ACTUATION METHOD FOR AN ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTER, AND ACTUATION UNIT

• US 20110314737A1
• Filed: 06/29/2011
• Published: 12/29/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hallstadt
• Original Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hallstadt
• Inventors: SCHINDHELM, THOMAS, VETTER, CHRISTIAN
• Granted Patent: US 8,590,210 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 49/31
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/695 Control circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/70 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/358 in the proximity of end positions
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/452 for saving energy, e.g. sleep or wake-up
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/43 against wear
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/508 for convertibles
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows

Abstract

An electric window lifter of a vehicle with a vehicle door having a frameless window is actuated according to a novel, low-wear actuation method. An entry signal is acquired that allows a conclusion to be drawn about whether a person has entered through this vehicle door. In this case, the window pane that is associated with the window of this given vehicle door is lowered by a short stroke by way of the window lifter in response to a central exit signal only when the entry signal was first identified. The window lifter or power window assembly includes an associated actuation unit with a query module that is configured for automatically carrying out the method.

Claims

1. An actuation method for an electric window lifter of a vehicle that has a vehicle door with a frameless window, the method which comprises:

detecting an entry signal, the entry signal enabling a conclusion to be drawn whether or not a person has entered the vehicle through a respective vehicle door; and

in response to a central exit signal, causing the window lifter to lower a window pane associated with the window of the respective vehicle door by a short stroke only when the entry signal was first identified.

2. The actuation method according to claim 1, which comprises deriving the entry signal from a door-warning signal associated with the vehicle door.

3. The actuation method according to claim 2, which comprises deriving the entry signal from a seat-occupation signal of a vehicle seat associated with the vehicle door.

4. The actuation method according to claim 1, which comprises deriving the entry signal from a seat-occupation signal of a vehicle seat associated with the vehicle door.

5. The actuation method according to claim 1, which comprises using a signal indicating a withdrawal of an ignition key from an ignition lock of the vehicle as the exit signal.

6. The actuation method according to claim 1, which comprises using a signal indicating a switch-off of an ignition of the vehicle as the exit signal.

7. The actuation method according to claim 1, which comprises causing the window lifter to raise the pane of the respective vehicle door associated with the entry signal by the short stroke only when the entry signal and the subsequent exit signal have been identified and in response to a subsequent, central locking signal.

8. An actuation unit for an electric window lifter of a vehicle having a vehicle door with a frameless window, the actuating unit comprising:

a query module configured to automatically carry out the method according to claim 1.