DE102011114925B4 - Method for operating a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for operating a flap assembly of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap assembly comprises a flap (1) which is adjustable in an opening operation or in a closing operation between a closed position (S) and an open position (O), wherein at a relative to the flap (1) fixed body component (3) or on the flap (1) a drive arrangement (4) with at least one drive (5) is provided, wherein the drive (5) comprises a drive motor (6) and a drive motor (6) downstream feed gear (7) for generating drive movements (8) and wherein the flap (1) in an initial adjustment portion (A) of the opening operation by means of the drive assembly (4) is adjusted by motor and otherwise exclusively motorless, in particular spring-driven and / or manually, is adjusted, characterized in that in the drive train of the drive assembly (4), an overload clutch (11) is connected, which occurs when a decoupled predetermined load limit in the drive train and thus separates the drive train.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the operation of a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle for carrying out this method according to the preamble of claim 7 and a drive arrangement of such a flap arrangement according to claim 14.

The method in question relates to the adjustment operations, in particular the opening operation and the closing operation, for a flap of a motor vehicle. The term "flap" is to be understood comprehensively. This includes tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, doors, especially side doors, cargo compartments o. The like. A motor vehicle. In the present case, the adjustment of a tailgate in the foreground, which is not restrictive to understand.

It is known to equip the tailgate of a motor vehicle with a spring arrangement, usually with at least one gas spring, in order to drive the tailgate against its weight in the opening direction. In the simplest case, such flap arrangements are exclusively manually operable. The manual user operation is supported by the gas spring regularly during the opening process. When closing the user works accordingly against the bias of the gas spring. Such an arrangement shows the DE 10 2005 044 326 A1 ,

In order to relieve the user in the manual operation, flap assemblies are now increasingly equipped with drive assemblies that allow both a motor opening operation and a motorized closing operation. A known drive arrangement, which is designed with regard to an above spring arrangement, shows the DE 10 2005 044 326 A1 , Another drive arrangement with shear kinematics is in the DE 20 2004 017 178 U1 disclosed.

Although the known drive arrangements for all conceivable operating situations provide a good ease of use. However, in some user groups a full automation of all possible adjustment operations is not desired. In particular, when it comes to high cost efficiency, is often resorted to a purely manually operable drive assembly, which is associated with a little convincing ease of use.

The invention is based on the problem of developing the known manual method for the operation of a flap arrangement such that the ease of use is increased with minimal cost.

The above problem is solved in a method according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Essential is the fundamental consideration that a considerable ease of use can already be achieved by providing a drive arrangement which acts exclusively during the opening process and there only within an initial adjustment section. With a suitable design of a spring arrangement can thus realize a completely automatic opening process. The closing process is then preferably done manually. This takes into account the fact that the simplification of the automatic, substantially against the gravitational force opening process is generally more important.

In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 5, an adjustment and subsequently a return adjustment of the drive assembly is triggered in an opening operation, wherein the return movement preferably further directly followed by the forward movement. This is particularly advantageous if in the drive train an overload clutch is connected (claim 6), which automatically engages again after an overload case by the return adjustment of the drive assembly.

According to another teaching according to claim 7, which also belongs to independent significance, a flap assembly of a motor vehicle for carrying out the above, the proposed method is claimed.

Essential for the proposed flap arrangement is the realization of a drive arrangement by which the flap is motor-adjustable only in the initial adjustment of the opening operation. Incidentally, the adjustability is spring-driven and / or manually provided, as has been explained above for the proposed method.

The drive arrangement can be arranged in the flap or in a body component fixed relative to the flap. In any case, a drive-technical coupling between the drive assembly and the body component or the flap is provided. In the preferred embodiment according to claim 9 is in the drive technology coupling to a push rod, which allows a streamlined design of the drive technology coupling.

A particularly compact and at the same time robust possibility for the drive, in particular the above push rod, is shown in claim 10. Here, the feed gear has a scissors gear in combination with a spindle-spindle nut gearbox. In particular, it is proposed in the sense of a high compactness to align the linear gear in terms of its linear movements parallel to the vehicle transverse axis.

An above arrangement with scissors kinematics allows the generation of a high driving force in a compact design, if only a small drive stroke is required. Since, according to the proposal, a drive is required only within the initial adjustment section, the arrangement with scissors kinematics in the present case represents an optimal choice.

A further robustness, in particular in a collision case during the initial adjustment of the opening operation or a manual incorrect operation results from the embodiments according to claims 11 to 13. Here is the above-mentioned overload clutch realized according to claim 13 by the also already addressed return adjustment of the drive assembly with minimal effort to re-engage.

According to another teaching according to claim 14, which also belongs independent significance, the drive arrangement of the proposed flap assembly is claimed as such. Reference may be made to all statements on the proposed flap arrangement.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment.

In the drawing shows

1 a motor vehicle with a proposed flap arrangement for carrying out a proposed method a) in a sectional side view and b) in a rear view,

2 the drive arrangement of the flap assembly according to 1 a) after a return adjustment and b) after a Hinverstellung, each in a perspective view and

3 the push rod of the drive assembly according to 2 a) in the normal case and b) in the event of overload, in each case in longitudinal section.

The proposed solution can be applied to all kinds of valves 1 of a motor vehicle. These fall, as explained above, tailgates, trunk lid, hoods, doors, especially side doors, cargo compartments o. The like. A motor vehicle. The following is the operation of a tailgate 1 a motor vehicle in the foreground, which is not to be understood as limiting. All subsequent explanations concerning a tailgate apply to the full extent to all other types of valves.

In the 1 shown flap assembly is in the usual manner with the above tailgate 1 equipped, which is adjustable in an opening operation or in a closing operation between a firing position S and an open position O. 1 shows the tailgate 1 in an intermediate position Z.

The tailgate 1 is at the in 1 illustrated embodiment about a pivot axis 2 pivotable. The closed position S. the open position O and the intermediate position Z are shown simplified as pivoting positions. Basically, the tailgate needs 1 not necessarily rotationally adjustable. The proposed solution can be rather on all conceivable motion trajectories for the tailgate 1 apply.

Here and preferably is at a relative to the tailgate 1 fixed body component 3 a drive arrangement 4 with at least one drive 5 intended. In the bodywork component 3 it may be, for example, the rear roof frame of the motor vehicle. The drive arrangement 4 is then drive technology with the tailgate 1 coupled or coupled. It is also conceivable that the body component is a rear side rail of the motor vehicle.

If the space of the tailgate 1 allows this, but it is also possible that the drive assembly 4 at the tailgate 1 is provided. This can lead to an overall very compact design.

Here and preferably, the drive assembly 4 with a single drive 5 equipped, which is arranged with respect to the vertically extending vehicle center plane M with its drive connection substantially centrally. It is also conceivable that this single drive 5 is arranged laterally relative to the vertically extending vehicle center plane M with its drive connection. It is finally conceivable that the drive assembly 4 two drives 5 has, which are arranged on both sides of the vertical vehicle center plane M. The following is the talk of a single drive 5 , This is not meant to be limiting. All on the one drive 5 related Designs apply accordingly to all other, possibly existing drives.

The drive 5 is preferably with a drive motor 6 and a drive motor 6 downstream feed gear 7 for generating drive movements 8th fitted. In the illustrated embodiment is between the drive motor 6 and the feed gear 7 also an intermediate gear 9 switched, the present but has no special significance.

It is essential now that the tailgate 1 in an initial adjustment section A of the opening operation by means of the drive arrangement 4 is adjusted by engine and otherwise only motorless, in particular spring-driven and / or manually adjusted. In detail, it is still to be explained so that the flap 1 in the initial displacement section A of the opening operation by means of the drive arrangement 4 is adjusted by a motor, while the remaining portion of the opening process is adjusted spring-driven and during manual closing only manual - spring-braked - is adjusted.

With the proposed solution, a completely automatic opening process can be realized with simple means.

For the automatic opening process, the realization of a spring arrangement 10 proposed, which can be configured in the usual way. It is known, for example, that in particular on both sides of the tailgate 1 a gas spring arrangement 10 is provided, which is the tailgate 1 at least over an adjustment in the opening direction drives. Of course, other types of spring arrangements, in particular helical compression spring arrangements o. The like., Are conceivable here.

With a suitable design of the spring arrangement 10 will the tailgate 1 during the opening process after passing through the initial adjustment section A exclusively by the spring arrangement 10 adjusted to the open position O. An automatic opening process can hardly be realized more easily.

The smaller the initial displacement section A is designed, the easier the drive arrangement can be 4 realize. Preferably, the initial displacement portion A corresponds to a flap opening angle φ of less than about 50 °, and more preferably less than about 35 °. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the initial adjustment section A corresponds to a flap opening angle φ of about 30 °.

It may also be advantageous to have a design in which the initial adjustment section A is between about 5% and about 35%, in particular about 25%, of the total adjustment range G of the tailgate 1 lies.

A particularly simple design control configuration results here and preferably in that in an opening operation only a Hinverstellung and a return adjustment of the drive assembly 4 to be triggered. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the return adjustment adjoins directly to the Hinverstellung. This means, with appropriate design, that the return adjustment is completed before the opening process is completed.

The outward and backward adjustment during the opening process is particularly advantageous if an overload clutch to be explained, which is connected in the drive train 11 is present, disengages the occurrence of a predetermined limit load in the drive train and thus separates the drive train, wherein after an overload case by the return adjustment of the drive assembly 4 a re-engagement of the overload clutch 11 is effected. The return adjustment of the drive assembly 4 So to speak causes a "reset" the overload clutch 11 , which will be explained in detail below.

In the illustrated and so far preferred flap arrangement is the drive technology coupling between the drive assembly 4 and the tailgate 1 unidirectional provided. Specifically, only compressive forces can be transmitted via the drive technology coupling. This also means that the drive assembly 4 slightly outside the initial adjustment section A except for drive engagement of the tailgate 1 can come, so that the spring arrangement 10 the further adjustment in the context of the opening process can take over.

For the above, releasable engagement between drive assembly 4 and tailgate 1 becomes the realization of a feed gear 7 with one on the tailgate 1 acting push rod 12 proposed. The push rod 12 is aligned substantially parallel to the vehicle center plane M. With such a push rod 12 is a drive technology coupling as explained above possible in a particularly slim design. 2 shows that the push rod 12 through a support bearing 13 passed through, among other things, the inclusion of perpendicular to the push rod longitudinal axis forces. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support bearing 13 also a longitudinal guide for the push rod 12 ready along the push rod longitudinal axis.

There are various possibilities conceivable, the push rod 12 with the tailgate 1 to pair. For example, the push rod 12 at one end 14 have a form-locking element, which for the production of the drive technology coupling with the tailgate 1 a counter-positive connection element on the tailgate 1 assigned. It is also conceivable that the push rod 12 at one end 14 a rolling element, for example, a rolling wheel o. The like. Has. Here and preferably, however, it is so that the push rod 12 at one end 14 a sliding element 15 having, on a sliding portion 16 the tailgate 1 during the passage of the initial adjustment section A slides. It can be according to the representation 2 see that hereby the decoupling of the drive assembly 4 from the tailgate 1 is ensured in particular in the above-mentioned return adjustment.

The motorized adjustment of the push rod 12 is particularly robust realized by the fact that the feed gear 7 a scissors gear 17 with two by means of a scissors pivot axis 18 coupled scissor arms 19 . 20 having the scissors pivot axis 18 the output of the scissors gear 17 forms. The arrangement is made in the sense of optimal power transmission so that the scissor arms 19 . 20 at the beginning of the initial adjustment section A include an acute angle as possible and are substantially stretched at the end of the initial adjustment section A.

The feed gear 7 further preferably comprises a linear gear 21 with two connections 21a . 21b for discharging linear movements, each on the free ends of the scissor arms 19 . 20 be directed. Here and preferably, the linear gear sets 21 from two counter-rotating spindle spindle nut gears 22 . 23 together, their common spindle 24 by means of the drive motor 6 is drivable. The spindle nuts 25 . 26 are each pivotable with one end of the scissor arms 19 . 20 of the scissors gearbox 17 coupled.

A particularly compact arrangement results in particular in that the linear gear 21 is aligned with respect to its linear movements parallel to the vehicle transverse axis Q.

Of particular importance in the present case is the robustness of the drive arrangement 4 in view of a collision during the passage of the initial Verstellabschnitts A during the opening operation and with regard to a manual incorrect operation. This is in the drive train of the drive assembly 4 the above-mentioned overload clutch 11 switched, which disengages when a predetermined limit load in the drive train and thus separates the drive train. So is the tailgate 1 during the Hinverstellung the drive assembly 4 or in the extended position ( 2 B ) located drive assembly 4 held or pressed in the closing direction, so couples the overload clutch 11 at the occurrence of the predetermined limit load, so that the drive assembly 4 from the tailgate 1 drive technology is separated. Of particular importance is the fact that the re-engaging automatically in the course of the return adjustment of Statte goes, as will be explained.

The above overload clutch 11 is of particular importance when the feed gear 7 self-locking is designed. The overload clutch 11 prevents overloading of existing components in the drive train. But even with a non-self-locking design of the feed gear 7 is the overload clutch 11 advantageous, namely, when the tailgate 1 with extended push rod 12 Abusive with extreme acceleration manually adjusted in the closing direction.

There are numerous advantageous variants for the realization of the overload clutch 11 conceivable. Here and preferably, the overload clutch 11 in the push rod 12 integrated. The push rod 12 is designed in two parts, with the two push rod parts 12a . 12b telescopically engage each other and telescopically dive into each other in case of overload. The overload case is in 3b) shown schematically.

In detail, the overload clutch 11 a spring lock 27 on, in the normal case in locking engagement with the two push rod parts 12a . 12b ( 3a) ) and in the case of overload except blocking engagement of at least one of the two push rod parts 12a . 12b ( 3b) ) comes. The spring lock 27 is here and preferably designed in the manner of a double-sided pressure piece, wherein an associated spring 28 here and preferably formed substantially U-shaped. It is also conceivable that the spring 28 is formed in the usual way as a helical compression spring.

Here and preferably, the spring lock 27 at least one ball, here two balls 29 . 30 on, normally locking with both push rod parts 12a . 12b , here and preferably with aligned recordings 31 . 32 in both push rod parts 12a . 12b , stand. The push rod part 12b assigned recording is as a hole 31 that the push rod part 12a associated recording is as a particular annular recess 32 designed.

Particularly interesting in the illustrated and so far preferred overload clutch 11 is the fact that after an overload case, a return adjustment of the drive assembly 4 a pulling apart of the two push rod parts 12a . 12b and re-engaging the overload clutch 11 , Here and preferably the preparation of the locking engagement between the two push rod parts 12a . 12b , causes. This above-mentioned "reset" the overload clutch 11 results from a synopsis of 3a) and 3b) , Specifically, the return adjustment causes the drive assembly 4 from the in 3b) Outlined overload situation outlining a paragraph 12c of the push rod part 12a on a heel 13a of the support bearing 13 , What in the course of the return adjustment an adjustment of the push rod part 12b relative to the now fixed push rod part 12a , in 3 down, causing it to finally engage the spring lock 27 , So the above reset the overload clutch 11 comes.

It can be according to the representation 2 Take that from the drive motor 6 , the here and preferably provided intermediate gear 9 and the feed gear 7 on one and the same, here and preferably one-piece support member 33 arranged at a relative to the flap 1 fixed body component 3 is attached. For this are the carrier part 33 two screw fasteners 33a . 33b assigned. The realization of an above-mentioned carrier part 33 allows a modular design and in particular a simple pre-assembly of the drive assembly 4 ,

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the tailgate 1 assigned in a conventional manner, a hinge assembly, not shown, wherein the drive assembly 4 then preferably in the vertical direction at the height of the hinge assembly is arranged. In a further preferred embodiment, the drive arrangement 4 then with the hinge assembly, in particular with a flap-side hinge bracket o. The like., Driven technology coupled or coupled. It is also conceivable that the drive assembly 4 at another location, for example in the area of a motor vehicle lock 34 or one of the motor vehicle lock 34 associated closing wedge 35 o. The like. Is arranged. Such a motor vehicle lock 34 with lock wedge 35 is in 1 merely hinted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 5 the drive assembly 4 immovably on the vehicle body, in particular on the rear roof frame, arranged. In another preferred, not shown embodiment, it is provided that the drive 5 is movably arranged on the vehicle body and thus in particular can follow a tailgate adjustment.

For example, it may in the above-described arrangement with push rod 12 Be beneficial that the push rod 12 via a swivel hinge on the tailgate 1 is articulated, so that a tailgate adjustment a corresponding pivoting of the drive 5 pulls. In such a case, it is preferable that the above-mentioned carrier part 33 is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body, in particular on the rear roof frame, is arranged.

Instead of the above push rod drive can be used in the proposed solution, many other types of drives application. For example, in particular with regard to a compact design, it may be advantageous for the drive to be designed as a pinion-toothed-segment drive in which a drive-side drive pinion with an associated toothed segment is in drive-technical engagement. In this case, the toothed segment is preferably arranged on a component of the hinge arrangement, in particular on a hinge bracket or the like.

It has already been noted that the drive assembly 4 basically in the tailgate 1 can be arranged. Then the drive arrangement acts 4 , especially the push rod 12 , on the relative to the tailgate 1 fixed body component 3 , All the above explanations apply to this complementary embodiment, in which the drive arrangement 4 in the flap 1 is arranged accordingly.

Finally, it should be pointed out that numerous possibilities for triggering the above, semi-motor opening operation are conceivable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the opening process can be triggered by means of a remote control, in particular by means of a remote control key. It is also conceivable triggering the semi-motor opening operation by means of a predetermined user action, which is detected by sensors. Such a user action may be, for example, a hand movement or a foot movement.

Claims (14)

Method for operating a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap arrangement comprises a flap ( 1 ), which is adjustable in an opening operation or in a closing operation between a closed position (S) and an open position (O), wherein at a relative to the flap ( 1 ) fixed body component ( 3 ) or on the flap ( 1 ) a drive arrangement ( 4 ) with at least one drive ( 5 ) is provided, wherein the drive ( 5 ) a drive motor ( 6 ) and a drive motor ( 6 ) downstream feed gear ( 7 ) for generating drive movements ( 8th ) and wherein the flap ( 1 ) in an initial displacement section (A) of the opening operation by means of the drive arrangement (FIG. 4 ) is adjusted by a motor and otherwise exclusively motorless, in particular spring-driven and / or manually, is adjusted, characterized in that in the drive train of the drive assembly ( 4 ) an overload clutch ( 11 ) is switched, which disengages the occurrence of a predetermined limit load in the drive train and thus separates the drive train. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flap ( 1 ) is only manually adjusted during the closing process. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a spring arrangement ( 10 ), in particular a gas spring arrangement ( 10 ), which is the flap ( 1 ) biased at least in an adjustment in the opening direction and that the flap ( 1 ) during the opening process after passing through the initial adjustment section (A) exclusively by the spring arrangement ( 10 ) is moved to the open position (O). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initial adjustment section (A) between about 20% and about 40%, in particular about 30%, of the total opening area (G) of the flap ( 1 ) lies. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an opening operation, a Hinverstellung and a return adjustment of the drive assembly ( 4 ) are triggered, preferably, that the return adjustment directly adjoins the Hinverstellung. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that after an overload case by the return adjustment of the drive assembly ( 4 ) a re-engagement of the overload clutch ( 11 ) is effected. Flap assembly of a motor vehicle for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap arrangement comprises a flap ( 1 ), which is adjustable in an opening operation or in a closing operation between a closed position (S) and an open position (O), wherein at a relative to the flap ( 1 ) fixed body component ( 3 ) or on the flap ( 1 ) a drive arrangement ( 4 ) with at least one drive ( 5 ) is provided, wherein the drive ( 5 ) a drive motor ( 6 ) and a drive motor ( 6 ) downstream feed gear ( 7 ) for generating drive movements and wherein the flap ( 1 ) in an initial displacement section (A) of the opening operation by means of the drive arrangement (FIG. 4 ) is motor-adjustable and otherwise exclusively motorless, in particular spring-driven and / or manually adjustable, characterized in that in the drive train of the drive assembly ( 4 ) an overload clutch ( 11 ) is switched, which disengages the occurrence of a predetermined limit load in the drive train and thus separates the drive train. Flap arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive-technical coupling between the drive arrangement ( 4 ) and the flap ( 1 ) or relative to the flap ( 1 ) fixed body component ( 3 ) is provided unidirectionally, preferably that exclusively compressive forces can be transmitted via the drive-technical coupling, preferably that a spring arrangement ( 10 ), in particular a gas spring arrangement ( 10 ), which is the flap ( 1 ) biased at least in an adjustment in the opening direction and that the flap ( 1 ) during the opening process after passing through the initial adjustment section (A) exclusively by the spring arrangement ( 10 ) is adjustable in the open position. Flap arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the feed gear ( 7 ) a push rod ( 12 ) for the drive technology coupling with the flap ( 1 ) or relative to the flap ( 1 ) fixed body component ( 3 ), preferably that the push rod ( 12 ) by a support bearing ( 13 ) is guided, which serves to receive perpendicular to the thrust rod longitudinal axis forces, preferably, that the support bearing ( 13 ) a longitudinal guide for the push rod ( 12 ) along the push rod longitudinal axis. Flap arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the feed gear ( 7 ) a scissors gear ( 17 ) with two by means of a scissors pivot axis ( 18 ) coupled scissor arms ( 19 . 20 ) and that the scissor pivot axis ( 18 ) the output of the scissors gear ( 17 ), preferably that the feed gear ( 7 ) a linear transmission ( 21 ) with two connections ( 21a . 21b ) for discharging linear movements, preferably that the linear gear ( 21 ) two counter-rotating spindle spindle nut gears ( 22 . 23 ) whose common spindle ( 24 ) by means of the drive motor ( 6 ) is drivable and whose spindle nuts ( 25 . 26 ) each with a Scherenarmende the scissors gear ( 17 ), more preferably that the linear gear ( 21 ) is aligned with respect to its linear movements parallel to the vehicle transverse axis (Q). Flap arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the push rod ( 12 ) of the feed gear ( 7 ) is designed in two parts and that both push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ) in the normal case by means of the overload clutch ( 11 ) are coupled, preferably, that the two push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ) telescopically engage each other and telescopically dive into each other in case of overload. Flap arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the overload clutch ( 11 ) a spring lock ( 27 ), which are normally in locking engagement with the two push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ) and in the case of overload except blocking engagement of at least one of the two push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ) comes, preferably that the spring lock ( 27 ) at least one ball ( 29 . 30 ), which are normally blocking with both push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ), in particular with aligned images ( 31 . 32 ) in both push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ), stands. Flap arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that after an overload case, a return adjustment of the drive assembly ( 4 ) a pulling apart of the two push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ) and a re-engagement of the overload clutch ( 11 ), in particular the production of the locking engagement between the two push rod parts ( 12a . 12b ), causes. Drive arrangement of a flap arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 13.

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