DE102008006964A1 - Door system for e.g. vehicle, has spring of shape memory alloy or polymer which biases door to open position relative to structural member e.g. vehicle body, when door is in its closed position - Google Patents

Abstract

A spring (400), mounted with respect to a structural member e.g. a vehicle body (310), or a door (318), biases the door towards its open position relative to the hinge pillar (314) of the structural member, when the door is in its closed position. The spring is made from shape memory alloy or polymer, and may be selectively compressed by an active material e.g. a shape memory alloy wire, which changes in attribute e.g. modulus, in response to a thermal activation signal. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

These The application claims the benefit of the U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/863478, filed Oct. 30, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 887,690, filed February 1, 2007, both hereby in their entirety are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL AREA

These The invention relates to door systems with springs to a door to selectively push into its open or closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One typical motor vehicle comprises a vehicle body, the one Passenger space defined. doors are selectively between an open and a closed position movable to each access (entry and exit) to the Passenger compartment to allow or access to the passenger compartment block as for understand the expert is. A latch is typically used to Door in their closed position. To open a door, must a user at a door handle pull to release the latch and the door manually move to the open position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One door system includes a structural element and a door that is relative to the structural element movably mounted to between an open position and to be moved in a closed position. A spring is in Reference to the structural element or the door attached and is sufficient positioned to the door to bias to their open position when the door is in their closed position. In exemplary embodiments can Actuators based on active material precede the spring the closing the door to selectively compress the force required to close the close the door minimize.

The The above features and advantages as well as other features and advantages The present invention is more clearly understood from the following, detailed description of the best modes of implementation the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a door having an active material based actuator adapted to transfer force from an active material to the door;

2 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of another door system with another active material based actuator configured to transfer force from an active material to the door;

3 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of another door with another active material based actuator configured to transfer force from an active material to the door;

4 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a door having a containment link and a spring surrounding the containment connection and biasing the door to its open position;

5 is a schematic side view of the Aufhaltverbindung 4 ;

6 Figure 4 is a schematic side view of an alternative containment connection for use with the door 4 ;

7 Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a containment connection assembly with a door in a first position;

8th is a schematic plan view of the containment connection arrangement 7 with the door in a second position;

9 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a door with a spring design that biases the door toward its open position;

10 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a door with another spring design biasing the door toward its open position, and with an active material based actuator configured to selectively compress the spring;

11 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of another door having an alternative spring design for biasing the door and having an active material based actuator configured to selectively compress the spring;

12 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of still another door having another alternative spring design for biasing the door and having an active material based actuator configured to selectively compress the spring;

13 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of yet another door with yet another spring design;

14 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the door 13 in a partially open position;

15 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the door 13 and 14 with a notching device;

16 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a door in an open position having yet another spring design and another active material based actuator configured to compress the spring;

17 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the door 16 in a closed position;

18 Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a latch system configured to selectively push a tailgate toward its open position and having an active material based return system;

19 Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of another latching system configured to selectively push a tailgate toward its open position and having an active material based reset system;

20A - 20D FIG. 12 are schematic side views of an alternative active material based return mechanism for use with the locking system. FIG 19 ;

21 Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a latch system with another alternative active material based return mechanism; and

22 Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a door latch including an active material based member to urge a door toward its open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In 1 to which reference is now made, includes a vehicle body 10 , a hinge pillar 14 as understood by one skilled in the art. A vehicle door 18 is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. More particularly, at least one hinge (not shown) connects the hinge pillar 14 and the door 18 so the door 18 in relation to the hinge pillar 14 is selectively rotatable between the open position and the closed position. The door 18 includes an inner panel, one of which is a section below 22 is shown. A door operator 24 includes a containment connection arrangement 26 , sometimes called "door stop" or "open holder". The stay connection arrangement 26 includes a containment compound 30 , The stopping connection 30 is about one on the hinge pillar 14 attached angle 34 in relation to the hinge pillar 14 swivel mounted. More specifically, the containment compound 30 at the angle 34 rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the door 18 runs around the hinge. The term "hinge pillar" as used herein may include a front hinge pillar, a B pillar, etc.

The stopping connection 30 extends through a in the inner panel 22 trained opening 38 through the door cavity 42 into it, which through the inner panel 22 and an outer panel (not shown) is defined, as understood by those skilled in the art. The stopping connection 26 also includes a housing 46 That inside the door cavity 42 arranged and on the inner panel 22 is appropriate. The housing 46 contains springs (not shown). The stopping connection 30 extends through the housing 46 through and is selectively movable therethrough. The stopping connection 30 defines ramps, pits, etc. (in 1 not shown), which interact with the springs to resist the movement of the door 18 during its pivoting between the open position and the closed position to vary, as understood by those skilled in the art.

An attack 50 is at one end of the hold connection 30 attached to excessive movement of the stopping connection 30 in relation to the housing 46 to limit. More specifically, the stop is 50 larger than the opening in the housing 46 through which the hold-up compound passes 30 extends, and therefore prevents movement of the Aufhaltverbindung 30 through the housing 46 passing it physically by the housing 46 interacts. The stay connection arrangement 26 also includes an L-shaped element 54 that is adjacent to the stop 50 at the stop connection 30 is appropriate. The door operating element 24 also includes an active material based element, which in the illustrated embodiment is a wire 58 made of shape memory alloy (SMA), hereafter referred to as SMA wire. The SMA wire 58 stands over the element 54 with the stop connection 30 in active connection. The SMA wire is also connected to the housing 46 in active connection.

A shape memory alloy is characterized by a cold state given when the temperature of the alloy is below its martensitic transformation end temperature M _f . A shape memory alloy is also characterized by a hot state given when the temperature of the alloy is above its austenite transformation end temperature A _f . An article formed by the alloy may be characterized by a predetermined shape. If the article is pseudoplastic deformed in the cold state, the elongation can be reversed by heating the article to a temperature above the austenite end temperature A _f ; that is, heating the article to more than its A _f causes the article to return to its predetermined shape. Also, the modulus of elasticity and yield strength of an SMA alloy are considerably lower when hot than when hot. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, pseudoplastic elongation is similar to plastic strain in that elongation persists even after removal of the strain which has caused the strain. However, in contrast to plastic deformation, the pseudoplastic deformation is reversible when the article is heated to its hot state.

The SMA wire 58 is characterized by a predetermined length. If the door 18 is moved to its closed position and the SMA wire 58 is in its cold state, the housing moves 46 closer to the hinge pillar 14 and causes a voltage on the SMA wire 58 , The tension causes the SMA wire to deform pseudoplastic and assume a length greater than its predetermined length, ie, a stretched condition. By causing the SMA wire 58 enters its hot state, takes the SMA wire 58 returns to its predetermined state and thereby exerts forces on the housing 46 and the stopping connection 30 out. Thus, the wire changes 58 Attributes or features, namely shape and modulus, in response to a thermal activation signal.

More specifically, when the SMA wire pushes 58 returns from its stretched state to its predetermined length, the wire 58 the stopping connection 30 against the hinge pillar 14 and pushes the housing 46 to the stop 50 out, causing the door 18 from its closed position to its open position.

In 2 to which reference is now made and in which like reference numbers refer to like components 1 is the vehicle door assembly 118 about a hinge 62 rotatable with respect to the hinge pillar 114 appropriate. A door opening actuator 120 includes a shape memory alloy wire 158 a pulley 160 , a pinion 162 and a dental arch 164 , The dental arch 164 is in relation to the hinge pillar 114 rigidly attached. The pulley 160 is rigid with the pinion 162 mounted and pulley and pinion are in relation to the door assembly 118 rotatably arranged to rotate together about a common axis. The pinion 162 stands with the dental arch 164 interlocking engaged. The SMA wire 158 is at one end with respect to the inner panel 122 the door arrangement 118 rigidly arranged, a segment of the SMA wire 158 traverses the door cavity 142 and another segment of the SMA wire 158 is around the pulley 160 wound around.

The SMA wire 158 is characterized by a predetermined length, and the door opening actuator 120 is designed so that the wire 158 has the predetermined length when the door assembly 118 at least partially open, as in 2 shown. While the door arrangement 118 is moved to its closed position, causes the movement of the pinion 162 relative to the dental arch 164 a rotation of the pinion 162 in a first direction and, accordingly, a rotation of the pulley 160 in the first direction. The rotation of the pulley 160 while the door assembly is being closed, it causes a tensile load on the SMA wire 158 and the SMA wire 158 is thereby pseudoplastic deformed to a length which is longer than that of certain length. When the door assembly 118 is in its closed position, so is the SMA wire 158 longer than the predetermined length.

Heating the SMA wire 158 on his hot condition when the door assembly 118 Being in its closed position causes the SMA wire 158 again assumes its predetermined length and increases its modulus, which in turn causes the SMA wire 158 a force on the pulley 160 which exerts the pulley 160 and accordingly the pinion 162 to turn in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The pinion 162 exercises during its rotation in the second Direction a force on the teeth of the dental arch 164 from which a corresponding counterforce on the teeth of the pinion 162 exercises. The counterforce on the teeth of the pinion 162 leads to a moment related to the axis of rotation of the door assembly 118 on the hinge 62 The door arrangement 118 pushes to their open position.

Active material based actuators can also be used to close doors. For example, if the SMA wire 158 in terms of in terms of 2 direction shown opposite direction around the pulley 160 is wound around, then causes a movement of the door assembly 118 towards its open position, a tensile load on the SMA wire 158 and the SMA wire 158 is pseudoplastic stretched to a length that is longer than its predetermined length. In such an embodiment, therefore, the SMA wire would be 158 longer than its predetermined length when the door assembly 118 is in its open position. Accordingly, heating of the SMA wire would 158 on its hot condition to a closing of the door assembly 118 to lead.

It should be noted that other actuators can be used. For example, an electric motor with the pinion 162 be brought into operative connection to the pinion 162 to turn selectively; a rotation of the pinion 162 By the electric motor in one direction would cause the door assembly 118 moves into its open position, and a rotation of the pinion 162 by the electric motor in the other direction would cause the door assembly 118 moves to its closed position.

In 3 to which reference is now made, the vehicle door assembly 218 about a hinge 62 rotatable with respect to the hinge pillar 214 appropriate. A door opening actuator 220 includes a quarter-pulley 224 a pulley 226 and an SMA wire 258 ,

The quarter-pulley 224 is in relation to the hinge pillar 214 rigidly attached. The quarter-pulley 224 extends from the hinge pillar 214 through one in the inner panel 222 the door arrangement 218 trained opening 230 in the door cavity 242 into it. The quarter-pulley 224 is curved and forms a quarter circle in the illustrated embodiment. The quarter-pulley 224 defines a groove 262 which is open in the inward direction, ie toward the vehicle body.

The pulley 226 is rotatable with respect to the door assembly 218 attached to rotate about a vertical axis. The SMA wire 258 is in relation to the inner panel 222 the door arrangement 218 attached, extends over the door cavity 242 away, kicking with the pulley 226 engaged, enters with the quarter-pulley 224 in the groove 262 along a portion of the length of the quarter pulley engages and is within the door cavity 242 at the end 266 the quarter-pulley 224 appropriate.

The SMA wire 258 is characterized by a predetermined length, and the door opening actuator 220 is designed so that the wire 258 has the predetermined length when the door assembly 218 at least partially open, as in 3 shown. While the door arrangement 218 is moved to its closed position, causes the movement of the door assembly 218 relative to the quarter-pulley 224 a tensile load on the SMA wire 258 , and the SMA wire 258 is pseudoplastic deformed to a length that is longer than the predetermined length. More specifically, while the door assembly 218 moves to its closed position, the movement of the door assembly 218 relative to the quarter-pulley 224 that the quarter-pulley 224 extending further into the door cavity, causing the SMA wire 258 pseudoplastic deformed. When the door assembly 218 is in its closed position, so is the SMA wire 258 longer than its predetermined length.

Heating the SMA wire 258 on his hot condition when the door assembly 218 Being in its closed position causes the SMA wire 258 again assumes its predetermined length and increases its modulus, which in turn causes the SMA wire 258 Force on the quarter-pulley 224 and on the inner panel 222 exerts, causing the door assembly 218 pressed to its open position.

The heating of an SMA wire is preferably done by electrical resistance heating, ie by passing current through the SMA wire to make it in response to a door opening signal, e.g. B. a radio transmission from a key fob to heat to its hot state. In an exemplary embodiment, a radio receiver (not shown) is configured to transmit a signal to a controller (not shown) when the radio receiver receives signal transmission from a key fob. The controller is configured to cause electrical resistance heating of the SMA wire in response to the signal for a predetermined period of time or until a predetermined change in length (change in length) occurs, and to cause an electrically actuated latch (not shown), which is connected to the door, a striker (not shown) which is connected to the vehicle body. Sensors (not shown) such as proximity sensors may be configured to monitor the proximity of objects to the door and communicate the proximity of objects to the door to the controller so that the controller may alter the amount of door opening to make contact between the door and the object to avoid. Sensors may also be configured to monitor the opening angle of the door and the state of the door opening actuator and to communicate the opening angle of the door and the state of the door opening actuator to the controller. For example, the controller may be programmed to, in the event that the door should close by itself, e.g. B. when the vehicle body is in an inclined state, the wire reheated. It may also be desirable to add locking positions of a door stop to adjust the door opening actuators or to provide a friction-locked detent. Pre-set / programmable stops (door opening angle) can be used. Sensors can also be used to monitor the speed and proximity of objects that may hit the door.

In the class of in 1 - 3 In embodiments shown, preferably after the door has been opened, the SMA wire quickly cools back to its cold state so that the SMA wire has a low resistance to expansion (ie, the lower modulus of its cold state) during the closing of the door to minimize the effort required to close the door.

In 4 to which reference is now made, includes a vehicle body 310 a hinge pillar 314 as understood by one skilled in the art. A vehicle door 318 is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. More particularly, at least one hinge (not shown) connects the hinge pillar 314 and the door 318 so that the door is in relation to the hinge pillar 314 is selectively rotatable between the open position and the closed position. The door 318 includes an inner panel, one of which is a section below 322 is shown. A stop connection 326 , sometimes called "door stop" or "open holder", includes a rod 330 , The staff 330 is about one on the hinge pillar 314 attached angle 334 in relation to the hinge pillar 314 swivel mounted. More specifically, the wand 330 at the angle 334 rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the door 318 runs around the hinge. The term "hinge pillar" as used herein may include a front hinge pillar, a B pillar, etc.

The rod 330 extends through a in the inner panel 322 trained opening 338 through the door cavity 342 into it, which through the inner panel 322 and an outer panel (not shown) is defined, as understood by those skilled in the art. The stopping connection 326 also includes a housing 346 That inside the door cavity 342 arranged and on the inner panel 322 is appropriate. The housing 346 contains two springs 350 , The rod 330 extends through the housing 346 through and through it selectively between the springs 350 movable. The rod 330 defines ramps, pits, etc. (in 4 not shown) with the springs 350 interact to resist the movement of the door 318 during its pivoting between the open position and the closed position to vary, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

An attack 354 is at one end of the staff 330 attached to excessive movement of the rod 330 in relation to the housing 346 to limit. More specifically, the stop is 354 larger than the opening in the housing 346 through which the rod passes 330 extends, and therefore prevents movement of the rod 330 through the housing 346 passing it physically by the housing 346 interacts.

In 4 and 5 to which reference is now made, the staff defines 330 at one end 362 a hole 358 through which a pin (not shown) is insertable around the end 362 swiveling at the bottom 334 in 4 attached angle to install. The surfaces 366A . 366B on opposite sides of the bar 330 Define a profile that affects the amount of effort required to open the door 318 between their open and their closed position to pivot. If the door 318 in the closed position, is the segment 370 of the staff 330 inside the case 346 between the springs 350 , The segments 374A . 374B the surfaces 366A . 366B each act on a corresponding spring 350 ,

While the door 318 is moved to the open position, moves the rod 330 relative to the housing 346 so that the segment 378 of the staff 330 inside the case 346 between the springs 350 located and the segments 382A . 38213 the surfaces 366A . 366B each on a corresponding spring 350 Act. The segment 378 is thicker than the segment 370 ie the surface segments 382A . 382B are more widely spaced than the surface segments 374A . 374B , Accordingly, the rod causes 330 that the springs 350 Compress while the door 318 from ih rer closed position is moved.

While the door 318 is moved further to the open position, moves the rod 330 relative to the housing, leaving the segment 386 inside the case 346 between the springs 350 located. The segments 390A . 390B the surfaces 366A . 366B each act on a corresponding spring 350 , The segment 386 is thinner than the segment 378 which is on one side of the segment 386 is located, and also thinner than the segment 394 , which is on the other side of the segment 386 is located, and thus the segment acts 386 as a lock; that means moving the door 318 in both directions when the case 346 with the segment 386 engages, compressing the springs 350 and thus requires an increased effort. The segment 398 on the segment 386 opposite side of the segment 394 is thinner than the segment 394 and represents that segment which is inside the housing 346 between the springs 350 comes to rest when the door is in the fully open position.

A feather 400 is between the door arrangement 318 and the hinge pillar 314 concentric around the rod 330 arranged around, and when the door assembly 318 is in its closed position, becomes the spring 400 from the door arrangement 318 and the hinge pillar 314 compressed. Thus, the spring pushes 400 the door arrangement 318 to their open position. When a door latch (not shown) is released, the spring forces the door 318 to their open position.

6 , in which the same reference numbers are based on the same components 4 and 5 schematically forms an alternative rod 330A off, instead of the staff 330 can be used. In 4 and 6 to which reference is now made, comprises the rod 330A at one end a stop 354 and defines it at the opposite end 362 a hole 358 , A pin is through the hole 358 insertable to the end 362 of the arm 330A swiveling with the under 334 connect the angles shown. The surfaces 404A . 404B on opposite sides of the bar 330A define a profile that affects the amount of effort required to hold the door assembly 318 between their open and their closed position to pivot. When the door assembly 318 in the closed position, is the segment 408 of the staff 330A inside the case 346 between the springs 350 , and the segments 412A . 412B the surfaces 404A . 404B each act on a corresponding spring 350 , The segment 408 of the staff 330A is of sufficient thickness so that the segments 412A . 412B on the springs like that 350 act on the springs 350 be compressed.

While the door arrangement 318 moving from its closed position to the open position, the staff moves 330A in relation to the housing 346 so that the segment 416 of the staff 330A in the case 346 is located, with the segments 420A . 420B the surfaces 404A . 404B each on the appropriate spring 350 Act. The segment 416 is a ramp segment, ie the segment 416 is in the ment of the seg 408 away leading direction increasingly thinner. The segments 420A . 420B do not run parallel; the distance between them increases with distance from the bar segment 408 from. Accordingly, the springs 350 while the door arrangement 318 moved from the closed position to the open position, less compressed, to the extent that the housing 346 the segment 416 crossed. The feathers 350 therefore act in the movement of the door assembly 318 assisting from the closed position to the open position by pointing to the surfaces 420A . 420B of the ramp segment 416 Act. The segment 424 of the staff 330A at the segment 408 opposite side of the ramp segment 416 is through parallel segments 428A . 428B the surfaces 404A . 404B characterized.

The segment 432 at the segment 416 opposite side of the segment 424 is thicker than the segment 424 , Accordingly, while the door assembly 318 moves closer to the open position, leaving the housing 346 away from the segment 424 to the segment 432 moved, the springs 350 a resistance, as they are from the surfaces 404A . 404B be compressed. The segment 436 provides a middle lock position and the segment 440 comes inside the housing between the springs 350 to lie when the door is in the fully open position.

In 7 and 8th to which reference is now made, is a containment connection arrangement 450 shown schematically. The stay connection arrangement 450 includes a first angle 454 attached to a vehicle door assembly, such as the under 318 in 4 shown door assembly is attached. The stay connection arrangement 450 also includes an angle 458 attached to a vehicle body hinge pillar, such as the lower 314 in 4 shown hinge pillar, is attached. The first angle 454 is on a hinge 462 pivotable with the second angle 458 connected; that means the first angle 454 in relation to the second angle 458 selectively around the hinge 462 is pivotable around.

The stop arrangement 450 also includes a containment compound 466 hanging on a hinge 470 pivotable at a first angle 454 ver is bound; that means the stopping compound 466 in terms of the first angle 454 selectively around the hinge 470 is pivotable around. A role 474 is through a pen 478 rotatable with respect to the second angle 458 appropriate.

The stopping connection 466 includes a surface 482 that has an edge of the stall connection 466 Are defined. A feather 486 connects the stopping connection 466 and the first angle 454 with each other and tenses the Aufhaltverbindung 466 before, so the area 482 in constant contact with the role 474 located. As the door assembly moves between its closed position and its fully open position, the hold connection moves 466 in terms of role 474 so the role 474 the area 482 crossed. The area 482 is characterized by elevations and depressions on which the roll 474 meets as the door assembly moves between the open position and the closed position. More specifically, the surface defines a first depression 490 , a second recess 494 and a third well 498 , A first raise 502 separates the first well 490 and the second well 494 , A second increase 506 separates the second well 494 and the third well 498 , A third raise 510 separates the third well 498 from the segment 514 the area 482 which is flat in the illustrated embodiment.

When the door assembly is in the closed position as in FIG 8th shown is the role 474 at the first recess 490 with the area 482 in contact. When the door assembly is pivoted, this causes the first angle 454 around the hinge 462 rotates, which causes the Aufhaltverbindung 466 relative to the role 474 moved, so the role 474 the raises 502 . 506 and 510 and the depressions 490 . 494 and 498 crossed. While the role 474 one of the raises 502 . 506 . 510 crosses, the stopping connection 466 against the spring 486 forced, causing the spring 486 is compressed and the rotational movement of the door assembly presents a resistance, as understood by those skilled in the art.

The increase 502 is compared to the increases 506 . 510 relatively small and more specific is the emergence of the increase 502 from the depression 490 less than the emergence of the other ridges relative to their adjacent pits. Thus, when moving the door assembly from a fully closed position in which the roller 474 with the recess 490 is in contact, in a partially open position, in which the role 474 with the recess 494 in contact, from the spring 486 provided a relatively low resistance. In a preferred embodiment, that of the increase 502 resistance to rotation of the door is less than the forces acting on the door by compressed weather strips and door seals (not shown) and by the door latch (not shown), and therefore the door assembly is capable of being unlocked without the user applying any force to move a first open position, so that, as in 7 shown the role 474 with the recess 494 comes into contact. The depression 498 acts as a door position lock in middle position, and the roller 474 occurs with the segment 514 the area 482 in contact when the door assembly is in the fully open position. The stopping connection 466 may be characterized by other elevations and depressions within the scope of the claimed invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the increase protrudes 502 further from the depression 494 as of the depression 490 before, and thus requires the movement of the door assembly from its partially open to its closed position more effort than moving the door assembly from its closed position to its partially open position.

Will the stall connection arrangement 450 in conjunction with a door opening device such as one of those disclosed in U.S. Pat 6 - 8th used, so compressed by an SMA wire spring can move the door from its closed position, so that the role with the recess 494 in contact; the increase 502 prevents the door from moving back to its closed position.

In 9 to which reference is now made, is a door assembly 618 about a hinge 62 rotatable with a hinge pillar 614 a vehicle body 616 connected. An L-shaped element 620 is also about the hinge 62 rotatable and at least partially between the hinge pillar 614 and the door arrangement 618 arranged. When the door assembly 618 yourself, as in 9 shown, in its closed position, stands an arm 624 of the element 620 with the hinge pillar 614 in contact. The other arm 628 of the L-shaped element 620 extends through one in the door assembly 618 trained opening 632 through the door cavity 642 into it. A feather 636 is between the door arrangement 618 and an arm 624 concentric around the arm 628 arranged around, and the spring 636 will if the door assembly 618 is in its closed position, through the door assembly 618 and the arm 624 of the L-shaped element 620 compressed. Thus, the spring pushes 636 the door arrangement 618 to their open position. When the door lock 640 is released, the spring forces the door 618 to their open position. The arm 628 is in relation to the door assembly 618 through the opening 632 through it to listen to the movement of the door 618 to adjust during opening. If a user closes the door, the spring is compressed again. The end 644 of the arm 628 is extended to prevent it from opening up 632 moved through.

In 10 to which reference is now made and in which like reference numbers refer to like components 9 refer, is the door assembly 718 over the hinge 62 rotatable with respect to the hinge pillar 714 the vehicle body 616 appropriate. The L-shaped element 620 is also about the hinge 62 rotatable and at least partially between the hinge pillar 714 and the door arrangement 718 arranged. When the door assembly 718 yourself, as in 10 shown, in its closed position, stands an arm 624 of the element 620 with the hinge pillar 714 in contact. The other arm 628 of the L-shaped element 620 extends through one in the door assembly 718 trained opening 732 through the door cavity 642 into it. A feather 636 is concentric around the arm 628 arranged around, and the spring 636 will if the door assembly 718 is in its closed position, through the door assembly 718 and the arm 624 of the L-shaped element 620 compressed. Thus, the spring pushes 636 the door arrangement 718 to their open position. When the door lock 640 is solved, the spring forces 636 the door arrangement 718 to their open position. The arm 628 is in relation to the door assembly 718 through the opening 732 moving around to follow the movement of the door 718 to adjust during opening.

An SMA wire 740 is at one end on the arm 628 attached and is at the other end to the inner panel 744 the door arrangement 718 appropriate. The wire 740 is characterized by a predetermined length, which is the wire 740 in its hot state after it has been pseudoplastic deformed. The predetermined length is such that the wire 740 the arm 628 in the door cavity 742 pulls in, causing the spring 636 between the arm 624 and the door arrangement 718 is compressed. If the wire 740 is in its cold state, its modulus of elasticity or its resistance to deformation is sufficiently low that the spring 636 standing against the door assembly 718 and the arm 624 acts, to a tensile load in the wire 740 leads and thereby the length of the wire 740 increased in relation to its predetermined length.

During operation of the door assembly 718 becomes the wire 740 heated to its hot state to the spring 636 to compress, which saves energy. A lock 748 is with a full or partial hole 752 in the arm 628 engageable to the spring 636 after the wire 740 has cooled down to its cold state, keeping it in its compressed state. Accordingly, the wire represents 740 the energy ready for the spring 636 to compress, and the spring 636 thus does not affect the effort required to the door assembly 718 close. Should the door arrangement 718 to be opened, the lock becomes 748 from the full or partial hole 752 solved and the stored energy from the spring 636 Released to the door assembly 718 to push to their open position.

In 11 to which reference is now made, is the door assembly 818 over the hinge 62 rotatable on the hinge pillar 814 appropriate. The inner sheet 822 the door arrangement 818 defines an opening 824. A spring 828 is in the door cavity 832 arranged and the door structure defines a cylindrical spring guide 836 inside the cavity 832 , More specifically, the leadership defines 836 a generally cylindrical cavity 840 who is the spring 828 at least partially contains. The cavity 840 is at one end with the opening 824 aligned so that the spring 828 , as in 11 shown selectively through the opening 824 through from the cavity 840 is expandable out. The spring stands with a wall 844 in contact, that of the opening 824 opposite end of the cavity 840 Are defined.

An SMA wire 848 is in the door cavity 832 arranged. An end of the wire 848 is on the inner panel 822 attached and the other end of the wire 848 is at the spring 828 appropriate. More specifically, the wire extends 848 from the door cavity 832 through an opening 852 in the wall 844 in the cylindrical cavity 840 into it. The segment of the wire 848 in the cylindrical cavity 840 extends along the centerline of the spring 828 and the wire 848 is at the distal end of the spring 828 ie at the end of the spring 828 the furthest from the wall 844 away and closest to the vehicle body floor 856 or the tipping plate is located. A guide pulley 860 leads the wire 848 inside the door cavity 832 ,

The wire 848 is characterized by a predetermined length which the wire assumes in its hot state again after being pseudoplastic deformed. The predetermined length is such that the wire is the spring 828 compressed so far that the spring is entirely inside the cavity 840 is located and no part of the spring from the opening 824 protrudes. If the wire 848 is in its cold state, its modulus is sufficiently low that the spring 828 against the wall 844 acts out of the inner panel 822 trained opening 824 extends out and thereby in pseudoplastic way the length of the wire 848 increased in relation to its predetermined length.

During operation of the door assembly 818 becomes the wire 848 heated to its hot state to the spring 828 to compress, which is stored in the spring energy. A latch (not shown) is used to spring 828 to keep in their compressed state after the wire 848 has cooled down to its cold state. Should the door arrangement 818 are opened, the lock is released and the stored energy from the spring 824 released while the spring 828 through the opening 824 extends through and opposing forces on the wall 844 and the body floor 856 exerts to the door assembly 844 to push to their open position.

In 12 to which reference is now made, is the door assembly 918 over the hinge 62 rotatable with respect to the hinge pillar 914 appropriate. The door opening actuator 916 includes a quarter-pulley element 928 , a feather 920 and an SMA wire 922 , The quarter-pulley element 928 includes a quarter-pulley section 926 and a fixing portion 930 , The attachment section 930 is in relation to the door assembly 918 , the hinge pillar 914 and the hinge 62 rotatably mounted, so that the quarter-pulley element 928 around the axis of rotation of the door assembly 918 is selectively rotatable around. The quarter-pulley section 926 is generally horizontally oriented, curved, and in the illustrated embodiment forms a quarter of a circle whose center is in the axis of rotation of the door. The pulley section 926 defines a groove 934 which is open in the inward direction, ie toward the vehicle body. The pulley section 926 extends from the attachment portion outside the door cavity 938 through the in the inner panel 942 trained opening 939 in the door cavity 938 into it.

The feather 920 is between the attachment section 930 and an outer wall 940 of the inner panel 942 the door arrangement 918 concentric around the pulley section 926 arranged around. The SMA wire 922 is at one end with respect to the inner panel 942 attached, traverses the door cavity 938 and extends through the opening 939 out of the door cavity 938 out. Outside the door cavity 938 extends the SMA wire 922 along the pulley section 926 in the groove 934 and is adjacent to the attachment portion 930 on the pulley element 928 appropriate.

The SMA wire 922 is characterized by a predetermined length. If the wire 922 is in its cold state, its modulus of elasticity and its resistance to deformation are sufficiently low that the spring on the wall 940 the door arrangement 918 and the attachment section 926 acts, the door arrangement 918 from the attachment section 926 pushes away and thereby the wire 922 with respect to its predetermined length stretches. If the wire 922 heated to its hot state, the wire picks up 922 again its predetermined length and its modulus increases, whereby the pulley element 928 and the door arrangement 918 be pulled to each other and the spring 920 is compressed.

Thus, if the door assembly 918 at least partially open, the wire 922 heated to its hot state, causing the spring 920 is compressed. The pulley element 928 turns independently of the hinge pillar 914 to the door arrangement 918 down and therefore has the compression of the spring 920 no influence on the door opening angle. The door arrangement 918 can then be manually pivoted to its closed position, wherein the pulley element 928 with the hinge pillar 914 comes into contact. When the door assembly is opened (eg, when a controller drives an electrical latch (not shown) to release it), the wire 922 is in its cold state, the compressed spring presses the door assembly 918 to their open position and stretch the wire 922 with respect to its predetermined length.

In 13 and 14 to which reference is now made, is the door assembly 1000 over the hinge 1008 rotatable with respect to a vehicle body hinge pillar 1004 appropriate. The door opening actuator 1012 includes a pulley element 1016 , a feather 1020 , and a wire 1024 made of shape memory alloy (SMA wire). The pulley element 1016 is a generally L-shaped angle and includes a pulley portion 1028 and a fixing portion 1032 , The attachment section 1032 is on the hinge 1008 in relation to the door arrangement 1000 and the hinge pillar 1004 rotatably mounted so that the pulley element 1016 around the axis of rotation of the door assembly 1000 around selectively between an in 13 shown first position and one in 14 shown second position is rotatable. The pulley section 1028 is generally horizontally oriented and curved. The pulley section 1028 defines a groove (not shown) that is open in the inward direction, ie toward the vehicle body. The pulley section 1028 extends from the attachment portion 1032 outside the door cavity 1036 through one in the inner panel 1040 the door arrangement 1000 ausgebil dete opening into the door cavity 1036 into it.

The feather 1020 is between the attachment section 1032 and an outer wall 1044 of the inner panel 1040 concentric around the pulley section 1028 arranged around. The SMA wire 1024 is at one end with respect to the inner panel 1040 attached, traverses the door cavity 1036 and extends through the in the inner panel 1040 formed opening from the door cavity 1036 out. Outside the door cavity 1036 extends the SMA wire 1024 along the pulley section 1028 in the groove and is adjacent to the attachment section 1032 on the pulley element 1016 appropriate. Alternatively, a non-SMA cable or wire may be used in the groove and at one end to the SMA wire 1024 and at the other end to the pulley element 1016 be attached.

The SMA wire 1024 is characterized by a predetermined length. If the wire 1024 is in its cold state, its elastic modulus and its resistance to deformation are sufficiently low that the spring 1020 on the wall 1044 and the attachment section 1032 acts, the door arrangement 1000 from the attachment section 1032 pushes away and thereby the wire 1024 with respect to its predetermined length stretches. If the wire 1024 heated to its hot state, the wire picks up 1024 again its predetermined length and its modulus increases, whereby the pulley element 1016 to the door arrangement 1000 pulled out, so that the pulley element 1016 is in its first position and the spring 1020 through the wall 1044 and the attachment section 1032 is compressed.

The pulley element 1016 includes at the end of the pulley section 1028 inside the door cavity 1036 also a hook 1048 , A pawl 1050 is in relation to the inner panel 1040 on the hinge 1054 attached so that the pawl selectively around the pivot 1054 is rotatable around. The pawl 1050 is inside the door cavity 1036 arranged and includes a hook 1058 , The hook 1058 is how in 13 shown with the hook 1048 the pulley element 1016 engageable to the pulley element 1016 to hold in his first position. A feather 1062 pushes the pawl 1050 under tension in engagement with the hook 1048 , The pawl 1050 is selective about the hinge 1054 rotatable around, leaving the hook 1058 out of engagement with the hook 1048 which causes the pulley element 1016 is released from its first position, so that the spring 1020 the pulley element 1016 in its second position with respect to the door assembly 1000 can move.

Thus, if the door assembly 1000 at least partially open, the wire 1024 heated to its hot state, causing the spring 1020 is compressed and the pulley element 1016 in his first position in relation to the door arrangement 1000 is moved. The pulley element 1016 turns independently of the hinge pillar 1004 to the door arrangement 1000 down and therefore has the compression of the spring 1020 no influence on the door opening angle. While the pulley element 1016 moving to the first position causes the spring 1062 that the hook 1058 the pawl 1050 with the hook 1048 of the element 1016 engages. Thus, when the spring cools to its cold state, the inter-engaging hooks prevent it 1048 . 1058 that the spring 1020 expands and releases its stored energy.

The door arrangement 1000 can then be manually pivoted to its closed position. A notching element 1066 stands with the pawl 1050 in operative connection to cause the pawl 1050 it turns, so the hook 1058 with the hook 1048 disengages and the spring 1020 the pulley element 1016 in contact with the hinge pillar 1004 suppressed; the slight movement with which the pulley element 1016 with the hinge pillar 1004 is sufficient to hook the two 1048 . 1058 to prevent them from engaging with each other. Will the door arrangement 1000 unlocked, so presses the spring 1020 the door arrangement 1000 from the pulley element 1016 and the hinge pillar 1004 away and to the open position.

The release element 1066 , z. As a lever or a cable, can be operated in different ways within the scope of the claimed invention, ie, be moved to the movement of the pawl 1050 to induce. In 15 to which reference is now made and in which like reference numbers refer to like components 13 and 14 refer, the element becomes 1066 by an actuator 1070 actuated. The actuator 1070 is intended in an exemplary embodiment, the element 1066 , which may be, for example, a motor, an SMA wire, a solenoid, etc. to operate. In a second embodiment, the actuating element 1070 a door lock release mechanism, which is the same with a door lock, which the door assembly 1000 in the closed position, and with the release element 1066 is in active compound; the door lock release mechanism may be configured to hold the element 1066 either at the same time with, or slightly before the door lock, the door arrangement 1000 release, pressed. Alternatively, the door lock release mechanism can only use part of its way to the element 1066 to press after the door 1000 is completely closed, and he uses a complete way to solve the door lock if necessary. The door latch notch can even solve more than two latches simultaneously or discretely using different path lengths. In a third embodiment, a movement associated with the complete closing of the door is used to move the element 1066 to press. For example, the movement of the rotary latch (not shown) in the door latch from the secondary to the primary position or the movement of the door from the half-open to the fully-closed position may cause movement of the element 1066 cause. It may be desirable to use a cinch lock to ensure a certain travel, thereby ensuring that the door can be completely closed and the spring energy released. In a fourth embodiment, an on / off function is used, wherein a first actuation of the SMA wire 1024 a movement of the pulley element 1016 in the first direction, and a second actuation of the SMA wire causes the pawl 1050 moved so that the pulley element 1016 is released. Other mechanisms may be used to drive the pulley element 1016 to hold in the first position; the pulley element 1016 For example, define an opening and a spring-loaded pin, such as the under 748 in 10 can be inserted into the opening to the pulley element 1016 to hold in position.

In 16 and 17 to which reference is now made, is a door assembly 1100 at least one hinge (not shown) relative to a vehicle body hinge pillar 1104 rotatably mounted, and thus can be pivoted about the at least one hinge selectively between an open position (shown in FIG 16 ) and a closed position (shown in FIG 17 ) are pivoted. The door arrangement 1100 includes an inner panel 1108 cooperating with an outer panel (not shown) about a door cavity 1112 define. A door opening actuator 1116 includes a rod 1120 that is from the inside of the door cavity 1112 through one in the inner panel 1108 formed opening in the space between an outer wall 1124 of the inner panel 1108 and the hinge pillar 1104 extends into it.

The door opening actuator 1116 also includes an SMA wire 1128 , which is a section of the door cavity 1112 traverses and at one end to the inner panel 1108 and at the other end on the rod 1120 is appropriate. A feather 1132 surrounds between the hinge pillar 1104 and the wall 1124 of the inner panel 1108 the staff 1120 concentric. That from the wall 1124 removed end of the spring 1132 is at the bar 1120 appropriate.

The SMA wire 1128 is characterized by a predetermined length. If the wire 1128 is in its cold state, its elastic modulus and its resistance to deformation are sufficiently low that the spring 1132 on the wall 1124 the door arrangement 1100 and the end of the staff 1120 acts, the staff 1120 out of the door cavity 1112 also presses and thereby the wire 1128 with respect to its predetermined length stretches. If the wire 1128 heated to its hot state, the wire picks up 1128 again its predetermined length and its modulus increases, causing the rod 1120 in the door cavity 1112 being pulled in, so that the spring 1132 against the wall 1124 is compressed.

A pawl 1136 is selective about a hinge 1140 rotatable around. If the wire 1128 is heated to its predetermined shape, the rod 1120 sufficiently positioned so that one end 1144 the pawl 1136 with the score 1148 in the bar 1120 engages, thereby preventing the compressed spring 1132 the staff 1120 from the in 16 shown position moves, even if the wire 1128 has cooled down to its cold state.

The pawl 1136 is of sufficient size and positioned so that when it is with the notch 1148 in the bar 1120 engages the opposite end 1150 the pawl 1136 closer to the hinge pillar 1104 extends as the rod 1120 , Thus, when the door assembly occurs 1100 is moved to its closed position, wherein the pawl 1136 with the score 1148 engages, the end 1150 the pawl 1136 with the hinge pillar 1104 in contact, before the rod 1120 with the hinge pillar 1104 comes into contact. The from the hinge pillar 1104 to the end 1150 the pawl 1136 applied counterforce causes the pawl 1136 around the hinge 1140 around out of engagement with the notch 1148 turns as in 17 shown.

In 17 which is now specifically referred to, presses the spring 1132 when the pawl 1136 not with the score 1148 engaged and the SMA wire 1128 cooled down to its cold state, the rod 1120 from the cavity 1112 out to the bar 1120 with the hinge pillar 1104 comes into contact. If the door is unlocked, this is how the compressed spring works 1132 on the wall 1124 to the door assembly 1100 to push towards their open position, as in 16 shown. When the door assembly 1100 is in the open position and the wire 1128 heated to its hot state, enters the pawl 1136 with the score 1148 engaged. The pawl 1136 can be designed such that the gravity of the pawl 1136 with the score 1148 engages, or it may be a spring (not shown), the pawl 1136 with the score 1148 move into engagement.

If a containment connection with the door arrangements off 13 - 17 is used, it may be desirable to modify the containment connection so that the tendency of the containment connection to close the door is less than the tendency of the springs 1020 . 1132 to open the door; This can be done by changing the profile of the Aufhaltverbindung. The design of the pawl 1136 out 16 and 17 can also be used to the pulley element 1016 out 13 - 15 to hold in its first position, creating a pawl 1050 is replaced. Although the pulley element 1016 in 13 - 15 and the staff 1120 in 16 and 17 rotate with respect to the same axis as the corresponding door assemblies, the axes of rotation of the elements 1016 . 1120 be offset within the scope of the claimed invention with respect to the axis of rotation of their respective door assemblies.

In 18 to which reference is now made is an arrangement 1200 for locking a shutter (not shown) which is rotatable about a horizontal axis, shown schematically. Exemplary closures which are rotatable about a horizontal axis include, but are not limited to, hoods, rear trunk lids (ie, trunk latches), tailgates, etc. The order 1200 includes a construction element 1204 , the two flanges 1208 . 1210 for attaching the element 1204 with respect to a vehicle body. The element 1204 also defines a striker slot 1214 that at one end 1218 is open. The element 1204 is attached to a rear panel or rear wall of a trunk or other rear storage compartment such that the striker slot 1214 is open at the top to receive a locking bar (not shown) attached to the closure. A lock 1222 is in relation to the element 1204 attached so that the latch 1222 picks up the striker when the striker is in the slot 1214 enters, and includes a rotary latch (not shown) to engage the striker, as understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, when the shutter is moved to its closed position, the striker is translated through the slot 1214 characterized, which it follows, wherein the striker through the open end 1218 in the slot 1214 enters and moves through the slot until it locks with the latch 1222 engages, which engages the striker, as understood by those skilled in the art.

The order 1200 also includes an arm 1226 who is at a swivel 1230 swiveling with the element 1204 connected is. The arm 1226 is about the pivot between a first position (in 18 shown) and a second position pivoted. If the arm 1226 is in its first position, crosses a section 1234 of the arm 1226 the travel of the striker through the slot 1214 ; when the arm 1226 is in his second position, crosses the arm 1226 either not the travel path of the striker, or it crosses the travel of the striker closer to the end of the travel, ie closer to the position that the striker occupies when fully with the lock 1222 is engaged, as is the case when the arm 1226 is in the first position. A in terms of the hinge 1230 on the section 1234 opposite section 1238 of the arm 1226 is with a spring 1242 connected. The feather 1242 connects the section 1238 and the element 1204 together.

A pulley 1244 is in relation to the arm 1226 attached and is selectively around the hinge 1230 rotatable around. An SMA wire 1246 is at one end around the pulley 1244 wound around and is at the other end in relation to the vehicle body 1248 appropriate. The SMA wire 1246 is characterized by a predetermined length. If the wire 1246 is heated to its hot state, it returns to its predetermined length, ie, its length decreases, thereby causing the pulley 1244 and accordingly the arm 1226 (counterclockwise, as in 10 visible) around the hinge 1230 turn around to the second position, in which the section 1234 of the arm 1226 essentially not over the slot 1214 extends and is substantially not in the travel of a striker, which is during engagement in the lock 1222 through the slot 1214 moved through. If the arm 1226 Turning from his first position to his second position, he stretches the pen 1242 ; the feather 1242 is thus under tension when the arm 1226 is in his second position and presses his arm 1226 back to his first position.

Accordingly, by heating the wire 1246 and thus by moving the Arms 1226 reduced in its second position of the force required to move the shutter in its closed position, since the striker on its traverse to the lock 1222 not on the arm 1226 meets or travels to the lock 1222 only later on the arm 1226 meets, and therefore the spring 1242 the movement of the striker over its travel path away no resistance or the movement of the striker over a smaller portion of its travel path resistance, as is the case when the arm 1226 is in his first position. After the striker with the latch 1222 engaged, the wire cools 1246 on his cold condition. If the wire 1246 is in its cold state, is the module of the wire 1246 sufficiently low, that of the spring 1242 on the arm 1226 applied force is sufficient to the wire 1246 in a pseudoplastic manner, so that it is longer than its predetermined length. The feather 1242 it's pushing your arm 1226 to turn from its second position to its first position, which in turn causes the pulley 1244 turns, causing the wire 1246 is stretched in a pseudoplastic manner. The of the spring 1242 on the arm 1226 applied force is sufficient to the arm 1226 to turn, leaving the section 1234 is in contact with the striker. The feather 1242 is still curious when the arm 1226 comes into contact with the striker, and biases the section 1234 against the striker, so that when the lock is released, the arm 1226 pushes the striker, and thus the closure, into the open position of the closure.

In 19 to which reference is now made and in which like reference numbers refer to like components 18 is an alternative arrangement 1200A for locking a shutter, which is rotatable about a horizontal axis, shown schematically. A lever 1256 stands by a connecting arm 1252 with the arm 1226A in active connection. The connecting arm 1252 connects the lever 1256 with the arm 1226A so that this is common with the arm 1226A around the hinge 1230 turns around. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 1256 essentially parallel to the section 1238 However, other configurations may be used within the scope of the claimed invention.

The wire 1246 is at one end on the lever 1256 attached, and heating the wire 1246 on its hot condition therefore causes the lever 1256 , and with him the arm 1226A , around the hinge 1230 moved from his second position to his first position. The order 1200A also includes a pawl 1260 working on a swivel 1264 swiveling with the element 1204 connected is. The pawl 1260 includes a hook portion 1268 which is designed to be the end of the section 1234 engages when the arm 1226A is in the second position. It should be noted that the pawl 1260 shown here is her arm 1226A engaged, the arm is in 19 in the first position is that the pawl 1260 but preferably with the arm 1226A engages when the arm is in its second position.

Thus, after the wire occurs 1246 has been heated and the arm 1226A has moved to its second position, the pawl 1260 with the arm 1226A engaged to hold the arm in its second position. A spring (not shown) preferably pushes the pawl 1260 under tension with the arm 1226A engaged. An SMA wire 1272 is at one end on the element 1204 and at the other end on the pawl 1260 appropriate. By heating the wire 1272 will cause the wire 1272 a force on the pawl 1260 exerts, so the pawl 1260 around the hinge 1264 around out of engagement with the arm 1226A rotates, thereby allowing the spring 1242 the arm 1226A to the open position and in contact with the striker in the slot 1214 suppressed.

Accordingly, the wire can 1246 be heated before the movement of the closure in the closed position; the pawl 1260 Hold your arm 1226A even after the wire 1246 has cooled to its cold state, in its second position. After the striker has engaged with the latch, the wire can become 1272 be warmed to the arm 1226A to release from the pawl and engage with the striker.

In another embodiment (not shown) also a whole or partial pulley may be the partial or complete lever 1256 replaced and located within the plane of the rear wall of the vehicle body to provide a constant moment arm. In another embodiment (not shown), the pawl 1260 between the striker slot 1214 and the common axis of rotation 1230 for the two levers 1226A . 1256 be located. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the tension spring 1242 also be placed outside the plane of the back wall.

In yet another alternative embodiment, an inter-state switchable latch / unlatch mechanism (not shown) similar to that shown in certain Ku used with retractable refill, so that when you press the SMA wire once 1246 the feather 1242 is stretched and switched to the locked state; a second actuation of the SMA wire 1246 causes the spring 1242 is switched to the unlocked state.

The pawl 1260 can be actuated, ie moved, within the scope of the claimed invention in various manners, ie, around the pawl 1260 with the arm 1226A to disengage. In a first embodiment, the pawl 1260 actuated by an actuator which is the operation of the pawl 1260 is fixedly assigned, such as a motor, an SMA wire, a solenoid, etc. In a second embodiment, the pawl 1260 operated by a latch release mechanism which operates equally with the latch (shown at 1222 in 8th ) and with the pawl 1260 is in active compound; the latch release mechanism may be configured to engage the pawl 1260 either simultaneously with, or slightly before causing the lock 1222 to release the striker, operated. Alternatively, the latch release mechanism can only use part of its way to the pawl 1260 after the closure is fully closed, he uses a full path to the lock 1222 if necessary. The latch release mechanism may even solve more than two latches simultaneously or discretely using different path lengths. In a third embodiment, a movement associated with the complete closure of the closure is used for the pawl 1260 to press. For example, the movement of the rotary latch (not shown) in the latch 1222 From the secondary to the primary position or the closing movement from the half-open to the fully closed position, a movement of the pawl 1260 cause. It may be desirable to use a cinch lock to ensure some travel and thereby ensure that the shutter can be fully closed and the spring energy released.

In 20A - 20D to which reference is now made and in which like reference numbers refer to like components 18 - 19 include an arrangement 1200B an arm 1226 that's about the swivel 1230 , as in 19 shown on the element 1204 is appropriate. The arm section 1238 is at one end of the spring 1242 appropriate. A cam 1280 is eccentric with a swivel joint 1284 for selective rotation in relation to the 1204 in 19 connected element connected. The cam 1280 includes a nose portion 1286 , The SMA wire 1288 is at one end with the cam 1280 connected and is at the other end with the element 1204 or the back wall connected. The SMA wire 1292 is at one end with the cam 1280 connected and is at the other end with the element 1204 connected.

The arm 1226 is in 20A shown in his first position. Heating the wire 1288 on his hot condition causes the wire 1288 shortened in length, leaving the SMA wire 1288 a force on the cam 1280 exerts, which causes the cam 1280 (counterclockwise in the figures) around the hinge 1284 turns around, leaving the nose 1286 with the arm 1226 comes into contact and causes the arm to become an in 20B shown intermediate position and then in his in 20C shown, second position turns. After the wire 1288 has cooled to its cold state, is the wire 1292 heated to its hot state, which causes the wire 1292 shortened in length, leaving the wire 1292 a force on the cam 1280 exerts, which causes the cam 1280 itself (clockwise in the figures) by the in 20D shown intermediate position in his in 20A shown position turns. The end of the nose 1286 that comes into contact with the arm when the arm 1226 is in the second position is flat. The cam 1280 acts as a locking device when the arm 1226 is in the second position, and as a stop when the arm 1226 is in the first position. In this embodiment, the cam 1280 and the wires 1288 . 1292 Coplanar, whereby the required installation space is minimized. In an alternative embodiment, the wire is 1292 replaced by a coil spring and the arm 1226 still partially crosses the travel path of the striker through the slot 1214 in 20C so that the end path of the closure during closing the arm 1226 slightly moved past the second position, and therefore the cam can by the spring in the in 20A shown position to be moved.

In an alternative embodiment, the cam 1280 shaped so that a single SMA wire could operate the device entirely by itself. Suppose the device is as described in the in 20C moved position shown, so if the cam is formed in a suitable manner and the wire ( 1288 ) is appropriately sized and dimensioned so that there is still some distance left, it could be reactivated to the cam 1280 to turn a little further counterclockwise. Once the flat portion of the cam has been overcome, the shape of the nose could be such that the spring force is sufficient to put the cam in the 20A return shown position, causing the cam 1280 essentially turned in a single direction to the arm 1226 equally compress and solve.

In 21 to which reference is now made and in which like reference numbers refer to like components 18 - 20D The arrangement comprises 1200C two SMA wires 1296A . 1296B , The wire 1296A is at one end on the construction element 1204 attached and is at the other end to the arm 1226 appropriate. The wire 1296B is at one end on the construction element 1204 attached and attached to the other end of the arm. The wires 1296A and 1296B are essentially in the same place on your arm 1226 on the arm 1226 attached, and are so on the construction element 1204 attached that wires 1296A . 1296B form an obtuse angle.

In 22 to which reference is now made is a locking system 1300 for a door 1304 shown schematically. The door 1304 is in relation to a vehicle body construction element 1308 selectively pivotable. The lock 1300 includes an element 1312 that in terms of the door 1304 is attached and in relation to the door 1304 is selectively rotatable about its center. The element 1312 carries two pawl teeth 1316 . 1320 and a lead 1324 , The lock also includes a pawl 1328 with a lead 1332 , The lock 1300 is so at the door 1304 attached that when the door 1304 closed, the lead 1324 with a striker 1336 which is attached to the vehicle body construction ^element 1308 is attached, comes into contact. The contact between the projection 1324 and the striker 1336 causes a rotation of the element 1312 in relation to the door 1304 ,

While the element 1312 turns, the teeth turn 1316 . 1320 with the lead 1332 the pawl 1328 engaged. The pawl 1328 is in relation to the door 1304 rotatable to selectively engage and disengage the pawl 1328 and the teeth 1316 . 1320 to allow. A feather 1334 clamps the pawl 1328 before, to the engagement between the pawl 1328 and the teeth 1316 . 1320 to maintain.

The lock 1300 includes a spring 1340 and an SMA spring 1344 that are designed so that they are stretched when the striker 1336 the element 1312 rotates. If the door 1304 closed and the SMA spring 1344 is in its cold state, is the module of the spring 1344 sufficiently low so that there is no excessive force when closing the door. By applying a thermal activation signal to the spring 1344 to the spring 1344 to heat up to their hot state, the pseudoplastic strain is out of the spring 1344 removed, and the spring 1344 thus contributes to the door 1304 to move to its open position when the pawl 1328 is solved. The feather 1344 namely causes a rotation of the element 1312 so the lead 1324 on the striker 1336 acts, which in turn causes a drag, which the door 1304 pushes to their open position.

It may be desirable be that an SMA wire with items like door inner panels, etc. over one Spring is operatively connected so that the spring is the force of the SMA wire can adapt when it returns to its predetermined shape, for the Case that an object is opening the door blocked.

The Here are shown embodiments with a vehicle door, d. H. related to a closure. It should be noted, however, that within the scope of the claimed invention, any door system can be used. For example, it may be within the Scope of the claimed invention in a "door" to any acting closure or any swivel plate, such as to a door for a roasting oven, a door for a Sports vehicle, a door for one Kitchen cabinet, a vehicle bonnet, a trunk lid, a tailgate, a rear side wall, a cover, a door in a residential or office building, etc. In similar This may be a "design element" within the scope the invention for example, a vehicle body or a Component thereof, such as a hinge pillar, a rocker arm, etc., a door frame or a wall of a building, a structure that has a kitchen box defines the housing a toast roasting oven etc. act.

In the following, a number of exemplary embodiments of active material based door opening actuation arrangements will be described. The active material based actuator assemblies described herein use shape memory alloy wires. However, other active materials may also be used within the scope of the claimed invention. For example, other shape memory materials may also be used. By shape-memory materials, a class of active materials, sometimes referred to as smart materials, is meant materials or compositions that have the ability to remember their original shape, which is subsequently enhanced by applying or exposing an external stimulus (ie, an activity signal) can be called again. The deformation of a shape memory material with respect to its original state can thus represent a temporary state.

exemplary Shape memory materials include Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), electrochemically active polymers (EAPs) such as dielectric elastomers, piezoelectric polymers and shape memory polymers (SMPs), magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs), shape memory ceramics (SMCs), baroplasts, piezoelectric ceramics, magnetorheological elastomers (MR elastomers), as well as composites of the aforementioned shape memory materials with Non-shape memory materials, and combinations comprising at least one of the aforementioned shape memory materials include. The EAPs, piezoceramics, baroplasts and the like can be similar Be used as the shape memory alloys described herein, as for the easy to establish expert with regard to this disclosure is.

In of the present invention include most embodiments Shape memory wires; it can however, shape memory materials and other active materials within the scope of the claimed claims Invention can also be used in a variety of other forms, For example, as strips, webs, plates, foam, cell and Lattice structures, helical or tubular Springs, braided cables, pipes, or combinations thereof may be included at least one of the aforementioned forms to similar ones Be used as for the person skilled in the art with respect to this disclosure is determined.

suitable Shape Memory Alloys can a disposable shape memory effect, a material's own two-way effect or an outer two-way shape memory effect have, depending from the alloy composition and the past processing history the same. The two phases that occur with shape memory alloys, become common referred to as martensite phase and austenite phase. The martensite phase is a relatively soft and easily deformable phase of the shape memory alloys, which is generally given at lower temperatures. The Austenite phase, the stronger Phase of shape memory alloys, occurs at higher Temperatures up. Shape memory materials, those of shape memory alloy compositions are formed, which have one-way shape memory effects form not automatically back and require, depending on the shape memory material design, often an external mechanical force to recover their original shape alignment. Shape memory materials, which have a material's own shape memory effect, are from a shape memory alloy composition manufactured, which automatically return to their original shape.

The Temperature at which the shape memory alloy during heating again returns to its high-temperature form, May be due to minor changes be adapted in the alloy composition and by heat treatment. For nickel-titanium shape memory alloys For example, it may be changed from about 100 ° C to less than about -100 ° C. The shape recovery process occurs over a range of a few degrees and the beginning or end of the conversion can depending on the desired Application and alloy composition controlled to a few degrees become. The mechanical properties of the shape memory alloy can talk about the Temperature range in which their transformation takes place, change a lot, typically causing the shape memory material shape memory effects as well as a high damping capacity be lent. The material's own, high damping ability of the shape memory alloys can be used to their energy absorbing properties continue to increase.

When suitable shape memory alloy materials are, without any claim to completeness, nickel-titanium alloys, Indium-titanium alloys, nickel-aluminum alloys, nickel-gallium alloys, Copper alloys (eg copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, Copper-gold and Copper-tin alloys), gold cadmium alloys, silver cadmium alloys, Indium-cadmium alloys, manganese-copper alloys, iron-platinum alloys, Iron-palladium alloys and the like. In the alloys can it's binary, ternary Alloys or alloys of higher order, as long as the alloy composition has a shape memory effect, d. H. a change in the mold alignment, the damping ability and the like.

Other suitable active materials are shape memory polymers. Similar to the behavior of a shape memory alloy, the shape memory polymer also undergoes a change in shape alignment as a temperature increase occurs that extends beyond its transition temperature range. Unlike the SMAs, raising the temperature above its transition temperature leads to a significant drop in the modulus. While SMAs are better for actuators, SMPs are better suited as "reverse" actuators. Insofar as when the heating of the SMP over its transition temperature addition mean If the drop in the module occurs, there may be a release of stored energy blocked by the SMP in its low temperature, high modulus form. To establish the permanent shape of the shape memory polymer, the polymer must be approximately at or above the Tg or melting point of the hard segment of the polymer. "Segment" refers to a polymer block or sequence that forms part of the shape memory polymer. The formation of the shape memory polymers is carried out at the temperature with an applied force, followed by cooling to set the permanent shape. The temperature required to set the permanent shape is preferably 100 ° C to 300 ° C. Setting the temporary shape of the shape memory polymer requires that the shape memory polymer material be brought to a temperature that is equal to or above the Tg or transition temperature of the soft segment, but below the Tg or melting point of the hard segment. At the transition temperature of the soft segment (also called "first transition temperature"), the temporary shape of the shape memory polymer is determined, followed by cooling of the shape memory polymer to enclose the temporary shape. The temporary shape is maintained as long as it remains below the transition temperature of the soft segment. The permanent shape is regained when the shape memory polymer fibers are reheated to above the transition temperature of the soft segment. By repeating the steps of heating, molding and cooling, the temporary shape can be re-established. The transition temperature of the soft segment for a particular application can be selected by modifying the structure and composition of the polymer. The transition temperatures of the soft segment vary in a range of about -63 ° C to about 120 ° C.

Shape memory polymers can more than just two transition temperatures include. A shape memory polymer composition, which includes one hard segment and two soft segments can have three transition temperatures have: the highest transition temperature for the hard segment and a transition temperature for each soft segment.

The most shape memory polymers have a "one-way" effect, wherein the shape memory polymer has a single permanent shape. Upon heating of the shape memory polymer a higher one Temperature as the first transition temperature the permanent shape is achieved and the shape forms without Expenditure of external forces is not back to the temporary Shape back. As an alternative, you can certain shape memory polymer compositions be prepared so that they have a "two-way" effect. These systems exist from at least two polymer components. An ingredient could be for Example, a first cross-linked polymer, while the other constituent part another crosslinked polymer. The ingredients are going through Layering techniques combine or contrast each other penetrating networks, with two components being networked, but not with each other. Changing the temperature changes that Shape memory polymer his Form, in the direction of the first permanent shape to the second permanent form. Each of the permanent forms belongs to one component of the shape memory polymer. The two permanent forms are always in balance between both forms. The temperature dependence of the shape is through the fact requires that the mechanical properties of a component ("Component A") almost independent of of the temperature within the relevant temperature interval. The mechanical properties of the other ingredient ("ingredient B") are temperature dependent. In an embodiment Component B is at low temperatures compared to the component A stronger, while component A is stronger at high temperatures and the actual Shape determined. A two-way memory device Can be recycled by adding the permanent form of the ingredient A is set ("first permanent form "); the device in the permanent form of the component B (second permanent form ") is brought and the permanent form of the component B fixed will, while a tension is exerted on the component.

Similar to the Shape memory alloys can also the shape memory polymers be designed in many different shapes and forms. The for The recovery of the permanent form necessary temperature can be applied to each be set any temperature between about -63 ° C and about 120 ° C or above. Already in designing the composition and structure of the polymer itself may consider the selection of a particular temperature for a desired application become. A preferred temperature for the shape recovery is greater or equal to about -30 ° C, more preferably at bigger or about the same 0 ° C, and most preferably greater or about the same 50 ° C. Farther is a preferred temperature for the shape recovery at less or about the same 120 ° C, more preferably at less than or equal to 90 ° C, and most preferred at less than or equal to about 70 ° C.

Suitable shape memory polymers include thermoplastics, thermosets, interpenetrating Networks, semi-interpenetrating networks, or mixed networks. The polymer may be a single polymer or a mixture of polymers. The polymers may be linear or branched thermoplastic elastomers having side chains or dendritic structural elements. Suitable polymer constituents for forming a shape memory polymer include, but are not limited to, polyphosphazenes, polyvinyl alcohols, polyamides, polyesteramides, poly (amino acids), polyanhydrides, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyalkylenes, polyacrylamides, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terephthalates, polyorthoesters, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, Polyvinyl halides, polyesters, polylactides, polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyetheramides, polyetheresters and their copolymers. Examples of suitable polyacrylates are polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylmethacrylate, polybutylmethacrylate, polyisobutylmethacrylate, polyhexylmethacrylate, polyisodecylmethacrylate, polylaurylmethacrylate, polyphenylmethacrylate, polymethylacrylate, polyisopropylacrylate, polyisobutylacrylate and polyoctadecylacrylate. Examples of other suitable polymers include polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinylphenol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, chlorinated polybutylene, polyoctadecyl vinyl ether, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, poly (ethylene oxide) -poly (ethylene terephthalate), polylethylene / nylon (graft polymer), polycaprolactone polyamide (block copolymer), poly caprolactone dimethacrylate n-butyl acrylate, polyhedral, oligomeric polynorbornylsilsequioxane, polyvinyl chloride, urethane / butadiene copolymers, polyurethane block copolymers, styrene-butadiene styrene copolymers, and the like.

The Shape memory polymer or the shape memory alloy can be activated by any suitable means, preferably by a means by which the material of a temperature change up or down over a transition temperature is subjected to. To increase the temperature, a heat supply using hot Gas (eg air), steam, hotter liquid or electric power. The activating agent may be, for example in the form of a heat pipe through with the shape memory material in contact, heated Element, by convection from a heated pipe near the thermally active shape memory material, a hot air blower or a hot air nozzle, through Microwave interaction, resistance heating and the like. In the case of a temperature reduction, heat dissipation through the insert of cold gas, or by evaporation of a coolant. The activating agent may be in the form of a cold room or housing, for example, being a cooling probe a chilled one Tip, a control signal for a thermoelectric unit, a cold air blower or a cold air nozzle or having means to coolant (such as liquid Nitrogen) at least in the vicinity of the shape memory material respectively.

suitable magnetic materials include, but are not limited to, Soft or hard magnets; hematite; magnetite; Magnetic material based on iron, nickel and cobalt, alloys of these or combinations that at least to include one of these, and the like. alloys Of iron, nickel and / or cobalt, aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, Vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, manganese and / or copper.

suitable MR elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, to call an elastic, polymeric matrix, which is a suspension ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles, wherein the particles are described above. As suitable polymers Matrices are, without being exhaustive, poly-alpha-olefins, Natural rubber, silicone, polybutadiene, polyethylene, polyisoprene and the same.

Electroactive Polymers include those polymeric materials that are responsive electrical or mechanical fields piezoelectric, pyroelectric Laying, or electrostrictive properties in the day. The materials generally use yielding electrodes, which make it polymer layers enable, in response to applied electric fields or applied to extend mechanical loads in each case in the same plane or contract. An example of this is an electrostrictive one Probstastomer with a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoretyhlen copolymer. This combination has the ability to one variable amount of ferroelectric-electrostrictive, molecular To produce composite systems. These can be considered a piezoelectric Sensor or even operated as an electrostrictive actuator. When activating an EAP-based attenuator becomes an electric Signal used to make a change to effect in the mold orientation, which is sufficient to one change in length bring about. By reversing the polarity the voltage applied to the EAP can be a reversible closing mechanism be created.

Materials suitable for use as the electroactive polymer may include, but are not limited to, any substantially insulative polymer or rubbers (or combinations thereof) which deform in response to an electrostatic force or whose deformation translates into an electrical change Fields affects. As exemplary materials, the Suitable for use as pre-stretched polymers are, inter alia, silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprising PVDF, pressure sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like. Polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties include, for example, copolymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone elastomer, and an acrylic elastomer.

Materials, which are used as electroactive polymers can on the basis of one or more properties, such as a high dielectric strength, a low Young's modulus (for large and small deformations), a high dielectric constant and the like selected become. In one embodiment is the polymer selected such that it has a modulus of elasticity from at most about 100 MPa has. In another embodiment, the polymer is so selected that there is a maximum actuation pressure between about 0.05 MPa and about 10 MPa, and preferably between about 0.3 MPa and about 3 MPa having. In another embodiment is the polymer selected such that it is a dielectric constant between about 2 and about 20, and preferably between about 2.5 and about 12. The present invention should not be limited to these ranges. Ideally, it would be materials with a higher one Dielectric constant as the above ranges desirable if the materials alike a high dielectric constant and have a high dielectric strength. In many cases, electroactive polymers can be used as a thin one Films made and realized. Suitable thicknesses for these thin films can be less than 50 microns.

There electroactive polymers are deflected at high strains can, The electrodes attached to the polymers should also be can be distracted without mechanical or electrical power losses. In general can for the use suitable electrodes in terms of shape and material designed as desired provided they are capable of an electroactive polymer to supply a suitable voltage, or to receive from this a suitable voltage. The voltage can be either constant or over to be varying over time. In one embodiment, the electrodes adhere on a surface of the Polymer. The electrodes adhering to the polymer are preferably compliant and adapt to the changing shape of the polymer at. Accordingly, the present invention can provide compliant electrodes which take the form of an electroactive polymer on which they are appropriate, adapt. The electrodes can only work on one section be applied to an electroactive polymer and according to their Geometry define an active area. For use with the present Suitable for the invention are various types of electrodes, among others other structured electrodes comprising metal tracks and charge distribution layers, textured electrodes comprising variable, non-planar dimensions, conductive Fats such as carbon fats or silver fats, colloidal suspensions, conductive materials with big aspect ratio such as carbon fibrils and carbon nanotubes, as well Mixtures of internal conductive materials.

The for electrodes according to the present disclosure used materials can vary. As suitable materials used in an electrode can including graphite, soot, Colloidal suspensions, thin Including metals Silver and gold, silver filled and carbon filled gels and polymers, and ionically conductive or electronically conductive Called polymers. It is understood that certain electrode materials work well with certain polymers and may not work work so well with others. This is how carbon fibrils work good with acrylic elastomer polymers, but not so good with silicone polymers.

The active material may also comprise a piezoelectric material. In certain embodiments the piezoelectric material can also be designed as an actuating element, which allows a quick deployment. As used herein, the term "piezoelectric" is intended to be a material describe that deforms mechanically (the shape changes) when a voltage potential is applied thereto, or in reverse Way an electrical charge is generated when it is mechanically deformed becomes. When using the piezoelectric material is an electric Signal used for activation. After activation, the piezoelectric material a change in length effect in the excited state. Upon suspension of the activation signal the strips form again in their original shape alignment, z. B. a straight shape alignment, back.

Preferably is a piezoelectric material on strips of a flexible Metal or a ceramic layer arranged. The stripes can be unimorphic or bimorph. Preferably, the strips are bimorph, since bimorphs generally a greater change in length exhibit as unimorphs.

One type of unimorph is a structure consisting of a single piezoelectric element externally bonded to a flexible metal foil or strip that is, which is excited by the piezoelectric element when it is activated with alternating voltage, and this leads to axial buckling or deflection, since it resists movement of the piezoelectric element. The movement of the actuator for a Unimorph may be a contraction or an expansion. Unimorphs can have an elongation of up to about 10%, but generally can tolerate only low stresses relative to the general dimensions of the unimorph structure.

in the Unlike the unimorph piezoelectric device comprises a bimorph device a flexible metal intermediate foil, the is arranged between two piezoelectric elements. bimorphs therefore have a greater change in length because when a voltage is applied, a ceramic element contracts, while the other expands. Bimorphs may have strains of up to about 20%, can however similar the unimorphs in general no high loads relative to tolerated the general dimensions of the unimorph structure.

suitable Piezoelectric materials include inorganic compounds, organic compounds and metals. In terms of organic materials All polymeric materials come with non-center-symmetric Structure and big / n Dipole moment group (s) on the main chain or on the side chain or at both chains within the molecules as for the piezoelectric film suitable materials in question. Examples of suitable polymers include without claim of completeness, Polysodium 4-styrenesulfonate ("PSS"), poly S-119 (polyvinylamine) backbone azo chromophore) and their derivatives; Polyfluorohydrocarbons comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (("PVDF"), its copolymer vinylidene fluoride ("VDF"), trifluoroethylene (TrFE) and their derivatives; Polychloro-hydrocarbons, comprising Polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), polyvinylidene chloride ("PVDC") and their derivatives; Polyacrylonitriles ("PAN") and their derivatives; polycarboxylic comprising polymethacrylic acid ("PMA") and their derivatives; Polyureas and their derivatives; Polyurethanes ("PU") and their derivatives; Bio-polymer molecules, such as poly-L-lactic acids, and their derivatives, and membrane proteins, as well as phosphate biomolecules; polyanilines and their derivatives, as well as all Derivatives of tetramines; Polyimides, including Kapton molecules and polyetherimides ("PEI") and their derivatives; all the membrane polymers; Poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) ("PVP") homopolymer, and its derivatives, and random PVP-co-vinyl acetate ("PVAc") copolymers; and all the aromatic polymers with dipole moment groups in the main chain or the side chains or equally in the main chain and the Side chains, as well as mixtures thereof.

Further possible piezoelectric materials can Pt, Pd, Ni, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ag, Au, Cu and metal alloys and mixtures include. Furthermore can to these piezoelectric materials, for example metal oxide, such as SiO 2, Al 2 O 3, ZrO 2, TiO 2, SrTiO 3, PbTiO 3, BaTiO 3, FeO 3, Fe 3 O 4, ZnO and mixtures thereof; as well as compounds of group VIA and IIB, such as CdSe, CdS, GaAs, AgCaSe 2, ZnSe, GaP, InP, ZnS and Mixtures of these counted become. Suitable active materials include, without limitation Completeness, Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), ferromagnetic SMAs, piezoelectric materials, electroactive Polymers (EAP) and magnetorheological elastomers (MR).

When provided by an activation device (not shown), potential Activation signal include a heat signal, a magnetic Signal, an electrical signal, a pneumatic signal, a mechanical one Signal and the like, as well as combinations thereof, at least one of the aforementioned Include signals, the concrete activation signal from each of depends on the materials and / or the interpretation of the active material. For example, a magnetic and / or electrical signal can be used Be the property of magnetostrictive materials modified active material to change. A heat signal can be applied to the property of shape memory alloys and / or shape memory polymers modified active material to change. An electrical signal Can be applied to the property of electroactive Materials, piezoelectrics, electrostatic materials and / or Internal polymer-metal composites fabricated, active material to change.

It Although here are the best modes of implementation of the present invention described in detail for those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains are however, various alternative designs and embodiments for the implementation the invention within the scope of the appended claims recognizable.

Claims (20)

A door system comprising: a structural element; a door movably mounted with respect to the structural member to move between an open position and a closed position; and a spring mounted with respect to the structural member or door and positioned sufficiently to move the door to its open position to bias when the door is in its closed position. door system according to claim 1, further comprising a containment connection arrangement with a housing and one with the housing operatively connected holding compound; wherein the housing in relation on the door is attached and the Aufhaltverbindung with respect to the structural element is appropriate; and wherein the spring surrounds the stopping connection. door system according to claim 1, wherein the door a door cavity and an opening Are defined; being the door system a generally L-shaped angle with a first Arm portion and a second arm portion, wherein the angle pivoted with respect to the door and the construction element is attached; the first one Arm section through the opening in the door cavity extends into it; and the spring the first arm section outside of the door cavity surrounds. door system according to claim 3, wherein the spring the door and the second arm portion pushes apart, when the door is in the closed position. door system according to claim 3, further comprising an actuator, the has an active material, which is designed so that it a change in response to an activation signal learns in at least one feature; wherein the active material is operatively connected to the door and the angle stands, so the change in at least one feature causes the angle to become relative to the door moved to a position in which the spring is compressed. door system according to claim 5, further comprising a latch, the is designed so that it holds the angle releasably in the position in which the spring is compressed. door system according to claim 5, wherein the angle is within the door panel has a hook; and wherein the door system further comprises a pawl , which is designed such that it selectively in the hook Engaging takes to the angle solvable to hold in the position in which the spring is compressed. door system according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator, the has an active material, which is designed so that it a change in response to an activation signal learns in at least one feature; wherein the active material is in operative connection with the spring, to selectively compress the spring. door system according to claim 8, further comprising a locking element, which is designed so that it releasably maintains the compression of the spring. door system according to claim 9, wherein the locking element is a Pen acts. door system according to claim 9, wherein the locking element is a Pawl acts. door system according to claim 9, which further comprises a release actuator includes to selectively move the locking element and thereby to allow the expansion of the spring. door system according to claim 12, further comprising a latch that is designed so that the door releasably in the closed position holds; and wherein the release actuator is designed such that it selectively disengages the latch brings. door system according to claim 1, wherein the structural element has a slot defines an open end for receiving a striker; being the door system further comprising a rotatable arm adapted to he crosses the slot; and the spring is the arm in the direction of the open End of the slot biasing. door system according to claim 14, further comprising an actuator, the has an active material, which is designed such that it is a change in response to an activation signal learns in at least one feature; wherein the active material is in operative connection with the arm, so that change In at least one feature causes the arm to move in the direction moved away from the open end of the slot. door system according to claim 15, wherein the actuating element further comprising a cam; and wherein the active material over the Cam is connected to the arm. door system according to claim 1, further comprising a door mounted with respect to the door Lock comprises; a striker with respect to the structural element is mounted and engageable with the lock; and wherein the spring is made of a shape memory material that deforms is when the striker with the lock is engaged. door system according to claim 1, wherein the spring comprises a shape memory material. Vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a Door that movably mounted in relation to the vehicle body between an open position and a closed position to move; and a spring, in relation to the vehicle body or the door is appropriate and positioned sufficiently to the door to her open position when the door is in its closed position located. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising actuator comprising an active material designed in such a way is that there is a change in response to an activation signal learns in at least one feature; wherein the active material is in operative connection with the spring, to selectively compress the spring.