Locking device for a door or flap

Abstract

A locking device for a door or hatch of a motor vehicle, in particular with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch (1) and a locking pawl (2) for engaging the rotary latch (1), wherein the locking device comprises an electric motor (3) and a control device (4) for controlling the electric motor (3), wherein the control device (4) is configured such that, by controlling the electric motor (3) by the control device (4), the electric motor (3) itself can generate an acoustic signal (5, 6), in particular a tone or melody, with a defined frequency or frequency sequence, wherein the electric motor (3) is arranged in a side door, in particular a driver's door, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that, when a door handle, in particular an interior door handle, is operated to open a vehicle side door, the electric motor (3) is controlled to generate an acoustic signal (5, 6).when an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian is detected.

Description

The invention relates to a closing device for a door or flap of a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of the main claim and to a method for generating an acoustic signal.When closing a motor vehicle door, certain processes and / or operating states may burden risks and risks of injury to the user.For example, if a door is not properly closed, there may be an increased risk of an improper opening during travel.Another example of a potential risk of injury to the user may result from the use of an automatic pulling aid for a door or flap of the vehicle, in which, for example, a piece of clothing may pass into a gap that is narrowed by the motorized pulling.The publications DE 10 2014 219 769 A1, DE 10 2010 043 973 A1, DE 10 2009 046 166 A1, DE 10 2012 015 251 A1, DE 10 2012 112 107 A1, DE 10 2012 211 689 A1 disclose that an electric drive motor of an electric vehicle can be used, in addition to its main function of driving the electric vehicle, in addition to generating tones or noises for simulating the noises of an internal combustion engine.Patent document DE 10 2015 208 211 A1 describes a method for the targeted generation of a noise by an electric motor which is a component of a comfort drive in a motor vehicle. The noise arises from a modulation of the drive signal for the motor or its power electronics, wherein frequency components above the human perception threshold are used to generate an audible noise. This noise can be used in situ, for example for feedback about the position of a displaced element or for warning in potentially hazardous conditions such as the closing of a window pane. The invention allows acoustic communication with the user without additional speakers and improves operability and safety of comfort functions in the vehicle.The patent specification DE 10 2008 013 586 A1 discloses a device and a method for outputting acoustic signals, in which at least one existing installation part of a technical installation-for instance a motor or switched-mode power supply-serves as a sound transducer. By controlled electrical variables such as current or voltage, an audible sound field in the range from 16 Hz to 20 kHz is generated by utilizing parasitic effects. The invention enables space-saving and cost-effective acoustic output, for example of sound signals or voice information, without additional loudspeakers. It is particularly suitable for applications in vehicles or elevator installations in which available components can be used for generating sound without impairing their primary function.The patent specification DE 10 2007 036 079 A1 describes a method and a control device for increasing the safety when opening vehicle doors. An environmental monitoring system recognizes potential risks of collision with approaching objects, such as cyclists, and links this information to the occupancy of the vehicle seats. Only when a seat next to a door is occupied is the door actively monitored and secured in the event of danger by warning signals or blocking. The invention uses existing sensor systems such as ultrasound, radar or cameras and seat sensors for weight detection and enables a targeted, low-error warning or delay of the door opening in order to avoid accidents during getting out.The patent specification DE 10 2004 014 649 A1 describes a method for operating a locking system for motor vehicles, in which the signaling of a successful locking process is not based as usual on the assumption that all requirements are fulfilled, but rather on the actual execution of the locking process. For this purpose, evaluable variables such as current or pressure profiles of actuators or status information of locking devices and windows are used. An indicator is activated only when the locking has actually taken place. In the event of a fault, a different signal is generated in order to inform the user of an incomplete locking. The system increases the safety and reliability of the vehicle lock and may also incorporate window conditions.The patent specification DE 69 914 663 T2 relates to an electrically operated vehicle door lock with a single actuator which controls both the release and the activation of a safety function and a sliding latch. The lock comprises a mechanical and electrical actuation unit which is connected to a release lever via a transmission element. This can be moved into three positions: for release, for locking and for deactivation of the release from the inside. Control is effected via a complex logic system with microswitches, sensors and an electronic control unit which processes various input signals. The system also allows manual emergency operations and an electronic child lock for the rear doors. The invention offers a cost-effective solution with extended safety functions with simultaneously a compact construction.It is the object of the invention to design a closing device for a door or flap of a motor vehicle in a particularly secure manner.The aforementioned features known from the prior art can be combined individually or in any combination with one of the articles according to the invention described below.To achieve the object, a closing device for a door, hood, cover or flap of a motor vehicle according to the main claim and a method according to the dependent claim serve. Advantageous embodiments are evident from the dependent claims.The object is achieved by a locking device for a door, hood, cover or flap of a motor vehicle, in particular with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and a pawl for latching the rotary latch, wherein the locking device comprises an electric motor and a control device for controlling the electric motor, wherein the control device is configured such that, by controlling the electric motor by the control device, the electric motor itself can generate an acoustic signal, in particular sound and / or melody, with a definable and / or defined frequency or frequency sequence.A defined frequency means a frequency defined by the configuration or programming of the control device, i.e. in particular only a specific frequency such as 2000 Hz.Frequency sequence means a sequence of defined frequencies defined by the configuration or programming of the control device, i.e. with a defined time period for stopping a first defined frequency, a defined pause between the first defined frequency and a second defined frequency and with a defined time period for stopping the second definable and / or defined frequency, etc.Both the defined frequency and the defined frequency sequence are reflected in the control signal from the control device to the electric motor, wherein this control signal, which can also be transmitted to the electric motor in addition to a control signal for driving the electric motor, is generated by a separate program code or a separate processor unit of the control device, which is configured exclusively for generating an acoustic signal by the electric motor.Electric motor fundamentally denotes an electromechanical converter which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. In a conventional electric motor, the force exerted by a magnetic field on the current-carrying conductors of a coil is converted into motion. An electric motor generally generates a rotating movement. The generated movement can, however, also be a translatory movement, as in the case of a linear drive, for example.In particular, an armature of the electric motor moves as a function of a control signal of the control device, wherein the armature preferably consists of a coil or a magnet or comprises a coil or a magnet.The term control device is understood to mean an electronic device which can emit an analog or digital signal for driving an electric motor. The control device preferably comprises a processor and a storage medium for storing a program code which can cause the processor to execute method steps, in particular the method steps described below.In particular, the control device comprises or consists of a control unit, also called an ECM (electronic control module). A control device generally has electronic modules which are predominantly installed at locations at which something has to be controlled or regulated.In particular, the control device is an embedded system, i.e. connected or integrated into a data processing system and / or a communication system of the vehicle.The control device or the control device is preferably connected or embedded via a system bus, e.g. CAN, LIN, MOST, FlexRay and / or Ethernet.Access and / or exchange of system-wide information about at least one specific operating state, at least one current process, data of one sensor or of a plurality of sensors of the vehicle or of the control device and / or further relevant data in the vehicle is thus made possible.In particular, the control device or the control device is preferably connected via such a system bus, preferably a so-called K-line, to an OBD (on-board diagnosis), i.e. vehicle diagnostic system. This enables, inter alia, communication from the outside, for example for changing the programming or displaying fault messages based on self-tests, in particular with so-called diagnostic devices or alternatively with an external computer.Actuating the electric motor means transmitting an analog or digital signal or actuating signal which energizes a conductor of the electric motor in such a way that a desired movement of the armature is produced, that is to say a relative movement between the armature and a housing of the electric motor.In particular, a relative movement or movement of the armature of the electric motor can generate both a driving force, a driving torque and a driving movement, i.e. also a defined tone or a defined melody, namely separately or simultaneously. That is, a sound and a driving torque can be generated simultaneously. However, a tone can also be generated without generating the drive torque. Or only a driving torque without the fixed tone may be generated.Specifically, the sound is a warning sound for warning of an operation or an operating state that is in need of a risk of injury.In particular, the electric motor can thus be used separately as a drive for the closing device, separately as an acoustic signal generator or simultaneously as a drive and acoustic signal generator.Simultaneous use is possible by superimposing a control signal for driving and a control signal for acoustic signal generation. The armature then oscillates to generate the acoustic signal at the predetermined frequency during rotation or translation to drive the locking device.Configuring a control device means in particular that the control device has preferably been enabled by the provision of a program code to transmit a signal to the electric motor in a specific operating state or a specific process, preferably independently of a drive function of the electric motor, which signal causes the electric motor itself to generate an acoustic signal.Acoustic signal means a defined acoustic signal, i.e. a tone with a defined frequency or a melody with a defined or definable frequency sequence.In particular, the defined frequency of the sound or the frequencies of the defined frequency sequence lies in a frequency range between at least 20 Hz, preferably 200 Hz, particularly preferably 1000 Hz and / or at most 20 000 Hz, preferably at most 8000 Hz, particularly preferably 3500 Hz. Audibility of the sound or the melody for the human ear can thus be made possible.Sound or melody means a propagation, in particular audible oscillations or sound waves, in the form of pressure and density fluctuations in an elastic medium, preferably in a gas such as air and / or in a solid body such as the lock plate or the lock case of the locking device."Generated by the electric motor itself" means that an alternating relative movement or movement of the armature generates the oscillation or sound waves, in particular as a result of the energization of the conductor of the electric motor, preferably in accordance with a control signal of the control device.By means of the features of the main claim, a tone and / or a melody can be generated which indicates to the user a specific operating state or a specific operation and in this way can reduce a risk of injury.The invention is based on the concept that an electric motor of a closing device of a door or flap of a motor vehicle is basically integrated in a wall, door and / or flap of the vehicle cabin and can thus be easily perceived by the vehicle occupants as a result of the short distance from the vehicle occupants.A particularly reliable perception of a sound or a melody by the vehicle occupants can thus be achieved by providing the locking device according to the invention. At the same time, conventional loudspeakers which were otherwise required for generating the sound or the melody can be saved and parts and installation space can be saved in this way. In systems which, because of the limited installation space, proposed positioning a conventional loudspeaker at a comparatively large distance from the vehicle occupants, it is even possible to save a particularly large and powerful loudspeaker together with amplifiers thereof.Furthermore, the locking device according to the invention enables a tone or a melody to be generated on a component which is directly related to the tone or the melody for the displayed operating state or process. If, for example, a motor vehicle side door lock which is not closed as intended is indicated by a sound, this sound can be generated by an electric motor arranged in precisely this motor vehicle side door. This enables the vehicle occupant intuitively to identify the non-scheduled closed door by locally assigning the sound.It is essential to the invention that the electric motor is arranged or integrated in a driver's side door.The driver's side door is the door for getting in and out of the vehicle's driver, i.e., the driver's seat positioned to operate the steering wheel.By integrating or arranging the electric motor in or near the driver's side door, it can be ensured that the driver perceives the tone particularly reliably.In one embodiment, the control device comprises an interface for receiving or exchanging data or signals with a data processing system of the motor vehicle, a communication system of the motor vehicle and / or onboard diagnostic system of the motor vehicle, in particular a system bus interface based on CAN, LIN, MOST, FlexRay and / or Ethernet.It is thus possible to use monitoring data from systems of the motor vehicle that are external with respect to the locking device and which in particular provide a sensor in the motor vehicle for detecting an operating state.In one embodiment, the electric motor serves for driving a closing aid for the door or flap or for operating a central locking mechanism for the door and / or flap or is configured for this purpose.A dual function of the electric motor as a drive and as an acoustic signal generator can thus be achieved.It is essential to the invention that the control device is configured such that, when a door handle, in particular an inside door handle, is actuated to open a vehicle side door, the electric motor is actuated to generate an acoustic signal when an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian is detected. A particularly secure opening of a vehicle side door can thus be made possible."Detected" means that an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian has been detected by a sensor and / or a data processing device, wherein a corresponding signal with the information about the identification of operating states described above has preferably been received and processed by the control device.In particular, the connection, i.e. the interface, of the control device to a system bus of the motor vehicle allows the control device to use data from sensors and results from a data processing device of a system which are installed in the vehicle independently of the closing device for the door or flap of the motor vehicle, such as the at least one sensor and the at least one data processing device for a parking assistant system or a lane change assistant system.For example, the sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor and / or an optical sensor, in particular a camera or CCD chip, with the aid of which an obstacle is detected, i.e. detected, and the motor vehicle can park itself in a parking space.In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that the electric motor of the closing device for the door or flap is configured to generate an acoustic signal for a system of the motor vehicle external to the control device, in particular a parking assistant system and / or a lane change assistant system.In this embodiment, the electric motor takes on simultaneously the function of a speaker having the above-mentioned advantages in addition to the function of driving the shooting apparatus, and the speaker of the external system otherwise provided can thus be saved.If the external system is, for example, a parking assistant system, a sound is generated by the electric motor of the locking device when the vehicle has reached its end position.In particular, the sound is repeated with preferably shortening distances which correlate with the distance exceeding the end position in order to warn the driver of an imminent collision with an obstacle by exceeding the intended end position.A sound or melody can also be generated by the electric motor in order to indicate to the driver that the end position has been reached and the automatic motor has been shut down and / or the doors have been automatically locked.In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that an acoustic signal is generated by the electric motor if the closing device remains in a pre-ratchet position after a closing process and / or has not taken up a main ratchet position.The rotary latch of a motor vehicle lock usually has a fork-shaped inlet slot formed by a load arm and a catch arm, into which the striker of a vehicle door or flap, for example a bonnet or trunk flap, reaches when the door or flap is closed. The striker then rotates the rotary latch from an open position into a closed position with the aid of the catch arm. Once the rotary latch has reached the closed position, it is latched in this position via the pawl. The striker can no longer leave the inlet slot of the rotary latch, since this is prevented by the load arm. This locking position is called the main locking position.There are motor vehicle locks with a second latching position, namely the so-called pre-latching position. The pre-ratchet position serves to intercept the corresponding door or flap when it does not reach the main ratchet position during closing. In the pre-ratchet position, the rotary latch is consequently not completely closed, but an opening movement of the rotary latch is already prevented by a pawl.Therefore, the region of the rotary latch which receives the pawl in this position is also referred to as a pre-ratchet. Finally, in the main ratchet position, the rotary latch is completely closed. The pre-latch thus represents a transition state between the open state and the main latch and is provided for safety reasons.By configuring the control device in such a way that a sound or a melody is generated by the electric motor when the closing device remains in a pre-ratchet position after a closing process and / or has not taken up a main ratchet position, the driver can acoustically recognize the improper operating state of the locking mechanism and transfer the door or flap into the main ratchet position. A risk of driving with the door not fully closed can thus be reduced or avoided.In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that an acoustic signal is generated by the electric motor during a closing process of the door or flap.A closing process of a door or flap describes the time period in which the door or flap is moved by the electric motor from a pre-latching position into the main latching position. A risk of injury due to the automated pulling-in can thus be reduced.In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that an acoustic signal is generated by the electric motor during a process of pulling the door or flap open. A pulling-up process is an automatic opening of a door or flap, i.e. driven by the electric motor. In particular, the flap is a bonnet or trunk flap and / or the door is a motor vehicle side door designed as a sliding door. A risk of injury to passing passengers or the user through the opening door or flap can thus be reduced.In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that the electric motor generates a distinguishable acoustic signal for at least two different operating states or processes, respectively. Distinguishable acoustic signal means a sound or a sound sequence, i.e. a melody, which can be easily distinguished from one another in the perception of the user. In particular, two distinguishable tones have a different frequency with a spacing of at least 100 Hz and / or at most 800 Hz. In particular, two distinguishable tone sequences have different lengths of pauses between two tones and / or tone lengths. The user can thus recognize a plurality of operating states and / or processes on the basis of the distinguishable acoustic signals.In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that the electric motor generates a distinguishable acoustic signal in each case when an unlocked state or a locked state of a central locking system or an activated state or deactivated state of a child safety device for a side back door has been assumed.A risk of theft or a risk of injury for children can thus be reduced.When assumed means that the state in question has just been assumed, i.e. has just been changed to this state. That is, the acoustic signal indicates the change to one of the above-mentioned states. If a plurality of the above-mentioned states are displayed, in particular a respectively distinguishable acoustic signal is used, i.e. an individual acoustic signal is assigned to each state.In particular, each operating state or process to be displayed to the user-or at least the predominant part thereof-is generally assigned an individual acoustic signal, which enables the user to assign the acoustic signal to the respective operating state or process.In one embodiment, an electric motor housing for the electric motor and / or a lock housing for the locking mechanism are shaped in such a way that the electric motor housing or the lock housing form a resonance body for the acoustic signal.A resonant body is basically part of an oscillatory system and serves for amplifying the acoustic signal.By means of an electric motor housing for the electric motor and / or a lock housing for the locking mechanism, which are shaped in such a way that the electric motor housing or the lock housing form a resonance body for the acoustic signal, the at least one acoustic signal can be amplified with particularly little effort and without additional parts.In particular, a resonant body is a body defining a cavity, wherein preferably the dimensions of the cavity are tuned to the fixed frequency or to a plurality of distinguishable frequencies such that a natural frequency of the resonant body matches the fixed frequency or a frequency in a resonant relationship to the fixed frequency.Once excited, such a resonant body, i.e. acoustic resonator, oscillates with its natural frequency or one of its natural frequencies, i.e. in body resonance. At the defined frequency, the resonance body therefore vibrates with it and emits the vibration to the air in an amplified manner.The electric motor housing comprises in particular the armature in order to envelop an air volume around the armature and thus to be able to serve as a resonant body.In particular, resonant bodies can be tuned to a plurality of defined frequencies. In musical instruments on which one can play many pitches, the resonating body is designed to have a large spectrum of natural frequencies which ideally covers the entire pitch range of the instrument, so that the resonating body resonates at all playable pitches.In particular, the electric motor or the lock housing or the lock plate or the lock case are constructed such that at least two defined acoustic signals or distinguishable acoustic signals from the electric motor or the lock housing or the lock plate or the lock case are comprised as natural frequencies.Preferably, a configuration of the motor housing or lock housing is provided that allows for many different modes of oscillation so that the defined, distinguishable frequencies appear equally loud to the user.In one embodiment, the lock housing is configured for an acoustic signal with a lower specified frequency and the motor housing is configured for an acoustic signal with a higher specified frequency.The larger the cavity, the lower the natural frequencies as a rule. A high acoustic signal quality and amplification can thus be achieved.In one embodiment, the electric motor is connected to a lock plate and / or a lock case in such a way that oscillations with the defined frequency or frequency sequence are transmitted to the lock plate and / or the lock case.If the connection is a rigid connection, the acoustic properties such as the resonant frequency of the lock housing can be influenced by the fixed connection to the electric motor housing. This is then to be taken into account in the design of the lock housing. In a similar manner, further components connected to the lock housing and / or the connections of the lock housing to the door or flap also influence the acoustic properties of the lock housing as a resonance body.The lock plate, the lock case and / or a lock housing can be used in this way as resonant bodies with a particularly high quality and amplification performance. An acoustic signal with a particularly high volume and quality can thus be made possible.The locking device for the motor vehicle, i.e. the motor vehicle lock, comprises a metallic lock plate or an in particular metallic lock case with a lock plate with the locking mechanism with the rotary latch and the pawl mounted thereon or therein. The lock plate is basically plate-shaped. A lock case generally has an L-shaped cross section. Together with a further housing part, which in particular comprises plastic and / or metal, the lock plate and / or the lock case form the housing for the locking device.In particular, a cohesive connection, for example by welding or soldering, or a force-fit connection, for example with the aid of screws, is provided as a connection for transmitting oscillations at the defined frequency or frequency sequence to the lock plate and / or the lock case. In one embodiment, the control device is configured such that a control signal for driving the electric motor for generating the acoustic signal is an in particular analog square wave signal.The use of an analog square-wave signal allows a particularly simple control of the electric motor for generating the acoustic signal.A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating an acoustic signal, in which a closing device for a door or flap of a motor vehicle, in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments of the preceding aspect of the invention, in particular with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and a pawl for latching the rotary latch, comprises an electric motor and a control device for actuating the electric motor, having the following steps: 1. detecting a specified operating state or process by the control device (4), 2. actuating the electric motor (3) with a control signal for generating an acoustic signal (5, 6), in particular sound or melody, at a specified frequency or frequency sequence which is associated with the operating state or the process, and 3. converting the control signal into the acoustic signal (5, 6) with the defined frequency or frequency sequence by a vibration of an armature of the electric motor (3).The definition and embodiments described above in connection with the closing device according to the invention also apply to the present method.By means of the method according to the invention, an operating state and / or a process can be displayed particularly reliably to the user or passerby and injury risks can be reduced.In one embodiment of the method, the electric motor can generate a distinguishable acoustic signal for at least two different operating states or processes, in particular at least two of the following operating states or processes:activating a door handle, in particular an inner door handle, to open a vehicle side door when an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian is detected,if the closing device remains in a pre-ratchet position after a closing operation and / or has not assumed a main ratchet position,when the closing device is transferred from a pre-ratchet position into a main ratchet position,during a closing process of the door or flap,during a process of pulling up the door or flap,when an unlocked state or a locked state of a central locking system has been or has been assumed, and / orwhen an activated state or deactivated state of a child safety device has been assumed for a side rear door or a rear side door.A particularly reliable display of at least one of the above-mentioned operating states or processes can thus be displayed particularly reliably to the user or passerby and a risk of injury arising therefrom can be reduced.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures. Features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined individually or in a plurality with the claimed subject matter.The following are shown: FIG. 1 : a partial view of a closing device with a locking mechanism FIG. 2 : a top view of the locking mechanism mounted in the lock caseThe locking device for the motor vehicle, i.e. the motor vehicle lock, comprises a metallic lock plate with a rotary latch 1 mounted thereon about the ratchet axis 13 and a ratchet 2 mounted about the ratchet axis 12.The lock plate can either form the lock housing 9 as such with a housing part or be part of an L-shaped lock case 7, which in turn forms the lock housing 9 together with a housing part, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lock case 7 then corresponds in particular to a lock plate with a bent-over edge piece or leg. By means of threads 11 in the lock case 7, the lock plate or the lock case 7 is attached to the door or flap.The lock plate or lock case 7 is generally provided with an inlet slot 15 through which a striker 14 can pass into the lock housing 9 or housing in order to be received by the rotatably mounted catch 1 of the locking mechanism and to be held firmly by latching the pawl 2 with the catch 1.The rotary latch 1 of the locking device usually has a load arm and a catch arm, which together form a fork-shaped inlet slot of the rotary latch 1, into which a striker 14 of a door or flap, for example a hood or trunk flap, reaches when passing through the inlet slot 15 of the lock plate when the door or flap is closed.The striker 14 then rotates the rotary latch 1 from an open position into a closed position. Once the rotary latch 1 has reached the closed position, it is latched in this position via the pawl 2.The striker 14 can no longer leave the inlet slot of the rotary latch. This locking position is called the main locking position.In one embodiment, the motor vehicle lock has a second latching position, namely the so-called pre-latching position. The pre-ratchet position serves to intercept the corresponding door or flap when it does not reach the main ratchet position during closing. In the pre-ratchet position, the rotary latch 1 is consequently not completely closed, but an opening movement of the rotary latch 1 is already prevented by a pawl 2. Therefore, the region of the rotary latch 1 which receives the pawl 2 in this position is also referred to as a pre-ratchet. Finally, in the main ratchet position, the rotary latch 1 is completely closed. The pre-latch thus represents a transition state between the open state and the main latch and is provided for safety reasons.In one embodiment, the motor vehicle lock has a blocking lever in addition to the pawl for holding the pawl in the main ratchet position. In a motor vehicle lock of this type, the relative position between the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 is not designed such that the force exerted by the rotary latch 1 runs through the pawl axis 12 and consequently an independent fixing of the rotary latch 1 by means of the pawl 2 is made possible. Rather, in particular for providing a lock unit that operates with particularly low noise, the pawl 2 is designed or arranged in such a way that the force exerted by the rotary latch 1 causes a torque at the pawl 2, which assists the release of the rotary latch 1. In this respect, the rotary latch 1 causes an opening moment with respect to the pawl 2, so that the latter can be easily moved into the open position as a result of the spring prestress of the rotary latch 1.In order to likewise permanently ensure a locked state, a blocking lever can be provided which fixes the pawl 2 in the locked position, so that in particular positional displacements with respect to the locking mechanism-for example by compressing the door seals, the driving mode and the like-do not cause the lock unit to open or the pawl 2 and the rotary latch 1 to come into contact. Thus, the "self-opening mechanism" of the locking mechanism is blocked. Opening the lock is thus possible with particularly little force exertion.In one embodiment, the electric motor 3 can be arranged inside or outside the lock housing 9.In one embodiment, the control device 4 can be arranged inside or outside the lock housing 9.FIGS. 1 and 2 show an electric motor 3 as a drive of a closing aid, which is connected in particular via a cable 10 to a control device 4.In the present case, the electric motor 3 has an electric motor housing 8, which is firmly connected to the lock housing 9 in a materially integral manner, preferably by soldering, or is part of the housing part made of plastic, for example.The control device 4 has a storage medium, not shown, which contains a program code that causes a processor of the control device 4 to transmit a control signal in the form of a square-wave signal for generating a defined frequency of 2000 Hz to the electric motor 3 for a time interval of, for example, one second, if the control device 4 has still not received a sensor signal about reaching the main ratchet position even after, for example, five seconds after activation of the closing aid.Regardless of whether the electric motor 3 still performs a rotation of a drive shaft or generates a torque acting on the drive shaft, the rectangular drive signal results in a vibration of the armature of the electric motor 3 at the defined frequency of 2000 Hz for a period of one second.The sound waves generated by the vibration of the armature initially propagate over the air within the electric motor housing and induce a vibration of the electric motor housing itself. This oscillation of the electric motor housing is transmitted via the rigid connection to the lock housing to the lock housing, which oscillates particularly strongly because the natural frequency of the system lock housing 9 with the electric motor housing 8 rigidly connected and, when attached to a vehicle side door, has a natural frequency close to or identical to 2000 Hz.The external ambient air forwards the sound 5 thus generated and amplified to the wall of the vehicle side door, which separates the ambient air with the sound waves from the vehicle cabin.The volume of the sound 5 is so great that the driver can clearly and clearly hear the sound 5 despite the wall. Preferably, the clay 5 can also emerge from the inlet slot 15.Since the sound 5 is generated in the present exemplary embodiment by an integrated electric motor 3 exactly of the vehicle side door which, after activation of the closing aid, has not reached the main latching position as planned, for example because of a blocking object between the vehicle side door and the vehicle body, the driver will intuitively associate the sound 5 with this vehicle side door and search there for one for a malfunction.As long as the problem is not resolved and the vehicle side door is neither fully opened nor brought into the main ratchet position, for example, a melody 6 with three distinguishable tones 5 is generated every five seconds in the manner described above. It is also conceivable that expressions, words or word sequences are generated.The driver is thus caused to search for the cause of the melody 6 until he has found the underlying problem and the melody 6 ends.

Claims

Locking device for a door or flap of a motor vehicle, in particular with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2) for latching the rotary latch (1), wherein the locking device comprises an electric motor (3) and a control device (4) for actuating the electric motor (3), wherein the control device (4) is configured such that, by actuating the electric motor (3) by the control device (4), the electric motor (3) itself can generate an acoustic signal (5, 6), in particular sound or melody, with a fixed frequency or frequency sequence, wherein the electric motor (3) is arranged in a side door, in particular a driver's door, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that, when a door handle, in particular an inside door handle, is actuated, For opening a vehicle side door, the electric motor ( 3) is actuated to generate an acoustic signal ( 5, 6) when an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian is detected.Locking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that an acoustic signal (5, 6) is generated by the electric motor (3) if the locking device remains in a pre-latching position after a locking process and / or has not assumed a main latching position.Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that an acoustic signal is generated by the electric motor (3) during a closing process of the door or flap.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that an acoustic signal (5, 6) is generated by the electric motor (3) during a process of pulling the door or flap open.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that the electric motor (3) can generate a distinguishable acoustic signal (5, 6) in each case for at least two different operating states or processes.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that the electric motor generates an acoustic signal (5, 6), in particular one which can be distinguished in each case, if an unlocked state or a locked state of a central locking system or an activated state or deactivated state of a child safety device for a side rear door has been assumed.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electric motor housing (8) for the electric motor (3) and / or a lock housing (9) for the locking mechanism are shaped in such a way that the electric motor housing (8) or the lock housing (9) form a resonant body for the acoustic signal.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor (3) is connected to a lock plate and / or a lock case (7) in such a way that oscillations with the defined frequency or frequency sequence are transmitted to the lock plate and / or the lock case (7).Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) is configured such that a control signal for controlling the electric motor (3) for generating the acoustic signal (5, 6) is an in particular analog square-wave signal.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (4) comprises an interface for receiving or exchanging data or signals with a data processing system of the motor vehicle, a communication system of the motor vehicle and / or on-board diagnostic system of the motor vehicle, in particular a system bus interface based on CAN, LIN, MOST, FlexRay and / or Ethernet.Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor (3) serves for driving a closing aid for the door or flap or for operating a central locking mechanism for the door and / or flap.Method for generating an acoustic signal (5, 6), in which a closing device for a door or flap of a motor vehicle, in particular with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2) for latching the rotary latch (1), comprises an electric motor (3) and a control device (4) for actuating the electric motor (3), wherein the electric motor (3) is arranged in a side door, in particular a driver's door, and wherein the control device (4) is configured such that, when a door handle, in particular an inside door handle, is actuated for opening a vehicle side door, the electric motor (3) is actuated for generating an acoustic signal (5, 6) if an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian is detected, with the following steps:

1. detecting a specified operating state or process by the control device (4), 2. driving the electric motor (3) with a drive signal for generating an acoustic signal (5, 6), in particular sound or melody, with a specified frequency or frequency sequence which is associated with the operating state or process, and 3. converting the drive signal into the acoustic signal (5, 6) with the specified frequency or frequency sequence by a vibration of an armature of the electric motor (3).Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electric motor (3) can generate a distinguishable acoustic signal (5, 6) in each case for at least two different operating states or processes, in particular at least two of the following operating states or processes: - upon actuation of a door handle, in particular an inner door handle, for opening a vehicle side door, when an approaching motor vehicle, an approaching cyclist and / or an approaching pedestrian is detected, - when the closing device remains in a pre-latching position after a closing process and / or has not taken up a main latching position, - during a closing process of the door or flap, - during a closing process of the door or flap, - when an unlocked state or a locked state of a central locking system or has been taken up, and / or - if an activated state or deactivated state of a child safety device for a side rear door has been assumed.

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