Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock. The motor vehicle lock is equipped with a locking device (1, 2) which essentially consists of a rotary latch (1) and a locking claw (2). Furthermore, a lever train (3, 4) is realized which has an electrically operated actuating drive (11, 12) for actuating the locking device (1, 2) in an emergency. Furthermore, a blocking unit (7, 8) is provided which has an electrically operated blocking drive (11, 12). According to the invention, the actuating drive (11, 12) and the blocking drive (11, 12) are designed as a single electrically operated drive (11, 12) and are functionally combined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, particularly a motor vehicle door lock, comprising: a locking device mainly composed of a rotating locking fork and a locking pawl; a control lever system having an electrically operated control drive for emergency operation of the locking device; and a locking unit having an electrically operated locking drive. Background Technology

[0002] In motor vehicle locks, particularly motor vehicle door locks, which have electrically operated actuators, the locking device is typically opened after, for example, "keyless entry." However, in principle, it is also possible to load, for example, a sensor or switch associated with the exterior door handle, so that the electrically operated actuator can then open the locking device. This so-called "electric opening" has proven particularly advantageous in practice for comfort reasons.

[0003] To ensure the locking device can still be opened even in the event of a potential failure in the vehicle-side battery or onboard electrical grid voltage, a lever system for emergency operation or unlocking of the locking device is typically provided. Thus, even if the actual electric drive unit cannot be opened due to battery discharge or malfunction, the corresponding vehicle door can still be opened. This is particularly useful in situations where the electrical supply is interrupted or damaged due to a collision.

[0004] For this purpose, an adjusting element is used according to the prior art of DE 10 2017 124 518 A1. This adjusting element locks the lever system during normal operation and releases the lever system for emergency opening. For this purpose, the adjusting element is equipped with an electrically operated actuating drive for emergency operation of the locking device. Furthermore, another electrically operated drive is implemented, which is used to open the locking device during normal operation. For this purpose, the rotational movement of the relevant adjusting drive or opening drive is indirectly or directly transmitted to the release lever during normal operation. The release lever itself ensures that the locking pawl disengages from its locking engagement with the rotating locking fork. The previously engaged locking pin disengages. Accordingly, the relevant vehicle door can be opened.

[0005] In the prior art of this type, as described in US 2003 / 0178859 A1, in addition to the opening drive for normal operation, there is another electric drive for emergency operation of the locking device. Therefore, corresponding to the above, this relates to an electric operating drive for emergency operation of the locking device. Finally, the known teachings also utilize another electric drive that is part of the locking unit and is therefore designed as an electric locking drive in the aforementioned sense. The electric locking drive allows for selective disengagement or engagement of the lever system.

[0006] The existing technology has been largely validated, yet room for improvement remains. In fact, the teachings of this type, according to US 2003 / 0178859 A1, utilize a total of three electric drive mechanisms: an opening drive for normal operation, an electric operating drive for emergency maneuvers, and a final electric locking drive. This is technically costly, resulting in a prominent structure and increased manufacturing costs. The present invention provides a comprehensive remedy. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further improve such motor vehicle locks, and in particular motor vehicle door locks, so as to reduce the cost of structure and technology and thus reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0008] To address this technical problem, the present invention proposes for such motor vehicle locks, and particularly motor vehicle door locks, that the operating drive device and the locking drive device are functionally combined or functionally consistent and designed as a single drive device.

[0009] Therefore, according to the present invention, the function of the electric operating drive for the emergency operating locking device and the function of the electric locking drive as part of the locking unit are associated and combined with each other. Because only a single drive is used here, the cost of the structure is reduced. Furthermore, manufacturing costs are also reduced in this way.

[0010] Within the scope of this invention, for the sole drive unit that serves both as an emergency operating device and as a component of the locking unit, an electric drive unit or an opening drive unit may be added as an additional drive unit for operating the locking device during normal operation. However, in principle, the function of the opening drive unit during normal operation can also be performed by the sole drive unit, which in this case is used not only for emergency operating of the locking device but also, in principle, for operating the locking device.

[0011] Here, the operation of the locking device and the emergency operation of the locking device generally correspond to the opening process and the emergency opening process, respectively. This is at least according to the advantageous design. However, in principle, the operation or emergency operation of the locking device can also belong to other functional sequences. In any case, within the scope of the invention, the emergency operation or emergency opening function and the locking function can be combined electrically, i.e., by a single drive device. This single drive device can also, in principle, be used to open or operate the locking device during normal operation.

[0012] According to advantageous design schemes, the sole drive unit for this purpose is typically equipped with a motor and an output wheel. The motor is usually used to rotate the output wheel. For this purpose, the motor can engage with the teeth on the outer circumference of the output wheel via a worm gear arranged on its output shaft. Here, either a worm gear drive, or a helical gear mechanism or a spur gear mechanism can be used to operate separately. It is particularly advantageous that both the worm gear on the motor's output shaft and the outer teeth of the output wheel have helical teeth. Because such teeth are characterized by low friction, when the motor causes operation, the output wheel can be easily returned to its initial position by means of a spring associated with it.

[0013] In order to realize and implement not only emergency operation or emergency opening of the locking device, but also locking function, according to the present invention using a single drive unit, the output wheel is generally equipped with a locking forming part and an emergency operation forming part. Here, these two forming parts are generally opposite each other with respect to the output wheel which is centered relative to them. Furthermore, it is generally designed such that, starting from the basic position of the single electric drive unit, emergency operation or emergency opening of the locking device is realized in the direction toward the output wheel, while the other second direction of the output wheel corresponds to the realization and implementation of the locking function.

[0014] For this purpose, the design is often such that the locking forming part on the output wheel acts on the locking lever, which is part of the locking unit. In addition to the locking lever, the locking unit is generally and additionally equipped with a connecting rod. The connecting rod itself is used to selectively open / close the lever system to engage the locking device. In fact, the "disengaged" position of the connecting rod corresponds to the lever system being open. Therefore, the locking unit is in its "locked" state. If the locking unit occupies its "unlocked" position, the connecting rod is in the "engaged" state.

[0015] Here, the locking unit is generally not only able to be switched to the "unlocked" or "locked" position by means of an electric locking drive, but also often and additionally includes a safety element. This safety element allows the locking lever to be switched to the "unlocked" or "locked" position—independent of the electric drive. This safety element is generally designed as an internal safety element. In its simplest case, the safety element can be an "unlock / lock button".

[0016] An emergency operating forming part additionally provided on the output wheel also acts on the emergency operating lever. If the connecting rod is "engaged" or the locking unit occupies its "unlocked" state, the locking device can be opened by means of the emergency operating lever. Here, generally (in the locked state of the locking device) the unlocking process is performed first, followed by the emergency operation or emergency opening of the locking device.

[0017] According to another advantageous design, the vehicle lock is additionally equipped with a control unit and an energy source or emergency energy source for emergency operation. Here, the energy source or emergency energy source can also be used to supply energy to multiple vehicle locks. For this purpose, the energy source or emergency energy source can be centrally located and, for example, used for two vehicle locks, one on the driver's side and the other on the passenger's side. The same arrangement can be used for the control unit, which can also be used jointly by multiple vehicle locks.

[0018] Regardless of the method, the emergency operation or emergency opening according to the invention provides the possibility that, in principle, mechanically redundant linkages can be eliminated. This is because, by means of an energy source or emergency energy source, the vehicle lock according to the invention can be opened or urgently opened even in the event of failure of the main energy source inside the vehicle or failure of the onboard electrical system. All of this is achieved with regard to a particularly simple, compact, and therefore low-cost structure, since in this context only a single electric drive is generally used for both the emergency operation and locking of the locking device. This is a major advantage of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; the drawings show:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective overview view of the motor vehicle lock according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 The installation status of the vehicle lock in the vehicle to which it belongs.

[0022] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0023] Locking devices 1 and 2: Motor vehicle door lock K

[0024] Rotating locking fork 1, spring F

[0025] Locking claw 2

[0026] Control levers 3 and 4

[0027] Crank 3

[0028] Crank 4

[0029] Joystick 4

[0030] Axis 5

[0031] Lock Box 6

[0032] Locking units 7 and 8

[0033] Locking lever 7

[0034] Protrusion 7a

[0035] Connecting rod 8

[0036] Axis 9

[0037] Shaft 10

[0038] Operating drive devices 11, 12

[0039] Locking drive devices 11, 12

[0040] Motor 11

[0041] Output wheel 12

[0042] Locking forming part 13

[0043] Molding parts 13, 13'

[0044] Internal control lever 14

[0045] Emergency operation molding section 13'

[0046] Shaft 15

[0047] Emergency control lever 16

[0048] Motor vehicles 17

[0049] Emergency Energy Source 18

[0050] Control Unit 19

[0051] Casing 20 Detailed Implementation

[0052] The attached diagram shows a vehicle lock K, which is a vehicle door lock. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The comparison clearly shows that the relevant vehicle door lock K can be applied to the side doors of the vehicle. In fact, according to... Figure 2 As seen in the view, the vehicle 17 equipped with this vehicle door lock has a total of four such vehicle door locks K, more specifically, in the driver's door, the passenger door, and the two rear doors. This is, of course, merely exemplary and not mandatory.

[0053] Now according to the appendix Figure 1 The perspective view shows the basic structure of the vehicle lock K or vehicle door lock according to the present invention. Here, the locking devices 1 and 2, mainly comprising a rotating locking fork 1 and a locking pawl 2, are first seen. Furthermore, the operating lever system 3 and 4 are implemented. For this purpose, the operating lever system 3 and 4 have a crank 3 supported around an axis 5 in a lock housing 6, which is coupled to another crank 4 in a manner that prevents relative rotation within the axis 5. Thus, in Figure 1The clockwise rotation of crank 3 around axis 5, as shown in the diagram, corresponds to the corresponding clockwise rotation of another crank 4.

[0054] In addition, Figure 1 Locking units 7 and 8 can also be seen. Locking units 7 and 8 are equipped with a locking rod 7 on one side and a connecting rod 8 on the other. The locking rod 7 is also rotatably supported in the lock box 6 about the shaft 9. The connecting rod 8 can also swing about the shaft 10, which is rotatably supported on the locking pawl 2.

[0055] Additionally, electrically operated actuating actuators 11 and 12 for emergency operation locking devices 1 and 2 can also be seen in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, electrically operated locking actuators 11 and 12 are also implemented, which interact with locking units 7 and 8. According to the invention, the actuating actuators 11 and 12 and the locking actuators 11 and 12 are functionally combined and are therefore designed as a single electrically operated actuator 11 and 12.

[0056] For this purpose, the only electrically driven drive units 11 and 12 have a motor 11 and an output wheel 12. The output wheel 12 is equipped with a locking forming part 13 on one side and an operating forming part or emergency operating forming part 13' on the other side. Here, the two forming parts 13 and 13' are opposite each other with respect to the output wheel 12 which is centered opposite to it.

[0057] Here, the overall design is such that the locking forming part 13 acts on the locking rod 7, which is a component of the locking units 7 and 8. In fact, the output wheel 12... Figure 1 The clockwise movement shown corresponds to the locking lever 7 and, consequently, the locking units 7 and 8 occupying their "locked" state. Because during the clockwise movement of the output wheel 12, the locking forming part 13 ensures that the locking lever 7 swings counterclockwise around its axis 9. As a result, the protrusion 7a on the end side of the locking lever 7 moves closer to the end of the connecting rod 8. Thus, the connecting rod 8 swings clockwise around its axis 10 and therefore can no longer interact with the operating lever 4, but is spaced apart from it. This corresponds to the "disengaged" functional position of the connecting rod 8.

[0058] If the inner lever 14 is loaded counterclockwise around its axis 15 in the "disengaged" functional position of the connecting rod 8 and therefore in the "locked" functional position of the locking units 7 and 8, then the connected levers 3 and 4 will idle / be inactive for the corresponding and thus triggered movements of the locking devices 1 and 2. Because of the counterclockwise movement of the inner lever 14, the two levers 3 and 4 will swing clockwise around their common axis 5. However, because the connecting rod 8 is spaced apart from it, this swinging movement of the two levers 3 and 4 cannot be used to disengage the locking pawl 2 from its locking engagement with the rotating locking fork 1. Therefore, the locking devices 1 and 2 remain in their locked or locked positions.

[0059] Therefore, in order to open the locking devices 1 and 2, the electric drive devices 11 and 12 need to move to their respective positions. Figure 1 In the initial position shown therein, the locking lever 7—when loaded by the spring F—occupies the "unlocked" position shown therein. The connecting lever 8 is then "engaged" and the locking devices 1 and 2 can be opened by means of the inner operating lever 14.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the present invention, emergency operation or emergency opening of the locking devices 1 and 2 can also be achieved. For this purpose, the only electrically driven drive devices 11 and 12 are loaded such that—reversing the previously described locking process—the output wheel 12 is loaded counterclockwise by means of the motor 11. Thus, on the back side, according to… Figure 1 The control forming part or emergency control forming part 13' provided in the view range acts on the emergency control lever 16. Here, the emergency control lever 16 is rotatably supported coaxially with respect to the common axis 15 relative to the aforementioned inner control lever 14. The loading of the only electric drive device 11, 12 for emergency operation or emergency opening is caused at this time, and the emergency control lever 16 swings counterclockwise about the axis 15. As a result, the emergency control lever 16 can act on the two control levers 3, 4, and cause the two control levers to swing clockwise about their common axis 5.

[0061] Because locking units 7 and 8 occupy their "unlocked" positions during this process, and therefore connecting lever 8 occupies its "engaged" functional state relative to the control levers 3 and 4, the clockwise swing of the two control levers 3 and 4 around their common axis 5 causes the locking pawl 2 to disengage from its locking engagement with the rotating locking fork 1. Therefore, the rotating locking fork 1 opens under spring support and releases the previously held locking pin.

[0062] When in Figure 2When the main power source inside the vehicle 17 shown fails or the on-board electrical grid voltage drops to a level that prevents normal operation of the locking devices 1 and 2 from being electrically opened, an emergency maneuver or the emergency opening described herein is typically performed. In this situation, the only electrically driven devices 11 and 12 are powered by an energy source 18 or an emergency energy source. The energy source or emergency energy source 18 is one or more capacitors or supercapacitors. Furthermore, a control unit 19 can also be seen here. The control unit 19 and the energy source or emergency energy source 18 can be housed on a common circuit board and combined as a unit.

[0063] The module consisting of control unit 19 and energy source 18 can be centrally located inside the vehicle 17. According to this embodiment, modules 18 and 19 are respectively assigned to one side of the vehicle, and according to this embodiment, they are assigned not only to the driver's side but also to the passenger's side. Here, modules 18 and 19 can be housed in a receiving... Figure 1 The vehicle lock is housed within the housing 20 that provides the outer shell for the vehicle lock, or it can be housed in a separate housing and separate from the vehicle lock K. Both are... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. That is, energy source 18 or emergency energy source is used to supply energy to multiple vehicle locks K of vehicle 17. This scheme is clearly only a preferred option and should not be construed as restrictive.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock comprising: a locking device (1, 2) mainly consisting of a rotating locking fork (1) and a locking pawl (2); a control lever system (3, 4) having an electrically operated control drive (11, 12) for emergency operation of the locking device (1, 2); and a locking unit (7, 8) having an electrically operated locking drive (11, 12). Its features are, The operating drive (11, 12) and the locking drive (11, 12) are functionally combined and designed as a single electric drive (11, 12). The drive unit (11, 12) has a motor (11) and an output wheel (12). The output wheel (12) is equipped with a locking molding part (13) and an emergency operation molding part (13'). The locking forming part (13) acts on the locking rod (7), which is a component of the locking unit (7, 8). The emergency control forming part (13') acts on the emergency control lever (16). The two forming parts (13, 13') are opposite each other about the centrally located output wheel (12). It is equipped with a control unit (19) and an energy source (18) for emergency operation. Starting from the basic position of the only electric drive unit, the output wheel is loaded in the first direction to realize the emergency operation or emergency opening of the locking device, while the output wheel is loaded in the second direction opposite to the first direction to realize and implement the locking function.

2. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, In addition to the locking rod (7), the locking unit (7, 8) also has a connecting rod (8).

3. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting rod (8) selectively opens or closes the lever system (3, 4) used to load the locking device (1, 2).

4. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy source (18) is used to supply energy to multiple vehicle locks of the motor vehicle (17).

5. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle lock mentioned is a vehicle door lock.

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