Electric drive unit for a motor vehicle

Abstract

This invention relates to an electric drive unit for a motor vehicle. In particular, it relates to an electric drive unit for loading a motor vehicle lock (1), preferably a motor vehicle cover lock (1). For this purpose, the electric drive unit is equipped with an electric drive device (4) that, during normal operation, acts on an adjusting element (3) with a Bowden cable (5) positioned in the middle. Furthermore, a control device (9) is provided for manually loading the adjusting element (3) during emergency operation and in the event of failure of the electric drive device (4). Additionally, a swingable locking lever (6) is provided that, during normal operation, prevents loading of the adjusting element (3) by means of the control device (9). According to the invention, a distinction is made between normal operation and emergency operation based on a signal from a sensor (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric drive unit for motor vehicles, particularly for loading a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle cover lock, comprising: an electric drive device that, in normal operation, acts on an adjustment element with a Bowden cable provided in the middle; and a control device / control element for manually loading the adjustment element in emergency operation and in the event of failure of the electric drive device, wherein a swingable locking lever is provided, which prevents loading of the adjustment element by means of the control device in normal operation. Background Technology

[0002] Electric drive units for motor vehicles have various uses in and on motor vehicles. For example, they can be used to operate vehicle locks, such as for electric opening. However, in principle, such electric drive units are also exemplarily and non-limitingly used for seat or rearview mirror adjustment, screen tilting, window regulator operation, etc. This particularly preferably relates to an electric drive unit for loading a vehicle lock, preferably a vehicle hood lock. That is to say, in this case, the electric drive unit ensures that the vehicle hood lock can generally be opened electrically. The vehicle hood lock can be a front hood lock, a trunk lid lock, etc. Of course, other vehicle locks, such as sliding door locks, can also be opened remotely in this manner. In principle, such electric drive units can also be used to lock and unlock fuel tank caps, charging port covers, etc.

[0003] For this purpose, such an electric drive unit typically operates with a low-voltage DC voltage. The motor, which is part of the electric drive unit, is rotated by a low-voltage DC voltage, which may be 12V, 24V, or 48V. The rotation of the motor can be transmitted to a Bowden cable, which itself performs pulling or pushing and acts on adjusting elements to regulate them, provided that a transmission is located in the middle.

[0004] Because such regulating elements typically have safety-related designs, as is the case with vehicle locks, additional measures are implemented to ensure that the regulating element remains engaged even in the event of a power supply failure. This is achieved manually using a control mechanism in this situation. Therefore, during normal operation, the electric drive unit, with the Bowden cable in between, ensures the regulating element is engaged accordingly. Conversely, in the event of an emergency operation due to electric drive failure, the regulating element is moved as desired by manually engaging the control mechanism.

[0005] This type of electric drive unit is specifically used in electric vehicles to ensure the locking or unlocking of the front hood. In electric vehicles, this typically refers to the front luggage compartment, the so-called "Frunk." The term "Frunk" is a neologism derived from the English terms "Front" and "Trunk" (meaning "front side and luggage compartment"). The electric drive unit allows for the locking or unlocking of the associated vehicle lock. For this purpose, the electric drive unit, via an electric drive mechanism with a Bowden cable in the center, acts on the locking lever or, generally, the locking element of the vehicle lock, which functions as an adjusting element within the scope of this application. When unlocking or opening the vehicle lock on the front hood, the electric drive unit acts on the locking claw, which acts as an adjusting element. Here, the locking claw is, as is typically, part of the locking mechanism. Loading the locking claw causes the locking mechanism to open.

[0006] To ensure access to the relevant front hood or "Frunk" even in the event of a power supply failure, an emergency maneuver via a Bowden cable is provided. This cable is loaded using a maneuvering mechanism to ensure emergency maneuverability. Thus, even in the event of a power supply failure, access can still be made to luggage, for example, inside the "Frunk".

[0007] To allow switching between normal and emergency operation, a locking lever is provided in the prior art of this type, as described in WO 95 / 31763 A1. During normal operation, the locking lever connects the electric drive unit to the regulating element. Conversely, in the event of emergency operation, the operating device is directly connected to the regulating element via the locking lever, or the locking lever typically allows loading of the regulating element via the operating device during emergency operation. This has been proven effective in practice.

[0008] However, existing technology can be improved in this respect, meaning that any misoperation using the control device cannot be ruled out during normal operation. This could lead to functional problems or mechanical damage. The present invention aims to remedy this issue comprehensively. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to develop such an electric drive unit for motor vehicles in a way that improves functional safety, especially by making a clear distinction between normal operation and emergency operation.

[0010] To address this technical problem, the present invention proposes an electric drive unit of this type for motor vehicles that can distinguish between normal operation and emergency operation based on sensor signals.

[0011] In principle, the system switches between normal operation and emergency operation based on the sensor signals.

[0012] This means that, according to the invention, it is ensured in this way that the vehicle lock cannot be loaded by means of a control device for manually loading the adjusting element during normal operation. This is because, during normal operation, the locking lever prevents the adjusting element from being loaded by means of a control device. Therefore, according to an advantageous design, a lever drive device for the swingable locking lever is provided. Furthermore, the involved sensor is advantageously connected to the control unit. The control unit loads the lever drive device based on the sensor signal.

[0013] This combination of a swingable locking lever and an associated lever drive mechanism provides an electrically operable connection. This electrically operable connection allows for differentiation between normal and emergency operation.

[0014] If in normal operation, the locking lever prevents the vehicle lock from being engaged via the operating mechanism. Conversely, if an emergency operation occurs, for example in the event of a power supply failure, the locking lever, which can no longer be engaged via the lever drive, allows the vehicle lock to be engaged via the operating mechanism during an emergency operation.

[0015] If the control device is loaded during normal operation, this results in a signal being generated on the sensor. This is because an unloaded control device is typically monitored by sensors and, consequently, the control unit. Now, if the control device is loaded, a specific signal from the sensor is transmitted to the control unit. In this case, the control unit ensures that the locking lever is swung via the lever drive mechanism. Thus, the control device cannot interact with the adjustment element and any misoperation or collision is completely avoided.

[0016] This means that the control unit loads the lever drive device based on the sensor signal. If the sensor determines that a load has been applied to the control device, the control unit ensures via the lever drive device that the locking lever is swung, and thus the control device cannot interact with the adjustment element when it is loaded.

[0017] To achieve this in detail, the lever drive typically has a worm gear engaged with the teeth of the locking lever. This allows the locking lever to be oscillated using the lever drive. Furthermore, the locking lever typically also has a spring for loading the locking lever.

[0018] Here, the spring is designed such that it loads the locking lever in the direction of its engagement position. This means that even when the locking lever is not loaded (by the lever drive), the spring ensures that the locking lever can occupy its engagement position. In this engagement position, the locking lever can be loaded using the actuating mechanism.

[0019] If the power supply to the electric drive unit is interrupted or fails, the lever drive unit can no longer swing the locking lever. In this case, the locking lever remains in its engaged position. The spring that loads the locking lever ensures this. Furthermore, any signals from the sensors will also be ineffective in this situation, as the lever drive unit cannot be loaded under any circumstances.

[0020] Now, if the operating device is loaded in this situation, it can advantageously be mechanically connected to the adjusting element via a so-called double-stroke movement. This is achieved in detail by loading the operating protrusion during the first stroke of the operating device via a Bowden cable connected to the device. Here, the operating protrusion typically interacts with a lever associated with the locking lever. The first stroke of the operating device now ensures that the lever releases the locking lever upon loading.

[0021] Now, in conjunction with the second stroke of the operating device, the operating protrusion can engage with the sliding element or the adjusting element. Thus, in this second stroke, the sliding element or the adjusting element is moved to the desired position by means of the operating device with the Bowden cable provided in the middle.

[0022] The lever associated with the locking lever ensures that, in the event that the operating device is not loaded and the power supply to the electric drive unit fails, the locking lever reliably moves to its engaged position by means of the spring associated with it. Furthermore, if the lever drive unit is no longer loaded by the control unit, the lever holds the locking lever, which has been oscillating via the lever drive unit, in this oscillating position. This is considered in the event of a power supply failure, i.e., after adjusting the locking lever. This ensures that the locking lever maintains its oscillating position and thereby prevents the operating protrusion from interacting with or potentially interacting with the sliding or adjusting elements when additionally loaded by the operating device. This prevents various possible functional malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; the drawings show:

[0024] Figures 1 to 9 The electric drive unit according to the invention is shown in different functional positions.

[0025] Figure 10 Shown from another perspective according to Figures 1 to 9 The scope is narrowed down to the elements that are important to this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The accompanying drawings show an electric drive unit for a motor vehicle. Specifically, it relates to an electric drive unit by means of which the electric drive unit is used only for... Figure 1The vehicle lock 1, which is only briefly outlined in the diagram, is loaded. According to this embodiment, "loading the vehicle lock 1" corresponds to opening the locking mechanisms 2 and 3, which are only briefly outlined there, including the latch 2 and the pawl 3. For this purpose, the electric drive unit acts on the pawl 3, which in this case swings clockwise around its axis, causing the latch 2, which was previously locked in this manner, to also swing upwards clockwise and release the previously jammed (not explicitly shown) locking pin or latch, thereby releasing the lock on the associated vehicle door or vehicle cover.

[0027] According to this embodiment, and not in a limiting sense, the vehicle lock 1 is a vehicle hood lock 1 used to close the front hood or rear hatch of an associated vehicle. This is also merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting. For locking, an electric drive unit 4 is alternatively provided, which acts on the vehicle lock 1 with a Bowden cable 5 in between. For this purpose, the electric drive unit 4 can indirectly act on the adjusting element 3 of the vehicle lock 1 in such a way that the vehicle lock 1 cannot be opened by the adjusting element 3 in the locked state, but can be opened in the unlocked state, because the locking claw 3, which serves as the adjusting element 3, can be loaded in this case. Corresponding to the locking claw 3 is the latch 2, which can be opened in this case when the locking claw 3 is loaded and in the unlocked state. However, in most cases, the drive unit directly acts on the locking claw 3, which serves as the adjusting element 3, and disengages the locking claw from the latch to open the locking mechanisms 2 and 3.

[0028] For this purpose, the electric drive unit 4 can be equipped with an electric motor, which, for example, loads the Bowden cable 5 by pulling or pushing in the presence of a screw drive mechanism / screw-nut drive mechanism in the middle. This allows switching between the unlocked, locked, and open positions of the vehicle lock 1. The locking claw 3, as the adjusting element 3, can itself be loaded manually or electrically. According to this embodiment, an operating device 9 is provided for this purpose, which is located on the inlet side of the electrical connection device 17 (described in detail later) via the Bowden cable 10. On the outlet side of the electrical connection device 17, another Bowden cable 18 acts on the adjusting element 3 or the locking claw 3, and the locking claw can be disengaged from its engagement with the latch 2 by means of the operating device 9, thereby opening the vehicle lock 1. This is contingent upon the vehicle lock 1 being in the unlocked state. Furthermore, in this case, the electrically operable connection device 17 allows the adjusting element 3 to be manually loaded by means of the operating device 9. This can only be achieved in emergency operations, as described below.

[0029] Conversely, if in normal operation, the electrically operable connecting device 17 is interrupted, and in this case, the central locking lever 6 prevents: the adjusting element 3 can be loaded via the operating device 9, the Bowden cable 10 on the inlet side, and the Bowden cable 18 on the outlet side, and specifically, emergency operation is achieved. This is prevented by the locking lever.

[0030] The pivotable center locking element 6 interacts with the sliding element 7. Additionally, a second Bowden cable 8 can be seen on the other inlet side, to which an actuating device 9 or another actuating device (not shown) can be connected. The actuating device 9 and thus the inlet-side Bowden cable 10 can load the end-side actuating protrusion 11, which is preferably positioned... Figure 1 and Figure 10 This can be seen from the comparison.

[0031] The basic institutions also include, in particular, those that can Figure 10 What we see in and in Figure 1 The sensor 12 is shown in a simplified outline. This sensor is connected to the control unit 13.

[0032] Therefore, the signal from sensor 12 can be evaluated using control unit 13. Furthermore, the design is such that, during normal operation and without the actuation device 9 loaded, the actuation protrusion 11 rests against or is loaded with the sensor 12. Now, whenever the actuation device 9 is operated, this corresponds to a change in the signal from sensor 12, which is transmitted to control unit 13. Control unit 13 detects the signal change and therefore loads the lever drive 14 for the swingable locking lever 6 based on the signal from sensor 12. This lever drive 14 ensures, by means of a worm gear 14, that the locking lever 6 can swing. For this purpose, the worm gear 14 engages with an associated, and particularly, [missing information], located on the locking lever 6. Figure 10 The teeth are visible in the image. Additionally, a spring 15 is provided to load the locking lever 6. The locking lever 6 is oriented towards its position by means of the spring 15. Figure 1 The orientation of the engagement position shown in the figure is loaded.

[0033] Finally, the invention also includes a lever 16 associated with the locking lever 6. The lever 16 is rotatably supported in a fixed position. For this purpose, the lever 16 can be connected to a housing that houses the entire electrically operable connecting device 17. The lever 16 releases the locking lever 6 when loaded, as will be described in detail below. For this purpose, the lever 16 is loaded by an operating protrusion 11, which has already been described and is movable by means of the operating device 9.

[0034] The working method is as follows. If from... Figures 1 to 2 During the transition, the Bowden cable 10 is operated by the control device 9 in the following manner—as in Figure 2As simply sketched in the diagram—a "right" movement, i.e., the manual loading of the operating device 9—can be recorded by the sensor 12. According to this embodiment, the sensor 12 is a switch, particularly a microswitch. As a result of this recorded movement of the operating device 9, the control unit 13, connected to the sensor or switch 12, ensures that the locking lever 6 leaves its previously occupied swing-in position (corresponding to…). Figure 1 (as illustrated in the diagram) and is swung relative to this. The lever drive 14 ensures the above situation.

[0035] From Figure 2 Start to Figure 3 In subsequent changes, with the Bowden cable 10 positioned in the middle, the operating protrusion 11, loaded by the operating device 9, is located at its "right" end position. The locking lever 6 occupies the position where it is fully extended or extended relative to the sliding element 7. Furthermore, according to... Figure 3 As can be seen, the control lever 16 abuts against the stop or bolt on the locking lever 6 from below. Thus, the control lever 16, in conjunction with the lever drive 14, ensures that the locking lever 6 remains in its open or extended position. This also applies in principle to situations where the power supply should be interrupted in this functional position.

[0036] From Figures 3 to 4 During the subsequent transition, it can be seen that the control device 9 is no longer loaded, thus the control protrusion 11 moves back "to the left" together with the Bowden cable 10. Therefore, the first stroke of the control device 9 ends. Furthermore, this return movement occurs from... Figures 4 to 5 During the subsequent transition, the operating protrusion 11 acts on the operating lever 16 using a latch mounted thereon. This operating lever... Figures 4 to 5 During the transition, it swings counterclockwise and thereby releases the previously jammed locking lever 6. If the lever drive device 14 is in Figure 5 If the state shown is always energized and the power supply is present or sufficient, the locking lever 6 will remain in its open or open position.

[0037] However, within the scope of this embodiment, a power supply failure occurs. Consequently, the lever drive device 14 can no longer load the locking lever 6, and instead, the locking lever 6 moves toward its swing-in position by means of the spring 15 associated with it.

[0038] Because during this process, the operating protrusion 11 has already caused the operating lever 16 to swing away from its engagement with the locking lever 6, therefore the locking lever 6 is in a state of... Figures 5 to 6 During the subsequent transition, it can transition to its position relative to the sliding element 7. The spring 15 that loads the locking lever 6 ensures this.

[0039] Now from Figure 5 Start to Figure 6During the transition, if the control device 9 is reloaded in the second stroke, causing the control protrusion 11 to move "to the right" again, this corresponds to... Figure 7 The illustration in the diagram and in to Figure 8 During the subsequent transition, the operating protrusion 11 engages with the sliding element 7. Therefore, the sliding element 7 can then be loaded with the second stroke of the operating device 9. This sliding element, together with the operating protrusion 11, moves "to the right" within the range of this embodiment as the operating device 9 retracts. Thus, in the event of a power supply failure, the adjusting element or locking pawl 3 is disengaged from the latch 2 by means of the Bowden cable 18, thereby opening the locking mechanisms 2, 3 and thus also opening the front cover (not shown) in emergency operation. Figure 9 Now shown is the retraction of the operating protrusion 11 after the second stroke is completed and the operating device 9 is released. Correspondingly, corresponding to... Figure 9 According to the illustration in the picture Figure 1 The initial position was reclaimed.

[0040] As can be seen, the distinction between normal operation and emergency operation is made based on the signal from sensor 12. Finally, based on the signal from sensor 12, the system switches from normal operation to emergency operation and, if necessary, back to normal operation. Since sensor 12 records "manual loading of the control device 9," control unit 13 ensures loading of the lever drive 14. As a result of loading the lever drive 14, locking lever 6 moves from its normally occupied swing-in position to its swing-out position and remains in that position. Therefore, locking lever 6 ensures that the control protrusion 11 cannot engage with the sliding element 7. Therefore, adjusting element 3 cannot be manually loaded via control device 9. That is to say, any loading of control device 9 is ineffective as long as normal operation is in place and therefore a sufficient power supply is available. The electrically operable coupling or connecting device 17 ensures this, in which case it "disengages" control device 9 from adjusting element 3. Conversely, if the current supply is interrupted and locking lever 6 occupies or remains in its swing-in position, a similar switch to emergency operation is made, and electrically operable connecting device 17 transitions to its "engaged" state.

[0041] However, if a similar power supply failure occurs during operation, the locking lever 6 first returns to its open position and is held in that position by means of the lever 16. A subsequent power supply failure in this case results in the lever drive 14 no longer being able to hold the locking lever 6 in the open position against the force of its associated spring 15, and instead, the locking lever 6 transitions to the in position. However, this is predicated on the lever 16 being swung by the operating device 9 and the operating protrusion 11, which holds the locking lever 6 in its open position. Thus, the locking lever 6 disengages from the lever 16, and the spring 15 allows the locking lever 6 to swung.

[0042] The locking lever 6 is only engaged by the force of the spring 15 when the lever 16 releases the locking lever 6 and simultaneously the power supply to the lever drive 14 is interrupted or insufficient. Then, with the second stroke of the operating device 9, the operating protrusion 11 can engage with the sliding element 7 because the locking lever 6 occupies its engaged position, and therefore the operating protrusion 11 can no longer obstruct engagement with the sliding element 7. That is to say, the signal from the sensor 12 is evaluated by the control unit 13 and implemented to switch from normal operation to emergency operation, and back if necessary. This is predicated on any failure or reduction in the power supply.

[0043] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0044] Motor vehicle lock 1

[0045] Locking tongue 2

[0046] Claw 3

[0047] Locking mechanisms 2 and 3

[0048] Drive unit 4

[0049] Bauden Lasso 5

[0050] Locking lever 6

[0051] Sliding element 7

[0052] Bauden Lasso 8

[0053] Operating device 9

[0054] Manipulation protrusion 11

[0055] Sensor 12

[0056] Control Unit 13

[0057] Rod drive device 14

[0058] Spring 15

[0059] Joystick 16

[0060] Connecting device 17

Claims

1. An electric drive unit for a motor vehicle, particularly for loading a motor vehicle lock (1), preferably a motor vehicle cover lock (1), the electric drive unit comprising: an electric drive device (4) that acts on an adjusting element (3) in normal operation with a Bowden cable (5) provided in the middle; and a control device (9) for loading the adjusting element (3) in emergency operation and in the event of failure of the electric drive device (4). in, A swingable locking lever (6) is provided, which prevents the adjustment element (3) from being loaded by means of the operating device (9) during normal operation. Its features are, The signal from sensor (12) is used to distinguish between normal operation and emergency operation.

2. The unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (12) is connected to the control unit (13).

3. The unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit (13) loads the lever drive (14) for the swingable locking lever (6).

4. The unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The control unit (13) loads the rod drive device (14) according to the signal from the sensor (12).

5. The unit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The lever drive device (14) loads the locking lever (6) by means of a worm gear (14) meshing with the teeth of the locking lever (6).

6. The unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The locking lever (6) has a spring (15) for loading the locking lever.

7. The unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spring (15) loads the locking rod (6) in the direction of the engagement position of the locking rod.

8. The unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The locking lever (6) is equipped with a control lever (16).

9. The unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lever (16) releases the locking lever (6) when it is loaded.

10. The unit according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The joystick (16) is loaded by a control protrusion (11) that can be moved by means of the control device (9).

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