Device for an emergency unlocking process of a door lock on a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for an emergency unlocking process of a door lock (60) on a motor vehicle, comprising an actuation means (13) for coupling to a door lock (60). A blocking means (31) is coupled to an actuator (10; 34) and can be moved from a blocking position into a release position, wherein the blocking means blocks the movement of the actuation means (13) in the blocking position and thus blocks and unlocking of the door lock. A wireless data interface (14) is coupled to an electronic controller (15) and the actuator. Legitimation data as well as energy for operating the actuator (10; 34) and the controller (15) are received from a mobile device (16) coupled to the data interface. On the basis of the received legitimation data, the actuator is actuated in order to convert the blocking means from the blocking position into the release position. A mechanical access device (12) is operatively connected to the actuation means (13) in order to move the unblocked actuation means in order to unlock the door lock (60).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the emergency unlocking of a door lock on a motor vehicle. The device comprises an actuating means which, when the device is installed in a vehicle, is mechanically connectable to the door lock in order to unlock the door lock upon spatial displacement (e.g., rotation or translation) of the actuating means. Furthermore, an electric actuator is provided, which is coupled to a locking means in order to move this locking means from a locked position to a released position. The locking means is positioned in its locked position such that it blocks the displacement of the actuating means and, in its released position, allows a displacement of the actuating means.

[0002] Mechanical vehicle door locks are usually designed in such a way that various mechanical processes can be triggered on the vehicle door lock. If the vehicle door lock prevents a door from being opened, this locking can generally occur in different stages. If the vehicle door is locked, the door lock is locked and cannot be opened even if a door handle is operated. In order to bring a door lock into the opening position, it must first be unlocked, i.e. made ready to open. This process is achieved, for example, in a mechanical door lock with a locking cylinder by turning a key in the lock, which moves an actuating device downstream of the cylinder and unlocks the door lock. In a mechanical door lock, such an actuating device is a so-called paddle (eccentric), which extends from the locking cylinder to the door lock.When unlocked, the door is not yet open, but is ready to open - i.e. it can be opened by a mechanical opening mechanism.

[0003] In modern vehicles, doors and locks are often no longer equipped with mechanical locking cylinders. Unlocking a door lock is now done via electrical signals and electric actuators. In the event of a power failure, the problem arises that unlocking the door lock is no longer possible.

[0004] DE 20 2016 102 459 U1 describes a door locking system for motor vehicles, comprising a door lock with a powered lock. The system comprises a first power supply, an electronic controller capable of receiving control signals from mobile devices, a security device with a second power supply, and a user input device. The user input device enables the entry of a security code, and the controller can unlock the lock when a valid security code is entered or a corresponding command signal is received.

[0005] DE 10 2018 106 410 A1 relates to a control arrangement for a motor vehicle door that is powered via the vehicle's electrical system. The door has a lock with an electric opening drive. The control arrangement can switch from a normal mode to an emergency mode and, in an emergency, enables wireless power transmission from a mobile device to the lock's opening drive.

[0006] Document DE 10 2018 114 061 A1 relates to a motor vehicle door lock equipped with a body-side door lock and a lock carrier. It comprises an opening and closing drive for the lock, a handle configured for manual emergency opening of the lock, and a locking element arranged between the handle and the lock. The locking element can be moved into a locking or release position.

[0007] Document US 2020 / 259525 A1 describes a device for a motor vehicle door handle. It integrates a primary module that supplies power to a secondary module in the door handle through inductive coupling. This secondary module contains a secondary coil that also serves as a repeater for contactless communication. In the case of a retractable door handle, the device also enables the estimation of the handle's position during its movement between an extended and retracted position.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a device which enables emergency unlocking in vehicles without power.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, the emergency unlocking device is provided with a wireless data interface. This wireless data interface serves both for the reception / transmission of authentication data from an external mobile device and for the wireless transmission of energy. The wireless transmission of energy, particularly over short distances, is known from various coupling standards, particularly NFC connections. In such connections, mobile devices for operating passive devices are brought within a very short distance of a few millimeters or centimeters to a receiving coil, via which energy is transmitted through the creation of electromagnetic fields, and data can also be transmitted or exchanged.

[0011] The emergency unlocking device according to the invention also has a control unit, which contains, for example, a microprocessor unit. Thus, the wireless data interface is coupled to both the control device and the actuator. A mobile device brought near the data interface ensures that a voltage is built up in the device, which supplies the control device. This voltage supply is sufficient to enable a data transfer of authentication data from the mobile device to the control device. The control device checks the authentication data, for example, a data key stored in the mobile device, and verifies that the mobile device is authorized for access to the vehicle. If this is the case, the control device controls the actuator, which is also supplied with power via the data interface.It can be provided that an energy storage device in the device, for example a capacitor, is first charged in order to then control the actuator. Since the actuator can only access a very low power and amount of energy, the invention provides that the actuator only actuates a locking means, since the amount of energy and power is not sufficient for the actuator itself to unlock the door lock. Instead, the device according to the invention is designed such that the actuator only removes the locking of the actuating means by supplying energy to the mobile device, and the actuating means can then be moved manually by an operator. The actuator therefore only carries out a preliminary stage of the actual unlocking process, while the unlocking process itself is carried out mechanically by the force of a user.

[0012] If the authentication has indicated to the control unit that the mobile device is a legitimate mobile device and the actuator has then moved the locking means from a locked position, in which it is usually located, to a released position, it is possible to unlock the door lock using a mechanical access device. The mechanical access device of the device is operatively connected to the actuating means in order to move the unlocked actuating means to unlock the door lock. If the locking means is in the locked position, mechanical action from the mechanical access device on the actuating means is not possible because the locking means blocks any movement of the actuating means. However, once this locking effect has been removed, operation via the mechanical access device is possible.

[0013] Accordingly, the device according to the invention provides for a manual, mechanical actuation for unlocking the door lock, for which, however, an authentication check based on data on a mobile device is required, and wherein the mobile device simultaneously provides the energy supply in order to activate the chain of action from the mechanical access device to the actuating means by removing the blocking of the actuating means.

[0014] The actuator in such a device needs to be designed with very low actuating force and power consumption, since it only has to release a lock. Such a lock can be, for example, a magnetically reversible lock or another lock with a short travel range that can be reliably operated with low power consumption.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data interface is designed as an NFC interface.

[0016] Such an interface is particularly common in mobile devices, and therefore the device according to the invention can be used by a particularly wide variety of mobile devices. Furthermore, such an interface already has standard specifications for power transmission and, if necessary, charging via an air interface.

[0017] It is particularly preferred if the actuating means is designed as a paddle (eccentric).

[0018] As explained above, the mechanical component of a paddle is known from door locks with locking cylinders. It usually represents an operative connection between the door lock and a door handle, with the paddle engaging in a corresponding recess in the door lock. The paddle is rotatable and entrains the unlocking mechanism in the door lock when it is rotated upon rotation of the locking cylinder. Accordingly, in the device according to the invention, the paddle can be used in a corresponding manner without requiring extensive design changes to the door lock. In this design, for example, it can be provided that the device is positioned in the installation space of a door handle, and the door lock itself has an orientation and spacing relative to it that corresponds to conventional installation situations.Instead of a locking cylinder, the paddle is coupled to the mechanical access device as an actuating means, allowing an operator to move, and in particular rotate, the paddle via a mechanical chain of action. In such a configuration, the paddle is locked against rotation by the locking means in its normal state, i.e., the vehicle's usual operating state. Only when the lock is released in emergency operation—for example, when a locking pin is pulled out of a recess in the paddle—can the operator transfer force to the paddle and thus unlock the lock.

[0019] It is particularly preferred if the mechanical access device has a rotary lever which is coupled to rotate the actuating means.

[0020] The transmission of rotary movements, for example, to a paddle for unlocking the lock, can be reliably achieved mechanically using gear ratios or rods. Furthermore, the rotary actuation requires little space, unlike a translational movement, so the mechanical access device for emergency unlocking, which is only used in an emergency, can be installed compactly and discreetly on the vehicle.

[0021] It is particularly preferred if, in the case of a rotationally moved locking means, the locking effect is provided by a locking body which, in the normal state, locks the locking means in a rotationally fixed position. This can be achieved in particular by guiding a locking body through a recess in a bearing and a recess in the locking means itself, so that rotation of these two components relative to one another is prevented. If, however, the position of the locking body is changed by the actuator, which can be done, for example, by magnetic forces, the rotational movement is possible. This is particularly advantageous because only very short travel distances are required to cancel the locking effect, which accommodates the low energy supply.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous for the transmission of torque from the mechanical access device to the actuating means if a torque limitation is provided in the chain of action.

[0023] Such a mechanical torque limiter prevents destructive forces from being transmitted from the mechanical access device to the actuating means or locking means. Such torque limiters can be implemented in a variety of ways, for example, using torque-limiting clutches that transition to a freewheel when a torque exceeds a specified value is applied.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an energy storage device is arranged in the device, which is coupled to the actuator. Such an energy storage device can be used during or after the verification of the authentication data by the control device to form a temporary buffer for providing higher power to the actuator.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. Figure 1shows schematically a vehicle on which the device according to the invention is arranged according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows schematically the functional connections between the components of the device according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention; Figures 4a and 4b show the operation of the mechanical access device using the first embodiment; Figure 5 shows in a side view the operation of the mechanical access device and the coupling of the first embodiment with a door lock; Figures 6a and 6b show the mechanical chain of action between the mechanical access device and the actuating means; Figures 7a and 7b show the components from the Figures 6a and 6b in an operating position; Figures 8a and 8bshow the actuating means, the electric actuator and the locking means on the one hand with the locking means in the locked position and on the other hand with the locking means in the released position.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 in a schematic view. In this exemplary embodiment, a device according to the invention can be arranged as an emergency actuation device 2 on the driver's door or as an emergency rear actuation device 3 on the tailgate. A door lock 4 or a rear lock 5 is assigned to the respective devices. During normal operation, the lock 4 or the rear lock 5 is controlled by electronic components that are connected to a central control system (not shown). However, if the vehicle is without power, this usual actuation of the locks 4 or 5 can no longer take place, so that the use of the devices according to the invention is then necessary.

[0027] Figure 2shows a schematic of the operative relationship between the components of the device according to the invention. The device according to the invention includes an electrical actuator 10 that can establish a mechanical operative connection 11 between a mechanical access device 12 and an actuating means 13. A wireless data interface 14 is coupled both to the actuator 10 and to a control device 15. The control device and the wireless interface 14 are coupled to supply the control device 15 with energy and to receive identification data from an external mobile device 16. The external mobile device, for example a smartphone, is coupled to the wireless interface 14 via an NFC connection and supplies both the control device 15 and the actuator 10 with energy via a coupling of electromagnetic fields.The control device 15 also checks the data transmitted via a data connection from the mobile device 16 and controls the actuator 10 if the legitimacy check of the identification data is positive. The actuator then establishes an operative connection between the mechanical access device 12 and the actuating means 13 by deactivating the locking means 11, which prevent the transmission of force from the mechanical access device 12 to the locking means 13, so that the locking means 13 can be actuated by the mechanical access device 12. If the locking means 13 are then displaced, this causes an actuation of the door lock 4, which is located externally to the device according to the invention but is mechanically coupled to the actuating means 13. The actuating means 13 can be designed, in particular, in the form of a paddle (eccentric), as described further below.

[0028] In Figure 2It is clear that the mechanical force for unlocking the lock is applied by a user accessing the mechanical access device 12. The actuator 10, powered by the wireless connection 17, merely causes a mechanical chain of action between the mechanical access device 12 and the locking means 13 to be released. Accordingly, the energy and power requirements of the actuator 10 are very low, so that power supply via the wireless connection from the mobile device 16 is sufficient.

[0029] Figure 3shows a construction of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention. A first device component 20 is formed with a carrier 21 to which a cover flap 22 is hingedly attached. A mechanical access device 12 is arranged beneath this cover flap 22, which, when installed in a vehicle, is flush with a sheet metal panel of the vehicle (see subsequent images). This mechanical access device 12 is coupled via a lever 12a and a linkage 25 to a lever 26 of a second component 30 of the device. In the second component 30, a shaft transmits a rotary movement to the paddle 13, which in this embodiment forms the locking means. As will be shown further below, the paddle 13 engages a vehicle door lock after installation in the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 4ashows the components 20 and 30 of the device according to the invention with the flap 22 unlocked, so that access to the rotary lever 12 is revealed. In Figure 4b is shown how a user 40 accesses the rotary lever 12 to transmit a rotary force via the linkage 25 to the actuating means 13.

[0031] Furthermore, a wireless interface 14 is formed at a distance from the device components 20, 30. The wireless interface 14 is integrated with a control circuit 15 and connected to the device component 30 via a power and data line 50. The wireless interface 14 and control circuit 15 can be located anywhere on the vehicle. For example, the wireless interface can be arranged in the door at a conveniently accessible location, where it can also be used for other communication tasks. An actuator (see below) located in the device component 30 is controlled and powered via the power and signal connection 50.

[0032] The Figures 3, 4a and 4b show how an emergency access is carried out to transmit power to the actuating means 13 in order to unlock a door lock coupled to the actuating means 13. Such an Figure 4bHowever, the actuation shown is only possible if a lock for rotating the actuating means 13 is removed.

[0033] Figure 5 In this context, and to clarify the mechanical chain of action, shows a side view of the arrangement of the Figures 4a and 4b , wherein a door lock 60 is shown with broken lines, since it is not part of the arrangement according to the invention. However, it is evident that the paddle 13 as a locking means dips into a recess in the door lock 60 and a rotational movement of the paddle 13 is transmitted to the door lock 60 for unlocking by turning the hand of the user 40. The mechanical chain of action, which couples the mechanical access device designed as a rotary handle 12 with the locking means 13, is shown in the Figures 6a and 6b shown. Figure 6a shows a front view, corresponding to the view from Figure 4a , while Figure 6b one to Figure 6acorresponding rear view. An arm 12a is arranged on the rotary handle 12 in a rotationally fixed manner, which moves the shorter lever arm 26 via the rod 25. The Figures 7a and 7b show the same arrangement, but with a rotated, i.e., actuated, rotary handle of the mechanical access device 12. It can be seen that the lever arm 26 has been pivoted. Whether such a pivoting of the lever arm 26 actually leads to a rotation of the actuating means 13 in the form of the paddle depends on whether the rotational movement from the lever arm 26 is transmitted to the paddle by the device component 30.

[0034] The device component 30 is in the Figures 8a and 8b shown in detail, with a cover 30a of the housing providing a view of the internal components. In Figure 8aIt is shown that the locking means 31 extends through a bearing section, which transmits the rotational movement to the paddle 13. A recess 30b in the housing is placed so that the locking means 31 in its locking state is immersed in the recess 30b. In the position in Figure 8athe locking means 31 accordingly blocks rotation of the transmission component 32. Even if the lever 26 is rotated, a torque limiter 33 ensures that this rotational actuation does not lead to rotation of the locking means 13. The torque limiter 33 can be implemented in particular by spring tensioning the components that can rotate relative to one another, for example by connecting rings that can rotate relative to one another with spring-loaded balls and associated recesses, which are pressed out of the recesses when a predetermined torque is exceeded and cause freewheeling, so that the lever 26 can rotate non-destructively without rotating the paddle 13. Furthermore, an actuator 34 is accommodated in the device component 30, which can move the locking means 31.With very low power consumption, the movement of the locking means 31 over a few millimeters occurs when the actuator 34 is controlled by the control device 15 and with power supplied by an NFC-coupled mobile device 16. As explained above, the control device first checks whether the authentication data provided via the wireless interface allows the door lock to be unlocked. If so, the actuator 34 is energized and controlled via wireless energy transmission, optionally with intermediate charging of a short-term energy storage device such as a capacitor, in order to move the locking means 31 from the position in . Figure 8a into the position in Figure 8b In this position in Figure 8bThe locking means 31 is disengaged from the opening 31a in the upper housing part and can thus be rotated within the housing. If the lever 26 is now rotated by force transmission from the rotary lever of the mechanical access device 12, the paddle 13 also rotates and can transmit its force to the door lock 60 for unlocking.

Claims

1. A device for the emergency unlocking of a door lock (60) on a motor vehicle, having an actuating means (13) which, when the device is installed in a vehicle, can be mechanically connected to the door lock (60) in order to unlock the door lock when the actuating means (13) is displaced, having an electric actuator (10; 34), with a blocking means (31) which is coupled to the actuator (10; 34) and can be moved by the actuator from a blocking position into a release position, wherein the blocking means (31) blocks a displacement of the actuating means (13) in its blocking position and releases a displacement of the actuating means (13) in its release position, characterised in that a wireless data interface (14) is coupled to an electronic control device (15), wherein the data interface (14) and the control device (15) are coupled to the actuator (10; 34), wherein the data interface (14) and the control device (15) are designed to receive both authorisation data and energy for the operation of the actuator (10; 34) and the control device (15) from a mobile device (16) wirelessly coupled to the data interface (14), wherein the control device (15) is configured to control the actuator (10; 34) in dependence on the received authorisation data in order to transfer the blocking means from the blocking position into the release position by means of the actuator, wherein a mechanical access device (12) is formed, which is operatively connected to the actuating means (13), in order to displace the released actuating means for unlocking the door lock (60).

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the data interface (14) is formed as an NFC interface.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating means (13) is configured as a paddle (eccentric).

4. A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical access device (12) has a rotary lever which is coupled to rotate the actuating means.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the blocking means (31) locks the actuating means (13) against rotational movement, the blocking means comprising a blocking body (31) which in the blocking position extends through two mutually rotatable portions of a mechanical transmission means and in the release position is retracted from one of said portions (31a) .

6. A device according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein a torque-limiting means is arranged in the mechanical chain of action between the mechanical access device and the actuating means, which is designed to limit a torque transmitted to the actuating means to a maximum operating torque required to unlock the door lock.

7. A device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an energy store is present which is coupled to the actuator.

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