Electric drive systems for automotive applications

Abstract

The subject of the invention is an electric drive for motor vehicle applications, in particular for use in car locks and also for use in car locks. For this purpose, the drive comprises an electric motor (4), a drive disk (6) actuatable by the electric motor (4) and rotatable about an axis (7), and at least one spring (9) assigned to the drive. The spring (9) transmits a force to the drive disk (6) that assists the drive within the scope of the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automotive application, particularly an automotive lock application and an electric drive device in an automotive lock, which has an electric motor and further includes a drive disk that can be actuated by the electric motor, is rotatable about an axis, and has at least one spring assigned to the drive device. The drive device is preferably an unlocking drive device for the automotive lock.

[0002]

[0002] Automotive electric drive devices typically operate at a low DC voltage, for example, 12V, 24V or even 48V. For this reason, the drive power level that can be generated by the electric motor is limited, for example, in order to control a functional unit via the electric drive device. These functional units can generally be the window glass when the electric drive device is designed as a window lift drive device. Other applications and designs are of course conceivable. Thereby, adjustments such as seats and mirrors can be made.

[0003]

[0003] Most particularly preferably, such an electric drive device is used for and within an automotive lock. In this case, functional units such as individual levers are moved by the drive disk. In this way, different functional positions such as "locking", "theft-proof" or "child-proof" can be selected. Furthermore, such an electric drive device is advantageously used as an unlocking drive device inside the automotive lock. In this case, the electric drive device or the unlocking drive device acts indirectly or directly on the claw part as a component of a lock mechanism consisting of a catch part and a claw part, so that the claw part is reliably lifted from the engagement part with the catch.

[0004]

[0004] This can be done directly, in which the drive disc acts directly on the claw, lifting it from its engagement with the catch. However, indirect intervention is generally observed, where the drive disc acts in the opening direction relative to the claw via an inserted release lever. In the latter application, high torque may be required to match and overcome the door sealing pressure present during the opening process. For this reason, the rotational motion of the output shaft of a high-speed electric motor is generally converted at a rate of 1 or more. The drive disc also contributes to this conversion.

[0005]

[0005] Such an electric drive device is described and presented as an embodiment, not an exhaustive method, in Utility Model DE 20 2012 001 961 U1. In normal operation, the electric drive device acts on a locking mechanism consisting of a catch and a claw to produce an electric release. Furthermore, mechanical release of the locking mechanism is also provided, at least during emergency operation. For this purpose, the drive disc is provided with a return spring. The return spring ensures that the electric drive device returns to the neutral position after the release lever is applied. For this purpose, the spring is a center 0 spring.

[0006]

[0006] In other similarly designed electric drive units described and presented in DE 20 2012 012 799 U1, a first return spring, a second return spring, and a third return spring are similarly implemented. In this case as well, after the excursion or movement of the electric drive unit, the return springs ensure that the electric drive unit returns to its initial or neutral position.

[0007]

[0007] This also applies to electromechanical actuators according to EP 0 198 509 A1 A1. In this case as well, the drive wheel is equipped with a gear driven by an electric motor and a torque spring that returns the drive wheel to a specific angular position.

[0008]

[0008] From DE 199 13 666 A1, a motor-driven open-end automobile lock is known, which has a worm wheel driven by a motor and a spring that provides a spring force acting on the worm wheel in the opposite direction to the opening direction. Additionally, an elastic force reservoir is provided to support the rotation of the worm wheel when open. From DE 102018 120697 A1, a spring support mechanism for supporting an electric motor is known, together with a support lever and a support lever spring.

[0009] In principle, prior art has proven successful when it is necessary to provide an electric drive that acts on individual functional units and provides an associated spring to return them to a neutral or initial position. In the case of an opening drive, the functional unit is a release lever that acts on the pawl portion of the locking mechanism or the pawl portion itself. However, in practice, there are situations in which, for example, the force to be overcome during electric opening is too strong at the start of the process, causing the electric drive to be subjected to excessive stress, or requiring an expansive and expensive transmission device for corresponding torque transmission. In other cases, such increasing forces may be caused by changes related to the aging of the closing force, for example, related to hardening of rubber seals, increased friction, etc. The present invention aims to provide a remedy for this.

[0009] overview

[0010]

[0010] Based on the technical challenge of further developing such electric drive systems for automotive applications, the present invention enables forces present as a result of design or aging to be overcome in a structurally simple manner when a functional element or functional unit is operated.

[0011]

[0011] To solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes that, in the case of a general electric drive device, a spring assists the drive device by transmitting force to a drive disc. For this purpose, the spring is advantageously designed as a leg spring. Furthermore, the design is such that the leg spring in question is fixedly connected to, for example, a pin by its wound portion. Furthermore, the leg spring interacts with one drive leg having an outer shape on the drive disc. In contrast, the other leg or fixed leg of the leg spring leans against a stopper.

[0012]

[0012] In this way, to assist the drive mechanism, the drive leg can extend further relative to the fixed leg by contacting the outer shape of the drive disc. According to the present invention, such extension of the drive leg relative to the fixed leg is observed and used when the drive disc acts indirectly or directly on a functional element or functional unit. When the electric drive mechanism for an automotive application is an electric release drive mechanism for an automotive lock, the release process corresponds to a drive disc that acts indirectly or directly on the claw portion of the locking mechanism of the automotive lock. The drive disc lifts the claw portion from its latch engagement with the catch portion in the closed position of the locking mechanism of the automotive lock, thereby pivoting and releasing the (spring-assisted) catch portion and releasing the previously trapped lock bolt.

[0013]

[0013] In any case, according to the present invention, this release process of the electric drive device is assisted by the force of a leg spring to which tension has been previously applied. This is because the indirect or direct load on the release process and / or the claw as a functional element or functional unit generally corresponds to a specific (clockwise or counterclockwise) rotational motion of the drive disc. This motion of the drive disc to release the locking mechanism is then mechanically assisted, according to the present invention, by the leg spring being pulled in its initial or neutral position and transferring its accumulated spring energy to the drive disc during the release process, thus further assisting the electric actuation motion with the spring energy. In fact, during this process, the drive leg, which is leaning against the outer shape of the drive disc, gradually spreads out relative to the stationary fixed leg.

[0014]

[0014] In this way, any door seal pressure can be advantageously overcome by an electric drive, and in embodiments of open drives for automotive locks, particularly in a structurally simple manner and in a particularly cost-effective design. In this case, the approach according to the present invention is not only suitable for overcoming high door seal loads, but can also be very commonly used to assist an electric drive when the electric drive acts as a functional element or functional unit. This is because the spring energy or tension energy additionally delivered via the spring allows for the design of an electric motor with a lower power rating than previously possible, for example. Similarly, elaborate gears inserted between the electric motor and the drive disk or actuated functional element or functional unit can be omitted. As a result, design and cost expenditures are further reduced.

[0015]

[0015] The spring provided at this point is already tensioned at the initial starting position and / or initial or neutral position of the drive disk, as described above, so that in the opening process described above, the tension energy or spring energy thus released can be advantageously used to mechanically support the rotational motion of the drive disk. To keep the spring tensioned at the neutral and / or initial position, the spring is tensioned (again) during each return of the electric drive unit as it moves from its extended position to the initial or neutral position. This is possible without issue because, during the return, it is usually not necessary to overcome the door sealing force or door closing force. Instead, the closing operation of the associated automobile door is performed manually by the user or independently of the opening drive unit described in the embodiment by additionally provided closing drive means.

[0016]

[0016] In either case, the mechanical force accumulator is available as at least one spring functionally assigned to the drive unit, which supports the energy provided by the electric drive unit by the tension energy or spring energy released when the functional element or functional unit is actuated, starting from the initial or neutral position of the electric drive unit. Such a design can be realized and implemented in a particularly simple manner with respect to the structure, as remarkable advantages are observed thereby.

[0017]

[0017] In fact, the design is chosen such that the drive disc is circular with its axis of rotation as the central point. In contrast, the contact portion of the drive leg of the leg spring, as already mentioned, is concentric with respect to the axis and is arc-shaped, that is, when viewed over a specific limited angle.

[0018]

[0018] In addition, the drive leg is advantageously equipped with an extension arm. The extension arm can interact with a cam additionally provided on the drive disc to position the drive disc. In this case, it is common to realize the cam in addition to the outer shape on the drive disc. The cam can then interact with, for example, a protrusion or recess in the extension arm of the drive leg. As soon as the cam enters the protrusion or recess on the extension arm of the drive leg, the drive disc is temporarily fixed therein in the desired position. As a result, for example, the final position of the drive disc, and the aforementioned neutral and initial positions of the drive disc can be mechanically predetermined. In this situation, the protrusion or recess of the extension arm functions as a latch outer shape that overlaps with the cam. As a result, the cam engages with the latch outer shape as soon as the drive disc reaches a predetermined position, for example, the final position and / or the initial or neutral position.

[0019]

[0019] The cam and the outer shape are generally formed integrally on the drive disk. This is particularly recommended when the drive disk is made of plastic. Of course, embodiments made of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or brass, are also conceivable. In addition, the design is often chosen so that both the outer shape and the cam are generally located on the underside of the drive disk. Conversely, on the upper side opposite the drive disk, for example, an operating outer shape is provided, so that the drive disk acts indirectly or directly on the claw portion to release the locking mechanism consisting of a catch portion and a claw portion in an embodiment of an open drive device. As a result of this design, the operating outer shape for acting on a functional element or functional unit on the one hand, and the outer shape that interacts with the spring and cam on the other hand, can be designed independently of each other. Furthermore, the outer shape can be realized in a particularly simple and cost-effective way, namely by advantageously molding them on the drive disk.

[0020]

[0020] In a more advantageous embodiment, the current applied to the motor can be detected as a function of the (auxiliary) force stored by the spring. In this case, a control unit is generally provided, which operates the electric drive device on the one hand and evaluates the current applied to the motor on the other hand. Therefore, a control unit that detects the current consumption of the electric motor can evaluate a sensor separately provided on the power line of the electric motor.

[0021]

[0021] However, generally, the control unit ensures that the electric motor is directly actuated so that the current consumption used to operate the electric motor can be detected by the control unit. In this way, substantially any desired position for a possible intermediate stop of the drive disk can be realized and implemented. This depends on the tension of the spring by the drive disk, and the spring guarantees the mechanical support of the rotational movement of the drive disk, as a result, either the current consumption decreases, or the current consumption applied to the electric motor increases in the opposite direction during the spring tension addition.

[0022]

[0022] These different values for the current consumption of the electric motor can be associated with different positions or rotational positions of the drive disk. In addition, corresponding calibration is conceivable, in which each value of the current consumption is associated with a specific angle of the rotational movement of the drive disk. As a result, the relevant (rotational angle) position of the drive disk can ultimately be inferred from the current consumption measured by the control unit for the electric motor. Next, using this position of the specific display according to the present invention, an effect can be obtained that the control unit controls the drive disk as a function of the current received by the electric motor and possibly the force of the spring. As a result, in principle, any number of positions of the drive disk can be specified via the current consumption of the electric motor. As soon as the corresponding current value for the current consumption of the electric motor corresponding to the desired position of the control disk is detected by the control unit, the control unit, for example, ensures that the electric motor is switched off, and as a result, the drive disk maintains a predetermined position. In this case, the possibility of delay of the drive disk due to mass inertia can also be taken into account.

[0023]

[0023] As a result, the drive disk can be moved to a basic position, namely, a base position and / or an initial position and a neutral position and an end position, and advantageously the one or both positions can be mechanically fixed, i.e., it can be fixed by the interaction between the latch profile in the extension arm of the drive leg and the cam on the drive disk. However, according to the present invention, a substantially arbitrary intermediate position of the drive disk can be reproducibly selected via the relationship between the power consumption and the angular position of the drive disk. This is particularly important and advantageous, for example, when an electric drive is used inside an automotive lock, and different functional positions can be represented by means of aids such as "theft prevention", "childproof" or "locking". As a result, the associated operating profiles, which are necessary in each case and are usually required separately, can be engaged with the respective associated levers in each case.

[0024]

[0024] As a result, an electric drive that is structurally particularly simple and cost-effective is provided for automotive applications. This is because the electric drive uses a spring that is tensioned in its initial position, and as a result, when a functional element or functional unit is actuated starting from the initial position, the spring further outputs its stored spring energy and thus assists the driving movement of the drive disk. Furthermore, an intermediate stop can be realized at substantially any position of the drive disk by using the correlation between the current consumed by the electric motor and the associated (angular) position of the drive disk. Here lies an essential advantage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

[0025] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings showing only one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an electric drive according to the present invention during the opening process. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an electric drive according to the present invention during the opening process. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the electric drive during the return movement. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the electric drive unit during the return motion. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a modified embodiment of the drive device according to Figures 1 to 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a further third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a further third embodiment. Detailed explanation

[0026]

[0026] The figure shows an electric drive unit for automotive applications. In this embodiment, the electric drive device is an unlocking drive device for an automobile lock, which is reproduced in Figure 1 showing its main components. In fact, the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 of the automobile lock in question may be automobile door locks or automobile door locks, as can be seen in the point and front view. The locking mechanisms 1 and 2 consist of a catch part 1 and a claw part 2.

[0027]

[0027] Furthermore, a release lever 3 is also provided, which allows the claw portion 2 to be lifted from its locking engagement with the catch portion 1 (in the closed position of the illustrated locking mechanisms 1 and 2). For this purpose, the release lever 3 moves clockwise around its axis, thereby lifting the claw portion 2 counterclockwise from its latching engagement with the catch portion 1 in the closed position of the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 shown in Figure 1. As a result, the catch portion 1 is opened with spring assistance, i.e., opened clockwise, releasing the previously restrained lock bolt shown in the drawing. As a result, the associated automobile door can be opened directly.

[0028]

[0028] The electric drive unit is designed to release the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 and / or to actuate the release lever 3 as a functional element or functional unit. The electric drive unit comprises an electric motor 4. The electric motor 4 has an output worm 5 on its output shaft, which interacts with the drive disk 6 by engaging with the teeth of the drive worm 6 and rotating clockwise and counterclockwise around the shaft 7, as shown by the double arrows in Figure 1.

[0029]

[0029] An operating outer part 8 is provided on the upper side of the drive disk 6, and it is designed so that the release lever 3 is rotated counterclockwise to release the locking mechanisms 1 and 2. This corresponds to the clockwise movement of the drive disk 6 when viewed from the front or from above.

[0030]

[0030] In contrast, on the opposite lower side of the drive disk 6, similarly shown in Figure 1, there is a spring 9 assigned to the electric drive unit on one side, and an outer shape 10 on the drive disk 6 on the other side. Thus, the clockwise release movement of the drive disk 6 relative to the upper side of the drive disk 6 corresponds to the counterclockwise movement of the drive disk 6 around its axis 7 when viewed from the lower side of the drive disk 6. In fact, the spring 9 is designed to transmit the force supporting the drive unit to the drive disk 6.

[0031]

[0031] In this embodiment, the spring 9 is designed as a leg spring. For this purpose, the spring 9 has a wound portion 9a that is fixedly connected to the pin 11. According to this embodiment, the pin 11 is connected to the automobile lock housing 12.

[0032]

[0032] The leg spring 9 has two legs 9b and 9c in addition to the wound portion 9a. Leg 9b is a drive leg 9b that interacts with the outer shape 10 on the drive disk 6 (its lower surface) as described earlier. In contrast, the other leg 9c is formed as a fixed leg 9c of the leg spring 9 and leans against the stopper 13. The stopper 13, like the pin 11, is (integrally) connected to the (plastic) lock housing 12.

[0033]

[0033] The drive leg portion 9b of the spring and / or leg spring 9 ensures assistance to the electric drive unit or drive disk 6 during the release process. The release process of the drive disk 6 is understood by observing Figures 1 and 2 in order, by moving the drive disk 6 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the shaft 7, and corresponds to a bottom view or a view of the underside of the drive disk 6.

[0034]

[0034] During this release process, the drive leg 9b of the spring or leg spring 9 leans against the outer shape 10 of the drive disk 6 and gradually spreads relative to the stationary fixed leg 9c during the release process. This is because the spring 9 is under tension in the initial position G or neutral position shown in Figure 1. The tension of the spring 9 is reflected in the relatively small angle α (approximately 40-50 degrees in this embodiment) between the drive leg 9b and the fixed leg 9c. During the release process in the transition from Figure 1 to Figure 2, the drive leg 9b then spreads relative to the fixed leg 9c until the end position E of the drive disk 6, shown in Figures 2 and 3, is nearly present and observed. The two legs 9b and 9c form an angle α of approximately 110-120°. In this case, since the spring or leg spring 9 is relaxed, the spring energy or tension energy thus released can be used to assist the motion of the drive disk 6 and, consequently, the motion of the entire drive unit.

[0035]

[0035] As the drive leg 9b detaches from the fixed leg 9c and the drive disk 6 reaches the end position E shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drive leg 9b moves toward an additional stopper 14. Like the stopper 13 and pin 11, this is generally integrally connected to the lock housing 12. Correspondingly, the stopper 14 is made of plastic.

[0036]

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, starting from the end position E, during the return movement in the transition from Figure 3 to Figure 4, the drive disk 6 then performs a counterclockwise opening motion and a clockwise motion in the opposite direction when viewed from below in Figures 1 and 2. In this process, the drive leg 9b moves increasingly toward the fixed leg 9c that abuts against the outer shape 10, so that the spring 9 or leg spring is increasingly tensioned and the spring 9 acquires the required tension energy.

[0037]

[0037] From these figures together, it can be seen that the drive disc 6 is circular in shape with the axis 7 as its center point. In addition, the outer shape 10 that interacts with the spring 9 is concentric with respect to it and has an arc-shaped design. That is, the arc defining the outer shape 10 uses the axis 7 as the center point of its radial expansion. Figure 5 shows a modified version in which the drive leg 9b is equipped with an extension arm 9b'. The extension arm 9b' has a latch outer shape 15 designed as a convex or concave portion of the extension arm 9b'. In addition, a cam 16 is provided on the underside of the drive disc 6, and the cam 16 engages with the latch outer shape 15 as soon as the drive disc 6 takes the corresponding position. According to the exemplary embodiment, the interaction between the latch outer shape 15 and the cam 16 occurs immediately after the drive disc 6 takes the end position E shown in Figure 5. The drive leg 9b also leans against the stopper 14. In principle, the aforementioned interaction between the latch outer shape 15 and the cam 16 can also exist and be realized at any other position on the drive disk 6.

[0038]

[0038] Finally, in a further third exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, a control unit 17 is provided which operates the electric motor 4 and thus the entire electric drive system and supplies energy. The control unit 17 can then detect the current applied to the electric motor 4. Thus, the current consumption of the electric motor 4 can be measured directly or detected by a sensor (not shown). The current consumed by and applied to the electric motor 4 then depends on the force stored by the spring 9.

[0039]

[0039] Figure 7 shows the corresponding schematic dependency. Here, the current consumed by the electric motor 4 is shown in relation to the path moved by the drive disk 6 and is indicated by the relevant pivot angle of the drive disk 6 around its axis 7. Between the initial position G and the final position E of the drive disk 6, the pivot angle and / or angle in question are shown and reproduced. Since the spring 9 is pulled in the direction of the initial position G, the current consumption of the electric motor 4 increases in the direction of the initial or base position G. In contrast, in the direction of the end position E, the current consumption decreases because in this direction the spring 9 assists the motion of the drive disk 6, and therefore the entire electric drive system.

[0040]

[0040] As very commonly shown in Figure 7, based on the position dependence of the current consumed by the electric motor 4, the control unit 17 can precisely control the position of the drive disk 6 as a function of the current consumed by the electric motor 4. That is, if the control unit 17 schematically shown in Figure 7 stores, for example, the dependence of the current consumed by the electric motor 4 and the angular position of the drive disk 6 between the initial position G and the final position E through a calibration process, the value of the current consumed by the electric motor 4 can be identified by the corresponding angular position of the drive disk 6 between the initial position G and the final position E. As a result, by detecting the current consumed by the electric motor 4 via the control unit 17 and stopping the supply of energy to the electric motor 4 when it reaches a desired angular position, the drive disk 6 can be moved to any practical angular position from the initial position G to the final position E.

[0041]

[0041] Of course, it is also possible to take into account the delay of the electric drive due to mass inertia. This delay may correspond to the supplemental movement path or additionally traversed angle of the drive disk 6 during rotational motion around the axis 7, and may be taken into account by the control unit 17 so that the electric motor 4 stops before reaching the desired angular position, i.e., is reduced by an angular amount corresponding to the delay. For example, if the drive disk 6 is to reach an angular position of 20° with a delay of 5°, the control unit 17 will ensure that the electric motor 4 is turned off when it reaches the angular position of 15°. In any case, this allows the electric drive and / or its rotatable drive disk 6 to be moved to a predetermined desired position. This is essential for the operation of different functional positions in the example car lock so that, for example, the electric drive can achieve and realize functional positions such as "anti-theft," "childproof," or "locked." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042]

[0042] 1, 2... Locking mechanism, 3...Release lever, 4… Electric motor, 5... Output worm, 6... Drive disk, 7...axis, 8...Operating external part, 9... Spring or leg spring, 9a...Winding division, 9b... Drive leg 、 9'...extension arm, 10...Outline part, 11... pin, 12…Housing for locking, 13... Stopper, 14... Stopper, 15…Latch outer shape, 16... Cam, 17... Control unit.

Claims

1. In electric drive systems for automotive applications, An electric drive device comprising an electric motor (4), a drive disk (6), and at least one spring (9), wherein the drive disk (6) is operable by the electric motor (4) and rotatable about a shaft (7), The spring (9) transmits a force to assist the drive device to the drive disk (6), and the spring (9) is a leg spring (9), which is fixed to the pin (11) via a wound portion (9a), and interacts with the outer shape portion (10) on the drive disk (6) via one of the drive leg portions (9b), The drive device is characterized in that the drive disk (6) is designed to be circular with the shaft (7) as its center point, and the outer shape (10) extends in an arc shape concentrically.

2. The drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that the other fixed leg portion (9c) of the leg spring (9) leans against the stopper (13).

3. The drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive leg portion (9b) contacts the outer shape portion (10) and gradually widens relative to the fixed leg portion (9c) in order to assist the drive device.

4. The drive device according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive leg (9b) is equipped with an extension arm (9b') that interacts with a cam (16) on the drive disk (6) to position it.

5. The drive device according to claim 4, characterized in that the extension arm (9b') has a latch outer shape (15) that engages around the cam (16).

6. The drive device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cam (16) engages with the latch outer shape (15) at the same time that the drive disk (6) is positioned in its final position (E).

7. The drive device according to claim 6, characterized in that the current applied to the electric motor (4) is detected as a function of the force accumulated by the spring (9).

8. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a control unit (17) that controls the position of the drive disk (6) as a function of the current consumed by the electric motor (4) and the force of the spring (9).

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