Automobile lock, in particular, automobile door lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular to a lock for a motor vehicle door. The lock for a motor vehicle substantially comprises a locking mechanism (1, 2) including a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), an electric drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) which acts substantially simultaneously on a release lever (3) and a security unit (14, 15, 16) for electrically releasing the locking mechanism (1, 2) and which cooperates with control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13). When the locking mechanism (1, 2) is electrically released in the release direction (EO) of the electric drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) move the security unit (14, 15, 16) at least temporarily to a control position opposite to its starting position, and preferably return the security unit (14, 15, 16) to its starting position when reversing the electric drive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, which comprises a locking mechanism substantially including a rotary latch and a claw portion, and a release lever for electrically releasing the locking mechanism, which acts on both a security unit and, substantially simultaneously, also cooperates with a control element.

[0002]

[0002] The lock for a motor vehicle is preferably a lock for a motor vehicle door, but the lock for a motor vehicle does not necessarily have to be used in connection with or on a motor vehicle door. In principle, however, it can also be considered for use in other applications within or on a motor vehicle, for example, in connection with a motor vehicle flap or the like. In such a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, since such an electric drive device is generally configured in a cost-effective manner, it is always the aim to equip the often-used electric drive device with as many functions as possible. For this reason, it is intended to realize as many functions as possible within such a lock for a motor vehicle door by using a (single) electric drive device.

[0003]

[0003] In practice, for example, the prior art according to WO2019 / 076399A1 proceeds such that the electric drive device is equipped with a drive element that operates the locking mechanism directly or indirectly. In addition, the drive element interacts with at least one further element depending on the position, and the further element is a coupling element of a mechanically operating lever chain that is additionally realized. Thereby, a compact, cost-efficient and functional structure is already provided.

[0004]

[0004] In the general prior art according to International Publication No. WO 2021 / 115537A1, it is possible to lock and unlock or release the locking mechanism simultaneously with the aid of a drive unit or an electric drive device. The locking unit is usually used to prevent the locking mechanism from being manually released.

[0005]

[0005] In this way, compared with conventional automotive locks, an automotive lock, particularly a lock for an automotive door, is provided that has a simplified structure and requires a smaller number of parts. In addition, it aims to provide a cost-effective and structurally simple solution.

[0006]

[0006] Generally, with regard to implementing multiple functions with the aid of an electric drive device, the technical level itself has been proven. In this context, ensuring the electrical release of the locking mechanism and, in most cases, simultaneously moving the security unit to its "fixed" position or enabling the simultaneous locking of the operating lever according to general teachings. However, further improvements and considerations are possible with respect to this general technical level. This is because, for the configurational implementation, the known teachings function with both the control element and the control lever. In this case, the control element is equipped as a component of the electric drive device. The operating lever can be engaged with the release lever using the control lever.

[0007]

[0007] The present invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such an automotive lock, particularly a lock for an automotive door, so that the structural effort is further reduced and a more compact structure is recognized compared to previous designs.

[0008]

[0008] To solve this technical problem, within the scope of the present invention, a general automotive lock, particularly a lock for an automotive door, is characterized in that the control element moves the security unit to a control position opposite to the starting position at least temporarily when the locking mechanism is electrically released in the release direction of the electric drive device, and preferably returns to the starting position when reversing.

[0009]

[0009] Thus, when the locking mechanism is electrically released in the opening direction of the electric drive device, the security unit is moved to the control position at least temporarily. In this case, the control position is displaced from the starting position. For example, if the starting position is the "fixed" position of the security unit, the control position corresponds to the opposite "not fixed" position. The reverse approach can be used in the same way. In this case, the starting position can belong to the "not fixed" position, and the opposite control position represents the "fixed" position.

[0010]

[0010] Such an approach has the general advantage that, for example, in the case of a security unit designed as an anti-theft unit or a locking unit, where the typically taken starting position is "anti-theft" or "locked", the electrical release of the locking mechanism is associated with the security unit taking at least temporarily the "not anti-theft" or "unlocked" position, so that as a result, the door can be opened without problems. As soon as the electric drive device is reversed, the security unit in question preferably returns to its starting position or is moved to the starting position with the help of the electric drive device, specifically, in the example described, to the "anti-theft" or "locked" position.

[0011]

[0011] Equivalent advantages are achieved when the security unit initially has its "not fixed" or "not anti-theft" or "unlocked" position as the starting position and the electric drive device acts in its opening direction. In this case, the control element actuated by the electric drive device ensures that the security unit is shifted at least temporarily to the "fixed" state of its functional position or, in a specific example, to the "anti-theft" or "locked" state of the functional position. This has the result that the security unit is "fixed" during the electric release process so that no malfunction or collision within the automotive lock with the electric drive device is recognized, for example, if the user operates the manual handle simultaneously.

[0012]

[0012] This is because as soon as the security unit takes at least temporarily a "fixed" functional position, the additional operating lever chain provided for manually releasing the locking mechanism is interrupted. This means that in any case, the actual electric release process runs smoothly and there are no malfunctions or collisions with the levers of the mechanical operating lever chain when an additional manual operation is applied. An additionally preferably implemented procedure in which the security unit is returned to its starting position when the electric drive is reversed also ensures that a certain "memory effect" is recognized.

[0013]

[0013] This is because the vehicle lock is returned to and initiated in the state before the electric release is started. When the locking mechanism is electrically released and the security unit makes the above-described temporary state change from the starting position to the control position, the associated vehicle door is in any case opened, so this state change is generally not important.

[0014]

[0014] Furthermore, there is the advantageous possibility that the electric drive can optionally move the security unit either to the starting position or to the control position in the counter-release direction. Thereby, in the counter-release direction with respect to the release direction of the electric drive associated with the electric release of the locking mechanism, the security unit can be moved to a desired position independently of the electric drive. This can be either an "unfixed" or a "fixed" position. This depends on which starting position is taken and to which position the security unit is then moved.

[0015]

[0015] In this way, the security unit can easily operate as an electric child security unit. This means that, for example, after the electrical opening process of the associated vehicle door, the associated security unit or child safety unit can be moved, via the electric drive device, not only to a "fixed" or "fixed to the child" position, but also to a "not fixed" or "not fixed to the child" desired position. This is because, after reversing the electric drive device following such an electric opening process, the electric drive device can thus be operated in the counter-opening direction when the vehicle door is closed.

[0016]

[0016] In this counter-opening direction, the security unit can advantageously and optionally move to a starting position or a control position. In principle, it is not necessary to move the unit to the starting position. This is because, preferably during reversal, the security unit has already been returned to its starting position again. However, if this advantageous variant is not used, generally it is possible to use the electric drive device to move the security unit to both basic functional positions in the counter-opening direction. This means that the electric drive device can act on the security unit in the counter-opening direction of interest, independently of the electrical opening process, in the sense of "fixed" and in the sense of "not fixed".

[0017]

[0017] This reduces the overall design effort because the electric drive device is used as the only drive device, on the one hand, to electrically release the locking mechanism and, on the other hand, to control and actuate the security unit. As explained, this avoids malfunction. These are the main advantages.

[0018]

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control element generally comprises a first control profile and a second control profile. Furthermore, the first control profile is designed to act on the security unit at least temporarily in the opening direction of the electric drive. In contrast, the second control profile ensures that the security unit is preferably permanently actuated, typically in the counter-opening direction. This means that the second control profile causes the security unit to be permanently actuated, typically in the counter-opening direction of the electric drive.

[0019]

[0019] In most cases, the procedure is still such that both of the aforementioned control profiles are connected to a common axis of the control element. Both control profiles can be connected together to one operating lever. In this context, it has also proven effective to act on the first control profile of the control element using a first counter-profile of the drive, and to act on the second control profile of the control element using another second counter-profile of the drive. The two counter-profiles of the drive are generally arranged on the circumference of a driven pulley as components of the drive. However, on the opposite side of the driven pulley, there is generally an actuating cam that acts on the release lever.

[0020]

[0020] Furthermore, a coupling element is designed to be realized as a component of the control element. The coupling element is preferably guided within a coupling recess of the security unit. In its "engaged" state, the coupling element can be a coupling pin that ensures that two operating levers are operatively connected to each other as components of an operating lever chain, so that the release lever can act via the two operating levers and be used to release the locking mechanism. To do this, the release lever typically acts on a claw and lifts the claw out of a locking engagement with a rotary latch.

[0021]

[0021] On the one hand, when the coupling element or the coupling pin is in its "uncoupled" functional position, the two operating levers are not operatively connected to each other, and the corresponding action on the operating lever chain is ineffective. Therefore, in this case, the unlocking mechanism cannot be released using the release lever.

[0022]

[0022] As a result, there is provided a vehicle lock, in particular a vehicle door lock, which is characterized by a particularly compact and functional design. Above all, this is due to the fact that the electric drive device is a single drive device. With the help of this single electric drive device, the locking mechanism can be electrically released and can act on the security unit. The security unit itself can be designed as an anti-theft unit, a locking unit, and further as a child safety unit. Combinations are also conceivable in principle.

[0023]

[0023] In this context, the security unit is particularly preferred as a child safety unit or an electric child safety unit. This is because the electric drive device allows the security unit or child safety unit in question to be arbitrarily moved in the counter-opening direction to either of its two basic control positions, namely, "not fixed" or "not child-fixed" and "fixed" or "child-fixed". In principle, the security unit can of course also be a locking unit and an anti-theft unit.

[0024]

[0024] All of these are achieved by considering a compact yet functional design. This is because a temporary change in the state of the security unit during the electrical release of the locking mechanism is not important as the corresponding vehicle door will anyway be opened when it first moves from the starting position to the opposite control position and then back to the starting position again during the electrical release. In fact, this approach corresponds to a kind of "ballpoint pen principle" in that the first action of the electric drive on the security unit moves the security unit from the starting position to the control position, and then the next action of the electric drive on the security unit (during reversal) returns the security unit back to the starting position. These are the main advantages.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

[0025] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings showing only exemplary embodiments.

Figure 1

Figure 2

[0026] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027]

[0027] The drawings show a lock for an automobile, which, according to an exemplary embodiment, is a lock for an automobile door. This has locking mechanisms 1, 2 shown only in FIG. 1 and essentially consists of a rotary latch 1 and a pawl 2. The locking mechanisms 1, 2 are shown in a closed state in the view according to FIG. 1. Here, a release lever 3 that can be actuated by electric drives 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can also be seen.

[0028]

[0028] Therefore, as shown in the front view of FIG. 1, the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 have a driven pulley 4 and an operating cam 5 disposed on the driven pulley 4. The driven pulley 4 is set to rotate by an electric motor 8 (not shown). On the rear side of the driven pulley 4, as can be seen in FIG. 2, a first counter outer shape portion 6 and a second counter outer shape portion 7 are realized as components of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and these will be described in more detail below.

[0029]

[0029] As already explained, the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can first function on the release lever 3 for the electrical release of the locking mechanisms 1, 2. For this purpose, the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are in the release direction EO (which is shown in FIG. 1 in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow here). As a result, the operating cam 5 connected to the driven pulley 4 moves when viewed from the front, and with the help of this operating cam 5, the release lever 3 pivots counterclockwise about its axis (also shown in FIG. 1). In this way, the release lever 3 can act on the claw portion 2 by the release arm 3a, and the release arm 3a is lifted clockwise about its axis from the locking engagement with the rotary latch 1. As a result, the rotary latch 1 is released in a spring-assisted manner counterclockwise as also shown in FIG. 1, releasing a lock bolt (not shown). Thereafter, the associated vehicle door can be opened.

[0030]

[0030] In addition to the electrical release of the locking mechanisms 1, 2 described above, the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are also configured to be able to act on the security units 14, 15, 16 almost simultaneously. For this purpose, the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can interact with the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

[0031]

[0031] During the electrical release of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in the release direction EO of the aforementioned locking mechanisms 1, 2, the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 move the security units 14, 15, 16 at least temporarily to a control position opposite the starting position, and when the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are reversed, they preferably return to the starting position again.

[0032]

[0032] For this purpose, the design is initially detailed such that the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 have a coupling element 9 as a component. The coupling element 9 is a coupling pin 9, and the coupling pin 9 is guided in a recess or coupling recess of the operating lever 14 as part of the security units 14, 15, 16, which can be seen particularly in FIG. 2. In addition to the operating lever 14, another operating lever 15 is provided, and both are coaxially mounted around a common axis 16 and together define the security units 14, 15, 16.

[0033]

[0033] When the coupling element or coupling pin 9 is in the "disengagement" position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the action on the operating lever 15 around the common axis 16 in the counterclockwise direction shown here results in the operating lever 15 not being able to take the operating lever 14 together because the coupling pin 9 is "disengaged". The functional position "fixed" of the security units 14, 15, 16 formed in this way corresponds to this.

[0034]

[0034] On the one hand, when the coupling element or coupling pin 9 takes the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2 within the coupling recess of the operating lever 14 ( "engagement"), due to the counterclockwise action on the operating lever 15 already described, the two operating levers 14, 15 are mechanically coupled to each other via the coupling pin 9, and as a result, they rotate together around the common axis 16 in the indicated counterclockwise direction. As a result, the two operating levers 14, 15 can also rotate the release lever 3 coaxially mounted around the axis 16 counterclockwise, whereby the claw portion 2 is lifted from the locking engagement with the rotary latch 1 as already described at the beginning. For this purpose, the two operating levers 14, 15 and the release lever 3 are mounted around the common axis 16.

[0035]

[0035] Thereby, the security units 14, 15, 16 described above are overall actuated by the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. The coupling element or coupling pin 9 represents a component of these control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. In addition, the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 are equipped with an operating lever 10 having a first control outer shape portion 11 and a second control outer shape portion 12 on the end side. In addition, a spring 13 acting on the operating lever 10 is realized, and according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is ensured that compressive stress is applied to the operating lever 10 in the direction of the "disengagement" position of the coupling element or coupling pin 9. In practice, the coupling element, i.e., the coupling pin 9, is connected to one end of the operating lever 10, and the two control outer shape portions 11, 12 are placed and arranged at the other end.

[0036]

[0036] The operating mode is as follows. As shown in Figure 1, starting from the closed positions of the locking mechanisms 1, 2, the action in the opening direction EO on the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ensures that the claw 2 is lifted from the latching engagement with the rotary latch 1 via the actuating cam 5 of the release lever 3. Almost simultaneously, the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ensure that the security units 14, 15, 16 are actuated. This corresponds, in particular, according to the representation of Figure 2, to the process in which the first control profile 11, as part of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, approaches or acts via the first counter-profile 6 on the driven pulley 4. This means that in the front view of Figure 1, the opening direction EO corresponds to a clockwise movement and thus, in the rear view of Figure 2, to a counterclockwise movement.

[0037]

[0037] As a result, the coupling pin 9 moves from the previously taken "disengagement" position, preloaded by the spring 13, to the "engagement" position. As a result, the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 move from the illustrated starting position of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 to the control position opposite the coupling pin 9, from the "non-fixed" or coupling pin 9 "disengagement" of the security units 14, 15, 16, and as a result, to the "fixing" and "engagement" of the coupling pin 9 during the electrical opening of the above-described locking mechanisms 1, 2 in the opening direction EO.

[0038]

[0038] Here, when the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are reversed, the security units 14, 15, 16 return to their starting position or shift to this "fixed" starting position. Because when the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are reversed, the coupling element or coupling pin 9 acted upon by the spring 13 takes on its "disengagement" position again. The described change in the state of the security units 14, 15, 16 is initially temporarily changed from the "fixed" position to the "non-fixed" position and, after returning to the starting position "fixed", the locking mechanisms 1, 2 are opened by the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and as a result, the associated vehicle door is opened, so it is not overall important.

[0039]

[0039] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the vehicle door is in the closed state and the locking mechanisms 1, 2 are also in the closed state, the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can shift the security units 14, 15, 16 in their counter-release direction to the start position or the control position, i.e., the "fixed" or "not fixed" position. In relation to the exemplary embodiment, since the security units 14, 15, 16 have already reached their "fixed" position after reversing the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, there is usually no need to approach this position further in the counter-release direction. Rather, starting from the position in FIG. 2, it is possible to approach the "not fixed" position of the security units 14, 15, 16.

[0040]

[0040] Correspondingly, the second control profile 12, as part of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, acts preferably permanently on the security units 14, 15, 16 in the counter-release direction of the problem, i.e., in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2. This is ensured by the second counter profile 7 of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, using which the second control profile 12 of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 is actuated for this purpose.

[0041]

[0041] This process corresponds in particular to the fact that the driven pulley 4 acts in the counter-release direction of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and thus, in the representation according to FIG. 2, acts in the clockwise direction. As a result, the second counter outer part 7 of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 acts on the second control outer part 12 of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. The second control outer part 12 is designed as a two-arm lever pivotable about an axis and is articulated to the actuating lever 10, so that the clockwise movement of the second counter outer part 7 of the drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 causes the second control outer part 12 to move the actuating lever 10 downward against the force of the spring 13. As a result, the coupling pin 9 moves from the "disengagement" position it occupied in its previous starting position, and thus from the "fixed" position in the security units 14, 15, 16, to the "engagement position". As a result, the security units 14, 15, 16 assume their "not fixed" functional position according to the representation of the dashed line in FIG. 2.

[0042]

[0042] As soon as the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 act in their release direction EO, the second counter outer part 7 retracts and releases the second control outer part 12. As a result, the actuating lever 10 acted upon by the spring 13 moves upward again as shown in FIG. 2, and accordingly, the coupling pin 9 or the coupling element 9 is "disengaged". As a result, the security units 14, 15, 16 return to their "fixed" position. However, by doing so, the first counter outer part 6 has not reached the first control outer part 11 of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. This is only the case when the driven pulley 4 covers a considerable length so that the actuating cam 5 reaches the release lever 3 in connection with the electrical release of the locking mechanism 1, 2. In this case, the first counter outer part 6 of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 can act on the first control outer part 11 of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

[0043]

[0043] This means that the opening direction EO of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 in the front view according to FIG. 1 corresponds to the counterclockwise movement in the rear view according to FIG. 2. After completing the corresponding turning path, the first counter outer shape part 6 of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 reaches the first control outer shape part 11 of the control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and the operating lever 10 firmly coupled to the first control outer shape part 11 is moved downward against the force of the spring 13, and the coupling element or coupling pin 9 is moved from the previously taken "engagement release" position to the "engagement" position.

[0044]

[0044] As a result, the security units 14, 15, 16 are at least temporarily shifted to a "not fixed" position opposite to the "fixed" starting position. Any subsequent reversal of the electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 results in the security units 14, 15, 16 being returned to their "fixed" starting position within the framework of the exemplary embodiment. This is because the reverse movement of the driven pulley 4 corresponds to a clockwise movement in the representation according to FIG. 2, and as a result, the first counter outer shape part 6 moves away from the first control outer shape part 11, and the spring 13 can return the coupling pin 9 to its "released" position again.

Description of the reference numerals

[0045] Locking mechanism 1, 2 Rotating latch 1 Claw part 2 Release lever 3 Release arm 3a Electric drive devices 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Driven pulley 4 Actuating cam 5 First counter outer shape part 6 Second counter outer shape part 7 Electric motor 8 Control elements 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Coupling element 9 Coupling pin 9 Operating lever 10 Control element 10 First control outer shape part 11 Second control outer shape part 12 Spring 13 Security units 14, 15, 16 Operating lever 14 Operating lever 15 Axis 16 Opening direction EO.

Claims

1. An automotive lock, in particular an automotive door lock, comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2) substantially including a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), an electric drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) acting substantially simultaneously on a release lever (3) and a security unit (14, 15, 16) for electrically releasing the locking mechanism (1, 2), and cooperating with control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13), characterized in that, when electrically releasing the locking mechanism (1, 2) in the opening direction (EO) of the electric drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) move the security unit (14, 15, 16) at least temporarily to a control position opposite to its starting position, and preferably back to its starting position when reversing the electric drive. An automotive lock.

2. The electric drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) is characterized in that it optionally moves the security unit (14, 15, 16) to the starting position or the control position in the opposite opening direction. The automotive lock according to claim 1.

3. The control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) are equipped with a first control profile (11) and a second control profile (12). The automotive lock according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first control profile (11) in the opening direction (EO) of the electric drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) acts at least temporarily on the security unit (14, 15, 16). The automotive lock according to claim 3.

5. The second control profile (12) acts on the security unit (14, 15, 16), preferably permanently, in the counter-opening direction. The automotive lock according to claim 3 or 4.

6. Both control profiles are connected to an actuating lever (10). The automotive lock according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The first control outer profile portion (11) of the control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is acted upon by the first counter outer profile portion (6) of the drive devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and the second control outer profile portion (12) of the control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is acted upon by a further second counter outer profile portion (7) of the drive devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). The vehicle lock according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that.

8. The two counter outer profile portions (6, 7) of the drive devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are arranged on the circumference of the driven pulley (4) as components of the drive devices (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). The vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. A coupling element (9) is realized as part of the control elements (9, 10, 11, 12, 13). The vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. The coupling element (9) is guided in a coupling recess of the security unit (14, 15, 16). The vehicle lock according to claim 9, characterized in that.

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