Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock (1), which is equipped with a locking mechanism (3, 4) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (3) and a locking pawl (4). Furthermore, an electric motor drive (5) is provided. Also included is a replaceable emergency power source (7) for the emergency electrical supply of the drive (5). According to the invention, the emergency power source (7) is detachably connectable to a base (11) for electrical contact.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a locking pawl, furthermore with an electric motor drive, and with a replaceable emergency power source for the emergency electrical supply of the drive.

[0002] In such vehicle locks, the electric motor drive serves, for example, to lock or unlock an associated operating lever chain. In addition, such a drive can also implement other functions, such as a child safety lock or an anti-theft function. However, the electric motor drive is typically used to open the lock.

[0003] Such electric motor-driven opening drives are increasingly being used today. This is because they eliminate the need for mechanically operated handles, such as exterior door handles, which are detrimental to the aerodynamics of the associated vehicle. This means that in this case, the vehicle lock in question is not opened mechanically, but rather electrically, by activating a switch, a remote control, etc. A pre-access authorization check, which could be followed by such an opening process, is also conceivable.

[0004] Once the lock has been opened by means of the electric motor drive, typically by lifting the locking pawl that engages in the rotary latch and thereby springing the rotary latch open, the corresponding vehicle door opens at least a crack relative to the vehicle body. An operator can then reach behind the crack to swing open one of the door leaves.

[0005] The electric motor drive can also be part of a door opening mechanism. In this case, the electric motor drive, for example, ensures that the relevant wing of the vehicle door is raised relative to the vehicle body following an electric opening process. As a result, a significant gap is created between the door wing and the vehicle body, which a user can grasp and use to swing the door open.

[0006] All these procedures require, on the one hand, a functioning and operational battery inside the vehicle body and, on the other hand, an uninterrupted electrical connection. Both of these conditions cannot always be guaranteed. For example, after a prolonged period of inactivity, the vehicle's own battery may no longer provide the necessary voltage to electrically unlock the door. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, there is a risk that the electrical connection from the vehicle lock (typically located inside the door) and its electric motor to the battery in the body will be interrupted because one or more cables have simply broken. In such a case, the system switches from normal operation to emergency operation.

[0007] To ensure an emergency electrical power supply for the drive during such an emergency operation, a replaceable emergency power source is implemented. Several examples of this exist in the prior art. For instance, the generic patent DE 10 2021 100 739 A1, which originates from the applicant, uses so-called supercapacitors, i.e., capacitors with particularly high capacitance. These supercapacitors are arranged replaceably within the lock housing for this purpose. The precise mounting and securing of the emergency power source remains unspecified.

[0008] A similar approach applies to the teachings of DE 10 2021 101 228 A1. In this case, too, an emergency power source is provided. This is located in an inlet area for a lock holder. A battery compartment with a corresponding housing cover is provided for this purpose. Similar solutions are described in EP 1 394 342 A2 and FR 2 775 718 A1.

[0009] Finally, US 2021 / 0148 143 A1 refers to supercapacitors or one or more batteries as emergency power sources. For this purpose, the supercapacitors or batteries are directly mounted on a circuit board. This effectively precludes any replacement.

[0010] The current state of the art has generally proven effective, but still offers room for improvement. On the one hand, solutions exist that ensure the emergency power source can be easily replaced. These typically involve a flap or screw-on cover, which may be located on or inside a lock housing or battery compartment as part of the vehicle's locking system. On the other hand, there are also permanently installed solutions that make replacing the emergency power source more difficult. It should be noted that rechargeable batteries, capacitors, and especially supercapacitors, all lose capacity over time. While these emergency power sources are routinely charged during normal operation, and their charge level is monitored if necessary, this does not negate the potential for significant energy loss.

[0011] However, this does not guarantee that the available energy supply will not decrease after years of operation. In extreme cases, such as a discharged vehicle battery or following a crash or accident, this could lead to the vehicle door not being able to be opened, or not opening properly, because the electrical energy supplied by the emergency power source is insufficient to unlock the door. This poses a significant safety risk.

[0012] While various approaches exist for replacing the emergency power source, these typically involve a battery compartment closed by a flap or cover. Such a battery compartment takes up unnecessary space and requires separate manufacturing and installation from the vehicle's door lock. This is disadvantageous with regard to achieving a compact design. Furthermore, the vehicle lock, including the emergency power source, is often located inside a door leaf. Since the interior of such doors accommodates various other components, such as side impact protection, side airbags, speakers, power windows, etc., the available installation space is extremely limited. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0013] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, in such a way that a particularly compact design is provided while taking into account the permanently flawless operation of the emergency power source.

[0014] To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle lock within the scope of the invention is characterized in that the emergency power source can be detachably connected to a base for electrical contacting.

[0015] The invention therefore explicitly avoids (or eliminates) the need for a separate battery compartment, which may be quite large, to house the emergency power source. Instead, according to the invention, the emergency power source is held solely by the base. The emergency power source is mechanically and electrically detachably connected to the base for electrical contact.

[0016] To implement this in detail, the emergency power source can be inserted into the base with a snap-in mechanism or connected to it via a rotating connection. Additionally, it is conceivable that the base could be equipped with a spring-loaded retaining element. This retaining element facilitates the detachable fixation of the emergency power source housed within the base. The retaining element could be a wire clip or a spring clip.

[0017] The detachable plug connection between the emergency power source and the base can be – as mentioned – a snap-fit ​​connection, similar to a tongue-and-groove joint. A rotating connection between the emergency power source and the base is also conceivable. In this case, the emergency power source could be equipped with an external thread that engages with a corresponding internal thread in the base.

[0018] According to a particularly important aspect of the invention, the base and the emergency power source can also be detachably connected by a bayonet fitting. Such a bayonet fitting is particularly easy and quick to assemble and disassemble. Unlike a screw connection, this usually only requires half a turn or sometimes even just a quarter turn. This makes replacing the emergency power source especially quick and easy.

[0019] To create the screw or bayonet connection, the emergency power source can be designed with, for example, a slot for a screwdriver at the top. Alternatively, the emergency power source may have a polygonal or multi-sided recess at the top, onto which a socket wrench can be attached to create the rotating connection. At the bottom, the emergency power source is equipped with the aforementioned external thread for a screw connection or with bayonet lugs on both sides.

[0020] Because the emergency power source realized according to the invention is mechanically and electrically connected to the base only in a detachable manner, particularly flexible mounting of the emergency power source is possible. As a rule, the emergency power source is placed inside a lock housing. This can also be near an entry area for a lock holder.

[0021] Typically, the base is mounted on an electrical circuit board. The invention is based on the understanding that such an electrical circuit board is already present inside the lock housing of the single-ended motor vehicle lock and must be provided. This electrical circuit board contains at least one control unit, which actuates the mandatory electromechanical drive. The control unit usually also serves to evaluate signals from one or more sensors. These signals can originate from individual switches or sensors that monitor the positions of the locking mechanism, for example, "pre-lock position" or "main lock position."In any case, such an electrical circuit board is usually implemented inside the lock housing and, according to the invention, is additionally used for attaching the base and thus for the detachable mounting of the emergency power source.

[0022] To allow access to the emergency power source, an opening is provided in the aforementioned lock housing. Alternatively or additionally, an opening can also be created in a vehicle door for replacing the emergency power source. Such an opening in the vehicle door is recommended, for example, in an interior trim panel. In both cases, the opening can be releasably closed with a cover. This cover can be integrated into the interior trim panel, the lock housing, or both.

[0023] To ensure a smooth replacement of the emergency power source and prevent unauthorized access, a special tool can be provided for replacing the emergency power source. This can be a special key. It is also conceivable to implement a special "socket or screw socket" at this location, similar to those used in wheel locks. In this case, the emergency power source has a contour corresponding to the socket, particularly in its head area.

[0024] According to the invention, the emergency power source itself is designed as a battery or supercapacitor, individually or in combination. Of course, multiple batteries, multiple supercapacitors, or even combinations of these can also be implemented and implemented. This is possible and advantageous according to the invention because it only requires the placement of several sockets on the circuit board.

[0025] The result is a vehicle lock that is designed to be particularly reliable. This is due to the fact that the emergency power source can be easily and regularly replaced. This ensures that, in the event of a vehicle battery failure or a crash, the emergency power source always provides sufficient energy to reliably open the lock electrically. This represents a significant safety improvement.

[0026] Furthermore, the vehicle lock is characterized by a particularly compact design because a separate battery compartment for the emergency power source is unnecessary. Instead, the emergency power source is replaceable and detachable, connected to a base which is advantageously mounted on an existing or mandatory circuit board. These are the key advantages.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings: Fig. 1 the motor vehicle lock according to the invention together with its installation situation inside a motor vehicle door, Fig. 2 the motor vehicle lock after the Fig. 1 in a detailed view and Fig. 3 a section of the motor vehicle lock in side view, reduced to the emergency energy source in different forms.

[0028] The figures show a motor vehicle lock. The motor vehicle lock in question is not limited to a motor vehicle door lock 2, which is located inside a Fig. The vehicle door 1, as shown in the example, is present and installed therein. According to the example, vehicle door 1 is a side door, specifically a driver's door. This is, of course, only an example.

[0029] The vehicle door lock 2 is equipped with a locking mechanism 3, 4 consisting essentially of a rotary latch 3 and a locking pawl 4. An electric motor drive 5 is also incorporated. The electric motor drive 5 is controlled by a control unit 6, which is only indicated. A replaceable emergency power source 7 is provided for the emergency power supply of the control unit 6 and, in particular, the electric motor drive 5.

[0030] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As indicated in Figure 2, the emergency power source 7 is connected to a vehicle battery 9 via an electrical connecting cable 8. In this way, the emergency power source 7 is charged continuously or at specific predetermined intervals. This allows the emergency power source 7 to ensure that the lock 3, 4 is opened, or can be opened, by means of the electric motor drive 5 in the form of an electric opening drive, even if the vehicle battery 9 no longer provides sufficient electrical energy, or if the electrical connecting cable 8 is interrupted, or if both conditions are not met.

[0031] In fact, the electromotive opening drive 5 according to the embodiment works from a Fig. 2 indicated electric motor to an output pulley, which in turn, with the interposition of a transmission lever, releases the pawl 4 from its Fig. The locking mechanism shown in Figure 2 engages with the rotary latch 3. This allows the rotary latch 3 to open with spring assistance and release a lock holder.

[0032] Since the lock holder is located on the body side, i.e., connected to the vehicle body, whereas the vehicle door lock 2 is located inside the vehicle door 1, this electric opening process, due to spring forces from, for example, a circumferential door rubber seal, causes the vehicle door 1 to open (slightly). An additional opening device, not explicitly shown, may further assist the partial opening of the vehicle door 1.

[0033] This is possible - as mentioned - also and especially in emergency mode, which is used when the vehicle-side battery 9 has failed during normal operation and / or the electrical supply line 8 to the electric motor drive 5 and a circuit board 10 carrying the control unit 6 and the emergency energy source 7 is interrupted.

[0034] It can be seen that emergency power source 7 is used for this purpose and, according to the Fig. 3 according to the invention is received in a socket 11. The socket 11 is connected to the circuit board 10, as can be seen from the Fig. 3 can be understood. Both socket 11 and control unit 6 can be SMD components (surface mounted device).

[0035] It can be seen that both the locking mechanism 3, 4 and the electromechanical drive 5, together with the circuit board 10 and the control unit 6 mounted on it, as well as the one or more sockets 11 for the emergency power source 7, which are each detachably held therein, are all protected within a lock housing 12. The lock housing 12 is made of plastic and is equipped with an opening that is closed by means of a flap or cover 13. This provides access to the emergency power source 7 mounted on the circuit board 10, and it can be easily replaced through the opening of the lock housing 12 after removing or pivoting the flap 13.

[0036] For this purpose, the emergency power source 7 is inserted into the socket 11 as shown on the left in the Fig. 3 is shown. Alternatively, the emergency power source 7 can also be connected to the base 11 in a rotating manner, as shown in the embodiment according to the Fig. 3 is shown to the right.

[0037] In the case of the locking plug connection between the emergency power source 7 and the socket 11 in the left part of the Fig. 3, a spring-loaded retaining element 14 is also provided. The spring-loaded retaining element 14 is rotatably connected to the base 11 and ensures that the emergency power source 7 is releasably held in the base 11. At the same time, the required electrical connection via the circuit board 10 to the electric motor drive 5 as well as to the control unit 6 is ensured. In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining element 14 is a wire clip or a spring clip.

[0038] Basically, the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to recognize the flap or the cover 13 for closing the opening instead of in the lock housing 12 also in a Fig. The interior trim 1a of the vehicle door 1, as shown, may be implemented. Also not shown is the further possibility that the flap or cover 13 is located in an entry area E of the lock holder, which is not shown.

[0039] The right part of the Fig. Figure 3 shows a variant in which the emergency power source 7 is rotated within the base 11. A screw connection could be used here. However, the illustration shows a bayonet connection between the emergency power source 7 and the base 11. Furthermore, this variant indicates the possibility of using a special tool 15.

[0040] In the example shown, and without limitation, the special tool 15 for replacing the emergency power source 7 with the socket 11 is a socket similar to a wheel lock nut, equipped with a special contour on its inside. The corresponding counter-contour is found on the outside and head of the emergency power source 7, so that the replacement of the emergency power source 7 is only possible with the use of this socket. This prevents unauthorized persons from carrying out such a replacement, which is of particular importance given the safety relevance of the emergency power source 7. The emergency power source 7 can be a rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor, individually, or in any combination.

[0041] In this context, the control unit 6 not only ensures that the electric motor drive 5 is activated to open the lock 3, 4, but also monitors the charging process of the emergency power source 7. It is also conceivable that the control unit 6 measures the state of charge of the emergency power source 7 and, for example, sends a message to a vehicle-side control unit when a replacement is necessary. Finally, the control unit 6 typically ensures that switching between the previously described normal operation and emergency operation is possible. Thus, as soon as the vehicle battery 9 can no longer provide sufficient electrical energy to the electric motor drive 5 and / or the electrical connection 8 is interrupted, for example, as a result of a crash, the control unit 6 switches to emergency operation.This corresponds to the fact that the electric motor drive 5 is powered by the emergency power source 7. Since the emergency power source 7 is monitored regularly and is easily replaceable according to the invention, a sufficient charge level of the emergency power source 7 is ensured in all cases, which enables reliable opening of the vehicle door 1 even in emergency operation. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle door 2 Motor vehicle door lock 3, 4 locks 3 rotary trap 4 locking pawls 5 Drive 6 Control unit 7 Emergency power source 8 connecting line 9 Battery 10 circuit board 11 sockets 12 lock cases 13 lids 14 retaining element E Inlet area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2021 100 739 A1

[0007] DE 10 2021 101 228 A1

[0008] EP 1 394 342 A2

[0008] FR 2 775 718 A1

[0008] US 2021 / 0148 143 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock (2), with a locking mechanism (3, 4) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (3) and a pawl (4), furthermore with an electric motor drive (5), and with a replaceable emergency energy source (7) for the emergency electrical supply of the drive (5), characterized by that the emergency energy source (7) can be detachably connected to a base (11) for electrical contact. [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized by that the emergency energy source (7) is plugged into the base (11) in a locking manner or can be connected to it in a rotating manner. [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 2, characterized by that the base (11) and the emergency energy source (7) are detachably coupled to one another by a bayonet connection. [4] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the base (11) has a resilient holding element (14) for releasably fixing the emergency energy source (7) accommodated therein. [5] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized by that the holding element (14) is designed as a wire bracket or spring bracket. [6] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the base (11) is arranged on an electrical circuit board (10). [7] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that an opening is provided in a lock housing (12) and / or a vehicle door (1) for replacing the emergency energy source (7). [8] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized by that the opening is designed to be closable by a cover (13). [9] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that a special tool (15) is provided for replacing the emergency energy source (7). [10] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the emergency energy source (7) is designed as a battery, supercapacitor individually or in combination.

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