Motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a lock latch (3) and a locking pawl system (4), wherein the lock latch (3) is adjustable to an open position and to at least one closed position, wherein in the installed state the lock latch (3) is engaged in the closed position with a locking part, in particular with a locking bar, wherein the locking pawl system (4) is adjustable to a locked state in which it locks the lock latch (3) in the closed position, and in an opening process to an open state in which it releases the lock latch (3), and wherein a drive train (6) with an actuator (7) for motorized opening and a control arrangement (8) for controlling the actuator (7) are provided, wherein the control arrangement (8) is configured toThe actuator (7) is controlled to initiate a drive sequence of the drive train (6) with an opening process of the locking pawl system (4), wherein, in the drive sequence, a lock component (10) pre-tensioned by a spring (11) is moved from a first position to a second position by means of a spring deflection (11). It is proposed that the control arrangement (8) detect a fault condition of the spring (11) by checking the electrical drive values ​​of the actuator (7) during the movement of the lock component (10) from the first position to the second position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating a motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] These vehicle locks are applicable to all types of locking elements. The term "locking element" is to be interpreted broadly here. It includes, for example, a tailgate, trunk lid, hood, side door, cargo door, window, sunroof, or similar components of a motor vehicle. An important quality criterion is the quiet opening of the vehicle lock. This is hampered by the ever-increasing door seal pressures of recent years.

[0003] The known prior art (DE 10 2020 115 879 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a generic motor vehicle lock.

[0004] Vehicle locks typically feature various springs that pre-tension different lock components, particularly locking mechanisms. Locking mechanisms are those components that contribute to the actual locking function of the vehicle lock, specifically the latch and pawl, or components of a pawl system. The latch is often spring-tensioned towards an open position, while the pawl or pawls are spring-tensioned towards a locked position of the pawl system.

[0005] Furthermore, motor vehicle locks often have sensors that detect various lock states in order to, for example, control auxiliary functions such as a closing aid or to indicate to a user that a locking element is only partially closed.

[0006] One challenge is that a spring can break during the lifespan of a vehicle lock. Depending on the spring and the lock's design, a spring defect can cause the lock to enter a false locked position. The lock then behaves externally like a functioning lock, but due to the lack of spring force, it can spontaneously unlock due to vibrations. This is particularly likely to occur if a spring that pre-tensions the locking pawl system fails. Other spring defects, such as a reduced return force, can also occur.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known motor vehicle lock in such a way that further optimization is achieved with regard to the aforementioned challenge.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0009] The fundamental consideration is that when using an actuator to open a vehicle lock, the electrical drive parameters, such as drive current and / or drive voltage, can be used to infer, among other things, the forces required to move the locking pawl system. The resulting drive load depends on whether the spring exerts an effective restoring force on the lock component. Therefore, the condition of the spring can also be determined by examining the electrical drive parameters. Using these parameters can allow for a particularly precise fault analysis, as drive values ​​from specific movement phases of the lock components, as well as time-dependent changes in the drive values, can be considered.

[0010] Specifically, it is proposed that the control arrangement detects a fault condition of the spring by checking electrical drive values ​​of the actuator from the adjustment of the lock component from the first position to the second position.

[0011] The lock component is particularly preferred for pre-tensioning the pawl system (claim 2), which makes monitoring a fault condition of the spring particularly relevant for safety.

[0012] The lock component can, in particular in addition to the pre-tensioning of the locking pawl system, be designed as a sensor lever according to claim 4, thereby giving the lock component a dual function.

[0013] In the embodiments according to claims 3, 5 and 6, the locking pawl system is designed via a toggle lever mechanism, which may place special demands on the preload, wherein the preload can vary with a buckling opening adjustment as well as a stretching return adjustment.

[0014] Particularly preferred according to claims 7 and 8 is a testing of the fault condition by means of a stretching return adjustment with bringing the locking pawl into contact with the lock latch in the open position, since in this case the spring action can occur essentially free of other load on the locking pawl system.

[0015] If a fault condition is detected, fault information can be output, for example to set a fault memory (claim 9). Particularly preferred is adjusting the locking latch system to the open position and holding it there, in order to avoid a re-locking of the lock latch, which would be risky due to the fault condition.

[0016] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 10, which has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle is claimed. It is essential that, by means of the control arrangement, a fault condition of the spring is detected by means of a check of the electrical drive values ​​of the actuator during the adjustment of the lock component from the first position to the second position. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed motor vehicle lock.

[0017] Preferred variants of the drive values ​​and of checking the drive values ​​are specified in claims 11 and 12.

[0018] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing, Fig. 1. A motor vehicle door with a proposed motor vehicle lock in respective perspective views and Fig. 2. the vehicle lock Fig. 1 in side views a) in a closed state and b) - e) in a drive movement sequence as well as f) an exemplary time course of drive values.

[0019] The embodiment shown in the figures, which is preferred in this respect, relates to a motor vehicle lock 1. As shown in the figures Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the motor vehicle lock 1 can be assigned to a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle. The term "locking element" is to be understood broadly, as already described above, whereby in the drawing the locking element 2 is designed as a front side door.

[0020] The motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with a lock latch 3 and a locking pawl system 4, wherein the lock latch 3 is in an open position ( Fig. 2c), d), e)) and into at least one closed position ( Fig. 2a)) is adjustable. The closed position can be adjusted as shown in Fig. 2a) is shown as a main locking position. It is conceivable that, in addition to the main locking position, the latch 3 can be adjusted to a preliminary locking position (not shown), which is located between the open position and the main locking position of the latch 3. Here, and preferably, the main locking position and the preliminary locking position are identical with respect to the locking principle of the locking latch system 4. Alternatively, it may be advantageous for the locking principle for the main locking position to differ from the locking principle for the preliminary locking position.

[0021] In the installed state of the vehicle lock 1, the lock latch 3 is in the closed position, engaging with a locking element (not shown here). The lock latch 3 secures the locking element, thereby holding the locking element 2 in its position. The locking element can be, in particular, a locking bar. The locking element can be located on the locking element 2, especially on the side door, while the vehicle lock 1 can be located on the vehicle body. A reverse arrangement is also conceivable. The lock latch 3 has an elongated locking element receptacle 5 into which the locking element can slide on a guide track to engage with the lock latch 3.

[0022] The locking latch system 4 is in a locked state during a closing operation ( Fig. 2a)) and in one in Fig. The opening process shown in 2b) to c) can be adjusted to an open state. In the locked state, the locking latch system 4 locks the latch 3, which is in the closed position. In the open state, the locking latch system 4 releases the latch 3.

[0023] For the motorized execution of an opening process, the vehicle lock 1 has a drive train 6. The drive train 6 has an actuator 7, wherein the drive train 6 preferably has one or more actuators for moving the locking pawl system 4, as shown in Fig. The drive train 6 is shown in 1. Fig. 2 is only shown schematically.

[0024] A control arrangement 8 for actuating the actuator 7 is provided, which includes control electronics for performing the necessary control tasks. The control arrangement 8 can be part of a door control unit or flap control unit. In a further, preferred embodiment, the control arrangement 8 is provided within a housing 9 of the vehicle lock 1. The actuator 7 can be actuated as needed, for example, by a control command, by means of the control arrangement 8. The control arrangement 8 is designed to effect a drive sequence of the drive train 6, including the opening of the locking pawl system 4, by actuating the actuator 7.

[0025] A lock component 10, highlighted below, is pre-tensioned by a spring 11. Here, and preferably, this lock component 10 is a sensor lever, which will be explained later. The lock component 10 can also be part of the locking mechanism, in particular the locking pawl system 4.

[0026] The lock component 10 is, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the lock component is normally spring-loaded. Here, the spring 11 pushes the lock component 10 counterclockwise around its pivot axis 12. The spring 11 provides, and preferably further, a spring preload on the lock latch 3 in the direction of the open position and is further preferably mounted on a lock latch pivot axis 13, resulting in a compact design for the motor vehicle lock 1.

[0027] In the drive movement sequence effected by means of the actuator 7, the lock component 10 is moved from a first position ( Fig. 2d)) into a second position ( Fig. 2e)) is adjusted under a spring deflection of the spring 11. Preferably, the first position and the second position have different spring deflections of the spring 11, and the restoring force effected by the spring 11 differs from each other. Preferably, the spring preload in the second position is higher than the spring preload in the first position.

[0028] It is essential that the control arrangement 8 detects a fault condition of the spring 11 by checking electrical drive values ​​of the actuator 7 from the adjustment of the lock component 10 from the first position to the second position.

[0029] A fault condition is understood to mean, in particular, a breakage of the spring 11, in which the restoring force from the spring preload of the lock component 10 is absent. With the proposed solution, it is also conceivable to detect fault conditions of the spring 11 in which the restoring force is altered and, in particular, reduced compared to a normal state of the spring 11.

[0030] To detect the fault condition, the electrical drive values, preferably the drive current and / or the drive voltage, of the actuator 7 are evaluated. It is particularly preferred if the drive values ​​are already acquired by the control arrangement 8 for controlling the actuator 7, so that additional sensors for detecting the fault condition are not strictly necessary.

[0031] The test is performed according to a test specification stored in control order 8, for example based on one or more error criteria. For instance, the error criterion is representative of the fact that the drive values ​​deviate from stored, normal operating drive values.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the locking pawl system 4 is at least partially spring-biased in the direction of the locked state via the lock component 10. The lock component 10 can be designed separately from the locking pawl system 4 and thus implement an indirect spring bias for the locking pawl system 4.

[0033] It is also conceivable, for example, that the lock component 10 is formed by the lock latch 3 or that the lock latch 3 is at least partially pre-tensioned in the opening direction via the lock component 10.

[0034] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the pawl system 4, in the locked state, forms a toggle lever mechanism with two legs 15 coupled via a toggle joint 14, one of the legs 15 being in contact with the latch 3 as a pawl 16. The illustrated toggle lever mechanism has a first outer joint 17 and a second outer joint 18. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the first outer joint 17 is designed as a fixed bearing, while the second outer joint 18 is designed as a floating bearing. Such a fixed bearing is preferably implemented here by fixing the respective joint to a component of the housing 9.

[0035] The toggle lever mechanism is preferably designed in the manner of a classic toggle lever, in which two arms 15 are coupled via a toggle joint 14 and can be connected at the ends of each arm 15 via an external joint to other movable components, a housing 9, or the like. High gear ratios can be generated with such a toggle lever in its extended state. This toggle lever function is used here for locking the latch 3 in the closed position.

[0036] Preferably, in the pawl system 4 shown here with the toggle lever mechanism, the pawl 16 is spring-biased in the direction of the locking state via the lock component 10.

[0037] It is also conceivable that the pawl system 4 consists of only a single pawl 16 or of a primary pawl and a secondary pawl that blocks the primary pawl in the locked state.

[0038] Here, and preferably, the pawl system 4, in particular the pawl 16, does not have its own spring for pre-tensioning it into the locked position and is only indirectly acted upon by the force of the spring 11 via the lock component 10. Therefore, if the spring 11 fails, insufficient spring pre-tension of the pawl 16 can occur, which can lead to a false locking. However, such a fault can be detected in this case based on the drive values.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the locking pawl system 4 locks the lock latch 3 via a holding force flow in the locked state, and that the lock component 10 is designed as a sensor lever, which is arranged outside the holding force flow between the lock latch 3 and the locking pawl system 4 and to which a sensor for detecting at least one position of the locking pawl system 4 is assigned.

[0040] The sensor lever is, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows a sensor lever that is normally spring-loaded. Here, the spring 11 presses the sensor lever counterclockwise around its pivot axis 12 against the pawl 16. The sensor lever preferably has a Hall element 19, which is detected by a sensor (not shown) that indirectly detects the position of the pawl 16 via the sensor lever.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the drive movement sequence is accompanied by a folding opening adjustment of the toggle lever mechanism. From the in Fig. 2a) In the locking state shown, the locking pawl 16 can be lifted out in a rolling motion over the second outer joint 18 under a buckling of the toggle lever mechanism ( Fig. 2b)), so that the in Fig. 2c) the opening state shown is reached. Here, and preferably, the drive train 6 can engage the knee joint 14 and act upon it in a first adjustment direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the drive movement sequence can be accompanied by a stretching return adjustment of the toggle lever mechanism, whereby the toggle lever mechanism is placed in a Fig. 2e) The initial state shown is changed, which, upon subsequent closing of the lock latch 3, allows the locking pawl 16 to engage around the knee joint 14. In particular, the extension is carried out by reversing the actuator 7 compared to moving it into the open state. Here, the drive train 6 can engage the knee joint 14 and actuate it in a second adjustment direction.

[0043] Preferably, the first and second positions of the lock component 10 are reached by the return movement. This ensures that the drive values ​​of the actuator 7 are recorded when the locking pawl system 4 is moved, without significant forces from the lock latch 3 acting on the locking pawl system 4. In contrast, the drive values ​​at the actuator 7 during the movement from the locked to the open state can be highly dependent on the force acting on the lock latch 3, which can also act on the locking pawl system 4 via the force flow.

[0044] As can be seen from the sequence of Fig. 2d) to Fig. 2e) it is preferably provided that the resetting is connected with bringing the locking pawl 16 into contact with the lock latch 3 in the open position ( Fig. 2d)), wherein the toggle lever mechanism is extended via the system between locking pawl 16 and latch 3, here via further adjustment by means of the actuator 7 ( Fig. 2e)). The leg 15 assumes the position that corresponds to its position in the locked state. The locking pawl 16 rests against the latch 3, resulting in a more elongated arrangement of the toggle lever mechanism compared to the locked state.

[0045] The first and / or second positions are preferably achieved by extending the pawl 16 beyond the latch position 3. By monitoring the drive parameters during this section of the drive sequence, a particularly well-defined spring adjustment and thus precise measurement of the spring characteristics are enabled. Preferably, the first position corresponds to bringing the pawl 16 into contact with the latch position 3. Fig. 2d). The second position preferably corresponds to the end position of the extension of the toggle lever mechanism in the return adjustment from Fig. 2e).

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control arrangement 8, upon detecting the fault condition of the spring 11, outputs fault information to a motor vehicle control system, and / or that the control arrangement 8 actuates the actuator 7 to adjust and hold the pawl system 4 in the open position.

[0047] The output of the fault information to a vehicle control unit serves in particular to set a fault memory. By adjusting and holding the locking pawl system 4 in the open position ( Fig. 2c)) The motor vehicle lock 1 can subsequently no longer be closed in order to prevent further operation under the risk of a false locking.

[0048] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock 1 for a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle is proposed, wherein the motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with a lock latch 3 and a locking pawl system 4, wherein the lock latch 3 is adjustable into an open position and into at least one closed position, wherein the lock latch 3 is in retaining engagement with a locking part, in particular with a locking bar, in the closed position, wherein the locking pawl system 4 is adjustable into a locking state in which it locks the lock latch 3 in the closed position, and in an opening process into an opening state in which it releases the lock latch 3.A drive train 6 with an actuator 7 for motorized opening and a control arrangement 8 for controlling the actuator 7 are provided, wherein by means of the control arrangement 8 a drive movement sequence of the drive train 6 with an opening process of the locking pawl system 4 is effected via a control of the actuator 7, wherein in the drive movement sequence a lock component 10 spring-preloaded by a spring 11 is moved from a first position to a second position under a spring deflection of the spring 11.

[0049] It is provided that, by means of the control arrangement 8, a fault condition of the spring 11 is detected by means of a check of electrical drive values ​​of the actuator 7 from the adjustment of the lock component 10 from the first position to the second position.

[0050] Reference may be made to all statements concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock 1, whereby the explanations of the mode of operation of the components also apply to embodiments of the procedure and in particular to corresponding procedure steps.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that electrical voltage values ​​and / or current values ​​of the actuator 7, in particular electrical voltage values ​​and / or current values ​​integrated over time, are used as drive values.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 2f) shows an exemplary time course of the drive current I, which occurs when moving from the first position to the second position. The solid line shows the time course of the drive current I with a functioning spring 11, whereby the drive current increases with the movement, since the contact between the pawl 16 and the latch 3 causes the toggle lever mechanism to extend and thus the spring 11 to be tensioned ( Fig. 2d) to Fig. 2e)). In the fault condition, at least in some areas a lower drive current is generated, which in Fig. 2f) is shown above the dashed line.

[0053] The fault condition can be checked by determining whether the drive values ​​and / or the time-dependent drive value profile deviate from a predefined drive value or drive value profile corresponding to a normal state. In particular, individual drive values ​​can be checked between the first and second positions. Alternatively, drive values ​​between the first and second positions can be integrated, and the check performed using the integral.

[0054] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the testing of the drive values ​​includes a comparison with at least one threshold value for the drive value, whereby a fault condition is deemed to have been detected if the threshold value is undershot or exceeded, and / or that the testing of the drive values ​​includes a comparison with a target drive value profile over time, whereby a fault condition is deemed to have been detected if a predetermined deviation from the target drive value profile is observed. Various advantageous embodiments of the test specification are conceivable in this respect. 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 2020 115 879 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle lock for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle, with a lock latch (3) and a pawl system (4), wherein the lock latch (3) is adjustable into an open position and into at least one closed position, wherein the lock latch (3) in the installed state in the closed position is in holding engagement with a locking part, in particular with a striker, wherein the pawl system (4) is adjustable into a locked state in which it locks the lock latch (3) in the closed position, and in an opening process into an open state in which it releases the lock latch (3), and wherein a drive train (6) with an actuator (7) for motorized opening and a control arrangement (8) for controlling the actuator (7) are provided, wherein the control arrangement (8) is designed to effect a drive movement sequence of the drive train (6) with an opening process of the pawl system (4) via a control of the actuator (7), wherein in the drive movement sequence a lock component (10) spring-biased by a spring (11) is adjusted from a first position to a second position under a spring deflection of the spring (11), characterized by , that the control arrangement (8) detects a fault condition of the spring (11) by checking electrical drive values ​​of the actuator (7) from the adjustment of the lock component (10) from the first position to the second position. [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized bythat the pawl system (4) is spring-biased at least partially via the lock component (10) in the direction of the locking state. [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the pawl system (4) in the locked state forms a toggle lever mechanism with two legs (15) coupled via a knee joint (14), one of the legs (15) being in contact with the lock latch (3) as a pawl (16). [4] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the pawl system (4) locks the lock latch (3) via a holding force flow in the locked state, and in that the lock component (10) is designed as a sensor lever which is arranged outside the holding force flow between the lock latch (3) and the pawl system (4) and which is assigned a sensor for detecting at least one position of the pawl system (4). [5] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the drive movement sequence is accompanied by a buckling opening adjustment of the toggle lever mechanism and a stretching return adjustment of the toggle lever mechanism, in particular by reversing the actuator (7). [6] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 5, characterized by that the first position and the second position of the lock component (10) are achieved with the opening adjustment and / or the return adjustment. [7] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the return adjustment is connected to bringing the pawl (16) into contact with the lock latch (3) in the open position, wherein the contact between the pawl (16) and the lock latch (3) is accompanied by a stretching of the toggle lever mechanism, and that the first position and / or second position are reached with the stretching. [8] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first position corresponds to the engagement of the pawl (16) with the lock latch (3) and / or the second position corresponds to the end position of the extension of the toggle lever mechanism in the return adjustment. [9] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control arrangement (8) outputs error information to a motor vehicle control system upon detection of the fault state of the spring (11), and / or that the control arrangement (8) controls the actuator (7) to adjust and hold the pawl system (4) in the open state. [10] Method for operating a motor vehicle lock (1) for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) is equipped with a lock latch (3) and a pawl system (4), wherein the lock latch (3) is adjustable into an open position and into at least one closed position, wherein the lock latch (3) is in holding engagement with a locking part, in particular with a striker, in the closed position, wherein the pawl system (4) is adjustable into a locked state in which it locks the lock latch (3) in the closed position, and in an opening process into an open state in which it releases the lock latch (3), and wherein a drive train (6) with an actuator (7) for motorized opening and a control arrangement (8) for controlling the actuator (7) are provided, wherein by means of the control arrangement (8) via a control of the actuator (7) a drive movement sequence of the drive train (6) with an opening process of the pawl system (4) is effected, wherein in the drive movement sequence a lock component (10) spring-biased by a spring (11) is adjusted from a first position to a second position under a spring deflection of the spring (11), characterized by , that by means of the control arrangement (8) a fault condition of the spring (11) is detected by checking electrical drive values ​​of the actuator (7) from the adjustment of the lock component (10) from the first position to the second position. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized bythat electrical voltage values ​​and / or current values ​​of the actuator (7), in particular electrical voltage values ​​and / or current values ​​integrated over time, are used as drive values. [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , preferably, that the checking of the drive values ​​comprises a comparison with at least one threshold value for the drive value, wherein the error state is deemed to be detected if the threshold value is undershot or exceeded, and / or that the checking of the drive values ​​comprises a comparison with a temporal target drive value curve, wherein the error state is deemed to be detected if a predetermined deviation from the target drive value curve is detected.

Images