DE4204017C1 - Control arrangement for folding roof of vehicle - has counter circuit ascertaining timed intervals between end position switches operated sequentially - Google Patents

Abstract

This control has been designed for a folding roof which is opened and closed by a separate drive and the movement of the roof and its associated parts, in particular the closing connections and the box cover, are coordinated by a number of limit switches, activated in set sequences and at variable intervals by the roof and the connections as they reach their end positions. A counter circuit (9) detects the intervals between the activation of each successive limit switch (S1 to Sn). A comparator (15) compares the actual times involved and the times required for these activations. Switching units (8) give signals for stopping or returning the process when the time intervals are too long. ADVANTAGE - Takes into account safety of user. Can be initiated by switching pulse.

Description

The invention relates to a controller for a vehicle folding ver deck with the features of the preamble of claim A control with these features is known (DE 38 26 789 C2).

The end designed as a push button for position detection position switches control the movement with their signals run of the folding top by creating a coherent, constantly following one during a convertible top movement form the pattern that changes the code, which in turn is assigned to an elec tronic central control unit is supplied.

To trigger and carry out every folding roof movement a control switch for safety reasons be so long be done how the folding top should move. He will When released, the folding top stops immediately. This makes the operation of the control in favor of the user security relatively uncomfortable; a triggering of the complete sequence of movements by briefly pressing a button, such as as you know z. B. in electric vehicle window regulators is possible is not admitted.

For the same reason, implementation has so far failed ner sensor-controlled automatic closing, which opens an open hood of a vehicle parked with the ignition switched off automatically controls when precipitation begins. A Such automatic closing is in principle in DE 39 00 184 A1 wrote.  

It is a safety device for monitoring the swivel or swing path of a door moved by means of a drive sheet known (DE 31 11 711 A1), the number of switches comprises, in a predetermined order and in regular only slightly variable time intervals are actuated, when the assigned door leaf opens or closes movement goes through. The time required in one run Levels between two switch operations are temporary saved and serve as comparative values for each next door leaf movement process. Then is a temporal Distance significantly larger than last time, this is called interpreted a signal that the door leaf movement ab run is blocked by an obstacle, for example; the door leaf drive is then switched off or reversed.

The switches disclosed in the cited prior art were but have been installed and installed especially for door run monitoring with the actual movement control of the with handlebars forced door leaf do nothing.

The invention has the task of a generic control so train that the movement of a folding roof under special consideration of user safety if necessary can also be initiated by a switching pulse.

This task is carried out with the characteristic features of Pa Claim 1 solved according to the invention.

By now in the control the time intervals between the individual operations of the existing limit switches and be at least approximately the same as before agreed comparison values are compared in the tax additional protection against possible inhibitions of the Folding hood motion sequence added. The limit switches a second, additional function is thus assigned by  with their signals in addition to the actual process control also master the safety function. Is a time interval between two switch operations significantly larger than that assigned comparison value, the current folding roof movement interrupted or vice versa.

The characteristic features of the subclaims give advantage sticky developments of the control according to the invention.

The time lapse monitoring can be useful with a pressure build-up Surveillance can be combined if the folding top as with Generic state of the art through hydraulic drive elements is movable. One or more pressure monitoring scarves ter can be provided in the hydraulic piping system to avoid any excessive pressure grasp and then switch off the pressure generator.

Analog can in the context of a purely electrical drive system Current / voltage values in the event of overload are recorded and evaluated the.

In the present application, excess force is limited tion of the type mentioned above, which is used in electric fen jacks or sunroofs is common, do not use alone bar, because when a folding top is in operation, the Ab solute forces and also greater fluctuations in force for the same Setting process occurs under different operating conditions men.

Environmental influences can prevent the folding process from running regularly deck movements and thus the time intervals between two scarf adversely affect activities; e.g. B. must at low reverse exercise temperature a longer time required for a complete Closing or opening sequence than at a comparatively high temperature  temperature must be accepted because the hydraulic fluid tougher or the folding top cover is stiffer.

This can be taken into account in the time interval detection by making a basic setting at the factory for initialization development for a certain temperature value, e.g. B. 20 ° C, vorese hen that can be corrected later self-learning, z. B. after 5 soft top operations. The corrected value can be will be updated after every convertible top operation. An even better and more flexible consideration made a difference Licher temperature conditions can be due to storage or spoke tion of several, for certain temperature ranges or values typical setpoints for the same time interval (ge more precisely: for one between the operations of a be matched pair of limit switches required time interval) can be achieved in a map. The selection of the currently valid set values from the map can be expediently by signals of an electrical outside temperature sensor, which is present in many vehicles anyway.

Of course, you can also determine for pressure monitoring typical values for different operating conditions and Movement sections stored in a map and be retrieved from it as needed; the same applies again for the comparison values for overload currents or voltages.

So it is in connection with the newly introduced backup on the one hand conceivable a complete movement of the Folding top only by briefly actuating a control scarf ters in the desired direction, of course, as before, a manual interruption or reversal of direction by operating the control switch in opposite directions at any time remains possible.

Furthermore, it is possible without safety concerns, for example a lock when the vehicle is parked with the folding top open  process by means of a precipitation sensor automatically without closing do a vehicle user initiate when said sensor beginning precipitation is recorded.

For this, however, it should be a requirement that the vehicle is not in the driving mode, e.g. B. that an ignition switch is open.

Further details and advantages are shown in the drawing Embodiment and their subsequent here detailed description.

Show it

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a controller for a Faltver deck with evaluation of the time intervals between the operations of limit switches,

Fig. 2 is a counter circuit as a detail from FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 is a is a precipitation sensor to initiate the self-closing of the folding top at onset of rainfall added control,

Fig. 4 is a sketch of the additional equipment of the control with pressure monitoring in the hydraulic drive system.

Building on a known control for movements of a folding top, FIG. 1 schematically shows a circuit with a control switch 1 designed as a changeover switch with a neutral central position. Its two fixed contacts 1.1 (open "A" for the folding top) and 1.2 (close "Z" for the folding top) are each connected to a central control unit 2 via a line. The folding top itself and its periphery (closures, roof box with lid etc.) as well as the drive elements and their control via valves and lines are not shown here because the corresponding arrangement has already been sufficiently disclosed in the generic state of the art and these components are of secondary importance for the control to be described here.

With S1, S2,. . . Sn-1 and Sn are single-ended terminals shown designated switch, also with the Zentralsteuerge advises about a line and are connected with their switching signals control the sequence of movements of the folding top. S1 is in this case, for example, the first in a folding roof movement in Open position operated limit switches, S2 the second while Sn-1 the penultimate and Sn the last limit switch in the Row of switches to be operated one after the other. Naturally there can be any number of additional limit switches in between lie; for the sake of clarity, this was only made possible by Fort set points shown.

The exact assignment of the individual limit switches to the fold convertible top and its periphery need not be described here to become; in this regard again on the generic picture referred to the state of the art.

A number of parallel lines lead from the central control device 2 to a logic block 3 . This has a wide input F from the output of an OR gate 4 , the linking block 3 logically linking each input from the central control unit 2 to the further input F (indicated by a fixed connection of input F to an AND gate input, while the other entrance is free).

Driver stages 5 are connected to the outputs of logic block 3 , only one of which is shown here by way of example. This switches a relay 6 , which switches the motor current of an electric motor of a hydraulic unit 7 with its working contact.

The other driver stages, not shown, switch, for example, solenoid valves for distributing the pressure generated by the hydraulic unit 7 to a number of hydraulic drive elements for the folding top and movable components controlled together with it. The folding top can only move when the hydraulic unit motor is running and the corresponding valves are switched in the correct order.

The central control unit 2 in turn can only trigger a switching effect at the driver stages if a positive signal (level "HIGH") is present as an enable signal at input F of logic block 3 , ie if there is a positive level at least at one input of OR gate 4 .

This is particularly the case when the control switch 1 is held manually in one of its switch-on positions, because each of its two fixed contacts is also connected to an input of the OR gate 4 . However, this is also the case if the output of an AND gate 8 carries a positive signal ("HIGH" level).

At the inputs of this AND gate 8 , outputs of a counter circuit 9 to be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, collectively referred to as detection means, to which switching signals of the limit switches S1-Sn are supplied as input signals. The counter circuit 9 additionally has two clock inputs T1 and T2, which in turn are acted upon by a clock generator 10 and 11, respectively.

Both clock generators 10 and 11 have a dynamic SET input, ie they are activated by a switching edge. The clock 10 is triggered by turning on the control switch in the opening direction "A" of the folding top (fixed contact 1.1 ), while the clock 11 is activated by turning on the control switch in the closing direction "Z" of the folding top (fixed contact 1.2 ).

Both clock generators 10 and 11 also have a reset input 10 R or 11 R. An OR gate 12 connected with its output to the reset input 10 R is on the input side with the fixed contact 1.2 of the control switch 1 and with the last to be actuated when the folding top is opened Limit switch Sn a related party, so that the clock 10 can be reset to its idle state by means of a switching signal of one of these switches 1 / 1.2 or Sn.

Analogously, an OR gate 13 connected with its output to the reset input 11 R is connected on the input side to the fixed contact 1.1 of the control switch 1 and to the limit switch S1 to be actuated when opening the folding top first (or when closing it last). The clock generator 11 can thus be reset via the fixed contact 1.1 or at the start of a folding top opening movement.

So it becomes apparent when a current is reversed Folding roof movement also featured a switchover of the clock generator taken.

The counter circuit 9 basically has to register the start of a folding roof movement as well as the successive switching signals of the limit switches; it also has to record the time intervals between the actuation times of two limit switches to be actuated in succession (i.e. S1 - S2, S3 - S4, Sn-1 - Sn or Sn - Sn-1, S4 - S3, S2 - S1) to carry out each current time interval on the basis of a stored comparison value and, if appropriate, to generate an error switching signal if there should be a significant deviation between the current time interval and the stored comparison value. The error switching signal then leads to the termination of the folding top movement process. This safety circuit Si affects only in the embodiment described here from when a folding roof-movement process automatically, that is, without constant operation of the control switch 1 by hand, expires. Of course, it can also be provided that the "manual" convertible top operation is also monitored and possibly terminated; For this purpose, the connection between the control switch 1 and the OR gate 4 would have to be interrupted in order to prevent the overriding of the safety circuit which is still possible according to the circuit diagram.

The start signal is given to the counter circuit 9 by Trig like one of the two clocks 10 or 11 , which, as described, only by at least brief manual actuation of the control switch 1 or, as will be shown, z. B. is possible by a switching signal of a precipitation sensor; the signals from the limit switches are fed directly during the movement process. It would also be possible to provide an automatic closing of the folding top at least as a choice option, as in the case of known comfort closings when the vehicle is locked from the outside.

Normally, the output level of the AND gate 8 is "HIGH", a level "LOW" is output as an error switching signal, the enabling level then being omitted at the input F of the AND gate group 3 (unless the control switch 1 would continue to be operated manually) actuated).

An example of the internal structure of the counter circuit 9 is now shown in FIG. 2. The clock input T1 is followed by a chain of dual counters Z ₀ , Z ₁ , Z ₂ to Z _n , which goes into operation when the clock 10 is activated. The counters are set to a defined initial state each time the upstream clock is reset.

The current values of the individual counter modules are pending at the inputs of an AND gate group 14 , which individually links each counter output to a signal from the limit switch S2. This switch is the one that is actuated when the folding top is opened next after switching on. With the switching signal of this limit switch S2 present, the current count is forwarded via the AND gate group 14 to a memory M1-1, which, clocked by the switching signal of the limit switch S2, simultaneously transfers its previous content to a further memory M1-2.

The switching signal of the limit switch S2 thus turns on first time interval defined between the actuation two he limit switch lies and thus a relative measure of the Speed of the folding top movement in this drain area represents.

The contents of the two memories M1-1 and M1-2 are compared with one another in a comparator stage 15 . The comparator stage can be given internally certain permissible deviations in order to realize a desired or necessary tolerance band width, which ignores minor changes in the time interval that are to be expected as a result of changing operating conditions.

The output of comparator stage 15 is generally positive, level "HIGH"; it is connected directly to an input of the AND gate 8 shown in FIG. 1. However, if the currently determined time interval falls out of the inserted frame, so differs significantly from the comparison value stored in a previous operating cycle, the output level of the comparator stage 8 changes to "LOW", so that the AND gate 8 blocks and the above-mentioned error switching signal is generated. Functionally, the comparator 15 thus works as a threshold switch with an updatable threshold value stored in the memory M1-2.

For each additional time interval to be monitored between two switching points of limit switches, an identical chain of AND gate group 14 , two memories M2-1, M2-2 (up to Mn-1 and Mn-2 as indicated) and a comparator stage 15 are provided. These then each interact in the manner described above with the switching signal of a further limit switch and also each have an output to an input of the AND gate 8 .

The same procedure is followed with the second clock input T2. Here is the order of the limit switches to be operated, however vice versa, d. H. it is released from Sn via Sn-1 down to S1 asks.

It goes without saying that for the sake of clarity, the hardware representation of the counter circuit 9, as well as the clock generator and logic gate, is realized in practice either in an integrated circuit (IC) or by programming a suitable microprocessor.

In a preferred embodiment, stages 15 z. B. Deviations of the respective counter readings from one bit can still be tolerated; they do not lead to an error switching signal.

Referring to FIG. 3, the previously discussed control with a precipitation sensor unit RS was combined, which can activate work at Gathered Never Derschlag (rain, snow, fog, if necessary) the closing of the branch STEU augmentation in open folding top parked vehicle itself. To maintain clarity, this figure was simplified by omitting the counter circuit 9 ; that this downstream AND gate 8, however, is still shown.

The actual, known sensor 16 works preferably on an optical basis by breaking the beam path of an infrared emitter in or on a vehicle window pane and at least partially on an infrared receiver, e.g. B. photo transistor is reflected.

A change in the reflection behavior when impacts occur on this disk leads to a change in the receivable infrared signal, which can be detected and evaluated. The amplified signal of the sensor 16 first comes to evaluation device to a threshold switch 17 , which, working in the usual way with a hysteresis, at a certain, signaling an existing precipitation output level of the amplified sensor signal with its output signal, an intermediate storage 18 with a dynamic SET input and a RESET input 18 R sets.

The amplified signal of the sensor 16 can also a windshield wiper system SW z. B. to control the interval duration.

When the buffer 18 is set, its output 18 A, which is connected to an input of an AND gate 19 , carries a positive signal ("HIGH" level).

The second input of the AND gate 19 is connected to an inverter 20, which is connected on the input side to an ignition switch Zü. The inverter 20 only applies a positive level "HIGH" to the AND gate input when the ignition switch Zü is open. The output of the AND gate 19 is connected to the line between the central control device 2 and the fixed contact 1.2 of the control switch 1, and thus to the part of the control responsible for closing the folding top, where a mutual decoupling between the sensor and control switch branches Diodes is provided.

This means that a response of the sensor 16 via the AND gate 19 can only have an effect when the ignition switch is open, but then is equivalent to actuating the control switch 1 in the closing direction. The monitoring of the folding top movement by the counter circuit 9 is of course fully effective with sensor-controlled closing.

The ignition switch Zü is also connected in parallel to the inverter 20 , a pulse generator 21 , the output signal when switching on the ignition switch ensures an initialization of various memory, in particular also to the RESET input 18 R of the memory 18 is passed.

The central control unit 2 contains, inter alia, a start-up stage 22 in the form of a flip-flop with dynamic SET input 22 S and a RESET input 22 R. The start-up stage can be both via the fixed contact 1.2 of the control switch 1 and via the output of the AND gate 19 be set. Then the startup stage 22 remains at most for a period defined by a timer 23 (RC combi nation), z. B. 1 second, and then automatically falls back into its idle state. However, it can also be reset prematurely via its RESET input 22 R - which is also connected to the pulse generator 21 for the initialization.

This is done in particular by a switching signal of the first limit switch S1, which indicates the assumption of the coordination of the folding top movement process to be coordinated by the control switches S1 - Sn. A reset signal is also given to the start-up stage again by a switching signal of the last actuated limit switch Sn, the various reset signal branches being brought together at an OR gate 24 before the RESET input 22 R.

The signal of the last actuated limit switch Sn can also be supplied to the reset input 18 R of the memory 18 in a manner not shown in detail, in order to finally bring it into its defined basic state.

Finally, further configurations of the control are outlined in a greatly simplified manner in FIG. 4. The central control unit 2 is now also supplied with an input signal from a temperature sensor 25 via an analog-digital converter. In accordance with its current measured values, the central control device 2 activates certain predetermined values in a storage means 26 for the expected time intervals between actuations of limit switches, which are temperature-dependent and different, as indicated by the formula symbol f (R). The respectively activated comparison values are then made available to the counter circuit 9 or the comparators 15 . The setpoints are preferably extended as the temperature falls.

The inputs from the limit switches to the counter circuit and Central control unit and the control outputs of the central control devices are only indicated by arrows.

At an added inverting input of the AND gate 8 , a pressure sensor unit DS is also connected, which comprises at least one pressure sensor 27 which is installed at a suitable point in a hydraulic pressure line system for supplying drive elements to the folding top. As a target-actual comparator, a threshold switch 28 is provided here for simplification, to which the amplified output signals of the pressure sensor 27 are supplied.

Although not shown, the controller can also be used for the Pressure monitoring one of the operating conditions, in particular the temperature, dependent specification of pressure reference values can be seen through which in the specific case the response threshold le of the threshold switch shown here in simplified form Pressure sensor unit DS can be changed. At lower ones Temperatures can tolerate higher pressure levels. Of course, several pressure sensors can also be found at different measuring locations are attached, in order to  current pressure detection at the location of different consumers, ins particularly to achieve the lifting cylinder drive elements. Finally, it is advantageous to have different pressure setpoints for the various intermediate stages of folding roof movements available in a suitable form because not for all Be the same high pressure level is required. The Retrieval can then also be controlled by signals from the limit switches be recognized.

The connection of the pressure sensor unit DS to the inverting input of the AND gate 8 , which, as can be remembered, controls the movement sequence of the folding top with its output signal, has the effect that in the idle state of the threshold switch at the inverting input a "HIGH" level, in the switched state However, there was a "LOW" level pulling the output of the AND gate 8 to "LOW". Above a predetermined or demand-dependent adjustable pressure threshold in the hydraulic pipe system, a running folding roof movement process is also terminated, ie the hydraulic unit is stopped.

A combination is a particularly effective user protection nation of the facilities described here version "or" runtime monitoring "and" pressure monitoring " enough.

Claims (10)

1.Control for a vehicle folding top, which can be opened and closed by external power of a drive system, the movement sequence of the folding top and together with this controlled ge moving components, in particular closures and top compartment lid, can be coordinated by a number of limit switches, which during of the movement sequence in a predetermined sequence and at variable time intervals can be actuated by the folding top and / or by the components in their respective end positions, characterized by

• - Detection means ( 9 ) for current time intervals between the actuations of two successively actuated limit switches (S1, S2,... Sn-1, Sn) during the movement sequence of the folding top and / or the components,
• - Comparison means ( 15 ) for carrying out a target-actual comparison between a predetermined time interval target value and a detected current time interval and
• - Switching means ( 8 ) for generating an interruption or reversal of the current movement sequence leading error switching signal when a current time interval over a predetermined bandwidth is longer than an associated time interval setpoint.

2. Control according to claim 1, characterized, that storage means (M1-2 ... Mn-2) for with the current time comparable time interval setpoints hen and that the setpoints in the storage means (M1-2... Mn-2) ver are changeable filed. 3. Control according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a storage means ( 26 ) for a plurality of at least one parameter (R) determinable and selectable time interval setpoints for one each between the actuations of two end position switches (S1, S2,.. Sn-1, Sn) the required time interval is provided. 4. Control according to claim 3, characterized in that the current outside temperature (R) is a parameter for the selection of stored setpoints from the storage means ( 26 ) and that the setpoints increase with falling outside temperature. 5. Control according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection means ( 9 ) include resettable counters (Z ₀ , Z ₁ ,... Z _n ) which count up on an activation signal in a given clock to detect the time intervals. 6. Control according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the folding top and the jointly controlled movable components are movable by drive elements connectable to a fluidic line system with a pressure generator, characterized by a pressure sensor unit (DS) with at least one pressure sensor detecting the pressure in the line system ( 27 ) and when a permissible pressure is exceeded, a signal in the sense of an interruption of the current folding roof movement sequence is generated by the switching device ( 28 , 8 ). 7. Control according to claim 6, characterized, that the allowable pressure depending on the environmental conditions gene is variable. 8. Control according to claim 6 or 7, characterized, that different pressure setpoints for different intermediate stages of the folding top movement sequence are saved and by signals from the limit switches for comparison with the current The pressure in the pipe system can be called up. 9. Control according to claim 1 or 6, marked by a precipitation sensor unit (RS) for automatic activation crossing of a movement sequence of the folding top in the closing direction. 10. Control according to claim 9, characterized in that a switching signal of the precipitation sensor unit (RS) with a switching signal of an operating switch (Zü) is linked (AND gate 19 ) that when the vehicle is in operation, no automatic activation of a movement sequence the folding top is possible.