Electric drive for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle lock and in a motor vehicle lock. The electric drive device is equipped with an electric motor (4), a drive disk (6) which can be loaded by the electric motor (4) and which can be rotated about an axis (7), and at least one spring (9) which is assigned to the drive device. In the context of the invention, the spring (9) transmits a force supporting the drive device to the drive disk (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric drive device for use in motor vehicles, particularly in the case of and application within motor vehicle locks. The electric drive device includes a motor, a drive disc that can be loaded by the motor and rotate about an axis, and at least one spring disposed on the drive device. Preferably, the drive device is an opening drive device for the relevant motor vehicle lock. Background Technology

[0002] Electric drive systems used in motor vehicles typically operate on low-voltage DC power, such as 12V, 24V, or even 48V. For this reason, the drive power achievable by means of a motor is limited, and this drive power is used, for example, to operate functional units via the electric drive system. When the electric drive system is designed as a window regulator, these functional units are typically window glass. Of course, other applications and implementations can also be considered. Therefore, electric drive systems can be used for seat adjustment, mirror adjustment, etc.

[0003] Particularly preferred is the use of this electric drive mechanism in vehicle locks. In this case, functional units, such as individual levers, are moved by means of a drive disc. In this way, different functional positions can be entered, such as "locked," "anti-theft," or "child safety." Furthermore, this electric drive mechanism is advantageously used as an opening drive mechanism inside the vehicle lock. In this case, the electric drive mechanism or opening drive mechanism acts indirectly or directly on the locking pawl, which is part of the locking mechanism formed by the rotating lock fork and the locking pawl, and the electric drive mechanism or opening drive mechanism is used to disengage the locking pawl from its engagement with the rotating lock fork.

[0004] This can be achieved directly, i.e., the drive disc acts directly on the locking pawl and disengages it from its engagement with the rotating locking fork. However, indirect engagement is often observed, i.e., the drive disc acts on the locking pawl in an opening manner via a release lever connected in the middle. For the latter application, high torque is sometimes required to overcome and be able to overcome the door seal pressure present and to be overcome during the opening process. For this reason, the rotational motion of the output shaft of the high-speed motor is often speed-changed once and multiple times, and the drive disc also contributes to this.

[0005] Such an electric drive device is described and introduced, for example, in utility model DE 20 2012 001 961 U1, but is not limited thereto. During normal operation, the electric drive device is used to load the locking mechanism formed by the rotating locking fork and locking pawl for electric opening. Additionally, at least in emergency operation, a mechanical opening of the locking mechanism is also provided. The drive disc is equipped with a configured return spring for this purpose. The return spring is used to return the electric drive device to the neutral position after the release lever is loaded. For this purpose, the spring is a center zero-position spring.

[0006] In other and similarly constructed electric drive devices, as described and introduced in DE 20 2012 012 799 U1, the first return spring, the second return spring, and additionally the third return spring are implemented in a similar manner and method. In this case, after the electric drive device has deviated or operated, the return spring is used to return the electric drive device to its initial or neutral position.

[0007] A similar situation applies to electromechanical control devices according to EP 0 198 509 A1. In this case, the drive wheel also includes a torque spring, which returns the drive wheel to a defined angular position via a motor-driven gear and the drive wheel.

[0008] DE 199 13 666A1 discloses a rotary locking fork locking system that opens mechanically, having a mechanically driven worm gear that is subjected to a spring force opposite to the opening direction by a return spring. An additional elastic accumulator is provided, which supports the rotation of the worm gear during opening. DE 10 2018 120 697A1 discloses a spring support mechanism having a support rod and a support rod spring for supporting a motor.

[0009] The prior art has proven suitable in principle, namely, using an electric drive to load the various functional units and return them to a neutral or initial position via their respective springs. When the drive is opened, the functional unit is a release lever that acts on the locking pawl of the locking mechanism or the locking pawl itself. However, in practice, there are situations where, for example, the force to be overcome during electric opening is inherently large from the outset, making the electric drive difficult or requiring a large and costly transmission mechanism to transmit the corresponding torque. In other cases, this increased force can be caused by changes in closing force due to aging, such as hardening of rubber seals, increased friction, etc. The present invention provides a remedy for this. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further develop such an electric drive device for motor vehicles so that forces present due to structure or aging can be overcome in a simple manner and method when operating functional elements or functional units.

[0011] To address this technical problem, the present invention proposes a similar electric drive device in which a spring transmits the force of the auxiliary drive device to the drive disc. For this purpose, the spring is designed according to the invention as a helical torsion spring, which is fixedly connected, for example, to a bolt at its bent section. Furthermore, according to the invention, one of the helical torsion spring's driving legs interacts with the contour on the drive disc. The other leg or fixed leg of the helical torsion spring correspondingly abuts against a stop.

[0012] In this way, the drive leg can gradually open relative to the fixed leg while resting against the contour of the drive disc to support the drive mechanism. According to the invention, this opening of the drive leg relative to the fixed leg is observed and used when the drive disc indirectly or directly loads a functional element or unit. If the electric drive mechanism applied to a motor vehicle is an electric unlocking drive mechanism for a motor vehicle lock, then the opening process corresponds to the drive disc indirectly or directly acting on the locking pawl of the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock. By means of the drive disc, the locking pawl disengages from the locking engagement between the locking pawl and the rotating lock fork in the locked position of the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock, and thus the (spring-assisted) rotating lock fork can swing open and release the previously gripped lock stop / lock pin.

[0013] In any case, the opening process of the electric drive device according to the invention is supported by the force of the previously tensioned helical torsion spring. This is because the opening process, or the loading of the locking pawl as a functional element or unit, generally corresponds to a specific rotational movement (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the drive disc. According to the invention, the movement of the drive disc for opening the locking mechanism is mechanically supported by the helical torsion spring, which is tensioned in the initial or neutral position, releasing its stored elastic energy to the drive disc during the opening process, and thus additionally supporting the electric adjusting movement with elastic energy. In practice, this process causes the drive legs, which rest against the contour of the drive disc, to gradually open relative to the fixed legs, which are in a fixed position.

[0014] In this way, by means of an electric drive and, in the case of an opening drive mechanism for vehicle locks, advantageously overcome possible pressure on the door seals, more precisely, in a structurally simple manner and with a particularly low cost. Here, the method according to the invention is not only applicable to overcoming high loads on door seals, but can also be used universally to support electric drive mechanisms when loading functional elements or units. This is because the elastic or tensioning energy additionally output via springs allows for the possibility, for example, a lower power motor than in existing designs. Similarly, the complex and intermediate transmission mechanism between the motor and the drive plate, or the loaded functional element or unit, can be omitted if necessary. This again reduces structural and cost costs.

[0015] The spring positioned in this location is already tensioned in the starting, initial, or neutral position of the drive disc, as described above, so that the tension or elastic energy released in this manner during the opening process can advantageously be used to mechanically assist the rotational movement of the drive disc. To induce tension in the neutral or initial position, the spring is (re-)tensioned to the initial or neutral position from its deflected position with each return of the electric drive. This can be without problem, as there is generally no need to overcome any possible door seal force or door locking force during the return process. Conversely, the locking process of the relevant vehicle door is either performed manually by the user or, in this example, by means of an additionally provided closing drive, independent of the opening drive.

[0016] In any case, a mechanical force storage is provided by at least one spring configured for the drive unit. This force storage, originating from the initial or neutral position of the electric drive unit, supports the energy supplied by the electric drive unit through the subsequently released tension or elastic energy when the functional element or unit is loaded. This implementation can be structurally very simple to achieve and implement, thereby exhibiting significant advantages.

[0017] In practice, the design details are such that the drive disc is a circle centered on the axis used for the rotational movement of the drive disc. In contrast, the previously mentioned profile for the drive leg of the helical torsion spring to rest against it extends concentrically and arcuately relative to the axis, that is, from a defined and finite angle.

[0018] Furthermore, the drive leg is advantageously equipped with an extension arm. Here, the extension arm can interact with an additional protrusion on the drive disk to position the drive disk. Here, the protrusion typically serves as a complement to the contour on the drive disk. The protrusion can now interact with, for example, a raised portion or a recess in the extension arm of the drive leg. Once the protrusion engages with the corresponding raised portion or recess on the extension arm of the drive leg, the drive disk is temporarily fixed in the desired position. Thus, for example, the final position of the drive disk can be mechanically predetermined, or the previously described neutral or initial position of the drive disk can be mechanically predetermined. Here, the raised portion or recess on the extension arm acts as a locking contour that engages with the protrusion. Therefore, once the drive disk occupies the predetermined position and, for example, the final position, the initial position, or the neutral position, the protrusion engages in the locking contour.

[0019] The associated protrusions and contours are typically formed on the drive disc. This implementation is particularly suitable for drive discs made of plastic. Implementations with drive discs made of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or brass, are also possible. Furthermore, the design typically involves the contours and protrusions being arranged on the underside of the drive disc. In contrast, the opposite upper side of the drive disc is, for example, equipped with an actuating contour, which, in the example of opening the drive mechanism, allows the drive disc to act indirectly or directly on the locking pawl to open the locking mechanism formed by the rotating locking fork and the locking pawl. With this design, the actuating contour can be used to load functional elements or units, and the contours and protrusions interacting with the spring can be designed independently of each other. Moreover, the associated contours can be implemented particularly simply and cost-effectively by being advantageously formed on the drive disc.

[0020] According to another advantageous design, the current applied to the motor can be detected based on the (supporting) force established by the spring. That is, in this case, a control unit is typically provided, by means of which the electric drive is applied, and by means of the control unit, the current is analyzed to apply to the motor. For this purpose, a sensor additionally located in the motor's power supply line can be evaluated by means of the control unit to detect the current intensity consumed by the motor.

[0021] However, the control unit is typically used directly to load the motor, and thus the current consumed for loading the motor can also be detected by means of this control unit. In this way, any possible intermediate pause for the drive disc can be realized and implemented. Because depending on the loading of the spring through the drive disc, the spring either mechanically supports the rotational movement of the drive disc and thus reduces current consumption, or ensures, in the opposite direction and when the spring is tensioned, an increased current consumption for loading the motor is observed.

[0022] These different values ​​of current consumption of the motor can now be associated—in principle—with different positions or rotational positions of the drive disk. Furthermore, a corresponding calibration can be performed such that each value of current consumption is associated with a specific angle of rotational movement of the drive disk. Thus, the corresponding (rotational angle) position of the drive disk can ultimately be inferred from the motor current consumption measured by the control unit. According to the invention, the specific description of the position can now be utilized as follows: the control unit manipulates the drive disk based on the current consumed by the motor and, if necessary, the force of the spring. Thus, in principle, any number of positions of the drive disk can be predetermined by the current consumption of the motor. Once the control unit detects the corresponding current value of the motor current consumption, which corresponds to the expected position of the drive disk, the control unit, for example, turns off the motor, and thus the drive disk occupies and maintains the predetermined position. Here, the inertial movement of the drive disk due to inertia can also be additionally considered.

[0023] Therefore, the drive disc can not only be moved to a basic position, i.e., an initial or original position and intermediate positions, as well as an end position or final position, but also advantageously and supplementarily mechanically ensure one or both positions, i.e., by the interaction between the locking profile in the extension arm of the drive leg and the protrusion on the drive disc. According to the invention, the drive disc can be practically repeatedly moved to each arbitrary intermediate position by means of the correlation between the consumed current and the angular position of the drive disc. This is particularly important and advantageous for electric drive units, for example, where they should be used inside motor vehicle locks and where different functional positions are provided by means of electric drive units, such as "anti-theft security," "child safety," or "locking," etc. Therefore, in order to show the respective required and, in most cases, individually designed operating profiles, engagements can be formed with the respective levers.

[0024] As a result, an electric drive device for motor vehicles is provided, which is structurally simple and cost-effective. This is because the electric drive device utilizes a spring tensioned in its initial position, which additionally releases its stored elastic energy when loading a functional element or unit from the initial position, thereby supporting the driving motion of the drive disc. Furthermore, based on the relationship between the current consumed by the motor and the associated (angular) position of the drive disc, intermediate stops can be achieved at virtually any position of the drive disc. This is a major advantage of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; the drawings show:

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electric drive device according to the invention is shown during the opening process.

[0027] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The electric drive unit is shown during the return process.

[0028] Figure 5 Showing according to Figures 1 to 4 A variant implementation of the drive device,

[0029] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another third implementation variant is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate an electric drive system applied to a motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the electric drive system is an unlocking actuator for a motor vehicle lock. Figure 1 The main components of the vehicle lock are shown and reproduced. In fact, the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 of the relevant vehicle lock, which is or may be a vehicle door lock, can be seen here and in the front view. Locking mechanisms 1 and 2 include a rotating locking fork 1 and a locking pawl 2.

[0031] Additionally, a release lever 3 is implemented, by means of which the locking pawl 2 can be disengaged from its locking engagement with the rotating locking fork 1 (in the locked position shown in the locking mechanisms 1 and 2). For this purpose, the release lever 3 moves clockwise about its axis, thereby disengaging the locking pawl 2 from its locking engagement with the rotating locking fork 1 in the locking mechanism 1 and 2. Figure 1 In the locked position shown, the locking pawl disengages counterclockwise from the locking engagement of the rotating locking fork 1. Therefore, the rotating locking fork 1, supported by a spring, opens more precisely clockwise and releases the previously engaged and simply shown locking block. This allows the vehicle door to be opened.

[0032] To open locking mechanisms 1 and 2 or to load release lever 3, which serves as a functional element or unit, an electric drive device is provided and constructed. This electric drive device has a motor 4. The motor 4 has an output worm gear 5 on its output shaft, which interacts with a drive disk 6 in such a way that the output worm gear 5 engages with the teeth of the drive disk 6, causing the drive disk to rotate about shaft 7 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Figure 1 The double arrows in the image clearly indicate this.

[0033] An operating profile 8 is provided on the upper side of the drive disc 6. This operating profile is configured to cause the release lever 3 to swing counterclockwise around its axis to open the locking mechanisms 1 and 2. In the front view or when viewing the upper side of the drive disc 6, this swinging motion corresponds to the clockwise movement of the drive disc 6.

[0034] In contrast, drive disk 6 is also in Figure 1 The opposing lower side shown is equipped with a spring 9 provided for the electric drive device on one side and a contour 10 on the drive disk 6 on the other. Therefore, when viewing the lower side of the drive disk 6, the clockwise opening movement of the drive disk 6 when viewing the upper side corresponds to the drive disk 6 performing a counterclockwise movement about its axis 7. In fact, the spring 9 is designed to transmit the force assisting the drive device to the drive disk 6.

[0035] According to this embodiment, spring 9 is designed as a helical torsion spring. Therefore, spring 9 has a coiled section 9a, which is fixedly connected to the bolt 11. According to this embodiment, the bolt 11 is integrally connected to the vehicle lock housing 12, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] In addition to the coiled section 9a, the helical torsion spring 9 also has two legs 9b and 9c. Leg 9b is the driving leg, which interacts with the previously described profile 10 on the drive disc 6 (located on the underside of the drive disc). In contrast, the other leg 9c is designed as the fixing leg 9c of the helical torsion spring 9 and rests against the stop 13. The stop 13, like the bolt 11, is integrally connected to the lock housing 12 (made of plastic).

[0037] The drive leg 9b of the spring or helical torsion spring 9 is used to support the electric drive device or the drive disc 6 during the opening process. The opening process of the drive disc 6 corresponds to the movement of the drive disc 6 in the counterclockwise direction relative to the shaft 7 and the counterclockwise movement in the bottom view or view of the drive disc 6, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen from the order.

[0038] During this opening process, the drive leg 9b of the spring or helical torsion spring 9 rests against the contour 10 of the drive disc 6 and gradually opens relative to the fixed leg 9c, which is in a fixed position. This is possible because the spring 9... Figure 1 The spring 9 is tensioned in the initial position G or neutral position shown. The tension of the spring 9 is compressed at a relatively small angle α between the driving leg 9b and the fixed leg 9c, which, according to this embodiment, is approximately 40° to 50°. Figure 1 Transition to Figure 2 During the opening process, the driving leg 9b opens relative to the fixed leg 9c until it roughly appears and can be observed on the driving disc 6. Figure 2 and Figure 3The final position E or endpoint position is shown in the diagram. Then, the two legs 9b and 9c form an angle α of approximately 110° to 120°. Because the spring or helical torsion spring 9 is relaxed here, the elastic energy or tension energy released in this way can be used to support the movement of the drive disc 6 and thus the movement of the entire drive unit.

[0039] Once the driving leg 9b opens relative to the fixed leg 9c and the driving disc 6 reaches its position... Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the final position E or endpoint position is shown, the drive leg 9b moves to another stop 14. This other stop, like the stop 13 and the bolt 11, is normally integrally connected to the lock housing 12. Accordingly, the stop 14 is a stop made of plastic.

[0040] From the basis Figure 3 Starting from the final or ending position E, now from Figure 3 Transition to Figure 4 During the return process, the following error occurred: Drive disk 6 and according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The opening movement in the counter-clockwise direction in the lower view proceeds in the opposite direction from... Figure 3 Transition to Figure 4 The clockwise movement. During this process, the spring 9 or the helical torsion spring is gradually tensioned because the driving leg 9b gradually moves toward the fixed leg 9c in a manner that abuts the contour 10, thereby equipping the spring 9 with the required tension energy.

[0041] As can be seen from the attached diagram, the drive disc 6 is designed as a circle with the axis 7 as its center point. Furthermore, the profile 10, which interacts with the spring 9, is concentrically and arc-shaped with the drive disc. That is, the arc defining the profile 10 uses the axis 7 as the center point of its radial design. Now, in Figure 5 A variant is shown in which the drive leg 9b is equipped with an extension arm 9b'. The extension arm 9b' has a locking profile 15, which is designed as a protrusion or recess in the associated extension arm 9b'. Furthermore, a protrusion 16 is provided and implemented on the underside of the drive disc 6, which engages with the locking profile 15 once the drive disc 6 occupies its corresponding position. According to this embodiment, once the drive disc 6 occupies its position... Figure 5 At the final position E or end position shown, the interaction between the locking profile 15 and the protrusion 16 occurs. Then the drive leg 9b also abuts against the stop 14. In principle, the interaction between the locking profile 15 and the protrusion 16 can also exist and can be realized in any other position of the drive disc 6.

[0042] Finally, based on Figure 6 and Figure 7 In another third embodiment, a control unit 17 is first provided, by means of which the motor 4 is operated and loaded, thereby operating and loading the entire electric drive unit. The control unit 17 can now detect the current loaded on the motor 4. For this purpose, the current consumption on the motor 4 can be directly measured or detected by means of a sensor not shown. The current consumed by the motor 4 and loading the motor is now related to the force established by the spring 9.

[0043] Figure 7 The corresponding and illustrative correlations are shown. Here, the relationship between the current consumed by motor 4 and the movement path completed by drive disk 6 is shown, indicating the corresponding swing angle completed by drive disk 6 around its axis 7. Here, the relevant swing angle or angular distance is shown and reproduced between the initial position G and the final position or end position E of drive disk 6. It can be seen that the current consumed by motor 4 increases in the direction towards the initial position or original position G because spring 9 is tensioned in the direction towards the initial position G. Conversely, the current consumption decreases in the direction towards the end position or final position E because in this direction spring 9 supports the movement of drive disk 6 and thus the movement of the entire electric drive unit.

[0044] Based on the positional correlation of the current consumed by motor 4, such as in Figure 7 As generally illustrated, it is possible for the control unit 17 to precisely control the position of the drive disk 6 based on the current consumed by the motor 4. That is, as long as... Figure 7 The relationship between the current consumed by motor 4 and the angular position of drive disk 6 between the initial position G and the final position E, as schematically shown, is stored in control unit 17, for example, through a calibration process. In principle, each value of the current consumed by motor 4 can be identified using the corresponding angular position of drive disk 6 between the initial position G and the final position E. Thus, drive disk 6 can practically move to any arbitrary angular position between the initial position G and the final position E, i.e., by detecting the current consumed by motor 4 through control unit 17 and stopping the loading on motor 4 when the expected angular position is reached.

[0045] In this process, the possible inertial motion of the electric drive unit due to inertia can of course be additionally considered. This inertial motion may correspond to the supplementary movement path or additional coverage angle of the drive disc 6 as it rotates around the axis 7, and can be considered by the control unit 17 such that the motor 4 stops before reaching the desired angular position, i.e., by reducing the angle value corresponding to the inertial motion. For example, if the drive disc 6 is to move 20° to an angular position with an inertial motion of 5°, the control unit 17 ensures that the motor 4 is turned off when the angular position is reached at 15°. In any case, the electric drive unit or its rotatable drive disc 6 can thus be moved to the corresponding desired position. This is important in the example case for the operation of different functional positions within the vehicle lock, for example, so that functional positions such as "anti-theft security," "child safety," or "locking" can be indicated and implemented by means of the electric drive unit.

[0046] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0047] 1, 2 Locking mechanisms

[0048] 3. Release lever

[0049] 4 motors

[0050] 5 Output worm gear

[0051] 6 drive disks

[0052] 7-axis

[0053] 8. Manipulate the outline

[0054] 9. Spring or helical torsion spring

[0055] 9a The wound section

[0056] 9b Drive Legs

[0057] 9' Extending arm

[0058] 10. Outline

[0059] 11. Plug

[0060] 12 Lock housing

[0061] 13 Stop section

[0062] 14 Stop section

[0063] 15 Locking Profile

[0064] 16. Protrusions

[0065] 17 Control Unit

Claims

1. An electric drive device for use in a motor vehicle, the electric drive device having a motor (4), a drive disk (6) that can be loaded by the motor (4) and rotate about an axis (7), and at least one spring (9) provided to the drive device. Its features are, The spring (9) is designed as a helical torsion spring (9), which is fixedly connected to the bolt (11) at the position of its coiled section (9a) and interacts with the contour (10) on the drive disc (6) with one of its driving legs (9b), so that the spring (9) transmits the force supporting the drive device to the drive disc (6). The fixed leg (9c) of the helical torsion spring (9) rests against the stop (13). Once the driving leg (9b) opens relative to the fixed leg (9c) and the driving disc (6) reaches the final or end position, the driving leg (9b) moves onto another stop (14).

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving leg (9b) gradually opens relative to the fixed leg (9c) while resting against the contour (10) in order to support the driving device.

3. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drive disk (6) is designed as a circle with the shaft (7) as the center point, and the outline (10) extends concentrically and arc-shaped with the drive disk.

4. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drive leg (9b) is equipped with an extension arm (9b') that interacts with a protrusion (16) on the drive disk (6) for positioning the drive disk.

5. The driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extension arm (9b') has a locking profile (15) that engages with the protrusion (16).

6. The driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Once the drive disk (6) occupies the predetermined position, the protrusion (16) engages in the locking profile (15), which is the final position (E) of the drive disk.

7. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The current is applied to the motor (4) based on the force probe established by the spring (9).

8. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A control unit (17) is provided, which controls the position of the drive disk (6) according to the current consumed by the motor (4) and the force of the spring (9).

9. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electric drive unit is used for vehicle locks.

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