Method for eliminating squeaking noises when operating electric motor-driven motor vehicle window lifters

• US 20020175647A1
• Filed: 04/16/2002
• Published: 11/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ROOF SYSTEMS GERMANY GmbH (CIE Automotive SA)
• Original Assignee: Arvinmeritor Light Vehicle Systems FRA (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Inventors: Mersch, Gerhard
• Granted Patent: US 6,823,629 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 318/490
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 1/17 vertically
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/695 Control circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/71 responsive to temperature changes, rain, wind or noise
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/45 Control modes
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/52 Safety arrangements Safety means for manual wing operation E05Y2800/116
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/422 against vibration or noise
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows

Abstract

A method for eliminating squeaking noises occurring when operating a window lifter for motor vehicles which is driven by an electric motor is proposed. The squeaking noises are detected by a system for evaluating acoustic signals. This system generates for the duration of the squeaking noise a command signal which is delivered to a window lifter control device. This varies the speed of the electric motor within fixed limits, until the system for evaluating acoustic signals no longer detects any squeaking noise or it is recognised that speed variations are ineffective. The method is particularly advantageous if a voice control system which can be used as a system for evaluating acoustic signals is provided in the motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for eliminating squeaking noises occurring when operating a window lifter for motor vehicles, the window lifter being driven by an electric motor, wherein the squeaking noises are detected by a system for evaluating acoustic signals which generates for the duration of the squeaking noise a command signal which is delivered to a window lifter control device which varies the speed of the electric motor within fixed limits, until the system for evaluating acoustic signals no longer detects any squeaking noise or it is recognised that speed variations are ineffective.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a voice control system provided in the motor vehicle is used as a system for evaluating acoustic signals.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the command signal is delivered to the window lifter control device via a CAN (controller area network) system.

4. A method according claim 1, wherein the speed variation takes place by means of pulse width modulation (PWM) signals.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the pulse width modulation state which exists upon cessation of the squeaking noise and the position of the vehicle window at the time are stored, and wherein this pulse width modulation state is retrieved from the memory each time the vehicle window passes through this position in order to control the speed of the electric motor accordingly.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the variations in the speed of the electric motor within the fixed limits take place stepwise.