EP3042015B1 - Device for controlling the movement of a second element that is movably arranged with respect to a first element, and method for operating such a device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for controlling the movement of a second element movably arranged in relation to a first element and to a method for operating such a device.

There are such devices known in the automotive industry, which can be taken as the body of a vehicle body and as a vehicle door element. At the present time, all motor vehicles have doors which are equipped with a so-called door brake. However, the door brake is strictly speaking no brake in the conventional sense, but a holding device which offers two to three locking points when opening the door, in which the door can be locked by means of spring detent ball and the like. Between the locking points can not actively from the outside, z. B. uncontrolled guided by an operator or held door, bump against objects located in the possible pivoting range of the door, be damaged and cause other damage.

A device is proposed in commerce to at least partially control an uncontrolled freedom of movement of a vehicle door as described above. This door brake is designed in the manner of a familiar to the expert oil pressure shock absorber with mechanical Endanschlagfeder and works in a similar manner. In addition to the fact that this type of door brake requires extremely large space, there are other disadvantages. So this is indeed a "stepless" positioning of the vehicle door possible - you can control the vehicle door in a desired position, in which it is then held, lead - but if you want to correct or change the position of the door, this is only partially possible because this door brake causes a strong "stick-slip" effect, which results has that after the application of a not inconsiderable force, the door is jerked out of its position and then intuitively moved a few centimeters before it can be stopped again. This route is usually too long or too short. So you have to correct it again. The key issue is the jerky drop in holding power when the door is set in motion from a standstill and the resulting uncontrolled movement at first. As a result, no precise positioning is possible, which would be helpful, for example, in tight parking spaces.

Other devices of the type mentioned are in the publications EP 0 911 471 A2 and US 2002/066158 A1 described.

It is an object of the invention to propose a device for controlling the movement of a second element movably arranged relative to a first element and a method for operating such a device, in which the disadvantages known from the prior art are avoided or at least greatly reduced.

The object is initially achieved with a device according to claim 1, namely a device for controlling the movement of a second element movably arranged relative to a first element, the device comprising the following features: a controllable braking device arranged on the second element, a device communicating therewith with the braking device mechanically coupled brake rod, which is also coupled to the first element, a sensor arranged on the first and / or second element, an electronic control device for controlling the braking force of the braking device on the brake rod on the basis of signals from the sensor, a magnetic force controlled clamping device for the Brake rod, wherein the clamping device has two the brake rod between them controllably clamping brake blocks, which are supported in each case via disc springs in the brake device.

The device according to the invention advantageously allows a completely stepless actuation or movement or non-movement of the second Elements by an operator with respect to the first element. There are no stick-slip effects here. The movement of the second element is adapted exclusively to the externally acting action of an operator. As a result of the signals sent by the sensor arranged on the first and / or second element, the electronic control device can generate a braking effect of the braking device on the brake rod which is suitable for the respective movement of the second element, not the acceleration but the speed being the decisive value. This may look something like this. If acceleration = 0, this may still mean steady velocity> 0. If, for example, an acceleration sensor is used as the sensor, the results of the acceleration sensor are to be integrated over time in order to determine the speed and, in the case of pivoting of the second element, e.g. B. also calculate the opening angle. The following applies: If the speed of the element z. B. close to zero, the brake is set. If the speed of the element is not equal to zero, the brake is released.

Optionally operating motion sensors, force sensors (piezo principle) or Hall sensors for measuring movement can also be used as sensors in addition to capacitively operating acceleration sensors (see above). In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second element and the brake rod are pivotably mounted on the first element. This arrangement is for a comparison with a first element to be pivoted second elements a well suited variant of the device according to the invention.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second element with respect to the first element is arranged substantially linearly movable. This arrangement is for opposite a first element to be moved elements, for. B. sliding doors and the like. The probate solution and a very useful variant of the device according to the invention.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the braking device of the device on a controlled by magnetic force clamping device for the brake rod. This arrangement according to the invention can advantageously be realized in a very space-saving manner and permits operation of the device according to the invention with virtually no appreciable movements of the components involved.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping device has two the brake rod between them controllably clamping brake blocks, which are supported in each case by springs, in particular disc springs in the braking device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the braking device has at least two electromagnets, by means of which the brake blocks against the disc springs pulled away from the brake rod and the clamping force of the brake blocks can be reduced against the brake rod, wherein the electrically activatable electromagnet pulled to arranged in the braking device Magnetgegenstücken become. The use of electromagnets according to the invention for the clamping of the brake rod between them allows a space-saving design with equally minimal movements in the region of the braking device during operation.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the magnetic counterparts are designed as electromagnets fixed in the braking device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the magnetic counterparts are fixed as in the braking device permanent magnet educated.

The advantage of these two solutions - a) fixed in the braking device solenoid or b) fixed in the braking device permanent magnet, z. B in the form of a ferromagnet, in which a permanent magnet is embedded, - is that with both in gegenpoliger circuit of the second electromagnet a repulsive force and thus very high holding force for emergency door brake functions (see below) can be realized.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping device of the braking device only a movably controllable, the brake rod clamped brake block, which is supported by at least one spring, in particular disc spring in the braking device and presses the brake rod against a rigidly mounted in the brake device terminal block. In this advantageously quite simple variant according to the invention, it is possible to direct the forces required for braking of only one movable controllable brake block against the brake rod and to brake or decelerate according to the invention, the individual dimensions of the individual components without great effort the respective requirements can be adjusted according to.

In a particularly important advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the first element is a vehicle body and the second element movably arranged thereon is a vehicle door. This can now be a swiveling vehicle door or a corresponding sliding door. Likewise, the advantageous use of the device according to the invention in the region of a tailgate of a vehicle is possible.

According to the invention, an exchange of the braking device and the Brake rod conceivable. As described above, the brake device on the second element and the brake rod on the first element are arranged. Likewise, the braking device may be arranged on the first element, wherein the brake rod is then articulated on the second element and in the braking device clampable / detachable or lockable arranged.

The object is further achieved with a method according to claim 11, namely a method for operating a device according to one of claims 1 to 10, initially resting second element, which is characterized by the following steps: a) set in motion of the second element against the first element by applying force to the second element, b) detecting the movement of the second element by means of a sensor, determining and transmitting a corresponding signal from the sensor to the electronic control device, c) generating and transmitting a current signal corresponding to the signal to the braking device for reduction the braking force on the brake rod, d) Continued movement of the element. As already stated above in connection with the description of the advantages of the arrangement according to the invention, the method according to the invention gives analogously corresponding advantages. Of particular note are the minimum amount of force required to move the element in and the fact that the element only moves - in control - when it is explicitly and individually initiated by a force-applying operator. In addition, the electronic control device can advantageously be so "smart" equipped that they defined unusual movement patterns, eg. B. a shock movement due to a Windbö, treated differently than a "regular" door opening movement, and z. B. dominated by a parent counter-regulation to avoid accidents. Also more data, eg. B. to state, location and acceleration of the body and / or the element, the electronic control device advantageously independently influence, for. B. counter dangerous situations.

The object is further achieved by a method according to claim 12, namely a method of operating a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, with the second element in motion characterized by the steps of: a) reducing the force exerted on the second element Force, b) detecting the delayed movement of the second element by means of sensor and sending a corresponding signal from the sensor to the control device, c) generating and transmitting a current signal corresponding to the signal to the braking device to increase the braking force on the brake rod, d) continued deceleration of element. Analogous to the advantageous method according to the invention described above, this method describes the steps in a moving element, which is braked according to the invention. The logical procedure and operation is the one o. G. same. According to the terminology used here, a delay may also be referred to as (negative) acceleration.

• Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch ein erstes Beispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung mit einem an einem ersten Element bewegbar bzw. schwenkbar angeordneten zweiten Element.
• Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch ein zweites Beispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung mit einem gegenüber einem ersten Element bewegbar, im Wesentlichen linear verfahrbar angeordneten zweiten Element.
• Fig. 3 zeigt schematisch ein drittes Beispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung analog zu der Anordnung von Fig. 1, adaptiert auf ein Fahrzeug.
• Fig. 4 zeigt schematisch in Draufsicht ein erstes Beispiel einer Bremseinrichtung in Einzelteilen mit einer Bremsstange gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Teilschnitt.
• Fig. 4a zeigt schematisch in Draufsicht ein zweites Beispiel einer Bremseinrichtung in Einzelteilen mit einer Bremsstange gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Teilschnitt.
• Fig. 4b zeigt schematisch in Draufsicht ein drittes Beispiel einer Bremseinrichtung in Einzelteilen mit einer Bremsstange gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Teilschnitt.
• Fig. 4c zeigt schematisch in Draufsicht ein viertes Beispiel einer Bremseinrichtung in Einzelteilen mit einer Bremsstange gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Teilschnitt.
• Fig. 5 zeigt schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht eine beispielhafte Ausbildung einer Bremseinrichtung mit Bremsstange bereit zum Einbau in einem Fahrzeug.
• Fig. 6 zeigt schematisch ein Diagramm zum Wirkprinzip der Bremswirkung der Bremseinrichtung auf die Bremsstange.
• Fig. 7 zeigt schematisch in Draufsicht Teile der Bremseinrichtung mit Bremsstange im Teilschnitt.
• Fig. 8 zeigt schematisch ein Fließschema zur Funktionsweise der Erfindung.
• Zur Vereinfachung werden identische oder funktionsgleiche Gegenstände in der folgenden Beschreibung mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.

A continuous movement control of a second element with respect to a first element can be electronically controlled according to the invention. At rest, so when no electricity flows, the full braking force acts on the brake rod. The dependent claims, the drawings and the description of further features and advantages of the invention can be found. This will be briefly described below for better understanding based on embodiments with the aid of a drawing.

• Fig. 1 schematically shows a first example of an arrangement according to the invention with a first element on a movable or pivotally mounted second element.
• Fig. 2 schematically shows a second example of an arrangement according to the invention with a relation to a first element movable, substantially linearly movable second element arranged.
• Fig. 3 schematically shows a third example of an inventive arrangement analogous to the arrangement of Fig. 1 Adapted to a vehicle.
• Fig. 4 shows schematically in plan view a first example of a braking device in parts with a brake rod according to an embodiment of the invention in partial section.
• Fig. 4a schematically shows in plan view a second example of a braking device in individual parts with a brake rod according to an embodiment of the invention in partial section.
• Fig. 4b schematically shows in plan view a third example of a braking device in individual parts with a brake rod according to an embodiment of the invention in partial section.
• Fig. 4c schematically shows in plan view a fourth example of a braking device in individual parts with a brake rod according to an embodiment of the invention in partial section.
• Fig. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a braking device with brake rod ready for installation in a vehicle.
• Fig. 6 schematically shows a diagram of the operating principle of the braking effect of the braking device on the brake rod.
• Fig. 7 shows schematically in plan view parts of the braking device with brake rod in partial section.
• Fig. 8 schematically shows a flow chart for the operation of the invention.
• For simplicity, identical or functionally identical objects will be given the same reference numerals in the following description.

Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention with a first element 10, on which in a point A, a movably arranged second element 20, for example, via a rotary joint can be seen, which can be rotated according to the double arrow R to the first element 10 and away from it. On the second element 20 is a (in Fig. 1 ) mounted as a thick black dot controllable braking device 30, with which a communicating therewith and mechanically slidably coupled brake rod 2 is connected, which in turn is rotatably coupled to the first element 10 at a point B. An acceleration sensor 40 is mounted on the second element 20 by way of example via a line (not shown) or via radio acceleration signals to an electronic control device 50 arranged on the first element 10 for controlling the braking force of the brake device 30 on the brake rod 2 on the basis of the signals from the brake pedal 2 Acceleration sensor 40 can give. Said control device 50 could alternatively also be arranged on the second element 20.

The device according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 are described by way of example equipped with an acceleration sensor. As already noted above, however, according to the invention, as sensors, in addition to capacitive Working acceleration sensors and optical motion sensors, force sensors (piezo principle) or Hall sensors are used for motion measurement. Here, a sensor may also be designed such that - where appropriate - elements of it are arranged on the first and on the second element.

Fig. 2 shows a further example of a device according to the invention with a first element 210, on which in points A, for example via a slide rail linearly displaceable second element 220, for example, via a sliding rail 211 can be seen. The second element 220 may be linearly displaced along the first element 210 according to the double arrow T. A (broken off) brake rod 2 is mounted at point B on the first element 210 and slidably coupled to the braking device 30. Other components such as braking device 30, exemplary acceleration sensor 40 and control device 50 are analogous to the training according to Fig. 1 formed and arranged with analog function.

In Fig. 3 Now an adaptation of the inventive arrangement is shown on a vehicle 110 and a door 120 of the vehicle 110, wherein each of the Fig. 1 known individual components of the first element 10 and the second element 20 and their function as housed in the vehicle 110 and in the door 120 are to be understood (10 => 110 and 20 => 120).

Fig. 4 schematically shows an exemplary braking device 30 of the arrangement according to the invention in section in plan view, wherein the individual components are indicated only schematically. We recognize a housing 1, which is penetrated by a broken brake rod 2 shown. The brake rod 2 is in a clamping device 9 of two brake blocks 8 clamped, which are mounted in brake block holders 7, which in turn are mounted on disc springs 4. The disc springs 4 sit on support sleeves 3, which are supported in the housing 1 - as shown. The brake block holders 7 are attached to electromagnets 6, which, when activated electrically, can be attracted to magnetic counterparts 5 firmly anchored in the housing 1. In this case, the clamping of the brake blocks 8 is reduced to the brake rod 2 in the extent that the electromagnets 6 are pulled to the magnetic counterparts 5 (see also Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 ).

In the Fig. 4a shown schematically exemplary braking device 301 an alternative arrangement according to the invention is a modification of the in Fig. 4 illustrated variant, wherein only the magnetic counterparts 5 of Fig. 4 are replaced by electromagnets 901. The other components and their function described above are substantially similar to those of Fig. 4 shown example.

In a further embodiment of an inventive arrangement of a braking device 309 according to Fig. 4b are opposite the in Fig. 4a variant shown only the electromagnet 901 of Fig. 4b replaced by permanent magnets 909, which are firmly anchored, for example via ferromagnetic brackets 59 in the housing 1. The other components and their function described above are substantially the same as those in Fig. 4 and Fig. 4a shown examples.

In Fig. 4c is now unlike in the Fig. 4, Fig. 4a . Fig. 4b such as Fig. 7 described examples of an asymmetrical design of the device according to the invention. On the basis of the variant according to Fig. 4b - The upper half of the braking device 388 of Fig. 4c is identical to the upper half of the Fig. 4b - Will be a simplified embodiment sketched the device according to the invention, in which the lower terminal block 88 is mounted fixed to the housing. The lower half of the device is substantially rigid. Only by increasing or decreasing the braking force of the brake block 8 (the upper half of the clamping device 98) against the brake rod 2 - and thus against the terminal block 88 - there is a braking or solution of the braking. The brake block 8 itself does not move. When braking from the brake block 8 on the brake rod 2 possibly exerted minor lateral forces can be neglected.

It should be noted that the in Fig. 4c unsymmetrical variant described also in the embodiments of the device according to the invention according to the Fig. 4, Fig. 4a . Fig. 4b and Fig. 7 can be used. In these asymmetrical variants, of course, the forces required for braking are to be initiated by only one electromagnet. The devices outlined here - this applies to all figures of the present description - are not to be drawn to scale, but only qualitatively. Of course, the respective dimensions must be adapted to the respective requirements.

In Fig. 5 is also simplified to see the brake device 30 with housing 1 and guided therethrough brake rod 2, as in a vehicle door 120 of a vehicle 110 (FIG. Fig. 3 ) can be accommodated. This in Fig. 5 ) Left end of the brake rod 2 is hereby articulated via the eyelet 12 shown there in the articulation point A of the vehicle 110. The brake rod 2 penetrates as in Fig. 5 shown, in its course arranged in the vehicle door 120 housing 1 of the brake device 30 and is moved when opening and closing the vehicle door 120 according to the double arrow C.

Fig. 6 shows the forces acting during operation of the device according to the invention Forces or in connection with the representation of Fig. 7 the operating principle of the device according to the invention. According to the equation FBremskraft (FB) = FFeder (FF) - FMmagnet (FM) decreases with increasing magnetic force FM and constant spring force FF of the diaphragm spring, the braking force FB and vice versa. The corresponding force courses are in Fig. 7 pictorially shown on a section of the housing 1 mutatis mutandis. It is particularly advantageous that the components do not move. Only the frictional force is changed. When idle, no power is needed. The vehicle door can also be moved continuously without power.

Fig. 8 Finally, provides an overview of the operation of the device according to the invention according to the training Fig. 3 during operation: I: A force N is exerted on the door by a user N and the door is set in motion: TB. II: Other environmental influences UWE such. As wind, slope, etc. can affect the door movement TB. III: The sensor system SEN of the device according to the invention detects the movement sequence. IV: The controller STE receives the sensor information and converts it into brake signals for the brake module BM. V: The brake module BM generates a braking force on the brake rod BS. VI: Braking on the brake rod BS results in a braking effect on the door 120, which the user N feels. VII: Further vehicle sensors WFS can - possibly independent of the device according to the invention - perceive environmental influences. VIII: The environmental sensor signals can be converted by the control into brake signals.

In the following an example of a movement process will be described.

• Der Nutzer bringt Kraft auf die Türe auf.
• Die Nutzerkraft übersteigt die konstante Kraft der Feder.
• Die Tür setzt sich in Bewegung.
• Der Beschleunigungssensor erkennt eine Bewegung und sendet eine entsprechende Information an die Steuerung.
• Die Steuerung analysiert und erkennt ein Bewegungsmuster und wählt eine passende Bremswirkung.
• Die Steuerung erzeugt ein passendes Stromsignal für die Elektromagneten.
• Die Elektromagnete wirken der Federkraft entgegen.
• Die Bremskraft wird sanft reduziert.
• Keine bzw. eine stark reduzierte Bremskraft wirkt mehr auf die Tür mit der Folge, dass die Türbewegung leichtgängig ist.
• Der Nutzer hält die Tür kurz vor einem Hindernis an.
• Der Beschleunigungssensor erkennt das Anhalten der Tür.
• Die Steuerung reduziert die Kraft der Elektromagneten und erhöht damit die Bremskraft.

Type of operation: The door is slowly opened by the user and stopped shortly before an obstacle and by a braking device according to the Braking invention:

• The user puts power on the door.
• The user power exceeds the constant force of the spring.
• The door starts to move.
• The acceleration sensor detects a movement and sends corresponding information to the controller.
• The controller analyzes and detects a movement pattern and chooses a suitable braking effect.
• The controller generates a suitable current signal for the electromagnets.
• The electromagnets counteract the spring force.
• The braking force is gently reduced.
• No or a greatly reduced braking force acts more on the door, with the result that the door movement is smooth.
• The user stops the door just before an obstacle.
• The acceleration sensor detects the stop of the door.
• The control reduces the force of the electromagnets and thus increases the braking force.

Claims (12)

1. A device for controlling the movement of a second element (20) that is moveably arranged with respect to a first element (10), the device having the following features:

   a) an adjustable brake assembly (30) disposed on the second element (20),

   b) a brake rod (2) communicating with the brake assembly (30) and mechanically coupled to the latter and which is also coupled to the first element (10),

   c) a sensor (40) disposed on the first and/or on the second element (10, 20),

   d) an electronic control device (50) for controlling the braking force of the brake assembly (30) on the brake rod (2) based on signals from the sensor (40),

   e) a clamping device (9) controlled by magnetic force for the brake rod (2),

   f) the clamping device (9) having two brake blocks (8) clamping the brake rod (2) between them controllably and which are each supported by disc springs (4) in the brake assembly (30).
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the second element (20) and the brake rod (2) are arranged pivotably on the first element (10).
3. The device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the second element (20) is arranged such that it can be moved substantially linearly with respect to the first element (10).
4. The device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the brake assembly (30) has at least two electromagnets (6) by means of which the brake blocks (8) can be pulled away from the brake rod (2) against the disc springs (4) and the clamping force of the brake blocks (8) against the brake rod (2) can be reduced, the electrically activated electromagnets (6) being drawn to magnetic counterpieces disposed in the brake assembly (30).
5. The device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the magnetic counterpieces are in the form of electromagnets (901) fixed in the brake assembly (301).
6. The device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the magnetic counterpieces are in the form of ferromagnets.
7. The device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the magnetic counterpieces are in the form of permanent magnets (909) fixed in the brake assembly (309), preferably inserted into ferromagnets.
8. The device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the clamping device (98) of the brake assembly (388) has a brake block (8) that clamps the brake rod (2) controllably and which is supported in the brake assembly (388) by at least one disc spring (4) and has a clamping block (88) mounted rigidly in the brake assembly (388).
9. The device according to Claim 8, characterised in that the brake assembly (388) has an electromagnet (6) by means of which the brake block (8) assigned to the latter is pulled away from the brake rod (2) against the disc spring (4) and the clamping force of the brake block (8) and the clamping block (88) against the brake rod (2) can be reduced, the electrically activated electromagnet (6) being drawn towards a magnetic counterpiece (59) disposed in the brake assembly (388).
10. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first element is a vehicle body (110) and the second element disposed moveably on the latter is a vehicle door (120).
11. A method for operating a device according to any of the preceding claims with an initially stationary second element (20), characterised by the following steps:

    a) setting the second element (20) in motion with respect to the first element (10) by exerting force upon the second element (20),

    b) recognising the motion of the second element (20) by means of a sensor (40), identifying and sending a corresponding signal (SB) from the sensor (40) to the electronic control device (50),

    c) generating and sending a current signal (SE) corresponding to the signal (SB) to the brake assembly (30) in order to reduce the braking force on the brake rod (2),

    d) continued motion of the element (20).
12. The method for operating a device according to any of the preceding claims with a second element (20) that is in motion, characterised by the following steps:

    a) reducing the force exerted upon the second element (20),

    b) recognising the motion of the second element (20) by means of a sensor (40) and sending a corresponding signal (SV) from the sensor (40) to the control device (50),

    c) generating and sending a current signal (SE) corresponding to the signal (SV) to the brake assembly (30) in order to increase the braking force on the brake rod (2),

    d) continued braking of the element (20).

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