EP2932005A1

EP2932005A1 - Motor vehicle door

Info

Publication number: EP2932005A1
Application number: EP13838070.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thorsten Bendel
Original assignee: Kiekert AG
Current assignee: Kiekert AG
Priority date: 2012-12-13
Filing date: 2013-12-13
Publication date: 2015-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-13
Also published as: KR20150096710A; US9879454B2; WO2014090221A1; CN104981581A; CN104981581B; RU2652575C2; CA2901504A1; US20160032624A1; EP2932005B1; RU2015127886A; DE102012024376A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door comprising a door leaf (1) with a drive, a magnetic device (4) as a component of the drive, and at least one sensor (11) which is associated with the door leaf (1). According to the invention, said magnetic device (4) also comprises a magnetorheological element (7) and/or a magnetohydrodynamic element which can be actuated by at least one magnet (5).

Description

Motor vehicle door

Description:

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door, with a door leaf with drive, further comprising a magnetic device as part of the drive, and with at least one sensor associated with the door. A motor vehicle door of the construction described above is described by way of example in DE 10 2007 026 796 A1. This is about a device for detecting open doors, flaps or the like of a motor vehicle. In this case, a braking and holding member is provided, which is equipped with relatively movable friction surfaces. The friction surfaces have made of magnetizable material existing friction body. In addition, the friction surfaces are durable by means of a closed magnetic flux through the friction body in a power plant position. The magnetic flux is generated by means of a magnetic field generating energizable coil. In addition, a sensor is realized, with the help of the opening position of the associated door or flap is queried.

In the known teaching, the material of the friction body on a reversible ferromagnetic property. As a result, the magnetic flux is retained even after switching off the magnetic field that can be generated by the coil, but can be canceled by applying a magnetic opposing field. Such friction body with reversible ferromagnetic properties are typically costly and problematic in terms of their reliability. Because motor vehicles and their associated motor vehicle doors are used in all climatic zones of the earth, so they must be able to control temperature ranges of, for example, -40 ° C to 70 ° C and even more easily. Here, doubts are appropriate for friction bodies with reversible ferromagnetic properties taking advantage of the reversibility due to the Curie effect. In fact, the Ferrites have a Curie temperature of approx. 100 ° C and more, depending on the material composition, so that temperature-related impairments of the generated magnetic field are to be expected. In a drive for a door according to US 2006/0156630 A1, a planetary gear is provided, which is equipped with an electromagnetic brake. With the help of this electromagnetic brake, the drive movement for the door can be stopped, if necessary.

Furthermore, the state of the art also includes a door arrester according to the utility model DE 20 2008 011 513 111. In this door arrester, the force flow prevailing in the locking operation proceeds via a release mechanism which has a separable connection and in particular a magnetic connection. This magnetic connection is due, inter alia, to the magnetic attraction between a permanent magnet arrangement and a seat assigned to the permanent magnet arrangement ^" .

The finally to be considered EP 1 249 637 B1 deals with a device for damping or for suppressing vibrations in a moving system, in particular a vehicle drive unit. For this purpose, a chamber filled with a magnetorheological fluid is provided, in which a magnetic field can be generated. At least a portion of the chamber is crossed by a plurality of electrical conductors in which a current flow can be generated.

The known art can not satisfy in all aspects. This means that the achievable dampers and drives can not be easily adapted to all possible functional states. In fact, the problem often arises in practice that the damping of a movement of the door leaf should be situation-dependent or desired. For this purpose, no convincing solutions are available in the prior art.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door so that its damping and, if appropriate, the drive can be changed according to the situation and adapted to the actual conditions. To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle door in the invention is characterized in that the magnetic device is equipped with a magnetorheological and / or magnetohydrodynamic element which can be acted upon by at least one magnet. A magnetorheological element is a liquid element such as a magnetorheological fluid or a magnetorheological solid such as a magnetorheological elastomer. In all cases described, the function of the magnetorheological element is based on the magnetorheological effect. This magnetorheological effect is explained by the fact that magnetizable particles are aligned along a magnetic field that can be switched on and off and, if necessary, can be varied in its strength. As a result, the viscosity of a carrier fluid containing, for example, magnetizable particles can be changed. As a carrier liquid oils, ethylene glycol or water can be used. The magnetizable particles typically have a diameter of 1 to 10 pm and contain predominantly iron.

Instead of such magnetorheological fluids, magneto-rheological elastomers can also be used. These are usually composed of an elastomer matrix with magnetizable particles dispersed therein. In the case of the elastomers in question, the viscoelastic or dynamic mechanical properties can be changed rapidly and reversibly by applying an external magnetic field.

In any case, the magnetorheological element operates regularly as a damping element adjustable damping. D. h., With this damping element adjustable damping respectively according to the invention the magnetorheological element, the damping of the door leaf with the aid of the inventive magnetic device can be changed as needed and quickly. Thus, it is conceivable that the magnet varies the damping of the damping element as a function of functional states of the door leaf to be monitored with the aid of the sensor. The sensor is together with the at least one magnet typically connected to a control unit. The control unit acts upon the magnet in accordance with signals from the sensor or from sensor signals. The above-mentioned functional states of the door leaf may, for example, be its speed, its acceleration, any end stops, the outside temperature, etc. In any case, the sensor reliably provides information as to which functional state or even state of motion the door leaf currently is. For example, a high speed when slamming the door leaf may indicate that an operator or user is applying excessive force to the relevant door leaf. Thus in this context that door rubber is not too heavily loaded or other conceivable damage or may arise and in particular the noise is set as low as possible, the invention now works such that a corresponding speed when closing the door corresponds to the fact that the control unit magnetorheological Element acted on the magnet in such a way that the door experiences a high damping. As a result, a soft slamming of the door leaf is achieved, as it were, without the user having previously actively intended or intended this. In a similar manner, it is also possible to proceed if the door leaf, for example, unintentionally threatens to fall into the lock at high speed, for example, when parking an associated motor vehicle on a downhill slope. Also in this case, the control unit interprets corresponding signals of the sensor to the speed of the door leaf to the effect that the door must be braked with increased attenuation.

In this context, it is even additionally conceivable that the damping force acting on the door leaf in each case is varied over the closing path of the door leaf, for example is initially high and then reduced in order to ensure closure of the door leaf in any case. In this context, it has proven particularly useful if the magnet device is associated with the magnetorheological or magnetohydrodynamic element which can be acted upon by at least one magnet, in each case directly to the door leaf. Here, an attachment of the magnetic device in the region of a hinge axis or directly inside a hinge has proven to be favorable, with the help of which the door is pivotally connected to an associated motor vehicle body. Of course, other positions are conceivable, for example in the field of the door lock or in or near a locking pin. As a rule, however, the magnetic device is integrated in the hinge axis or mechanically connected to the hinge axis in order to be able to exert the previously described and required damping forces on the door leaf as required.

As an alternative or in addition to the magnetorheological element described, a magnetohydrodynamic element can also be used as part of the magnet device. Such a magnetohydrodynamic element is characterized in that, for example, a current of a liquid is generated by an applied magnetic field. For this liquid flow no mechanical elements are needed, so that the realized drive operates virtually noiselessly. In essence, the fluid in question is set in motion by the electromagnetic forces that are built up. In this case, either a Rückstoßkraft be used directly for a drive or the emerging example of a nozzle liquid. In any case, the magnetohydrodynamic element acts in this context as a drive element for the door leaf.

As in the case of the previously described magnetorheological element or the damping element, a magnet is also provided in the magnetohydrodynamic element or drive element, which is acted upon by the control unit according to the signals of the sensor and consequently provides for the drive or non-drive or the resulting driving force varies in strength. This happens again in accordance with sensor signals, with the aid of which the control unit controls the magnet. That's it in the context of the invention to monitor different functional states of the door leaf with the aid of the sensor and to control the magnetohydrodynamic element as a drive element for the door leaf accordingly. Thus, in this context, it is conceivable, for example, that a door leaf which is not sufficiently acted upon by an operator in the closing direction is additionally acted upon by the magnetohydrodynamic drive in order to be able to reach and assume its closed position in relation to the motor vehicle bodywork. In this case, again different functional states of the door leaf are queried, such as its speed, the acceleration, any end stops or the outside temperature. Of course, the end stops play a role in the drive insofar as, for example, an end stop for the opening movement of the door leaf ensures or must ensure that the magnetohydrodynamic drive or the magnetohydrodynamic element is stopped accordingly.

In addition, there is generally the possibility of alternatively or additionally representing lock functional states of a door lock associated with the door leaf as functional states of the door leaf. This can be done as already described with the aid of the damping element or the drive element. Thus, in general, lock functional states such as a pre-detent division, an anti-theft position, a child-safety position or comparable securing positions can be realized and implemented with the aid of the damping element and / or the drive element on the door leaf. For example, the damping element can ensure that the door leaf is moved in a closing movement by a user to a pre-locking position and then held or braked with the aid of the damping element. In this Vorraststeilung typically provides a Zuziehantrieb that the door is transferred to the main position.

In principle, for example, a parental control position can also be imaged with the aid of the damping element. In this case is additional a sensor is provided, which detects an admission of an inner handle on, for example, a rear motor vehicle side door. As soon as such an application is detected, the damping element blocked or braked in this case ensures that the relevant rear side door can not be opened to define the parental control position. Only when an external handle is actuated on the respective side door, the damping element releases the associated door leaf. Similarly, anti-theft functions can also be mapped using the damping element.

The drive element may in this context act as a door opening drive or be used to the fact that the door is first issued to the vehicle body during an opening process and then the further opening operation is performed manually by the operator or user. In principle, the drive element realized with the aid of the magnetohydrodynamic element can, of course, also support the damping element if required, for example when the door leaf is to be actively transferred to the pre-detent division. In this case, the magneto-hydrodynamic element operates as a drive element on the door leaf, wherein the door leaf is braked again when reaching the Vorraststeilung using the damping element.

Overall, the invention with the special magnetic device opens up the possibility of applying practically free programmable damping and / or a freely programmable drive to the door leaf. As a result, any end stops for the door can be optionally specified and changed. For example, the end stops can be adapted to the actual conditions in a (low) garage, getting in and out, etc. Moreover, it is possible with the aid of the magnetic device designed according to the invention to damp the door in the sense of a control, or to drive it as needed. In this way, the damping or the drive of the door can be made user-specific. That is, depending on Users and its handling of the door are set corresponding user-specific thresholds and stored in the control unit.

For example, user A usually likes to strike the door at high speed, so that in this case the damping element engages in a damping manner only when a correspondingly high speed of the door leaf is exceeded. In contrast, user B tends to close the door gently, so that 'the previously mentioned threshold is not reached at all. Nevertheless, attenuation is often desired. This is achieved by the invention in that a user-specific threshold for, for example, the closing speed of the door leaf is stored in the control unit. In addition, it is possible to apply the damping element in the sense of a regulation so that the door in all the described example cases with a controlled by the damping speed falls into the associated lock. - The invention is also a working method for acting on the door leaf in the sense described. The working method is explained in more detail in the claims 8 to 10. As a result, a motor vehicle door including the associated working method is made available, which opens up the possibility of being able to image and influence practically all functional states of the door leaf occurring in practice. In addition, lock functions or lock functional states of the door lock associated with the door can additionally be realized in addition. All this is achieved in a strikingly simple manner by means of a special magnet device, which essentially consists of a magnet and a magneto-rheological and / or magnetohydrodynamic element which can be acted upon by the magnet. Both basic elements work without contact and are therefore predestined for the applications described. The respective damping force or driving force can be adjusted solely by means of the magnetic field generated by the magnet. Appropriate Specifications come from the control unit, which in turn reacts to signals from at least one sensor or from several sensors.

The sensor can advantageously be a rotation angle sensor or rotary encoder. This works in the simplest case in such a way that it detects with its help a completed or occupied by the door relative to the vehicle body opening angle or closing angle. Also, speeds or accelerations of the door leaf relative to the motor vehicle body can be detected in this way and converted in the control unit into corresponding actuating movements for the magnetorheological or magnetohydrodynamic element.

In principle, the sensor can, of course, alternatively or additionally, very simply be a switch with the aid of which, for example, the damping element is fixed by an operator in a desired position of the door leaf and thus the door leaf. In addition, it is within the scope of the invention, the possibility, for example, to influence or specify the speed of the door leaf or other functional states in the sense of a control by the control unit.

So it is conceivable, for example, that the respective closing operation of the door leaf - regardless of whether this is done manually or by motor - just before reaching a closed position relative to the vehicle body has a predetermined and predetermined speed course. In each case, for example, the position of the door leaf is detected by means of the rotation angle sensor or rotary encoder, and also its speed. The control unit now ensures by appropriate loading of the damping element that the speed of the door leaves in the described closing operation in a predetermined corridor in the sense of a regulation and in the course of a target / lstwert comparison of the respective speed. As a result, defined closing operations can be realized, which is particularly with regard to a mechanical load on all parts and also with regard to any acoustic interference is particularly advantageous. Here are the main benefits.

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 motor vehicle door according to the invention schematically and in part, Fig. 2 shows the magnetic device in detail and

3 shows the motor vehicle door according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in different functional states. In the figures, a motor vehicle door is shown, which is equipped with a door leaf 1, which can be pivoted about a hinge axis 3 relative to a motor vehicle body 2 in the manner indicated in Fig. 3 way. In each case, a pivot angle α is swept over. For this purpose, the opening end-side position of the door leaf 1 can be equipped with an end stop, which is predetermined by a magnetic device 4 to be described in more detail below.

In addition to the already discussed pivoting angle α or the associated pivoting range, Fig. 3 additionally shows a brake area with associated brake angle ß. In addition, a Zuzieh- / opening area with associated closing / opening angle γ is shown. The closing / opening angle γ may correspond to angles of up to approximately 20 ° relative to the motor vehicle body 2. The brake angle β following the closing / opening angle γ can assume values of approximately 50 ° to 70 °. As a result, a total of pivoting angle α are observed in the maximum up to about 90 °, which of course is to be understood as an overall example only and not restrictive. A comparative examination of FIGS. 1 and 2 makes it clear that the motor vehicle door is additionally equipped with the magnet device 4 in addition to the door leaf 1. The magnetic device 4 is presently designed as part of a drive not shown in detail or can take over the function of this drive. In addition, the magnetic device 4 is able to fill the function of a damping element for damping the movement of the door leaf 1. Finally, the magnet device 4 can also provide one or more end stops. For this purpose, the magnetic device 4 is initially equipped with at least one magnet 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the magnet 5 is an annular coil 5, which surrounds a chamber 6. In the interior of this chamber 6, a magnetorheological fluid 7 is enclosed in the present case. Instead of the magnetorheological fluid 7, however, a magnetorheological elastomer can also be placed in the chamber 6 in question.

The chamber 6 is penetrated by an axle 8 and a corresponding shaft 8. The shaft 8 is mechanically connected in the embodiment with the door leaf 1 and performs depending on the movement of the door leaf 1 in closing or opening sense relative to the motor vehicle body 2 corresponding rotational movements in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As a result thereof, paddles 9 connected to the shaft or axis 8 rotate in the interior of the chamber 6 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the stationary chamber 6. Depending on the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 7 inside the chamber 6, the rotational movement of the shaft 8 damped accordingly and can even be stopped completely with a large magnetic field generated by the magnet 5. In this case, the door 1 is fixed. For this purpose, for example, an end stop correspond.

With reference to FIG. 2 it can be seen that the (annular) magnet 5 or the correspondingly designed coil or the chamber 6 enclosing, as it were, annularly Ring coil 5 magnetic field lines generated, which extend substantially in the axial direction compared to the axis or shaft 8. The corresponding arrows in the Fig. 2 indicate. Along these magnetic field lines, the particles located in the interior of the magneto-theological fluid 7 are aligned with a correspondingly applied magnetic field. As a result, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid 7 increases and the paddles 9 are more or less difficult to move. The shaft respectively axis 8 undergoes a corresponding damping and at the same time with it the door leaf 1. For this purpose, the entire magnetic device 4 shown in FIG. 2 may be integrated into a hinge axis or the hinge 3 of the door leaf 1. As already explained, the shaft 8 follows the rotational movements of the door leaf 1 relative to the motor vehicle body 2 taking into account the pivot angle α. In contrast, both the magnet 5 and the chamber 6 enclosed by the magnet 5 are designed to be stationary. In the exemplary embodiment, the shaft 8 is passed through the chamber 6 filled with the magnetorheological fluid 7 with the interposition of corresponding annular seals or rotary feedthroughs 10. In addition, one still recognizes a sensor 11 and a control unit 12, which are indicated schematically in FIG. The sensor 11 is presently connected to the shaft 8 and designed as a rotation angle sensor or rotary encoder. In this way, the sensor 11, the respective position of the door leaf 1 - for example, expressed by the pivot angle α - to the connected control unit 12 transmit. In addition, the control unit 12 can draw conclusions on the speed of the door leaf 1 from corresponding changes in position in connection with the swept time. Depending on, for example, the determined speed of the door leaf 1 relative to the motor vehicle body 2, the control unit 12 can then apply the magnetic device 4 or the magnet 5 there accordingly. That is, the control unit 12 controls the magnet 5 in accordance with signals from the sensor 11 or in accordance with appropriate sensor signals accordingly. In the exemplary embodiment, the magnetorheological element 7 is designed as a damping element adjustable damping. Instead of the magneto-rheological element 7, alternatively or additionally, a magneto-hydrodynamic element can be used at this point, which is not shown in detail, however.

In fact, depending on the functional states of the door leaf 1 to be monitored by means of the sensor 11, the magnetorheological element or damping element 7 varies its damping accordingly. If the sensor 11 detects, for example, a closing movement of the door leaf 1 at high speed, the control unit 12 fed by the sensor 11 with corresponding sensor signals ensures on the output side that the magnet 5 is subjected to a high magnetic field, for example. As a result, the magnetorheological fluid 7 or the corresponding magnetorheological element 7 has a high viscosity and consequently high damping, with which the door leaf 1 is decelerated in the described scenario. Depending on the approach of the door leaf 1 to the vehicle body 2 or depending on the brake angle ß and approaching the closing / opening angle γ then even the attenuation can be varied by the control unit 12, the magnet 5 in the example less energized.

Here it is even conceivable that the door leaf 1 has a controlled speed with respect to the motor vehicle body 2 within the brake angle β, so that the closing drive acting in the exemplary embodiment within the closing / opening angle γ can optimally grip and contract the door leaf 1. Any mechanical damage of a correspondingly designed closing aid are therefore not expected. - Instead of the speed of the door leaf 1, of course, other functional states of the door sash 1 can be detected and evaluated by means of the sensor 11. This includes, for example, an acceleration of the door leaf 1, a direction of movement of the door leaf 1, etc. In addition, variable end stops of the door leaf 1 can be realized in this way. If, for example, the door leaf 1 reaches its maximum opening angle or swivel angle a, then the corresponding signal from the sensor 11 can be converted by the control unit 12 in such a way that the magnet device 4 or the magnetorheological element or damping element 7 is acted upon in such a way that the door leaf 1 is acted upon an end stop corresponding blockade learns.

In addition, it is also possible to detect the respective outside temperature by means of a further and not shown sensor. The signals of this temperature sensor are processed in the control unit 12. In this case, the invention takes account of the fact that the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid 7 and consequently of the magnetorheological element 7 changes as a function of the temperature. In principle, the viscosity increases with decreasing temperature, as a result of which, for example, at low temperatures, it is possible to work with lower magnetic fields of the magnet 5 in order to provide comparable viscosities in the described damping process of the door leaf 1. In any case, according to the invention, the outside temperature can also be taken into account in the described damping process as well as a drive process, not shown, with recourse to the magnetohydrodynamic element.

In addition, it is possible to use the magnetic device 4 to alternatively or additionally consider or depict lock functional states of a door lock 13 assigned to the door leaf 1. In fact, the door lock in question 13, for example, occupy a functional position in the sense of Vorraststeilung, an anti-theft position or parental control position. In the context of the invention it is now possible, for example, the Vorraststeilung thereby represent that the door 1 is braked by means of the magnetorheological element or damping element 7 exactly in this Vorraststeung that may correspond to a certain brake angle ß. Beyond this brake angle ß (im Range of Zuzieh- / opening angle γ) the door 1 is spent in the example of the closing aid in the vehicle body or in its closed position on. In a comparable manner, an anti-theft position or even parental control positions as well as other securing positions of the door leaf 1 or of the door lock 13 can be implemented with the aid of the damping element 4.

For example, the door lock 13 located in the main locking position or the door leaf 1 can additionally be held with the aid of the damping element 4 or blocked so that the door leaf 1 can not be opened. This can u. a. To realize a parental control function without parental control device. In this case, the application of an internal operating lever, for example, is not converted into the desired opening of the door leaf 1, as long as the damping element 4 blocks the door leaf 1. Only when a vehicle user releases the damping element 4 by, for example, a switch actuation, and thus shuts off the "simulated" child safety device in the example, the door leaf 1 can also be opened from the inside.

Claims

claims:

1. Motor vehicle door, with a door leaf (1) with drive, further comprising a magnetic device (4) as part of the drive, and with at least one door (1) associated sensor (11), characterized in that the magnetic device (4) with a is equipped by at least one magnet (5) acted upon magnetorheological element (7) and / or magnetohydrodynamic element.

2. Motor vehicle door according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (11) and the at least one magnet (5) to a control unit (12) are connected, which controls the magnet (5) in accordance with sensor signals.

3. Motor vehicle door according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetorheological element (7) is designed as a damping element (7) adjustable damping.

4. Motor vehicle door according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnet (5) in dependence on by means of the sensor (11) to be monitored functional states of the door leaf (1) varies the damping.

5. Motor vehicle door according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is the functional states of the door leaf (1), for example, its speed, its acceleration, any end stops, the outside temperature, etc.

6. Motor vehicle door according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that as functional states of the door leaf (1) alternatively or additionally lock functional states of the door leaf (1) associated door lock (13) are shown, for example, a Vorraststeilung, a theft-securing position, a Child safety position or comparable safety positions.

7. Motor vehicle door according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the magnetohydrodynamic element is designed as a drive element for the door leaf (1).

8. A method for acting on a door leaf (1) of a motor vehicle door in the sense of braking / locking and / or closing / opening, wherein the motor vehicle door with the door (1) with drive, further comprising a magnetic device (4) as part of the drive, and is equipped with at least one sensor (11) assigned to the door leaf (1), after which the sensor (11) determines individual functional states of the door leaf (1) relative to a motor vehicle body (2) and transfers them to a control unit (12), and then the control unit ( 12) energized with one of at least one magnet (5) acted upon magnetorheological element (7) and / or magnetohydrodynamic element equipped magnetic device (4) such that the door (1) selectively braked, detained or closed, opened or issued.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the magnetorheological element (7) as a damping element (7) and the magneto-hydrodynamic element operates as a drive element.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that using the magnetorheological element (7) and / or the magnetohydrodynamic element alternatively or additionally lock functions of a door lock (13) are shown.