A method for operating an electrically operated car lock via an open signal.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating an electrically activatable automobile lock (110) by an open signal, comprising the step of reversing (80) the automobile lock (110) after activation (30), the reversal (80) being performed in response to the open signal being stopped and / or a door-half signal being received from a door-half device (130) of the automobile lock (110). The present invention also relates to an automobile lock (110).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an electrically activatable vehicle lock that can be activated by an unlock signal, comprising reversing the operation of the vehicle lock after the vehicle lock has been activated. The present invention also relates to a vehicle lock.

[0002]

[0002] It is known to perform a reverse operation with a certain time delay after activation. In other words, time-based start signals for reverse operation are known.

[0003]

[0003] It is also known to perform a reverse operation based on the position of a door element provided with a vehicle lock. In other words, it is known to provide a start signal for reverse operation based on the door position. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004]

[0004] There is a need for alternative methods for triggering a reverse operation and / or performing a reverse operation.

[0005]

[0005] A further problem that automobile manufacturers and suppliers continuously address is minimizing the weight of automobiles and the installation space for components. Reducing the weight of individual components can minimize the overall weight of the vehicle, thereby reducing the fuel consumption of the automobile. Reducing the number of parts also leads to weight reduction, and particularly to the always desired cost reduction. It is in this context that the present invention is proposed.

[0006]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and an automotive lock that can be reliably reversed in as many situations as possible, and to achieve this without increasing the number of parts as much as possible, and even by reducing the number of parts required. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automotive lock that has the minimum installation space and the fewest possible number of components, and / or to identify a method for operating such an automotive lock. Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a structurally simple and low-cost solution. Finally, an object of the present invention is to identify a solution that avoids, or at least substantially reduces, the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007]

[0007] This objective is achieved according to the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are provided for in the dependent claims. Note that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting, but rather any modification of the features described in the specification and dependent claims is possible.

[0008]

[0008] An object of the present invention is achieved by providing a method for operating an electrically activatable automobile lock by an open signal. As proposed, the method includes or has the following steps: a step of reversing the operation of an automobile lock after it has been activated, the reversal being performed in response to the opening signal being stopped and / or a door-half signal being received from the door-half device of the automobile lock.

[0009]

[0009] In other words, a method is proposed relating in particular to the operation of an electric motor automotive lock, wherein the return movement of an electric drive unit within the automotive lock is subject to a novel trigger logic.

[0010]

[0010] The novel trigger logic indicates that an activation signal used to activate an automotive lock may be used to trigger and / or perform a return movement during or after the signal change from "on" to "off," i.e., when the activation signal stops. The novel trigger logic indicates that, alternatively or additionally, particularly by legal requirement, an ajar (AJAR) signal inherent in an automotive lock and / or an automobile equipped with such an automotive lock may be used to trigger or perform a return movement upon or after the reception of the Ajar signal.

[0011]

[0011] The present invention has the effect of not requiring a simple time delay after activation or the position of the door element to trigger the reverse action. Instead, a much more reliable decision variable is used to trigger the reverse action. In particular, individual detection of the door position can be omitted, thus eliminating the need for a corresponding detection device, such as a door position sensor for a car lock.

[0012]

[0012] An object of the present invention is further achieved by providing an automobile lock, which comprises a locking mechanism having a catch portion and a claw portion provided for locking the catch portion in the locked position of the locking mechanism, and an electromechanical drive unit which is actuated to the locking mechanism and is movable from an initial position and moves the locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position based on an open signal, wherein the drive unit is designed to move in reverse to the initial position in response to the stop of the open signal and / or when a door ajar signal is received from the automobile.

[0013]

[0013] In particular, it is proposed to monitor an open signal used to activate an automotive lock that is electrically actuated to open the door element of an automobile. The open signal for triggering the reverse operation of the automotive lock is monitored in such a manner that the stopping of the open signal is taken into consideration. The reverse operation can then be triggered when the open signal stops and / or after it stops, or when the open signal changes, for example, when it changes from "on" to "off". Essentially, the use of an open signal is proposed. Similarly, the use or monitoring of a half-door signal for triggering the reverse operation is proposed.

[0014]

[0014] In other words, a car lock is proposed that is designed in particular to activate the return movement of an electrically driven part within the car lock by the novel trigger logic described above.

[0015]

[0015] “Reverse action” means, in particular, that the car lock is returned to a position or state in which it can be operated again. Reverse action is performed, in particular, electrically or electromechanically.

[0016]

[0016] The cessation of the release signal is understood to mean, in particular, that the release signal is no longer received, that the release signal no longer exists, and / or that the release signal no longer implies a command to activate the car lock. The cessation means, in particular, a change in the signal. In this view, when the release signal is cessated, the release signal itself or the medium through which the release signal is transmitted may still exist, but the command to activate the car lock has been substantially removed. For example, if the release signal can be transmitted via a bus system, and the bus system indicates that "no release is requested" because the user has released the door handle, the release signal may be interpreted as having ceased.

[0017]

[0017] "Door element" is defined as any component that is positioned on an automobile, is rotatable or movable, and can be held or fixed in a closed position by an automobile lock. The closed position is the position in which the door element is held, particularly when the vehicle is in motion, and especially in the primary closed position.

[0018]

[0018] The door element can be moved to the open position. The open position is characterized by the door element being open to such an extent that the driver of the vehicle can grasp the door element and fully open it. When the vehicle lock is unlocked, the door element becomes movable and is no longer fixed by the vehicle lock. "Unlocked" means, with respect to the locking mechanism of the vehicle lock, that the claw portion of the locking mechanism moves out of the engagement area with the catch portion of the locking mechanism, and the catch portion becomes free to move.

[0019]

[0019] The “release position” specifically refers to the state in which the catch is opened to the extent that it can release the locking striker (usually fixed to the door element). The “release position” may refer to a different position of the door element than the open position and / or a position behind the open position. The “open position” is usually the position in which an operator can grasp the door element and open it completely. The “release position” is usually the position in which the locking striker can be released from the catch.

[0020]

[0020] Moving the door element to at least one release position is generally necessary to allow the door element to open autonomously or by user guidance.

[0021]

[0021] The automobile lock described herein is electrically operated. An automobile equipped with such an automobile lock is, in particular, equipped with an electrically released function when the automobile lock is operated. The electrically released function exists when the locking mechanism is movable from a ratchet position, preferably a main ratchet position, to a ratchet release position, i.e., a released position. The ratchet release position may correspond to or be equivalent to the released position. In particular, an electric drive unit or electric drive device is provided, which disengages the pawl from engagement with the catch, and thus allows for the electrically auxiliary release of the locking mechanism, in particular to reach the ratchet release position and / or the released position.

[0022]

[0022] Within the scope of this disclosure, when referring to automotive locks, synonyms such as locking devices, locks, and door locks are synonymous with each other. The term "automotive lock" includes locks used on doors, sliding doors, hatches and / or covers, i.e., locks used wherever a pivotable or movable component on a vehicle needs to be securely held in place. Preferred features of automotive locks according to the present invention relate to side door locks. Such automotive locks include a locking mechanism comprising a catch and at least one claw, for example, two or more claws.

[0023]

[0023] The locking mechanism can be designed as a single-ratchet or double-ratchet locking mechanism. In recent developments, locking mechanisms with a rotating locking mechanism component, such as a swivelable ratchet element, are also known. In the case of a single-ratchet locking mechanism, there is only one ratchet position in which the pawl holds the catch. In the case of a double-ratchet locking mechanism, in addition to the main ratchet position, there is a pre-ratchet position, and the catch and pawl can interact in two ratchet positions. In this case, a release lever interacts with the locking mechanism, and the release lever disengages the captured locking mechanism. In this case, the pawl is moved out of the engagement area with the catch. It is also known to use multiple pawls. For example, when a release torque is generated in the locking mechanism at the main ratchet position, the pawl can be held by another pawl. This other pawl is called a ratchet lever or a locking lever.

[0024]

[0024] A release lever may be provided, which can move the locking mechanism from the ratchet position to the open position and / or the release position. A drive mechanism may be provided or designed to actuate the release lever.

[0025]

[0025] The half-door device is designed, for example, to monitor an automotive lock and / or a door element having an automotive lock in order to provide a half-door signal. Accordingly, the half-door signal may be provided when the automotive lock is unlocked. For example, a half-door signal is present when an unlocked position, an open position and / or a ratchet release position exists, and particularly indicates that the door element is not properly closed. The half-door device may also be assigned to the door element, and / or may be a separate component from the automotive lock.

[0026]

[0026] "Half-door device", "half-door signal" or "half-door" may be understood as proper nouns. In particular, "half-door" is a commonly used term in the field of automotive locks that indicates or implies that a door element is in an open position.

[0027]

[0027] When a door element or an automotive lock is open, that is, the door element is in an open state, or the automotive lock is in a pre-ratchet position, or not in the main ratchet position, this is normally referred to as "ajar" or "half-door", and "half-door" also means "partially open" or "open".

[0028]

[0028] In an advantageous development, the release signal is generated by user actuation of the release device, which particularly includes that the release device comprises a door handle, a trigger, a touch pad, a force sensor, a switch and / or a push button. The release device may be provided on a door element equipped with an automotive lock. For example, it may be a door handle and / or a trigger designed to provide or generate a release signal. The release device may be assigned to a motor vehicle. The generation normally takes place temporally before the reverse operation. For example, a user pulling the door handle can generate the release signal at least indirectly, which enables the automotive lock to be electrically actuated, and the reverse operation can be logically linked thereto.

[0029]

[0029] A further advantageous development relates to the half-door device interacting with the locking mechanism of an automobile lock, particularly the catch and / or pawl portion of the locking mechanism. The half-door device can be incorporated into an automobile lock and can interact with the locking mechanism in a sensing / detection manner to generate a half-door signal. For example, a half-door signal may exist when the automobile lock is unlocked and / or when there is an unlocked position, open position and / or ratchet disengagement position. Generation of a half-door signal by a half-door device is possible. The half-door device may have a half-door switch, a half-door push button, a half-door sensor and / or a half-door trigger. The advantage here is that it is possible to rely on a conventionally existing half-door signal to perform the reverse action. This allows for the omission of parts. Also, since the door should actually be open when a half-door signal is present, the reverse action is performed only when it actually makes sense and as a result can favorably return to the initial position of the automobile lock and / or drive unit.

[0030]

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

[0031]

[0031] The drive device preferably comprises a DC motor as the electric motor. A first gear element (for example, a gear wheel, a worm, a lever and / or a rack) can be arranged on the output shaft of the electric motor, which further interacts with another transmission element (for example, a gear wheel, a worm, a lever and / or a rack) to initiate movement within the automotive lock. It is also conceivable that the first gear element is connected to the actuating lever so as to be directly meshed or operable, but it is preferable to provide at least one gear stage between the drive gear element and the actuating lever. A preferred gear stage is a worm gear stage. The actuating lever may interact directly with the release lever or may be integrally formed as the release lever.

[0032]

[0032] Reception of an opening signal and / or a half-latch signal by the drive device of an automotive lock is provided, for example, the reception can be implemented by a control unit for transmitting a control command to the electric motor. In particular, the automotive lock, in particular the control unit thereof, is designed to receive and / or process the opening signal and / or the half-latch signal. The reception is normally performed temporally before the reverse operation and / or temporally after the generation of the opening signal.

[0033]

[0033] In particular, it is provided that the drive device is moved starting from an initial position to shift the locking mechanism of the automotive lock from the locking position to the unlocking position. Said movement is triggered in particular by and / or after reception of the opening signal, in particular by and / or after actuation. The movement is normally performed temporally before the reverse operation and / or temporally after the generation of the opening signal. The movement is normally performed temporally after the reception of the opening signal. The movement is normally performed temporally before the half-latch signal is received, and this is because, in particular, movement generally needs to be completed first in order to obtain the half-latch signal. The movement can be understood as forward movement, and the reverse operation can be understood as backward movement.

[0034]

[0034] In a further advantageous development, the automotive lock, in particular the control unit, is designed to measure a (measured) amount of time, in particular that the amount of time is measurable with an accuracy of at least 1 millisecond or at least 10 milliseconds. In particular, the time interval between the generation and / or reception of a half-door signal and the generation and / or reception of an open signal can be measured, in particular to determine whether the operation of the automotive lock, including the opening of the door element, was successful or whether the amount of time in that interval indicates a problem. Typically, the half-door signal is generated or received after the open signal. In other words, the time delay between signals should be measurable. For example, if the amount of time is too long, the door element may be stuck or frozen. In contrast, a short amount of time may indicate that the operation proceeded normally.

[0035]

[0035] In particular, it is specified that the amount of time delay between the generation or reception of the open signal and the generation or reception of the half-door signal be measured. Depending on this amount of time, the length of the control time for performing the movement can be determined, in particular by the control unit, where the measurement is performed in time before the reverse operation. Therefore, the amount of control time is changed as needed depending on the length of the measurement time. The amount of control time may refer to the total time since the reception of the open signal or the start of movement, i.e., the time from "zero" starting from that point. The amount of control time may also refer to the time after the reception of the half-door signal, i.e., the time from "zero" starting from that point. This provides flexibility according to application or environmental conditions and saves energy.

[0036]

[0036] In particular, the following logic regarding the measurement time can be provided. If the measurement time is shorter than a predetermined normal time, the movement is continued for an initial control time, in particular until the initial control time is reached. The predetermined normal time is in particular 500ms, 250ms, 100ms, or 50ms. The control time is in particular 100ms, 50ms, 25ms, or 10ms. In particular, if the measurement time is longer than a predetermined normal time, the movement is continued for a second control time, in particular 400ms, 200ms, 100ms, or 40ms (in particular until the second control time is reached), or until the release signal stops. This enhances safety and further improves the reliability of the release operation, even though sensors can be omitted.

[0037]

[0037] A further advantageous development relates to the ability to move the drive unit of an automotive lock back, in particular to its initial position. In particular, the method may include moving the drive unit back to and / or within the initial position. Preferably, the back movement starts from a position different from the initial position. In particular, the reverse movement includes the back movement. In particular, the back movement is performed during the reverse movement and / or triggered by the reverse movement. The back movement itself refers in particular to the movement of the drive unit.

[0038]

[0038] The return movement is triggered in particular in a time delay after the release signal has stopped. The return movement is triggered in particular with a time delay after the release signal has stopped. For example, the movement is triggered when a user attempts to open the door element by operating the release device or gripping the door handle. Subsequently, when the user releases the door handle or no longer operates the release device, the release signal stops and the reverse movement may occur. A half-door signal may be generated during this time. Thus, the return movement is linked in a particularly meaningful way to typical usage situations and helps to avoid misuse.

[0039]

[0039] The return movement may be triggered after the reception of the half-door signal. The return movement may be triggered with a time delay after the reception of the half-door signal. Essentially, the reverse movement or return movement can be triggered by the half-door signal, which can increase reliability and safety without requiring additional sensors for the reverse movement or return movement.

[0040]

[0040] The present invention also relates to an automobile equipped with or having an automobile lock. More specifically, at least one door element of the automobile may be equipped with an automobile lock. The present invention further relates to an automobile having an automobile lock, wherein the automobile is configured to perform the method described herein.

[0041]

[0041] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and schematic diagrams. However, the principle that exemplary embodiments are not limiting to the present invention and are merely advantageous designs applies. The illustrated features may be implemented alone or in combination with further features of the specification and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a car door element equipped with an automotive lock. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the automotive lock from Figure 1, along with the locking striker, in a perspective view. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of how to operate the car lock shown in Figure 1.

[0043] Detailed description of the invention

[0044]

[0043] Figure 1 shows a car 100 with a door element 104 in the open position. The door element 104 has an open device 102 which has a door handle that provides an open signal when a user grasps the door handle and pulls to open the door element 104. The car 100 has a lock striker 118 on the B pillar, which corresponds to a car lock 110 located inside the door element 104. When the door element 104 is closed or held in a main locked position (not shown), the lock striker can be secured by the car lock 110. The car lock 110 is in the released position.

[0045]

[0044] Figure 2 shows that the automobile lock 110 has a locking mechanism 112 having a catch portion 114 and a single claw portion 116. For example, multiple claw portions may be provided to achieve multiple ratchet positions of the catch portion (not shown).

[0046]

[0045] The claw portion 116 is provided to lock the catch portion 114 in the locked position of the locking mechanism 112. Furthermore, an electromechanical drive unit 120 is provided which is operablely connected to the locking mechanism 112 and is movable starting from an initial position. The drive unit 120 can move the automotive lock 110, i.e., the locking mechanism 112, between the locked position and the unlocked position. For this purpose, the drive unit 120, more specifically the control unit, can receive an unlock signal from the release device 102. The automotive lock 110 also has a door ajar device 130 which can provide a door ajar signal.

[0047]

[0046] The drive unit 120 is designed to reverse to the initial position in response to the cessation of the open signal and / or the reception of the half-door signal.

[0048]

[0047] Figure 3 shows a method according to the present invention, which is performed with the automotive lock 110 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0049]

[0048] First, an open signal is generated 10 by the open device 102. The user grasps the door handle, and as a result, an open signal is provided.

[0050]

[0049] Next, in step 20, the release signal is received by the drive unit 120, more specifically by the control unit. The drive unit 120, i.e., the control unit, then activates the automotive lock 110 30. More precisely, in activation 30, the control unit operates the electric motor. Simultaneously, the drive unit 120 is moved 40. The movement 40 starts from the initial position and moves the lock mechanism 112 from the locked position to the unlocked position, where the movement 40 is triggered by or after the reception of the release signal 20 and by or after the activation 30.

[0051]

[0050] Next, in step 50, the only thing that happens until the half-door signal is generated is time, which is specifically generated by the half-door device 130. This usually occurs when the catch unit 114 releases the locking striker 118, because the catch unit 114 activates a switch or push button on the half-door device 130.

[0052]

[0051] The half-door signal can be received by the drive unit 120 at receiver 60. In this case, step 70 of measurement is performed after reception 60, and the amount of time between steps 20 and 60 is measured. Based on the measured amount of time, the length of the control time for continuing to execute movement 40 is determined.

[0053]

[0052] If the measurement time is less than the predetermined normal time of 50ms, movement 40 continues for an initial control time of 10ms. If the measurement time is longer than the predetermined normal time of 50ms, movement 40 continues for a second control time of 40ms, or continues until the open signal stops in step 45.

[0054]

[0053] Furthermore, after the start of step 40, the only circumstance until the release signal stops 45 or takes effect as desired is time. Stop 45 occurs, for example, when the user releases the door handle. Stop 45 occurs during or after movement 40 and / or generation 50 and / or reception 60 and / or measurement 70.

[0055]

[0054] Finally, a reverse action 80 is triggered in the automotive lock 110. In this example, the reverse action 80 is performed in response to the stop 45 and receive 60. The reverse action 80 also implies that the drive unit 120 is immediately moved (returned) in the step of the return movement 90 to reach the initial position. In this example, the reverse action is performed according to steps 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, and 70. The return movement is started from a position different from the initial position.

[0056]

[0055] In this example, the return movement 90 is triggered in time after the stop 45 of the open signal, more specifically immediately after and / or by the stop 45. The return movement 90 may also be triggered after the reception 60 of the half-door signal, particularly with a time delay after reception 60.

[0057]

[0056] The generation 10 and reception 20 steps may occur substantially simultaneously. The generation 50 and reception 60 steps may also occur substantially simultaneously. Here, the signal path is essentially considered as a delay between generation 10 or 20 and reception 20 or reception 60. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10…Generating an open-circuit signal, 20... Reception of open signal, 30... Activation, 40...move, 45... Stop of open signal, 50...Generating a half-door signal, 60... Receiving a half-door signal, 70...Measurement of time quantity, 80... Reverse action, 90... Move back, 100... Automobiles, 102...opening device, 104... Door element, 110... Car locks, 112... Locking mechanism, 114...Catching section, 116... Nail area, 118... Striker for rock, 120... Drive system, 130... Door half-opening device.

Claims

1. A method for operating an automotive lock (110) that is electrically activatable by an open signal, A method comprising the step of reversing (80) the automobile lock (110) after the activation (30) of the automobile lock (110), wherein the reversal (80) is performed in response to the release signal being stopped and / or a door ajar signal being received from the door ajar device (130) of the automobile lock (110).

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of generating (10) the release signal by user operation of the release device (102), wherein the release device (102) comprises a door handle, a trigger, a touchpad, a force sensor, a switch and / or a push button.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of generating (50) the ajar door signal by the ajar door device (130) which interacts with the locking mechanism (112) of the automobile lock (110), in particular with the catch portion (114) and / or claw portion (116) of the locking mechanism (112), wherein the release device (102) comprises a ajar door switch, a ajar door push button, a ajar door sensor and / or a ajar door trigger.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of receiving (20, 60) the open signal and / or the half-door signal from the drive unit (120) of the automobile lock (110).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the step of moving (40) the drive unit (120) from an initial position to move the locking mechanism (112) of the automobile lock (110) from a locked position to an unlocked position, wherein the step of moving (40) is triggered by and / or thereafter the reception of the release signal (20), and in particular by and / or thereafter the operation (30).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the amount of time delay between receiving the open signal (20) and receiving the half-door signal (60) is measured (70), the length of the control time for performing the movement (40) is determined according to the measured amount of time, and the measurement (70) is performed before the reverse operation (80).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein if the measured time is shorter than a predetermined normal time, particularly 500 ms, 250 ms, 100 ms, or 50 ms, the movement (40) is continued for a first control time, particularly 100 ms, 50 ms, 25 ms, or 10 ms, and if the measured time is longer than the predetermined normal time, the movement (40) is continued for a second control time, particularly 400 ms, 200 ms, 100 ms, or 40 ms, or continues until the release signal stops.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reverse movement (80) includes moving the drive device (120) back to and / or within the initial position (90), and in particular, the return movement (90) is started from a position different from the initial position.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the return movement (90) is triggered in time after the release signal stops (45), and in particular, is triggered with a time delay after the release signal stops (45).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the return movement (90) is triggered in time after the reception of the half-door signal (60), and in particular, is triggered with a time delay after the reception of the half-door signal (60).

11. An automobile lock (110) equipped with a locking mechanism (112), The locking mechanism (112) is The catch part (114) and A claw portion (116) is provided to lock the catch portion (114) in the locked position of the locking mechanism (112), An electromechanical drive device (120) is operably connected to the locking mechanism (112), is movable from an initial position, and moves the locking mechanism (112) from the locked position to the unlocked position based on an release signal, It has, The drive unit (120) is configured to reverse to the initial position in response to the stopping of the release signal (45) and / or the reception of a half-door signal (60) from the half-door device (130) of the automobile lock (110), the automobile lock (110).

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