.

Preferably is the movable ball pin by means of the servo motor in an open position converted, in the mechanical leverage the tailgate assembly are changed such that the tailgate can open automatically. This movement of the ball stud causes the torque, which is generated by the force of the spring element, by the weight force The tailgate generated torque overcomes and thus a rotational movement the tailgate causes. Thus, the movable ball pin with Help of its assigned servomotor moves to a position in which the mechanical leverage for opening the Tailgate are favorable, so that the tailgate is self-acting be opened without an electric or electro-hydraulic help can.

In an advantageous embodiment It is proposed that the movable ball stud by means of the servomotor can be converted into a closed position, in the mechanical leverage of the tailgate assembly are changed that the tailgate is self-acting can close. By the method of at least one movable ball stud become the leverage ratios changed like that, that the self-torque of the tailgate is greater than that of the spring force element generated torque that counteracts the self-torque. This leads to, that the tailgate can move to its closed position. To the Shut down the tailgate of the ball pin moves to a position in which the Leverage ratios of Tailgate arrangement are kinematically unfavorable, so that of the tailgate generated momentum causes the tailgate closes automatically.

there the first ball pin can be designed to be movable. alternative For this purpose, the second ball pin can be designed to be movable. These two embodiments are functionally equivalent.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the tailgate assembly to a control device, which is set up for a control of the rotational movement of the tailgate. By means of this control device, a controlled kinematics change of the tailgate assembly can be realized constructively. This controlled kinematics change is implemented by a controlled movement of the at least one movable ball stud, which is in operative connection with its associated servomotor. The control device is also advantageous for the use of the motor vehicle at different temperatures, since the spring forces, depending on the type of spring elements used, can change at different ambient temperatures.

Preferably the tailgate assembly includes means for detecting rotational movement the tailgate on. These means for detecting the rotational movement the tailgate provide the control device continuously information about the current angular position of the tailgate and possibly further kinematic data available the processed and evaluated by means of the control device can be.

In a particularly preferred embodiment It is suggested that the means for detecting the rotational movement the tailgate comprise at least one angle of rotation sensor.

Of the Angle of rotation sensor is preferably arranged on the tailgate.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the control device set up the speed of rotation of the tailgate can capture continuously. For example, if the rotation occurs the tailgate too slow, causes the control device, the the rotational speed and in particular also changes in the rotational speed can detect that the servomotor the movable ball stud in moved a position in which the mechanical leverage the tailgate assembly increases the rotational speed cause the tailgate. Conversely, the rotational movement of the Tailgate too fast, so a predetermined setpoint is exceeded, causes the control device that the servomotor assigned to him movable ball pin moves to a position in which the desired rotational speed (Target speed) of the tailgate is achieved. The system is regulated So even, where as a controlled variable, the rotational speed or the change the rotational speed of the tailgate of the vehicle can serve.

The Control device is in a particularly advantageous embodiment designed so that they have a resistance when opening or at Close the Tailgate can capture. For example, the rotational movement of the tailgate through a resistance, for example through an obstacle in the area the tailgate opening inhibited, can by means of the servomotor of the movable ball pin be moved to a position in which the tailgate to some Angle degrees reversed and subsequently no change in the angle of rotation experiences. This means that the tailgate then in this angular position remains. That way you can for example, damage the tailgate assembly can be prevented.

The at least one spring element can be used, for example, as a gas spring, as a steel spring, as a combined gas-pressure steel spring or as a torsion spring be educated.

Further For example, the tailgate assembly may be one in a preferred embodiment Have closing aid. This closing aid can be attached to the tailgate, preferably on a tailgate lock, or in an alternative Embodiment on the body, preferably on a striker, be arranged.

Further Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Show in it

1 schematically simplifies a perspective view of a tailgate assembly according to the invention for a motor vehicle;

2 in schematically simplified form the operating principle of the tailgate assembly according to the invention.

First, it will open 1 Reference is made, in which a perspective view of a tailgate assembly according to the invention for a motor vehicle is shown schematically simplified.

The tailgate 1 is in the embodiment shown here in a known manner by means of two hinges 3 in an upper area of a tailgate opening of a body 2 hinged to the vehicle. To the tailgate 1 in her in 1 To hold illustrated opening position, two spring elements are provided, which in this embodiment as a gas pressure springs 4 are executed. The two gas springs 4 are mechanically on the tailgate 1 and on the body 2 tethered to the vehicle and provide a power assist for the tailgate 1 available to the tailgate 1 to hold in the open position. The gas springs 4 are dimensioned accordingly to the tailgate assembly and thus the mechanical conditions of the lever system, through the tailgate 1 , the hinges 3 and each at the tailgate 1 and on the body 2 mounted gas springs 4 is formed to stabilize mechanically.

On an inside of the tailgate 1 are on opposite sides two ball pins 5 attached, each one a first ball socket (not explicitly shown) of the gas springs 4 assigned. It also recognizes that on the body 2 of the motor vehicle also two ball pins 6 are arranged, in contrast to those on the inside of the tailgate 1 arranged ball studs 5 are designed to be movable. These movable ball pins 6 are each a second ball socket (also not explicitly shown) of the gas springs 4 assigned. In the assembled state, the gas springs extend 4 so between the ball studs 5 . 6 ,

To the movement of the movable ball studs 6 To be able to effect is any of the movable ball studs 6 one servomotor each 7 assigned. In addition, the tailgate assembly has a control device, which is used to control the rotational movement of the tailgate 1 is set up. The control device is advantageous, inter alia, for the use of the motor vehicle at different ambient temperatures, since the spring forces of the gas pressure springs 4 Change at different temperature ranges due to the principle.

Furthermore, the tailgate assembly includes a rotation angle sensor 8th , in the embodiment shown here on an inner side of the tailgate 1 is appropriate. The rotation angle sensor 8th can continuously detect the angle of rotation of the tailgate and supply the corresponding information to the control device. Alternatively, other means for metrological detection of the angle of rotation of the tailgate 1 (For example, about path length measurements) are used. The control device is preferably designed so that it can detect the rotational speed or the change in the rotational speed of the tailgate.

The tailgate 1 also has a tailgate lock 9 on, in the closed position of the tailgate 1 one on the body 2 attached striker 10 assigned.

The control device, for example, in the servomotor 7 can be integrated, causes a controlled kinematics change and thus a controlled change in the lever ratios of the tailgate assembly. This change is made by a movement of the body side, movable ball studs 6 implemented. To the tailgate 1 from the in 1 To convert shown opening position to its closed position, the body side arranged, movable ball pins 6 by means of their respective assigned servomotor 7 in a first position from the servomotor 7 moved away. As a result, the mechanical lever ratios of the tailgate assembly are changed in such a way that the tailgate 1 tends to close and is automatically transferred to the closed position. The mechanical levers are thus changed so that by the weight of the tailgate 1 generated self-torque is greater than that of the gas springs 4 generated torque that counteracts the self-torque.

Conversely, to open the tailgate 1 the movable ball pins 6 in a second position in one direction to the servomotor 7 to be moved. This movement of the ball studs 6 causes a change in the mechanical leverages in such a way that that of the gas springs 4 generated torque the self-torque of the tailgate 1 overcomes, so that the tailgate from its closed position into the in 1 shown opening position can be transferred.

The movement of the tailgate 1 can be controlled continuously by means of the control device. For this purpose, the detection of the rotational movement of the tailgate takes place 1 with the help of the rotation angle sensor 8th , Control variable is preferably not the angular position of the tailgate 1 but the rotational speed, ie the change in the angle of rotation of the tailgate 1 per time unit. Returns the measurement of the speed of rotation of the tailgate 1 in that the rotational movement is too slow, the movable ball pins 6 with the help of their respective associated servomotor 7 further moved in the direction in which the lever ratios for increasing the rotational speed of the tailgate 1 are kinematically cheaper.

If the rotational movement of the tailgate 1 In contrast, too fast, so a predetermined target speed is exceeded, the ball pins 6 by means of the servomotor 7 moved in the direction in which the mechanical lever ratios of the tailgate assembly to a reduction in the rotational speed of the tailgate 1 to lead.

It becomes clear that the tailgate arrangement according to the invention controls itself automatically to a controlled opening or closing of the tailgate 1 to reach.

The one in the tailgate area 1 arranged rotation angle sensor 8th can also be used together with the control device to detect a resistance, the rotational movement of the tailgate 1 can inhibit. Is the rotational speed or the change in the rotational speed both when opening and when closing the tailgate 1 measured continuously, an obstacle can be detected thereby. The control device thereby causes the servomotors 7 the movable ball pins 6 in Move a position in which the mechanical levers of the tailgate assembly are changed in such a way that the tailgate 1 some angle degree is moved in the direction opposite to its previously traversed direction of rotation. When closing the tailgate 1 introduces an obstacle that limits the movement of the tailgate 1 inhibits in its closed position, so that the tailgate 1 a few degrees in the direction of the opening position is moved and then remains in this angular position.

The active principle according to the invention can basically also with other spring force systems, for example with combined Gas pressure steel spring systems or pure steel spring or torsion spring systems be used. It can in principle be stationary and also pivoting Gas spring systems are used.

Closing the tailgate 1 If necessary, by a lock 9 or on a striker 10 in the tailgate opening arranged closing aid can be supported.

In 2 is once again schematically simplified the basic principle of operation of the tailgate assembly according to the invention shown. Furthermore, the mechanical leverages are clarified. It can be seen again in this illustration, the tailgate 1 by means of hinges 3 (see. 1 ) in the area of the tailgate opening on the body 2 , which is not explicitly shown here for reasons of simplification, is articulated. One also recognizes the center of gravity 11 the tailgate. In addition, the gas spring 4 shown by means of the fixed ball stud 5 at the tailgate 1 and by means of the movable ball stud 6 at the body 2 is appropriate. It can be seen that the movable ball stud 6 with the servomotor 7 the tailgate assembly is in operative connection. The servomotor 7 assigned double arrow symbolizes in this case the starting from the in 2 illustrated starting position possible directions of movement of the movable ball stud 6 relative to the servomotor 7 , To the effect of the movement of the movable ball stud 6 In the following text, location coordinates x and -x as well as y or -y were introduced. In the 2 shown position of the movable ball pin 6 represents the zero position (x = 0, y = 0) relative to the introduced coordinate system. The tailgate 1 is in the angular position shown here neither in its closed position nor in its open position.

Starting from the in 2 illustrated starting position of the tailgate 1 becomes the movable ball stud 6 for further opening the tailgate 1 by means of the servomotor 7 in a kinematically favorable position in the direction of the servomotor 7 and thus moved in the x-direction and in the y-direction. Such a method of the movable ball stud 6 then causes a change in the mechanical leverage of the tailgate assembly in such a way that of the gas spring 4 torque generated by the weight of the tailgate 1 generated self-torque of the tailgate 1 overcomes, leaving the tailgate 1 opens further and the tailgate opening of the motor vehicle releases.

Is vice versa for transferring the tailgate 1 in its closed position, the movable ball stud 6 from the servomotor 7 moved away and thus in the -x direction and in the -y direction, the mechanical levers of the tailgate assembly are changed in such a way that the self-torque of the tailgate is greater than that of the gas spring 4 generated torque, which is the self-torque of the tailgate 1 is opposite. The tailgate 1 then moves on to its closed position.

Based on the considerations previously made it becomes clear that the rotational movement of the tailgate 1 in (preferably continuous) metrological detection of the rotational movement of the tailgate 1 by means of the in 1 shown angle of rotation sensor 8th by a targeted method of the movable ball stud 6 with the help of the servomotor 7 in the in 2 shown directions and the associated changes in the mechanical leverages can be controlled.

1

tailgate

2

body

3

hinge

4

Gas spring

5

first ball pin

6

second ball pin

7

servomotor

8th

Rotation angle sensor

9

lock

10

striker

11

main emphasis the tailgate

Claims (18)

Tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a tailgate ( 1 ) pivotally mounted on a tailgate opening of a body ( 2 ) of the motor vehicle is articulated, - at least one first ball stud ( 5 ), which on an inside of the tailgate ( 1 ), - at least one second ball stud ( 6 ), on the body ( 2 ) is arranged - at least one spring force element extending between the ball pins ( 5 . 6 ) means for automatically opening and closing the tailgate ( 1 ), characterized in that at least one of the ball studs ( 5 . 6 ) is movable and that the means for automatically opening and closing the tailgate ( 1 ) at least one servomotor ( 7 ), suitable, the movement of the at least one ball stud ( 5 . 6 ) to effect. Tailgate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable ball pin ( 5 . 6 ) by means of the servomotor ( 7 ) is convertible into an open position in which the mechanical lever ratios of the tailgate assembly are changed so that the tailgate ( 1 ) can open automatically. Tailgate assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable ball pin ( 5 . 6 ) by means of the servomotor ( 7 ) is convertible into a closed position in which the mechanical lever ratios of the tailgate assembly are changed such that the tailgate ( 1 ) can close automatically. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first ball pin ( 5 ) is designed to be movable. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second ball pin ( 6 ) is designed to be movable. Tailgate arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tailgate assembly has at least one control device, which is for a control of the rotational movement of the tailgate ( 1 ) is set up. Tailgate arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tailgate arrangement comprises means for detecting the rotational movement of the tailgate ( 1 ) having. Tailgate assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for detecting the rotational movement of the tailgate ( 1 ) at least one angle of rotation sensor ( 8th ). Tailgate assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the rotation angle sensor ( 8th ) on the tailgate ( 1 ) of the vehicle is mounted. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the control device is designed so that it increases the rotational speed of the tailgate ( 1 ). Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the control device is designed so that it has a resistance when opening or closing the tailgate ( 1 ). Tailgate arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one spring element as a gas spring ( 4 ) is trained. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one spring element is designed as a steel spring. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one spring element is designed as a combined gas pressure steel spring. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one spring element is designed as a torsion spring. Tailgate assembly according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the tailgate assembly a closing aid for the tailgate ( 1 ) having. Tailgate assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the closing aid on the tailgate ( 1 ), preferably on a tailgate lock ( 9 ) is arranged. Tailgate assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the closing aid on the body ( 2 ), preferably on a striker ( 10 ) is arranged.