WO2007051522A1

WO2007051522A1 - Electric window winder

Info

Publication number: WO2007051522A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/010024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uwe Klippert
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
Priority date: 2005-11-04
Filing date: 2006-10-18
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: DE202005017204U1

Abstract

The invention specifies a simple electric adjusting apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle, which adjusting apparatus ensures a particularly high degree of operator control convenience. The adjusting apparatus (1) comprises at least one motorized adjusting unit (2a-2d) by means of which a vehicle component (6a- 6d) can be reversibly adjusted between a first end position and a second end position, a control unit (4) for actuating the or each adjusting unit (2a-2d), and also an operator control panel (3) which is provided with at least one instruction transmitter (7a-7d) for outputting control instructions (C) to the control unit (4). In this case, the control unit (4) can be operated in a control mode and in a device mode, wherein an associated stored control pattern (P) in accordance with which the control unit (4) actuates the adjusting unit or the adjusting units (2a-2d) can be selected in the control mode by outputting a control instruction (C), and wherein a new control instruction (C) can be associated with a new control pattern (P) in the device mode, with the result that this control pattern (P) can be called up in the control mode by outputting the associated control instruction (C).

Description

Description Electric window lift

The invention relates to an electric window for a motor vehicle.

Motorized adjustment devices, in particular window regulators, but also seat adjusters, sunroof and / or convertible top adjusters belong to the standard equipment of modern motor vehicles and serve for the motorized lowering or raising of the side windows of the motor vehicle (windows) or other adjustable vehicle parts. Such an adjusting device usually comprises one or more motor adjusting units, each of which acts on the associated vehicle part via an adjusting mechanism. For actuating the adjusting units, a conventional adjusting device usually comprises a plurality of control panels, each having a number of pushbuttons as a command generator. The control panels on the one hand and the adjustment units on the other hand usually one or more electronic control units are interposed, which receive control commands from the control panels and control the adjustment units in accordance with these control commands.

In the basic function of a window regulator, the control unit controls an adjusting unit for raising or lowering the associated window pane, if and as long as a corresponding command generator is activated, or until the pane is completely closed or opened. In addition to these basic functions, window regulators are sometimes equipped with additional functions, which are started by means of a special control command. For example, it is provided as an additional function to completely open or close one or more discs when delivering a special control command or to raise or lower in a defined stroke position between the closed position and the open position of the disc. To trigger such additional functions often separate commanders are provided. In particular, a regulator (eg in the form of a slider, rotary knob, setting wheel or another special switch) is provided for user-specific adjustment of the defined stroke position. Due to the additional costs caused by such further operating elements, such additional functions have so far prevailed at most to a small extent. In addition, experience has shown that such additional functions are desired and considered advantageous only by certain user groups, especially since they tend to facilitate the handling of the device only for the experienced user, whereas they are rather distracting to an inexperienced or technically untried user when handling the device.

The invention has for its object to provide an electric window for a motor vehicle, which is simple and at the same time ensure a high level of comfort.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the window comprises at least one motorized adjustment, (at least) a control panel and a control unit. The adjusting unit is mechanically coupled to an associated vehicle part, in particular a window pane of the motor vehicle, and serves for the reversible adjustment of the vehicle part between a first end position (in particular the opening position of the disc) and a second end position (in particular the closed position of the disc). The control panel includes at least one commander for issuing a control command. The control unit which is interposed between the control panel and the adjusting unit or the adjusting units is used to implement the control commands triggered via the control panel. The control unit is in this case, in particular by manual operation of the control panel, operable in two modes, which are hereinafter referred to as the control mode or device mode.

In the control mode, which represents the normal operation of the adjusting device, controls the control unit in the presence of a control command to the adjustment or adjusting units in accordance with a stored in association with this control command control pattern.

In the set-up mode, user-side configuration of the control unit is enabled by allowing a user to assign a new control pattern to a new control command so that this control pattern becomes one later time in the control mode by issuing the associated control command is retrievable.

The term "control pattern" here refers to one or more instructions that trigger a specific action of one or more adjustment units.A control pattern contains in the simplest case - according to the basic function of a conventional window lift - the instruction to move the vehicle part towards one of the end positions, as long as the instruction commanded to move the vehicle part towards one of the end positions until the end position is reached or to move the vehicle part to a predetermined intermediate position between both end positions Moreover, a control pattern may also comprise a combination of such actions of the same adjustment unit or of different adjustment units simultaneously, successively or in a predetermined time sequence.

The term "control command" refers to a specific actuation of one or more command devices of the control panel, which is specified in particular according to the type and order of the actuated commandors and the respective actuation duration.Examples of such control commands are, in particular, a continuous actuation of a specific command transmitter, a short simple or Double tapping a specific commander or any combination thereof.

According to the invention, a window regulator is thus created whose functions can be configured or programmed in a user-specific manner. As a result, an equally high level of user comfort is achieved for a wide variety of user groups by the control unit - depending on the needs of the individual user - many additional functions or a user-specific coordinated selection of a few additional functions can be assigned, or by the scope of the adjustment are limited to the simple basic functions can.

The window according to the invention is in terms of its hardware components, namely the adjustment or adjustment units, the control unit, and the Control panel, similarly easy to implement as the corresponding conventional adjusting devices and thus to produce economically justifiable effort. In particular, it requires only the control elements or command devices which are required anyway to exercise the basic function of the adjustment device (additional command devices may, however, optionally be provided in higher versions of the adjustment device). The adjusting device according to the invention differs from conventional devices rather essentially by the functional design of the control unit. If the control unit is designed as a microcontroller, this functionality is ensured, in particular, by designing a corresponding operating software according to the invention.

In equally preferred variants of the invention, the control unit in the set-up mode is either - e.g. as part of a menu navigation - configurable according to stored specifications or freely programmable. In the former variant, it is provided that a new control pattern and / or a new control command can be selected from a list of stored default patterns or default commands.

A free programming of the control unit according to the latter variant is optionally provided using a symbolic or text-based programming language or by creating so-called macros. In this case, a combination of existing basic and / or additional functions is referred to as a macro with regard to a new control pattern, and a combination of existing control commands with regard to a new control command. A macro is created by capturing and recording an actual operator action. In other words, a macro is generated by a user of the control unit quasi "pre-empting" the desired control pattern or control command by operating the commanders.The programming of the control unit on the basis of macros has the particular advantage that any control patterns or control commands can be generated in a particularly intuitive manner with simple means.

Both variants of the configuration or programming of the control unit described above are expediently provided in combination, for example by setting up a number of specifications for control patterns and / or control commands. are implemented by default, under which the user can select, but in addition one or more additional control patterns and / or control commands can be freely programmed.

Preferably, the control unit is designed such that it is controllable both in the control mode and in the set-up mode by means of the control panel, so that the full range of functions of the adjustment in both modes by exclusive operation of the control panel is exhausted. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the control unit for configuration or programming via a data interface to a computer, such as an on-board computer of the motor vehicle or an external PDA, a notebook, etc., connected or connected, on which a configuration software is implemented.

In a preferred variant of the window lifter, at least one of the additional functions stored or storable in the control unit has a dependence on an external measured variable, in particular the outside or inside temperature, the vehicle speed, the engine function and / or the geographical vehicle location. This measurand is supplied to the control unit by one or more sensors, an electronic vehicle control or a GPS system. A dependence of the control pattern on the measured variable is, in particular, that the measurement parameter is directed to a termination condition of the control pattern, a start condition for individual sections of a control pattern or a start condition for the control pattern as such. In the latter case, the assignment of a control command to the control pattern is not mandatory, especially since the control pattern is automatically executed when the start condition is met. For example, an additional function of the adjusting device designed as a window lifter can be provided, in the context of which all motor vehicle windows are automatically closed when the vehicle speed exceeds a predefined limit value as the measured variable.

Alternatively or additionally, it is preferably provided that at least one control pattern is associated with a temporal condition that the timing of a Control pattern, in particular determines a start time for the control pattern or determines a waiting time before the start or in the course of a control pattern.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention, in particular additional functions with which the window is preferably equipped, will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:

1 is a schematic block diagram of an electric window with four motor adjustment units for raising or lowering respectively a side window of a motor vehicle, with four control panels for dispensing control commands and with a control unit for controlling the adjustment units in accordance with the control commands and, Fig. 2 in 1 shows an alternative embodiment of the window lifter according to FIG. 1.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

The window lifter 1 shown roughly schematically in FIG. 1 is installed in a final assembly (not shown) motor vehicle and includes four motor adjustment 2a-2d, a control panel 3 and the control panel 3 on the one hand and the adjusting units 2a-2d on the other hand interposed control unit ,

Each adjusting unit 2a-2d is coupled via an adjusting mechanism 5a-5d to an associated vehicle or side window 6a-6d of the motor vehicle, referred to below as a disk 6a-6d, so that by actuation of the adjusting unit 2a-2d the respective associated disk 6a 6d stepless and reversible between an open position and a closed position can be raised or lowered.

The control panel 3 comprises at least four commanders 7a-7d, each associated with an adjustment unit 2a-2d. Each command generator 7a-7d is in the form of a rocker switch, which can be moved from a neutral center position by finger pressure. the sides against a restoring force in each case a contact position is deflected. Each command generator 7a-7d generates a switching signal which, depending on the switching position, can assume logical values -1, 0, +1. The control panel 3 is preferably associated with the driver's side of the motor vehicle, in particular integrated in the driver's door, so that it can be conveniently operated by a driver of the motor vehicle while driving. Optionally, the window comprises further (not shown) panels that are located within reach of the other seats of the motor vehicle.

The control panel 3 is connected to the control unit 4 for supplying control commands C. A control command C is given here by a switching pulse triggered by means of one of the commanders 7a-7d or a combination of a plurality of switching pulses of the same or different command transmitters 7a-7d. The control unit 4 is designed to analyze the control commands C generated by means of the control panel 3 and to differentiate the switching pulses corresponding to this control command C according to the generating command transmitters 7a-7d as well as according to the polarity. Thus, the control unit 4 distinguishes between a positive switching pulse (i.e., a double edge change of the switching signal from 0 to 1 and back) and a negative switching pulse (i.e., a double edge change of the switching signal from 0 to -1 and back). The control unit 4 is further configured to distinguish between long switching pulses (which are generated by holding the respective commandors 7a-7d) and short switching pulses (which are generated merely by tapping the respective commandors 7a-7d).

The control unit 4 is connected to the adjusting units 2a-2d for controlling the same. The control unit 4 is additionally connected via a data line 8 with an electronic vehicle control system, an on-board computer and / or a GPS system and receives via this data line 8, a time signal T and / or other information about measures M, the operating state, the geographical position or Characterize the environmental conditions of the motor vehicle. The measured variables include, in particular, the vehicle speed, the operating state of the engine and the central locking, the position of the accelerator pedal and the outside and inside temperatures The control unit 4 is designed as a microcontroller and comprises in particular a processor unit or CPU 9 and a data memory 10. In the data memory 10, a number of functions are stored, each comprising a control pattern P and an associated control command C. Each control pattern P comprises a set of s instructions that trigger a specific action of one or more adjustment units 2a-2d.

The control unit 4 is operable in a control mode and a setup mode. 0

In the control mode, the control unit 4 selects for each issued control command C the associated stored control pattern P and controls the adjustment units 2a-2d in accordance with this control pattern P. At the factory, only basic functions of the window regulator 1 are preferably implemented in the control unit 4, according to which an adjusting unit 2a-2d is raised or lowered, as long as the respectively associated control unit 7a-7d is held in the positive or negative contact position or until the associated pane 6a -6d has reached the closed position or open position. So holds a user in the control mode, for example, the command generator 7a in the negative contact position, and thus outputs a corresponding control command 0 C to the control unit 4, the control unit 4 controls the adjustment unit 2a such that the driver's disc 6a is lowered until the User releases the commander 6a or the disc 6a is completely open.

In the set-up mode, the control unit 4 can be configured by the user or programmed. In other words, new functions, each comprising a new control pattern P and an associated new control command C, can be generated or activated by the user. The control device 4 is configured to switch from the control mode to the set-up mode when the user issues a special control command C, for example, all the command transmitters 7a-7d simply press one another in the positive contact position.

In the simple embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 1, the control unit 4 has a limited number of (for example ten) memory locations for user-defined figurable additional functions. The assignment of these memory locations with control patterns P is carried out optionally by selecting a control pattern P from a list of default patterns V _P , which are stored in the factory in the data memory 10 or by macro recording. Likewise, the assignment of the memory locations with the associated control commands C is carried out optionally by selecting a control command C from a list of preselection commands V _c which are stored in the factory in the data memory 10 or again by macro recording.

The list of stored default patterns V _P preferably comprises: a first predefined pattern V _p , in the context of which an adjustment unit 2a-2d is controlled in such a way that the assigned window 6a-6d is moved into a user-specifically determinable stroke position,

A second preset pattern Vp, in the context of which a disc 6a-6d, in particular the driver's disc 6a is initially fully opened, and upon entry of an additional condition, in particular after a waiting period, when inserting the first gear, when exceeding a certain vehicle speed or automatically closed again when the accelerator pedal is pressed. Such an additional function facilitates, in particular, the opening of barriers at garage entrances, the payment of tolls at toll stations, etc. A third preset pattern Vp in which the travel speed of a disk 6a-6d is adjustable or varied in a predefined manner.

The list further comprises default patterns Vp, which start automatically when a predetermined condition occurs, and thus require no initiation by a control command C, in particular:

A fourth preset pattern V _P , in the context of which when parking the motor vehicle a certain or user-specific determinable waiting time is set in motion, after which all discs 6a-6d are automatically closed. Such an additional function is advantageous, in particular, for ventilating the motor vehicle at high outside temperatures, the waiting time being determined, for example, by the

Locking the motor vehicle is triggered with the engine off, A fifth default pattern V _P , in the context of which all disks 6a-6d are automatically closed when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined or predefinable threshold.

As part of the list, each code Vp is assigned a code which can be entered by the user by operation of the commanders 7a-7d and, for example, can be taken from an operating manual of the motor vehicle.

The occupancy of the first memory space with a control pattern C is now done by the user typing the code of a default pattern Vp after switching to the setup mode and the selection made by a special control command C, for example by the commander 7a in the positive contact position for more pressed for three seconds, confirmed.

If the selected control pattern allows a more advanced setting, e.g. specifying a wait time, the user may again make that adjustment by entering a code via the commanders 7a-7d and confirming the setting, or accept defaults set by promptly issuing the confirmation command.

The user can then select from the list of default commands V _c a control command C by typing an assigned code analogous to the method described above and confirms the selection. Upon delivery of the confirmation command without prior specification of a control command C, the code under which the selected control pattern _{P is} guided in the list of default patterns V _P is adopted as the control command C by default.

After occupying the first memory space, the other memory locations are successively occupied in the manner described.

To generate a macro for a control pattern P, the user inputs a special control command C instead of the code designating a default pattern Vp and thus starts the macro recording. During the macro recording, the user of the control unit 4 "pre-sums" the control pattern P to be generated, by issuer 7a-7d as operated in the control mode, while eg one or more discs 6a-6d moves in the desired order, waiting times, etc. He can use both the basic functions of the power window device 1 as well as the already configured additional functions. The macro image is in turn terminated by issuing a special control command C. The user's actions taken during the macro recording are recorded in real time and stored as a new control pattern P.

The generation of a macro for a control command C is carried out accordingly by the user during the macro recording the desired control command C by appropriate operations "pretends", for example, taps the command generator 7c three times in succession.

The configuration or programming of the control unit 4 is done in the simplest embodiment blind, i. without feedback by the control unit 4. Optionally, a return message, in particular for positive acknowledgment of a configuration action or error message is provided alternatively. This feedback takes place in the form of visual signals via one or more control lamps, in particular LEDs, or via the vehicle lighting and, alternatively or additionally, as an acoustic signal via an audio system of the vehicle.

By issuing a special control command C, the setup mode is ended and returned to the control mode. The newly created control patterns P are now started by issuing the assigned control commands C and, if appropriate, when the intended start condition occurs.

2, the control unit 4 and the control panel 3 of an expanded embodiment of the window regulator device 1 are shown in detail. This embodiment corresponds, unless explicitly stated, to the exemplary embodiment described in connection with FIG. 1. Notwithstanding this, the control panel 3 is provided in addition to the commandors 7a-7d with other function keys 11, by means of which special control commands C can be issued. In the setup mode, these function keys 11, or the associated control commands C, user-specific be assigned to new control patterns P, so that in the control mode by pressing one of the function keys 11 or a combined operation of multiple function keys 11, the respectively associated control pattern P is triggered.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the window regulator device 1 additionally comprises a data interface 12 to a computer 13, on which configuration software for configuration or programming of the control unit 4 is implemented. The computer 13 is preferably an on-board computer of the vehicle. Alternatively, the computer 13 is formed by a notebook or a PDA, which can be connected directly or indirectly to the control unit 4 for configuration or programming. In this case, the data interface 12 is designed, for example, as a USB interface.

The configuration software enables a menu-driven selection of control patterns P and control commands C from corresponding stored default patterns Vp or command instructions Vc. The default pattern Vp or default commands Vc are advantageously stored in the computer 13, wherein only in the course of the configuration selected from these guidelines control pattern P and control commands C are recorded in the data memory 10 of the control unit 4. In particular, this also allows a simple update of the control unit 4 with new default patterns Vp.

In addition, the configuration software allows a free programming of new default patterns Vp and / or default commands Vc, which are added to the respective list and can be selected in the course of the configuration of the control unit 4. Programming is done using a symbolic (in particular graphical) or text-based programming language. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 window lift

2a - 2d adjustment unit

3 control panel

4 control unit

5a - 5d adjustment mechanism

6a - 6d (side) disc

7a - 7d Commands

8 data line

9 CPU

10 data storage

11 function keys

12 data interface

13 computers

C control command

T time signal

M measured variable

P control pattern

Vp preset pattern

Vc default command

Claims

claims

1. Electric power window (1) for a motor vehicle, with at least one motor see adjusting unit (2a-2d), by means of which a vehicle window (6a-6d) between a first end position and a second end position is adjustable, with a control unit (4 ) for controlling the or each adjustment unit (2a-2d) and with a control panel (3) which comprises at least one command generator (7a-7d) for the delivery of control commands (C) to the control unit (4), o - the control unit ( 4) by pressing the control panel (3) in one

Control mode and is operable in a set up mode,

- In the control mode by issuing a control command (C) an assigned, deposited control pattern (P) is selectable, according to which the control unit (4) controls the adjustment unit or the adjusting units 5 (2a-2d), and

- In the device mode, a new control command (C) a new control pattern (P) can be assigned, so that this control pattern (P) in the control mode by issuing the associated control command (C) is retrievable.

0 2. Window regulator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the set-up mode, the new control pattern (P) from a list of stored default pattern (V _P ) is selectable.

5 3. Window lifter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the set-up mode, the new control command (C) from a list of stored preset commands (V _c ) is selectable.

4. Window regulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the device mode, the new control command (C) and / or the new control pattern (P) are freely programmable.

5. Window regulator (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the set-up mode, the new control command (C) and / or the new control pattern (P) in the manner of a macro by issuing a combination of existing, stored control commands (C) can be generated ,

6. Window lifter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit (4) in both the control mode and in Einrich- tion mode by means of the control panel (3) is controllable.

7. Window regulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit (4) via a data interface (12) to a computer (13) is connected or connected, wherein the control unit (4) in the

Setup mode can be controlled by means of a configuration software implemented on the computer (13).

8. Window lifter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit (4) at least one external measured variable (M), in particular the outside temperature, the internal temperature, the vehicle speed, the engine function, the position of the accelerator pedal, the Operating state of the central locking and / or the geographical vehicle location, supplied, wherein at least one control pattern (P) one with such a

Measured variable (M) has associated condition that determines the implementation or the course of this control pattern (P) as a start condition and / or termination condition.

9. Window lifter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one control pattern (4) has a temporal condition as the start condition and / or termination condition and / or waiting time, the implementation or the course of this control pattern (P ) certainly.

10. Window lifter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a control pattern (P) or default pattern (V _P ), in the context of which the window pane (6a-6d) is initially fully opened as the vehicle part to be adjusted of the motor vehicle, and fully closed again upon occurrence of a condition, the condition being in the lapse of a predetermined waiting time after opening the disc (6a-6d), depressing the accelerator pedal, engaging the first gear, or exceeding a certain vehicle speed consists.

11. Window regulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a control pattern (P) or default pattern (V _P ), in the context of which all window panes (6a-6d) to be adjusted as vehicle part of the motor vehicle after a certain time Waiting time after parking the motor vehicle to be completely closed.

12. Window lifter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a control pattern (P) or default pattern (V _P ), in the context of which the window pane (6a-6d) is moved as verstellendes vehicle part of the motor vehicle to a certain stroke position ,