Method of controlling a movement of a door with a controllable rotary damper

Abstract

A door component has a controllable rotary damper and two connector units which can be moved relative to one another. One of the two connector units can be connected to a load-bearing construction and the other one can be connected to a movable door device of a vehicle, in order to damp a movement of the door device between a closed position and an open position in a controlled manner. Two mutually engaged spindle units are arranged between the two connector units, one spindle unit being a threaded spindle and the other being a spindle nut. A first spindle unit is fastened rotatably on a coupling rod connected to one of the connector units. A magnetorheological transmission device is arranged between the coupling rod and the first spindle unit, in order to brake a rotational movement of the first spindle unit as required.

Claims

1. A method for influencing a movement of a passenger door of a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a door component having a controllable damper device and two attachment units that are movable relative to one another; providing two spindle units that are in engagement with one another and disposed between the two attachment units; providing a sensor and using the sensor to determine a position of the passenger door relative to the vehicle; controlling a movement of the passenger door at least partially between a closed position and an open position by a controlled actuation of a damper device and a motor for driving one of the spindle units with reference to the relative position of the door determined by the sensor, to thereby achieve a guided door movement; and wherein one of said two attachment units is connected to a supporting structure and another of the two attachment units is connected to the door, the spindle units are a threaded spindle and a spindle nut, respectively, and the method comprises influencing a rotation of one of the spindle units with a magnetorheological transmission apparatus in order to influence the movement of the door, and the magnetorheological transmission apparatus is arranged radially within the first spindle unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, which comprises determining with the sensor an opening angle of the passenger door.

3. The method according to claim 1, which comprises providing a near field sensor and acquiring with the near field sensor information regarding an ambient environment in a vicinity of the vehicle.

4. The method according to claim 1, which comprises controlling the movement of the door by influencing a rotation movement of one of the two spindle units with a magnetorheological transmission apparatus.

5. A method for influencing a movement of a passenger door of a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a door component having a controllable damper device and two attachment units that are movable relative to one another; providing two spindle units that are in engagement with one another and disposed between the two attachment units; providing a sensor and using the sensor to determine a position of the passenger door relative to the vehicle; and controlling a movement of the passenger door at least partially between a closed position and an open position by a controlled actuation of a damper device and a motor for driving one of the spindle units with reference to the relative position of the door determined by the sensor, to thereby achieve a guided door movement; and wherein one of said two attachment units is connected to a supporting structure and another of the two attachment units is connected to the door, the spindle units are a threaded spindle and a spindle nut, respectively, and the method comprises influencing a rotation of one of the spindle units with a magnetorheological transmission apparatus in order to influence the movement of the door, and wherein an annular cylindrical cavity is formed radially between a coupling rod and one of the spindle units, and the magnetorheological transmission apparatus is disposed in the cylindrical cavity.

6. The method according to claim 5, which comprises determining with the sensor an opening angle of the passenger door.

7. The method according to claim 5, which comprises providing a near field sensor and acquiring with the near field sensor information regarding an ambient environment in a vicinity of the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 5, which comprises controlling the movement of the door by influencing a rotation movement of one of the two spindle units with a magnetorheological transmission apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic plan view of a motor vehicle with an apparatus with a rotary damper;

(2) FIG. 2 shows an apparatus with a rotary damper in a perspective view;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the apparatus as per FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a section through the apparatus as per FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 4;

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another apparatus;

(7) FIG. 7 shows a sectional diagrammatic sketch; and

(8) FIG. 8 shows the force profile of an apparatus as per FIG. 2 or 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) Here, FIG. 1 shows the use of the apparatus 50 according to the invention as a door component 100 on a motor vehicle 200, and in this case a passenger car. The motor vehicle 200 is illustrated is in a schematic plan view from above. Here, two door devices 154 designed as doors are provided on the motor vehicle 200. The doors are both situated in the open position 103. Hatching is used to show one door in the closed position 102.

(10) To dampen the pivoting movement of the doors 154, door components 100 are provided which each comprise a rotary damper 1. The door components each comprise attachment units 151 and 152, of which one is attached to a supporting structure of the motor vehicle 200, while the other is connected to the door 154, such that a relative movement of the attachment units 151 and 152 occurs during an opening or closing movement of the door 154. The attachment units 151 and 152 move linearly. A conversion into a rotational movement occurs, which is dampened by the rotary damper 1 of the apparatus 50.

(11) The apparatus 50 may be designed as a door component 100 and comprise the rotary damper 1 and attachment units 151 and 152 and be used for damping the rotational movement of doors and flaps on a motor vehicle 200. The apparatus 50 may also be directly designed as a damper device 50 and comprise the rotary damper 1 and attachment units 151 and 152 and be used for damping rotational movements, or for example linear movements, between the attachment units 151 and 152.

(12) FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of the apparatus 50, wherein the apparatus 50 comprises a rotary damper 1.

(13) The apparatus 50 may be designed as a damper device or else as a door component 100 and thus serves for use on the motor vehicle 200 from FIG. 1 or for other uses.

(14) The apparatus 50 comprises a first attachment unit 151 and a second attachment units 152, which may be arranged at the opposite ends. It is however also possible, as shown in FIG. 2, for the attachment unit 152 not to be arranged or mounted at the physical end of the apparatus 50.

(15) The apparatus 50 comprises a coupling rod 3, which projects into the rotary damper 1. At the outer end of the coupling rod 3, there is provided a pivot axle 24, pivotably about which the coupling rod 3 is received. The first attachment unit 151 is articulately mounted at the pivot axle 24. Here, on the attachment unit 151, there is formed a fastening bore 26 which, in the case of use as a door component 100, serves for example for the fastening to a door pillar. An angle sensor 23 (designed for example as a rotary encoder) may also be arranged at the pivot axle 24.

(16) The coupling rod may have any desired three-dimensional contour, that is to say need not be straight. This facilitates installation in constricted space conditions.

(17) The second attachment unit 152 is in this case arranged in the central region of the apparatus 50 and comprises a fastening bracket which is arranged so as to be pivotable about the pivot axle or the joint 25. The bracket 20 surrounds the spindle unit 4, which is designed as a threaded spindle here.

(18) FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the apparatus 50, in which it is possible to see the second spindle unit 5, which in this case is designed as a spindle nut and which is in engagement with the first spindle unit 4. The spindle unit 4 is arranged fixedly in an axial direction on the coupling rod 3. The threaded spindle 4 is however arranged rotatably about the coupling rod 3, such that, in the event of a relative axial displacement of the two attachment units 151 and 152 relative to one another, the spacing of the attachment units 151 and 152 changes, and therefore the spindle nut 5 held rotationally fixedly on the attachment unit 152 causes a rotational movement of the threaded spindle 4 about the coupling rod 3. As a result, the spindle nut 5 can axially displaceable on the threaded spindle 4, whereby for example an opening or closing of the door of a motor vehicle is made possible. The spindle units 4 and 5 convert a linear movement into a rotational movement.

(19) FIG. 4 shows a section through the apparatus 50, wherein the attachment unit 151 is attached to the in this case left-hand end of the coupling rod 3.

(20) The threaded spindle 4 is mounted rotatably about the coupling rod 3 at the left-hand end by means of a bearing 7 designed as a rolling bearing and at the right-hand end by means of a bearing 37 designed as a plain bearing. The bearings 7 and 37 are arranged in the semicylindrical interior space between the threaded spindle 4, which is of hollow form, and the coupling rod 3.

(21) At one end, a threaded nut 12 is screwed onto the coupling rod in order to fix the inner ring of the rolling bearing 7 in an axial direction. Correspondingly, a drilled nut 16 is screwed into the same end into the hollow threaded spindle 4 in order to axially fix the outer ring of the rolling bearing 7.

(22) Here, at the other end, a screw-in part 19 is screwed into the hollow end of the threaded spindle 4 and, there, completely closes the opening of the threaded spindle 4. The plain bearing 37 is in this case formed or inserted on the screw-in part 19.

(23) Here, in the interior of the hollow spindle nut 5, there is inserted a sleeve 17 which is rotationally conjointly connected, and for example adhesively bonded or fixed in positively locking fashion, to the threaded spindle 4. The use of a sleeve 17 composed of a ferromagnetic material makes it possible for the threaded spindle 4 itself to be produced for example from a plastic. This leads to a considerable weight saving. Furthermore, in this way, self-lubrication of the thread regions, which engage into one another, of the spindle nuts 4 and 5 can be achieved, such that the apparatus 50 can be operated without maintenance.

(24) Arranged adjacent to the rolling bearing 7 is a seal 13, which comprises for example a shaft sealing ring and which seals all gaps by way of contact. Since the coupling rod 3 is preferably composed of a ferromagnetic material and for example a relatively soft steel, a race 28 composed of a hardened or coated (for example hard chromium) material is preferably applied to the coupling rod 3 in the region of the seal 13 in order to prevent wear.

(25) In the interior, a multiplicity of magnetic circuits is preferably accommodated in the cavity between the coupling rod 3 and the sleeve 17 (if the threaded spindle is composed of plastic, for example) or the inner wall of the threaded spindle 4 (if this is composed of a ferromagnetic material and no sleeve 17 is present) and the outer surface of the coupling rod 3. For this purpose, in the hollow-cylindrical interior space, electrical coils 9 are either wound directly onto the coupling rod 3 or are wound onto coil holders 11, which are subsequently pushed onto the coupling rod 3.

(26) Adjacent to the electrical coils 9, preferably on each axial side, there is accommodated a multiplicity of rotary bodies or rolling bodies 2, by means of which the magnetic field of the magnetic circuit is closed. For example, 8 or 10 rotary bodies 2 may for example be arranged so as to be distributed over the circumference at one axial position.

(27) FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 4, wherein, here, the profile of the magnetic field 10 or a field lines of a magnetic circuit is shown by way of example.

(28) The magnetic field generated by the electrical coil 9 as magnetic field source 8 runs through a portion of the sleeve 17 and passes through a rotary body 2 arranged adjacent to the electrical coil 9 and enters the coupling rod, which is composed of a likewise ferromagnetic material, and runs axially back to the next rotary body 2, where the magnetic field line enters again radially through a rotary body 2 and into the sleeve 17 and is closed there.

(29) It is preferable for in each case two separate rotary body rows to be provided between two axially adjacent coils. Multiple magnetic circuits may be provided which are axially spaced apart from one another. Each magnetic circuit may for example comprise two rows of rotary bodies, which are arranged, in each case to the right and to the left of an electrical coil, so as to be distributed over the circumference.

(30) It is however also possible for rotary bodies which are elongate in an axial direction to be provided, such that one end of an elongate cylindrical rotary body is flowed through by the magnetic field of the electrical coil 9 which is adjacent on one axial side, whereas the other end of the cylindrical rotary body 2 is flowed through by the magnetic field of the next electrical coil 9.

(31) Centrally in the interior of the coupling rod 3, there may be formed a channel 21 which comprises branching channels which run for example to the individual electrical coils 9 in order to provide a targeted supply of electrical current to the individual electrical coils 9.

(32) It is possible for between rings 18 to be provided in each case between the individual series of rotary bodies 2 in order to separate the individual magnetic circuits from one another.

(33) Also clearly visible in FIG. 5 is the external thread 14 of the threaded spindle 4, which is in engagement with the internal thread 15 of the spindle nut 5. The external thread need not have the same pitch over the entire length; different pitches and pitch regions are also possible.

(34) FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 50 with a rotary damper 1, wherein, in this case, too, a threaded spindle 4 which is rotatable on a coupling rod 3 is provided, which threaded spindle is in engagement with a rotationally fixedly held spindle nut 5. The spindle nut 5 is held on the fastening bracket 20. Attachment units 151 and 152 again serve for the fastening of the apparatus 50. In this case, too, the apparatus may be held so as to be pivotable about pivot axles 24 and a fastening bolt 27.

(35) At the attachment unit 152, or adjacent thereto, it is possible here to see a motor 29, which can for example be supplied with electrical current through the coupling rod 3. The motor 29 serves for actively rotating the threaded spindle 4 and is itself held rotationally fixedly on the fastening bracket 20. Here, in the fastening bracket 20, there are formed grooves into which corresponding fingers of the motor 29 engage such that the motor 29 is displaceable axially along the fastening bracket 20 but is held rotationally fixedly therein. In this way, the motor 29 can be used to actively rotate the threaded spindle 4 such that an active length variation of the apparatus 50 is also possible. In this way, in the case of use as a door component 100, it is for example also possible for an automobile door to be actively or semi-actively partially or completely open or closed (in guided fashion).

(36) Semi-active means that the electric motor assists (generates an active torque) the manually guided movement for example of a door by a user such that, at all opening and closing angles, and in particular taking into consideration different frictions, kinematic changes and spatial positions (vehicle is obliquely inclined), similar actuating forces have to be applied by the user (the user “guides” the door=guided door). Here, this semi-active mode can be assisted by means of the very fast-switching brakes of the brake unit, which is manifest in particular pleasant haptic opening and/or closing and/or actuation. This is particularly advantageous in an inclined position (on a gradient) when the door would automatically open owing to the force of gravity but has to be closed in the opposite direction. Here, fast switching between brake and drive must be performed in order to provide a good haptic feel. Here, fast and haptic advantageously means preferably in a few milliseconds and in continuously variable fashion, in order that smooth transitions are possible. Two-stage couplings (coupled/decoupled) lead to poor results (jerky movements and load peaks) which are not accepted by vehicle manufacturers from the premium segment.

(37) FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagrammatic sketch of the functioning of the magnetorheological transmission apparatus 40 with the basic principle of the rotary damper 1. This figure basically already appears in WO 2017/001696 A1. The description in this regard, and the entire content of WO 2017/001696 A1 is therefore also incorporated into the disclosure of the present invention.

(38) FIG. 7 shows two components 32 and 33, the relative movement of which is to be damped, or influenced in targeted fashion, by means of the transmission apparatus 40. For this purpose, in a gap 35 between the components 32 and 33, there is arranged a multiplicity of rotary bodies 2, which are embedded into a magnetorheological fluid 6. The rotary bodies 2 function as magnetic field concentrators, which, in the presence of an applied magnetic field and a relative movement of the components 32 and 33 with respect to one another, leads to a wedge effect, wherein wedge-like regions 46 are formed in which the magnetorheological particles collect and, by means of the wedge effect, effectively brake an onward rotation of the rotary bodies 2 and a relative movement of the components 32 and 33 with respect to one another.

(39) Here, the free spacing 39 between the rotary body 2 and the surface of the components 32 and 33 is basically larger than a typical or average or maximum particle diameter of a magnetorheological particle in the magnetorheological fluid. By means of this “MRF wedge effect”, considerably more intense influencing is achieved than would be expected. This leads in particular to a high static force, which can be utilized as holding force.

(40) The rotary dampers 1 shown here in the exemplary embodiments all function in accordance with this MRF wedge effect.

(41) The high static force can be effectively utilized as a holding force and can be advantageously utilized as shown in FIG. 8, which illustrates the force profile of the braking force of the magnetorheological transmission apparatus 40 or of the rotary damper 1, versus the rotational speed of the rotary bodies (and analogously also of the rotatable spindle unit). It can be seen that, when the rotary body 2 is at a standstill, a very high braking force is generated. If the user overcomes the braking force that holds the door open, the braking force considerably decreases with increasing speed even when the magnetic field continues to be applied, such that, even when the magnetic field is applied, the user can easily close the door after overcoming the sufficiently high holding force.

(42) This effect has the result that, basically in any desired angle position, a high holding force is generated, which the user can however very easily overcome in order to close the door. A very convenient function is thus provided.

(43) The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: 1 Rotary damper 2 Rotary body, rolling body 3 Coupling rod 4 Spindle unit, threaded spindle 5 Spindle unit, spindle nut 6 Magnetorheological fluid 7 Bearing 8 Magnetic field source 9 Electrical coil 10 Magnetic field 11 Coil holder 12 Threaded nut 13 Seal 14 External thread 15 Internal thread 16 Drilled nut 17 Sleeve 18 Intermediate ring 19 Screw-in part 20 Fastening bracket 21 Channel 22 Fastening bore 23 Angle sensor 24 Pivot axle 25 Joint 26 Fastening bore 27 Fastening bolt 28 Race 29 Motor 30 Force profile 32 Component 33 Component 34 Separate part 35 Gap 39 Free spacing 40 Transmission apparatus 42 Axis of rotation 46 Wedge shape 50 Apparatus 100 Door component 102 Closed position 103 Open position 151 Attachment unit 152 Attachment unit 154 Door device 160 Sensor 200 Motor Vehicle