NL1031927C2 - Hydraulic operating device for a closing assembly of a motor vehicle. - Google Patents

Description

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Brief indication: Hydraulic control device for a closing assembly of a motor vehicle.

The invention relates to a hydraulic operating device for a closing assembly for a motor vehicle, which closing assembly comprises several movable parts and serves to close one or more openings in the vehicle body.

The closure assembly may be arranged as a cover cap assembly with a movable cover cap for selectively covering or releasing a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, as is generally known in a convertible-type passenger vehicle. The cover can have all kinds of designs, for example with a soft-top or with a retractable hard-top. The cover assembly may comprise a tonneaucover or the like for selectively covering or releasing a storage compartment for the cover.

Such a cover assembly usually has several different parts. Known components are, for example, a pivotable main bracket or other support arm (s) for the cover made up of one or more parts, a rear or fabric clamping bracket (also called fifth bow) at a soft-top, one or more hydraulically operable latches (for example for locking the cover 20 to a post at the windscreen of the vehicle), the tonneaucover or similar cover or closure for a storage compartment of the cover (possibly with an associated hydraulically operable latch (s)).

The closing assembly can, optionally in combination with a cover cap, also comprise other components, such as for instance a trunk lid, tailgate (or fifth door), one or more doors, bonnet, and the like.

It is generally known that the operation of parts of such a closing assembly can be realized in a hydraulic manner. A known alternative is to use electromechanical drives.

1031927 * -2-

It is known from the literature to realize the movement of a cover cap assembly in such a way that the movements of the cover cap and of the tonneau cover are "overlapping", i.e. simultaneously, for at least one period or more; take place. This saves time and, moreover, gives an aesthetically pleasing image than a purely sequential outcome. It is known to provide position sensors for the parts to be moved (for example, an angle sensor or a linear sensor) which detect the current position and / or one or more discrete positions. On the basis thereof, the control means control the pump (possibly pump direction), and / or valve (s) in a known device which control the liquid supply to the actuators.

. It is known from the prior art to realize a "speed profile" for a movement of a part of the cover assembly, in particular of the cover itself, that is to say a non-uniform speed of the associated actuator during the movement of the part. To this end, it is known, for example, to use one or more proportional valves in the hydraulic circuit.

20

It is noted that in the automotive industry extreme demands are made on hydraulic control devices that are used with a closure or cover assembly. This includes reliability, temperature range, vibration exposure, 25 EMC, etc.

A convertible-type passenger car is known from the prior art, wherein a pair of first hydraulic actuators connected in parallel serves to operate the cover. That pair is included in a hydraulic circuit, in which furthermore a first hydraulic pump is included which is driven by an electric drive motor. With the known: car is further provided with a tonneau cover that is operated with; a second hydraulic actuator. That second actuator is included; in another hydraulic circuit, in which a second hydraulic poinp is included. The car has control means that control the pumps (and; any valves) and thus realize the movement of the cover and the tonneau-i / -3 cover (for opening or closing the cover again).

It is an object of the invention to propose a hydraulic operating device which can be of robust design (in particular of components which have been used for these purposes without problems for many years) and that at an attractive cost price.

The invention provides a hydraulic operating device 10 according to claim 1.

In other words, the invention thus provides for the possibility of, in one or more periods during the movement of a component of the closure assembly, the associated actuator (or pair of actuators connected in parallel as is often used) simultaneously with the yield of the first and of the feed the second pump unit. In fact, then, the power of both pumps is then available for moving that part and that, for example, makes a rapid movement of the actuator possible. Moreover, the "double yield" could occur during a part of a movement (for example, opening or closing the cover cap), while during one or more other periods of that movement only a supply from a single pump takes place, so that a "speed profile" then "of the part is realized (for example with one pump at the start of the movement, two pumps in the middle period, and one pump at the end of the movement to allow a final position to be reached slowly, for example near the windscreen style 1).

It will be clear that this inventive idea can be realized in numerous concrete solutions.

The invention provides in a preferred embodiment that the hydraulic circuit and the control means are such that during the movement of the closing assembly hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure to the first and the second actuator simultaneously for one or more periods, so that the first -4 - and second part of the closing assembly during which one or more periods are operated simultaneously. Preferably, both pump units are in operation during such a period, so that the yield of both pumps is available.

5

Preferably at least one of the pump units, if possible both pump units, is a reversible pump unit with two ports, each of which functions selectively, preferably depending on the direction of rotation of the associated electric motor, as a suction port or discharge port. This makes it possible to keep the number of valves possibly required in the hydraulic circuit low, since the "pumping direction" is then, as it were, a control signal for the actuator and that signal then does not have to be realized by a valve.

Generally known for such an operating device is also the problem of malfunction, for example of a pump. It will be clear that by the use of two pumps and with a circuit through which one or more of the actuators can be connected to both pumps if desired, it is possible for a person skilled in the art to enable operation, if desired, with only one working pump while the other is ineffective due to a malfunction. The control means are then preferably arranged for detecting a pump fault and realizing an emergency operating motion sequence for one or more parts of the closing assembly using the other pump still operating.

The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of a non-limiting example. In the drawing: Figure 1 schematically shows a cover cap assembly of a cabriolet-type passenger car with associated hydraulic control device; Figure 2 shows diagrammatically an example of a hydraulic operating device for the cover assembly according to Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a cover cap assembly of a convertible-type passenger car (not shown) with associated hydraulic control device. Figure 2 shows an example of the hydraulic operating device.

The cover cap assembly here comprises a soft-top cover cap, wherein a cap (not shown) is supported on a movable construction with a main bracket 1 and with a dust clamp bracket 2 (or fifth bow). The main bracket is attached to opposite sides via a hinge mechanism on the body of the passenger car (not shown). The main bracket 1 can thus be pivoted up and down 10 for closing or opening the cover cap respectively. In figure 1 the main bracket 1 is pivoted upwards.

The dust clamping bracket 2 is also pivotable up and down, possibly attached to the main bracket or to the body via hinge mechanisms. Here the dust clamping bracket 2 is pivoted downwards and thereby lies on a well-shown edge 3 of the body.

Figure 1 furthermore shows a tonneau cover 4, which is pivotally mounted up and down on the body, here via 20 hinge mechanisms 5.

A single first hydraulic actuator 10 is provided here for pivoting the tonneaucover 4.

For pivoting the main bracket 1, a pair of second hydraulic actuators 15 connected in parallel are provided.

A pair of third hydraulic actuators 20 connected in parallel are provided for pivoting the dust clamping bracket 2.

30

The hydraulic operating device here comprises a single unit 30 with a first pump unit 35 and a second pump unit 40 therein.

The first pump unit 35 comprises a first hydraulic pump 36 with two pump ports 36a, b. The pump 36 is driven by an electric motor 37. Here the pump 36 is of the type with a reversible pump direction, so that the ports 36a, b depend on the direction of rotation of the motor 37 as a suction port or discharge port.

The two ports 36a, b are suitably connected, here via a suction change valve 38, to a reservoir 50 for hydraulic fluid.

The second pump unit 40 comprises a second hydraulic pump 41 with two pump ports 41a, b. The pump 41 is driven by an electric motor 42. Here the pump 41 is of the type with a reversible pump direction, so that the ports 41a, b depend on the direction of rotation of the motor 42 as a suction port or discharge port.

The two ports 41a, b are suitably connected, here via a suction change-over valve 43, to a reservoir 50 for hydraulic fluid.

Reference numeral 100 indicates schematically control means, (in practice an electronic control circuit) 20 which are at least adapted for controlling the electric motors 37, 42 of the pump units.

In the diagram of Figure 2 it can be seen "in outline" that the diagram forms two subcircuits, namely a subcircuit with pump unit 35 and actuator 10 and another subcircuit with pump unit 40 and actuators 15, 20. Between the two subcircuits there is a ( or possibly several) hydraulic connection (s) present, so that (as will be explained in more detail below) at least one of the actuators can be fed simultaneously during the movement of motion by both pumps 35, 40. In those one or more "intermediate connections" one or more valves may optionally be included for controlling the connection (s), for example for determining the period (s) of presence / absence of the connection, allowable flow direction in the connection, etc.

35

It can be seen in detail in this example that a line 39a connects the port 36a to a piston rod-side connection 10a of the actuator 10, while a line 39b connects the port 36b to bottom-side connection 10b of the actuator 10.

It can further be seen that line 60 connects to port 41a. This conduit 60 is connected to the piston rod-side connections of the main stirrup actuators 15 via an electronically controllable 3/2-valve 70 and conduit 61. The conduit 60 is connected to the bottom-side connections of an actuator 3/2-valve 75 and conduit 62. the actuators 15.

10

The valves 70, 75 are electromagnetically operable two-position valves, which here in the non-operated state connect the relevant connections of the actuators 10 to the reservoir 50 and in the operated state to the line 60. The valves 70, 75 are connected to the control means 100 so that switching signals can be given to the valves 70.75.

Non-return valves 76, 77 between the valves 70, 75 and the conduit 60 allow a "hold function", as is generally known in the art.

A shuttle valve 80 connects to lines 61, 62 and to a line 63 to the piston rod side connections of the actuators 20.

A line 64 connects to the port 41b and to the bottom-side connections of the actuators 20.

Between the line 62 and the line 64, a line 65 is provided with a non-return valve 30 closing in the direction to line 62.

In the line 60, near the port 41a, a non-return valve 82 is provided which closes in the direction to the pump port 41a.

Branch pipes 84a and 85 respectively connect to the lines 39a, b, in which a non-return valve 84a, 85a, which closes in the direction of the line 39a, b, is respectively received. The lines 84, 85 -8- both connect to the line 60, between the valves 70, 75 (and associated non-return valves) on the one hand and the non-return valve 82 on the other.

In this diagram a pressure limiting valve 90 is furthermore provided, which connects to the line 60 between the valves 70.75 (and associated non-return valves) on the one hand and the non-return valve 82 on the other. When a predetermined pressure is exceeded, liquid flows to reservoir 50 via said valve 90. Furthermore, a pressure-limiting valve 91 is provided which connects to line 64.

An emergency operating valve 95 is provided in the diagram, here as a branch between the valves 70.75 (and associated check valves) on the one hand and the check valve 82 on the other to the reservoir 50.

15

The operation of the operating device shown, and thus of the cover assembly, is as follows (where left, right at a pump means delivery of fluid through left or right port in Figure 2; and where "on" means that a valve 20 is energized; and where TC means tonneau cover):

To open:

Pump 36 Pump 41 Valve 70 Valve 75 25 Bracket 2 up left on

On TC, bracket 2 up Right Left on

On TC, bracket 2 up Right on

Bracket 2 down Right

Bracket 1 down Right Left on.

30 Bracket 2 down, TC down Left Left on TC down Left -9-

Close:

Pump 36 Pump 41 Valve 70 Valve 75 5 On TC Right

On TC, Bracket 1 up Right Left on

Bracket 1 up Right Left on

Bracket 2 up Left on on TC down Left 10 TC down, Bracket 2 down Left Right

Bracket 2 down Right

The person skilled in the art will recognize that in the above end there are two periods in which for the pivoting of the main bracket 1 use is made of simultaneously supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the actuators 15 by means of both the pump unit 35 and the pump unit 40. This is the case when opening the cover cap in the situation that the pump 36 operates clockwise (and therefore delivers hydraulic fluid via port 36b) and the pump 41 operates simultaneously counterclockwise (and thus delivers via port 41a), valve 70 being energized .

When closing the cover, there is talk of "simultaneous supply 25 by means of two pumps on the main stirrup actuators 15" in the situation that pump 36 operates to the right, pump 41 to the left, and the valve 75 is energized.

It will be clear that it is advantageous to realize this "simultaneous supply by means of two pumps" especially for the function that requires the greatest power, here the movement of the main bracket of the cover cap. In other embodiments, that simultaneous supply may optionally (also) be realized for other components of the closure or cover cap assembly.

35

The example also teaches the person skilled in the art that during a number of periods of the movement sequence, here both during the opening and closing of the cover, an "overlap" takes place in time with the movements of several parts. Thus, during the opening of the cover, part of the opening movement of the tonneau cover takes place simultaneously as part of the movement of raising the dust clamping bracket. Here, then, as is preferred, both pumps 36, 41 are in operation. With the opening sequence, such an overlap also occurs during the swinging down of the headband and the lowering of the tonneau cover. Both pumps are then also in operation.

10

The "overlap" has also been realized during the closing of the cover, in this example by allowing part of the opening movement of the tonneau cover to coincide with part of the upward movement of the main bracket. The same happens later in the closing sequence when lowering the tonneau cover and lowering the stirrup 2. Also during these "simultaneous movements of different parts" both pumps 36, 41 are in operation simultaneously.

The person skilled in the art also learns from the above example that during opening of the cover the main stirrup actuators are fed during their opening movement for a period with the "combined output of both pump units", but that in that same opening movement there is a period in which these actuators 25 can only be supplied by the pump unit 40. This illustrates that the applications of two (or possibly more) pumps in such an operating device also entails the possibility of realizing a "speed profile" of the movement of an actuator (pair) by the 30 "combined yield of to supply a plurality of pumps to the actuator and to supply only the output of a pump in one or more other periods. The simple "speed control" is reliable and does not require complex valves, such as proportional valves which have hitherto been used for such a pump. Regulation 35 have been proposed.

-11-

Compared to an operating device with a single pump, the solution described with two or more pumps appears to be economically attractive in view of the functionalities to be achieved. This among other things because the individual pumps can each have a relatively small output compared to a device with a single "large" pump. In particular, the electric motors of the pumps can be simple because of the relatively low power (low amperage with direct current electric motors as they are generally used in the automotive industry). The control electronics can then also be of relatively attractive design.

The control means may comprise a microprocessor or the like. As mentioned, one or more position sensors may be provided, for example at one or more of the actuators or at other locations in the closure or cover cap assembly, which provide signals to the control means.

The pump units can optionally be accommodated in different locations in the vehicle.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the movement of the movement can be realized in this example with only two valves 70, 75. In particular, the use of pumps with a reversible pump direction permits a minimal use of operable valves in the circuit.

It will be clear that the inventive idea can also be applied to a more complex hydraulic operating device for a cover cap assembly of a vehicle. For example, there may be an embodiment with four movable parts in the cover cap assembly that are hydraulically operated by means of one (or a pair of parallel-connected) hydraulic actuators. For example, there is an actuator for a latch on the front of the cover, actuators for pivoting a rear part of the cover, actuators for lifting a main part of the cover, and actuators for pivoting a main part of the cover.

-12-

The invention thus in fact provides that the hydraulic circuit and the control means allow the first and the second pump unit to be connected simultaneously to at least one of the hydraulic actuators, so that hydraulic fluid is added thereto simultaneously with the first and the second hydraulic pump unit. pressure can be applied.

In other words, the invention provides that the hydraulic circuit and the control means - during one or more periods in the movement of the closing or covering cap assembly - provide a connection between both the first and the second pump unit and at least one of the actuators, so that pressure fluid can be supplied to said actuator simultaneously with the first and the second hydraulic pump unit. 15

Still differently formulated it can be stated that the invention provides that the hydraulic circuit and the control means are arranged such that in the hydraulic circuit a common subcircuit can be realized during one or more periods of the movement, on which common subcircuit than both the first and the first connecting the second pump unit and at least one of the hydraulic actuators, so that a common supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure to said at least one hydraulic actuator can be realized via said common sub-circuit when both the first and the second hydraulic pump unit operate.

The actuators shown in this example, and mostly used, are linear hydraulic cylinders of the type with an (tubular) actuator housing, a piston movable in the actuator housing defining a first and a second working chamber with variable volume, and with a first and second connection, which are respectively connected to the first and second workroom. In this example the piston rod coupled to the piston protrudes out of the housing at one end.

-13-

It is conceivable to also use other hydraulic actuators, for example of the vane type.

1031927,

Claims (10)

1. Hydraulic operating device for a closing assembly of a motor vehicle, which closing assembly serves to close one or more openings in the vehicle body and which closing assembly comprises several movable parts, such as, for example, a cover cap assembly for a cabriolet-type passenger car with a movable cover cap and optionally with a movable tonneau cover, which operating device comprises: 10. a first and a second hydraulic pump unit, each comprising a hydraulic pump and an associated electric drive motor for the pump for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid, a first and a second hydraulic actuator , respectively for operating a first and second part of the closure assembly, a hydraulic circuit, possibly with one or more (operable) valves therein, which allows to selectively supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to the first and the second hydraulic 20 actuator, control means with which at least the electric drive motors of the first and the second pump unit can be controlled, and of any valves present in the hydraulic circuit, so that a movement course of the first and second movable part of the closure assembly can be realized, characterized in that the hydraulic circuit and the control means allow - for at least one of the actuators, during at least a part of the movement thereof - to simultaneously connect both the first and the second pump unit to that actuator, so that a simultaneous supply of hydraulic liquid under pressure to which actuator can be realized. 1 03 1 927. -15- 2. Operating device according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic circuit and the control means are arranged such that in the hydraulic circuit selectively one or more separate subcircuits can be realized during one or more periods of the movement, on which one or more separate subcircuits only of the first or second pumping unit and at least one of the hydraulic actuators, so that hydraulic fluid can be supplied under pressure via a separate sub-circuit via one of the first or the second pumping units. Operating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hydraulic circuit and the control means are arranged such that in the hydraulic circuit for at least one of the actuators 15 a common subcircuit or a separate subcircuit can be selectively realized, so that the supply of hydraulic fluid is selective with the first and the second pump units can be realized jointly or separately with one of the first and the second pump unit. 20 Operating device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the hydraulic circuit and the control means are such that in the movement of motion during one or more periods of time hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure to the first actuator and the second actuator, so that the first and second part of the closure assembly during which one or more periods are operated simultaneously. Operating device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the pumping units is a reversible pumping unit with two ports, each of which functions selectively, preferably depending on the direction of rotation of the associated electric motor, as a suction port or discharge port. Operating device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the first actuator is arranged for operating the cover cap or a part of the cover cap, and wherein the second actuator is arranged for operating the tonneau cover, and wherein the control means cause liquid to be supplied under pressure to the first actuator for operating the cover cap or a part of the cover cap, both by means of the first and the second hydraulic pump unit 5. 7. Operating device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the first and / or the second actuator is a double-acting actuator with an actuator housing, a piston movable in the actuator housing which defines a first and a second working chamber with variable volume, and with a first and second connection, which are respectively connected to the first and second workroom. Operating device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a third actuator for operating a third part of the closing assembly. 9. Motor vehicle provided with closing assembly and operating device according to one or more of the preceding claims. 10. Method for operating a closing assembly of a motor vehicle with an operating device according to one or more of the preceding claims. 1 03 1 927: