Device for motorically and manually adjusting a vehicle Part

Abstract

A device for motorically and manually adjusting a second vehicle part relative to a first vehicle part in an adjustment range is provided. The device comprising at least a driving device by means of which the second vehicle part is motorically adjustable in at least one adjustment direction and can be held in an adjustment position within the adjustment range relative to the first vehicle part, wherein the driving device is switchable between a holding position and a release position and in the holding position the second vehicle part is held in an adjustment position via the driving device and in the release position is manually adjustable within the adjustment range, and an electronic control device by means of which the driving device is switchable between the holding position and the release position in response to an operating event triggered by a user.

Claims

1.-11. (canceled)

12. A device for motorically and manually adjusting a second vehicle part relative to a first vehicle part in an adjustment range, comprising at least a driving device by means of which the second vehicle part is motorically adjustable in at least one adjustment direction and can be held in an adjustment position within the adjustment range relative to the first vehicle part, wherein the driving device is switchable between a holding position and a release position and in the holding position the second vehicle part is held in an adjustment position via the driving device and in the release position is manually adjustable within the adjustment range, and an electronic control device by means of which the driving device is switchable from the holding position into the release position in response to an operating event triggered by a user, in order to permit a manual adjustment of the second vehicle part by the user relative to the first vehicle part, wherein the electronic control device is configured to, in response to an operating event triggered by a user, initially actuate the driving device for a power-operated adjustment out of the adjustment position in that adjustment direction in which the manual adjustment is to be made before switching into the release position.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the electronic control device is coupled with at least one sensor unit by means of which an operating event triggered by a user is electronically detectable, via which it is signaled by the user in what adjustment direction the user wants to manually adjust the second vehicle part.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor unit is configured to detect a force manually applied onto the second vehicle part, via which the second vehicle part is pushed or pulled by the user from the adjustment position in an adjustment direction.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein the electronic control device is configured to initially actuate the driving device for a power-operated adjustment for a period of less than 2 seconds in response to an operating event triggered by a user before switching into the release position.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the electronic control device is configured to initially actuate the driving device for a period of less than one second.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the electronic control device is configured to initially actuate the driving device for a period in the range of 40 ms to 650 ms or 50 ms to 300 ms.

18. The device according to claim 12, wherein in the electronic control device at least one desired profile curve is stored for the driving device, by which during the power-operated adjustment before switching into the release position the course of an adjustment speed) of the second vehicle part is specified.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the desired profile curve extends in a ramp-like manner at least in one portion.

20. The device according to claim 12, wherein the electronic control device is configured to actuate the driving device to motorically adjust the second vehicle part out of the adjustment position with different adjustment speeds, namely in dependence on a detected vehicle inclination, in dependence on the adjustment direction, in dependence on the adjustment position within the adjustment range and/or in dependence on an actuating force with which a user acts on the second vehicle part, in order to trigger the operating event.

21. The device according to any of claims 18, wherein the electronic control device is configured to actuate the driving device to motorically adjust the second vehicle part out of the adjustment position with different adjustment speeds, namely in dependence on a detected vehicle inclination, in dependence on the adjustment direction, in dependence on the adjustment position within the adjustment range and/or in dependence on an actuating force with which a user acts on the second vehicle part, in order to trigger the operating event, and in the electronic control device different desired profile curves for the driving device are stored to specify different profiles of the adjustment speed in dependence on the vehicle inclination, the adjustment direction, the adjustment position and/or the height of the actuating force.

22. The device according to claim 12, wherein the driving device includes a switchable transmission unit and/or a switchable coupling unit via which in the holding position a drive motor of the driving device is coupled with a drive element via which a motoric adjusting force for the power-operated adjustment of the second vehicle part can be transmitted, and in the release position a coupling between the drive motor and the drive element element is interrupted.

23. A method for motorically and manually adjusting a second vehicle part relative to a first vehicle part in an adjustment range, wherein the second vehicle part is motorically adjustable in at least one adjustment direction by means of a switchable driving device and can be held in an adjustment position within the adjustment range relative to the first vehicle part, wherein the driving device is switchable between a holding position and a release position and in the holding position the second vehicle part is held in an adjustment position via the driving device and in the release position is manually adjustable within the adjustment range, and the driving device is switched from the holding position into the release position in response to an operating event triggered by a user, in order to permit a manual adjustment of the second vehicle part by the user relative to the first vehicle part, wherein in response to an operating event triggered by a user the driving device initially motorically adjusts the second vehicle part from the adjustment position in that adjustment direction in which the manual adjustment is to be made, and the driving device subsequently is switched into the release position.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the method is carried out by a device for motorically and manually adjusting a second vehicle part relative to a first vehicle part in an adjustment range, comprising at least a driving device by means of which the second vehicle part is motorically adjustable in at least one adjustment direction and can be held in an adjustment position within the adjustment range relative to the first vehicle part, wherein the driving device is switchable between a holding position and a release position and in the holding position the second vehicle part is held in an adjustment position via the driving device and in the release position is manually adjustable within the adjustment range, and an electronic control device by means of which the driving device is switchable from the holding position into the release position in response to an operating event triggered by a user, in order to permit a manual adjustment of the second vehicle part by the user relative to the first vehicle part, wherein the electronic control device is configured to, in response to an operating event triggered by a user, initially actuate the driving device for a power-operated adjustment out of the adjustment position in that adjustment direction in which the manual adjustment is to be made before switching into the release position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The attached Figures by way of example illustrate possible design variants of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 1A sectionally and in a perspective view shows a motor vehicle with a vehicle door pivotally mounted on the vehicle body, at which a variant of a device according to the invention is used.

[0034] FIG. 1B in a sectional view from above shows the vehicle door of FIG. 1A with a section of the vehicle body and parts of a driving device.

[0035] FIG. 2 schematically shows the interaction of different sensor units with an electronic control device for actuating the driving device of FIG. 1B.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a speed-time diagram to illustrate the mode of operation of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, which is operated by a method according to the invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIG. 1A sectionally shows a (motor) vehicle 1 with a view towards a partly open vehicle door 11. The vehicle door 11 is articulated to a (vehicle) body 10 of the vehicle 1 and in the closed condition closes a door opening 12. Along an opening direction O, the vehicle door 11 can be swung open.

[0039] As is shown in the sectional view of FIG. 1B, an apparatus with a driving device 2, which includes an adjustable part 21 in the form of a catch strap and serves for fixing and adjusting the vehicle door 11 relative to the body 10, acts between the body 10 and the vehicle door 11. The adjustable part 21 in the form of the catch strap is articulated to the body 10, for example to the A-pillar of the vehicle 1, about a joint 20 and on pivoting of the vehicle door 11 moves relative to the vehicle door 11. With one end 211 the adjustable part 21 therefor protrudes into a door inner space 110 of the vehicle door 11 and on adjustment of the vehicle door 11 moves into this door inner space 110.

[0040] The vehicle door 11 articulated to the body 10 via a door hinge 111 here is motorically adjustable both in opening direction O and, in opposite direction, in a closing direction S, via the apparatus with the driving device in the form of a door drive 2. The door drive 2 here is formed such that the vehicle door 11 thereby is steplessly arrested in an adopted adjustment position between a maximally open and a completely closed position of the vehicle door 11 and consequently the partly or completely open vehicle door 11 is blocked against an adjustment via the door drive 2.

[0041] The door drive 2 is not exclusively formed for a power-operated adjustment of the vehicle door 11. Rather, the door drive 2 also provides for a manual adjustment of the vehicle door 11, for example for closing the vehicle door 11 in closing direction S. To this end, the door drive 2 for example includes a transmission unit or a coupling unit, via which a drive motor of the door drive 2, for example an electric motor, is coupled with a drive element which interacts with the adjustable part 21 in the form of the catch strap and via which a motoric adjusting force for adjusting the vehicle door 11 can be transmitted. The door drive 2 here is switchable to interrupt a coupling between the drive motor and the drive element. In a condition coupled in, the door drive 2 is in a holding position in which the at least partly open vehicle door 11 is held in an adopted adjustment position via the door drive 2. In the decoupled condition, the door drive 2 then on the other hand is in a release position in which the vehicle door 2 can freely be manually adjusted in opening direction O or closing direction S and the door drive 2 no longer blocks the vehicle door 11 against such an adjustment. An exemplary apparatus with such door drive 2 is known for example from DE 10 2014 211 138 A1.

[0042] With at least partly open vehicle door 11 it is sensorily detected by means of an electronic control device whether a user manually attempts to move the vehicle door 11, for example to close the same again. When a manually applied actuating force at the vehicle door 11 exceeds a stored threshold value, the vehicle door 11 is released by the door drive 2. The door drive 2 changes from the holding position into its release position, for example in that a coupling between drive motor and drive element is interrupted on the transmission side or a coupling is opened.

[0043] A change between holding position and release position, however, usually is effected abruptly in practice and hence in a way unexpected for a user. With regard to an operating comfort as high as possible, this possibly is disadvantageous, as a user can perceive the change between holding position and release position as haptically unpleasant and surprising.

[0044] To address this problem, one exemplary embodiment of a solution according to the invention provides that an electronic control device 4 corresponding to FIG. 2 is coupled with the door drive 2. Via this control device 4, with the vehicle door 11 at rest or at least partly open, the vehicle door 11 initially is motorically adjusted by means of the door drive 2 in an adjustment direction S or O, in which the user has signaled that he wants to manually adjust the vehicle door 11, in response to an operating event triggered by a user. The door drive 2 will be switched into the release position only thereafter, so that the vehicle door 11 is freely adjustable. Thus, after the electronic detection of an operating event the vehicle door 11 initially is motorically adjusted for a certain and preferably comparatively short time in that adjustment direction S or O in which a user pulls or pushes the vehicle door 11, before the door drive 2 subsequently switches into the release position, which for example includes the fact that a coupling of the door drive 2 is opened and a drive motor of the door drive 2 is stopped.

[0045] The vehicle door 11 thus for example is motorically moved in closing direction S for a short time, i.e. for less than 2 seconds, and in particular for a period in the range of 40 ms to 650 ms, when a user pulls or pushes the at least partly open vehicle door 11 in closing direction S. Only after the vehicle door 11 has been moved in closing direction S, will the door drive 2 change into its release position, so that the further adjustment in closing direction S solely can be effected by a manually applied force on the part of the user. Thus, in response to an operating event which signals that the user wishes to adjust the vehicle door 11, a transitional adjusting movement in the desired adjustment direction S or O is carried out motorically, in order to create a less abrupt and more fluent transition between holding position and release position of the door drive 2. Switching into the release position here is effected only after the vehicle door 11 has been put into movement by the door drive 2.

[0046] The door drive 2 in principle can be regulated or controlled. Furthermore, at least one desired profile curve can be stored in the electronic control device 4, by which the course of an adjustment speed v of the vehicle doors 11 is specified, when the vehicle door 11 is to be adjusted in response to an operating event, before a manual adjustment is permitted.

[0047] As is schematically illustrated with reference to FIG. 2, the control device 4 can be coupled with different sensor devices 31, 32 and 33. A first sensor device 31 for examples serves the detection of the operating event, by which a user signals that a manual adjustment of the at least partly open vehicle door 11 is desired. The first sensor device 31 therefor for example comprises a force sensor and/or an acceleration sensor, as is described for example in DE 10 2016 211 777. Via a second sensor device 32 an inclination of the vehicle 1 can be detected, for example, while it is detected via a third sensor device 33 in how far the vehicle door 11 is opened, i.e. which adjustment position it takes within the permitted adjustment range.

[0048] The electronic sensor device 4 now can be configured to actuate the door drive 2 in different ways for a transitional adjusting movement in dependence on a signal or measured value or several signals or measured values of the sensor devices 31, 32 and 33. The control device 4 for example can vary the actuation of the door drive 2 in dependence on the vehicle inclination, the adjustment direction S or O desired on the part of the user, the current adjustment position of the vehicle door 11 and/or the height of the actuating force applied on the part of a user. This variation in particular includes a variation of the duration of the activation of a drive motor of the door drive and/or the variation of a speed of the drive motor.

[0049] Thus, a speed profile on adjustment of the vehicle door 11 can be varied via the electronic control device 4 during the transitional adjusting movement in dependence on the vehicle inclination, the adjustment direction S or O, the adjustment position and/or the height of the actuating force. For example, different desired profile curves can also be stored therefor in a memory area 40 of the control device 4, wherein different desired profile curves for example are stored therefor, when [0050] the vehicle is inclined with respect to the horizontal by more than a certain angle (for example is parked on a slope), for example is inclined by more than 10 or 25; [0051] the vehicle door 11 is to be closed or opened further; [0052] the vehicle door 11 at rest is present in a first or second half of the permitted adjustment range, i.e. is present closer to its closed position or closer to the maximally open position (so that for example in the case of an adjustment in closing direction S a shorter or longer adjustment path must be covered); and [0053] a user acts on the vehicle door 11 with high force, i.e. a force exceeding a stored threshold value, for example in order to vigorously shut said vehicle door in closing direction S.

[0054] Independent of the presence of several desired profile curves or the desired profile curves to be chosen, it is provided in one design variant that via the electronic control device 4 a speed profile rising in a ramp-like manner is specified for the vehicle door 11 to be adjusted from a rest position during the transitional adjusting movement.

[0055] For the user, this additionally improves the impression of a fluent transition to the free adjustability of the vehicle door 11.

[0056] With reference to the diagram of FIG. 3, the mode of operation of a variant of the solution according to the invention will be illustrated in detail. In the diagram of FIG. 3 an adjustment speed v of the vehicle door 11 is plotted over the time t. A negative adjustment speed -v indicates an adjustment of the vehicle door 11 in opening direction O, while a positive adjustment speed v indicates an adjustment of the vehicle door 11 in closing direction S.

[0057] Correspondingly, FIG. 3 initially shows how the vehicle door 11 is adjusted with a speed v.sub.1 along the opening direction O. At a time t.sub.1 the adjusting movement of the vehicle door 11 is slowed down, so that at a time t.sub.2 it comes to rest in a desired adjustment position. In this adopted adjustment position the door drive 2 is in a holding position, so that the vehicle door 11 is fixed in the adopted adjustment position via the door drive 2.

[0058] When an operating event triggered by a user now is sensorily, e.g. via the sensor device 31 of FIG. 2, detected at a later time t.sub.3, after which the vehicle door 11 is to be closed, the drive motor of the door drive 2 is briefly activated and a transitional adjusting movement is triggered. During this transitional adjusting movement, the vehicle door 11 is accelerated up to an adjustment speed v.sub.2 in a comparatively small period t=t.sub.4t.sub.3. The period t is less than one second and for example lies in a range of less than 500 ms, in particular in a range of 50 ms to 300 ms.

[0059] At the time t.sub.4 the door drive 2 then is switched into the release position, which for example includes the fact that a coupling of the door drive 2 is opened and the drive motor is switched off. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to initially switch off the drive motor and subsequently open a coupling of the door drive 2, or both can be effected at the same time. Subsequent to the time t.sub.4 the adjustment in closing direction S then exclusively is effected manually by the user. It can be provided, for example, that the user continues to adjust the vehicle door 11 with approximately the same adjustment speed v.sub.2, until the vehicle door 11 is closed completely at the time t.sub.6. Another scenario illustrated in FIG. 3 by way of example provides that the user continues to accelerate the vehicle door 11 to an adjustment speed v.sub.3 from the time t.sub.4 up to a later time t.sub.5, and then finally closes the vehicle door 11 approximately with this higher adjustment speed v.sub.3.

[0060] With reference to FIG. 4 a possible procedure for the operation of the apparatus including the door drive 2 by way of example is illustrated in detail with reference to a flow diagram.

[0061] At a method step A1, the vehicle door 11 initially is immovable in an at least partly open adjustment position in which the door opening 12 is at least partly cleared. When in this phase an operating event is sensorily detected, by which a user signals that he wants to further manually open or again close the vehicle door 11, an actuation of the door drive 2 with a stored desired profile curve is effected in a succeeding method step A2. The vehicle door 11 thereby is motorically put into a transitional adjusting movement in the desired adjustment direction S or O, possibly in dependence on the vehicle inclination and/or the height of an actuating force applied on the part of the user and for a comparatively short period, for example less than 500 ms, in particular for 50 ms to 300 ms.

[0062] Upon completion of the transitional adjusting movement, the door drive 2 then is switched into its release position in a method step A3, and in particular a drive motor of the door drive 2 is switched off, so that the vehicle door 11 is freely adjustable by an actuating force applied manually on the part of the user.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0063] 1 vehicle [0064] 10 body (1st vehicle part) [0065] 11 vehicle door (2nd vehicle part) [0066] 110 door inner space [0067] 111 door hinge [0068] 12 door opening [0069] 2 door drive (driving device) [0070] 20 joint [0071] 21 catch strap (adjustable part) [0072] 210, 211 end [0073] 31, 32, 33 sensor unit [0074] 4 control device [0075] 40 memory area [0076] O opening direction [0077] S closing direction