EP2236719B1 - Method and device for actuating a motor vehicle closing device - Google Patents

Description

1. a) der Bedienerwunsch über eine mechanische Betätigungshebelkette auf die Kupplung zur Einnahme des Auskuppelzustandes übertragen wird und/oder
2. b) der Bedienerwunsch durch Abfrage wenigstens eines Sensors registriert und in eine motorische Stellbewegung zur Beaufschlagung der Kupplung umgesetzt wird.

The invention relates to a device and a method for actuating a motor vehicle locking device, in particular a motor vehicle side door, a motor vehicle tailgate, a motor vehicle tank flap, a motor vehicle sliding door or the like, with a motor, in particular electric motor, and with a between the engine and the motor vehicle locking device intermediate clutch, wherein for manual application of the motor vehicle locking device is converted by an operator in a full or partial Auskuppelzustand, and wherein the Auskuppelzustand is taken in accordance with an operator request, in such a way that

1. a) the operator request is transmitted via a mechanical actuating lever chain to the clutch for taking the Auskuppelzustandes and / or
2. b) the operator request is registered by interrogating at least one sensor and converted into a motor-controlled actuating movement to act on the clutch.

In a device according to the EP 1 795 685 A2 The clutch can be brought into a dome state and a release state. In addition, an intermediate coupling state is provided with reduced transmission torque or reduced transmission power. In this way, the motor vehicle door located in the intermediate-coupling state by coupling the self-locking of the motor unit are always kept in their current position. You can still adjust by manual operation with a predetermined minimum actuation force. This is to summarize the performance of an associated drive assembly in an emergency, for example in case of failure of the power supply can be optimized.

The procedure described has proven itself in principle, but then reaches its limits when a manual actuation of the motor vehicle locking device is to be made independent of the emergency - that is, detached from the elimination of the power supply. Basically, the motor and in particular electromotive actuation of motor vehicle locking devices is particularly comfortable. Because the weight of motor vehicle locking devices, especially motor vehicle side doors, is not negligible. This can essentially be attributed to the fact that numerous auxiliary units are placed in the relevant motor vehicle side doors, such as side airbags, side impact reinforcements, loudspeakers, window regulators, etc. Against this background, there has been and continues to be an increasing need for motorized actuation of motor vehicle doors. Locking device to provide. Of course, this does not only apply to motor vehicle side doors, but also just as well for motor vehicle tailgates, motor vehicle sliding doors, etc.

In the context of the generic state of the art according to the DE 10 2005 004 571 A1 a flap hinge is provided for an opening flap on a vehicle. This has a drive unit with drive motor. In addition, the drive unit is equipped with a magnetic coupling. With the aid of the magnetic coupling, the drive unit can be decoupled from the flap. In addition, a touch sensor is provided, which Detects when an active manual opening or closing of the flap is desired and thus separates the flap of the drive.

The likewise generic US 2002/0180237 A1 deals with a drive for a sliding door. Between a local electric motor and the sliding door in question, a clutch is interposed. The coupling can be engaged or disengaged depending on the action of door handles.

Finally, the prior art is concerned with the DE 10 2007 027 867 A1 with a method and an arrangement for controlling at least one electromechanical brake actuator unit of a door brake device. In this context, a brake mechanism of the door brake device is provided. To control a brake actuator unit, for example, the distance of the vehicle door is determined in comparison to an obstacle.

Since operators are not yet fully accustomed to such motor-operated or electromotively operated locking devices, there is often the problem that operators, especially third-party operators, manually apply (want to) the motor vehicle locking device. This leads to increased operating forces, because the associated drive system is relatively stiff due to the inherent self-locking. For this reason, one has already provided here between the engine and the motor vehicle locking device interposed clutch, which is converted according to the generic state of the art for manual loading of the motor vehicle locking device by an operator in a complete or partial Auskuppelzustand. This happens in the framework of the generic teaching after the EP 1 795 685 A2 but only in an emergency. This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a device so that a problem-free alternative manual application of the motor vehicle closing device is possible virtually at any time. In addition, a corresponding method for actuating such a motor vehicle locking device is to be specified. To solve this technical problem, a device according to claim 1 or claim 2 and a method according to claim 9 or claim 10 is provided.

In the context of the invention, therefore, the complete or at least partially disengaging state does not depend on the on-board voltage in the motor vehicle, as is the case in the state of the art according to FIG EP 1 795 685 A2 teaches, but ultimately (and exclusively) on the operator's request. That is, the operator determines whether the clutch is transferred to the complete or at least partially disengaged state, usually by a corresponding action on the motor vehicle locking device or of the motor vehicle. But it is also possible that the operator request is registered by polling at least the sensor. According to an advantageous embodiment, this is the operator request registering sensor in the range of a door frame. For example, it may be arranged on an A and / or B pillar. In this case, has proved to be particularly preferred an arrangement of the sensor, in which this is arranged in the region of the door frame, which extends above an imaginary and defined by the door handle line. In fact, this field is used by many motor vehicle users as a matter of course for, for example, "slamming" motor vehicle side doors.

When using the sensor for registering the user's request, this and the associated sensor signal usually opens into a motorized adjusting movement. With the help of this motorized adjusting movement, the clutch is acted upon and transferred to the desired Auskuppelzustand. Without this operator request, the clutch is in the engaged state. As an alternative to the sensory query, the user request can also be transmitted via the mechanical actuating lever chain to the clutch for taking the Auskuppelzustandes. In this case, the mechanical operating lever chain usually includes at least one outer door handle and / or an inner door handle. As soon as the outer door handle and / or the inner door handle are acted upon by the operator, the corresponding actuation ensures that one or more connected to the outer door handle and / or the inner door handle connecting members directly apply the clutch and convert it into the complete or at least partially Auskuppelzustand.

If the operator request is not transmitted to the clutch via the described mechanical actuating lever chain, but by interrogating at least one sensor, it is advisable if the sensor in question is designed as a switch, touch sensor or proximity sensor. The sensor may for example be assigned to a door handle or located in its vicinity. Of course, it is also within the scope of the invention if the sensor in question is mounted inside the motor vehicle, for example on a dashboard. As a result, the operator can announce his wish to manually apply the motor vehicle closing device. That is, the sensor can be arranged on the outside of the vehicle body and / or in its interior.

In addition, the invention proposes a control unit, with the help of which between initiated by a remote control motor actuation of Motor vehicle closing device and a manual operation of the motor vehicle locking device can be distinguished in example omitted and / or suppressed remote query. That is, the invention opens up the possibility to operate the motor vehicle locking device as part of a remote control motor. In this case, the remote inquiry can be flanked by a question / answer dialog, which serves to identify the operator and his access authorization to the motor vehicle.

Usually, after such a remote inquiry and the successful identification of the operator all motor vehicle door locks are unlocked. In the context of the invention, this process can now be flanked by the fact that, if necessary, for example, the motor vehicle driver's door is opened by a motor and although the associated and unlocked motor vehicle door lock has also undergone an opening. However, if the remote interrogation is omitted or suppressed, it is generally assumed that the motor vehicle closing device is to be acted on manually by the operator. This is for example conceivable when the motor vehicle is in a parking space and the swiveling motor vehicle driver's door would damage an adjacent vehicle. In any case, an operator can distinguish between the various operating states by means of the described remote inquiry, namely essentially the motor operation of the motor vehicle closing device and its manual actuation.

In detail, the interposed between the engine or electric motor and the motor vehicle locking device coupling is designed as acted upon by a spring multi-plate clutch. The coupling in question has at least one stationary and one movable friction plate. In most cases, disk packs are implemented, namely a stationary disk pack and a movable plate pack, which alternate each other inside the clutch. In this case, generally one movable friction plate or the plurality of movable friction plates are connected to the motor vehicle closing device. Accordingly, the movable friction plates are moved together with the motor vehicle locking device.

In contrast, the one stationary friction plate or the plurality of stationary friction plates is made by the user request to the movable friction plate or the plurality of movable friction plates. This can be done by a motor, by a clutch associated actuator, which completes appropriate motor control movements. But it is also possible that the operator request alternatively implementing mechanical operating lever chain ensures that the stationary friction plate is made to the movable friction plate. This happens in total with adjustable slip.

In this case, the slippage can be set differently depending on the operator's request and external conditions. That is, the operator can ultimately adjust the self-locking forces of the device according to the invention as opposed to the manual movement. This is of particular importance in the event that, for example, the motor vehicle locking device or motor vehicle side door are not only opened manually, but also to maintain their open position, for example on a downgrade. That is, depending on the operator's request or the external conditions, in the present case depending on the gradient, the slip of the clutch between the engine and the motor vehicle locking device can be set differently. In the simplest case, this can be accomplished by the actuator associated with the clutch ensuring that one stationary one Reiblamelle or the plurality of stationary friction plates are more or less employed on the movable or the plurality of movable friction plates. Of course, this slip adjustment is also purely mechanically feasible.

The invention also provides a method for actuating such a motor vehicle locking device. In this context, an operator and / or another sensor can specify the slip of the clutch. In this further sensor, it may be exemplary only and not limiting to a tilt sensor, which determines in the example described case, whether the motor vehicle is on a downgrade or not. In addition, the design is such that the clutch is transferred in its closed state in the closed position motor vehicle locking device in each case in its engaged state. This ensures that while driving or in an accident the door - in addition to any other facilities, such as a closing aid - safely retains its closed position, so that maximum accident protection is given. Here are the main benefits.

Fig. 1

die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einer Übersicht,

Fig. 2

ein Detail aus Fig. 1 und

Fig. 3

die Kupplung im Einzelnen.

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

Fig. 1

the device according to the invention in an overview,

Fig. 2

a detail from Fig. 1 and

Fig. 3

the coupling in detail.

In the figures, a device for actuating a motor vehicle locking device 1, in particular a motor vehicle side door 1, is shown. The motor vehicle side door 1 can be acted upon by the motor both manually and manually within the scope of the invention. For this purpose, the motor vehicle locking device 1 or motor vehicle side door 1 is equipped both with a handle 2, 9 and with a motor 3, in particular electric motor 3.

In the context of the illustrated example, the motor or electric motor 3 is in the region of a hinge or an articulation of the motor vehicle door 1 to a motor vehicle body 4. Between the electric motor 3 and the motor vehicle locking device or motor vehicle side door 1, a clutch 5 is interposed. The clutch 5 is formed as acted upon by a spring 6 multi-plate clutch. In fact, the clutch 5 has both stationary friction plates 5b and movable friction plates 5a. In the context of the embodiment, a movable plate package 5a and a stationary plate package 5b are realized.

The movable friction plate 5a and the movable friction plate 5a is connected to the motor vehicle side door 1 and moves together with this. Also connected to the movable Reiblamellenpaket 5a or a shaft 7 connected thereto, the motor or electric motor 3 is connected. Rotations of the motor or electric motor 3 thus cause the shaft 7 also rotates and with it the movable plate pack 5a. As a result, the motor vehicle closing device 1 connected to the movable plate package 5a is acted upon accordingly, namely, the motor vehicle side door 1 is opened and closed. Depending on how strong the stationary plate package 5b is applied to the movable plate package 5a, the movement of the motor vehicle closing device 1 can be decelerated. To an adjustable slip of the clutch 5 and adjustable self-locking forces of the entire drive correspond.

With the help of a servomotor 8, the stationary disc pack 5b can now be employed more or less to the movable disc pack 5a. As a result, the slip of the clutch 5 can be changed. That is, with the aid of the servo motor 8, the self-locking forces of the drive for the motor vehicle locking device 1 can be varied and adjusted. In this way it is possible to convert the clutch 5 into a complete or at least partial disengaging condition and, of course, a coupling condition. The Auskuppelzustand is always selected when the motor vehicle locking device 1 is manually applied by an operator or should be. In this case, the disengagement state in question is taken according to the invention in accordance with an operator request.

The operator request can now be transferred to the complete or at least partial disengaging state of the clutch 5 in basically two different ways. In fact, the operator's request can initially be transmitted via a mechanical actuating lever chain 2, 9, 10 to the clutch 5 for taking the Auskuppelzustandes. For this purpose, the actuating lever chain 2, 9, 10 in the illustrated example on the already mentioned inner door handle 2. In addition, an outside door handle 9 may be provided. Both handles 2, 9 are connected via one or more connecting members 10 with the coupling 5 in connection.

By now an operator acts on the inner door handle 2 and / or outer door handle 9, the coupling 5 is transferred via the connected to the respective handle 2, 9 connecting members 10 and a connecting member 10 in the complete or at least partially Auskuppelzustand.

In fact, the connecting links 10 connected to the respective handle 2, 9 may ensure that the stationary disc pack 5b is or will not be adjusted more or less strongly to the movable disc pack 5a by means of the spring 6. That is, the connecting members 10 between the outer door handle 9 and / or the inner door handle 2 ensure that the clutch 5 or its stationary plate pack 5b is acted upon accordingly - independently or in addition to the servomotor. 8

Alternatively, the user request can also be queried with the aid of a sensor 11. The sensor 11 may be assigned to the outer door handle 9 in the embodiment. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, however, the sensor 11 is in a door frame, which is associated with the motor vehicle side door 1. That represents the Fig. 1 In this case, an arrangement of the sensor 11 on the frame or door frame has been found to be favorable, if in this case the above the outer door handle 9 arranged part of the door frame is taken into account. Because motor vehicle users tend to apply this area when moving motor vehicle side doors 1.

In any case, the sensor 11 detects when an operator grasps the door frame or, alternatively, the outer door handle 9. As a result, the sensor 11 ensures that with the aid of the servo motor 8, which is alternatively assigned to the clutch 5, the stationary disk pack 5b is set against the movable disk pack 5a or separated therefrom. Following this, the clutch 5 can be converted into the complete or at least partial disengaging state, and the motor vehicle side door 1 can be moved manually. This applies to the case that the sensor 11 has been triggered. Not at triggered sensor 11, however, the clutch 5 is in the engaged state.

The sensor 11 or switch 11 can be a touch sensor or else a proximity sensor. Alternatively, the sensor 11 can of course be arranged elsewhere on the outside of the motor vehicle body 4 and / or in its interior.

Finally, a control unit 12 is provided. By means of this control unit 12, for example, a distinction can be made between a motor actuation of the motor vehicle closing device 1 initiated by a remote request and a manual actuation of the motor vehicle closing device 1. The latter usually takes place when the remote inquiry is omitted and / or suppressed or when the command is selected accordingly. This remote inquiry can be represented by means of a remote control or the like. In this way, the operator can practically express his user request from a distance, namely as to whether the motor vehicle locking device 1 is to be operated by motor or manually.

Quite apart from this, the slippage of the stationary plate pack 5b in comparison to the movable plate packet 5a can be varied within the scope of the operator's request. This is done in the context of the embodiment by means of the servo motor 8, which 5b or the stationary plate package 5b more or less with the interposition of the spring 6 to the movable plate 5a and the movable plate package 5a sets the stationary plate 5b. In this way, the slip of the clutch 5 can be changed. As a result, the invention takes into account, for example, external circumstances when the motor vehicle is parked on a gradient or uphill section. In this case, you will set the slip so that the motor vehicle side door 1, for example, maintains its manually or motor-open position and is not closed as a result of the attacking forces.

It is conceivable in this context that another sensor 13 detects, for example, the inclination of the motor vehicle body. Depending on this inclination, the slip between the stationary disc pack 5b and the movable disc pack 5a can then be varied. In this case, one will usually choose the design so that the greater the slope, the greater the self-locking forces of the clutch 5 are set.

Alternatively, the sensor 13 may also be formed as a distance sensor on the respective motor vehicle side door 1 to be actuated. With its help, then the opening and closing movement can be monitored. It will make the design so that, for example, the motor or electric motor 3 is stopped in an opening operation of the vehicle door side door 1, as soon as an obstacle opposes another opening movement. The same applies to any closing movements. This is summarized by the control unit 12.

Finally, you will convert the clutch 5 in befindlichem in closed position motor vehicle side door 1 in its engaged state. This is to ensure maximum accident protection, if necessary in combination with a closing aid, and to ensure that the motor vehicle side door remains closed in any case, even in the event of an accident.

Claims (12)

1. Device for actuating a motor vehicle closing device (1), in particular a motor vehicle side door (1), a motor vehicle tailgate or the like, with a motor (3), in particular an electric motor (3), and with a clutch (5) connected between the motor (3) and the motor vehicle closing device (1), wherein

   - the clutch (5) can be shifted into a fully or partially disengaged state to enable manual application of a load to the motor vehicle closing device (1) by an operator, and wherein

   - the disengaged state can be taken up to the degree desired by an operator,

   characterised in that

   - the degree of the disengaged state desired by an operator is transmittable to the clutch (5) via a mechanical actuating lever chain (2, 9, 10),

   - the clutch (5) is designed as a multi-disc clutch which is biased by a spring (6) and is equipped with at least one stationary friction disc (5b) and one movable friction disc (5a), wherein

   - the stationary friction disc (5b) can be brought to bear with adjustable slip on the movable friction disc (5a) which is not only movable but also connected to the motor vehicle closing device (1) and entrained therewith to the degree desired by an operator, and wherein

   - the mechanical actuating lever chain (2, 9, 10) includes at least one outside door handle (9) and/or an inside door handle (2), and by corresponding actuation of the outside door handle (9) and/or the inside door handle (2)

   - a load can be exerted directly on the clutch (5) and the clutch (5) can be shifted into the fully or at least partially disengaged state via one or more connecting members (10) of the mechanical actuating lever chain which are connected to the outside door handle (9) and/or the inside door handle (2), and for this purpose

   - the stationary disc set (5b) can be brought to bear more or less firmly on the movable disc set (5a) with the aid of a spring (6).
2. Device for actuating a motor vehicle closing device (1), in particular a motor vehicle side door (1), a motor vehicle tailgate or the like, with a motor (3), in particular an electric motor (3), and with a clutch (5) connected between the motor (3) and the motor vehicle closing device (1), wherein

   - the clutch (5) can be shifted into a fully or partially disengaged state to enable manual application of a load to the motor vehicle closing device (1) by an operator, and wherein

   - the disengaged state can be taken up to the degree desired by an operator, wherein the operator's desire can be registered by querying at least one sensor (11) of the device and converted into a motorised adjustment motion for applying a load to the clutch (5),

   characterised in that

   - the clutch (5) is designed as a multi-disc clutch which is biased by a spring (6) and is equipped with at least one stationary friction disc (5b) and one movable friction disc (5a), wherein

   - the stationary friction disc (5b) can be brought to bear with adjustable slip on the movable friction disc (5a) which is not only movable but also connected to the motor vehicle closing device (1) and entrained therewith to the degree desired by an operator, and wherein

   - the stationary disc set (5b) can be brought to bear more or less firmly on the movable disc set (5a), thereby rendering the slip of the clutch (5) variable, with the aid of a servomotor (8) of the device.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that the sensor (11) is designed as a switch, a touch sensor or a proximity sensor which is assigned to a door handle (2, 9), for example.
4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the sensor (11) is arranged externally on a motor vehicle body (4), in particular in the region of a door frame, and/or inside the vehicle body (4).
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a control unit (12) is provided, which makes a distinction for example between a motorised actuation of the motor vehicle closing device (1) initiated by a remote query and a manual actuation of the motor vehicle closing device (1).
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the movable friction disc (5a) is connected to the motor vehicle closing device (1) entrained therewith.
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the stationary friction disc (5b) is can be brought to bear on the movable friction disc (5a) optionally with adjustable slip reflecting the operator desire.
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the slip is variably adjustable depending on the operator's desire and on external conditions, for example a spatial position of the vehicle body (4).
9. Method for actuating a motor vehicle closing device (1), in particular a motor vehicle side door (1), with a motor (3), and with a clutch (5) connected between the motor (3) and the motor vehicle closing device (1), wherein

   - the clutch (5) is shifted into a fully or partially disengaged state to enable an operator to apply a load to the motor vehicle closing device (1), overcoming the self-locking forces, and wherein further

   - the clutch (5) takes up its disengaged state to the degree desired by the operator,

   characterised in that

   - the operator actuates a mechanical actuating lever chain (2, 9, 10) to shift the clutch (5) into the disengaged state,

   - the clutch (5) is designed as a multi-disc clutch which is biased by a spring (6) and is equipped with at least one stationary friction disc (5b) and one movable friction disc (5a), wherein

   - the stationary friction disc (5b) is brought to bear with adjustable slip on the movable friction disc (5a) which is not only movable but also connected to the motor vehicle closing device (1) and entrained therewith to the degree desired by an operator, and wherein

   - the mechanical actuating lever chain (2, 9, 10) includes at least one outside door handle (9) and/or an inside door handle (2), and by corresponding actuation of the outside door handle (9) and/or the inside door handle (2) ensures that

   - one or more connecting members (10) connected to the outside door handle (9) and/or the inside door handle (2) exert a load directly on the clutch (5) and shift it into the fully or at least partially disengaged state, and for this purpose

   - the stationary disc set (5b) is brought to bear more or less firmly on the movable disc set (5a) with the aid of the spring (6).
10. Method for actuating a motor vehicle closing device (1), in particular a motor vehicle side door (1), with a motor (3) and with a clutch (5) connected between the motor (3) and the motor vehicle closing device (1), wherein

    - the clutch (5) is shifted into a fully or partially disengaged state to enable an operator to apply a load to the motor vehicle closing device (1), overcoming the self-locking forces, wherein further

    - the clutch (5) takes up its disengaged state to the degree desired by the operator, and wherein

    - at least one sensor (11) with servomotor (8) to which a load is applied thereby controls the clutch (5),

    characterised in that

    - the clutch (5) is designed as a multi-disc clutch which is biased by a spring (6) and is equipped with at least one stationary friction disc (5b) and one movable friction disc (5a), wherein

    - the stationary friction disc (5b) is brought to bear with adjustable slip on the movable friction disc (5a) which is not only movable but also connected to the motor vehicle closing device (1) and entrained therewith to the degree desired by an operator, and wherein

    - the stationary disc set (5b) can be brought to bear more or less firmly on the movable disc set (5a) with the aid of an servomotor (8), so that the slip of the clutch (5) can be varied.
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the operator and/or a further sensor (13) specify a slip of the clutch (5).
12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the clutch (5) is shifted into its engaged state when the motor vehicle closing device (1) is in the closed position.

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