Locking system and motor vehicle
A compact vehicle door locking system integrates an actuator within the door adjuster to reduce installation space and ensure reliable door operation, addressing the space constraints of existing systems and enhancing functionality under adverse conditions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024110463
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle door locking systems require a large installation space due to the use of two separate Bowden cables for the latch and trigger, compromising compactness and functional reliability.
Integrate an actuator within the door adjuster that is coupled to both the latch and trigger via a single tension connection device, eliminating the need for a separate actuator and reducing installation space, while allowing bidirectional actuation for both functions.
The solution provides a compact and reliable locking system that requires minimal installation space, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures smooth door operation even in adverse conditions such as icing or crashes, without the need for additional electrical energy.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a locking system for a vehicle door in a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a locking system.
[0002] A locking system of this type is known from DE 11 2021 000 048 T5 and comprises a door lock and a door stay. The vehicle door can be adjusted between a closed state, in which the vehicle door can be locked in a door frame of the motor vehicle, an open state, in which the vehicle door exposes a door opening enclosed by the door frame, and a leaning state, in which the vehicle door is leaning against the door frame and can be manually transferred to the open state. The door lock is configured to lock and unlock the vehicle door in the closed state. In addition, the door lock has an adjustable bolt for pulling the vehicle door from the leaning state to the closed state. The door stay is equipped with an adjustable handle, which is configured to push the vehicle door open from the closed state to the leaning state. In the known locking system, the door stay is integrated into the door lock.To adjust the deadbolt and the handle, the familiar locking system is coupled to an actuator located separately and spaced apart from the door lock and the door stay in the vehicle door. The actuator is connected to the deadbolt via a first Bowden cable and to the handle via a second Bowden cable. Installing two separate Bowden cables within the vehicle door requires a comparatively large amount of space, which is not always available.
[0003] A similar locking system is known from DE 20 2008 010 051 U1.
[0004] Other locking systems are known from DE 10 2016 118 685 A1, from DE 10 2018 127 790 A1 and from EP 3 375 959 A1.
[0005] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least a different embodiment for such a locking system or for a motor vehicle equipped therewith, which is characterized in particular by a compact design, wherein a high level of functional reliability is also sought.
[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0007] The invention is based on the general idea of using a door opener that is already equipped with an actuator for adjusting the handle. The door opener actuator can then be coupled to the door lock bolt via a pull-connecting device, such as a Bowden cable, in such a way that the bolt for closing the vehicle door can also be adjusted using the door opener actuator. In other words, the door opener actuator is used to close the vehicle door. As a result, a separate actuator is no longer necessary. Overall, this results in a comparatively simple design for the locking system that can be easily integrated into the vehicle door. In particular, only one pull-connecting device is required, so that the locking system presented here requires comparatively little installation space.The actuator can be bidirectionally actuated, with one direction of actuation adjusting the handle and the other direction of movement adjusting the latch. This allows the actuator to be assigned two different functions based on the two different actuation directions.
[0008] Specifically, it is proposed that the door opener have an actuator connected to the door opener handle, such that pressing the actuator causes the handle to move from the closed state to the ajar state to push the vehicle door open. Furthermore, the door opener actuator is connected to the door lock bolt via a pull connection device, such that pulling the actuator causes the bolt to move from the ajar state to the closed state to pull the vehicle door closed.
[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking system can have a spring device for generating a spring force for pushing the unlocked vehicle door from the closed state to the ajar state. This ensures that, when the door lock is opened, which unlocks the closed vehicle door, the spring force automatically pushes the vehicle door from the closed state to the ajar state without actuating the actuator. In other words, in the embodiment of the locking system presented here, the vehicle door is transferred from the closed state to the ajar state with the aid of the spring device, so that the actuator of the door opener does not need to be actuated for this purpose. Particularly in battery-electric vehicles, this has the advantage that no electrical energy is required when opening the vehicle door, for example, to control the actuator for a push operation to adjust the handle.
[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the locking system can be equipped with a control unit for operating the actuator, which is coupled at least to the actuator and preferably to the door lock and / or the door stay. This control unit can be expediently configured such that, when the vehicle door is closed, it activates the actuator for adjusting the latch to close the vehicle door as soon as the vehicle door reaches the ajar position. This results in increased convenience when operating the vehicle door.
[0011] In the present context, a ‘configuration’ corresponds to a ‘design’ and / or a ‘means’ and / or a ‘programming’, so that the phrase ‘configured so that’ is synonymous with the phrase ‘designed so that’ and / or ‘arranged so that’ and / or ‘programmed so that’.
[0012] A configuration in which the locking system includes sensors for detecting the ajar state, the closed state, and the open state of the vehicle door is advantageous. The control system can then be coupled to this sensor and also be configured to distinguish between opening and closing the vehicle door. This makes it easier for the control system to activate the actuator to adjust the latch when the vehicle door is closed.
[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the control system can be configured such that, when the vehicle door is opened, it activates the actuator to adjust the handle for pushing the vehicle door open from the closed state to the ajar state if the vehicle door does not reach the ajar state within a predetermined opening time. Normally, the spring force of the spring device can transfer the vehicle door from the closed state to the ajar state when it is opened. This usually occurs automatically or spontaneously within a predetermined opening time. This predetermined opening time can be, for example, 1 s (s = second) or less than 1 s, for example 0.5 s. Under certain circumstances, however, the spring force of the spring device may fail or be insufficient to push the vehicle door open from the closed state to the ajar state. These circumstances can be detected by monitoring the predetermined opening time.This design allows the vehicle door to be opened comfortably using the door stay, even when the spring force is insufficient or unavailable. Such circumstances can occur, for example, if the spring mechanism is damaged, if the vehicle door is warped, if the vehicle door is jammed against the door frame due to heavy dirt, or if the vehicle door is iced over.
[0014] The actuator can be expediently configured such that, when the push button is pressed, it generates a pressing force that is greater than the spring force of the spring device. In this way, significant support of the spring device can be realized. For example, the spring force can be in a range from 10N (N = Newton) to 50N and can in particular be approximately 20N. In contrast, the pressing force of the actuator can be in a range from 100N to 500N and in particular be approximately 400N.
[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the controller can be coupled to a temperature sensor for detecting an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle and can also be configured such that, when the vehicle door is opened, the controller activates the actuator to adjust the handle for pushing open the vehicle door from the closed state to the ajar state if the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle is below a predetermined limit temperature. The limit temperature can be selected such that icing of the vehicle door can be expected. For example, the predetermined limit temperature can be 0°C (C = Celsius) or less than 0°C. By taking the ambient temperature into account, the door opener can be automatically actuated to push open the vehicle door whenever icing of the vehicle door is expected due to the ambient temperature.The door opener then works in addition to the optional spring device mentioned above, especially from the outset, resulting in a high level of convenience and reliability for the operation of the locking system.
[0016] In another embodiment, the control device can be coupled to a crash sensor system of the motor vehicle for detecting a crash. Furthermore, the control system can be configured such that, when the vehicle door is opened, it controls the actuator to adjust the handle to push the vehicle door open from the closed state to the ajar state if a crash occurs. In the event of a crash, there is a risk that the vehicle door will jam in the door frame, so that the spring force of the spring device may no longer be sufficient to push the vehicle door open from the closed state to the ajar state. By using the door opener in the event of a crash, the handle assists in opening the vehicle door. As a result, the respective vehicle occupant (male / female / diverse) can leave the vehicle more easily. Likewise, rescue workers can open the respective vehicle door more easily from the outside.
[0017] The actuator can be expediently configured to generate a comparatively large pressing force for adjusting the pusher. For example, the pressing force can be greater than 500 N and, in particular, can be in a range from 500 N to 2000 N. Preferably, the pressing force can be approximately 1000 N.
[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the actuator can be configured such that it can generate at least two different pressing forces for adjusting the handle. The controller can then be configured such that, when the vehicle door is opened, it controls the actuator to generate a first pressing force if the ambient temperature is below the predetermined limit temperature and if no crash is present. In contrast, when the vehicle door is opened, the controller can control the actuator to generate a second pressing force if a crash is present. The second pressing force is greater than the first pressing force. In particular, the second pressing force can be at least twice as large as the first pressing force. For example, the first pressing force can be approximately 400 N, while the second pressing force can be approximately 1000 N.The different pressure forces can be achieved using an electric motor actuator, for example, by applying different currents to the actuator. It is also conceivable for the actuator to include a switchable gear, which creates a reduction ratio for the second pressure force to increase the pressure force.
[0019] A motor vehicle according to the invention, which may preferably be a passenger car, is equipped with at least one vehicle door having a locking system of the type described above.
[0020] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawing and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawing.
[0021] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, may form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is shown differently in the drawing.
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.
[0023] The only Fig. 1 shows a highly simplified, circuit diagram-like schematic representation of a motor vehicle in the area of a locking system.
[0024] Accordingly Fig. 1, a motor vehicle 1 comprises at least one vehicle door 2 for opening and closing a door opening 3, which is enclosed by a door frame 4. For this purpose, the vehicle door 2 is switchable between a closed state SZ, which is Fig. 1 is indicated by a solid line, an open position OZ and a leaning position AZ adjustable, which in Fig. 1 are each indicated by a dashed line. In the closed state SZ, the vehicle door 2 closes the door opening 3 and can be locked in the door frame 4. In the open state OZ, the vehicle door 2 releases the door opening 3. In the leaning state AZ, the vehicle door 2 is leaning against the door frame 4 and can be manually moved to the open state OZ.
[0025] In the schematic, simplified representation of the Fig. 1, the vehicle door 2 is pivotably mounted on the door frame 4 about an axis A running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The motor vehicle 1 is preferably a passenger car and has at least two vehicle doors 2, in particular exactly two or exactly four vehicle doors 2.
[0026] The vehicle door 2 is equipped with a locking system 5 comprising a door lock 6 and a door stay 7. The door lock 6 serves to lock and unlock the vehicle door 2 in the closed state SZ. For this purpose, the door lock 6 can have a locking device (not shown here). In addition, the door lock 6 has an adjustable bolt 8 configured to close the vehicle door 2 from the ajar state AZ to the closed state SZ. For example, the bolt 8 can be rotatable about a bolt axis 9 and interact with a bracket 10 attached to the vehicle door 2. The above-mentioned locking device (not shown) can interact with the bolt 8 so that it is only adjustable in the unlocked state, while it is blocked in the locked state.
[0027] The door stay 7 has an adjustable handle 11, which serves to push the vehicle door 2 from the closed position SZ to the ajar position AZ. For this purpose, the handle 11 can be configured to be bilinearly adjustable according to a double arrow 12. Fig. 1, the handle 11 is fully retracted into a housing 13 of the door stay 7. A position of the handle 11 extended from this housing 13 is shown in Fig. 1 indicated by a broken line.
[0028] The door opener 7 is equipped with an actuator 14, which is connected to the handle 11 via a gear 15. The actuator 14 is located on or in the housing 13 of the door opener 7. The coupling of the actuator 14 with the handle 11 is such that pressing the actuator 14 causes the handle 11 to be adjusted to open the vehicle door 2 from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ. In the example of the Fig. 1, in the event of a push operation of the actuator 14, the handle 11 is extended from the housing 13. The actuator 14 of the door stay 7 is also directly or indirectly connected to the bolt 8 via a pull connection device 16, in such a way that a pull operation of the actuator 14 causes an adjustment of the bolt 8 to close the vehicle door 2 from the ajar state AZ to the closed state SZ. For example, the pull connection device 16 can be connected to a lever arm 17, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the bolt 8. The lever arm 17 and a section of the pull connection device 16 connected to the lever arm 17 are shown in Fig. 1 is indicated by a dashed line. The tension connection device 16 can, in the simplest case, be formed by a Bowden cable. Alternatively, a pull rod, for example, is also conceivable.
[0029] The actuator 14, the coupling with the latch 8 and the coupling with the pusher 11 are expediently configured such that the actuator 14 has a first direction of movement during a push actuation, which drives the pusher 11, and has a second direction of movement during a pull actuation, which drives the latch 8.
[0030] The locking system 5 can also be equipped with a spring device 18, which is configured to generate a spring force 19. The spring force 19 is in Fig. 1 is symbolized by an arrow pointing to the right. The spring force 19 serves to push the unlocked vehicle door 2 from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ. When the door lock 6 is opened, which unlocks the vehicle door 2 locked in the closed state SZ, the spring force 19 automatically and independently pushes the vehicle door 2 from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ without the need to actuate the actuator 14. The spring force 19 can be, for example, 20 N.
[0031] The locking system 5 can also be equipped with a control unit 20 which is configured to actuate the actuator 14. For this purpose, the control unit 20 is connected via control lines 21 at least to the actuator 14 or to the door opener 7 and, in the example shown, to the Fig. 1 is also coupled to the door lock 6. The door lock 6 is preferably an electronic door lock 6 that can be electrically operated to lock and unlock the vehicle door 2. The controller 20 is now configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is closed, it controls the actuator 14 to adjust the latch 8 to close the vehicle door 2 as soon as the vehicle door 2 reaches the ajar state AZ during closing. This means that a driver (male / female / diverse) manually moves the vehicle door 2 from the open state OZ to the ajar state AZ, and that the locking system 5 then independently and automatically moves the vehicle door 2 from the ajar state AZ to the closed state SZ.
[0032] The locking system 5 can have a sensor system 22 configured to detect the locking state SZ, the ajar state AZ, and the open state OZ. For this purpose, the sensor system 22 can be coupled to the controller 20 via a corresponding signal line 23. The controller 20 is now configured to distinguish between an opening of the vehicle door 2 and a closing of the vehicle door 2 based on knowledge of the current state of the vehicle door 2. For example, the vehicle door 2 is closed when, starting from the open state OZ, the ajar state AZ is reached.
[0033] The controller 20 can also be configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is opened, it activates the actuator 14 to adjust the handle 11 to push the vehicle door 2 from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ if the vehicle door 2 does not reach the ajar state AZ within a predetermined opening time. If the vehicle door 2 or the locking system 5 is functioning properly, an opening actuation of the vehicle door 2 initially leads to an unlocking of the vehicle door 2 and a release of the bolt 8. Subsequently, the spring force 19 of the spring device 18 can push the vehicle door 2 from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ. This usually occurs within a predetermined opening time, which can be, for example, approximately 0.5 s. Since the opening actuation of the vehicle door 2 can be carried out electrically with the electric door lock 2, the controller 2 knows the time of the opening actuation.If the vehicle door 2 does not reach the ajar state AZ within the predetermined opening time from the time of the opening actuation, the control 20 assumes a malfunction and actuates the actuator 14 to adjust the handle 11 to push open the vehicle door 2. The handle 11 generates a pressing force 24 which is in . Fig. 1 is indicated by an arrow pointing to the left. It is clear that the pushing force 24 acts on the vehicle door 2 in the same direction as the spring force 19. The actuator 14 can be expediently configured such that the pushing force 24 is greater than the spring force 19. For example, the pushing force 24 can be at least 100 N.
[0034] The controller 20 can be coupled, in particular via a further signal line 25, to a temperature sensor 26 for detecting an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle 1. The coupling can be Fig. 1 shown directly. An indirect coupling is also conceivable, in which the controller 20 is coupled to a vehicle controller (not shown here), which knows the current ambient temperature, for example because it is coupled to the temperature sensor 26 shown or to another temperature sensor 26 for detecting the ambient temperature of the vehicle 1. The controller 20 can expediently be configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is opened, it controls the actuator 14 to adjust the handle 11 to push the vehicle door 2 open from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ if the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle 1 is below a predetermined limit temperature. The predetermined limit temperature can be 0°C, for example. This means that the vehicle door 2 can be opened easily, in particular even when it is iced over.
[0035] In the example of Fig. 1, the controller 20 is also coupled to a crash sensor system 27, for example via a corresponding signal line 28. The crash sensor system 27 is configured to detect a crash. The controller 20 can be configured as shown in Fig. 1, it can be directly coupled to the crash sensor system 27. It is also conceivable that the controller 20 is coupled to a vehicle controller (not shown), which in turn is coupled to the crash sensor system 20 and therefore knows whether a crash is occurring or not. In any case, the controller 20 can now be configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is opened, it controls the actuator 14 to adjust the handle 11 to push the vehicle door 2 open from the closed state SZ to the ajar state AZ if a crash is occurring.
[0036] The actuator 14 can in particular be configured so that it can generate at least two different pressing forces 24 for adjusting the pusher 11. In the example of Fig.1, two different pressing forces 24 are indicated by two different-sized arrows and are also designated 24a and 24b. The controller 20 can now be configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is opened, it controls the actuator 14 to generate a first pressing force 24a if the ambient temperature is below the predetermined limit temperature and if no crash is present. Furthermore, the controller 20 is configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is opened, it controls the actuator 14 to generate a second pressing force 24b if a crash is present. The second pressing force 24b is greater than the first pressing force 24a. For example, the first pressing force 24a can be approximately 400N, while the second pressing force 24b can be approximately 1000N.
[0037] Furthermore, the controller 20 can be configured such that, when the vehicle door 2 is opened, it does not control the actuator 14 to generate a pushing force 24 if the ambient temperature is above the limit temperature and if no crash is present. If the controller 20 is also configured to monitor the opening time, the controller 20 can control the actuator 14 to generate a pushing force 24 if the predetermined opening time is exceeded, even if the ambient temperature is above the limit temperature and no crash is present. This pushing force 24 can then be equal to or smaller than the first pushing force 24a.
[0038] The different pressing forces 24a and 24b can be achieved in particular by means of a gearshift 29 and / or by a different electrical power supply or current supply to the electromotive actuator 14. For example, the electrical voltage of the power supply to the actuator 14 can be different for the two pressing forces 24a, 24b. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 11 2021 000 048 T5
[0002] DE 20 2008 010 051 U1
[0003] DE 10 2016 118 685 A1
[0004] DE 10 2018 127 790 A1
[0004] EP 3 375 959 A1
[0004]
Claims
[1] Locking system (5) of a vehicle door (2) in a motor vehicle (1), - wherein the vehicle door (2) is adjustable between a closed state (SZ) in which the vehicle door (2) can be locked in a door frame (4) of the motor vehicle (1), an open state (OZ) in which the vehicle door (2) releases a door opening (3) enclosed by the door frame (4), and a leaning state (AZ) in which the vehicle door (2) is leaning against the door frame (4) and can be manually moved into the open state (OZ), - wherein the locking system (5) has a door lock (6) for locking and unlocking the vehicle door (2) in the closed state (SZ), - wherein the door lock (6) has an adjustable bolt (8) for pulling the vehicle door (2) from the leaning position (AZ) to the closed position (SZ), - wherein the locking system (5) has a door stay (7) which has an adjustable push button (11) for pushing the vehicle door (2) from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ), characterized by , - that the door stay (7) has an actuator (14) which is connected to the handle (11) of the door stay (7) such that pressing the actuator (14) causes the handle (11) to be moved from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ) to push open the vehicle door (2), - that the actuator (14) of the door stay (7) is connected to the bolt (8) of the door lock (6) via a pull connection device (16) such that a pull operation of the actuator (14) causes the bolt (8) to be adjusted to pull the vehicle door (2) from the leaning state (AZ) to the closed state (SZ). [2] Locking system (5) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the locking system (5) has a spring device (18) for generating a spring force (19) to push the unlocked vehicle door (2) from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ), such that the spring force (19) when the door lock (6) is opened to unlock the closed vehicle door (2) without actuating the actuator automatically causes the vehicle door (2) to be pushed from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ). [3] Locking system (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that the locking system (5) has a control unit (20) for actuating the actuator (14) which is coupled to the door lock (6) and to the door stay (7), - that the control unit (20) is configured to actuate the actuator (14) to adjust the latch (8) to pull the vehicle door (2) shut when the vehicle door (2) is closed, as soon as the vehicle door (2) reaches the leaning position (AZ) when closing. [4] Locking system (5) according to claim 3, characterized by , - that the locking system (5) has a sensor (22) for detecting the leaning state (AZ), the closed state (SZ) and the open state (OZ) of the vehicle door (2), - that the control unit (20) is coupled with the sensor system (22) and is configured to distinguish between opening the vehicle door (2) and closing the vehicle door (2). [5] Locking system (5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , - that the control (20) is configured to actuate the actuator (14) to adjust the push button (11) to push the vehicle door (2) from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ) when the vehicle door (2) is opened, if the vehicle door (2) does not reach the leaning state (AZ) within a predetermined opening time. [6] Locking system (5) according to claims 2 and 5, characterized by , - that the actuator (14) is configured such that when the push button (11) is pressed, it generates a push force (24) which is greater than the spring force (19) of the spring device (18). [7] Locking system (5) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , - that the control unit (20) is coupled with a temperature sensor (26) for detecting the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (1) and is configured to actuate the actuator (14) for adjusting the push button (11) for pushing the vehicle door (2) from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ) when the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (1) is below a predetermined limit temperature. [8] Locking system (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by , - that the control unit (20) is coupled with a crash sensor (27) of the motor vehicle (1) to detect a crash event and is configured so that when the vehicle door (2) is opened, it controls the actuator (14) to adjust the push button (11) to push open the vehicle door (2) from the closed state (SZ) to the leaning state (AZ) if a crash event occurs. [9] Locking system (5) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized by , - that the actuator (14) is configured to generate at least two different pressure forces (24) for adjusting the push button (11), - that the controller (20) is configured to activate the actuator (14) to generate a first pushing force (24a) when the vehicle door (2) is opened, if the ambient temperature is below the predetermined limit temperature and if no crash has occurred, and that it activates the actuator (14) to generate a second pushing force (24b) when the vehicle door (2) is opened, if a crash has occurred, - that the second pressing force (24b) is greater than the first pressing force (24a). [10] Motor vehicle (1), preferably a passenger car, - with at least one vehicle door (2) which is equipped with a locking system (5) according to one of the preceding claims.
Citation Information
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