EP1913222B1 - Method for positioning a mobile unit in a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for positioning a power-operated mobile unit in a motor vehicle.

When opening and closing a power-operated mobile unit, in particular a window of a motor vehicle by means of a power-operated unit, in particular a motor vehicle window lifter, it is of particular importance to always know the current position of the power-operated movable unit and to monitor this as accurately as possible in their movement to to ensure a safe basis for the functionality of a pinch protection. For this purpose, usually a normalization of the position of the power-operated mobile unit is made. In such power-operated mobile units, the drive is automatically shut down and possibly reversed when the power-operated mobile unit encounters an obstacle in its movement which is between the power-operated mobile unit and in particular the frame in which the power-operated mobile unit moves , However, there is a problem that retraction of the power-operated movable unit into the closing portion of the power-operated movable unit due to the resistance exerted by the gasket disposed on the frame against the displacement of the power-operated movable unit can be interpreted as an entrapment situation. Furthermore, it is problematic to approach a predefined position of the power-operated mobile unit and store it and at the same time to open the possibility to repeatedly approach this position.

Out DE 100 28 038 A1 For example, there is known a method for determining the position of an element driven by the drive shaft of a direct current motor within a predetermined travel distance between two block positions. The position is determined by evaluation of the current ripple contained in the armature current signal.

In this case, a system-side normalization is made in a movement of the driven element in a defined block position. When retracting the driven element in a block position of the DC motor is de-energized before reaching the system-defined block position and reactivated after a predetermined period of time for the final retraction of the driven element in the block position. After the driven element has been brought into its mechanically defined block position, a system-side normalization of this block position is made. This standardization on the upper mechanical stop of the driven element is intended to counteract the possibility that exists when a closing system with different kinetic energy, d. H. at a different speed, against a mechanical stop moves. Due to this different kinetic energy, the reference point can shift, especially with a soft, somewhat yielding mechanical stop. This results in inaccuracies in the reference position. Thus, there are considerable difficulties to approach a freely selectable position between the two end positions or block positions.

Out DE 102 58 476 A1 is a method for position-dependent control of a movable means of an electrically driven adjustment adjustment for the motor vehicle. The adjusting device evaluates a plurality of different operating modes and characteristics of a drive signal to the adjusting device, in particular by the ripple of the drive current, for determining the position of the element. It is provided that a parameter influencing the drive movement of the adjusting device and / or a characteristic value characterizing the adjusting device is evaluated for determining an error value of the specific position of the adjusting element and the operating modes of the adjusting device are controlled as a function of the ascertained error value. The position detection takes place by means of current ripple counting. This type of position determination is very vulnerable in certain circumstances, so it comes at engine start, high loads, vehicle electrical system fluctuations, temperature fluctuations, aging, etc. to inaccuracies.

Out DE 102 36 650 A1 which document discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1, an actuator for a window regulator is disclosed. The actuating device has an actuating means for opening and closing a window pane, which has three discrete operating zones.

In the automatic mode, when the windowpane has been fully opened or closed, upon contact with a predetermined operating zone, the windowpane is advantageously moved to the position it was in before it was fully opened or closed. The disadvantage here is that only the last position of the window is approachable again. It is not possible to approach a preferred position that has been entered as defined at some point.

Furthermore, in the case of known adjusting drives, a distinction must be made between a manual run and an automatic run. Manual running means insofar as the adjusting drive is only activated as long as the user actuates the switch. The automatic run means that the adjustment process is started by a switch operation and is continued after releasing the switch, if not stopped by another switch operation or by triggered protective functions of the adjustment process.

A disadvantage of this cited prior art is that the positioning of the power-operated movable unit to a precise desired gap opening is very difficult to adjust, because usually the power-operated mobile unit moves very quickly. As a result, several attempts are necessary with each positioning of the desired gap opening until this desired position is reached. For storing a gap opening then set and positioning on a stored gap opening additional controls are required.

The object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective and convenient operation both for positioning on a gap opening of a power-operated movable part of a motor vehicle and to provide a method for positioning a movable unit in a motor vehicle.

This issue is solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments in the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the further description and the figures.

An advantage of the invention of the Applicant is that once set and laboriously set by a user gap opening of the power-operated movable unit, in particular a window of a motor vehicle, for. B. for optimum deduction of cigarette smoke, or for optimum ventilation of the interior, in a simple manner and with a single switch control unit can be made. In further advantageous that no additional controls, except the previously existing switches are required.

There are various types of such switches. Thus, single-stage double switches are known, which operate as follows: A manual run is initiated if the switch is only actuated for a short time. An automatic run is initiated when the switch is pressed for a long time. Another variant is that the automatic run is initiated when the switch is pressed for a short time, the manual run, however, when the switch is pressed for a long time.

Furthermore, double-stage or two-stage double switches are known. Here, the manual run is initiated when the first stage of the switch is actuated, the automatic run when the second stage of the switch is actuated.

Preferably, in the method for positioning the power-operated mobile unit in a motor vehicle, the position of the movable unit to be moved is monitored based on the evaluation of the ripple of the current of the electric motor over which the power-operated movable unit is moved in a guide. If the power-operated movable unit reaches one of its normally two end positions, for example the complete closing position or the maximum opening position, in fact the block position is reached, then these end positions are learned once. The system will automatically detect these positions. Each additional position within the two end positions can now be approached by a user by means of a control unit, just the switch described above in the motor vehicle. Furthermore, an anti-pinch protection is realized, which recognizes a pinching situation on the basis of the evaluation of the current profile and allows the system to be reversed or stopped accordingly. In this way, jamming can be prevented.

The power-operated mobile unit is in particular a window, a sliding roof, a lifting roof, a door or a sliding door on / in a motor vehicle. Also include an automatically closing tailgate or a boot lid this.

For carrying out the method, an electric motor and a control unit are furthermore provided, wherein the electric power-operated mobile unit is moved by the electric motor, mostly by mechanical means.

The electric motor is usually connected via two switches with an operating voltage and a reference potential (ground) via a resistor, with always a switch in the direction of the operating voltage and a switch in the direction of reference potential (ground) is connected. To switch off the electric motor both switches are set to reference potential (ground), so that over the electric motor, the motor voltage is zero. In the power supply / current path of the supply of the electric motor, a shunt resistor is integrated to measure the current. On the basis of this current measurement, the connected microcomputer unit, which at the same time carries out the control of the movement of the power-operated mobile unit, evaluate the current ripple and control the electric motor accordingly. In addition, a tactile input unit is present, which is designed in an advantageous embodiment as a switch for a window in one or two-stage form. A user controls the functionality of the power-operated mobile unit via this tactile unit.

For better understanding of the invention, this will be described below with reference to a specific embodiment with reference to a side window of a motor vehicle with power-operated window regulator.

If a user moves the window pane with the power-operated vehicle window lifter in the direction of the upper window seal via the manual or automatic run, the current position of the window pane is continuously monitored. This is done, as stated, via the evaluation of the current ripple. The position of the windowpane is determined by the control unit based on the current ripple.

Upon reaching the sealing position, d. H. the position of the window pane, in which the anti-trap protection is to be deactivated so that the window pane moves into the end position with a defined force, is deactivated by the control unit after the learning phase of the anti-jamming protection. Furthermore, the user is then able to use the tactile input unit to approach any desired position between the end positions of the windowpane, the maximum opening of the window and the position of the closed window. The control unit is able to move the window pane of the window regulator to any position between the two end positions of the window pane. However, in order to allow a user to approach an opening position of the windowpane in a defined manner, the control unit stores the position of the windowpane to which it was set for a longer time. This automatically stored position can then be redirected in the future. According to the invention, the control unit stores the position of the windowpane only when that position has been set for a long time and this position is within a defined range.

For example, a venting area is provided as a defined area and the occupied position is stored as a venting position for the purpose of venting the vehicle interior when the assumed position lies within the venting area. This area includes, for example, the top 5cm below the top stop. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is another tactile input element which stores the currently used position of the window pane when actuated. The storage takes place in the control unit or in an advantageous embodiment in a memory unit assigned to the control unit.

The automatic positioning to the stored position is carried out at the following actuation of the tactile unit, which is designed as a one- or two-stage double switch or simple switch.

In a single-stage double switch, the stored position is automatically approached when the double switch is momentarily operated in the direction of the stored position of the movable unit based on the current position of the movable unit.

This results in the following possible Overall operating picture 1:

If the double switch is activated in the direction in which the stored position lies relative to the current position of the movable unit, the stored position is approached if the operating time is less than, for example, 1 second. If the switch is actuated for longer than this time, that is to say, for example, for 1 second, it is automatically moved over the stored position to the end position. If the switch is pressed even longer, so for example longer than 2 seconds, is changed to manual mode, in which the Verstellfortgang takes place until the switch is released or the end position is reached.

Operation picture 2: Start in the upper stop position

If the movable unit is in its upper stop position at the beginning of activation of the double switch and the double switch is activated in the lower direction for a short time (between 10 ms and 500 ms), then the stored position is approached. If the double switch is actuated for a period between 500 ms and 2 s, the drive is only driven for the time of the switch activation. If the switch activation time is longer than 2 seconds, the drive will continue to move down even after the switch has been activated until either the switch is reactivated or the lower stop position is reached.

Operating picture 3: Start in the lower stop position

If the movable unit is in its lowest stop position or in the lower soft stop position at the start of activation of the double switch and the double switch is activated for a short time (between 10 ms and 500 ms) in the upper direction, then the stored position is approached. If the double switch is actuated for a period between 500 ms and 2 s, the drive is only driven for the time of the switch activation. If the switch activation time is longer than 2 seconds, the drive will continue to move upwards even after the switch has been activated, until either the switch is reactivated or the upper stop position is reached.

Operation picture 4: Start between the upper and lower stop positions

If, at the beginning of activation of the double switch, the movable unit is neither in the upper nor in the lower stop position and the double switch is activated for a short time (between 10 ms and 500 ms), the drive is driven only for the time of the switch activation. If the double switch is actuated for a period between 500 ms and 2 s, the drive is only driven for the time of the switch activation. If the switch activation time is longer than 2 seconds, the drive will continue to move upwards even after the switch activation until either the switch is reactivated or the upper stop position E1 is reached.

In the case of a two-stage double switch, for example, it is only very briefly actuated either in stage 1 or stage 2 in the direction in which the stored position of the windowpane is located. In this case, the control unit moves the window pane in this previously stored position. In the case of a two-stage double switch this position is approached when it is operated very short either in the first or second stage in the direction of the stored position and at the same time the current position is only a certain amount away from the stored position. In a single-stage double switch this is only very briefly actuated in the direction in which the stored position is and the current position is only a certain amount away from the stored position.

If the window is completely closed and a two-stage double switch is present, then it is actuated very briefly in either stage 1 or 2 in the direction of opening, then the control unit moves to the previously stored position.

If the window is completely open and a two-stage double switch is only pressed very briefly in either the first or second stage in the direction of closing, the previously stored position is also approached.

If the window is completely closed and a single-stage double switch is used and this only very briefly pressed in the direction of opening, the previously stored position is approached.

If the window is completely open and a single-stage double switch is used, and this is pressed very briefly in the direction of closing, the control unit moves the window pane in the previously stored position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention can be selected via a further tactile input unit from a plurality of stored positions. Upon actuation of this tactile input unit then the selected position is approached.

The storage of the selected position of the windowpane is effected, as described in the introduction, by maintaining this position for a longer period of time, for example 5 minutes or more, and that position being no more than a percentage of the maximum opening distance of the windowpane from the closed position the window is removed. In particular, in smokers for the withdrawal of smoke from the motor vehicle, it has proven to be advantageous to select such an opening position in the range 5% of the total opening path of the window. This position can be stored as described above. Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, such positions are already stored predefined in a memory unit which is assigned to the control unit. This memory unit can be replaced accordingly or the memory areas can be overwritten, it is also possible to execute this memory unit as a first-in-last-out memory. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that a receiving shaft for a storage medium is present, on which then the corresponding positions of the window can be stored. Furthermore, further positions for the driver, such as the seat adjustment, can be stored on this unit. This memory unit is advantageously integrated in the key of the motor vehicle or stored in the memory unit in such a way that it can be called up via an ID code in the key, which is in communication with a control unit in the motor vehicle. In this way, each assigned to a driver corresponding positions can be stored and a driver can, even when changing vehicles, take over his personal settings data. The memory unit is advantageously designed as a memory card, in particular SD card, multimedia card or as a memory unit with radio interface, such as IR interface or Blue-Tooth interface and the data to be stored are sent to the control unit or from the control unit transmitted by radio. Thus, a user can also use his position data for seat, mirror, and window position on another vehicle.

In the following, the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to a concrete embodiment of a conveyor for a motor vehicle.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schaltungsanordnung zur Steuerung eines Fensterhebers eines Kraftfahrzeug und

Fig. 2

eine schematische Funktionsweise der Erfindung anhand einer Fensterscheibe in einer Autotüre.

It shows

Fig. 1

a schematic circuit arrangement for controlling a window regulator of a motor vehicle and

Fig. 2

a schematic operation of the invention with reference to a window in a car door.

In Fig. 1 a schematic circuit arrangement for controlling a window regulator is shown in a motor vehicle, wherein only elements necessary for the understanding of the invention are shown. A power-operated vehicle window regulator system consists of an electric motor M and an associated engine control unit μC. The electric motor M is connected via two switches S1, S2 with the operating voltage U on the one hand and the ground via a resistor R on the other hand. To turn off the electric motor M both switches S1 and S2. grounded. In the current path of the electric motor M is an unillustrated measuring resistor, hereinafter referred to as shunt, via which by means of a current measuring device, which is also not shown, the motor control unit μC monitors the motor current and based on the ripple of the motor current to the position of the window, which is moved by the window, closes. On the basis of this current ripple, the motor control unit μC continuously determines the position of the window pane.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the electric motor M has a pole wheel and one or two associated halis sensors. The output of the Hall sensors is connected directly to the motor control unit μC. Based on the signals from the Hall sensor, the motor control unit μP determines the position of the window pane.

In Fig. 2 is the schematic operation of the invention illustrated by a car window glass in a car door.

There are two modes for a user to operate the window lift. There is the automatic mode in which the window pane 2 is completely opened or closed and the motor control unit μC automatically completely closes or opens the window pane 2 taking into account a pinch protection. When closing in automatic mode, the window pane 2 would be moved to the upper position 4 when exceeding the anti-trap position 3 and when reaching the upper position 4 for a predetermined period of time with increased engine power. If the user now moves the window pane 2 with the power-operated motor vehicle window lifter in the manual mode to the upper window seal 1 and the upper end position E1, or downwards to the lower end position E2, the current position of the windowpane is continuously determined by the motor control unit .mu.C. Furthermore, as in FIG. 2 represented, a tactile input unit T and in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a memory unit SP of the motor control unit μC assigned.

About this tactile input unit T, which is a switch in a preferred embodiment, in particular a switch in the form of a two-stage double switch or a single-stage double switch, a user controls the power window system.

Now sets a user on the tactile input unit T, the window pane to a position in FIG. 2 denoted by reference numeral 5 within the vent area B1-B2, and leaves it unchanged for a long time, the motor control unit μC stores this position in the memory unit SP. The memory unit SP is an external memory unit, a memory unit integrated in the engine control unit or a memory unit which is located at any position in the motor vehicle and is connected to the engine control unit μC.

• Ist die taktile Eingabeeinheit T als einstufige Doppelschalter ausgestaltet, so wird ein manueller Lauf initiiert, wenn der Schalter nur kurze Zeit betätigt wird. Ein automatischer Lauf wird initiiert, wenn der Schalter längere Zeit betätigt wird. Eine andere Variante ist, dass der automatische Lauf initiiert wird, wenn der Schalter nur kurze Zeit betätigt wird, der manuelle Lauf hingegen, wenn der Schalter über längere Zeit betätigt wird.

This stored position 5 of the window pane 2 can now be restarted by a user of the system at any later time. This is done as follows, depending on the switch used:

• If the tactile input unit T is designed as a single-stage double switch, then a manual run is initiated if the switch is actuated for a short time only. An automatic run is initiated when the switch is pressed for a long time. Another variant is that the automatic run is initiated when the switch is pressed for a short time, the manual run, however, when the switch is pressed for a long time.

When the tactile unit T is configured as a double-stage or two-stage double switch, the manual run is initiated when the first stage of the switch is actuated, the automatic run when the second stage of the switch is actuated. In the case of a two-stage double switch is operated only very briefly either in stage 1 or stage 2 in the direction in which the stored position of the window pane is. In this case, the control unit moves the window pane in this previously stored position. In the case of a two-stage double switch this position is approached when it is operated very short either in the first or second stage in the direction of the stored position and at the same time the current position is only a certain amount away from the stored position. In a single-stage double switch this is only very briefly actuated in the direction in which the stored position is and the current position is only a certain amount away from the stored position.

If the window pane 2 is completely closed and a two-stage double switch is present, then it is actuated very briefly in either the first or second stage in the direction of opening, then the control unit μC moves to the previously stored position.

If the window pane 2 is completely opened and a two-stage double switch is actuated only very briefly in either direction 1 or 2 in the direction of closing, then the previously stored position is also approached.

If the window pane 2 is completely closed and a single-stage double switch is used and this is operated only very briefly in the direction of opening, the previously stored position is approached.

If the window pane 2 is completely opened and a single-stage double switch is used, and if it is actuated very briefly in the direction of closing, the control unit μC moves the window pane 2 into the previously stored position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tactile input unit T is formed not only in the form of a single-stage or two-stage double switch, but there are several function input units, over which further positions can be stored defined. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a user can thus occupy these predetermined memory areas with window positions assigned to each individual window in the vehicle.

This has the advantage that, for example, in a smoker's vehicle, the user can optimally adjust the window position in such a way that optimal air exchange takes place and he can set the air accordingly and the opening of the window to his needs. As it turns out, each user has a specific desired position for that "smoker's gap" and wishes to have a once set position 5 repeatedly retrievable. By the invention of the Applicant this ensures that this position can be stored.

The memory unit SP in a preferred embodiment is an exchangeable memory.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tactile input element is replaced by a voice control system. In this case, the functions of the window lifter system are then controlled by voice input from the user.

Finally, it is also planned to integrate the tactile input element into a remote control, in particular a radio remote control.

Claims (10)

1. Method for positioning a mobile unit (2) in a motor vehicle, wherein

   a) the mobile unit (2) is operated by extraneous force and is equipped with an electronic anti-trapping protection,

   b) in order to position the mobile unit (2) a manual mode or an automatic mode can be selected and the positioning of the mobile unit (2) takes place between two end positions (E1, E2), wherein the end positions are predefined by the type of configuration of the mobile unit (2) in its guiding means (7), and the positioning can be performed by means of at least one input unit (T),

   c) the mobile unit (2) is positioned by means of the input unit (T), and

   d) this position (5) of the mobile unit (2) which has then been assumed is stored automatically,

   e) this stored position (5) can be moved to automatically at the request of a user, characterized in that

   f) a range (B1, B2) between the end positions (E1, E2) is defined which is located not more than one percentage, for example 5%, with respect to the maximum opening travel of the mobile unit from a closed position as one of the end positions of the mobile unit,

   g) and the assumed position (5) is stored only if the assumed position (5) lies in the predefined range (B1, B2),

   h) and the assumed position (5) is stored only if the assumed position (5) is maintained for longer than a predefined time.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stored position (5) is adopted automatically by corresponding activation of the input unit (T) only if the mobile unit (2) is instantaneously located only a predefined distance from the stored position (5) or within a predefined range.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the input unit (T) is configured as a single-stage double switch, the stored position (5) is moved to automatically if the double switch is actuated briefly in the direction of the stored position (5) of the mobile unit (2), starting from the current position of the mobile unit (2).
4. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the input unit (T) is configured as a two-stage double switch, the stored position (5) is moved to automatically if the switch is actuated briefly in the first or second stage in the direction of the stored position (5) of the mobile unit (2) starting from the current position of the mobile unit (2).
5. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stored position (5) is moved to automatically if the mobile unit is located in the lower end position (E2) and the input unit (T) is briefly actuated in the closing direction.
6. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stored position (5) is moved to automatically if the mobile unit is located in the upper end position (E1) and the input unit (T) is actuated briefly in the opening direction.
7. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile unit (2) is an extraneous-force-operated window pane, and a ventilation range (B1, B2) is provided between two end positions (E1, E2), and the assumed position is stored as a ventilation position for the purpose of ventilating the passenger compartment of a vehicle if the assumed position lies within the ventilation range.
8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mobile unit (2) is a window pane, a sliding door, a sunroof or a tailgate or a boot lid of a motor vehicle.
9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the input unit (T) is a tactile unit or a voice input unit or a remote control unit.
10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the tactile input unit (T) is a switch, in particular a single-stage or two-stage double switch.

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