Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system – Time duration or rate
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-15
2004-07-20
Barlow, John (Department: 2863)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system
Time duration or rate
C702S176000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06766273
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on a method for determining the remaining running time of a drive mechanism until an end position is reached. In power adjusting systems such as window lifters or sunroof controls in motor vehicles, a secure closing of a surface such as a glass surface must be ensured.
To move glass surfaces in motor vehicles, whether they be windows or sunroofs, power adjusting systems such as window lifter drive mechanisms are generally used. A secure closing of the window surfaces is to be ensured by means of these drive mechanisms in order to protect the passenger cell of a motor vehicle against theft and break-in. The closing system containing window surfaces is run to its mechanically limited end position when closed. A detection of low speed, torques or current usually serves as the criterium for shutoff. In window lifter systems, the transition from window pane to door frame is closed by means of an appropriate seal. Upon immersion in the seal, the friction usually increases, so that the motor torque increases as a result of this. In window lifter systems that do not include an early shutoff at the upper limit stop, the closing system can twist in the upper seal.
To ensure a secure closing, the limit values of the mechanical load of the respective components must be selected appropriately high, however. High mechanical limit values permit a high mechanical loading of the components used, such as window lifters, sliding-door guides; motors, etc., with the result that their dimensioning is synchronized with the limit values that occur, and the resultant wear and tear is to be rated as relatively high.
In window lifter systems, the upper limit stop with closing force limitation is advantageously used as the reference position. Based on the reference position, important data such as protected range limits of the closing system are calculated. By repeatedly approaching the actual upper limit stop, this reference position is constantly corrected within certain tolerances. Changes that occur in the mechanical system are detected and taken into account in this fashion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In attaining the object of the invention of calculating—depending on the position of the closing surfaces—the remaining running time of a drive mechanism until the final closing position is reached, the mechanical load of the closing system can be reduced considerably. When window panes are raised, e.g., into their closed positions on a motor vehicle door or the like, a twisting of the window surface, e.g., in the seal assigned to this, can take place. This twisted state can last until the next control procedure of the electric drive mechanism and can possibly be exacerbated even further by strong solar radiation to which the closing system in a motor vehicle can be subjected. In attaining the object of the invention, the window pane is moved into a closing position, for example, that takes this actual, system-related change of the mechanical limit stop limiting the closing procedure into account, so that, starting in a detected position, the remaining running time of the electric window lifter drive mechanism can be adjusted exactly to the position of the facing mechanical limit stop before excessive torques and forces of pressure can act on the mechanical components transferring the forces. In attaining the object of the invention, the mechanically-induced system twisting can be reduced significantly, resultant forces and torques can be reduced considerably, because the closing position is reached sooner. Accompanying this is a considerable increase in continuous operational stability; moreover, bearings, spindles, mechanical components transferring the motion can be dimensioned much lighter, because much lower limit values can now be selected thanks to the intelligent drive mechanism shutoff.
If the attaining of the object of the invention for determining the remaining running time is used in a window lifter drive mechanism of a motor vehicle, this can be used to increase the comfort of the vehicle passengers, because a noise reduction can be achieved when the closed position of the respective window or sunroof surface is reached.
An Increase in the thermal motor availability is achieved by means of the timely shutoff of the electric drive mechanism; it can be effectively prevented from overheating as a result of excess current.
Due to the fact that system-related changes such as weather factors or the motor voltage on the electric drive mechanism are taken into account, a change in the depth of immersion resulting from this can be offset by means of changing actual positions of the upper limit stop. When the actual position of the mechanical limit stop travels upward, the window pane is moved past the old stop position due to the kinetic energy of the window lifter system after the drive mechanism is shut off and therefore reaches the current, actual limit stop.
If, on the other hand, the actual limit stop moves downward, the position at which the measurement is triggered is not reached, and a shutoff of the electric drive mechanism based on the principle of remaining running time cannot take place; instead, a standardization by means of setting a reference point is forced.
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Robert & Bosch GmbH
Striker Michael J.
Washburn Douglas N
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