Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock (3), in particular a main lock (3), having a locking mechanism (13) with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive (9), wherein the locking mechanism (13) can be unlocked by means of the electric drive (9), and an energy storage device, in particular an energy storage device arranged on the lock housing. The drive (9) can be actuated in an emergency operation by means of the energy storage device, and an additional drive (10) of an additional lock (4) can be actuated in an emergency operation by means of the energy storage device.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Power vehicle lock

[0003] The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, in particular a main lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive, whereby the locking mechanism can be unlocked by means of the drive, an energy store, preferably arranged in the lock housing, whereby the drive can be actuated in an emergency operation by means of the energy store.

[0004] Motor vehicle locksmiths, and in particular motor vehicle door locks, are nowadays increasingly being equipped with electric motor drives, particularly for the locking mechanism. This significantly increases convenience. The electric motor drive is generally used to open the locking mechanism electrically. Such an electric opening process is not only particularly convenient because it eliminates the need for mechanical action by the operator, but rather the operator can use a switch, door handle, remote control, etc. to electrically open the locking mechanism. It is also advantageous because electric opening can fundamentally contribute to improving the aerodynamics of an associated motor vehicle and because it eliminates the need for an outside door handle, for example.

[0005] As described above, the electric drive in the motor vehicle door lock generally ensures that the motor vehicle door lock in question can be opened electrically. This requires that the electric motor drive is powered, for example, from a main energy source inside the associated motor vehicle body. This corresponds to what is known as normal operation. However, there is also emergency operation, which occurs when the main energy source is not available. This can be the case if the main energy source is simply discharged. Emergency operation is also possible if the electrical connection between the electric motor drive and the main energy source is interrupted, for example in the event of an accident or crash.

[0006] A motor vehicle lock with the option of emergency operation is known, for example, from US 10,378,251 B2. This printed document is about being able to control any disruptions to the power supply of the electric motor drive in the event of an accident or crash. For this reason, the known teaching according to US 10,378,251 B2 uses an emergency power source to provide the drive with an emergency electrical supply. In the context of the known teaching, the emergency power source is one that uses so-called supercaps, i.e. capacitors with a particularly high capacity, which are charged by the power source that is mandatory on the body.For this purpose, an additional charging module is provided, along with a so-called boost module, in order to provide the electrical voltage in the range of 9 V to 16 V typically required to operate the electric motor drive on the output side of the capacitor. The emergency energy source is located inside the lock housing. In addition, a control unit on the lock side, which is also provided in the lock housing, ensures that the emergency energy source is used in an emergency. This has proven to be particularly effective. In order to be able to electrically unlock the locking mechanism in every case, it must be possible to provide a sufficient voltage supply to operate the drive at all times, as described above.On the one hand, the aim in the development of motor vehicle door locks is to ensure a sufficient power supply, and on the other hand, developments are moving towards making unlocking the locking mechanism as easy as possible. DE 10 2018 126 165 A1 discloses an electrically operated motor vehicle lock. This motor vehicle lock discloses a locking mechanism in which a further locking element is arranged in an engagement area between the rotary latch and the pawl. The locking element is pivotally mounted in the rotary latch and can move together with the pawl and when the locking mechanism is opened. This makes it possible to unlock the locking mechanism easily. This technology provides a locking mechanism for a lock which can ensure safe, quiet and low-noise unlocking of the locking mechanism even in extreme situations.This particularly applies to the locking mechanism and its properties being designed in such a way that it can be released at any time, even by means of an electric drive. This technology has also proven itself in principle.

[0007] Nowadays, doors with large dimensions are also known which are equipped with a main lock and a secondary lock or additional lock. This applies in particular to vans, whose rear doors are referred to as cargo doors, for example. However, additional locks are also used on side doors, particularly when secure locking must be guaranteed due to the dimensions of the doors. A technology for operating a main lock in combination with an additional lock is known, for example, from DE 10 2015 002 452 A1. The motor vehicle door lock has a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a release lever, and a first operating lever, wherein the locking mechanism can be unlocked by means of the release lever, and wherein the release lever can be operated by means of the operating lever. A further motor vehicle door lock is also provided which can be operated by means of the first operating lever.The additional lock or other vehicle door lock is operated via a mechanical connection, such as a Bowden cable.

[0008] The prior art solutions for achieving easy and safe opening of a motor vehicle side door have generally proven successful, but are in need of improvement. This is where the invention comes in.

[0009] The object of the invention is to enable easy and secure opening of the motor vehicle door lock in any energy state. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective solution for easy and secure opening in any energy state.

[0010] The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. However, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.According to patent claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a motor vehicle door lock, in particular a main lock, is provided, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive, by means of which drive the locking mechanism can be unlocked, an energy store, preferably arranged in the lock housing, by means of which energy store the drive can be actuated in an emergency operation, and wherein by means of the energy store a further drive of an additional lock can be actuated in an emergency operation. The design of the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention now makes it possible to actuate a main lock, as well as a secondary lock or additional lock, by means of the energy store arranged in the main lock or assigned to the main lock.In other words, one energy source is available to operate two locks, namely a main lock and an additional lock. This offers a number of advantages. Firstly, the additional lock does not require its own energy storage device, so that a cost-effective construction of a combination of locks is possible. Furthermore, the additional lock can be supplied directly with emergency power by supplying energy via the main lock via a control line. As the additional lock and main lock can both be unlocked electrically, this offers the advantage that a Bowden cable or a mechanical connection between the main lock and the additional lock is not necessary. Overall, this results in a control technology, design and financial advantage in the inventive construction of a main lock in combination with an additional lock.As already explained in the introduction, the emergency power source is one that uses, among other things, so-called supercapacitors, i.e., capacitors with particularly high capacitance. The supercapacitors are charged via the power supply provided by the vehicle. For this purpose, an additional charging module can be provided, which interacts with a so-called boost module to provide the voltage typically required to operate the electric motor drive, in the range of 9 V to 16 V, on the output side of the capacitor.

[0011] The energy storage device is always required when, for example, a voltage drop is detected in the motor vehicle and / or when a voltage breakdown occurs in the motor vehicle, for example in the event of an accident. In a further development of the invention, it is conceivable for the release lever to be able to engage with the locking element. In this embodiment, the release lever acts directly on the locking element. By initiating the movement in the locking element, a favorable actuating torque can be achieved in the locking mechanism, so that the locking mechanism can be easily triggered or unlocked. This is particularly important if, for example, an outside door handle has been omitted for design reasons and only sensitive or radio remote controls allow the door lock to be opened. A voltage drop can occur, for example, if the motor vehicle has been stationary for a long time.A power outage occurs, for example, when the power supply to the vehicle lock or both vehicle locksmiths is no longer available in the event of an accident. In each of these cases, the internal emergency power supply, via the energy storage unit, provides a means of unlocking the lock.

[0012] If the additional lock is arranged at a distance from the main lock on a common door element, in particular a cargo door, this results in an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The additional lock or an additional lock is used when high closing forces are required and / or when, due to the dimensions, in particular the height of a door, an additional lock is necessary in order to securely close and hold the door element tightly. Additional locks are preferably used on rear doors or loading doors of vans, which require an additional door lock due to the overall height of the body. According to the invention, the main lock is arranged centrally and / or at least in the area of ​​a door handle, whereas the additional lock can typically be arranged at an upper or lower end of the door element.According to the invention, it is also conceivable that not just one additional lock, but also two additional locks can be arranged at a distance from the main lock in the motor vehicle door element. Since the invention dispenses with a mechanical connection between the additional lock and the main lock, a simple electrical connection is possible, since only a power supply or control line needs to be arranged between the main lock and the additional lock to connect the additional lock.

[0013] It can also be advantageous and a variant of the invention if at least in the main lock and engagement area between the rotary latch and the pawl there is an additional locking element mounted in the rotary latch. It is essential for the invention that only one energy store needs to be available to electrically unlock the locking mechanism. It is also advantageous and in accordance with the invention if a locking element is arranged between the rotary latch and the pawl to make it easy to open the motor vehicle lock. By incorporating a locking element between the rotary latch and the pawl, easy unlocking of the locking mechanism is made possible. This offers a decisive advantage in particular with electrically operated motor vehicle locks, where the locking mechanism can be unlocked via the electric motor. Motor vehicle locksmiths are subject to environmental influences.For example, on construction sites, this can lead to vehicle locksmiths becoming dirty, and / or weather influences such as snow, rain, or frost can limit their functionality. The design of the vehicle lock, which uses an intermediate locking element, allows for smooth and secure opening at any time, thanks to the electric drive.

[0014] It can also be advantageous if an additional locking element mounted in the rotary latch is arranged in the engagement area between the rotary latch and pawl. As described above for the main lock, the same advantages apply here, namely that the locking mechanism can be easily opened by using the locking element between the rotary latch and pawl. In any case, the locking mechanism can be opened using the available energy. In particular, the combination of additional lock and main lock with an additional locking element mounted in the rotary latch enables safe and easy opening in any energy state, since the additional locking element reduces the force required to open and the torque required to unlock.

[0015] If the rotary latch in the additional lock is in a main locking position with an inlet area pointing towards a standing surface of the motor vehicle, i.e. in the negative Z direction with respect to the motor vehicle, this results in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. The rotary latch has an opening area, in other words an inlet area for the lock holder. This results in a fork-shaped opening, with each part of the fork-shaped opening being designable as a stop arm for the lock holder on the one hand and as a holding arm for the lock holder on the other. When the locking mechanism is closed, the lock holder first comes into contact with the catch arm or impact arm of the rotary latch, whereby the rotary latch is pivoted. Depending on the locking position, i.e. pre-locking or main locking position, the rotary latch interacts with the pawl.In the preliminary and main detent positions, the lock holder rests on the retaining arm of the rotary latch, with the force between the rotary latch and the lock holder being caused primarily by the pressure of the door seal. The rotary latch is held in place by means of the pawl or the locking element. If this inlet area or the opening in the rotary latch is facing downwards in the main closing position, i.e. the main detent, the rotary latch can, in addition to holding it shut, i.e. closing the door element, also have a supporting or load-bearing function. Depending on the type and age of the vehicle, the door may no longer be held in its original manufacturing position by the hinges. In particular, if the door jams, the downward-facing rotary latch can support the additional lock on the lock holder. The additional lock then secures the position of the door element.

[0016] The position of the rotary latch, which is open downwards, can also be described using a coordinate system related to the motor vehicle. The axial direction is usually arranged in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, whereas the y-axis runs transversely to the motor vehicle. The z-axis is therefore aligned vertically with respect to the motor vehicle. The z-direction is usually designated as positive upwards and negative downwards. The opening is aligned in the negative z-direction with respect to the coordinate system in the motor vehicle.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional lock can be electrically controlled, in particular unlocked, by means of the main lock. By designing the main lock as a control lock for the additional lock, a structurally simple and therefore cost-effective way of implementing an electrically operated additional lock in the motor vehicle can be created. To operate the additional lock and in particular to electrically unlock the additional lock, only a control line or power supply for the electrical drive of the additional lock needs to be provided. Further electronic controls in the additional lock can therefore be dispensed with. The main lock serves to detect whether a power drop or power failure is taking place or has taken place, so that electrical unlocking can also be carried out in both locks after a predeterminable time interval.If at least the locking mechanism in the additional lock is provided with a reinforcement plate, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. As described above, the locking mechanism in the additional lock can have an additional function, namely the holding function for large, suspended doors. For this purpose, it is important that the locking mechanism operates reliably and without wear. By using the reinforcement plate, i.e., a connecting plate between the rotary latch axis and the pawl axis, additional stabilization of the locking mechanism and, in particular, long-term stability can be achieved.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be a variant of the invention if the additional lock is provided with a worm gear connected downstream of the drive. Worm gears are characterized by a short reaction time, i.e. short actuating times. The worm gear can therefore be unlocked directly in response to a signal from the main lock by activating the worm gear. Simultaneous opening of the main lock in combination with the additional lock makes it possible to open easily and in parallel. The worm gear, which is arranged together with the worm on the output shaft of the drive, can act directly on the pawl and thus unlock the locking mechanism. However, it is also conceivable for a release lever or a release lever mechanism to be actuated by means of the worm gear in order to unlock the pawl.

[0019] If the locking element can be guided at least in the additional lock by means of a release lever, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. The worm gear of the worm gear can have a control contour which interacts with a release lever. The release lever is then able to move the pawl out of engagement with the rotary latch. If the release lever has a control contour or a guide track or a guide groove, the position of the locking element can be defined by means of the release lever. In other words, the locking element can be controlled in relation to the position to the pawl. For this purpose, a cooperating means can be arranged between the locking element and the release lever. On the one hand, it is conceivable for a corresponding extension to be formed on the locking element which can be integrated into the guide track orthe guide engages on the release lever, but on the other hand it is also conceivable that a guide means is provided on the release lever, which engages in a correspondingly cooperating groove or recess of the locking element.

[0020] In any case, the inventive design of the motor vehicle door lock in combination with the additional lock enables easy and secure opening in any energy state. The optimized design, i.e., reduced material requirements thanks to a single control unit and a single energy storage device, offers a particular advantage. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be opened easily and in any state thanks to the use of a locking element.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0022] It shows :

[0023] Figure 1 is a view of part of a cargo door with a main lock and a secondary lock or additional lock,

[0024] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of a partially illustrated additional lock, and

[0025] Figure 3 is a view of the locking mechanism and the electric drive of the additional lock according to Figure 2 from a rear view.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a view of a cargo door 1, i.e. a van door 1, in a plan view of an inner side 2 of the van door 1. A main lock 3 and an additional lock 4 can be seen, which are arranged at a distance in the cargo door 1. The locks 3, 4 work together with corresponding lock holders, which can be fastened, for example, to a second half (not shown) of another door or to a body of the motor vehicle. The locks 3, 4 are electrically connected via a control line 5. The cargo door 1 additionally has a window 6 as well as a recess 7 and a handle recess 8. In each of the locks 3, 4, an electric drive 9, 10 can be seen. The drives 9, 10 each work with a

[0027] Worm gears 11, 12, wherein the worm gear 11, 12 is capable of unlocking a locking mechanism 13, 14. The main lock is connected, for example, via a further control line 15 to an internal power supply 16 or a central control unit 16 in the motor vehicle.

[0028] If the operator now transmits a control command to the central control unit 16 when the motor vehicle is parked and locked, for example by means of a radio remote control, the locking mechanisms 13, 14 in the locks 3, 4 are unlocked via the motor vehicle's power supply 16 when the motor vehicle is in its normal state. If, on the other hand, there is a power drop, for example due to the motor vehicle being idle for a long time, the energy storage devices in the main lock 3 are able to provide an emergency power supply. According to the invention, the main lock 3 and also the additional lock 4 can be unlocked, i.e. opened, by means of the emergency power supply. For this purpose, the main lock 3 sends a control command and a corresponding power supply 5 to the drive 10 via the control line 5, so that the locks 3, 4 are opened in parallel and with the aid of the emergency power supply.The operator is then able to open the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the additional lock 4 in a three-dimensional representation and in a plan view of the electric drive 10. The electric drive 10 and the locking mechanism 14 are mounted on a lock case 17. A reinforcing plate 18 can also be seen, which supports the axes 19, 20 of the rotary latch 21 and the pawl 22 and thus strengthens the position of the locking mechanism. Figure 2 also shows the worm gear 12 with the worm mounted on an output shaft of the electric drive 10 and the worm gear 24 meshing with the worm 23. The worm gear 24 in turn interacts with a release lever 5, with a control contour 26 on the worm gear 24 interacting with the release lever 25. The electric drive 10 is controlled via the control line 5 and by means of the main lock 3.It is important that no additional capacity is required in the additional lock 4 in order to realize emergency operation and thus emergency opening.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the rear view of the locking mechanism 14 of the additional lock 4 and a view of the rotary latch 21 and the pawl 22. The locking mechanism 14 is shown in a main locking position, i.e. the cargo door 1 is completely closed. A lock holder 27, shown as an example, is engaged with the rotary latch. The rotary latch 21, in turn, is held in the main locking position by means of the locking element 28 and the pawl 22. A coordinate system x, z, drawn as an example in the center of the lock holder 27 shows that an inlet mouth 28 of the rotary latch 21 points in the negative z-direction. The rotary latch 21 is therefore able to provide additional support for the cargo door 1 if the cargo door were to sag over the years due to play in the hinges. At the same time, however, the locking mechanism 14 can be easily opened at any time by means of the locking element 28.To open the locking mechanism, the worm gear 24 moves clockwise in the direction of arrow P. The control contour 26 then engages with the release lever 25, whereby the locking mechanism 14 can be unlocked. It is shown that a guide 29 is provided on the release lever 25, which guides the locking element 29 with the pivoting movement of the release lever 25. This allows easy and safe opening of the locking mechanism 14. The control contour 29 guides and holds the locking element 29 in the locked position, but also in the open position.

[0031] Position of the locking mechanism.

[0032] Reference symbol list

[0033] 1 cargo door

[0034] 2 Inside

[0035] 3 Main Castle

[0036] 4 additional lock

[0037] 5 , 15 control line

[0038] 6 windows

[0039] 7 Deepening

[0040] 8 Grip recess

[0041] 9 , 10 Drive

[0042] 11 , 12 Worm gear

[0043] 13 , 14 locking mechanism

[0044] 16 Power supply / central control unit

[0045] 17 Lock case

[0046] 18 Reinforcement plate

[0047] 19 , 20 axis

[0048] 21 rotary latch

[0049] 22 pawl

[0050] 23 snail

[0051] 24 Worm gear

[0052] 25 release lever

[0053] 26 Control contour

[0054] 27 lock holders

[0055] 28 Inlet mouth

[0056] 29 locking element

[0057] P Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle door lock (3), in particular a main lock (3) having a locking mechanism (13) with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive (9), wherein the locking mechanism (13) can be unlocked by means of the electric drive (9), an energy store, preferably arranged on the lock housing, wherein the drive (9) can be actuated in an emergency operation by means of the energy store, characterized in that a further drive (10) of an additional lock (4) can be actuated in an emergency operation by means of the energy store.

2. Motor vehicle door lock (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional lock (4) is arranged at a distance from the main lock (3) on a common door element (1), in particular a cargo door (1).

3. Motor vehicle door lock (3) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least in the main lock (4) in the engagement area between the rotary latch and the pawl a further locking element mounted in the rotary latch is arranged.

4. Motor vehicle door lock (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the additional lock (4) in an engagement area between the rotary latch (21) and the pawl (22) a further locking element (29) mounted in the rotary latch (21) is arranged.

5. Motor vehicle door element (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotary latch (21) in the additional lock (4) in a main closing position with an inlet area (28) in the direction of a standing surface of the motor vehicle, that is to say in the negative z-direction with respect to the motor vehicle.

6. Motor vehicle door element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the additional lock (4) can be electrically controlled, in particular unlocked, by means of the main lock (3).

7. Motor vehicle door lock (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least the locking mechanism (14) in the additional lock (4) is provided with a reinforcing plate (18).

8. Motor vehicle door lock (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the additional lock (4) is provided with a worm gear (12) connected downstream of the drive (10).

9. Motor vehicle door lock (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that by means of a release lever (25) the locking element (29) can be guided at least in the additional lock (4).

10. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 9, characterized in that the release lever (25) can be brought into engagement with the locking element (29).

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