Motor vehicle with motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a motor vehicle lock (1) assigned to a movable door element, the motor vehicle lock having a locking device (14) comprising a rotary lock bolt (8) and at least one locking pawl (15), wherein in an open position of the locking device (14) at least a portion of an access area (7) for a lock holder can be opened, the motor vehicle further having a control element (10) arranged in the free access area (7), wherein the control element (10) forms at least a portion of an emergency power supply of the motor vehicle lock (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a motor vehicle lock assigned to a movable door element, the motor vehicle lock having a locking device including a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl, wherein, in the installed state of the motor vehicle lock and in the open position of the locking device, at least a portion of the entrance area for the lock retainer can be opened, and the motor vehicle also having an operating element arranged in the free / empty entrance area. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, once a vehicle door, hood, sliding door, or similar feature is closed, the vehicle lock, or particularly the locking mechanism of the vehicle lock, interacts with the locking pin. For this purpose, vehicle locks are typically located in or on the relevant vehicle door. In contrast, the locking pin is located on the vehicle body, for example, on the B-pillar or C-pillar. The locking pin, also known as the lock retainer, together with the vehicle lock, defines the vehicle door locking system.

[0003] Modern vehicle locks incorporate multiple functions, such as central locking, child safety locks, anti-theft locks, and collision protection devices. These functions serve both safety-related purposes and enhance comfort within the vehicle. These functions are typically driven, activated, or adjusted directly or indirectly by motors. For example, in central locking, a central locking system is typically moved between unlocked and locked positions via a central locking motor.

[0004] In the "unlocked" position of the locking element, there is often a continuous mechanical connection from the exterior or interior door handle to the release lever for the locking pawl of the locking device. In this case, when the relevant exterior door handle is loaded, the release lever ensures that the locking pawl can be lifted from the rotating fork, thereby opening the rotating fork either spring-supported or due to pressure from the door seal. Conversely, corresponding to the "locked" position of the locking element, the aforementioned lever chain is interrupted. Therefore, any loading of the interior or exterior door handle is unloaded, and the release lever is not actuated to load the locking pawl.

[0005] In cases where the locking mechanism malfunctions, such as due to the motor or central locking motor no longer operating, an emergency locking device is provided. DE 10 2014 114 945 A1 discloses a feasible solution for operating the emergency locking device in the event of a power outage. This document discloses a solution for power outages in which the locking mechanism of the lock can be manually operated. For this purpose, an operating element is introduced into the entry area of ​​the lock retainer in the vehicle lock, allowing manual activation of the locking mechanism using a tool, such as a vehicle key fob or screwdriver. The entry area defines the region where the lock retainer falls into and engages with the locking device and, in particular, the rotating lock fork of the locking device when the door element is closed. This provides a feasible solution for locking the vehicle lock, enabling manual operation in the event of a power outage, and further utilizing the opening present in the vehicle lock for activating the locking mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, as is also known from DE 10 2014 003 505 A1, the child safety lock is activated using the entry area of ​​the lock retainer. In this case, an operating element is also arranged in the entry area of ​​the lock retainer, allowing mechanical operation of the operating element through the opening in the entry area. Here, a child safety lock in a motor vehicle refers to a locking device that prevents the rear doors of the vehicle from being opened from the inside. In other words, although a child sitting in the rear seat can operate the inside door handle, this operation does not unlock the locking device because the child safety lock prevents the operation of the release lever. As mentioned above, these safety functions, and especially the child safety locks in modern vehicle locks, are operated or activated electrically, where only a control signal is forwarded to the vehicle lock. However, in use, mechanical redundancy is also provided between the inside door handle and the vehicle lock for the child safety lock, thus providing an additional safety means to operate the vehicle lock. However, in both of the above cases, when the child safety lock is activated, the locking device of the vehicle lock cannot be unlocked from the inside by means of the inside door handle. To this end, the mechanical connection with the release lever must be interrupted, wherein this interruption is initiated or adjusted by means of an electric actuator. To ensure the possibility of reactivating the child safety lock in the event of a power outage, DE 10 2014 003 505 A1 proposes using an operating mechanism in the entry area of ​​the vehicle lock for activating the child safety lock.

[0007] To enable emergency operation in the various types of motorized vehicle locks available today, as known from DE 112014 004 455 T5, an energy storage device is incorporated into the vehicle lock. For this purpose, electric vehicle locks have energy storage devices integrated into the lock and arranged on a circuit board, which enable emergency operation of the vehicle lock in the event of a drop in current or power failure. The energy storage device is securely mounted in the vehicle lock, and failure or malfunction of the energy storage device will necessitate the replacement of the vehicle lock.

[0008] The safety features and energy storage devices known in the prior art have improved the security and comfort of modern vehicle locks. However, in electrically operated locks, the energy supply is interrupted or the energy storage device malfunctions, and these locks will reach their service limits. This invention is proposed based on this premise. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is to provide an improved vehicle lock. Specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a vehicle lock that ensures a long-term power supply and maintains its security function even in the event of a power failure in the vehicle.

[0010] The objective is achieved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features disclosed in the specification, dependent claims, and drawings are feasible.

[0011] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is thus achieved, namely, providing a motor vehicle having a motor vehicle lock assigned to a movable door element, the motor vehicle lock having a locking device including a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl, wherein, in the installed state of the motor vehicle lock and in the open position of the locking device, at least a portion of the entry area for the lock retainer can be opened, the motor vehicle also having an operating member arranged in the free entry area, wherein the operating member at least forms part of the power supply of the motor vehicle lock. By using the operating member as part of the emergency power supply, it is possible to enable the motor vehicle user to provide emergency power to the motor vehicle lock using the freely accessible area of ​​the motor vehicle lock, for example, during maintenance work. If the emergency power supply is arranged in the free entry area of ​​the motor vehicle lock, the area is easily accessible when the door element is opened, allowing the user to either activate the emergency power supply or replace it during maintenance. Here, the operating member forms part of the emergency power supply. Therefore, the operating member can be used to connect the emergency power supply on the one hand and / or, for example, form part of the housing, such as a closure cover for an energy storage device.

[0012] When referring to a door element within the scope of this invention, it means a component arranged in a movable manner on a motor vehicle, which is held in a secure position by means of a vehicle lock and can be operated by means of an electric actuator. The door element can be a side door, cover, sliding door, rear cover, enclosure, or similar component on a motor vehicle. Locking, unlocking, child safety protection, de-locking, or similar functions of the vehicle lock can be achieved by means of an electric actuator, which operates by means of a motor and therefore requires an electrical power supply.

[0013] The motor vehicle according to the invention has a motor vehicle lock constructed with a locking device including a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl. Typically, such a motor vehicle lock has an entry area by which the rotating locking fork engages with a lock retainer. The motor vehicle lock is preferably arranged on a movable door element, while the lock retainer is arranged on the vehicle body. Of course, the opposite arrangement is also conceivable. However, it is also conceivable that the motor vehicle lock is used, for example, in a split rear cover, where both the motor vehicle lock and the lock retainer are arranged on a movable component. In any case, the lock retainer engages with the rotating locking fork through the entry area. The rotating locking fork is configured in a fork shape, hence the term "entry point" in relation to the rotating locking fork. The lock retainer engages with the fork-shaped opening of the rotating locking fork, wherein, during a closing movement, the rotating locking fork is locked in at least one locked position, thus providing a locked locking device in the motor vehicle lock. The area of ​​the motor vehicle lock in which the lock retainer engages is called the entry area. The rotating locking fork obstructs a portion of the entry area, allowing the lock retainer to engage with the rotating locking fork. According to the prior art and the present invention, the unobstructed area and therefore the free area of ​​the entrance are used for the operating mechanism. Thus, when the door element is opened, the operator can enter the entrance area and access the operating mechanism. The present invention utilizes this advantage and incorporates an emergency power supply for the vehicle lock within the free entrance area.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment of the invention specifies that the operating element forms part of the energy storage unit, particularly the battery compartment. The operating element itself may form part of the energy storage unit and, for example, provide a housing cover for an emergency power supply. However, the operating element itself may also serve merely as a cover for the energy storage unit, wherein, for example, as known in the prior art, the operating element has an opening into which a tool can be inserted to remove the operating element from a latch with a vehicle lock while using the cover. However, in a preferred embodiment, the operating element itself forms part of the emergency power supply housing and, particularly, as a cover for an energy storage unit, for example, a battery.

[0015] An advantageous implementation specifies that the energy storage device can be replaced by removing the control mechanism. A key advantage of this invention is that the energy storage device can be replaced via a free access area. Because of the possibility of replacing the energy storage device, energy supply can be guaranteed for a very long time, and practically indefinitely. If the energy storage device is replaced within the normal maintenance intervals of the vehicle, the duration of emergency power supply can be ensured throughout the entire service life of the vehicle. Therefore, the functions provided to the vehicle via emergency power can be supplied with current or voltage at any time via emergency power. This also achieves the additional advantage that improved energy storage devices, for example, with improved service life or capable of providing higher current or voltage supply in the vehicle, can be used. The replaceability of the energy storage device also ensures that it can be easily replaced in the event of failure without extensive reassembly or even replacing the entire lock.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the energy storage device can be guided by a control element. The energy storage device can be, for example, configured as a battery or accumulator and housed in the vehicle lock. For replacement of the energy storage device, such as during routine maintenance, the control element can be configured to allow the energy storage device, such as a battery, to be inserted into or removed from a designated compartment in the vehicle lock. The control element here serves as a guide and may have a retaining portion that at least partially surrounds the energy storage device. Of course, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the control element itself forms a housing for the energy storage device, wherein the housing has corresponding electrical contacts by which the energy storage device can make electrical contact with the vehicle lock.

[0017] Another design variation of the invention specifies that the operating element forms part of the emergency locking mechanism of a vehicle lock or a child safety lock. If the operating element is additionally used as a mechanical device for the emergency locking mechanism or child safety lock, it acquires a dual function. On one hand, the operating element can serve as part of an emergency power supply, and on the other hand, it can additionally activate the child safety lock mechanically, as is known in the prior art. Here, according to the invention, it is conceivable that the rotation direction of the operating element is provided, for example, for selecting the corresponding function. For example, if the child safety lock is activated by rotating the operating element in one direction, then opening the battery compartment can be achieved by rotating the operating element in the opposite direction. For this purpose, a locking position can be constructed on the operating element to provide tactile feedback to the user, enabling safe activation of the child safety lock, and on the other hand, allowing for safe adjustment of the initial position of the operating element.

[0018] Furthermore, a design variation of the invention specifies that the energy storage housing can be constructed as part of the lock housing. On one hand, the operating element itself can provide a seal for the energy storage housing, and on the other hand, the vehicle lock and, in particular, the vehicle lock housing can accommodate the energy storage. The vehicle lock housing is preferably made of plastic, and preferably has a first housing portion that can be closed by means of a housing cover.

[0019] At least a portion of the vehicle lock housing has a common type of electrical wiring, through which current is supplied to the motor, electrical components, and, for example, a microswitch. If the lock housing itself forms a housing for an energy storage device, the energy storage device can make electrical contact with the vehicle lock in a simple structural manner, i.e., by making the energy storage device directly contact the electrical wiring in the vehicle lock housing.

[0020] Another embodiment of the invention specifies that the vehicle lock has at least one electric actuator, wherein the electric actuator can be powered by an emergency power source. The vehicle lock is configured such that, in the event of a current drop or power failure, an energy storage device is switched via a control device within the vehicle lock itself or via a control unit assigned to the vehicle itself, such that the electric actuator, or if necessary, multiple electric actuators, can be supplied with emergency current from the energy storage device. For example, if a current drop occurs in the vehicle, the energy storage device is switched on to the vehicle lock, such that the voltage or current supply from the energy storage device is provided to the vehicle lock and / or the vehicle itself. Thus, emergency locking in the vehicle can be achieved, for example, by means of the electric actuator.

[0021] The operating element can provide a housing cover, guide, and / or retaining portion for the energy storage device. Advantageously, a seal can be arranged between the operating element and the lock housing. This ensures the energy storage device is safely protected from external influences. In particular, the free entry area is affected by external weather and / or contamination, which may also enter the vehicle lock's entry area through cleaning, for example, by the vehicle operator. By using a seal, such as a sealing ring around the operating element, the battery box or energy storage box can be safely protected from external environmental influences. This is particularly advantageous because the energy storage device and preferably the battery are easily affected by moisture. Therefore, sealing the energy storage device housing can be achieved via the operating element itself. Thus, the operating element can be endowed with multiple functions.

[0022] The operating element can serve as a seal, a guide or retainer for the energy storage device, and also form part of the operating mechanism of the vehicle lock. Therefore, it is conceivable, for example, that the operating element is connected to the energy storage device housing in such a way that the energy storage device housing itself forms part of the operating mechanism of the vehicle lock, particularly the lever mechanism. In this exemplary case, the operating mechanism itself receives the energy storage device and simultaneously serves, for example, as a mechanism for activating the child safety lock or emergency locking.

[0023] As part of the operating mechanism, the operating element can be used, for example, to activate the child safety lock. For instance, if the operating mechanism is designed as a lever mechanism, the child safety lock can be activated by rotating the operating element. Here, the rotation angle can also be used to operate the operating mechanism and to replace the accumulator. For example, if the child safety lock is activated by rotating 45° in a first direction, the operating element can be disengaged from the lock at a 90° rotation angle to replace the accumulator. Preferably, a locking point can be provided in the 45° rotation area to provide the operator with tactile feedback that the child safety lock has been activated. It is also conceivable to use different rotation directions to activate the child safety lock and disengage the operating element. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the operating element can be disengaged from its engagement with the housing or lock by means of a bayonet connection.

[0024] The structure of the motor vehicle, and particularly the motor vehicle lock, according to the invention ensures that the function of the motor vehicle lock can be safely supplied with energy even in the event of a failure in the vehicle's electrical system. This is particularly ensured by the replaceability of the energy carrier throughout the entire duration, i.e., the service life of the motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, according to a preferred embodiment. However, the following principle applies: the embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely illustrate an advantageous design. The features shown may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and the claims. The figures show:

[0026] Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of a vehicle lock and a view of the lock's entry area, which includes a rotating locking fork.

[0027] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The cross-section of the vehicle lock shown along line II-II, where a section passing through the control element and the energy storage device is presented. Detailed Implementation

[0028] exist Figure 1The vehicle lock 1 is shown in a three-dimensional view, showing a portion of the lock housing 2 and a portion of the lock box 3. The lock box 3 is connected to a vehicle door element (not shown) by means of screws 4, 5, and 6. The vehicle lock shown may be, for example, a side door lock. The lock box 3 is preferably made of metal and surrounds the entrance region 7 of the vehicle lock 1, in which a rotating lock fork 8 in the closed position is presented. An operating element 10 is arranged flush with and integrated into the plane 9 of the entrance region 7. The operating element 10 has an opening in the form of a guide slot 11, into which, for example, a tool or key chain can be inserted. Figure 1 It can also be seen that two shafts for locking device 14 are riveted together with lock box 3, wherein, Figure 1 Only the rotating locking fork 8 of the locking device 14 can be seen. In this embodiment, the locking device is formed by the rotating locking fork 8 and the locking claw 15.

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shows a vehicle lock 1 detached from the vehicle, with the rotating locking fork 8 and locking device 14 in a locked position. If the locking device 14 is opened, the rotating locking fork 8 opens the entrance area 7 via its forked opening 16. This allows the user to safely access the guide slot 11 of the operating element 10 and operate the emergency power supply. Therefore, depending on the embodiment of the vehicle lock 1, the operating element 10 can swing back and forth in the direction of arrow P, thereby activating the child safety lock in one rotational direction and, for example, loosening the operating element 10 from the lock housing 2 in the opposite rotational direction. As described above, a locking function can be provided in the operating element 10 and / or the lock housing 2 to ensure reliable positioning of the operating element in the vehicle lock 1 and to provide the operator with tactile feedback regarding the reliable positioning of the operating element 10.

[0030] Now, in Figure 2 The middle shows along Figure 1 The cross-section of the vehicle lock 1 along line II-II is shown. A cross-section can be seen passing through the lock housing 2, lock box 3, screws 4 and 6, entry area 7, operating element 10, and accumulator 17. From... Figure 2As can be seen, the actuating element 10 also guides the energy storage device 17, wherein an extension 18 is constructed on the actuating element 10, which surrounds the energy storage device and, in particular, the energy storage device housing 19. A spring element 20 is arranged between the actuating element 10 and the energy storage device 17 to reliably position the energy storage device 17. Additionally, the actuating element 10 has a shoulder 21, which, for example, forms a bayonet-like connection between the actuating element 10 and the inlet region 7. The inlet region 7 and, in particular, the plane 9 of the inlet region, can be constructed as a separate component or integrally formed with the lock housing 2. In this embodiment, the actuating element 10 itself forms part of the energy storage device housing, wherein the actuating element 10 here serves as a cover for the energy storage device housing 19. A seal 22, such as an annular seal, is arranged between the actuating element 10 and the energy storage device housing 19. With the aid of the shoulder 21 and the seal 22, the energy storage device housing 19 or the battery box can be securely protected from external influences.

[0031] The energy storage device 17 can be, for example, a battery. Contacts 24 and 25 are located at the axial end 23 of the energy storage device 17, by means of which the energy storage device 17 can be connected to, for example, the conductor wiring of a vehicle lock. Therefore, energy, i.e., current and voltage, can be supplied to electrical components present in the vehicle lock and / or to a control unit located in or outside the vehicle lock.

[0032] If, for example, a current drop occurs in the vehicle, there is no longer sufficient energy to operate the vehicle lock 1, an emergency power supply can be provided by means of the energy storage device 17. For this purpose, control signals can be forwarded to the vehicle lock and / or controller. According to the invention, the energy storage device 17 is arranged in the vehicle lock 1 in a replaceable manner. To replace the energy storage device, the user can, for example, insert a tool into the inlet slot 11 and disengage and remove the actuating element 10 from its engagement with the vehicle lock housing 2 or the plane 9 of the inlet area 7, thereby replacing the energy storage device 17. After replacing the energy storage device, such as a battery, the actuating element 10 can be reinserted into the lock housing and securely locked, wherein the shoulder 21 reaches behind the inlet opening 28 for the actuating element 10. After the inlet opening 28 is closed by means of the actuating element 10, the energy storage device 17 is also securely reattached to the conductor lines 26, 27 of the vehicle lock under the pressure of the spring element 20.

[0033] According to the present invention, it is also conceivable that the control element 10 is designed to have a control mechanism 29 constructed on it, wherein the control mechanism 29 is used, for example, to activate a child safety lock. In this case, the control element 10 may be form-locked into the control mechanism 29 or constructed as multiple parts. It is conceivable that the control element is engaged with the energy storage device in such a way that the control mechanism 29 can be moved by means of the control element 10.

[0034] The energy storage device can be replaced using the simplest structural means through the structure of the vehicle lock 1 according to the invention, wherein an existing opening, namely the entrance area 7 of the vehicle lock 1, is used. Therefore, on the one hand, a structurally advantageous solution for providing emergency power can be achieved, and on the other hand, a long service life of the vehicle lock can be ensured at all times.

[0035] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0036] 1. Motor vehicle lock

[0037] 2 Lock housing

[0038] 3 Lock Box

[0039] 4, 5, 6 screws

[0040] 7. Entrance Area

[0041] 8. Rotate the locking fork

[0042] 9 Planes

[0043] 10 Control Components

[0044] 11 Import slot

[0045] Axes 12 and 13

[0046] 14 Locking device

[0047] 15 Locking claws

[0048] 16 Forked openings

[0049] 17 Energy Storage

[0050] 18. Extension

[0051] 19 Energy Storage Housing

[0052] 20 Spring elements

[0053] 21 shoulder

[0054] 22 Seals

[0055] 23 end

[0056] Contacts 24 and 25

[0057] Conductor lines 26 and 27

[0058] 28. Inlet opening

[0059] P arrow

Claims

1. A motor vehicle having a motor vehicle lock (1) assigned to movable door elements, the motor vehicle lock having a locking device (14) comprising a rotating locking fork (8) and at least one locking pawl (15), wherein, In the open position of the locking device (14), at least a portion of the inlet area (7) for the lock retainer can be opened, and the motor vehicle also has an operating element (10) arranged in the free inlet area (7). Its features are, The control element (10) forms at least part of the emergency power supply of the vehicle lock (1); and the energy storage device (17) can be replaced by removing the control element (10).

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (10) forms part of the energy storage housing (19).

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control element (10) forms the housing cover of the emergency power supply.

4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (10) forms part of the battery box.

5. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The energy storage device (17) can be guided by the control element (10).

6. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The control element can provide a holding part (18) for the energy storage device (17).

7. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The control element (10) forms part of the emergency locking part of the motor vehicle lock (1) or a child safety lock.

8. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The energy storage housing (19) can be constructed as part of the lock housing (2).

9. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has at least one electric actuator, wherein the at least one electric actuator can be powered by an emergency power source.

10. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, A seal (22) can be arranged between the operating element (10) and the lock housing.

11. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4, characterized in that, The motor vehicle also includes a control mechanism that serves as a mechanism for activating the child safety lock or emergency locking, wherein the energy storage housing (19) is part of the control mechanism (29).

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control mechanism is designed as a lever mechanism.

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