Motor vehicle lock, in particular electric lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular an electric lock, having a locking mechanism (1, 2) which mainly comprises a rotary lock lever (1) and a locking claw (2). The motor vehicle lock also has an electric opening drive (3) for the locking mechanism (1, 2) and an energy store (4) for emergency powering of the opening drive (3) in an emergency mode and thus for emergency opening of the locking mechanism (1, 2). According to the invention, the locking mechanism (1, 2) is held in its "open" state by means of the opening drive (3) in the emergency mode and during or after the opening process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, particularly an electric lock, having a locking mechanism mainly comprising a rotating locking fork and a locking pawl, an electric opening drive for the locking mechanism, and an accumulator for providing emergency power to the opening drive in emergency operation and thereby for emergency opening of the locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicle locks, especially electric locks, are characterized by providing users with exceptional comfort when opening the doors of their respective vehicles. Motor vehicle doors can generally be side doors, but can also be rear doors, fuel tank caps, charging port covers, etc. The opening process is typically initiated by a remote operating device or by the operator manipulating a sensor or switch. This sensor or switch may be located, for example, on or within the exterior door handle.

[0003] In vehicle locks, and particularly in electric locks, as known in this case by DE 10 2019128 296A1, a so-called mechanical redundancy is additionally implemented in addition to the electric opening drive mechanism. This mechanical redundancy enables a mechanical connection for manually removing the locking pawl, allowing for emergency opening of the vehicle door during emergency operation, for example, in the event of a power supply failure. The mechanical redundancy is implemented and enforced in this location by providing a connecting element, to which the actuator implemented in this location can be connected via a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable enables both internal and / or external operation, particularly during emergency operation.

[0004] According to the prior art of DE 10 2019 126 570 A1, a drive mechanism for a vehicle lock is proposed in this regard, which is equipped with a main drive mechanism acting on a lever mechanism. Furthermore, an auxiliary drive mechanism for emergency unlocking or emergency opening of the locking mechanism is implemented. The auxiliary drive mechanism is designed as part of a functionally independent auxiliary module that is mechanically connected to the vehicle door lock. The auxiliary module itself may be equipped with a power source or auxiliary power source. This involves a battery, one or more capacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0005] When it comes to implementing and carrying out emergency operation of a motor vehicle lock for emergency unlocking of the locking mechanism, the prior art has proven effective in principle. However, for this purpose, the prior art employs mechanical redundancy within the scope of DE 10 2019 128 296A1 on the one hand, and auxiliary drive devices corresponding to this type of DE 10 2019 126 570 A1 on the other. In both cases, this presupposes additional devices, mechanical connections, etc. Therefore, the construction is complex and partially invasive. Here, the present invention aims to provide a comprehensive remedy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further improve such vehicle locks, especially electric locks, so as to reduce structural costs and achieve a particularly compact implementation.

[0007] To solve this technical problem, within the scope of the present invention, such vehicle locks and, in particular, electric locks are characterized in that the locking mechanism is held in its "open" state by means of an opening drive device during emergency operation, as well as during or after the opening process, or during or after an emergency opening.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is designed in principle such that emergency operation corresponds to the locking mechanism occupying and maintaining its open state during or after emergency opening. For this purpose, in emergency operation, an accumulator is typically used to provide emergency power to the opening drive mechanism. This is because, in emergency operation, the main power source, typically used during normal operation to power the electric opening drive mechanism (e.g., a battery in a motor vehicle), fails or cannot provide sufficient power to move the electric opening drive mechanism. Therefore, in emergency operation, an accumulator designed independently of the main power source is provided.

[0009] Here, it is typically designed such that the locking mechanism is held in the "open" state during or after the first emergency opening or first opening process in emergency operation. That is, once the vehicle or its associated control device or control unit switches to emergency operation, the first opening process and thus the first emergency opening cause an emergency power supply to the opening drive device via an accumulator, thereby moving the locking mechanism to its "open" position. In this "open" state, the locking mechanism is now (continuously) held in place.

[0010] In practice, for example, when a vehicle has been parked for an extended period and the voltage of the main power source on the vehicle side drops to a level where it can no longer power the electric opening actuator for the locking mechanism, an emergency operation may occur. In this situation, the control unit, as mentioned earlier, switches to emergency operation, for example, when the voltage drops below the operating voltage provided by the main power source. That is, the locking mechanism remains locked while the vehicle is parked. Emergency opening only begins when the user attempts to open the vehicle door corresponding to the vehicle lock during an emergency operation, for example, by manipulating sensors or a remote control device.

[0011] It is understood that during emergency operation, the relevant sensors and optimal transmitting / receiving units are typically powered by an accumulator or, supplementarily, by the main power source to detect the operator's opening intention during emergency operation. Now, the first emergency opening immediately following the operator's opening intention, or the first opening process (after the start of emergency operation), in any case results in the opening drive being urgently powered by the accumulator. Thus, the opening drive enables the locking mechanism to transition to its "open" state. Typically, this corresponds to the electrically powered opening drive loading the locking pawl and spacing it from the rotating locking fork. In other words, the "open" state of the locking mechanism generally corresponds to releasing the rotating locking fork by means of the opening drive, with the accumulator providing emergency power to the opening drive during emergency operation.

[0012] The spaced-out position of the locking claws typically remains until a mechanical and / or electronic reset occurs. The same applies to the "open" state of the locking mechanism. A mechanical reset means that the locking mechanism mechanically—again—transitions to its locked state, or, in specific examples, the locking claws re-engage with the rotary locking fork. Thus, the associated vehicle door can be locked without problems in subsequent processes, because, for example, the lock stop / pin on the vehicle body can be engaged by the rotary locking fork and secured to the rotary locking fork by means of the locking claws, which are released at this time (by the opening drive), through a snap-locking action.

[0013] According to the invention, it typically operates by electronic reset to release the "open" state of the locking mechanism again, and specifically by loading the opening drive in the opposite direction so that the opening drive does not (again) hold the locking pawl in a position spaced apart from the rotating locking fork. Therefore, once the rotating locking fork engages the locking stop, the locking pawl can easily fall back into the rotating locking fork. That is, upon reset, the locking mechanism re-occupies its initial locked position.

[0014] Here, electronic reset is typically performed by querying at least one sensor. According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous to manipulate two sensors for reset to prevent erroneous operation or even tampering. Here, the two sensors are operated in a pre-defined sequence during reset.

[0015] This method not only provides trouble-free emergency opening of the locking mechanism, but it is also achieved without any mechanical redundancy or auxiliary drive devices as in the prior art. In other words, the structural cost according to the invention is significantly reduced compared to previous methods. At the same time, eliminating additional components contributes to cost reduction and weight optimization.

[0016] Furthermore, by keeping the locking mechanism in the "open" state until reset, the user or operator cannot (again) lock the vehicle door after an emergency opening or first emergency opening. This results in the user or operator being directly and intuitively aware of the impending emergency operation and thus able to take possible countermeasures, such as requesting a towing service. Additionally, the operator or user is encouraged or compelled to handle this situation so that they can again cancel the "open" state and lock the vehicle door. This is contingent upon the operator or user consulting, for example, a manual, an app, or elsewhere, how to perform an electronic reset in the example case to relock the vehicle. This necessitates special attention and requires direct action from the user to get the vehicle running again or to recharge the mains power. All of this is achieved simply based on the fact that the "open" state of the locking mechanism is maintained until reset, without any additional information or warnings.

[0017] Therefore, as another advantage, the accumulator is used only for at least the first and second emergency openings. This is because at least the second emergency opening is typically required to allow the vehicle to be opened later for maintenance purposes. Thus, a relatively small accumulator can be used, or the described vehicle lock according to the invention operates even when the accumulator itself has a weak state of charge (e.g., due to aging). Therefore, a capacitor or so-called supercapacitor can advantageously be used as the accumulator, since typically only a limited number of operations or emergency operations are required (at least two emergency operations). Of course, the accumulator can also be designed as a battery or as a combination of capacitors or supercapacitors with batteries, multiple capacitors, multiple batteries, etc.

[0018] The sensor already mentioned for implementing electronic reset is typically the door control switch. The usual sequence of operations here corresponds to, for example, simultaneously operating both the interior and exterior door handles to achieve electronic reset, and actuating the electric opening actuator so that, in this example, the electric opening actuator no longer holds the locking pawl and rotating fork separately in the "open" position of the locking mechanism. Of course, other sequences or modes of operation can be considered. For example, a specific sequence of operations can be implemented using only one sensor or door control switch. This approach is only used in emergency operations to eliminate the possibility of erroneous operation during normal operation. Furthermore, in emergency operations, authorization of the driver or user wishing to enter the vehicle is required, for example, through a question-and-answer dialogue with the vehicle or by the user possessing a (remotely controlled) key that guarantees entry in a simple and straightforward manner.

[0019] As a result, a vehicle lock, and particularly an electric lock, is provided that, for the first time and entirely in principle, offers the possibility of eliminating mechanical redundancy or even the auxiliary drive mechanism. All of this is achieved without compromising security in any way. More precisely, emergency operation is directly related to intuitive notification to the user or operator. This applies not only to situations where the corresponding vehicle transitions from normal operation to emergency operation while locked or locked, but also to situations where the vehicle transitions to emergency operation while the door is already open or even during the opening process, enabling problem-free emergency opening. In any case, the invention aims to keep the locking mechanism in its "open" state during emergency operation by means of an electric opening drive until a reset occurs. This is a key advantage of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; the only one Figure 1 The motor vehicle lock according to the invention is shown with its essential features that are important to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a vehicle lock, which, according to this embodiment, is a vehicle door lock. The vehicle door lock is designed as an electric lock, therefore it can only be opened electrically during normal operation, and not mechanically. For this purpose, the illustrated vehicle lock has locking mechanisms 1 and 2, mainly comprising a rotating locking fork 1 and a locking pawl 2. Furthermore, an electric opening drive 3 is provided for the locking mechanisms 1 and 2. Additionally, a control unit 5 and an accumulator 4 for emergency power supply to the opening drive 3 are also visible. The control unit operates the electric opening drive 3 by means of this control unit, and the control unit also monitors, for example, the opening mechanism. Figure 1The main power source 6 is shown in the image. The main power source 6 is located inside the vehicle body and is designed as a battery.

[0022] If the control unit 5, which is typically also located in the motor vehicle, determines, for example, a drop in voltage supplied by the main energy source 6, and more precisely, determines such a drop that the electrically operated opening drive 3 can no longer be loaded by means of the main energy source 6 during normal operation, then the control unit 5 switches to emergency operation. In emergency operation, the opening drive 3 is supplied with emergency power by means of the accumulator 4 in order to urgently open the locking mechanisms 1 and 2.

[0023] The accumulator 4 can advantageously be one or more capacitors, so-called supercapacitors. These capacitors are typically housed space-savingly inside the lock housing 7, which receives the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 and the electrically operated opening actuator 3, and is shown only schematically. In the event of an emergency operation, the accumulator 4 is used to provide emergency power to the opening actuator 3 and thereby to keep the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 in their "open" state for emergency opening of the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 during an emergency operation. This is applicable at least after an opening process initiated by the operator.

[0024] The opening process typically begins with the operator applying door control switches 8 and 9. According to this embodiment, two door control switches 8 and 9 are implemented: one interior door control switch 8 and one exterior door control switch 9. The opening process typically begins with the operator applying the exterior door control switch 9. This applies not only during normal operation but also during emergency operations.

[0025] The control unit 5 detects the operation of the external door control switch 9, and this operation causes the control unit 5 to issue a command to the electrically operated opening drive 3, so that the electrically operated opening drive 3 opens the locking mechanisms 1 and 2. In the illustrated embodiment, this corresponds to the opening drive 3 loading a locking pawl 2, which can swing about axis 2a, onto its end away from the rotating lock fork via a worm gear with an operating pin on the output side and loaded in a clockwise direction. Figure 1 The view starts swinging counterclockwise and is spaced apart from the rotating locking fork 1. Simultaneously, through... Figure 1 The arrows in the diagram indicate that the process of lifting the locking pawl 2 by means of opening the drive mechanism 3 ensures that the rotating locking fork 1 is released. Correspondingly, the rotating locking fork 1 moves clockwise around its axis 1a, thereby releasing the locking block 10 previously held by the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 and opening the corresponding vehicle door.

[0026] During emergency operation and after the opening process, the opening drive device 3, now powered by the accumulator 4, ensures that the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 not only occupy their "open" state, but are also held in that "open" state by means of the opening drive device 3, more precisely, until a reset occurs. This ensures that the control unit 5 determines the emergency operation and accordingly loads the opening drive device 3. Electronic reset is implemented according to this embodiment. In the case of this reset, the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 re-occupy their initial locked position. For this purpose, the opening drive device 3 is powered by the control unit 5 and, when powered by the accumulator 4, so that the locking pawl 2 is no longer held in a position spaced apart from the rotating locking fork 1. More precisely, the opening drive device 3 releases the locking pawl 2, allowing it to swing, for example, under spring support, to its position. Figure 1 In the position shown. Once the locking block 10 moves into the open rotating fork 1 in this position where the locking pawl 2 abuts against the rotating fork 1 and the rotating fork swings counterclockwise during closing, the locking pawl 2 can then fall back into its locked position, as shown. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0027] According to the present invention, the electronic reset and release of the locking claw 2 are caused by interrogating at least one sensor 8, 9. Sensors 8, 9 are two door control switches 8, 9.

[0028] In other words, the operation of these two sensors 8 and 9, or the door control switches 8 and 9, corresponds to an electronic reset. This electronic reset is triggered only when a predetermined sequence of operation of the two sensors 8 and 9 or the door control switches 8 and 9 is observed.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the operation sequence corresponds to the simultaneous activation of the interior door control switch 8 and the exterior door control switch 9. Consequently, the control unit 5 sends a signal to the electrically operated opening drive 3, which releases the locking claw 2, allowing the locking claw 2 to return from its raised position to the corresponding position under spring support. Figure 1 The locked position is shown in the diagram. Now, vehicle doors equipped with the shown vehicle lock or vehicle door lock can be relocked.

[0030] To open the relevant vehicle door, the operator must initiate the opening process, thus triggering the emergency opening during emergency operation. Afterward, an electronic reset is required. In other words, during emergency operation, each door opening necessitates a subsequent electronic reset. This ensures the operator is directly aware of the emergency operation, as they can only relock the relevant vehicle door with its associated vehicle lock after the aforementioned operating sequence has been performed.

[0031] Because operators are typically unaware of the operating sequence and must consult, for example, a manual or app, they are prompted with urgency and are highly sensitive to it. Simultaneously, the process serves as a starting signal for potential maintenance actions, such as maintenance procedures. This is a key advantage of the invention.

[0032] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0033] 1. Rotate the locking fork

[0034] 1a axis

[0035] 1, 2 Locking mechanisms

[0036] 2 Locking claws

[0037] 2a axis

[0038] 3. Turn on the drive unit

[0039] 4. Accumulator

[0040] 5 Control Unit

[0041] 6. Main energy sources

[0042] 7 Lock housing

[0043] 8. Door control switches

[0044] 8 and 9 door control switches and sensors

[0045] 9. Door external control switches

[0046] 10 Locking blocks

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism (1, 2) comprising a rotating locking fork (1) and a locking pawl (2), an electric opening drive (3) for the locking mechanism (1, 2), and an accumulator (4) for providing emergency power to the opening drive (3) in emergency operation and thereby for emergency opening of the locking mechanism (1, 2). Its features are, The locking mechanisms (1, 2) are held in the open position by means of the opening drive (3) during emergency operation and during or after the opening process. The open state of the locking mechanisms (1, 2) is maintained until mechanical and / or electronic reset, and The electronic reset is achieved by querying at least one sensor (8, 9).

2. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle lock is an electric lock.

3. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upon reset, the locking mechanisms (1, 2) re-occupy their initial locked position.

4. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Manipulating the two sensors (8, 9) corresponds to resetting.

5. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reset involves manipulating the two sensors (8, 9) in a pre-defined sequence.

6. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The corresponding sensors (8, 9) are the door control switches (8, 9).

7. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The open state of the locking mechanism (1, 2) corresponds to the loading of the locking claw (2), the locking claw being spaced apart from the rotating lock fork (1), and the rotating lock fork being released by means of the opening drive device (3).

8. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The energy storage device (4) is designed as a capacitor, a battery, or a combination of one or more of these storage elements.

9. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, characterized in that, The capacitor in question is a supercapacitor.

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