EP1722060A2 - Functional unit of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A magneto-resistance angle sensor coupled to a functional component including rear hatch (14), has stator containing evaluation electronics and rotor containing permanent magnet. The sensor transmits an output signal corresponding to position of rotor relative to stator, to a controller. The controller controls and monitors the position of functional component according to received signal.

Description

The invention relates to a functional unit of a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1 or claim 12.

Today's motor vehicles are equipped with a variety of functional units in question. Examples include arrangements with pivoting tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, side doors, sliding doors, seat adjustments, window regulators o. The like .. Such a functional unit has for the structural implementation of the respective function at least one adjustable functional element. Functional elements are, for example, adjusting elements, push rods and ultimately also the possibly actuated component, such as a tailgate o. The like .. The functional unit can be configured manually or motor-operated.

The known functional unit ( DE 199 44 554 A1 ), from which the present invention proceeds, comprises a motor-actuated boot lid, which has a drive for motor actuation of the boot lid and a corresponding drive train. For controlling this functional unit, a control device is provided. Furthermore, an angle sensor is provided for determining the angular position of the functional element, in this case of the boot lid, which is coupled to the control device in terms of control technology. Such an angle sensor is generally equipped with a rotor which is pivotable relative to a stator. The angle sensor generates an output signal that corresponds to the respective position of the rotor relative to the stator.

The optimal design of the angle sensor is crucial in the known functional unit for their optimal control. But the design often leads to problems, especially in terms of optimal utilization of the measuring range of the angle sensor. If, for example, only a small part of the measuring range of the angle sensor is used due to a faulty design, This leads to an insufficient resolution of the resulting measuring system with respect to the adjustment movement of the boot lid.

The invention is based on the problem, the known functional unit to design and further develop such that optimal detection of the position of each relevant functional element is guaranteed.

The above problem is solved in a functional unit having the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

It is essential to design the angle sensor as an MR angle sensor (magneto-resistance angle sensor). For this purpose, the stator of the angle sensor has an evaluation and the rotor of the angle sensor on a permanent magnet assembly.

The basic principle of an MR angle sensor is that the electrical conductivity of an electrical measuring conductor can be influenced by the application of this measuring conductor with a magnetic field. This effect is due to the Lorentz force. The measuring conductor is assigned here to the transmitter and is penetrated by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet arrangement.

Depending on the position of the rotor, which has the permanent magnet arrangement, the above angle can be changed, which leads to a change in the electrical resistance of the measuring conductor as a result. Thus, the angle of the rotor relative to the stator can be determined in a simple manner from the electrical resistance of the measuring conductor. A contact between the rotor and the stator is therefore not necessary, which basically leads to a minimization of wear.

If suitable bridge circuits are used for evaluating the electrical resistance of the measuring conductor, the MR angle sensor primarily depends on the above-described angle between magnetic flux density and the main direction of the electrical current. Thus, the sensor is largely independent, for example, of fluctuations in the magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet arrangement, among other things by temperature fluctuations can arise. Overall, this leads to a particularly robust arrangement.

It is also particularly advantageous if the flux density generated by the permanent magnet arrangement is so high that the measuring conductor is constantly in magnetic saturation. This results in a particularly low susceptibility to interference, since fluctuations in the magnetic flux density in turn do not affect the output signal of the angle sensor.

Particularly advantageous is the fact that the direct measurement of the absolute position of the rotor is ensured with the MR angle sensor. Depending on the design of the evaluation an analog or digital output signal is generated, which provides information about the position of the rotor. On a counting logic, as required for example in incremental encoders, can be omitted here. It should also be noted that with a suitable design of the evaluation a high resolution over the entire measuring range of the MR angle sensor can be achieved.

The physical fundamentals of an MR angle sensor can be found in the specialist literature (eg " Elements of Applied Electronics ", Erwin Böhmer, 14th Edition, Vieweg Verlag, Wiesbaden, 2004, p. 24, 25 ).

The above concept can be applied to almost all functional units of a motor vehicle. Although in the following, the motorized tailgate of a motor vehicle is primarily used. However, this is not to be understood as limiting.

In principle, it is particularly advantageous if, during an adjustment of the functional element over its adjustment range, the largest possible portion of the measuring range of the angle sensor is swept over. This leads to a particularly high resolution of the resulting measuring system with regard to the adjustment of the functional element. For this purpose, it is provided in a preferred embodiment according to claims 8, 9 and 10, that the angle sensor is coupled to the functional element via a gear arrangement. This can be the adjustment range of the functional element assign a predetermined measuring range of the angle sensor.

The fundamental consideration that the angle sensor is coupled to the functional element via a gear arrangement is also the subject of a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance. Reference may be made to the above statements.

Fig. 1

das Heck eines Kraftfahrzeugs in einer Seitenansicht mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit umfassend eine motorisch betätigbare Heckklappe,

Fig. 2

die Funktionseinheit gemäß Fig. 1, teilweise demontiert, bei geöffneter Klappe a) in einer Seitenansicht und b) in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

die Funktionseinheit gemäß Fig. 1, teilweise demontiert, bei geschlossener Klappe a) in einer Seitenansicht und b) in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 4

einen Ausschnitt der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 2 b),

Fig. 5

einen Ausschnitt der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 3 b) und

Fig. 6

einen Winkelsensor der erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit.

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

Fig. 1

the rear of a motor vehicle in a side view with a functional unit according to the invention comprising a motorized tailgate,

Fig. 2

1, partially dismantled, with the flap open a) in a side view and b) in a plan view,

Fig. 3

1, partially dismantled, with the flap closed a) in a side view and b) in a plan view,

Fig. 4

a detail of the representation according to FIG. 2 b),

Fig. 5

a section of the illustration of FIG. 3 b) and

Fig. 6

an angle sensor of the functional unit according to the invention.

The functional unit 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 relates to the tailgate assembly of a motor vehicle, which is not to be understood as limiting the application. If in the following of a tailgate is mentioned, it is equally meant, for example, a trunk lid or a hood. In general, however, the proposed solution is applicable to all conceivable functional units of a motor vehicle.

First, some general explanations of the proposed functional unit will be given below.

The functional unit 1 has at least one adjustable functional element 2, which serves to constructively implement the respective function. In a motor-operated tailgate assembly, such a functional element is, for example, an adjusting element still to be explained, a push rod and the tailgate itself.

Furthermore, a control device 3 is provided which serves to control and / or monitor the position of the functional element 2, and thus of the functional unit 1. The control device 3 is associated with a coupled to the functional element 2 angle sensor 4, through which the position of the functional element 2 can be determined.

The angle sensor 4 is associated with a stator 5 and a relative to the stator 5 about an angle sensor axis 6 pivotable rotor 7. In this case, the angle sensor 4 generates a respective output of the rotor 7 relative to the stator 5 corresponding output signal 8, which is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2. The output signal 8 is fed to the control device 3 and is processed accordingly there.

It is essential in the illustrated embodiment that the angle sensor 4 as MR angle sensor (magneto-resistance angle sensor) is configured and that for this purpose the stator 5 has a transmitter 9 and the rotor 7 has a permanent magnet assembly 10. The physical principles of an MR angle sensor have been explained in the general part of the description.

The rotor 7 is adjustable relative to the stator 5 over a measuring range within which the angle sensor 4 generates the output signal. Due to the principle, the measuring range of the angle sensor 4 comprises a maximum of an angular range of 360 °. Depending on the embodiment, it may also be provided that the measuring range of the angle sensor 4 comprises a maximum measuring range of 180 ° or less.

In the functional unit 1 shown in the drawing, so the tailgate assembly, it is provided that the functional unit 1 is operated by a motor. For this purpose, the functional unit 1 is equipped with a drive 11 with drive motor 12 and actuator 13, wherein the angle sensor 4 is preferably coupled directly to the drive 11. This leads to an overall particularly compact arrangement.

It can also be provided that the functional unit 1 operates completely manually, wherein the respective functional element 2 is then only monitored by the control device 3.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the functional unit 1 comprises a pivotable tailgate 14, which is actuated by a motor. A detailed explanation of the tailgate assembly is the German utility model application 20 2004 016 543.0 refer to, which is due to the applicant and the disclosure of which is made by reference to the subject of the present application.

The. Fig. 2, 3 show the drive motor 12 and a pivotable actuator 13. Eccentrically hinged to the actuator 13 is a push rod 15 which is at its other end with the tailgate 14 in engagement. Between the drive motor 12 and the actuator 13 is still a translation gear 16 interposed. The push rod 15 is not coupled directly to the tailgate 14, but via a pivotable about the flap axis 17, two-armed lever 18th

There are various ways of connecting the angle sensor 4 conceivable. One possibility is to couple the rotor 7 to the functional element 2 with the stator 5 stationary. In certain applications, it may also be advantageous to couple the rotor 7 with the functional element 2 and the stator 5 with a further adjustable functional element. Then, the angle sensor 4 detects the relative displacement of the one functional element 2 to the other functional element. Here it is clear that in terms of their arrangement within the functional unit of the stator 5 and the rotor 7 are interchangeable. This applies to all embodiments explained here.

In the illustrated preferred hull arrangement, it is provided that the stator 5 of the angle sensor 4 is fixed and that the rotor 7 of the angle sensor 4 is coupled to the control element 13. In principle, as generally described above, it can also be provided that for detecting a relative movement between the actuating element 13 and the push rod 15, the rotor 7 is coupled to the actuating element 13 and the stator 5 to the push rod 15.

It may also be advantageous to detect the position of the tailgate 14 directly. For this purpose, it is provided that the stator 5 is fixed and that the rotor 7 is coupled to the tailgate 14 in the region of the flap hinge.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle sensor 4 is coupled to the functional element 2 via a gear arrangement 19. This means that an adjustment of the functional element 2 is translated depending on the design of the gear assembly 19 in a corresponding adjustment of the rotor 7 relative to the stator 5. By a suitable design of the gear assembly 19, it is possible to optimally utilize the measuring range of the angle sensor 4. The gear assembly 19 may operate as a speed ratio or as a speed reduction.

Taking into account that the functional element 2 is adjustable over an adjustment range and that the rotor 7 is adjustable relative to the stator 5 over a measuring range, the gear arrangement 19 is preferably designed such that upon an adjustment of the functional element 2 via its adjustment range the rotor 7 covers at least a substantial part of the measuring range and at most substantially the entire measuring range.

Numerous variants are conceivable for the design of the gear arrangement 19. A preferred variant shows the illustrated embodiment.

The functional element 2 coupled in the above sense with the angle sensor 4 is here the adjusting element 13 of the drive 11. The functional element 2 is pivotable about a functional element axis 20. The angle sensor axis 6 is of such the functional element axis 20 spaced apart, that the adjustment of the functional element 2 by a certain angular amount causes an adjustment of the rotor 7 relative to the stator 5 by a larger angle.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the rotor 7 is designed as a lever 21, whose one end engages in a slot 22 of the functional element 2, in this case the adjusting element 13. The lever 21 can take here all conceivable forms, and is not limited to an example elongated lever shape. It is only essential that the lever 21 is pivotable about the angle sensor axis 6 and has a distance from the angle sensor axis 6 force application point. Fig. 6 it can be seen that the rotor 7 in total even has a circular cross-sectional shape in which the permanent magnet assembly 10 is arranged.

The above spacing of the angle sensor axis 6 to the functional element axis 20 together with the above slot guide of the lever 21 is the function of the described gear assembly 19 to. As a result, it is thereby achieved that during the adjustment of the functional element 2 over the adjustment range of about 70 °, the rotor 7 sweeps over an angular range of about 155 °. As a result, the measuring range of the angle sensor 4, which is for example 180 °, exploited in an advantageous manner.

It should also be noted that in a structurally particularly simple embodiment, the arrangement of the angle sensor axis 6 may be provided in the functional element axis 20. The angle sensor 4 is simply placed here on the functional element axis 20. However, then eliminates the above effect of a gear assembly 19 in favor of saving manufacturing costs.

Another possibility of the design of the gear assembly 19 is the equipment of the gear assembly 19 with a ratio gear or an arrangement of ratio gears. An example of this is a motor-operated sliding door, which has a cable drive. If the angle sensor 4 of the cable drum o. The like. Associated and coupled with this, there is the problem that the angle sensor 4 in the operation of several full turns. Thus, a determination of the absolute position by the angle sensor 4, which here has a maximum measuring range of 360 °, not possible. Therefore, at least one ratio gear is provided for coupling the angle sensor 4 with the sliding door, here with the cable drum o. The like., So that the rotor 7 relative to the stator 5 at an adjustment of the sliding door from the open position to the closed position and vice versa maximum sweeps over the measuring range of the angle sensor 4. The at least one ratio gear forms the gear assembly 19, which operates here as a speed reduction.

FIG. 6 shows the basic structure of the MR angle sensor 4, viewed from the side from which the coupling with the functional element 2 takes place. The transmitter 9 is located in the immediate vicinity of the permanent magnet assembly 10, which consists of a single, about the angle sensor axis 6 pivotable permanent magnet 23 here. The permanent magnet assembly 10 is fixedly connected to the rotor 7, here with the lever 21. Upon rotation of the rotor 7, therefore, the permanent magnet arrangement 10 pivots relative to the stator 5 about the angle sensor axis 6.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle sensor 4 is equipped with an angle sensor housing 24 which accommodates the above evaluation electronics 9. A particularly simple assembly results from the fact that the angle sensor housing 24 is at least designed in two parts and that the parts of the angle sensor housing 24 are clipped together.

In principle, the rotor 7 can be configured independently of the angle sensor 4, since the permanent magnet arrangement 10 produces a wireless coupling to the evaluation electronics 9. For example, the permanent magnet arrangement 10 can also be integrated into the functional element 2, for example injected. It can also be provided that an already existing component such as the functional element 2 itself provides the permanent magnet assembly 10. For example, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment that a shaft - functional element 2 - is magnetized and arranged such that it forms a proposed evaluation with an appropriate evaluation electronics 9 4 angle sensor.

A particularly simple assembly results in a further preferred embodiment in that the rotor 7 is rotatably mounted in the angle sensor housing 24. The advantage here is the fact that in this way compliance with possibly predetermined distances between the stator 5 and the rotor 7 is ensured. A complete pre-assembly of the angle sensor 4 is thereby possible because the angle sensor 4 is a self-contained component.

The rotor 7 preferably has a rotor housing 25, which is further preferably designed at least in two parts. Again easy to install, the variant that the parts of the rotor housing 25 are clipped together. The rotor housing 25 receives the above permanent magnet assembly 10.

The pre-assembled angle sensor 4 is preferably clipped to the functional unit 1 during assembly. It is also the fastening by means of screws conceivable, if necessary, at the same time ensure a watertight closure of the angle sensor housing 24 by the high holding force.

The transmitter 9 is encapsulated in a particularly preferred embodiment or potted with the angle sensor housing 24 or with another plastic component, so that the protection against moisture penetration is further increased. The transmitter 9 preferably has a board, are soldered directly to the connector terminals of the angle sensor 4. The connector terminals are guided by the angle sensor housing 24 to the outside. The connection of the angle sensor 4 is thus possible directly on the angle sensor housing 24.

It has already been pointed out that the description of the proposed solution with reference to a tailgate arrangement of a motor vehicle is to be understood merely as an example. The above statements apply in particular with regard to the structural variants identical for the arrangement with a pivoting trunk lid or a hinged hood.

Also functional units 1 such as a pivotable side door of a motor vehicle or a sliding door of a motor vehicle are of the proposed solution includes. Other preferred application examples are a preferably motor-operated seat adjustment, in particular a seat height adjustment, or a preferably motor-operated window regulator of a motor vehicle.

The proposed solution can also be found in a motor vehicle lock application. In this case, the angle sensor 4 is assigned in particular to the lock mechanism, the arrangement of the closing elements or the closing aid of the motor vehicle lock.

Finally, it should be pointed out that according to another teaching, the independent significance, the above functional unit 1 of a motor vehicle is claimed, in which the angle sensor 4 is coupled to the functional element 2 via a gear assembly 19. According to this further teaching, the configuration of the angle sensor 4 as an MR angle sensor 4 is not mandatory. The use of the gear arrangement 19 ensures, as described above, an optimal utilization of the measuring range of the angle sensor 4. In that regard, reference may be made to the above statements.

Claims (13)

Functional unit of a motor vehicle with at least one adjustable functional element (2), wherein for controlling and / or monitoring the position of the functional element (2) a control device (3) is provided, wherein for determining the position of the functional element (2) with the functional element ( 2) coupled angle sensor (4) is provided, wherein the angle sensor (4) is associated with a stator (5) and a relative to the stator (5) about an angle sensor axis (6) pivotable rotor (7), wherein the angle sensor (4) a the respective position of the rotor (7) relative to the stator (5) generates corresponding output signal (8) and wherein the output signal (8) of the control device (3) is supplied,
characterized,
in that the angle sensor (4) is configured as an MR angle sensor (magneto-resistance angle sensor) and in that the stator (5) has evaluation electronics (9) and the rotor (7) has a permanent magnet arrangement (10). Functional unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rotor (7) is adjustable relative to the stator (5) over a measuring range within which the angle sensor (4) generates the output signal, preferably in that the measuring range comprises an angle range of maximally 360 °, preferably, that the measuring range comprises an angular range of at most 180 °. Functional unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional unit (1) is configured to be actuated by a motor and for this purpose has a drive (11) with drive motor (12) and adjusting element (13), preferably that the angle sensor (4) directly with the Drive (11) is coupled. Functional unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (1) comprises a pivotable tailgate (14) or the like, preferably in that the tailgate (14) is motor-actuated and for this purpose a drive motor (12), a pivotable control element (13) and an eccentrically on the adjusting element (13) hinged push rod (15). Functional unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor (7) is coupled to the functional element (2) and the stator (5) is fixed, or that the rotor (7) is coupled to the functional element (2) and the Stator (5) is coupled to a further adjustable functional element. Functional unit according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the stator (5) is fixed and the rotor (7) is coupled to the adjusting element (13), or that the rotor (7) to the adjusting element (13) and the stator (5) is coupled to the push rod (15). Functional unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the stator (5) is stationary and the rotor (7) is coupled to the tailgate (14) in the region of the flap hinge. Functional unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor (4) is coupled to the functional element (2) via a gear arrangement (19), preferably in that the functional element (2) is adjustable over an adjustment range, that the rotor (7 ) is adjustable relative to the stator (5) over a measuring range and that the gear arrangement (19) is designed such that at an adjustment of the functional element (2) over its adjustment of the rotor (7) relative to the stator (5) at least a substantial part of the measuring range and covers at most substantially the entire measuring range. Functional unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the functional element (2) is pivotable about a functional element axis (20) and that the angle sensor axis (6) is spaced from the functional element axis (20) such that the adjustment of the functional element (2) is a certain Angle amount causes an adjustment of the rotor (7) relative to the stator (5) by a larger angular amount, preferably, that the rotor (7) is designed as a lever (21), whose one end in a slot (22) of the functional element (2) intervenes. Functional unit according to claim 8, characterized in that for coupling the angle sensor (4) with the functional element (2) at least one translation gear is provided, so that the rotor (7) relative to the stator (5) during an adjustment of the functional element (2) via its adjustment covers a considerable part of the measuring range and at most the entire measuring range. Functional unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (1) has a pivotable trunk lid, a pivotable hood, a pivotable side door, a sliding door, a preferably motor-operated seat adjustment, in particular a seat height adjustment, a preferably motor-operated window regulator, or a motor vehicle lock , in particular the lock mechanism, the arrangement of the closing elements or the closing aid of the motor vehicle lock, each comprising a motor vehicle. Functional unit of a motor vehicle with at least one adjustable functional element (2), wherein for controlling and / or monitoring the position of the functional element (2) a control device (3) is provided, wherein for determining the position of the functional element (2) with the functional element ( 2) coupled angle sensor (4) is provided, wherein the angle sensor (4) is associated with a stator (5) and a relative to the stator (5) about an angle sensor axis (6) pivotable rotor (7), wherein the angle sensor (4) a the respective position of the rotor (7) relative to the stator (5) generates corresponding output signal (8) and wherein the output signal (8) of the control device (3) is supplied,
characterized,
in that the angle sensor (4) is coupled to the functional element (2) via a gear arrangement (19). Functional unit according to claim 12, characterized by the features of the characterizing part of one or more of claims 1 to 11.

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