DE202009018219U1 - setting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Control device (1) for the electromotive adjustment of a movable adjusting element (2, 14) of a motor vehicle, with a drive (4) and with an evaluation unit (11) and with an operating according to the mouse optical sensor (9) for non-contact detection of the position (P _a ) of the adjusting element (2, 14) along the adjustment path (3, 16),
- wherein the sensor (9) with respect to a reference surface (R) is arranged such that the sensor (9) upon actuation of the drive (4) detects a relative movement relative to the reference surface (R), and
- The evaluation unit (11) from the sensor (9) detected relative movement data (D) determines the current position (P _a , P _i ) of the adjusting element (2, 14).

Description

The invention relates to an adjusting device for the electromotive adjustment of a movable adjusting element of a motor vehicle, with a drive and with an evaluation unit and with a sensor for non-contact detection of the position of the adjusting element.

In a modern motor vehicle, a plurality of actuating devices driven by electric motors are usually present, which automatically move different adjustment elements along an adjustment path. These are, for example, an electric window, an electric seat adjustment or a device for the motorized adjustment of a vehicle door, a tailgate, a door, a sunroof, a Verstellbodens or a convertible top.

During a setting operation of such adjusting often a desired end position is to approach precisely. For this purpose, a precise knowledge of the adjustment position of the adjustment is required. The knowledge of the current parking position or derived therefrom variables such as the speed, the direction of rotation, the positioning speed or the traversed travel, are also often required for the safe detection of a pinching.

For the most accurate detection of the parking position of an adjustment, it is customary to provide a position, position, speed and / or direction of rotation sensor. A known non-contact sensor consists essentially of two mutually spaced at a distance or at an angle Hall sensors and a multi-pole, for example, two- or four-pole ring magnet, which is arranged on the drive shaft of the electric motor. The Hall sensors detect a magnetic field change due to a rotation of the fixedly connected to the drive shaft ring magnet and generate count pulses from this. These are evaluated together with information about the direction of rotation of the ring magnet and thus the electric motor by the counts are counted up or down depending on the direction of rotation of the drive and thus specify the respective position or position of the window. A position and direction sensor for the most accurate detection of the positioning position of a window is, for example, from DE 199 16 400 C1 known.

The invention has for its object to provide the simplest possible sensor, in particular for the most accurate position determination.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. For this purpose, an operating according to the mouse principle optical sensor for non-contact detection of the position of the adjusting element is provided. The sensor is arranged with respect to a reference surface acting as a signal generator such that upon actuation of the drive, a relative movement of the sensor relative to the reference surface is detected. From the relative movement data detected by the sensor, an evaluation unit determines the current position of the adjustment element.

The optical sensor is associated with a light source, in particular light emitting diode or light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, a laser light source in the form of a laser diode may also be provided which, on account of the so-called speckle effect, makes it possible to determine the relative movement data even in the case of surfaces with little structure, such as glass. The light source is used to illuminate the reference surface and for this purpose is aligned therewith in such a way that a specific object field and / or a feature or pattern contained therein is illuminated. A light detector records at a certain repetition rate frames of the illuminated reference surface.

The light detector evaluates the image information contained in the light reflected from the reference surface and generates relative motion data therefrom. This is done essentially by comparing two consecutive images. In this case, both the movement path and the movement speed can be determined from a displacement with which an object or feature of the reference surface has moved between two corresponding points in time. This path or this displacement is correlated with the relative movement of the adjusting element, so that the evaluation unit can determine a relative longitudinal and / or rotational movement of the adjusting element as well as its current position. By the evaluation unit adds up the relative movement data, the absolute position of the adjustment element relative to the reference surface can be determined therefrom, if any initial position of the adjustment element is known.

The evaluation unit can be part of the light detector. Also, the light detector itself may already contain a CMOS chip or (digital signal) microprocessor, which may then be part of the evaluation unit. The microprocessor calculates from two successive images the relative movement of the optical sensor with respect to the reference surface and from the calculated one Relative movement data, the evaluation determines the current position of the adjustment.

The optical sensor determines the movement of the adjusting element directly or indirectly via a coupled thereto and with the drive coupling element continuously and precisely. For the determination of the absolute position of the adjusting element or of the coupling element, which then has the reference surface, an optical marking or a specific optical pattern is suitable. If this marking or pattern passes the optical sensor, then the absolute position of the adjusting element can be determined directly and / or a stored absolute or initial position can be corrected.

Thus, in an advantageous development, the reference surface in the direction of movement has a sequence of optical surface patterns. These can be the same or different. For the same surface patterns, there is suitably provided between them an optical transition pattern different from the two surface patterns. The surface patterns may in this case be assigned to a defined longitudinal path within the adjustment path of the adjustment element.

In the case of a cylinder jacket surface as the reference surface, a certain number of circle segments are assigned corresponding surface sections along the respective circular arcs. These in turn may have different surface patterns or certain transition patterns between like surface patterns.

By embossing or impingement of the reference surface with different surface patterns, the current position of the adjusting element, in particular when switching on or restarting the drive after previous drive stop can be determined at least insofar as in which movement section within the entire adjustment, the adjustment is currently. A further refinement of the current position of the adjusting element after switching on the drive or its renewed power supply can be achieved in a simple manner that the surface pattern further features or patterns, for example, a longitudinally extending diagonal line or in the case of a cylinder jacket surface all Surface pattern sensing helix containing. The assigned longitudinal section or angle of rotation or sector can then be determined from the specific surface pattern, while the exact position within this surface pattern and thus the absolute position of the adjustment element can be determined from the position or from the positional shift of the diagonal or helical mark in the current object field of the optical sensor can be determined.

The reference surface may be a surface of the adjustment element itself representing the entire adjustment path of the adjustment element between two end positions. Also, the reference surface may be provided on a drive-side or output-side coupling element that is located within the power flow between the drive and the adjusting element. In this case, the optical sensor is suitably stationary, while relative to the reference surface moves synchronously with the adjusting element or coupling element.

In a power window system, for example, the reference surface is supported by a Bowden cable, which is guided over a driven by the drive cable drum and moves a coupled with a driver for the window glass slider along a guide rail.

A strip-shaped reference surface extending in the longitudinal direction is also advantageously suitable for automatic seat adjustment, in that the reference surface is provided in a lower rail fixed to the vehicle floor or in an upper rail guided along it and supporting the vehicle seat. The optical sensor is then connected to the upper rail or to the lower rail or integrated in a suitable manner in this.

A cylindrical surface as a reference surface is particularly suitable for detecting rotational movements, such as the drive or motor shaft, a transmission axis or a spindle of a spindle drive, especially in a Sitzverstell-, tailgate or loading floor drive.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:

1 1 schematically shows a motor-operated window lifter with an optical sensor for detecting the position of a window pane;

2 schematically a rail system of a motor-operated seat adjustment device with optical sensor for position detection,

3 schematically the optical sensor with respect to a reference surface of the window regulator or the rail system,

4 FIG. 2 schematically the optical sensor with respect to a cylinder jacket surface of a rotating drive shaft, FIG.

5 schematically the optical sensor with respect to a rotating signal generator as a reference surface with different surface patterns in several segments,

6 a first variant of a structured reference surface with a surface pattern,

7 a second variant of a structured reference surface with different transition structures,

8th a third variant of a structured reference surface with different surface patterns in adjacent longitudinal or circular arc sections, and

9 a fourth variant of a structured reference surface with a surface pattern and a diagonal line marking.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a window regulator as an actuator 1 a motor vehicle for electromotive adjustment of a window or vehicle window 2 along an adjustment path 3 between a closed position and an open position. The adjusting device 1 includes a drive with an electric motor 4 that has at least one coupling element 5 , For example, a worm gear, and a cable drum 6 and a Bowden cable 7 and a pulley 8th the window glass 2 with attached driver 8th driving.

An optical sensor operating on the mouse principle 9 for non-contact detection of the position of the window pane 2 is stationary relative to a reference surface R (which acts as a signal generator) 5 to 8th ) arranged. In the 1 not shown reference surface R is part of the Bowden cable 7 For example, its surface, or applied to this. The optical sensor 9 delivers via a signal line 10 relative movement data D to an evaluation unit 11 , The evaluation unit 11 is for example part of an electronics of the window regulator 1 and supplies control data S, for example a drive, stop or direction signal, to the electric motor 4 ,

2 shows an adjusting device 1 for electromotive adjustment of a movable rail system 13 a vehicle seat, not shown, with an upper rail 14 of the rail system 13 connected is. The top rail 14 is in a bottom rail 15 of the rail system 13 in the rail longitudinal direction along turn a Verstellweges 16 guided essentially horizontally displaceable.

The optical sensor 9 is in the embodiment with the bottom rail 15 connected and with respect to a again acting as a signal generator reference surface R ( 5 to 8th ) arranged such that the sensor 9 upon actuation of the drive or motor 4 a relative movement relative to the reference surface R detected. The evaluation unit 11 determined in turn from the sensor 9 detected relative movement data D, the current position of the upper rail 14 connected vehicle seat.

The reference surface R ( 5 to 8th ) is in the embodiment of the upper rail 14 intended. Also, the optical sensor 9 with the top rail 14 connected and the reference surface R at the bottom rail 15 provided or be a local surface itself.

3 shows the basic structure of the optical sensor 9 as well as its arrangement with respect to the effective as a signal generator reference surface R, which on the Bowden cable 7 according to 1 or on the rail system 13 according to 2 at the top or bottom rail 14 respectively. 15 is provided. The optical sensor 9 includes a light source 17 in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) and a microprocessor 18 with a light detector hereinafter referred to as a sensor element 19 , for example in the form of a phototransistor or a light-sensitive array. The light source 17 A defined object field illuminates on the reference surface R and the light reflected thereby passes through a focusing or scattering lens 20 on the sensor element 19 of the optical sensor 9 , The optical sensor 9 takes a plurality of images of the reference surface R or the defined object field per unit of time. The microprocessor 18 can also be part of the evaluation unit 11 be.

The microprocessor 18 processes these images by digitizing the two-dimensional images and comparing each digitized image with a previously acquired reference image to thereby operate upon actuation of the engine (drive) 4 the relative movement of the sensor 9 relative to the reference surface R to capture.

Due to the two-dimensional image capture both x-coordinates and y-coordinates of the movement are present, so that for example from the x-coordinates, the relative movement along the adjustment path 3 . 16 can be determined. The y-coordinates can then be used to correct installation tolerances of the optical sensor 9 within the actuator 1 be used.

The from the optical sensor 9 detected relative motion data D are in the evaluation unit 11 for determining the current position of the respective adjusting element 2 . 14 used. The evaluation unit adds up to this 11 the relative movement data D and determines therefrom an absolute position P _{a of} the adjusting element with respect to the reference surface R according to the relationship P _a = P ₀ + ΣΔP _i .

Here P _{i are} the accumulated position data and Po a defined initial value or a defined starting position. This initial value Po can be learned or by a defined mark M ( 6 to 8th ) are provided on the reference surface R.

4 shows the optical sensor 9 relative to a cylinder surface designed as a reference surface R, for example, at the periphery of a rotating shaft 21 is appropriate. The rotating shaft 21 may be the motor or drive shaft or, for example, the spindle of a spindle drive, which preferably in an adjusting device 1 for seat adjustment according to 2 is used.

5 shows the optical sensor, in particular as an angle sensor, against a rotating signal generator 22 with different surface patterns M _{1... n} in several circle segments as the reference surface R. The reference surface R or the surface patterns M _n with or without additional marking (FIG. 8th and 9 ) are, for example, on one end face of the shaft 21 or a Gertriebezahnrades provided. Also, the reference surface R or the surface pattern M _n at one on the shaft 21 arranged annular or collar-like signal generator 22 be provided.

While in the embodiments according to the 1 and 2 the position determination by means of the optical sensor 9 takes place in longitudinal movements occurs in the embodiments according to the 4 and 5 the positioner or angular version during a rotary movement. Here is a complete revolution of the shaft 21 or of the coronal or end-side signal generator 22 with a corresponding longitudinal movement or longitudinal displacement of one with the shaft 21 or correlated with the coronal or frontal signal generator coupled adjustment.

The effective as a reference surface R cylinder jacket surface or the annular signal generator 22 For example, in the embodiment according to 1 on the motor shaft of the motor 4 be provided. A rotational movement and thus also a fraction of a complete revolution of the shaft 21 is then correlated with a defined longitudinal movement or a corresponding stroke of the windowpane 2 along the adjustment path 3 , Analog is at the actuator 1 according to 2 with a drive spindle, which is provided with the reference surface R, a spindle rotation with a longitudinal displacement of the upper rail 14 - And thus the connected with this vehicle seat - along the adjustment 16 correlated.

The 6 to 9 show different surface patterns or structures M of the reference surface R. So shows 6 a uniform pattern M of the entire reference surface R, which covers virtually the entire adjustment path 3 . 16 maps.

7 shows a number of optically identical surface sections R _{1... n} with transition patterns F _{1... n} different between these surface sections R ₁ . A start or normalization pattern F _S at one end of the reference surface R can serve to determine the initial position P ₀ . The transition pattern F _n then essentially serve to correct the currently determined absolute position P _a or the initial position P _{0 of} the adjusting element 2 . 16 ,

8th shows a reference surface R with a number of different surface patterns M ₁ to M _n . The transitions U _n can in turn be used to correct the respectively determined absolute and / or initial position P _a or P ₀ .

As at the surface pattern R ₅ in FIG 8th is shown, may be provided within this pattern R _5, an additional optical marking A, which is in the embodiment, a surface pattern R ₅ diagonal continuous marking line. Thus, while already by the identification of this surface pattern R _5, the approximate relative position P of the adjusting element 2 . 14 can be determined, the additional marking A is used for comparatively accurate position determination and / or for the correction of the initial position P _{0 of} the adjusting element 2 . 14 ,

9 shows a reference surface R similar to that according to the embodiment according to 5 , There, however, again a uniform pattern M of the reference surface R diagonally passing through mark A is provided, which is a comparatively exact position determination or a correction of the initial position P _{0 of} the adjustment 2 . 14 allows.

In the embodiments of the 4 and 5 Preferably, the cylinder jacket surface or the annular signal generator has a number of n surface sections R _n in 360 ° / n circle segments each having a surface pattern M _n . For example, the cylindrical surface is in six 60 ° sectors or arc sections with the different surface patterns M ₁ to M ₆ according to 8th divided. The Zylindermantel- or reference surface R can also in 30 ° sectors with be subdivided according to twelve surface patterns M ₁ to M ₁₂ .

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

setting device

2

windowpane

3

adjustment

4

Motor / drive

5

coupling element

6

cable drum

7

Bowden

8th

takeaway

9

optical sensor

10

signal line

11

evaluation

12

control line

13

rail system

14

upper rail

15

bottom rail

16

adjustment

17

light source

18

microprocessor

19

sensor element

20

lens

21

Engine / shaft

A

mark

D

Transaction data

F _n

Transition pattern

F _S

Start / normalization pattern

M _n

Surface pattern / structure

P _a

absolute position

P ₀

starting position

P _i

position data

R

reference surface

R _n

surface section

S

control data

U _n

crossing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19916400 C1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Adjusting device ( 1 ) for electromotive adjustment of a movable adjusting element ( 2 . 14 ) of a motor vehicle, with a drive ( 4 ) and with an evaluation unit ( 11 ) as well as with an optical sensor operating according to the mouse principle ( 9 ) for non-contact detection of the position (P _a ) of the adjusting element ( 2 . 14 ) along whose Verstellweges ( 3 . 16 ), - whereby the sensor ( 9 ) with respect to a reference surface (R) is arranged such that the sensor ( 9 ) upon actuation of the drive ( 4 ) detects a relative movement with respect to the reference surface (R), and - wherein the evaluation unit ( 11 ) from the sensor ( 9 ) detected relative movement data (D) the current position (P _a , P _i ) of the adjusting element ( 2 . 14 ). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical sensor ( 9 ) a light source oriented on the reference surface (R) ( 17 ) and a light detector ( 19 ), which evaluates image information contained in the light reflected from the reference surface (R) and derives therefrom the relative movement data (D). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the evaluation unit ( 11 ) from the relative movement data (D) a longitudinal and / or rotational movement of the adjusting element ( 2 . 14 ). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the evaluation unit ( 11 ) sums up the relative movement data (D, P _i ) and from this an absolute position (P _a ) of the adjustment element ( 2 . 14 ). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reference surface (R) in the direction of movement has a sequence of optical surface patterns (R _n , F _n ). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reference surface (R) at least one optical marking (A) for correcting the position (P ₀ , P _a ) of the adjusting element ( 2 . 14 ) having. Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that between two identical surface patterns (M _n ) one of these two surface patterns (M _n ) different optical transition pattern (Fr) is provided. Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reference surface (R) is a cylinder jacket surface of one with the drive ( 4 ) coupled coupling element ( 21 ). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cylinder jacket surface has a number of n surface sections (R _n ) in 360 ° / n circle segments each having a surface pattern (M _n ). Adjusting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reference surface (R) has a longitudinal surface along the adjustment path (Fig. 3 . 16 ) of the adjusting element ( 2 . 14 ) or coupled thereto coupling element ( 7 ).

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