Opening of vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to the opening of doors and other movable closure parts of motor vehicles. In order to provide a lock drive, a lock for a movable closure part of a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle lock has: a rotary latch which is rotatably held so as to be movable from a closed position into an open position and which has a receptacle for a closing bolt; a locking pawl which is movably held between a locking position and a release position and by means of which the rotation of the latch pin can be blocked in the direction of the opening position in the locking position; and an electric drive for moving the locking pawl from the locking position into the release position; a force transmission device between the electric drive and the locking pawl; and a control device. The electrical drive, the force transmission device and the locking pawl form components of the mechanical opening chain. The control device has a position sensor which is arranged on a member of the opening chain, detects its position and generates a position signal. The control device actuates the electric drive on the basis of the position signal.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the opening of vehicle doors and other movable closure components (Abschlusskomponent) of a motor vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a vehicle lock for a movable closure component of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle lock module, a motor vehicle door module, and a method for opening a vehicle lock for a movable closure component of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For example, the lock of a vehicle door can be equipped with an electric motor to provide an electrical opening for use. For example, WO 2022 / 161887 A1 describes a motor vehicle lock in which a locking pawl is lifted by a motor drive. For example, the motor can drive a transmission that acts on the locking pawl via a cam or a lever to release a rotary bolt and thus open the vehicle lock. To ensure that the locking pawl is released, for example, the motor is run until a stop, and then powered on slightly longer than required. For example, the drive device is run for a fixed adjustment time. However, it can also be arranged to recognize a blocked travel of the drive device in order to then adjust the current supply. However, it has been shown that there is a need for a lock drive device that can be controlled as precisely as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved lock drive device for use.

[0004] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further examples are explained in the dependent claims. The aspects described below also apply to a vehicle lock for a movable closure component of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle lock module, a motor vehicle door module, and a method for opening a vehicle lock for a movable closure component of a motor vehicle, and vice versa. In addition, those features can also be freely combined, where this is not explicitly mentioned.

[0005] According to the present invention, a vehicle lock for a movable closing member of a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle lock has a rotary bolt which is rotatably held in such a way that it can move from a closed position to an open position, and has a receiving portion for a closing bolt. The vehicle lock also has a locking pawl which is movably held between a locking position and at least one release position, and with which the rotary bolt can be blocked in the direction of the open position in the locking position. The vehicle lock also has an electric drive device for moving the locking pawl from the locking position to at least one release position. The vehicle lock also has a force transmission device and a control device between the electric drive device and the locking pawl. The electric drive device, the force transmission device and the locking pawl form components of a mechanical opening chain. The control device has at least one position sensor which is arranged at a component of the opening chain or at another component moved by a component of the opening chain, which position sensor detects its position and generates a position signal. The control device controls the electric drive device based on the position signal.

[0006] The following advantage results therefrom, namely that the open position of the locking mechanism (i.e. the rotary bolt and the locking pawl) is detected once it has actually been reached. For example, this is suitable for locks with and without mechanical redundancy. For example, the vehicle lock is a lock without redundancy. As an advantageous effect, unpleasant noises are avoided which would otherwise occur when the motor runs up to the stop and then also runs for an additional period of time. In addition, the energy consumption is also reduced by the shorter and more efficient running time of the drive device.

[0007] According to one example, the position signal represents the position of the locking pawl in at least one release position.

[0008] According to one example, once the position sensor generates a position signal, the control device interrupts the current supply to the electric drive device.

[0009] According to one example, the position sensor is arranged on such a component of the opening chain which travels the most distance when the locking pawl is released.

[0010] As an additional or alternative option, it is provided that the position sensor is arranged on a movable part of the electric drive device, or on a movable part of the force transmission device or on a movable part of the locking pawl.

[0011] According to one example, the force transmission device has a drive gear, and the position sensor is arranged on the drive gear. In an alternative or additional option, the force transmission device has an opening lever for lifting the locking pawl, and the position sensor is arranged on the opening lever.

[0012] According to one example, the force transmission device has an opening lever for lifting the locking pawl, and the position sensor is arranged on the opening lever.

[0013] According to one example, a position sensor is arranged on the locking pawl.

[0014] According to one example, a position sensor is arranged on a rod that is not part of the opening link.

[0015] According to one example, the locking pawl can only be moved by an electric drive device. The vehicle lock is configured to be functional without an external energy source. For this purpose, an electrical energy storage is provided.

[0016] According to one example, the electrical energy storage is integrally constructed with the vehicle lock.

[0017] As an option, it is provided that the electrical energy storage is configured as a supercapacitor or a storage battery.

[0018] According to one example, the electrical energy storage is configured to provide system availability for opening the vehicle lock for use, wherein in the case of an interruption of the on-vehicle current supply, the opening of the vehicle lock by the electric drive device is still possible according to at least one criterion from a group of criteria having the following: after 24 hours, within the entire range of external conditions for the permitted operation of the vehicle, with at least ten opening cycles, and after at least ten years during operation at the vehicle's on-vehicle location.

[0019] According to one example, the position sensor is configured as a Hall sensor.

[0020] According to one example, the position sensor is configured as a reed sensor.

[0021] According to one example, the position sensor is configured as a reed switch.

[0022] According to one example, the position sensor is configured as a microswitch.

[0023] According to the invention, a motor vehicle lock module is also provided. The motor vehicle lock module has a vehicle lock according to one of the foregoing examples and at least one actuating element for opening the vehicle lock. The actuating element activates the energization of the electric drive device to move the locking pawl into at least one release position.

[0024] According to the invention, a motor vehicle door module is also provided. The motor vehicle door module has a load-bearing structure of the motor vehicle door and at least one motor vehicle lock module according to the foregoing examples. At least one motor vehicle lock module is held at the load-bearing structure.

[0025] According to the invention, a method for opening a vehicle lock for a movable closing part of a motor vehicle is also provided. The method has the following steps

[0026] a) Receiving an opening signal;

[0027] b) Apply an electric current to the electric drive of the vehicle lock;

[0028] c) Operate the electric drive, wherein the opening operation is performed after the starting current and the locking pawl is moved;

[0029] d) Detect the position of a position sensor which is arranged at a component of the mechanical opening chain having the electric drive, the force transmission device and the locking pawl or at a further component moved by the components of the opening chain, and generate a position signal; and

[0030] e) Cut off the electric drive by interrupting the current.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, access to the position of the opening mechanism is provided in a lock with electric opening.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, a sensor is provided in the movement chain which detects a specific position or arrangement in which the locking pawl is reliably lifted (i.e., moved into the released position). The sensor generates a signal which is then directly used to control the electric drive in such a way that the current supply to the motor is interrupted in the presence of the signal. Thereby, a very efficient and direct control is obtained.

[0033] Providing a position sensor means more advantages compared to an electrically opened lock in which the opening process is cut off via overcurrent recognition. In a lock with overcurrent recognition, the elements of the transmission and the rod chain travel against a stop in the lock housing or into a buffer, whereas according to this solution, the motor driving the electric opening does not have to operate with blocked current so that the controller can then recognize a continuously high motor current after the delay time required for evaluating the current and can cut off the opening process.

[0034] Therefore, this solution with position recognition by means of a sensor avoids generating unnecessary noise. In comparison, this solution also consumes relatively less energy. For example, this applies to a soft-opening locking mechanism which requires little energy to open the lock. Thus, one field of application is locks with integrated electrical redundancy (backup energy) in which the energy consumption should be as low as possible so that in the event of a failure of the energy supply, as many emergency openings as possible can be performed over a long period of time.

[0035] According to one aspect, the opened position of the latching mechanism is directly determined because this position is detected in the opening chain. In a variant, the opening chain is supplemented by an additional rod or a similar member in order to detect the position thereby. Thereby, the error when determining the opened state is minimized, as can occur, for example, during current detection: Here, an increased motor current can also be generated due to a collision with a foreign object or ice in the lock. Then, it would be wrongly assumed that the lock is opened even though the latching mechanism is still closed.

[0036] According to one aspect, access to the components of the opening mechanism for electrical opening is carried out using a microswitch, a Hall sensor or other switches, or a button or a sensor. For example, if the latching mechanism is fully opened but not yet in the stop, this access can interrupt the opening process.

[0037] The access can be carried out directly at the OBW adjusting element or at the opening of the locking pawl. As a further advantage, less wear, less opening noise, less energy requirement for opening and a direct recognition of whether the latching mechanism is opened result.

[0038] According to one aspect, a vehicle lock for a movable closing part of a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle lock has a rotary bolt which is rotatably held in such a way that it can move from a closed position to an opened position, and has a receiving part for a closing bolt. The vehicle lock also has a locking pawl which is movably held between a locking position and at least one release position, and with which the rotary bolt can be blocked in the direction of the opened position in the locking position. The vehicle lock also has an electric drive device for moving the locking pawl from the locking position to at least one release position. The vehicle lock also has a force transmission device and a control device between the electric drive device and the locking pawl. The electric drive device, the force transmission device and the locking pawl form components of a mechanical opening chain. The control device has at least one position sensor which is arranged at a component of the opening chain, which position sensor detects its position and generates a position signal. The control device controls the electric drive device based on the position signal.

[0039] Since the relative movement is usually greater than the movement of the locked locking pawl, a more precise interruption can be achieved after the opening point by direct access to the OBW adjusting element. Conversely, access to the locking pawl is responsible for a higher reliability when recognizing whether the latching mechanism is opened. Description of the Drawings

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle lock for a movable closing part of a motor vehicle is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 is shown in a rear side view Figure 1 a partial view of the rotary latch and the locking pawl in

[0043] Figure 3 A diagram is shown for manipulating the locking pawl against a stop.

[0044] Figure 4 A diagram is shown for manipulating the locking pawl in the case of using a sensor in a mechanical opening chain.

[0045] Figure 5 A partial view of a vehicle lock with an adjusting lever is shown, at which a sensor is arranged.

[0046] Figure 6 An example of a motor vehicle door module with a motor vehicle lock module is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 Steps of an example of a method for operating a vehicle lock for opening a movable closing element for a motor vehicle are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle lock 10 for a movable closing element for a motor vehicle is shown. The vehicle lock 10 has a rotary latch 12 which is rotatably held in such a way that it can move from a closed position to an open position and has a receiving portion for a closing bolt. The vehicle lock 10 also has a locking pawl 14 which is movably held between a locking position and at least one release position, and with which the rotary latch 12 can be blocked in the direction of the open position in the locking position. The vehicle lock 10 also has an electric drive device 16 for moving the locking pawl 14 from the locking position to at least one release position. The vehicle lock 10 also has a force transmission device 18 between the electric drive device 16 and the locking pawl 14 and a control device 20. The electric drive device 16, the force transmission device 18 and the locking pawl 14 form components of a mechanical opening chain. The control device 20 has at least one position sensor 22 which is arranged at a component of the opening chain or at a further component moved by a component of the opening chain, and which detects its position and generates a position signal. The control device 20 controls the electric drive device 16 based on the position signal.

[0049] The rotary latch 12 is rotatably held at a rotary latch pivot bearing 24 and has a receiving slot 26 for a (not shown) closing bolt. The locking pawl 14 is rotatably held at a locking pawl pivot bearing 28.

[0050] The rotary latch 12 and the locking pawl 14 form a latching mechanism of the lock.

[0051] The term "rotating latch" refers to a rotatably held receptacle for a closing catch or closing bolt.

[0052] The term "closing position" refers to the position of the rotating latch 12 in which the closing catch or closing bolt engages with the rotating latch 12 in a first stage but has not yet reached the fully closed position. The closing position may also be referred to as the main closing position, main closing part or main locking part.

[0053] The term "open position" refers to the position of the rotating latch 12 in which the closing catch or closing bolt does not engage with the rotating latch 12, for example has not yet or no longer engaged with the rotating latch 12. The open position may also be referred to as the main open position, opening position, release position or opening.

[0054] The term "locking pawl" refers to a movable element by means of which the movement of the rotating latch 12 can be blocked in at least one direction by engaging with the rotating latch 12. The movement of the rotating latch 12 is blocked and the lock can thus be said to be locked.

[0055] The term "locking position" refers to the position in which the locking pawl 14 engages with the rotating latch 12 and blocks the rotating latch.

[0056] The term "release position" refers to the position in which the locking pawl 14 does not engage with the rotating latch 12 and does not block the rotating latch 12.

[0057] The term "electric drive device" refers to an actuator that operates by means of an electric current. For example, the electric drive device 16 is an electric motor that can be said to generate a rotational driving force. The electric drive device 16 can also be an electromagnetic regulating element that can be said to generate a translational driving force.

[0058] For example, the term "force transmission device" refers to the transmission between the electric drive device 16 and the locking pawl 14. Here, the force generated by the electric drive device 16 is transmitted to the locking pawl 14. This can be a redirection or conversion of the force, for example from a rotational movement to a translational movement or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, a speed increase or decrease transmission can also be carried out, for example, through one or more transmission stages.

[0059] For example, the force transmission device 18 has a worm 30 arranged on the motor shaft, which meshes with a gear section 32 and drives the gear section.

[0060] To identify the open position, the signal of a sensor is used; the detection of overcurrent is not necessary for the detection of the open position. Therefore, the current supply to the electric drive device 16 can be interrupted before the stop situation is reached. It is not necessary for the motor to travel until the physical stop.

[0061] The detection of the position signal is based on recognizing a sufficient stroke that is necessary for the unlocking pawl 14 to open. It can be said that the signal recognizes a sufficient stroke.

[0062] Since the recognition of the signal requires significantly less time than, for example, the recognition of a blocking stroke, a more efficient operation is provided for electrical opening for use.

[0063] In one example, the signal transmission time is additionally known, and the detection of the position sensor 22 is correspondingly shifted forward (i.e., adjusted) with respect to the movement trajectory in order to avoid an overly long (i.e., unnecessarily long) energization.

[0064] In one example, a stop is provided, for example due to limited available structural space. However, the stop is arranged such that the open position of the locking mechanism is reached in advance.

[0065] The term "control device" refers to the device for processing the position signal. The control device 20 can be a separate signal processing unit or can also be integrated into an existing data processing unit.

[0066] The term "mechanical opening chain" refers to the components and parts that participate in force generation and force transmission and that transmit force in a chain-like manner.

[0067] The term "position sensor" refers to a sensor assembly for detecting the position of two relatively movable parts. For example, one part moves and the other part does not move but is rigidly connected, for example, to the load-bearing structure of the lock (such as the housing).

[0068] The manipulation "based on the position signal" refers to the manipulation according to the position signal. For example, when there is a signal, the current supply is interrupted.

[0069] The term "movable closing part" refers to a movable component in a motor vehicle, by means of which an opening or passage can be temporarily closed by closing the movable closing part, and by means of which the opening or passage can be temporarily made accessible by opening the movable closing part. Thus, the term "movable closing part" refers to a movable closing device of a motor vehicle. For example, the movable closing part is a motor vehicle door, a motor vehicle hood, a motor vehicle bonnet or a loading flap. The movable closing part includes at least one of the group having a motor vehicle door, a motor vehicle hood, a motor vehicle bonnet or a loading flap. For example, the motor vehicle door can be a laterally pivoting door, or a sliding door or an upward pivoting door or a door section. For example, the motor vehicle hood can be a tailgate. For example, the motor vehicle bonnet can be, for example, a motor bonnet in the front vehicle area. However, the motor vehicle bonnet can also be a front bonnet for closing a storage area located thereunder. These front bonnets are also referred to as front trunks (from English: front trunk). For example, the loading flap can be a pivotally held flap arranged at the rear or laterally in order to enable access to the loading area or the loading surface. The loading flap can also be referred to as a motor vehicle loading flap. In the case of so-called pick-up trucks (for example with an open loading surface), the loading flap is also referred to as a Drop Gate. When referring to a motor vehicle door within the scope of the present invention, other forms mentioned as examples of the movable closing part are therefore also included respectively. For example, the term door lock refers to a lock for a motor vehicle door, a lock for a motor vehicle hood, a lock for a motor vehicle bonnet or a lock for a loading flap.

[0070] For example, the term "closing device" refers to a mechanical assembly for locking or moving a movable vehicle part.

[0071] For example, the closing device is a door lock, a door lock drive or a door drive.

[0072] The term "door lock" refers to a lock for a vehicle door. For example, by means of the door lock, a closing catch or a closing bolt can be releasably held in order to hold the door in the closed position.

[0073] The term "door lock drive" refers to a drive for the locking mechanism of a door lock. For example, the door lock drive is an electric drive for the locking device for opening the door lock. The door lock drive can also be configured as an electric drive for the rotary latch for closing the vehicle lock in order to pull the door shut. For example, the door lock drive is configured as a pull-up assist device.

[0074] The term "door drive device" refers to a drive device for moving a vehicle door, for example for at least partially opening or closing the door. For example, the door drive device is a door lifter, also known as an automatic door opener (Door-Presenter) or push-out unit, with which the door is opened in steps (spaltweise). For example, the door drive device is a drive device for fully opening a door (e.g., a tailgate). For example, the door drive device is a closing assist device with which the door is pulled into the closed position, for example against the sealing pressure of the door seal. For example, the door drive device is configured as a door lifter that presses the door away from the vehicle body in order to open the door in steps. The door drive device can also act as a drive device on a door stop in order to move the door relative to the vehicle body.

[0075] As an option, it is set such that the position signal represents the position of the locking pawl in at least one released position.

[0076] The arrangement detected by the position sensor represents the position of the locking pawl in at least one released position.

[0077] As an example, it is set such that once the position sensor 22 generates a position signal, the control device 20 interrupts the current supply to the electric drive device 16.

[0078] As an example, it is set such that the position sensor 22 is arranged on such a component of the opening chain that travels the most when the locking pawl 14 is released.

[0079] As an option, it is set such that the position sensor 22 is arranged on a movable part of the electric drive device 16.

[0080] As an option, it is set such that the position sensor 22 is arranged on a movable part of the force transmission device 18.

[0081] As an option, it is set such that the position sensor 22 is arranged on the locking pawl 14 or on a movable part of the locking pawl 14.

[0082] For example, the term "travels the most" refers to the actual path traveled, for example in the form of a linear or curved path.

[0083] In a first variant, the sensor is arranged on a movable element, and the sensor detects a mating part that is so to speak set as a marker, for example at a fixed or otherwise movable structure.

[0084] In a second variant, the sensor has a marker that is arranged on a movable element and interacts with a sensor element arranged, for example, at a fixed or otherwise movable structure.

[0085] For example, a drive wheel is provided. For example, the locking pawl 14 undergoes a pivoting movement of 150°, while the drive wheel performs a rotation of 200°. For example, a sensor is arranged on the drive wheel, or a sensor interacting with a marking on the drive wheel is provided.

[0086] In one example, the position sensor 22 is arranged on the driven shaft of the electric drive device 16.

[0087] As an example, in Figure 1 it is shown that the force transmission device 18 has a drive gear, such as a gear section 32. In an option not shown, the position sensor 22 is arranged on the drive gear or the gear section 32. The drive gear can also be referred to as a transmission wheel.

[0088] As a further example, alternatively or additionally, the force transmission device is provided with an opening lever for lifting the locking pawl. The position sensor is arranged on the opening lever.

[0089] As a further example, it is provided that the position sensor 22 is arranged on the locking pawl 14.

[0090] In another example (not shown in detail), it is provided that the position sensor 22 is arranged on another lever that is not part of the opening chain but is moved, for example, by the opening chain.

[0091] For example, the other lever is pre-tensioned by a spring force and is moved against the spring force by the opening chain. For example, as the spring force, the spring force that also acts on the locking pawl is used.

[0092] As an example, it is provided that the locking pawl 14 can only be moved by the electric drive device 16. The vehicle lock is configured to be functional without an external energy source. For this purpose, an electrical energy storage 34 is provided.

[0093] The electrical energy storage 34 is connected to the electric drive device 16 for transmitting electrical energy, which is represented by the connecting line 36.

[0094] The term "without an external energy source" means, for example, that no additional force transmission devices (such as Bowden cables or the like) are provided to open the vehicle lock.

[0095] As an example, it is provided that the electrical energy storage 34 is integrally constructed with the vehicle lock.

[0096] As an option, in a first variant, the electrical energy storage 34 is configured as a supercapacitor.

[0097] As a further option, in a second first variant, the electrical energy storage 34 is configured as a storage battery.

[0098] The term "integrated" refers to a construction as a structural unit, for example in the sense of assembly and fastening. The energy storage can be constructed integrally but is still replaceable.

[0099] In one example, the electrical energy storage is constructed as a rechargeable battery. In another example, the electrical energy storage is constructed as a supercapacitor. In another example, the electrical energy storage is constructed as an electric double layer capacitor.

[0100] In one example (not shown), a lock housing is provided. For example, the electrical energy storage is arranged within the lock housing.

[0101] For example, the term "lock housing" refers to the outer shell or casing for a vehicle lock in which there is an insertion opening for a closing bolt. For example, the term "lock housing" also refers to a load-bearing structure at which individual parts are fastened and held.

[0102] In another example, the electrical energy storage is arranged outside the lock housing but forms an integral structural unit.

[0103] As an example, it is provided that the electrical energy storage is constructed to provide system availability for use in opening the vehicle lock, where in the event of an interruption of the on-vehicle current supply, the opening of the vehicle lock by an electric drive device is still possible according to at least one of the following criteria:

[0104] The opening of the vehicle lock by the electric drive device is still possible after 24 hours.

[0105] The opening of the vehicle lock by the electric drive device is possible over the entire range of external conditions for the permitted operation of the vehicle, i.e., for example, in the range of an external temperature of approximately -35° to approximately +55° in the case of different climatic conditions.

[0106] The opening of the vehicle lock by the electric drive device is possible using at least ten opening cycles.

[0107] The opening of the vehicle lock by the electric drive device is possible at least ten years after operation at the on-vehicle location of the vehicle.

[0108] The term "system availability" refers to the availability of the vehicle lock to provide an opening function for use in a door system or a movable closure member system. Thus, system availability means maintaining the functional ability of the lock for the opening and closing functions of the lock. System availability means that when other functions (such as the on-vehicle electrical network or the central control device of the vehicle) fail, for example, after an accident, the lock still functions.

[0109] The interruption of the on-vehicle current supply is achieved, for example, by an accident.

[0110] In one example, the entire on-board electrical system fails; in another example, only the current supply to the vehicle lock 10 is interrupted.

[0111] In one example, at least twenty opening cycles are possible.

[0112] As an example, in a first variant, it is provided that the position sensor 22 is configured as a Hall sensor.

[0113] As an example, in a second variant, it is provided that the position sensor 22 is configured as a reed sensor.

[0114] As an example, in a third variant, it is provided that the position sensor 22 is configured as a reed switch.

[0115] As an example, in a fourth variant, it is provided that the position sensor 22 is configured as a microswitch.

[0116] Figure 2 Shown in a rear view Figure 1 parts of the rotary latch 12 and the locking pawl 14 in. The locking pawl 14 engages with the rotary latch 12 and blocks the rotary latch.

[0117] Figure 3 A two-part illustration for actuating the locking pawl against a stop is shown. In the upper part, the current I for operating the electric drive 16 is plotted in the vertical direction. The horizontal direction refers to time t. The first curve 40 shows the current when the locking pawl is opened. The first rising part 42 shows the start of the drive, followed by a falling part. During this time, the locking pawl is opened. The second rising part 44 shows the locking pawl abutting against the stop, which results in a higher, approximately constant current during the subsequent blocking travel of the motor. This current is then detected, and the system recognizes sufficient blocking travel and interrupts the current supply, which results in the falling part 46. The energization takes place in the section 48, but most of the part 50 is only used for blocking travel recognition, i.e., only a small part is used for the actual movement of the locking pawl. The current consumption for opening is shown by the area below the first curve 40.

[0118] The area under the shown curve is a measure of the required energy; for example, the motor current is shown here. To determine the energy, this motor current can be multiplied by a constant voltage and then integrated.

[0119] In the lower part, the open state of the locking pawl is plotted in the vertical direction. The horizontal direction again refers to time t. The second curve 52 shows the opening of the locking pawl. The step 54 indicates the opened locking pawl.

[0120] Figure 4Another two-part diagram for actuating the locking pawl using a sensor in a mechanical opening chain is shown. In the upper part, the current I for operating the electric drive 16 is plotted in the vertical direction. The horizontal direction refers to time t.

[0121] The third curve 56 shows the current when the locking pawl is opened. The rising part 58 shows the start of the drive device, followed by a falling part. During this time, the locking pawl is opened. However, the start of the contact with the stop is not provided. Instead, the open position of the locking pawl is detected via a sensor. In the lower part, the open state of the locking pawl is plotted in the vertical direction for this purpose. The horizontal direction refers to the time t again. The fourth curve 60 shows the opening of the locking pawl. The step part 62 indicates the opened locking pawl. The fifth curve 64 shows the detected signal of the sensor, which is arranged in the opening chain and from which the open state of the locking pawl can be directly derived. The fifth curve 64 has a step part 66. In order to clearly detect the signal, a detection time period 68 is provided, after which the current supply is then interrupted. Therefore, the power is supplied over the time period 70. With Figure 3 The area is smaller than in the example of the stopper and the version that blocks the current detection device.

[0122] Figure 5 A detail of a vehicle lock with an adjusting lever 80 is shown, at which a component 82 of a sensor 84 is arranged. For example, the sensor 84 is a Hall sensor and the component 82 is a magnetic element. The adjusting lever 80 is held rotatably about a pivot point 86. For example, a pivot range with an angle of approximately 30° is provided. A first radial line 88 represents an opening angle of 12°; a second radial line 90 represents an opening angle of approximately 24-26°, wherein a signal conversion takes place at the sensor 84; and a third radial line 92 represents an opening angle of approximately 30°. An arc segment 94 represents the movement path of the component 82 of the sensor 84.

[0123] Figure 6 An example of a motor vehicle door module 100 is shown. The motor vehicle lock module 100 has a vehicle lock 10 according to one of the above examples. The motor vehicle lock module 100 also has at least one actuating element 102 for opening the vehicle lock. The actuating element 102 activates the energization of the electric drive of the vehicle lock 10 in order to move the locking pawl into at least one released position.

[0124] As an example, a data connection 104, for example a wireless or wired data connection, is shown between the operating element 102 and the vehicle lock 10. For example, the operating element 102 is a button or a touch-sensitive user interface.

[0125] Figure 6The motor vehicle lock module 100 is shown in the context of a motor vehicle door module 150, which has a carrier structure 152 of the motor vehicle door 154. According to the foregoing example, at least one example of the motor vehicle lock module 100 is provided. At least one motor vehicle lock module 100 is held at the carrier structure 152.

[0126] For example, the carrier structure 152 is a multifunctional bracket (Multifunctional Bracket, MFB), at which other components such as window regulators, speakers, etc. can also be fastened. In another example, the carrier structure 152 is a load-bearing sheet metal structure of the motor vehicle door 154.

[0127] For example, the motor vehicle door 154 has a window area 156 and is held at the (not shown) vehicle body by means of two hinges 158.

[0128] In a (not shown) variant, the vehicle module has a carrier structure of the vehicle body and a motor vehicle lock module according to the foregoing example. The motor vehicle lock module is held at the carrier structure.

[0129] Figure 7 Steps of an example of a method 200 for opening a vehicle lock for a movable closure element of a motor vehicle are shown. The method 200 has the following steps:

[0130] - In a first step 202, an opening signal is received.

[0131] - In a second step 204, an electric current is applied to the electric drive device of the vehicle lock.

[0132] - In a third step 206, the electric drive device is run, wherein the opening operation is carried out after the starting current and the locking pawl is moved.

[0133] - In a fourth step 208, the position of a position sensor is detected, which is arranged at a component of a mechanical opening chain having an electric drive device, a force transmission device and a locking pawl or at another component moved by a component of the opening chain. A position signal is generated.

[0134] - In a fifth step 210, the electric drive device is switched off by interrupting the current.

[0135] The above embodiments can be combined in different ways. In particular, the various aspects of the device can also be used for the implementation of the method, and vice versa.

[0136] It should be further noted that "including" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other above embodiments. The reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.

Claims

1. A vehicle lock (10) for a movable closing part of a motor vehicle, the vehicle lock comprising: a rotary latch (12) which is held rotatably so as to be movable from a closed position into an open position and has a receptacle for a closing bolt; a locking pawl (14) which is held movably between a locking position and at least one released position and by means of which the rotary latch can be blocked in the locking position in the direction of the open position; - an electrical drive (16) for moving the locking pawl from the locking position into the at least one released position; - a force transmission device (18) between the electric drive and the locking pawl; and - a control device (20); in, The electrical drive, the force transmission device and the locking pawl form components of a mechanical opening chain; The control device has at least one position sensor (22), which is arranged at a component of the opening chain or at another component moved by the component of the opening chain, detects its position and generates a position signal; and Therein, the control device controls the electric drive device based on the position signal.

2. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, wherein: The position signal represents the position of the locking pawl in the at least one released position.

3. The vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: As soon as the position sensor generates the position signal, the control device interrupts the current supply to the electric drive.

4. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The position sensor is arranged on the component of the opening chain which travels the longest distance when the locking pawl is released; and Wherein, the position sensor is arranged: - on the movable part of the electric drive device; - on a movable part of said force transmission device; or - on the movable part of said locking pawl.

5. A vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The force transmission device: i) having a driving gear (32), and the position sensor is arranged on the driving gear; and / or ii) An opening lever is provided to lift the locking pawl, and the position sensor is arranged on the opening lever.

6. A vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The position sensor is arranged on the locking pawl.

7. A vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The position sensor is arranged on a rod which is not part of the opening chain.

8. A vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The locking pawl can only be moved by the electric drive; wherein the vehicle lock is configured to be functional without an external energy source; and An electrical energy storage device (34) is provided therein.

9. The vehicle lock according to claim 7, wherein: The electrical energy storage device is integrally formed with the vehicle lock; and Wherein, preferably, the electrical energy storage is configured as follows: i) supercapacitors; or ii)Batteries.

10. The vehicle lock according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: A lock housing is provided; and Therein, the electrical energy storage device is arranged in the lock housing.

11. The vehicle lock according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein: The electrical energy storage device is designed to provide system availability for opening the lock, wherein opening of the lock by the electric drive is still possible even in the event of an interruption in the onboard power supply according to at least one criterion from the group consisting of: i) after 24 hours; ii) over the entire range of external conditions for permitted operation of the vehicle; iii) utilizing at least ten opening cycles; as well as iv) after at least ten years of operation in a vehicle.

12. A vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The position sensor is designed as at least one sensor from the group consisting of: - Hall sensor; - Reed sensor; - Reed switch; and -Micro switch.

13. A motor vehicle lock module (100), comprising: - a vehicle lock (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and - at least one operating element (102) for opening the vehicle lock; in, The actuating element activates the supply of current to the electric drive in order to move the locking pawl into the at least one released position.

14. A motor vehicle door module (150) comprising: - a load-bearing structure (152) of a motor vehicle door; and - at least one motor vehicle lock module (100) according to claim 13; in, At least one motor vehicle lock module is held on the supporting structure.

15. A method (200) for opening a lock of a movable closure part of a motor vehicle, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: a) receiving (202) an open signal; b) applying (204) an electric current to an electrical drive device of the vehicle lock; c) operating (206) the electric drive, wherein an opening operation is performed after a starting current is applied and the locking pawl is moved; d) detecting (208) the position of a position sensor which is arranged at a component of a mechanical opening chain having the electric drive, the force transmission device and the locking pawl or at another component moved by the component of the opening chain and generates a position signal; and e) shutting down (210) the electrical drive by interrupting the current.

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