DE102005034474A1 - Method for operating convertible roof arrangement for vehicle e.g. Cabriolet vehicle, by producing drive signal for roof arrangement opening/closing based on acquired vehicle acceleration - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves producing a drive signal for opening and/or closing a vehicle roof arrangement based on the acquired vehicle acceleration e.g. lateral or longitudinal acceleration, as well as the control instructions from the driver. Opening/closing of the roof arrangement is interrupted when judged that the vehicle runs on curves or on bad roads or other critical drive conditions e.g. high dynamic loads, based on the drive signal. An independent claim is also included for a convertible roof arrangement for a vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method of operating a versatile roof assembly a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and a vehicle with a versatile Roof arrangement according to the preamble of claim 16.

Such a method and such a vehicle are for example from the DE 195 33 802 C1 known. It is a convertible with a folding top, which can be adjusted by motor drive between a closed position (vehicle roof closed) and a storage position (vehicle roof open). The motor drive of the top can be controlled by a user by means of an operating switch arranged in the passenger compartment.

at The well-known convertible is on a front dimensionally stable top section a locking device provided by means of which the closed Roof reliable in its closed position can be held on the front windshield frame. Further a rear-side locking device is provided, by means of which the hood in his folded back Filing position can be fixed. Both the front-side locking device as well as the rear locking device are in the known Convertible engine operated.

All general is the motor actuation Of course, not such locking or locking mandatory. Especially with older ones Cabriolet models need Such devices are often operated manually.

However, virtually all such locking or locking devices in common is the fact that they provide in the last phase of the corresponding adjustment a centering effect for running in its end position roof assembly. Such a centering of a roof part running into its end position (eg front roof edge) is often compulsory with regard to the proper functioning of the roof arrangement (eg watertightness of a closed convertible top) and / or a prerequisite for the proper functioning of a lock - or Arretiereinrichtung. This is especially true when these devices are operated by motor, as in the above-mentioned prior art according to the DE 195 33 802 C1 the case is.

In particular, for centering a current in its closed position convertible top provides a widespread design principle that a at the front edge of the hood (top tip) arranged centering pin or the like is centered and received by a funnel-like receiving element. Such a centering device is for example in the DE 103 25 257 A1 described. The reverse arrangement (pin on the vehicle body and recording on the hood) is possible.

The Provision of centering devices with adaptable roof arrangements allows advantageous, the roof assembly or its Verstellverlauf with relatively large Provide tolerances. One due to manufacturing tolerances "not very neat" in its final positions running roof part is immediately before reaching the end position still forcibly centered. This usually works very well reliable in vehicles whose roof assembly only in the state or very small Travel speeds ("walking speed") is adjustable.

In recently, There is a growing demand for generously adaptable roof arrangements, that too during the drive can be adjusted to open the vehicle roof or close. In this regard, In the prior art, the problem of the on the roof assembly acting load of the wind during the adjustment during the Drive discussed. The present inventors have realized that for the Driving typical dynamic loads beyond the reliability of facilities can, for centering or locking the roof assembly in one End position (closed position and / or open position) are provided.

It It is an object of the present invention to provide a versatile vehicle roof assembly of the type mentioned to improve the reliability of Verstellvorgänge.

These Task is solved by a method having the characterizing features of the claim 1 and a vehicle with the characterizing features of the claim 16. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

According to the invention, it is provided in that when generating the drive signal for adjusting the roof arrangement considered an acceleration detection quantity becomes.

In this case, the term "acceleration detection variable" denotes a quantity which is determined by at least one phy detected in the region of the vehicle depending on the physical acceleration, which is due to the dynamic driving condition of the vehicle. In other words, this quantity is mathematically expressible using at least one physical acceleration that results for a vehicle part while driving.

With the consideration of the invention the acceleration detection quantity, it is advantageous possible, the drive signal, which is based for example on operator commands a user is created to "modify" in many ways, so as to the adjustment the roof arrangement more reliable to expire.

For example allows it the invention that during the adjustment process acting on the roof assembly dynamic Strains for which the acceleration detection quantity characteristic is to compensate in any suitable manner a more precise one (or the for to give an unloaded condition) which, in turn, in particular a reliable functioning of centering devices is beneficial.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided to take account of the acceleration detection variable in order to prevent a certain adjustment process of the roof arrangement in the presence of a predetermined critical state. In the adjustment process, it may be z. This can be, for example, an adjustment process initiated by a user (eg by means of a control switch) or an automatically initiated adjustment process. From the DE 201 08 865 U1 For example, a convertible top is known, which can be brought triggered automatically by a rain sensor in the closed position.

alternative or additionally can according to another preferred embodiment be provided that takes into account the acceleration detection variable becomes one in the presence of a predetermined critical condition already started adjusting the roof assembly as needed to interrupt. In this case, an operating mode may be provided, in which the interrupted adjustment process at the end of the critical state continues automatically. Alternatively, you can be provided that the interrupted adjustment process only on a corresponding operating command of a user continues becomes. Also, the interruption of the adjustment process, a slight reversing the roof assembly include, in particular z. B. at an im critical condition very close to an end position roof assembly one certain "safety distance" of the roof assembly Provide from the end position and / or intuitive to the user to give an easily detectable "signal" for that the adjustment process was forcibly interrupted. alternative or additionally can the interruption of the adjustment acoustically and / or visually be signaled.

Of the Term "adaptable roof arrangement" is in the sense of To understand very broad invention, including fall z. Both all types of top constructions, which are a cover made of flexible material ("Soft top"), which has transverse stiffeners in the closed state is curious, as well as consisting of several solid body parts Constructions for the partial or complete release of a roof opening in an open position can be folded and / or folded ("retractable hardtop" or "folding top"). Such body parts can movable roof parts but also z. B. top compartment lid or Represent tailgates. On some vehicle models, an under a tailgate befindlicher cargo space as storage space for versatile roof arrangements in their open position.

One Critical condition can in practice, for example, when cornering, when driving on bad roads or when driving over resulting from bumps. Depending on the intensity of the underlying dynamic Loads, for which the acceleration detection quantity is characteristic can a roof arrangement such. B. a convertible top under certain circumstances be adjusted properly as long as reaching an end position not imminent. In this regard, one embodiment advantageous in which the presence of the critical condition is judged is based on the acceleration detection amount and the current position the roof arrangement. This may be provided, for example, that in a central portion of a displacement of the roof assembly independently from the acceleration detection quantity always the presence of a uncritical state is judged, whereas for positions the roof arrangement nearby an end position affirms the existence of a critical state when the acceleration detection quantity is a relatively high dynamic Indicates load, z. B. over a predetermined threshold value, and the current Verstellbewegungsrichtung to directed towards this end position. Also can be provided that such a threshold for a central portion of the displacement of the roof assembly relative high chosen will and for on the other hand, at least one end of the adjustment path is chosen to be lower.

In roof arrangements, which include an automatic adjustment of a tailgate or the like in their adjustment, are dynamic loads while driving for the tailgate basically just as problematic as for the above-mentioned roof parts (eg top parts). In such roof arrangements, the end of the roof adjustment may only be reached, depending on the concrete sequence of movements, if the respective tailgate or top compartment lid construction reaches its end position.

It may also be provided that the assessment as to whether a critical state or not, even on the current one Operating command of a user (in particular, for example, the controlled Adjustment direction). Suitable sensor devices for detection the position of a roof assembly are in itself from the field of convertible vehicle roofs known and therefore require None here nearer Explanation.

In a preferred embodiment it is envisaged that a critical condition is assessed as given will, if under consideration the acceleration detection quantity to be expected is that a certain adjustment process is not done properly can, in particular the first end position and / or the second end position not reached properly at the end of a corresponding adjustment process can be. By this measure can z. B. in a convertible top a noisy and / or centering impairing serving the top top on cowl be avoided. With another Type of roof arrangement may, for. B. a malposition in the movement when stowing a roof part in a rear roof storage room (eg under a tailgate).

The proper accessibility a particular position of the roof assembly is in particular for the one (s) Positions) of particular importance, for a centering device is provided. Such a centering device is available to many Types of versatile Roof assemblies. Often these facilities form an integral one Part of locking or locking devices.

In an embodiment it is provided that the acceleration detection quantity of at least a linear acceleration of the vehicle body is dependent. Examples are a longitudinal acceleration (in vehicle longitudinal direction), a Transverse acceleration (in the vehicle transverse direction) and a high acceleration (in vehicle vertical direction).

alternative or additionally can be provided that the acceleration detection amount of at least a rotational speed dependent is, for example, a rotational speed about a vehicle longitudinal axis, around a vehicle transverse axis or about a vehicle vertical axis ("yaw rate"). To consider is Here, that the rotation of a vehicle part always a physical Acceleration in the form of a centrifugal acceleration implies.

Especially if several linear accelerations and / or rotational speeds should be considered in the generation of the drive signal, so it is beneficial if the consideration the acceleration detection variable programmatically takes place, for example in an electronic control unit of the vehicle. Such typically provided with a microcontroller controllers are known and required therefore no one here closer Explanation.

In an embodiment It is provided that the used to form the acceleration detection quantity Acceleration variables first one be subjected to temporal averaging, for example by a temporal integration. The basis for an integration Time constant in this case should be much smaller than that Time chosen be that for complete adjustment the roof assembly from one end position to the other end position needed becomes. One for many use cases suitable integration time constant is z. In the range of 1% to 10% of this Gesamtverstellzeit. Alternatively or additionally also the acceleration detection quantity itself averaged over time before they are used to assess the existence of a critical State used (evaluated) is.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the acceleration detection variable represents a weighted sum (optionally time-averaged) of at least two measured or calculated vehicle accelerations in two different directions, in particular z. In directions orthogonal to a vehicle-fixed frame of reference. The presence of a critical condition can e.g. B. be judged as given when this sum exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or in addition, a formation of the acceleration detection variable may also be provided such that this variable is characteristic of the "intensity of a jarring", as described, for example, in US Pat. B. is caused when driving over bumps. In order to form a measure of the intensity of a shaking, in particular the time derivative of an acceleration variable can be used. For example, such a "Rüttelmaß" be formed as a time-averaged absolute value of the first derivative of an acceleration over time. A corresponding time integration constant should again be much smaller than the Gesamtverstellzeit the roof assembly in question (preferably taking into account the adjustment) elected who the. Again, a weighted summation for different acceleration directions can be made here again.

The Acceleration detection size can be z. B. also a weighted sum of vehicle accelerations or their absolute values in different directions and a Rüttelmaßes the above explained Be kind.

In an embodiment it is envisaged that the manner of forming the acceleration detection quantity and / or the way of evaluation (to determine if a critical condition present or not) from the current position of the roof assembly is. The usefulness such a dependency Let's illustrate with an example: If in a convertible top during the closing process is provided that the top top approximately in the vehicle longitudinal direction (horizontal) drives against a cowl, so in particular by vehicle lateral acceleration and vehicle acceleration Deviations or shaking the top of the canopy arise, what a proper centering is problematic. If in contrast when reaching the open-top is provided that a Centering z. B. in vehicle vertical direction (vertical down) in a corresponding centering recording, so are this particular Vehicle lateral acceleration and vehicle longitudinal acceleration problematic. Accordingly, it is in such a centering of Advantage, when the top closing process, the acceleration detection size above all Vehicle transverse and vehicle accelerations taken into account, whereas, when reaching the open position, it is primarily and vehicle longitudinal acceleration considered become.

The Acceleration detection size can be z. B. provided using at least one measurement signal be, for example, an output signal in the range of Vehicle (including the roof assembly) arranged acceleration sensor. Prefers However, the acceleration detection quantity refers to accelerations of the vehicle body (not the roof arrangement).

In an embodiment it is provided that the acceleration detection quantity is based is provided on a calculation. In such a calculation can in particular z. B. several measures in a suitable Combined (eg weighted summation), to form the acceleration detection quantity therefrom. The calculation can in the simplest case in a program-controlled device carried out which is identical to the device (eg control unit), in which the consideration the acceleration detection quantity at Generating the drive signal is implemented.

at a calculation of one or more accelerations or the it is by no means compulsory that the input data underlying the calculation accelerations represent. For example, it is possible a lateral acceleration of a vehicle from the steering angle and the Driving speed to calculate, with the driving speed turn derived from one or more Raddrehgeschwindigkeiten is.

In a very simple design can z. B. be provided that the assessment of whether a critical Condition is present or not, only on a speed signal (representative for the Driving speed) and a steering angle signal (representative for the Steering angle). In this case, z. B. a critical condition be judged as given if and only if the driving speed over a predetermined limit is as well as the absolute value of the steering angle over a predetermined limit lies. Here, the steering angle limit of the current driving speed, or the driving speed limit dependent be from the current steering angle, or both. The corresponding evaluation can then in a very simple way z. B. by a hardwired Logic be realized.

The for providing the acceleration detection quantity in the Invention used sensor technology can by specially provided for this purpose Be formed devices or sensors. In many modern motor vehicles However, a variety of suitable sensors are present anyway, for example for the Operation of so-called ABS and ESP systems. In a preferred embodiment Therefore, it is provided that in providing the acceleration detection amount data an in-vehicle system for forcibly influencing the Drive and / or braking action can be used, for example an ABS and / or ESP system or the like of the vehicle.

In a vehicle according to the invention means are provided for carrying out a method of the type described above. The controlled driving for adjusting the roof arrangement can hereby be effected by a drive device of a type known per se (for example, by electric motor and / or hydraulically and / or pneumatically), to which a drive signal is fed, which is generated by a program-controlled control device of a known type, however, taking into account the we at least one acceleration detection quantity is generated.

The Components of the vehicle can each be suitably designed to those already described above Further developments or special features in the operation of the versatile roof arrangement to realize.

One Particularly preferred application of the invention results for vehicles with a folding or folding top, in particular a fabric top, as is for conventional Convertibles usually is used.

in the With regard to the above-described special problem of reaching the end positions in dynamic loads of the vehicle the invention especially for Vehicles interesting, in which for at least one of the two End positions of the roof assembly a centering device (and optionally also locking device) is provided.

The Invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the enclosed Drawing closer explained. It shows:

1 is a representation of the time course of an acceleration detection variable ( 1 above) and a resulting cover position ( 1 below) during a top opening operation.

1 11 illustrates, in the upper part, the timing of an acceleration detection amount a which is provided as a weighted sum of accelerations in three orthogonal axis directions (longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions of the vehicle) in a control unit for automatic top adjustment in a convertible. The acceleration values required for this purpose are supplied by the vehicle's own sensors of a ride stabilization system (eg EPS system). Alternatively or additionally, further measured variables representative of vehicle accelerations can be used to form the acceleration detection variable a. Corresponding acceleration sensors can, for. B. be attached at any point of the vehicle body.

For the illustrated embodiment, the calculation of the size a in a program-controlled manner in the control unit, wherein a time averaging with a comparatively small time constant is provided. This time constant is much smaller than the total duration of time t, which in 1 is shown. The total duration shown is z. B. about 20 seconds.

The Acceleration detection quantity a is characteristic for the intensity while the driving dynamic loads and is used in generating a drive signal considered, which in a conventional manner, a motor drive of the convertible top controls. In the manner described below can thus be ensured be that the soft top reliable enters his final positions.

In 1 below, a position s of the relevant top is plotted as a function of the time t.

At the beginning of in 1 period shown, the convertible is parked and the top closed (s = sc).

At a time t1, a user starts the convertible and starts his journey. This is in 1 above to recognize a corresponding increase in the acceleration detection quantity a.

Then, at a time t2, the user initiates a top opening operation (this is allowed up to a predetermined limit speed (eg, 50 Km / h) of the vehicle). This is in 1 below from an increase in the top position s visible. This position s approaches a maximum value "so", which here symbolizes the complete top opening.

Of the Top opening process runs in in a manner known per se, program-controlled, with a conventional Sensors each current positions of individual roof parts detected to coordinate the overall shift of the top (often be different roof components at different times operated according to a given procedure).

To exceeds a time t3 the acceleration detection quantity a for the first time one in the control unit predetermined threshold ath. This can be z. B. Therefore stir that the user enters the cabriolet in a curve and / or bumps the Lane greater accelerations of the vehicle. In this middle phase of the adjustment process are they over then the mechanical coupling of the hood with the vehicle body on the Transferred roof acceleration forces however unproblematic.

At a time t4, which is defined by the fact that the top position s in the top opening operation reaches a predetermined threshold value (here: about 90% "so"), this leads to this Time still (or again) above the threshold ath value of the acceleration detection amount a to a forced interruption of the already started top opening operation and an immediately subsequent slight reversal of the top (toward its closed position). The reversing can be intuitively interpreted by the user as a signal that the top adjustment could not be completed properly. The hood remains in the example shown at a position s of about 85% so.

First if the controller, at a time t5, again falling below the threshold ath the size a detected, will the for the top opening process programmed course of the drive signal is enabled again to the broken convertible top opening process to continue automatically. This can be z. B. then be the case, if the vehicle again performs a straight ahead, at least in one for the top operation sufficient stable driving condition. When reaching the end position (here: Open position) is the top or centering or locking devices not damaged.

To At a time t6, the top then finally reaches its Open position so. Due to the immediately before this time present, relatively low dynamic loads of the vehicle can a rear-side centering and locking reliably work and hold the roof in the open position so noise-reducing until the next Sometimes a top closing process is initiated.

The described consideration the acceleration detection quantity a at Generating the top drive signal increases the reliability the accessibility of the end position of the top and offers due the automatic continuation of an interrupted adjustment process a very comfortable operation of the hood. The roof operation is in the illustrated embodiment stopped only when the hood is just before the fully opened or closed position. This position in the opening or closing course can be customized to the vehicle or the person concerned versatile Roof arrangement to be adjusted (eg by appropriate programming of the controller). Roof arrangements of the type of interest here are often one Variety of bodywork and interior parts formed at the opening and Shut down involved, such as As tailgates, convertible top flaps, top compartment lid, Structural structures of folding and / or folding roofs, sliding roof components, Spoilers, panes (especially eg roof, side and rear windows) etc. The terms "position" and "end position" used above can be used in principle to all such, displaced in the roof adjustment parts Respectively. By appropriate programming can also the extent of the above example provided reversing the roof assembly, or the reversal of at least one of its parts, individually adapted become.

a

Acceleration detection size

ath

threshold

s

top position

sc

position for closed roof

so

position for open roof

t

Time

Claims (19)

Method for operating a convertible roof arrangement of a vehicle, which in a first end position (sc) provides a substantially closed vehicle roof and in a second end position (see above) a substantially open vehicle roof, wherein a controlled driving for adjusting the roof arrangement between the two end positions ( sc, so) takes place on the basis of a drive signal, characterized in that at least one acceleration detection variable (a) is taken into account when generating the drive signal. The method of claim 1, wherein the drive signal is generated based on operator commands of a user. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein takes into account the acceleration detection quantity (a) becomes one in the presence of a predetermined critical condition prevent certain adjustment of the roof assembly. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein takes into account the acceleration detection quantity (a) becomes one in the presence of a predetermined critical condition already started (t2) interrupting adjustment of the roof assembly (T4). The method of claim 4, wherein the interrupted (t4) Adjustment process upon termination (t5) of the critical state is automatically resumed. The method of claim 4, wherein the interrupted (t4) Adjustment process only to a corresponding operating command of a user. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the interruption (t4) of the adjustment involves a slight reversal of the roof assembly. Method according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the interruption (t4) of the adjustment acoustically and / or optically signaled becomes. Method according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the presence of the critical state is judged based on the acceleration detection quantity (a) and the current position (s) of the roof assembly. Method according to one of claims 3 to 9, wherein a critical Condition is judged to be given if taken into account the acceleration detection quantity (a) too it is expected that a certain adjustment process will not be done properly can, in particular the first end position (sc) and / or the second End position (see above) at the end of a corresponding adjustment process not achieved properly can be. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acceleration detection quantity (a) of dependent on at least one linear acceleration. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acceleration detection quantity (a) of is at least one rotational speed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consideration the acceleration detection quantity (a) programmatically he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acceleration detection quantity (a) under Use of at least one measurement signal is provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acceleration detection quantity (a) based is provided on a calculation. Vehicle with a versatile roof assembly, which is in a first end position (sc) is a substantially closed Vehicle roof and in a second end position (see above) a substantially open Vehicle roof provides, with a controllable drive device for adjusting the roof arrangement between the two end positions (sc, so) based on a drive signal input to the drive means is provided, which is generated by a control device, characterized in that the control device is designed for this purpose is at least one acceleration detection quantity (a) when generating the drive signal consider. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the drive signal is generated based on operating commands, which the control device can be entered by a user. A vehicle according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the roof assembly is formed by a folding or folding top. A vehicle according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein for at least one of the two end positions (sc, so) of the roof assembly a centering device is provided.