VEHICLE DOOR LOCK
A single-motor vehicle door lock system addresses the complexity of multiple motors by using a worm gear mechanism to perform both electrical unlocking and mechanical release, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing components.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023007280
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-10
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle door locks require multiple motors for electrical unlocking and mechanical backup, complicating the lock assembly and increasing component count.
A vehicle door lock system utilizing a single motor to drive a worm gear mechanism that rotates a wheel to achieve both electrical unlocking and mechanical emergency release, reducing the number of components by integrating a worm with a wheel to perform multiple functions.
The single-motor system effectively operates the lock in various positions, including electric child lock and double lock, while ensuring mechanical backup, thereby simplifying the assembly and reducing component complexity.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: VEHICLE DOOR LOCK
[0001] BACKGROUND
[0002]
[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the art of vehicle door locks.
[0003]
[0002] Vehicle door locks include multiple components which cooperate with each other to ensure the operation of the vehicle door lock. In some applications, the locks are opened electrically with a motor operatively coupled to the lock. In these applications, a second motor is usually required to place the lock in a position so that it can be mechanically operated or opened in the event of a loss of power to the lock.
[0004]
[0003] For example and in an electrically unlocked door lock, when a redundant mechanical backup is requested, a second motor is required to manage the release / re-engagement of a mechanical link such as an electric child lock or double lock function on the interior mechanical backup or the locking / unlocking for the exterior unlocking backup.
[0005]
[0004] Reducing the number of components in a lock assembly and their using them or using them for multiple functions is a difficult task to accomplish.
[0006] As such, it is desirable to provide an improved vehicle door lock where the lock can operate as desired while reducing the number of components required for operation of the lock.
[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0008]
[0006] A vehicle lock is disclosed, which lock comprises: only a single motor for driving a worm gear operatively coupled to the single motor, the worm gear meshes with a wheel rotatably mounted on a housing of the lock; upon electrical unlocking of the lock, the single motor rotates the wheel from a reset position in a first direction, thereafter and to return the wheel to the reset position, the single motor rotates the wheel in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction; and rotation of the wheel by the single motor from the reset position in the second direction will position the lock in an Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position, thereafter the wheel is rotated back into the reset position by a spring, rotation of the wheel by the single motor from the reset position in the second direction a second time will release the lock from the Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position, making the mechanical opening of the lock operational, subsequently the wheel is returned by turning to the reset position by a spring.
[0009]
[0007] A method of opening a vehicle lock with only a motor Also disclosed is a method comprising: operatively coupling a single motor to drive a worm gear operatively coupled to the single motor, the worm gear engaging a wheel rotatably mounted on a housing of the lock; electrically unlocking the lock with the single motor by rotating the wheel from a reset position in a first direction, thereafter returning the wheel to the reset position by rotating the single motor in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction; and placing the lock in an Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position by rotating the wheel by the single motor from the reset position in the second direction, thereafter the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by a spring;and releasing the lock from the Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position, by rotating the wheel by the single motor from the reset position in the second direction a second time, thereby operatively opening the lock mechanically, thereafter the wheel is rotated back to the reset position by a spring. ; Brief description of the drawings
[0010]
[0008] In no way should the following descriptions be considered as limiting. With reference to the accompanying drawings, similar elements have the same numbering:
[0011]
[0009] [Fig.l] and [Fig.2] illustrate parts of a vehicle lock according to a embodiment of this disclosure;
[0012]
[0010] [Fig.3] is a graphical representation of functional aspects of the lock vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013]
[0011] [Fig.4], comprising Figures 4A to 4F, illustrates the operation of the vehicle lock according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014]
[0012] [Fig.5], comprising Figures 5A and 5B, is an exploded view of components of the vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015]
[0013] [Fig.6], comprising Figures 6A and 6B, illustrates the movement of the pin locking the vehicle lock in a cam member of the locking lever;
[0016]
[0014] [Fig.7] illustrates parts of the vehicle lock in a closed position door where the lock is operational for double-pull or single-pull operations;
[0017]
[0015] [Fig.8], [Fig.9] and [Fig. 10] illustrate parts of the vehicle lock in a closed door position where the lock is not operational for double-pull or single-pull operations;
[0018]
[0016] [Fig.11] and [Fig.12] illustrate parts of the vehicle lock in a door closed position where the lock is operational for double-pull or single-pull operations;
[0019]
[0017] [Fig.l3A] illustrates portions of the vehicle lock where the lock is not operational for dual-traction or single-traction operations;
[0020]
[0018] [Fig.l3B] illustrates parts of the vehicle lock where the lock is operated tional for double-pull or single-pull operations;
[0021]
[0019] [Fig.14], comprising Figures 14A to 14C, illustrates portions of the lock of vehicle in a closed door position where the lock is operational for double-pull or single-pull operations;
[0022]
[0020] [Fig. 15], comprising Figures 15A to 15C, illustrates portions of the lock of vehicle in a closed door position upon a first pull of a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking;
[0023]
[0021] [Fig. 16], comprising Figures 16A to 16C, illustrates portions of the lock of vehicle in a closed door position after an initial pull on a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking;
[0024]
[0022] [Fig. 17], comprising Figures 17A to 17C, illustrates portions of the lock of vehicle in a closed door position after an initial pull on a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking; and
[0025]
[0023] [Fig. 18], comprising Figures 18A to 18C, illustrates portions of the lock of vehicle in a closed door position upon a second pull of a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026]
[0024] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of The apparatus and method disclosed is presented herein by way of non-limiting example with reference to the Figures.
[0027]
[0025] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door lock or a lock that provides electrical unlocking of the vehicle door lock and the Re-engagement of a mechanical emergency release from inside the vehicle with a single motor instead of two motors. This is particularly useful for a rear door equipped with a child lock and / or any doors equipped with super locking or double locking versions.
[0028]
[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lock has at least three predefined positions (closed / primary position, partially open / secondary position or fully open).
[0029]
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure and when a claw of the lock is in an open position, a temporary mechanical stop is provided for an unlocking actuator when the unlocking actuator is in a floating position which corresponds to a rest or initial position of the unlocking actuator.
[0030]
[0028] From this "floating" position and when the lock is in a position When the door is opened by an electrical release, energizing the motor again in the opposite direction resets the unlock actuator either to electrically open the lock again or to release or reengage the mechanical emergency release. When a lock prong is in an open position, the lock will prevent the unlock actuator from reaching a position corresponding to the release or reengagement of the mechanical emergency release.
[0031]
[0029] The present disclosure relates to the use of a motor for unlocking electrical locking and release / re-engagement of the mechanical emergency release.
[0032]
[0030] In addition, the present disclosure uses the rotational direction of the motor to the electrical release and the second direction of rotation of the motor to achieve the release or re-engagement of the mechanical release link through a specific cam design and springs.
[0033]
[0031] Referring now to Figures 1-19C, various aspects of the present disclosure will be discussed.
[0034]
[0032] [Fig.l] illustrates parts of a vehicle door lock or lock 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle door lock or lock 10 has only a single motor 12 for driving a worm 14 operatively coupled to the motor 12. In other words, there is a single motor in the lock 10. The worm 14 meshes with a wheel 16 rotatably mounted on a housing 18 of the lock 10. The worm 14 meshes with a plurality of teeth 20 located around a periphery of the wheel 16. The wheel 16 has also a cam portion 22 located on one side of the wheel 16 and a drive member 24 located on an opposite side of the wheel 16.
[0035]
[0033] The cam portion 22 is configured to engage with a release lever locking lever 26 while the drive member 24 is configured to engage with a locking lever 28. The unlocking lever 26 and the locking lever 28 are rotatably mounted on the lock 10. The unlocking lever 26 is operatively coupled to a pawl 30 such that movement of the unlocking lever 26 by the cam portion 22 of the wheel 16 causes movement of the pawl 30. The pawl 30 is configured to engage with a claw 32 of the lock 10 to maintain the claw 32 in a closed or secondary position or a primary position. Movement of the pawl 30 from an engaged position to a released position will allow the claw 32 to pivot or rotate into an open position as is known in the prior art.
[0036]
[0034] This movement is illustrated in at least Figures 4A to 4C where a tilt electrical or electronic locking of the lock 10 is carried out. During electronic unlocking, the single motor 12 with a worm screw 14 and a wheel 16 rotate counterclockwise relative to the views illustrated in at least Figures 4D to 4F.
[0037]
[0035] An emergency release lever 34, a locking link lever 36, a back plate 38, a locking link 40, a rear drive spring 42, a locking lever 44, a locking lever spring 46, a locking lever 48, a temporary unlocking lever spring 50, a temporary unlocking lever 52, a ratchet switch lever 54, a unlocking link 56 and an unlocking lever 58 are also shown in at least Figures 1 and 2.
[0038]
[0036] We now refer to [Fig.3] which is a graphical representation of functional aspects of the vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the lock 10 is reset and is in an initial position as illustrated by area 70, an electric child lock and double lock functionality is deactivated and a double pull functionality is activated. This may also be referred to as an unlock position of the lock 10. From this position, the lock 10 can be electronically unlocked by the movement of the single motor 12 in a first direction (counterclockwise as illustrated in [Fig. 3]) illustrated by arrow 72. The electronic unlocking of the lock 10 is illustrated by area 74. Thereafter and in order to return the lock 10 to the position corresponding to area 70, the single motor 12 rotates in a second direction which is opposite (clockwise as illustrated in [Fig.3]) to the first direction. . The second direction is represented by arrow 76.
[0039]
[0037] In another operation from the position illustrated by zone 70, a The lock release lever 10 is pulled a first time and the lock 10 is in a position where the double pull function is deactivated and the electric child lock and double lock functions are deactivated. This position is illustrated by area 78. From this position, the lock 10 can be unlocked electronically by a movement of the motor 12 in the first direction (arrow 72) driving the lock 10 into the position illustrated in area 74 or the lock 10 can be mechanically unlocked by a second pull of the release lever so that the lock is in the position illustrated by area 80. The lock 10 can then be returned to the position illustrated in area 70 by mechanically closing the vehicle door.
[0040]
[0038] In addition, the lock 10 can move to a position where the Child Lock Electric and / or Double Locking is / are activated and lock 10 is locked. This may also be referred to as a locked lock 10. This position is illustrated by area 82. Now referring again to the position illustrated by area 70, lock 10 may move into the position defined by area 82 by moving single motor 12 with worm gear 14 in second direction 76 (clockwise as illustrated in [Fig.3]) which drives wheel 16 which moves locking lever 48, engaging the locking link lever in the locked position, preventing mechanical opening of the lock. And then wheel 16 returns to a spring driven reset position illustrated by arrow 84. Arrow 84 illustrates the spring driven return movement of wheel 16.After this movement and in order to return the lock 10 to the position designated by the area 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 rotates again in the second direction 76 (the clockwise direction as illustrated in [Fig.3]) which drives the wheel 16 which moves the locking lever 48, releasing the locking link lever, making the mechanical opening of the lock operational. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by a spring. This is illustrated by the arrow 86 (the counterclockwise direction as illustrated in [Fig.3]).
[0041]
[0039] In addition and when the lock 10 is in the position illustrated by the zone 78 to return to the position illustrated by area 70, the lock 10 can move from the position designated by area 78 to the position designated by area 82 by moving the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 in the second direction 76 (clockwise as illustrated in [Fig.3]) which drives the wheel 16 which moves the locking lever 48, engaging the locking link lever in the locking position, preventing the mechanical opening of the lock. This movement is illustrated by arrow 77. And then the wheel 16 returns to a reset position driven by a spring. This is illustrated by arrow 88. After this movement and in order to return the lock 10 to the position designated by area 70, the single motor 12 with the worm gear 14 rotates again in the second direction 76 which drives the wheel 16 which moves the locking lever 48, releasing the locking link lever, making the mechanical opening of the lock operational. As before, the return of the wheel 16 to the reset position is achieved by a spring. This is illustrated by arrow 86. This operation is at least illustrated by area 89.
[0042]
[0040] As used herein, the double-pull release is the definition of the de Locking a door lock from the inside in the locked state by 2 actions on the door handle or another interior unlocking control. The first action on the inside door handle or another interior unlocking control unlocks the door lock, the second action on the door handle or another interior unlocking control opens the door lock unlocking the door.
[0043]
[0041] As used herein, the Electric Child Lock is a locking device additional locking device with which the rear side door lock must be equipped which, when engaged, prevents operation of the interior door handle or other interior lock release control and requires separate actions to unlock the door and operate the interior door handle or other interior lock release control.
[0044]
[0042] As used herein, the Double Lock is a locking device additional locking device for the side door lock which, when engaged, prevents operation of the interior door handle or other interior lock release control. The additional locking device can only be engaged when the main locking device is engaged.
[0045]
[0043] Referring now to Figures 5A and 5B, the locking lever 48, The locking link lever 36, the temporary unlocking lever 52, and the unlocking link 56 are illustrated. The unlocking link 56 is pivotally mounted on the temporary unlocking lever 52. The locking link lever 36 has a locking link lever pin 90 that projects upwardly from a surface of the locking link lever 36. The locking link lever pin 90 is configured to pass through a heart cam 92 of the locking lever 48.
[0046]
[0044] Figures 5A and 5B are exploded views of components of the lock of vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047]
[0045] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the movement of the locking pin of the vehicle lock in a cam element of the locking lever.
[0048]
[0046] [Fig.7] illustrates parts of the vehicle lock in a position closed door where the lock is operational for double-pull or single-pull operations.
[0049]
[0047] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a closed door position where the lock is not operational for double-pull or single-pull operations.
[0050]
[0048] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a door closed position where the lock is operational for double-pull or single-pull operations.
[0051]
[0049] [Fig.l3A] illustrates portions of the vehicle lock where the lock is not not operational for dual-traction or single-traction operations.
[0052]
[0050] [Fig.l3B] illustrates parts of the vehicle lock where the lock is operational for dual-traction or single-traction operations.
[0053]
[0051] Figures 14A to 14C illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a door closed position where the lock is operational for double-pull or single-pull operations.
[0054]
[0052] Figures 15A to 15C illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a closed door position upon first pulling a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking.
[0055]
[0053] Figures 16A to 16C illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a closed door position after an initial pull on a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking.
[0056]
[0054] Figures 17A to 17C illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a closed door position after an initial pull on a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking.
[0057]
[0055] Figures 18A to 18C illustrate portions of the vehicle lock in a door closed position upon a second pull of a handle operatively coupled to the vehicle lock when the lock is operational for mechanical unlocking.
[0058]
[0056] The term "approximately" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application is filed. For example, "approximately" may include a range of ± 8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.
[0059]
[0057] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments by particulars only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this application, specify the presence of the indicated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.
[0060]
[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a mode of rea lization or exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and that certain of its elements may be substituted by equivalents without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, numerous modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or a particular product to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
Claims
1. Vehicle lock (10), comprising: only a single motor (12) for driving a worm screw (14) operatively coupled to the single motor (12), the worm screw (14) meshes with a wheel (16) rotatably mounted on a housing (18) of the lock (10); upon electrical unlocking of the lock (10), the single motor (12) rotates the wheel (16) from a reset position in a first direction (72), thereafter and to return the wheel (16) to the reset position, the single motor (12) rotates the wheel (16) in a second direction (76), which is opposite to the first direction (72); and rotation of the wheel (16) by the single motor (12) from the reset position in the second direction (76) will position the lock (10) in an Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position, thereafter the wheel (16) is returned by rotation to the reset position by a spring, rotation of the wheel (16) by the single motor (12) from the reset position in the second direction (76) a second time will release the lock (10) from the Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position, making the mechanical opening of the lock (10) operational, thereafter the wheel (16) is returned by rotation to the reset position by a spring.
2. A method of opening a vehicle lock (10) with only a single motor (12), comprising: operatively coupling a single motor (12) to drive a worm gear (14) operatively coupled to the single motor (12), the worm gear (14) meshing with a wheel (16) rotatably mounted on a housing (18) of the lock (10); electrically unlocking the lock (10) with the single motor (12) by rotating the wheel (16) from a reset position in a first direction (72), subsequently returning the wheel (16) to the reset position by rotating the single motor (12) in a second direction (76), which is opposite to the first direction (72); and placing the lock (10) in an Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position by rotating the wheel (16) by the single motor (12) from the reset position in the second direction (76), thereafter the wheel (16) is returned by rotation to the reset position by a spring; and the release of the lock (10) from the Electric Child Lock and / or Double Lock position, by the rotation of the wheel (16) by the single motor (12) from the reset position in the second direction (76) a second time, thereby operative the mechanical opening of the lock (10), thereafter the wheel (16) is returned by rotation to the reset position by a spring.