Method for operating a motor vehicle lock that can be electrically operated by means of an opening signal

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an electrically actuated motor vehicle lock (110) by means of an opening signal, comprising reversing (80) the motor vehicle lock (110) after actuation (30) of the motor vehicle lock (110), wherein the reversing (80) is carried out depending on whether the opening signal has ceased and / or an Ajar signal is received from an Ajar device (130) of the motor vehicle lock (110). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle lock (110).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle lock that can be electrically actuated by means of an opening signal, comprising reversing the motor vehicle lock after actuation of the motor vehicle lock. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle lock.

[0002] It is known to perform reversing with a specific time delay after actuation. In other words, a time-based start signal for reversing is known.

[0003] It is also known to perform reversing based on the position of a door element equipped with the motor vehicle lock. In other words, it is known to provide a start signal for reversing based on the door position.

[0004] An alternative way is being sought to initiate or carry out reversing.

[0005] Another problem that automobile manufacturers and suppliers are constantly addressing is minimizing the weight of vehicles and the installation space of their components. The weight of individual components can minimize the overall weight of the vehicle and thus reduce fuel consumption. A smaller number of components can also lead to weight reduction and, in particular, to the ever-desired cost reduction. This is where the invention comes in.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved method and motor vehicle lock in which reversing can take place reliably in as many situations as possible, if possible without increasing the number of components or even by reducing the required number. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle lock with minimal installation space and with the fewest possible number of components and to specify a method for operating such or a similar motor vehicle lock. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution. Finally, the object of the invention is to specify solutions that avoid the disadvantages of the prior art or at least substantially reduce them.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by providing a method for operating a motor vehicle lock that can be electrically actuated by means of an opening signal. According to the proposal, the method comprises or has the following steps: Reversing the motor vehicle lock after actuation of the motor vehicle lock, wherein the reversing is carried out depending on the fact that the opening signal has disappeared and / or an Ajar signal is received from an Ajar device of the motor vehicle lock.

[0009] In other words, a method is proposed in particular which relates to the actuation of an electric motor vehicle lock, and in which a return movement of an electric drive in the motor vehicle lock undergoes a novel triggering logic.

[0010] The novel triggering logic features, in particular, that the actuation signal used to operate the motor vehicle lock can be used to trigger or execute the return movement upon or after the signal changes from "on" to "off" or upon the cessation of the actuation signal. Alternatively or additionally, the novel triggering logic features that a so-called AJAR or AJAR signal—which is typically inherent in the motor vehicle lock and / or the motor vehicle equipped with the motor vehicle lock, particularly because it is required by law—can be used to trigger or execute the return movement upon or after the AJAR signal is received.

[0011] The invention eliminates the need to use a mere time delay after actuation or actuation to trigger reversing, nor does it require the position of the door element. Instead, significantly more reliable decision variables are used to trigger reversing. In particular, it eliminates the need to separately detect the door position, thus eliminating the need for a corresponding detection device such as a door position sensor for the vehicle lock.

[0012] The object of the invention is further achieved in that a motor vehicle lock is provided, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pawl provided for locking the rotary latch in a locking position of the locking mechanism, and an electromotive drive device operatively connected to the locking mechanism and movable from an initial position for transferring the locking mechanism from the locking position into a release position on the basis of an opening signal, wherein the drive device is designed to reverse into the initial position depending on the cessation of the opening signal and / or receipt of an Ajar signal from the motor vehicle.

[0013] In particular, it is proposed to monitor an opening signal that serves to actuate an electrically actuated motor vehicle lock to open a door element of a motor vehicle. The opening signal is monitored to trigger reversal of the motor vehicle lock, observing whether the opening signal is lost. Upon and / or after the opening signal is lost or upon a signal change in the opening signal, e.g., from "on" to "off," reversal can then be triggered. Essentially, therefore, the use of the opening signal is proposed. Similarly, the use or monitoring of the Ajar signal is proposed to trigger reversal.

[0014] In other words, a motor vehicle lock is proposed in particular which is designed in such a way that a return movement of an electric drive in the motor vehicle lock can be operated with the novel triggering logic described above.

[0015] Reversing refers, in particular, to returning the vehicle lock to a position, state, or setting in which it can be operated again. Reversing occurs, in particular, electrically or electromechanically.

[0016] The loss or cessation of the opening signal is to be understood in particular as meaning that the opening signal is no longer received, and / or that the opening signal is no longer present, and / or that the opening signal no longer implies a command to operate the vehicle lock. A loss particularly means a signal change. In this respect, it may be the case that when the opening signal is lost, the opening signal or the medium containing the opening signal is still present, but is essentially deprived of the command to operate the vehicle lock. For example, the opening signal can be transferred via a BUS system, and if the BUS system announces that "the door should no longer be opened", for example, if a user has released a door handle, it may be understood that the opening signal has been lost.

[0017] A door element is any pivoting or movable component on a motor vehicle that can be held or fixed in a closed position by a motor vehicle lock. The closed position is the position of the door element in which it is held, particularly during driving and especially in the main closed position.

[0018] The door element can be moved into an open position. The open position is characterized by the door element being open enough for a motor vehicle operator to grasp the door element and fully open it. Once the motor vehicle lock has been unlocked, the door element can be moved and is no longer fixed by the motor vehicle lock. Unlocking refers to a locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock and here means that a pawl of the locking mechanism has been moved out of the engagement area with a rotary latch of the locking mechanism, allowing the rotary latch to move freely.

[0019] The release position specifically refers to the state in which the rotary latch is opened so far that a lock holder (typically attached to a door element) is released. The release position can refer to a position of the door element that is different from the open position and / or that is behind the open position. The open position is typically the position in which the door element is in a position where an operator can grasp the door element and fully open it. The release position is typically the position in which the lock holder can be released from the rotary latch.

[0020] Moving the door element into at least one release position is typically necessary to enable independent or user-guided opening of the door element.

[0021] The motor vehicle lock described here is electrically operated. The motor vehicle equipped with the motor vehicle lock is, in particular, equipped with an electrical opening function when the motor vehicle lock is operated. An electrical opening function exists when the locking mechanism can be moved from a detent position, preferably a main detent position, into an unlocked position or release position. The unlocked position can correspond to or be identical to the release position. In particular, an electric drive or an electric drive device is provided, with which the pawl is moved out of engagement with the rotary latch and thus enables electrically assisted opening of the locking mechanism, in particular to reach the unlocked position and / or the release position.

[0022] When referring to a motor vehicle lock in the context of the present disclosure, synonyms such as locking device, lock, or door lock are used interchangeably. The term "motor vehicle lock" also encompasses locks used in doors, sliding doors, flaps, and / or covers in motor vehicles, in other words, wherever components mounted on the motor vehicle in a pivoting or sliding manner must be held securely in place. The motor vehicle lock according to the invention preferably relates to a side door lock. Such motor vehicle locks comprise a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and at least one pawl, for example, two or more pawls.

[0023] The locking mechanism can be designed as a single-latching or double-latching locking mechanism. Recent developments have also led to locking mechanisms with rolling locking parts, such as a pivoting locking element. With a single-latching locking mechanism, there is only one locking position in which the pawl holds the rotary latch. With double-latching locking mechanisms, there is a main locking position as well as a pre-latching position, allowing the rotary latch and pawl to interact in two locking positions. A release lever interacts with the locking mechanism in such a way that the release lever unlocks the locked locking mechanism. The pawl is then moved out of the engagement area with the rotary latch. It is also known for multiple pawls to be used. For example, if an opening moment for the locking mechanism occurs in the main locking position, the pawl can be held by another pawl.This additional pawl is then called a locking or blocking lever.

[0024] A release lever may be provided, whereby the locking mechanism can be moved from a locking position to an open position and / or the release position by means of the release lever. The drive device may be provided or configured to actuate the release lever.

[0025] The AJAR device is designed, for example, to monitor the motor vehicle lock and / or a door element with the motor vehicle lock in order to provide the AJAR signal. Thus, the AJAR signal may be provided when the motor vehicle lock is unlocked or is present. For example, when the release position, the open position, and / or the unlocked position are present, the AJAR signal may be present, in particular to signal that a door element is not properly closed. The AJAR device can also be assigned to the door element and / or be separate from the motor vehicle lock.

[0026] "Ajar device" or "Ajar signal" or "Ajar" can also be understood as a proper name. In particular, "Ajar" is widely used in the field of automotive locks to indicate or imply that a door element is in the open position.

[0027] If a door element or the vehicle lock is open or not closed, i.e. the door element is in the open state or the vehicle lock is in the pre-locking position or not in the main locking position, this is typically referred to as “AJAR” or “ajar”, ​​where “ajar” also means “open” or “open”.

[0028] An advantageous development comprises generating the opening signal through user actuation of an opening device, in particular comprising a door handle, a trigger, a touchpad, a force sensor, a switch, and / or a button. The opening device can be provided on a door element equipped with the motor vehicle lock. For example, it can be a door handle and / or trigger or the like that is designed to provide or generate the opening signal. The opening device can be assigned to the motor vehicle. Generation typically occurs before reversing. For example, a user can pull on the door handle and thereby generate the opening signal—at least indirectly. The motor vehicle lock is thus electrically actuated, and reversing can be logically linked to it.

[0029] A further advantageous development relates to the AJAR device interacting with a locking mechanism, in particular a rotary latch and / or a pawl of the locking mechanism, of the motor vehicle lock. The AJAR device can be contained in the motor vehicle lock and interact with the locking mechanism in a sensory or detection manner to generate the AJAR signal. For example, the AJAR signal can be present when the motor vehicle lock is unlocked and / or when a release position, an open position, and / or an unlatched position is present. The AJAR signal can be generated by the AJAR device. The AJAR device can have an AJAR switch, AJAR button, AJAR sensor, and / or AJAR trigger. Advantageously, the invention can be linked to the conventionally present AJAR signal for reversing. This allows components to be saved.It is also the case that reversing is only carried out when it really makes sense, because the door element should actually be open when the Ajar signal is present and thus the starting position of the vehicle lock or the drive device can sensibly be reset.

[0030] A further advantageous development relates to the motor vehicle lock having an electric drive device. For example, the drive device has an electric motor provided for rotary and / or linear drive. For example, the drive device has a control unit that is designed, for example, to control the electric motor and / or can receive and / or transmit signals or control commands. The electric motor is provided to move the locking mechanism, in particular to actuate the motor vehicle lock by operating the electric motor.

[0031] The drive device preferably has a DC motor as the electric motor. A first gear element (e.g. a gear, a worm, a lever and / or a rack) can be mounted on an output shaft of the electric motor, which first gear element interacts with a further gear element (e.g. a gear, a worm, a lever and / or a rack) to initiate a movement in the motor vehicle lock. It is conceivable for the first gear element to be directly engaged or operatively connected with an actuating lever, but preferably at least one gear stage is arranged between the driving first gear element and the actuating lever. A worm gear stage is preferably used as the gear stage. The actuating lever can also interact directly with a / the release lever or be formed integrally as a release lever.

[0032] It may be provided that the opening signal and / or the Ajar signal are received by a / the drive device of the motor vehicle lock; the reception can be performed by the control unit, for example, to send a control command to the electric motor. In particular, the motor vehicle lock, in particular its control unit, is configured to receive and / or process the opening signal and / or the Ajar signal. The reception typically takes place before reversing and / or after the opening signal is generated.

[0033] In particular, a movement of a / the drive device starting from an initial position is provided for transferring a / the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock from a locked position to a released position. The movement is triggered in particular by and / or after receipt of the opening signal, in particular by and / or after actuation. The movement typically takes place before reversing and / or after generation of the opening signal. The movement typically takes place after receipt of the opening signal. The movement typically takes place before receipt of the Ajar signal, in particular because the movement usually has to be fully completed in order to reach the Ajar signal. The movement may be understood as a forward movement, in which case the reversing can be understood as a backward movement.

[0034] A further advantageous development relates to the motor vehicle lock, in particular the control unit, being designed to measure a (measured) time period, in particular wherein the time period is measurable with an accuracy in the range of at least one millisecond or at least ten milliseconds. In particular, the time interval between the generation and / or reception of the Ajar signal and the generation and / or reception of the opening signal can be measured, in particular to determine whether the actuation of the motor vehicle lock, including the opening of the door element, was successful or whether a problem is indicated by the time period. Normally, the Ajar signal is generated or received after the opening signal. In other words, in particular, a time delay between signals should be measurable. If, for example, the time period is too long, it could be that the door element is jammed or frozen.A short duration, in contrast, may indicate that the operation took place as usual.

[0035] In particular, a measurement of the time period by which the generation or reception of the Ajar signal is delayed compared to the generation or reception of the opening signal is provided. Depending on the time period, a decision can be made, in particular by the control unit, as to the length of the control period for which a movement is carried out, with the measurement being carried out before the reversing. The control period is therefore spontaneously changed depending on the length of the measured time period. The control period can refer to the entire time period since receipt of the opening signal or since the start of the movement, i.e., start from "zero" from then on. The control period can also refer to a time period after receipt of the Ajar signal, i.e., start from "zero" from then on. This creates flexibility depending on the application or environmental conditions and can save energy.

[0036] In particular, the following logic can be provided with regard to the measured time period. If the measured time period is less than a predetermined normal time period, then the movement is continued for a first control time period, in particular until the first control time period is reached. The predetermined normal time period is in particular 500 ms, 250 ms, 100 ms or 50 ms. The control time period is in particular 100 ms, 50 ms, 25 ms or 10 ms. In particular, if the measured time period is longer than the predetermined normal time period, then the movement is continued for a second control time period, in particular 400 ms, 200 ms, 100 ms or 40 ms (in particular until the second control time period is reached) or until the opening signal disappears. In this way, safety can be increased and the reliability of the opening process further improved, although in particular a sensor can be dispensed with.

[0037] A further advantageous development relates to the fact that a / the drive device of the motor vehicle lock can be moved back, in particular to the starting position. In particular, the method can comprise moving a / the drive device back toward and / or into the starting position. Preferably, the moving back takes place starting from a position deviating from the starting position. In particular, reversing comprises moving back. In particular, the moving back takes place during the reversing and / or is triggered by the reversing. The moving back itself refers in particular to the movement of the drive device.

[0038] The reversing movement is triggered, in particular, after the opening signal is removed. The reversing movement is triggered, in particular, after the opening signal is removed. For example, if a user activates an opening device or grasps a door handle to open the door element, the movement is triggered. If the user then releases the door handle or no longer activates the opening device, the opening signal may be omitted or removed, and the reversing occurs. The Ajar signal may also have been generated in the meantime. This makes the reversing movement particularly useful for a classic use case and prevents incorrect operation.

[0039] The reversing movement can be triggered after receiving the AJAR signal. The reversing movement can be triggered with a time delay after receiving the AJAR signal. Essentially, reversing or reversing can be triggered by the AJAR signal to increase reliability and safety without requiring additional sensors for reversing or reversing.

[0040] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle that is equipped with or has the motor vehicle lock. More specifically, at least one door element of this motor vehicle can be equipped with the motor vehicle lock. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with the motor vehicle lock, wherein this motor vehicle is designed to carry out the method described here.

[0041] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and sketches. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0042] It shows: Fig. 1 a door element of a motor vehicle provided with a motor vehicle lock in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the motor vehicle lock of the Fig. 1 together with a lock holder in a perspective view, and Fig. 3 a method for operating the motor vehicle lock of the Fig. 1 in a schematic representation.

[0043] In the Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 100 in which a door element 104 is arranged in an open position. The door element 104 has an opening device 102 with a door handle to provide an opening signal when a user grasps the door handle and pulls it to open the door element 104. The motor vehicle 100 carries a lock holder 118 on a B-pillar, which corresponds to a motor vehicle lock 110 arranged in the door element 104. The lock holder can be fixed by the motor vehicle lock 110 when the door element 104 is closed or held in a main closed position, which is not shown. In the present case, the motor vehicle lock 110 is in a release position.

[0044] Out of Fig. 2 shows that the motor vehicle lock 110 has a locking mechanism 112 with a rotary latch 114 and a single pawl 116. It is conceivable that multiple pawls are provided, for example, to achieve multiple locking positions of a rotary latch (not shown).

[0045] The pawl 116 is provided for locking the rotary latch 114 in a locked position of the locking mechanism 112. Furthermore, an electric motor drive device 120 is provided, which is operatively connected to the locking mechanism 112 and can be moved from an initial position. The drive device 120 can move the motor vehicle lock 110 or the locking mechanism 112 between the locked position and the release position. For this purpose, the drive device 120, more precisely a control unit, can receive the opening signal from the opening device 102. The motor vehicle lock 110 further comprises an Ajar device 130, which can provide an Ajar signal.

[0046] The drive device 120 is designed to reverse to the starting position depending on the cessation of the opening signal and / or the reception of the Ajar signal.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a method according to the invention which can be used with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown motor vehicle lock 110.

[0048] First, the opening signal is generated 10 at the opening device 102. A user grasps the door handle, whereupon the opening signal is provided.

[0049] The opening signal is then received by the drive device 120, more precisely by the control unit, in step 20 of receiving. The drive device 120 or control unit then initiates actuation 30 of the motor vehicle lock 110. More precisely, during actuation 30, the control unit operates the electric motor. At the same time, the movement 40 of the drive device 120 takes place. The movement 40 takes place starting from an initial position to transfer a locking mechanism 112 from a locked position to a released position, with the movement 40 being triggered by or after the reception 20 of the opening signal, and by or after the actuation 30.

[0050] Now it is a matter of time before the Ajar signal is generated in step 50, namely by the Ajar device 130. This is usually the case when the rotary latch 114 releases the lock holder 118, because the rotary latch 114 then actuates a switch or button on the Ajar device 130.

[0051] The Ajar signal can be received by the drive device 120 in step 60 of receiving. In this case, after step 60 of receiving, step 70 of measuring is performed, in which the time period between steps 20 of receiving and 60 of receiving is measured. Depending on the measured time period, a decision is made as to the length of the control period for which the movement 40 is still performed.

[0052] If the measured time is less than a predetermined normal time of 50 ms, then the movement 40 is continued for a first control time of 10 ms. If the measured time is greater than the predetermined normal time of 50 ms, then the movement 40 is continued for a second control time of 40 ms or until the opening signal is removed in step 45.

[0053] After the beginning of the moving step 40, it is also a matter of time before the opening signal disappears 45 or takes its desired effect. The disappearance 45 occurs, for example, when the user releases the door handle. The disappearance 45 always occurs during or after the moving step 40 and / or generating 50 and / or receiving 60 and / or measuring 70.

[0054] Finally, a reversal 80 is triggered in the motor vehicle lock 110. In this case, the reversal 80 occurs as a function of the removal 45 and the reception 60. The reversal 80 also implies that the drive device 120 is immediately moved (back) in the return step 90 to reach its starting position. In this case, the reversal takes place after steps 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, and 70. The return movement takes place starting from a position deviating from the starting position.

[0055] In this case, the return movement 90 is triggered after the opening signal is removed 45, more precisely, immediately upon and / or by the removal 45. Alternatively or additionally, the return movement 90 can be triggered after the reception 60 of the Ajar signal, particularly preferably with a time delay after the reception 60 of the Ajar signal.

[0056] The steps "Generate" 10 and "Receive" 20 may occur essentially simultaneously. The steps "Generate" 50 and "Receive" 60 may occur essentially simultaneously. Here, the delay between "Generate" 10 or 20 and "Receive" 20 or 60 is essentially the signal path. List of reference symbols 10 Generate opening signal 20 Receive opening signal 30 Press 40 Move 45 Elimination of opening signal 50 Generate Ajar signal 60 Receive Ajar signal 70 measuring duration 80 Reverse 90 Move back 100 motor vehicles 102 Opening device 104 door element 110 Motor vehicle lock 112 locks 114 rotary latch 116 pawl 118 lock holders 120 drive device 130 Ajar setup

Claims

[1] Method for operating a motor vehicle lock (110) that can be electrically actuated by means of an opening signal, comprising reversing (80) the motor vehicle lock (110) after actuation (30) of the motor vehicle lock (110), wherein the reversing (80) is carried out as a function of the fact that the opening signal has disappeared and / or an Ajar signal is received from an Ajar device (130) of the motor vehicle lock (110). [2] Method according to the preceding claim, comprising generating (10) the opening signal by a user actuation of an opening device (102), in particular comprising a door handle, a trigger, a touchpad, a force sensor, a switch and / or a push button. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising generating (50) the Ajar signal by the Ajar device (130) cooperating with a locking mechanism (112), in particular a rotary latch (114) and / or a pawl (116) of the locking mechanism (112), of the motor vehicle lock (110), in particular comprising an Ajar switch, Ajar button, Ajar sensor and / or Ajar trigger. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising receiving (20, 60) the opening signal and / or the Ajar signal from a drive device (120) of the motor vehicle lock (110). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising moving (40) a / the drive device (120) starting from an initial position for transferring a locking mechanism (112) of the motor vehicle lock (110) from a locking position into a release position, in particular wherein the movement (40) is triggered by and / or after receiving (20) the opening signal, in particular by and / or after actuation (30). [6] Method according to the preceding claim, comprising measuring (70) a time period which is delayed in receiving (60) the Ajar signal compared to receiving (20) the opening signal, wherein the length of a control time period for which the movement (40) is carried out is decided as a function of the measured time period, wherein the measuring (70) is carried out before the reversing (80). [7] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein if the measured time period is less than a predetermined normal time period, in particular 500 ms, 250 ms, 100 ms or 50 ms, then the movement (40) is continued for a first control time period, in particular 100 ms, 50 ms, 25 ms or 10 ms; and if the measured time period is longer than the predetermined normal time period, then the movement (40) is continued for a second control time period, in particular 400 ms, 200 ms, 100 ms or 40 ms, or is continued until the opening signal disappears. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, the reversing (80) comprising moving back (90) a / the drive device (120) in the direction of and / or into the starting position, in particular wherein the moving back (90) takes place starting from a position deviating from the starting position. [9] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the return movement (90) is triggered after a cessation (45) of the opening signal and in particular is triggered with a time delay after the cessation (45) of the opening signal. [10] Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the moving back (90) is triggered temporally after / receiving (60) the Ajar signal and in particular is triggered with a time delay after receiving (60) the Ajar signal. [11] Motor vehicle lock (110), comprising a locking mechanism (112) with a rotary latch (114) and a pawl (116) provided for locking the rotary latch (114) in a locked position of the locking mechanism (112), and an electromotive drive device (120) operatively connected to the locking mechanism (112) and movable from an initial position for transferring the locking mechanism (112) from the locked position to a release position on the basis of an opening signal, wherein the drive device (120) is designed to reverse to the initial position depending on a cessation (45) of the opening signal and / or reception (60) of an Ajar signal from an Ajar device (130) of the motor vehicle lock (110).

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