DE202010015554U1 - door unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Door unit, in particular a motor vehicle door unit, with a movement transmission element (3, 4) connected to a door leaf (1) with a drive shaft (4), and with at least one locking device (5, 6, 7) for the door leaf (1), the locking device (5, 6, 7) has at least one chamber (6) filled with a hydraulic medium (5) and a displacement body (7) movable in the chamber (6), characterized in that the hydraulic medium (5) with regard to its properties, in particular with Look at its viscosity, designed to be changeable.

Description

The invention relates to a door unit, in particular motor vehicle door unit, having a motion transmission member connected to a door with drive shaft, and having at least one locking device for the door leaf, wherein the locking device comprises at least one chamber filled with a hydraulic medium and a displaceable body movable in the chamber.

With the help of the locking device, the door can be blocked at virtually any point during its movement. For this purpose, the generic doctrine suggests the US 5,410,777 a displacement body in the form of a wiper before. The filled with the hydraulic medium chamber has a plurality of openings. Depending on a movement of the wiper, the liquid can be discharged through individual outlets connected to the openings. A circulation of the hydraulic medium is possible. The known locking device can be integrated as it were in a door hinge.

The further and also generic prior art according to the DE 20 2004 003 546 U1 proposes a locking device which is designed as a continuously variable hydraulic system such that the locking device can be hydraulically fixed in any relative rotational position. A movement is possible by applying a higher breakaway torque and then a lower moment of motion. For this purpose, again a displacement body is realized, which is reciprocated in a filled with a hydraulic medium chamber in accordance with a movement of the drive shaft.

The prior art can not satisfy in all aspects. Thus, the known embodiments are relatively complicated. In addition, an attachment in or on the door hinge is consistently required. If at this point the required space is not available or mounting problems prevents a local arrangement, the known measures can not or can only be realized with considerable effort. This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a door unit, in particular a motor vehicle door unit, in such a way that a functionally correct actuation of the locking device is achieved with reduced design complexity and achieved.

To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes in a generic door unit, in particular motor vehicle door unit, that the hydraulic medium received together with the displacement body in the chamber is designed to be variable in terms of its properties and in particular with regard to its viscosity.

In the context of the invention, therefore, no special valves or complicated structures of the displacer are pursued, as in the context of the prior art, for example, according to the US 5,410,777 be regarded as obligatory. Rather, the invention operates with a hydraulic medium, which is usually designed in terms of its viscosity, so ultimately looking at its flow behavior, changeable. In this case, a high viscosity and a low flow behavior usually corresponded to the locking device blocks the door. In contrast, a low viscosity and a pronounced high flow behavior mean that the door leaf can be moved more or less without resistance and the locking device does not block the door leaf, that is deactivated.

To achieve this in detail, various possibilities are conceivable and are encompassed by the invention. Thus, the hydraulic medium may be formed as non-Newtonian and / or magnetorheological and / or electrorheological fluid. If a non-Newtonian fluid is used, then it is advantageously a viscoplastic fluid and in particular a so-called Bingham fluid.

In the first alternative, the fluid is designed as a non-Newtonian fluid as opposed to a Newtonian fluid. Such a non-Newtonian fluid or a non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid or, in principle, also a gas whose viscosity does not remain constant when the acting shear forces change. In this case, shear forces are applied to the hydraulic medium in question or the non-Newtonian fluid via the displacement body in the hydraulic medium. For this purpose, the displacement body is connected to the drive shaft and ultimately follows the movement of the door leaf.

In this case, the design in the illustrated example case is such that the hydraulic medium automatically changes its viscosity due to the described shear forces acting on the displacement body. For this purpose, it is provided that the hydraulic medium varies in dependence on a load on the door leaf and / or a speed of the door leaf its viscosity. In most cases, a so-called minimum shear stress of the hydraulic medium is observed in this context. Below this minimum shear stress behaves the hydraulic medium typically like an elastic body. On the other hand, above the minimum shear stress, the hydraulic medium begins to flow.

This means in concrete application that the locking device blocks the door when shear stresses or shear forces are generated in the hydraulic medium by means of the displacement body, which are located below the minimum shear stress. Because in this case, the hydraulic medium works like the elastic body already described, so that the door is blocked by means of the locking device. If, however, the minimum shear stress is exceeded by a corresponding load on the door leaf, the shear forces on the hydraulic medium increase and this begins to flow. As a result, the door can be moved more or less resistance.

If the door is stopped or slowed down, the viscosity of the hydraulic medium increases again, and until such time as the minimum thrust voltage is exceeded and the hydraulic medium again works like an elastic body and blocks the previously moved therein displacement body and holds. Then the locking device is active and also blocks the door in the desired manner. In any case, it is achieved in this way that the hydraulic medium automatically changes its viscosity by acting on shear forces of the displacement body, namely in dependence on which load the door leaf is subjected to its movement.

In the context of the alternative approach already referred to, a magnetorheological and / or electrorheological fluid can also be used as the hydraulic medium. A magnetorheological fluid is a suspension of small magnetically polarizable particles finely dispersed in a carrier liquid. If a magnetic field acts on such a magnetorheological fluid, the magnetically polarizable particles are polarized within the carrier fluid and form chains in the direction of the field lines. In this way, and as a result of the orientation of the particles, the suspension becomes thicker with increasing field strength, thus increasing its viscosity. A magnetic field of high field strength thus corresponds to a viscous state of the magnetorheological fluid and consequently a high viscosity. This includes the active position of the locking device, in which the door is held.

If, on the other hand, there is no magnetic field or if the field strength is low, the suspension is fluid and the door can easily be moved back and forth. For this purpose, the deactivated position or position of the locking device corresponds.

Magnetorheological fluids have long been known and can be prepared, for example, so that the already mentioned magnetically polarizable particles are introduced into a carrier fluid having a diameter of about 1 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m. As carrier liquid mineral oil can be used, but also silicone oil, glycol or water. In addition, it has been proven to use particles with a polymeric surface coating to avoid properties such as abrasion, sedimentation and aging. The magnetically polarizable particles are advantageously carbonyl iron powder.

Such magnetorheological fluids have long been used in the automotive field, for example in connection with a fluid coupling, as the DE 10 2007 015 053 A1 describes. Comparable uses are known in connection with attenuators according to the DE 101 17 817 A1 , However, such fluids have hitherto not been used in connection with locking devices for door units.

Alternatively or additionally, the hydraulic medium may also be an electrorheological fluid. In this case, the flow behavior and hence the viscosity of the fluid in question is changed in response to an applied electric field under control. As in the case of the magnetorheological fluid, a suspension is again used, which is composed of electrically polarizable particles or droplets which are dispersed in an electrically non-conductive carrier liquid. As a carrier liquid, for example, silicone or mineral oil has proven to be favorable. The electrically polarizable particles or droplets may be polyurethane particles which are typically dispersed in silicone oil as the carrier liquid. As a result, abrasion and wear virtually no longer play a role. Because the soft and elastic electrically polarizable particles based on polyurethane or polyurethane particles have no abrasive effect on the chamber or the displacement body.

An applied external electric field induces dipoles in the electrically polarizable particles. As in the case of the magnetorheological fluid, the electrically polarizable particles form chains and columns along the field lines of the electric field. This chain formation is accompanied by an increase in viscosity. That is, the electrorheological fluid becomes thicker with increasing electric field strength and its viscosity increases. For this purpose, the active state of the corresponding from a certain intrinsic viscosity Locking device similar to the achievable even in magnetorheological fluids intrinsic viscosity. Below this intrinsic viscosity, movements of the displacer in the chamber are not significantly hindered by the hydraulic medium because the viscosity is low. For this purpose, the non-activated or deactivated position of the locking device corresponds.

In the case of the magnetorheological and / or electrorheological fluid, it has been found useful to apply a magnetic and / or electric field to the chamber to effect the described viscosity changes. In this case, the respective magnetic and / or electric field can be activated / deactivated by means of a control unit. Also, a change in the strength of the magnetic and / or electric field by means of the control unit is conceivable.

The greater the field strength of the magnetic field or that of the electric field, the greater the viscosity of the hydraulic medium accommodated in the interior of the chamber. As a result, the displacer is more or less decelerated as it moves within the chamber. If the determined intrinsic viscosity is exceeded, the displacer can not practically (more) be moved back and forth. As a result, the door is blocked and the locking device assumes its "active" position.

The control unit can be activated, for example, by a switch, so that an operator request in an activation / deactivation of the locking device can be easily implemented in this way. However, embodiments are also conceivable such that the hydraulic medium automatically changes its viscosity, as is the case with respect to the already treated viscoplastic fluid.

In this context, for example, the speed of the door leaf or a load acting thereon can be queried by means of a sensor. When an operator tries to move the door, the sensor registers a growing load on the door leaf. This may be interpreted by the control unit so that the previously activated locking device is deactivated or should be. Conversely, a load on the door leaf or a lack of action on the door leaf may correspond to the control unit transferring the locking device into the "active" position and holding the door wing in the interior of the chamber by the associated high viscosity of the hydraulic medium. - Electrorheological fluids are used in the automotive sector by the DE 39 20 346 A1 also known, but - as the magnetorheological fluids - in a completely different context.

Within the scope of a further alternative design, it is provided that the chamber for receiving the hydraulic medium and the displacement body movable thereon in the hydraulic medium is made variable in consideration of its volume. In this case, the hydraulic medium is also changed in one property. In fact, for example, a compression of the chamber ensures that the intrinsic flow velocity of the hydraulic medium decreases until the displacer can not be moved in extreme cases. Then the active position of the locking device is reached.

For this purpose, the chamber is assigned at least one externally attacking contact pressure. The contact pressure acts on an at least partially flexible chamber wall. In this way, a flow of the hydraulic medium inside the chamber is influenced. In principle, the viscosity of the hydraulic medium could also be changed by the contact pressure means. As a rule, however, the hydraulic medium is a more or less incompressible liquid. For this reason, the pressure means is typically used to change the flow of hydraulic medium inside the chamber.

For this purpose, the chamber is typically equipped with an overall flexible chamber wall. This chamber wall or the chamber as a whole can be completely or partially received by a support element and experienced by means of the support element a support. The design is regularly made such that the active position of the locking device corresponds to the fact that the contact pressure acts on the chamber wall.

The admission is designed so that the displacement of the body in the interior of the chamber back and forth hydraulic medium can not or virtually no (more) can flow. As a result, the door is held. In contrast, the non-active or deactivated position of the locking device to the fact that the pressing means does not act on the chamber wall and consequently the displacement body can reciprocate the hydraulic medium. In other words, the flow of the hydraulic medium inside the chamber in this case is not or practically not affected.

The possibility of changing the flow of a hydraulic medium inside a chamber via a pressing means, in conjunction with an actuator by a lock through the DE 10 2005 043 989 A1 has become known, however, has so far found no use in combination with a locking device for a door.

As a result, a door unit is provided, which is initially constructed simply and functionally reliable. Because it comes only a hydraulic medium used, which is usually in terms of its viscosity or in view of its achievable intrinsic, d. h., The material own, flow rate is designed changeable. This can be realized in various ways, with particularly a hydraulic medium has proven to be favorable, which is designed as a non-Newtonian and / or as a magnetorheological and / or as an electrorheological fluid. In any case, the locking device can be activated by simple means and thus block the door. Here are the main benefits and effects to see.

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

1 a door unit according to the invention schematically and

2A to 2D different variants of the locking device in principle expression.

In the 1 a door unit is shown, which is a motor vehicle door unit. This has in its basic structure a door leaf 1 or swing door leaf 1 that is about a pivot point 2 in the in the 1 can be pivoted direction indicated. This is made clear by the double arrow with associated swivel angle α. To the door wing or swing door leaf 1 is a motion transmission member 3 . 4 connected, which is supported on a body.

The motion transmission member 3 . 4 is based in its basic structure of a rack 3 and one with the rack 3 meshing drive shaft 4 together. Because the rack 3 to the swing door wing 1 is connected or with the stationary on or in the swing door 1 attached drive shaft 4 combs, which correspond in the 1 shown pivoting movements of the door leaf 1 to that the rack 3 is linearly reciprocated.

In addition to the on the door 1 connected motion transmission member 3 . 4 with the drive shaft 4 is still a locking device in the embodiment 5 . 6 . 7 intended. The locking device 5 . 6 . 7 has one with a hydraulic medium 5 filled chamber 6 , In the chamber 6 can be a repressive body 7 be moved back and forth, performs in the context of the embodiment rotations clockwise and counterclockwise, as a corresponding double arrow in the 2A suggests. For this purpose, the displacement body 7 with the drive shaft 4 coupled. In the example shown, the drive shaft passes through 4 the chamber 6 and drives the repressive body 7 directly to. Of course, it is also within the scope of the invention, when the drive shaft 4 via an unillustrated and intermediate gearbox on the displacement body 7 is working.

For the invention is now of particular importance that in the interior of the chamber 6 absorbed hydraulic medium 5 is designed changeable in terms of its properties and especially its viscosity. For this purpose, various basic procedures are conceivable, which are discussed in detail below. So comes in the context of the variant after the 2A as hydraulic medium 5 a non-Newtonian fluid is used. This non-Newtonian fluid is a viscoplastic fluid, in the exemplary embodiment a so-called Bingham fluid. Such a fluid is characterized in that the fluid or the hydraulic medium 5 by attacking shear forces of the displacement body 7 its viscosity changes automatically. This is the hydraulic medium 5 or the Bingham fluid in the variant according to the illustration according to 2A equipped with a minimum shear stress.

Fall below the of the displacement body 7 by movements of the drive shaft 4 inside the chamber 6 on the hydraulic medium 5 acting shear forces the said minimum thrust, so behaves the hydraulic medium 5 like an elastic body. In this case, the displacement body 7 perform at most slight pivoting movements and ensures the realized at this point locking device 5 . 6 . 7 for the door 1 is blocked. The locking device 5 . 6 . 7 is in its position "active".

On the other hand, an operator acts on the door leaf 1 with a load corresponding to that of the displacer 7 within the hydraulic medium 5 built shear forces exceed the already mentioned minimum shear stress, so behaves the hydraulic medium 5 more or less like a liquid. This means that the hydraulic medium begins above the minimum shear stress in question 5 to flow. As a result, the locking device takes 5 . 6 . 7 their position "deactivated" or not active. The door leaf 1 Accordingly, it can be pivoted freely and practically without resistance. In the case of the embodiment according to 2A used hydraulic medium 5 it is a so-called Bingham fluid, as for example and not limiting in the US 4,158,571 is described.

An alternative approach to the realization of the locking device according to the invention 5 . 6 . 7 show the 2 B , At this point comes as a hydraulic medium 5 a magnetorheological fluid is used. As already explained in the introduction, the hydraulic medium 5 in this context, constructed as a suspension of a carrier liquid, for example silicone oil, mineral oil, etc., and magnetically polarizable particles suspended therein. In this case, the chamber 6 from one or more magnets 8th enclosed, which are formed in the embodiment and not limiting annular and generate a magnetic field with indicated field lines, which are predominantly perpendicular to the movement of the displacement body 7 run. Along these field lines, the magnetically polarizable particles of, for example, carbonyl iron powder form chains which control the movement of the displacement body 7 inhibit. The greater the field strength of the magnetic field, the greater the inhibition of the movement of the displacement body 7 and consequently also the viscosity of the hydraulic medium 5 pronounced.

From a certain and thus adjustable intrinsic viscosity of the displacement body 7 practically not (anymore) inside the chamber 6 to be moved. As a result, the door becomes 1 detained and the detention facility 5 . 6 . 7 is in its position "active". For this purpose, it may be the magnets 8th each act on electromagnets by a control unit 9 be charged and controlled. Provides the control unit 9 for that the magnets or electromagnets 8th build up the described magnetic field, then the viscosity of the hydraulic medium 5 or of the magnetorheological fluid used at this point increases, so that the locking device 5 . 6 . 7 takes her position "active". This can happen, for example, in such a way that the control unit 9 with the help of a switch on the dashboard, on the door wing 1 etc. is activated. Other activation measures are conceivable, as they have already been described in the introduction.

In another alternative approach as shown 2C comes as hydraulic medium 5 an electrorheological fluid is used. Such a fluid is again characterized by a suspension, this time of electrically polarizable particles in a non-conducting carrier liquid. The particles in question may be polyurethane particles which are taken up in a silicone or mineral oil as carrier liquid. In this case, with the help of, for example, one or more of the chamber 6 enclosing coils 10 an electric field inside the chamber 6 generated, again form field lines, this time electric field lines from. The field lines are again perpendicular to the direction of movement of the displacement body 7 aligned.

As part of the variant after the 2 B The local magnetic field lines run predominantly in the radial direction in comparison to the largely cylindrical chamber 6 , In contrast, the electric field lines after the 2C over a more or less axial alignment compared to the cylindrical chamber 6 , As a result, the electric field lines in the 2C aligned perpendicular to the drawing plane.

In this way, the electrically polarizable particles form in the interior of the hydraulic medium 5 again chains or columns along the field lines, because dipoles are induced in the particles in question. These columns or chains provide - as in the case of the magnetorheological fluid according to the embodiment after 2 B - that the viscosity of the hydraulic medium 5 increases.

Exceeds the hydraulic medium 5 the intrinsic viscosity already referred to, is the thus established locking device 5 . 6 . 7 "Active" and can the door 1 not (anymore) to be moved. For this purpose, the control unit acts on 9 the the chamber 6 enclosing coils 10 corresponding. Once the through the coils 10 flowing electricity is shut off, the electric field collapses and thus can the displacement body 7 Resistance-free or almost resistance-free within the hydraulic medium 5 be moved back and forth. For this purpose, the position "deactivated" corresponds to the locking device 5 . 6 . 7 ,

As part of the presentation after 2D Another option is provided graphically, the hydraulic medium 5 changeable interpreted. In this case, not the viscosity is changed, but rather the flow velocity within the hydraulic medium 5 which through the displacement body 7 is caused. For this purpose, the chamber 6 formed variable considering their volume. These are two outside of the chamber 6 attacking contact pressure 11 intended. In addition, the chamber has 6 via an at least partially flexible chamber wall. The chamber wall or the chamber 6 is wholly or partly by a support element 12 added. The support element or the two support elements 12 as well as the two contactants 11 lie each diametrically with respect to the centrally arranged drive shaft 4 across from. In addition, the design is such that the contact pressure 11 in connection with the support element or the two support elements 12 the chamber 6 enclose almost completely.

If now with the help of the contact pressure 11 the chamber 6 is acted upon, so this is a flow of the hydraulic medium 5 inside the chamber 6 almost completely prevented. As a result, the displacement body 7 not (more) to be moved and comes the door 1 to a halt. For this purpose, the position "active" corresponds to the locking device 5 . 6 . 7 , One or two contactants 11 can be with the help of the control unit 9 apply. - It is understood that the described different approaches and interpretations of the locking device 5 . 6 . 7 In principle, they can also be combined in whole or in part.

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

• US 5410777 [0002, 0007]
• DE 202004003546 U1 [0003]
• DE 102007015053 A1 [0016]
• DE 10117817 A1 [0016]
• DE 3920346 A1 [0022]
• DE 102005043989 A1 [0027]
• US 4158571 [0037]

Claims (12)

Door unit, in particular motor vehicle door unit, with a door leaf ( 1 ) connected motion transmission member ( 3 . 4 ) with drive shaft ( 4 ), and with at least one locking device ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) for the door ( 1 ), the locking device ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) at least one with a hydraulic medium ( 5 ) filled chamber ( 6 ) and one in the chamber ( 6 ) movable displacement body ( 7 ), characterized in that the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) is designed to be changeable in terms of its properties, in particular with regard to its viscosity. Door unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) is formed as non-Newtonian and / or magnetorheological and / or as electrorheological fluid. Door unit according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the non-Newtonian fluid is a viscoplastic fluid. Door unit according to claim 3, characterized in that a Bingham fluid is used as the viscoplastic fluid. Door unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) by attacking shear forces of the displacement body ( 7 ) automatically changes its viscosity. Door unit according to claim 5, characterized in that a minimum shear stress of the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) is provided below which the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) how an elastic body works and above which the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) begins to flow. Door unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that to the chamber ( 6 ) is applied a magnetic and / or electric field. Door unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the magnetic and / or electric field by means of a control unit ( 9 ) is activated / deactivated and optionally varied with regard to its respective strength. Door unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the chamber ( 6 ) is formed variable in consideration of their volume. Door unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the chamber ( 6 ) at least one externally acting contact pressure agent ( 11 ), which has an at least partially flexible chamber wall for changing a flow of the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) inside the chamber ( 6 ). Door unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the chamber ( 6 ) is equipped with an overall flexible chamber wall, which completely or partially by a support element ( 12 ) is recorded. Door unit according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the hydraulic medium ( 5 ) depending on a load on the door leaf ( 1 ) and / or a speed of the door leaf ( 1 ) changes its viscosity.

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