EP2923021A1

EP2923021A1 - Method for actuating a drive means of a window positioning device for positioning a window pane of a vehicle, and control device suitable therefor

Info

Publication number: EP2923021A1
Application number: EP13798569.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen Hartmann; Andreas STÜBER; Patrick Sassmannshausen
Original assignee: Audi AG
Current assignee: Audi AG
Priority date: 2012-11-21
Filing date: 2013-11-15
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-15
Also published as: CN104246102B; DE102012022739B3; CN104246102A; US20150292253A1; US9567791B2; EP2923021B1; WO2014079552A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for actuating a drive means (23) of a window positioning device (20) for positioning a window pane (3) of a vehicle (1), wherein the window pane (3) is formed to cover a window opening and can be displaced in a closing direction and in an opening direction by means of the window positioning device (20), and wherein the drive means (23) is actuated by means of a control device (10). The method has the successive steps a) actuation of the drive means (23) in the opening direction; b) actuation of the drive means (23) in the closing direction; wherein the actuation of the drive means (23) takes place depending on a drive parameter, wherein according to the invention the actuation in step a) takes place by a first amount of the drive parameter and the drive means (23) is brought into a first relaxed position, and the actuation in step b) take place by a second amount of the drive parameter and the drive means (23) is brought into a second relaxed position, in which the window positioning device (20) is in a relaxed state. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device (10) suitable therefor and to a window positioning device (20).

Description

Method for actuating a drive device of a

Window positioning device for positioning a window pane of a

Vehicle, and appropriate control device

DESCRIPTION:

The invention relates to a method for actuating a drive device of a window positioning device for positioning a window pane of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control device for actuating the drive device.

Methods are known for displacing a window pane in which the window pane is displaced from an end position to an intermediate position in order to facilitate the opening or closing of a vehicle door, in particular on frameless windows. Also known are methods in which window panes are pressed into a mechanical stop for the purpose of better sealing, in particular as a function of a high vehicle speed. When relocating the window pane to the final position and during pressing, strong preload forces often arise within a window regulator mechanism.

The German patent application DE 10 2010 056 226 A1 shows a method for lowering a window pane of a vehicle before getting out of an occupant of the vehicle, in which the lowering can be triggered by an operation of a buckle, especially in a frameless vehicle door.

German published patent application DE 10 2010 036 205 A1 shows a method for pushing a window pane of a vehicle into an end position against a mechanical stop as a function of a driving state of the vehicle in order to ensure a good seal of the vehicle interior, in particular also in the presence of a mechanical play. The repression can be done with a defined force and a final value of the force even with slowly increasing force to gently approach the stop and to keep acoustic interference low. The force can be adjusted via pulse width modulated current. The reprints can be carried out in particular as a function of a vehicle speed, a temperature or a time span.

German Patent Application DE 10 2006 049 223 A1 discloses a method for positioning a windowpane of a vehicle in a short-stroke position spaced from a gasket to keep the windowpane clear of the gasket and to facilitate opening a door of the vehicle, whereby mechanical play can be compensated ,

The German patent application DE 103 38 767 A1 shows a method for positioning a window of a vehicle in a short-stroke position when opening a vehicle door and a door window control system, wherein a proximity sensor is provided, in particular in the region of a door handle to kur before opening the vehicle door, in particular short before operating the door handle, move the window pane into the short-stroke position.

The German patent application DE 10 2008 014 520 A1 shows a method for lowering a window of a vehicle in a short-stroke position when opening a vehicle door, wherein the lowering by means of a preferably arranged in the region of a door handle flow sensor is triggered, which is a hand of a user of the vehicle in a detection area.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for the actuation of a window pane of a vehicle such that a structural load of the device is low.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and by a control device or a window positioning device having the features of the respective subordinate patent claim. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The invention is based on a method for actuating a drive device of a window positioning device for positioning a window pane of a vehicle, wherein the window pane is designed to cover a window opening and is displaceable in a closing direction and in an opening direction by means of the window positioning device, and wherein the drive device by means of a control device is pressed, with the successive steps

a) actuating the drive means in the opening direction from an initial position of the drive means in which the window pane is in a closed end position and the window positioning device is in a first bias state for biasing the window pane; and

b) actuating the drive device in the closing direction,

wherein the actuation of the drive device takes place in dependence on a drive parameter.

According to the invention, the actuation in step a) takes place by a first amount of the drive parameter and the drive device is brought into a first relaxation position and the actuation in step b) takes place by a second amount of the drive parameter and the drive device thereby into a second expansion position wherein the window positioning device is in a second bias state, wherein the second amount is less than the first amount and the window opening is covered in the second relaxed position, and wherein in the second bias state the window positioning device is biased smaller than in the first bias state ,

The invention is based on the recognition that a lifetime of a window positioning device can be increased if a drive device in the closing direction is gently or more gently or less powerful or less far or less or slower than usually when moving in the closing direction to the end position. By a second amount, which is smaller than the first amount, a window positioning device, in particular a drive device of the window positioning device and / or a transmission device, in particular mechanical components, of the window positioning device can be relieved. A relief of the drive device or the transmission device is expedient, since a window in most cases for the purpose good tightness or sound insulation is driven with a large force in an end position or for the purpose of user-friendly operation at high speed and concomitant accelerations and bearing forces, resulting in a large bias in the drive components or bearings of Fensterpositioniervorrichtung. The relief causes, for example, that the transmission device or any other mechanism or other mechanical components of the window positioning are less stressed. This can ensure a longer life of the window positioning device. At the same time, more cost-effective mechanical components can be used, eg gears made of plastic material. In other words, according to the invention, the method for actuating the drive device corresponds to a method for relieving a window positioning device, be it the drive device itself or a gear cooperating with the drive device or any bearings of the window positioning device. An actuation of the drive device does not necessarily include a displacement of the window. The window pane preferably remains closed in the opening direction when the drive device is actuated, regardless of whether it is displaced or not. The window pane can, for example, be displaced minimally along a seal and cover the window opening in the process. More preferably, the first amount is chosen so that the window pane is not displaced.

The procedure can be performed manually or automatically. Manual actuation of the drive means may e.g. be triggered by a special way of pressing a button to actuate the drive means, e.g. a rocking motion on the key, in particular correspondingly first of all pressure on a side of the key which is operated to displace a window pane downwards in the opening direction, in combination with a pressure on a side of the key which is operated around the windowpane to shift upward in the closing direction.

The method is preferably a method for automatically actuating the drive device, which can be carried out automatically, in particular as a function of predefined conditions and / or current measured values. The actuation of the drive device in the closing direction is effected automatically in response to the actuation of the drive device in the opening direction. A condition such as switching off the ignition of the vehicle or locking the vehicle is preferred. Switched ignition predefined. Optionally or additionally, for example, a time variable may be provided, for example between five and 120 minutes, preferably ten to 30 minutes. For example, an occupant presence value can be used as the measured value, whereby, for example, it can be avoided that the method is carried out when there are still occupants in the vehicle. Also, a humidity or a temperature in the environment of the vehicle can be measured. If the temperature or humidity deviates too much from a threshold, the method may be inhibited, for example, to maximize sealing between a windowpane and a vehicle door seal. The procedure is then carried out, for example, only when the vehicle is parked in a dry garage.

In this case, the drive device can be set by the step a) in a first relaxation position or in a first relaxation status and by the step b) in a second expansion position or a second relaxation status, wherein the drive means in the second relaxation status acting in the closing direction Preload force exerts on a transmission device of the window positioning device, which is smaller than a biasing force acting in the closing direction on the Getriebeeinrich- device in a starting position of the drive device before step a). In the first relaxation status, the drive device preferably exerts no appreciable pretensioning in the closing direction or only a small pretensioning in relation to a pretension in a starting position to a transmission device of the window positioning device. In this case, the biasing force exerted by the drive means in the second relaxation status is e.g. at 5 to 90 percent, preferably 10 to 60 percent, more preferably 20 to 40 percent, each relative to 100 percent biasing force in the home position, and in the first relaxing state e.g. at 1 to 50 percent, preferably 5 to 30 percent, more preferably 10 to 20 percent. Preferably, in the method for setting the respective relaxation status, a force sensor is used which supplies measurement data for the prestressing force to a control device. The force sensor can be arranged at an interface or coupling point between the drive device and the transmission device.

In the method according to the invention, a comparison is made between the first bias state and the second bias state. The window pane is stored in the second bias state, in particular over a longer period of time. In the second bias voltage is a bias exerted by the window positioning on the window pane bias in the Fensterpositioniervorrichtung lower than in the first bias state. The preload may be, for example, a bearing force, a surface pressure between transmission components, a tensile force in a cable, a torque on a gear or a compressive force on any other mechanical component of the Fensterpositioniervorrichtung. The bias voltage can also be determined indirectly via a pressure which is exerted by the window pane on a seal or a door frame. The bias voltage can be determined, for example, by means of strain gauges or piezosensors or another suitable force and / or pressure sensor.

By controlling the method via a drive parameter, the unloading can take place independently of an actual position or displacement of a window pane and independently of the type of drive. About the drive parameters of the drive means, the size of an actuating movement can be specified. The first and second amounts of the drive parameter can each be defined by means of a control device or a vehicle system for a specific vehicle or a specific window positioning device, that is to say predetermined by a control device. The two amounts can be in a defined relationship to each other, so that a certain operation in the opening direction by default pulls a certain operation in the closing direction by itself. This is expedient, for example, with regard to a simple construction of the window positioning device, because it is possible, for example, to save position or force sensors. Especially with regard to relieving, in which a window pane should not be displaced, a predefined ratio of the amounts is advantageous. The first amount may be defined so that a bias voltage prevailing in the window positioning device can be completely broken down, and the second amount may be defined such that a slight force in the closing direction is again exerted on a window pane by the drive device and the window pane is not loosely mounted, but is immovably fixed at least approximately in the final position. In other words, the second amount can be defined, for example, solely with regard to a system-inherent mechanical game. However, the second amount can also be adjusted with respect to a decreasing biasing force of a seal with time, in particular be increased. Readjustment may be based on experience or based on a force or bias sensor delivered measured values. The second amount can also be changed to ensure that the windowpane is not always clamped over the same mechanical subcomponents. This is advantageous, for example, with a tooth system. The second amount can in particular be changed so that the preload force is not always transmitted via the same teeth of intermeshing teeth, but, for example after a certain time or a certain number of actuations of the drive means each before or behind lying tooth. As a result, the wear can be reduced and the life can be further increased. Also operating noise can be kept low because they are not louder by an increased mechanical play.

By a predefined ratio can be ensured that regardless of the purpose of relieving the Fensterpositioniervorrichtung the requirements of a good tightness and theft protection are ensured. The ratio of the first amount to the second amount is preferably in the range of 1, 25 to 10, more preferably in the range of 1, 25 to 5, particularly preferably in the range of 1, 5 to 2. The ratio may vary depending on the nature of Drive device or type of mechanical components fail very different. In a cable pull mechanism, e.g. a smaller ratio already sufficient for a relief than with a gearing with relatively high friction values.

In order to be able to set the amounts of the drive parameter in a vehicle-specific manner, a force sensor can be provided on individual mechanical components of the window positioning device, by means of which a pretension can be determined in the window positioning device. Here, over a long period of operation, wear in the window positioning device, e.g. by adjusting the ratio between the first and second amounts as life goes on. For it is to be expected that, as the service life progresses, the coupling of individual mechanical components, in particular when it comes to gear parts made of a plastic material, becomes less precise and a pre-load can be reduced even with a smaller second amount of the drive parameter, e.g. at a gearing.

The drive parameter or the amounts of the drive parameter can be provided to the drive device, for example in the form of a control signal, and the control signal can be generated, for example, by a vehicle system or a separate drive system. raten or provided in the window positioning device control device can be generated. The amounts of the drive parameter or a multiplicity of different amounts for specific situations can optionally also be stored in the drive device and can be called up independently of a control device.

Actuation in the opening direction can take place with such amounts of the drive parameter that the window pane can be displaced from an end position in which it is closed (in particular maximum) into a first intermediate position, and actuation in the closing direction with such amounts of the drive parameter the window pane from the first intermediate position is zurückverlagerbar back towards the end position. Depending on the age of a seal or the temperature and thus also the friction on a seal, these amounts can be different depending on the situation. The amounts of the drive parameter can therefore also be selected so that the window pane actually moves. Then, the window pane is displaced from the first intermediate position back toward the end position to a second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the end position. The amounts of the drive parameter are preferably selected both in the opening direction and in the closing direction such that the window pane hardly or not noticeably moves. In other words, in the intermediate positions, the window opening is not necessarily released, but rather the window pane can be displaced by barely detectable or measurable amounts and, in any case, continue to rest against a seal, so that the window opening remains closed even in the intermediate positions. According to a preferred variant of the method, the drive is actuated only by such small amounts that the window pane does not shift at all. As a result, a drive device can be relaxed without the window pane having to be moved. This is energetically advantageous, can be done in a particularly fast manner, and is also not noticeable to a vehicle occupant or a person who leaves the vehicle. In particular, in connection with a drive device which has a toothing and / or a cable can be taken in this way a bias from the Fensterpositioniervorrichtung and the mechanics of Fensterpositioniervorrichtung be relieved, which increases the life. To select the amounts of the drive parameters so small that the window pane itself does not move, but at best the mechanical components of the window positioning device that are to be relieved of load, therefore also has a purpose in terms of an even longer life of Fensterpositioniervorrichtung.

In principle, a relief of components of the window positioning device can already take place in that when the vehicle is at a standstill the drive device is actuated only in the opening direction, e.g. a cable is simply relieved or relaxed. However, it has been found that with regard to theft protection or a good sealing of the vehicle, it is advisable to actuate the drive device again in the closing direction, in particular with reduced force and / or speed, which can preferably take place via pulse width modulation. This makes it possible to ensure that, even with relieved components, a window pane does not sit too loosely in the window opening, ie can not be displaced from the outside downwards in the opening direction, and that the adequate sealing of the vehicle interior is also ensured for a longer standstill of the vehicle.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the drive device is a rotary drive device, wherein the drive parameter is an angular unit. By means of an angle unit, which is larger in the opening direction than in the closing direction, the window positioning device can be relieved via the rotary drive device, without necessarily having to displace the window pane. By a small rotational movement in the opening direction, a bias voltage present in the window positioning device can be reduced. The rotary drive device is e.g. designed as an electric motor. The window positioning device has e.g. a cable on. According to an advantageous embodiment, the window positioning device has a toothing, wherein the drive parameter is an angular unit or a unit of length. By means of a length unit, which is larger in the opening direction than in the closing direction, the window positioning device can be relieved of load without necessarily having to displace the window pane. The drive means is e.g. designed as a linear motor.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the step b) takes place with respect to step a) reduced force and / or reduced speed, in particular by pulse width modulation of a control signal supplied to the drive device by a control device which has information about the drive parameter. The decisive force here can correspond to the force with which a window pane is pressed into a seal in the closing direction, or also the force with which a window pane bears laterally on a seal of the window opening orthogonal to the closing direction, or also the force, which must be spent in order to relocate the window at all. A reduced speed provides the advantage that the window pane can be positioned more accurately and cautiously and that acceleration or braking pulses in the drive device are less strong. At reduced speed, an approach to an end position can be carried out in a more precise manner; at the same time, a pre-tensioning dose taken from the window positioning device can be re-established, for example to 25 to 40 percent.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuation of the drive device takes place in the opening direction in response to a particular caused by a vehicle user locking the vehicle or turning off an engine of the vehicle. As a result, a storage of the window can be done under a low load when the vehicle remains unused, especially over a longer period of several days or even weeks. This ensures a long life of mechanical components of a window positioning device, particularly gears or transmission components in general.

The locking of the vehicle or the stopping of the engine can be carried out by a vehicle system, which is eg in connection with a speed sensor or sensors which detect whether an occupant is seated in the vehicle. The vehicle system may then request a controller to automatically provide a corresponding signal to the window positioning device to relieve the window positioning device. The vehicle system may also be directly in communication with the drive device. Preferably, the locking of the vehicle is to be provided as a triggering event (trigger) for the method according to the invention. Optionally, however, a time variable may also be taken into account, so that the drive device does not operate too frequently eg in city traffic, but only, for example, when the vehicle is parked in the afternoons or evenings over night or several days.

According to an advantageous embodiment, prior to step a), the window pane is moved from an at least partially open position to an end position. The displacement of the window pane in the end position is advisable to relieve a Fensterpositioniervorrichtung always starting from a defined position. In the end position, the window pane has been driven with the usual force and / or speed to a stop defining the final position. This ensures that the window pane also bears firmly against a seal and that the sealing of the vehicle takes place in a defined manner. The method for relieving the window positioning device can then be carried out starting from the end position as described above on the basis of the drive parameter. Actual relocation of the window pane is not absolutely necessary.

If the method for relieving the window positioning device were not carried out with respect to the end position, there would be the risk that the window pane would not lie tightly enough against a seal, so that leaks occur or theft protection can not be ensured.

In this case, the positioning of the window pane in the end position preferably takes place in conjunction with a closing of the window, thus e.g. the automatic closing of the window or even all windows and sunroofs when a vehicle is parked and locked. In other words, the window pane need not be stored in the end position in order to be able to carry out the method for relieving the drive device. In this case, the at least partially opened position may also correspond to one of the intermediate positions, but is more in line with a position in which the window pane also releases the window opening, e.g. to a third, a half or completely.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the window pane is moved in step a) from an end position in which it (in particular maximum) is closed, in a first intermediate position, wherein as a first intermediate position, a position is set, the 1 to 10 millimeters, preferably 0.5 to 3 millimeters, more preferably 0.25 to 1 millimeters from the end position. Preferably, a position is set as the second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the end position, which is 0.1 to 5 millimeters, preferably 0, 1 to 2.5 millimeters, more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters away from the end position is.

It should be noted that the intermediate positions can also relate to angular positions and can then be specified in degrees, for example if the window pane is a window pane which can be displaced by folding or pivoting. The angles of the first and second intermediate positions may be, for example, in the range of 0 to 5 degrees, preferably 0, 1 to 2 degrees, more preferably 0.1 to 1 degree with respect to the (maximum) closed end position. According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuation in step b) takes place by means of a control device which supplies a control signal to the drive device, which is pulse width modulated at least for the actuation in step b). The communication between the control device and the drive device takes place in the form of a PWM control based on the control signal. The PWM control for step b) preferably takes place by means of a pulse width modulation (PWM) at 20 to 80 percent, preferably 30 to 60 percent, more preferably 35 to 50 percent, particularly preferably 40 percent, in particular time component or force component. Optionally, an actuation in step a) can also be effected by a pulse-width-modulated control signal. This has the advantage that a window pane with greater certainty in the (maximum) closed end position remains when the drive unit is actuated in the opening direction. As a result, a relaxation can be achieved in a simple manner even with less precisely adjustable drive devices. For, if the window pane has first been moved to the end position with full force in the closing direction, and if, for example, half the force is applied to actuate the drive device in the opening direction and to relieve the window positioning device, then the window pane is very likely to be present is not displaced and, for example, a tightness between the window pane and a door seal is not affected. Nevertheless, the bias can be left out of the window positioning device, because the actuation of the drive means in the opposite direction causes a displacement the mechanical components to each other and / or the reduction of a torque applied between transmission components or a tensile stress in any tensile components such as ropes. A PWM control for step a) preferably takes place by means of a pulse width modulation (PWM) at 30 to 90 percent, preferably 40 to 80 percent, more preferably 45 to 65 percent, particularly preferably 55 percent, in particular time fraction or force component.

The object is also achieved by a control device according to the invention, which is suitable for controlling a method for actuating a drive device of a window positioning device for positioning a window pane of a vehicle or is suitable for actuating the drive device, wherein the window pane is designed to cover a window opening and by means of the window positioning device in a closing direction and in an opening direction, starting from a starting position of the drive device in which the window pane is in a closed end position, the window positioning device being in a first biasing state in the closed end position, wherein the control device is in contact with the is coupled to drive device and is adapted to supply a control signal to the drive means and to actuate the drive means in response to a drive parameter,

wherein according to the invention it is provided that the control device is adapted to the control signal in response to a first amount of the drive parameter for actuating the drive means in the opening direction for bringing the drive means in a first relaxation position and in dependence of a second amount of the drive parameter for operating the drive means in Closing direction for bringing the drive device to a second relaxation position such that the window positioning device is in a second bias state in the second expansion position, the second amount being smaller than the first amount and the window opening being covered in the second expansion position, and wherein in the second Bias state, the window positioning is applied to a smaller bias voltage than in the first bias state.

The amounts can be chosen such or the control signal can be provided such that the window pane from a first intermediate position in the direction of a (in particular maximum) closed Endposition up to a second intermediate position with respect to a displacement from the end position in the first intermediate position reduced force and / or reduced speed zurückverlagerbar. In other words, the window pane can be moved back from a first intermediate position in the direction of a closed end position to a second intermediate position with reduced force and / or reduced speed compared to displacement from the end position to the first intermediate position. Preferably, the control signal is generated such that the window pane is not displaced by the drive device, but only a biasing force acting in the closing direction between the drive device and a transmission device is reduced. In other words, the control signal can be generated in such a way that the window pane remains in the end position.

The control device preferably has a pulse width modulation module for generating a pulse width modulated control signal. The pulse width modulation module (PWM module) may comprise at least one device from a group of devices consisting of a comparator circuit and a counter and an analog comparator and a multivibrator, wherein the pulse width modulation module for generating a pulse width modulated control signal for the drive device of the window positioning device is trained. In this case, a comparator circuit or a counter is preferably present in the case of digital data or signals to be processed, and in the case of analog data or signals to be processed, an analog comparator or a multivibrator is preferred. A comparator circuit or counter is arranged to divide the duration of a single pulse by means of a timer function or by external timing, e.g. in an 8-bit resolution in 256 steps, of which, depending on the desired output level, a certain percentage, corresponding to 0 to 255 steps in the example switched on.

A comparator is configured to generate a PWM signal by comparing the analog signal with a suitable carrier signal, wherein as the PWM signal, for example, a rising or falling Sägezahlsignal or a triangular signal for a symmetrical modulation is expedient. At the In each case the position of one of the edges of the signal can be modulated in a rising or falling sawtooth signal. With the triangular signal, the position of both edges of the signal can be modulated. A multivibrator is configured to change a duty cycle through a variable resistor or capacitor.

The determination of the pulse duration can take place via the approach that the arithmetic mean value of the signal to be modulated in a pulse period corresponds exactly to the arithmetic mean value of the PWM pulse train.

The control device is designed to actuate the drive device according to the method according to the invention or to control the method and is preferably in connection with a position sensor and / or a force sensor.

A window positioning device for positioning a window pane of a vehicle may be coupled to the control device, wherein the window pane is designed to cover a window opening, with a drive device for displacing the window pane in a closing direction and in an opening direction;

- A transmission device which is coupled to the drive means; wherein the window positioning device is configured to displace the window pane in the opening direction to a first intermediate position from an end position in which it is closed (in particular maximum) and the window positioning device is in a first bias state for biasing the window pane Closing back direction from the first intermediate position in the direction of the end position, wherein the drive device can be actuated in dependence on a drive parameter;

wherein it is provided that the window positioning device is configured to actuate the drive device in the opening direction and in the closing direction in response to a first amount of the drive parameter for actuating in the opening direction has a first amount and in response to a second amount of the drive parameter for operating in the closing direction, wherein the second amount is smaller than the first amount, wherein the window positioning device is adapted to bring the drive device over the first amount in a first relaxation position and the second amount in a second Ent- in which the window positioning device is in a second bias state, wherein the window opening is covered in the second expansion position, and wherein in the second bias state, the window positioning is applied to a smaller bias voltage than in the first bias state. Optionally, the control device may be part of the window positioning device.

The amounts of the drive parameter can be chosen so that the window actually moves. Then, the window pane is displaceable from the first intermediate position back towards the end position to a second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the end position. Optionally, the amounts of the drive parameter in both the opening direction and the closing direction are selected so that the window pane hardly or not at all moves.

Preferably, the window positioning device is designed to actuate the drive device in the opening direction such that the window pane remains arranged in the end position. Preferably, the drive parameter is predetermined by a control device coupled to the window positioning device, and the control device is configured to supply a pulsewise modulated control signal to the drive device. In this case, the drive device can be actuated in the opening direction as a function of the control signal by the first amount of the drive parameter such that the window pane is displaceable from an end position in which it is closed into a first intermediate position and in the closing direction as a function of the control signal the second amount of the drive parameter can be actuated in such a way that the window pane can be moved back from the first intermediate position back in the direction of the end position.

Preferably, the window positioning device is designed to relocate the window pane from a first intermediate position in the direction of a particularly maximally closed end position to a second intermediate position with reduced force and / or reduced speed relative to displacement from the end position to the first intermediate position Drive device is in communication with the position sensor and / or the force sensor and is adapted to the Rückverlagem depending on a of the control device to provide a prepared pulse width modulated control signal. The drive device preferably has a continuously variable drive. In particular, the drive, preferably a rotary drive, can be set to units whose amounts are smaller than the first amount of the drive parameter in the opening direction, in particular by at least a factor of 3, preferably by a factor of 5, more preferably by a factor of 10 If a displacement of the window pane by, for example, 1 millimeter from the end position to the first intermediate position is desired, the drive can be precisely adjusted to a displacement distance of 0.1 millimeters, and the window pane can be displaced by a maximum of 0.1 millimeter from the end position desired in the first intermediate position, so the drive is precisely adjustable at least 0.01 millimeters displacement.

The window positioning device preferably has a position sensor and / or a force sensor, which are each coupled to the drive device and / or a control device.

Preferably, the transmission on first and second engagement means, wherein the first and / or second engagement means are formed as a gear. Preferably, the gear is at least partially made of plastic.

Optionally, the control device may be provided as a component of the window positioning device. By means of a control device according to the invention and a window positioning device according to the invention, a system for automatically controlling a method for automatically closing a window of a vehicle can be provided. The system may be provided in a vehicle such as a passenger car or a lorry, be it in a driver's door on a window of the driver's door, or on any other door, or on a windowpane which is not in a door but directly in the body is provided, for example, a rear window in a coupe or convertible. The embodiments presented with reference to the method according to the invention and their advantages apply correspondingly to the claimed control device and to the claimed window positioning device. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings, wherein identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals. Showing:

Fig. 1 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the present invention, by means of which a long life and a gentle storage of a window positioning device can be ensured;

2a shows a schematic side view of a window pane arranged in a vehicle door, for which a method according to the invention for actuating a drive device for positioning the window pane can be used;

FIG. 2b shows a detailed view according to the detail section labeled in FIG

Window are identified, in which the window pane is displaced by means of the method according to the invention; a schematic representation of a control device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is adapted to make a drive means for displacing a window specifications so that the window pane according to the method according to the invention is displaceable;

4 shows an exemplary structure of a

Window positioning device according to an embodiment of the invention, with a drive device and its Arrangement with respect to a control device on a vehicle door; and a further embodiment of a drive device of a window positioning device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein a window pane of a vehicle can be positioned in a vehicle door via a cable pull of the drive device, and the drive device is in communication with a control device according to the invention.

1 shows a method sequence which begins optionally with a displacement of a window of a vehicle into an end position, in accordance with method step VO, or with a displacement from the end position into a first intermediate position, corresponding to method step V1. The start of the method for displacing the window or the window pane can take place via a signal S1, which can be generated, for example, by a vehicle system 30. The signal S1 is, for example, in connection with a parking and / or locking of a vehicle. The method step V1 is followed by the method step V2, corresponding to a relocation from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position. Here, the method according to the invention can already be carried out to completion, wherein the second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the end position is provided. Optionally, the method can also have a further method step V3, corresponding to a relocation from the second intermediate position to the end position. This method step V3 can be initiated, for example, by a signal S2, in particular a signal for starting up and / or unlocking the vehicle, and this signal S2 can also be provided by the vehicle system 30, for example. By moving the window in an opening direction (corresponding to step V1) and then relocating the window in a closing direction (corresponding to step V2) with respect to the displacement in the opening direction of reduced force and / or speed, which for example by a pulse width modulation of a drive signal or control signal takes place, a Fensterpositioniervorrichtung can be relaxed or loosened, in particular a mechanics of Fensterpositioniervorrichtung. This is of interest especially for longer service lives of the vehicle. It should be noted that instead of an actual displacement of the window pane, only one actuation of a drive device of a window positioning device can take place to such a small extent that the window pane does not move at all. In the end position, the window pane is usually pressed with high force in a maximally closed position against a seal of a vehicle door, which is of interest, for example, with regard to high sound insulation, in particular for luxury-class vehicles, which are movable at high speeds. This force must be maintained by a window positioning device which has been found to not necessarily be required when the vehicle is at a standstill. By operating a drive device of the window positioning device in an opening direction, the window positioning device can be relaxed. The actuation only has to take place by such a large amount that a preload within the window positioning device is reduced. A subsequent actuation of the drive device in a closing direction can then take place with regard to a lower contact pressure of the window pane, ie by holding the window pane in the end position, for example, with reduced (biasing) force.

This method is particularly useful in terms of long downtime periods of a vehicle, but may also result in a longer life of a window positioning device when applied to vehicles moving over long periods only in the city at low speeds , The signal S1 can then be e.g. also be related to a certain speed and are generated when the vehicle falls below a certain speed. The signal S2 can then be generated analogously when the vehicle exceeds a certain speed again. In order to avoid that the window positioning device is actuated again and again in a short time, when the signals are coupled to the speed, a time variable can also be taken into account by means of which it can be specified that the window positioning device is actuated only if the threshold value of the window positioning device Speed is fallen below for at least a certain threshold of time.

2 a shows a vehicle 1 on which a vehicle door 2 is provided, which has a seal 2.1 on a door frame, in particular in the region of an end position of a window pane, and on the vehicle. zeugür 2 a window 3 is provided. The window pane 3 is displaceable in a y-direction or counter to the y-direction.

In Fig. 2b is shown in detail, in which positions the window pane 3 is selectively positionable by a drive means is actuated according to the inventive method. The actuation of the drive means for positioning the window pane in intermediate positions Y1, Y2, which deviate from a maximum closed end position Y0, is only a variant of the method, because the displacement of the window pane 3 from the end position Y0 is not necessarily required to to benefit from the advantages of the method according to the invention. In this case, the window opening in the example shown in the intermediate positions Y1, Y2 is closed, that is covered by the window. FIG. 2b shows the end position Y0, a first intermediate position Y1, and a second intermediate position Y2, wherein the Y coordinate of the first intermediate position Y1 is smaller than the Y coordinate of the second intermediate position Y2 and the end position Y0. It can be seen that the intermediate positions Y1, Y2 are provided in the region of a frame of a vehicle door 2, so that the window pane 3 can come into contact with a seal 2.1 of the vehicle door 2 even if the window pane 3 is mounted in one of the intermediate positions Y1, Y2 is. An at least partially open position Y3 differs from the intermediate positions Y1, Y2, in which the window pane 3 is actually arranged so that the window opening is at least partially released.

The window pane 3 is displaceable in an opening direction and a closing direction. An opening direction in the structure shown in FIG. 2b corresponds to a negative y-direction, and a closing direction corresponds to a positive y-direction, as indicated in the coordinate system shown.

FIG. 3 shows a control device 10 which has a pulse width modulation (PWM) module 10a, which is connected to a counter / comparator circuit 10b and an analog comparator / multivibrator 10c. Optionally, counter / comparator circuit 10b or analog comparator / multivibrator 10c are directly arranged in the PWM module 10a. The control device 10 is in connection with at least one position sensor 1 1 and / or with a force sensor 12. The position sensor 11 can be designed as a rotation angle sensor be. The control device 10 is also connected to a drive device 23, to which the control device 10 can supply a pulse-width-modulated control signal S10. Via a connection to a vehicle system 30, the control device 10 can take into account a driving state of the vehicle, for example a speed.

4, a vehicle door 2 is shown, on which a window pane 3 is shown in a partially open position, and the window pane 3 is displaceable via a drive device 23 which has a gear 21, which by a first toothing 21 a and a second toothing 21 b is formed, here indicated only schematically. The respective toothing can also be designed generally as an engagement means. The drive device 23 and the gear 21 are part of a window positioning device 20, by means of which the window pane 3 is displaceable. The drive device 23 is in communication with a control device 10, and this in turn is in communication with a vehicle system 30 and a force sensor 12 and / or a position sensor 1 1. In Fig. 5, a variant of a vehicle positioning device 20 is shown in which a drive device is provided in the form of a Drehantriebseinrich- device 230. The rotary drive device 230 is configured to actuate a cable pull 210a, wherein the cable pull is part of a cable transmission 210, via which a window pane 3 can be displaced on a vehicle door 2. A control device 10, which is in communication with the rotary drive device 230, is in communication with a force sensor 12 and / or a position sensor 1 1, wherein also a rotation angle sensor 1 1 a is provided, which a rotation angle of the rotary drive or the rotary drive device 230 to the control device 10 can deliver.

Claims

CLAIMS:

A method of operating a drive means (23) of a window positioning device (20) for positioning a window glass (3) of a vehicle (1), wherein the window pane (3) is designed to cover a window opening and by means of the window positioning device (20) in a closing direction and is displaceable in an opening direction, and wherein the drive means (23) is operated by means of a control device (10), with the successive steps

a) actuating the drive means (23) in the opening direction from an initial position of the drive means (23) in which the window pane (3) is in a closed end position (Y0) and the window positioning device (20) in a first bias state for biasing the window pane is;

b) actuating the drive device (23) in the closing direction;

wherein the actuation of the drive device (23) takes place as a function of a drive parameter,

characterized in that the actuation in step a) takes place by a first amount of the drive parameter and the drive device (23) is brought into a first relaxation position and the actuation in step b) takes place by a second amount of the drive parameter and the drive device (23) It is brought into a second expansion position in which the window positioning device (20) is in a second bias state, the second amount is smaller than the first amount and the window opening in the second expansion position is completely covered, and wherein in the second bias state Fensterpositioniervorrichtung (20) is subjected to a smaller bias voltage than in the first bias state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device (23) is a rotary drive device, wherein the drive parameter is an angular unit.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the window positioning device (20) has a toothing, wherein the drive parameter is an angular unit or a unit of length.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the step b) with respect to step a) reduced force and / or Reduced speed takes place, in particular by pulse width modulation of one of a control device (10) to the drive means (23) supplied control signal (S10), which has information about the drive parameter.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuation of the drive means (23) in the opening direction in response to a particular effected by a vehicle user locking the vehicle (1) or turning off an engine of the vehicle (1).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that prior to step a), a displacement of the window pane (3) from an at least partially open position (Y3) takes place in the end position (Y0).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the window pane (3) in step a) from the end position (Y0) in a first intermediate position (Y1) is displaced, wherein as the first intermediate position (Y1) defines a position which is 1 to 10 millimeters, preferably 0.5 to 3 millimeters, more preferably millimeters 0.25 to 1 millimeters from the end position (Y0) is removed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuation in step b) by means of a control device (10) follows, which supplies a control signal (S10) to the drive means (23), which at least for actuating in step b) is pulse width modulated.

9. Control device (10) for actuating a drive device (23) of a window positioning device (20) for positioning a window pane (3) of a vehicle (1), wherein the window pane (3) is designed to cover a window opening and by means of the window positioning device (20). 20) in a closing direction and in an opening direction starting from a starting position of the drive device (23) in which the window pane (3) is in a closed end position (Y0), the window positioning device (20) being in the closed end position (Y0) is in a first bias state,

wherein the control device (10) is coupled to the drive device (23) and is designed to supply a control signal (S10) to the drive devices. device (23) and to actuate the drive device (23) as a function of a drive parameter,

characterized in that the control device (10) is adapted to the control signal (S10) in response to a first amount of the drive parameter for operating the drive means (23) in the opening direction for bringing the drive means (23) in a first relaxation position and in Dependence of a second amount of the drive parameter for actuating the drive device (23) in the closing direction to bring the drive device (23) into a second expansion position such that the window positioning device (20) is in a second bias state in the second expansion position the second amount is smaller than the first amount and the window opening is covered in the second relaxation position,

and wherein in the second bias state, the window positioning device (20) is biased to a smaller bias voltage than in the first bias state.