DE102020124798A1 - Method for operating a flap of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for actuating an automatic flap of a motor vehicle, the flap being arranged on a body of the motor vehicle so that it can pivot via a hinge and a first actuator being provided which is arranged on the one hand in a stationary manner on the body and on the other hand on the flap and/or the hinge, wherein the first actuator changes its axial length when energized, for opening or closing the flap, wherein a control unit is provided and the first actuator can be energized by the control unit, wherein at least one characteristic map is stored in the control unit, in which at least one vibration-critical state the flap is stored, characterized by the following method steps: - Energizing the first actuator until the flap has assumed a defined position, - Evaluating the map to determine whether the flap is in a vibration-critical state, - If the flap is in a vibration-critical state, - Further energizing of the first actuator.A Due to the method according to the invention, undesired oscillation or post-oscillation of the flap is prevented without a sensor being required to detect an oscillation.

Description

The invention relates to a method for actuating a flap of a motor vehicle with the features from the preamble of patent claim 1.

For the technical environment, for example, refer to the German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2012 018 093 A1 pointed out. A motor vehicle door and a method for loading such a motor vehicle door are known from this published application. The subject matter of this published application is a motor vehicle door and a method for acting on said motor vehicle door in terms of braking/locking it or pulling it shut/opening. The motor vehicle door is equipped with a door leaf with a drive, a magnetic device as part of the drive and finally at least one sensor assigned to the door leaf. According to the invention, the magnetic device is energized by a control unit for selectively braking, holding or pulling, opening the door leaf depending on a determined using the sensor speed and / or position of the door leaf relative to a motor vehicle body.

Next is from the German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2015 119 505 A1 a door component with a controllable damper device is known. A method is disclosed for damping a pivoting movement of a door, in particular of a motor vehicle, with an adjustable and controllable damping device. Here, a pivoting movement of the door is at least partially damped in a controlled manner between a closed position and an open position. A damping valve of the damping device is set electrically as required and the set damping properties are permanently de-energized.

Next is from the German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2004 048 184 A1 an actuating device for a tailgate or a vehicle door is known. It is an actuation device for a vehicle door arranged on a vehicle body, in particular a tailgate, boot lid or the like, with a drive unit acting on the vehicle door in the course of opening and/or closing. A measuring device is assigned to the vehicle door, with which changes in force acting on the tailgate during opening and/or closing can be detected.

In order to allow an opening movement of tailgates of motor vehicles, they are connected to the vehicle body via hinges. When the tailgate is open (fully open or in an intermediate position), this can lead to an unwanted swinging movement (seesaw). Owners of higher-value motor vehicles like to see this seesaw as insignificant. The cause can be insufficient rigidity and/or a lack of vibration damping in the overall system of tailgate, hinge, hinge bracket, other connections, etc. Concepts that provide a bow hinge (bow-shaped hinge arm) have a rather higher risk of a tailgate rocking.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method with which the rocking of an automatic tailgate of a motor vehicle can be reduced or prevented before rocking occurs.

This object is achieved by the method steps in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The described activation of the at least one actuator or the drive of the flap, in particular a tailgate of a motor vehicle, eliminates the "rigid connection" (this refers to the actuator itself and not to the overall system which is elastic), so that the swinging movement of the flap leads to a slight lifting movement (ideally pushing in and out) on the actuator or drive and causes damping via the internal friction in the drive (e.g. spindle, spindle nut, gear, electric motor, bearings, guides, etc.). , which then leads to a rapid decay of the overall oscillation. A loss/change in the flap opening angle can be compensated for by a renewed activation of the at least one drive at the end of the process. Advantageously, no additional sensor is required for the method according to the invention, the evaluation of at least one characteristic diagram in the control unit, in which at least one vibration-critical state of the flap is stored. The damping intervention is therefore carried out proactively using characteristic maps determined in advance. As soon as an undesired flap oscillation is expected at the end of the movement, the actuator is activated as described above.

The activation of the actuator (applied voltage or current) can be constant or according to a defined course (e.g. sine function with a defined frequency and amplitude, equal or different to the system vibration, controlled or over a defined time, oscillating or alternating ).

• - Klappengeschwindigkeit (unterschiedliche Bewegungsenergie);
• - Verzögerungskurven (Unterschiede bei Soft-Stopp / automatischem Stoppen und abruptem Abbruch einer Klappenbewegung, beispielsweise durch einen äußeren Taster, in der Regel ein Tastendruck);
• - Fahrzeuglage (Änderung der Klappenschwerpunktslage);
• - Klappenposition (ebenfalls Änderung der Klappenschwerpunktslage)
• - Gewichtsvarianten der Klappe (andere Masse/anderes Nachschwingverhalten.

The type of activation can take place depending on the following influencing factors, which are stored in the at least one characteristic diagram in the control unit:

• - Flap speed (different kinetic energy);
• - deceleration curves (differences between soft stop / automatic stop and abrupt termination of a flap movement, for example by an external button, usually a button press);
• - Vehicle position (change in flap center of gravity);
• - Flap position (also changing the flap center of gravity)
• - Weight variants of the flap (different mass/different post-oscillation behavior.

As soon as a vibration-critical state of the flap is determined, the actuator, for example a spindle drive, is activated according to the invention.

Furthermore, the actuation can also generally take place after each stopping of the tailgate, as well as after manual actuation. The method according to the invention allows annoying swinging/seesaws of the tailgate to subside more quickly without the use of additional damping elements (e.g. gas springs, active/passive dampers) and without additional stiffening measures (costs, installation space, weight) and thus leads to significantly higher customer satisfaction. An additional sensor for detecting a vibration of the tailgate can also be omitted, which saves costs.

• - Bestromen des ersten Aktors, bis die Klappe eine definierte Lage eingenommen hat,
• - Auswerten des Kennfeldes, ob die Klappe in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Wenn die Klappe in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres Bestromen des ersten Aktors.

According to the invention, a method for actuating an automatic flap, in particular a tailgate of a motor vehicle, is proposed, the flap being arranged on a body of the motor vehicle so that it can pivot via a hinge and at least one first actuator being provided which is fixed on the one hand on the body and on the other hand on the flap and / or the hinge is arranged. The at least first actuator changes its axial length when energized to open or close the flap, a control unit being provided and the first actuator being able to be energized by the control unit, wherein at least one characteristic map is stored in the control unit, in which at least one vibration-critical state of the flap is stored,
with the following process steps:

• - energizing the first actuator until the flap has assumed a defined position,
• - Evaluation of the map to determine whether the flap is in a vibration-critical state,
• - If the flap is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further energizing of the first actuator.

• - Wenn die Klappe in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres gleichphasiges Bestromen des ersten und zweiten Aktors.

In a further development of the invention, a second actuator is provided according to patent claim 2, with which the following method steps can be carried out:

• - If the flap is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further in-phase energizing of the first and second actuator.

• - Wenn die Klappe in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres gegenphasiges Bestromen des ersten und zweiten Aktors.

It is also possible according to patent claim 3, if a second actuator is provided, to carry out the following method steps:

• - If the flap is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further anti-phase energizing of the first and second actuator.

• - Wenn die Klappe in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres konstantes oder nach einem definierten zeitlichen oder definierten pegelveränderlichem Verlauf Bestromen zumindest des ersten Aktors.

Selbstverständlich können hier auch beide Aktoren, sofern zwei vorhanden sind, in dieser Art und Weise bestromt werden.According to claim 4, the first actuator and / or the second actuator can be controlled with the following method steps:

• - If the flap is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further energizing of at least the first actuator, constant or according to a defined time or defined level-changing profile.

Of course, both actuators can also be supplied with current in this way, provided there are two.

• 1 zeigt eine Aufsicht auf eine von einer Karosserie „losgelöste“ Heckklappe eines Kraftfahrzeuges.
• 2 zeigt schematisch eine Kinematik für eine Heckklappe eines Kraftfahrzeuges.
• 3 zeigt beispielhaft einen Aktor.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to three figures.

• 1 shows a top view of a vehicle body “detached” tailgate.
• 2 shows schematically a kinematics for a tailgate of a motor vehicle.
• 3 shows an example of an actuator.

The following apply in the 1 until 3 the same reference numerals for the same components.

1 shows a top view of a vehicle body "detached" from a not shown 1 flap 1, here a tailgate, which is to be operated automatically, ie by at least one actuator 3, 4 are opened and closed can. A pivoting movement of the flap 1 is shown symbolically with a double arrow.

The flap 1 is connected via two hinges 2 to the body of the motor vehicle in a swinging manner, only one hinge 2 being numbered. Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, two actuators, i. H. the first actuator 3 and the second actuator 4 are provided, which are arranged on the one hand stationary on the body and on the other hand on the hinges 2. A direct connection of the actuators 3, 4 to the flap 1 is also possible.

The first actuator 3 and the second actuator 4 change their axial length when energized. With this change in length, the flap 1 is changed in its pivoting angle, i.e. opened or closed, shown in 2 . A control unit (not shown) is also provided, in which at least one characteristic diagram is stored, in which at least one vibration-critical state of the flap 1 is stored.

• - Klappengeschwindigkeit;
• - Verzögerungskurven;
• - Fahrzeuglage;
• - Klappenposition
• - Gewichtsvarianten der Klappe.

The type of control can take place, for example, depending on the following influencing factors that are stored in the at least one characteristic map in the control unit:

• - flap speed;
• - deceleration curves;
• - vehicle position;
• - flap position
• - Weight variants of the flap.

Furthermore, the first actuator 3 and the second actuator 4 can be energized by the control unit in order to change their length for opening or closing the flap 1 . In another exemplary embodiment, only a single actuator 3, 4 can be provided, with the second actuator 3, 4 also being able to be replaced by a damping element.

• - Bestromen des ersten Aktors, bis die Klappe eine definierte Lage eingenommen hat,
• - Auswerten des Kennfeldes, ob die Klappe 1 in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Wenn die Klappe 1 in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres Bestromen des ersten Aktors 3.

As already stated, the flap 1 is connected to the body of the motor vehicle via at least one hinge 2, usually two hinges 2. During the opening/closing movement, or in the open position, external influences can, as also already shown, lead to vibration excitation and the flap 1 shows an insignificant teetering. In order to prevent this teetering of the flap 1, the following method steps are proposed according to the invention:

• - energizing the first actuator until the flap has assumed a defined position,
• - Evaluation of the map to determine whether flap 1 is in a vibration-critical state,
• - If flap 1 is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further energizing of the first actuator 3.

This method applies when only a first actuator 3 is provided.

• - Auswerten des Kennfeldes, ob die Klappe 1 in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres gleichphasiges Bestromen des ersten und zweiten Aktors 3,.

If, as in the present exemplary embodiment, a first actuator 3 and a second actuator 4 are provided, the following method steps are recommended:

• - Evaluation of the map to determine whether flap 1 is in a vibration-critical state,
• - More in-phase energizing of the first and second actuator 3,.

• - Auswerten des Kennfeldes, ob die Klappe 1 in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,,
• - Weiteres gegenphasiges Bestromen des ersten und zweiten Aktors 3, 4.

A further variant of the method according to the invention with two actuators 3, 4 is characterized by the following method steps:

• - Evaluating the map to determine whether flap 1 is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further energizing of the first and second actuators 3, 4 in antiphase.

• - Auswerten des Kennfeldes, ob die Klappe 1 in einem schwingungskritischen Zustand ist,
• - Weiteres konstantes oder nach einem definierten zeitlichen oder definierten pegelveränderlichem Verlauf Bestromen, zumindest des ersten Aktors 3 und/oder des zweiten Aktors 4.

To optimize the decay behavior, the following process steps are suggested:

• - Evaluation of the map to determine whether flap 1 is in a vibration-critical state,
• - Further energizing of at least the first actuator 3 and/or the second actuator 4, constant or according to a defined time or defined level-changing course.

2 shows an example of a top view of a hinge 2 with two hinge or flap positions, a closed flap (first hinge position) is numbered 5, an open flap (second hinge position) is numbered 6. The hinge 2 is connected in a stationary manner to the body of the motor vehicle via a bracket 9 . In contrast, a wing of the hinge 2 that is not numbered separately can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 8 . At a point 7 for the actuator 3, 4, the bracket of the hinge 2 can be displaced along a dashed arrow 11 by changing the length of the actuator 3, 4, i.e. this is the displacement path between a closed position and an open position of the flap 1. At the end of the bracket of the hinge 2 two openings 10 are provided, which are attachment points of the flap 1 to the hinge 2. A pivoting angle of the flap 1 between the closed position and the open position is numbered 12.

In other embodiments, of course, the wing of the hinge 2 fully come be designed differently, the inventive method is still applicable.

3 shows a section through an actuator 3, 4 shown as an example, which can also appear completely different in other exemplary embodiments, ie hydraulic, electrohydraulic, pneumatic, etc. actuators 3, 4 can also be used.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuator 3, 4 has a pivot point 16 for the body and, diametrically opposite this, a pivot point 17 for the flap 1. Within the actuator 3, 4, an electric motor 13 and a gear with a spindle 14 and a spring element 15 are arranged. When the electric motor 13 of the actuator 3, 4 is energized, the length of the actuator 3, 4 can be changed via the gear and the spindle, and the flap 1 can thus be opened and closed.

When it is detected whether the flap 1 is in a vibration-critical state by evaluating the characteristics map in the control unit, according to the invention there is a defined activation, energizing of the actuator 3, 4, for example a spindle drive as shown here. As a result of this measure, a damping effect is generated by the actuator 3, 4 and the vibration is thus reduced or completely eliminated.

Reference List

1

flap

2

hinge

3

first actor

4

second actor

5

Flap closed

6

flap open

7

Point of attack actor

8th

Axis of rotation hinge

9

body

10

Flap attachment point

11

displacement path

12

swivel angle

13

engine

14

Gear / Spindle

15

spring element

16

Body pivot point

17

Flap/hinge hinge point

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102012018093 A1 [0002]
• DE 102015119505 A1 [0003]
• DE 102004048184 A1 [0004]

Claims (4)

Method for actuating an automatic flap (1) of a motor vehicle, the flap (1) being arranged on a body of the motor vehicle so that it can pivot via a hinge (2) and a first actuator (3) being provided which is fixed on the one hand on the body and on the other hand, is arranged on the flap (1) and/or the hinge (2), with the first actuator (3) changing its axial length when energized, for opening or closing the flap (1), with a control unit being provided and the the first actuator (3) can be energized by the control unit, at least one characteristic map being stored in the control unit, in which at least one vibration-critical state of the flap (1) is stored, characterized by the following method steps: - energizing the first actuator (3) until the flap (1) has assumed a defined position, - evaluating the characteristic map as to whether the flap (1) is in a vibration-critical state, - if the flap (1) is in a vibration-critical state ical state is, - Further energizing of the first actuator (3). procedure after claim 1 , wherein a second actuator (4) is provided for opening or closing the flap (1) and the first and second actuators (3, 4) can be energized by the control unit, characterized by the following method steps: - If the flap (1 ) is in a vibration-critical state, - Further in-phase energizing of the first and second actuator (3, 4). procedure after claim 1 , wherein a second actuator (4) is provided for opening or closing the flap (1) and the first and second actuators (3, 4) can be energized by the control unit, characterized by the following method steps: - If the flap (1 ) is in a vibration-critical state, - further anti-phase energizing of the first and second actuators (3, 4). Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized by the following method steps: - If the flap (1) is in a vibration-critical state, - Further constant or after a defined time or defined level-changing course energizing at least the first actuator (3) until the vibration has subsided.

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