Motor-vehicle lock, in particular motor-vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor-vehicle lock, in particular a motor-vehicle door lock, which is equipped with an electric-motor drive (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for opening a locking mechanism (7, 8) substantially comprising a rotary latch (8) and a pawl (7). In addition, a release lever (6) is provided which lifts the pawl (7) out of engagement with the rotary latch (8) in order to open the locking mechanism (7, 8). The release lever (6) is acted upon directly or indirectly by means of an output disc (4) of the electric-motor drive (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). According to the invention, a rapid-opening element (12, 13, 14) is additionally provided which is arranged between the output disc (4) and the release lever (6) and can be actuated by the output disc (4). Depending on the required opening force, the release lever (6) is acted upon by the rapid-opening element (12, 13, 14), the output disc (4), or both.

Description

[0001] Kiekert AG

[0002] P23046WO

[0003] 1

[0004] Description

[0005] Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock

[0006] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with an electric motor drive for opening a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, and with a release lever which, in order to open the locking mechanism, lifts the pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch, wherein the release lever is actuated indirectly or directly by means of an output disk of the electric motor drive.

[0007] Vehicle locks, and in particular vehicle door locks, with an electric motor drive for opening the locking mechanism are becoming increasingly common. This is primarily due to the fact that the opening process itself is initiated and performed electrically, without any manual effort. Instead, it is only necessary to check a sensor that detects a user's request to open the door. This sensor could be a switch, a door handle sensor, or something similar. An automatic opening process following a question-and-answer dialogue between the user and the vehicle equipped with the lock is also conceivable and has proven to be a successful approach.

[0008] The prior art according to DE 10 2019 111 936 A1 concerns a motor vehicle door lock with such an electromechanical opening drive for a locking mechanism. A safety unit is also provided. The electromechanical opening drive, in turn, has a worm gear with an opening contour that engages the release lever for the locking mechanism. This allows the release lever to disengage the locking pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch, starting from a Kiekert AG

[0009] P23046WO

[0010] 2

[0011] The closing position or main locking position of the locking mechanism, in which the pawl has engaged in the rotary latch to block it.

[0012] In the prior art defined by DE 11 2020001 999 T5, the electric motor drive is equipped with an output disc in the form of a force-release gear. This gear has a release cam formed on it. The release cam serves to actuate an actuator release lever, which ultimately takes over the function of the release lever and in turn disengages the pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch. This can occur directly or indirectly.

[0013] The previously described state of the art has generally proven effective, but still offers room for further improvements. Users of motor vehicles sometimes perceive the electromechanical opening process as lengthy. That is, the time, for example, from pressing a switch to open the vehicle lock until the lock actually engages, is sometimes considered too long. This is especially true when the vehicle equipped with the lock needs to be entered quickly. Such scenarios are understandable, for example, on a busy street or next to a cycle path, where there is little time available for actually opening the door. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0014] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, in such a way that the electromechanical opening process is accelerated overall compared to previous embodiments.

[0015] To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, is characterized within the scope of the invention in that, in addition to the output disc for actuating the release lever, a Kiekert AG device is arranged between the output disc and the release lever and can be actuated by the output disc.

[0016] P23046WO

[0017] 3

[0018] A quick-release element is provided. In this context, the release lever is actuated by the quick-release element, the output disc, or both, depending on the required opening force.

[0019] The invention thus utilizes, in addition to the output disc which acts directly or indirectly on the release lever as part of the electromechanical drive, a further opening path, which, like the direct or indirect path via the output disc, is again initiated by the output disc. For this purpose, the additionally implemented quick-release element is provided according to the invention. The quick-release element is arranged between the output disc and the release lever and is actuated by the output disc.

[0020] As a rule, even after a small movement of the output disc, the quick-release element is actuated by the output disc, and thus the release lever can be actuated almost immediately via the quick-release element.

[0021] This includes a rapid opening mechanism, which typically requires only a small rotation angle of the output disc, for example, less than 5°. In this way, a rotational movement of the output disc directly triggers the rapid opening element, which in turn acts on the release lever almost instantaneously. The resulting pivoting movement of the release lever then disengages the pawl from the rotary latch when the lock is closed. For the reasons described, this occurs almost instantaneously within the rapid opening mechanism.

[0022] However, if the so-called normal opening path is used, this corresponds to a pivoting movement of the output disk, which is described in the Kiekert AG

[0023] P23046WO

[0024] 4

[0025] In the typical case, the swivel or rotation angle significantly exceeds 5° in the described example. Similarly, once this rotation angle is exceeded, the release lever lifts the locking pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch, albeit with a time delay compared to the quick-release movement.

[0026] This means that, generally, the release lever is actuated either by the quick-release element or by the output disc. In principle, simultaneous actuation of the release lever by both the quick-release element and the output disc is also conceivable. However, as a rule, the previously described timing sequence results in the quick-release path being used, and the release lever being actuated by the quick-release element almost without delay. In contrast, the normal opening path is typically only completed when increased opening forces are required for the electromechanical opening process.

[0027] The invention is based on the understanding that the opening force required by the electric motor drive must overcome at least one opposing force. This opposing force typically results from door seal forces, which can be attributed to the fact that the vehicle lock is located on or in a door leaf equipped with one. Since the door leaf closes a body opening and generally compresses a circumferential door seal, the opposing force generated by the door seal must be overcome in order to open the lock during the described electric motor opening process. Any additional opposing frictional forces are almost negligible in comparison.

[0028] In any case, the electromechanical opening process requires that the opening force exerted on the release lever exceeds the previously described counterforces. Typically, door sealing forces or counterforces of several hundred newtons are observed at this point. (Kiekert AG)

[0029] P23046WO

[0030] 5

[0031] For example, in the range of 400 N to 800 N, mostly forces close to approximately 600 N. Corresponding opening forces must then be applied by the electric motor drive and also transmitted to the release lever via the quick-release element. As long as the aforementioned opening forces are not exceeded, this results, according to the invention, in the quick-release path being traversed and the release lever being actuated by means of the quick-release element in order to lift the locking pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch.

[0032] If the aforementioned opening forces are insufficient, it is necessary to use an increased opening force and the standard opening stroke. This is characterized by the fact that, with the help of a corresponding reduction gear in a gearbox following an electric motor as part of the electric drive, and especially through the interaction of the output disc and a circular segment lever that typically works in conjunction with it, an increase in the opening force and thus a longer stroke can be achieved. Such an increased opening force is necessary, for example, if the door leaf is frozen to the vehicle body or to the surrounding rubber door seal. A similar situation may arise if the locking mechanism itself is blocked by ice or otherwise.

[0033] In any case, this results in the normal opening path and the output disc generally meshing with the circular segment lever. Since the circular segment lever is also mounted coaxially with the release lever, the desired increased opening force can be provided in this way, taking into account the additional reduction in the rotary motion of the output disc achieved. This is accomplished by the circular segment lever meshing with the output disc engaging the coaxially mounted release lever. As a consequence, the release lever again ensures that the pawl is disengaged from the rotary latch. Kiekert AG

[0034] P23046WO

[0035] 6

[0036] That is, depending on the required opening force, the release lever is generally actuated either by the quick-release element or the output disc.

[0037] If the release lever is actuated by the quick-release element, the quick-release travel corresponds to this, and opening forces of up to 800 N are required in this example. However, if higher opening forces are required, for example, more than 1000 N or several thousand N, the normal opening travel is used. This corresponds to the release lever receiving the desired force via the output disc, advantageously with the interposition of the circular segment lever meshing with the output disc.

[0038] In this way, the desired rapid opening of the lock will typically occur, almost instantaneously following an opening signal from a sensor or switch that triggers the electric motor drive. Only when increased opening forces are required, for example, due to icing on a stuck door leaf, is the normal opening path used, resulting in a correspondingly delayed opening process. This is because the normal opening path is longer than the rapid opening path, primarily due to a suitably designed reduction gear between the output disc and the circular segment lever. This provides the required increased opening force of more than 1000 N or even several thousand N at the output side.Such a delayed opening process is acceptable in the described example and only occurs in the outlined exceptional cases, so that a shorter opening time for electromechanical opening is typically observed compared to the prior art. This is where the main advantages lie.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the quick-opening element has in detail a deflection lever and a connection between the deflection lever and the Kiekert AG

[0040] P23046WO

[0041] 7

[0042] The release lever is fitted with a spring. This spring is typically designed to generate a counterforce that exceeds the opening force during normal operation or when the rapid opening stroke is traversed. This corresponds to forces within the spring that, in this case, exceed the maximum opening force of 800 N in the example given. While this compresses the spring to a greater or lesser degree during rapid opening, the deflection lever, in conjunction with the spring, nevertheless ensures that rapid opening occurs.

[0043] However, if the door leaf is frozen shut, for example, and significantly increased opening forces are required, the release lever via the quick-release element or the deflection lever, including the spring, can no longer be actuated. This is because the counterforce generated by the spring, which exceeds the opening force required under normal operating conditions, may be at its maximum at, for example, 1000 N, meaning that if an opening force of more than 1000 N is required, the spring in question will be compressed.

[0044] In this case, the normal opening path is followed, resulting in the tripping disc meshing with the circular segment lever, which, during its resulting pivoting movement, carries along the coaxially mounted release lever.

[0045] In a further and advantageous variant, the deflection lever can be designed in two parts, with a disc lever and an opening lever both rotatably mounted on the same axis. That is, the disc lever and the opening lever, as both components of the deflection lever, are rotatably mounted about a common axis. The disc lever is actuated by the output disc, while the opening lever acts on the release lever to open it.

[0046] In this case, the spring, as part of the quick-release mechanism, ensures that the two levers are spaced apart. The spring is positioned between the two levers. The spring is manufactured by Kiekert AG.

[0047] P23046WO

[0048] 8

[0049] for example, and advantageously, a screw-type reversible spring which is compressed according to the movement between the two levers, i.e., between the disc lever and the opening lever.

[0050] For actuation, the output disc is equipped with a disc cam that engages the quick-release element. Normally, the disc cam engages the disc lever directly adjacent to it. Thus, even a slight pivoting movement of the output disc, for example 5° or less, causes the disc lever to act on the spring located between the disc lever and the release lever. The spring is compressed and transmits the force acting upon it to the release lever.

[0051] The opening lever, in turn, acts on an opening cam on the release lever. This means that the quick-release element is advantageously positioned between the disc cam on the output disc and the opening cam on the release lever. Provided the required opening force does not exceed the counterforce generated by the spring, the spring is compressed to a greater or lesser extent. This results in the force acting on the disc lever, which is in contact with the disc cam, being transmitted directly to the opening lever via the compressed spring. The opening lever, in turn, acts on the release lever to open the lock. This occurs almost instantaneously during the quick-release movement.

[0052] Only when the required opening force for the locking mechanism exceeds the counterforce generated by the spring is the spring compressed, and the opening lever is nevertheless unable to actuate the release lever to disengage the pawl. This occurs subsequently with a certain delay because, simultaneously, the circular segment lever, which meshes with the output disc, pivots during this process. After a certain travel distance, the circular segment lever comes into contact with the opening cam of the release lever, thereby engaging the coaxially mounted release lever. In this case, Kiekert AG

[0053] P23046WO

[0054] 9

[0055] The increased opening force available ensures that the release lever can still lift the locking pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch. This is where the main advantages lie.

[0056] The invention will then be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates an exemplary embodiment; the drawing shows:

[0057] Fig. 1 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention, reduced to the essential features in a basic overview.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 1 during a quick opening process and

[0059] Fig. 3 shows the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 1 during a normal opening process.

[0060] The figures depict a motor vehicle lock, specifically a motor vehicle door lock. This lock is located inside or on a door leaf (not shown) of a motor vehicle. The door leaf serves to close an opening in the vehicle body. A rubber door seal (not shown) is positioned between the door leaf and the opening.

[0061] The fundamental and essential structure of the vehicle lock includes an electromechanical drive train, which allows the locking mechanism to be opened electrically. The locking mechanism itself consists of a rotary latch 8 and a pawl 7 that interacts with it. This is generally indicated in Fig. 1. It can be seen that in the closed state of the locking mechanism shown there, the pawl 7 is engaged with the rotary latch 8. To open the locking mechanism, the pawl 7 must be lifted from its engagement with the rotary latch 8, starting from the closed state of the locking mechanism. This is ensured within the framework of the Kiekert AG

[0062] P23046WO

[0063] 10

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, a release lever 6, which for this purpose performs the counterclockwise movement about its axis 9 indicated in Fig. 1.

[0065] With the aid of the electromechanical drive train, the release lever 6 can now be actuated so that it performs the counterclockwise movement indicated in Fig. 1 about its axis 9, in order to lift the locking pawl 7 with regard to its engagement with the rotary latch 8. Starting from the closed state of the lock shown in Fig. 1, this causes the rotary latch 8 to open with spring assistance, so that a previously trapped and only indicated locking bolt is released and the door leaf, equipped with the vehicle lock and not explicitly shown, can be opened relative to the vehicle body.

[0066] The release lever 6 is actuated indirectly or directly by means of an output disk 4 as part of the electromechanical drive train, as will be explained in more detail below. For this purpose, the electromechanical drive train consists of an electric motor 1 and a worm 2 mounted on its output shaft. The worm 2 meshes with a worm gear 3, which is in meshing engagement with the output disk 4.

[0067] In this way, the rapid rotary motion of the output shaft of the electric motor 1 is significantly reduced, so that the required opening forces can be provided on the output side by means of the output disk 4, so that the release lever 6 performs the desired counterclockwise rotation about its axis 9 and can thereby lift the pawl 7 from its engagement with the rotary latch 8.

[0068] For this purpose, the output disk 4, designed as a toothed disk, meshes on its output side with a circular segment lever 5. The circular segment lever 5 is mounted coaxially with the release lever 6. This achieves a further reduction in the rotary or pivoting movement of the output disk 4. The circular segment lever 5 also has a stop edge 5a, with Kiekert AG

[0069] P23046WO

[0070] 11

[0071] which, in the exemplary embodiment, allows it to actuate an opening cam 10 on the release lever 6. As soon as the stop edge 5a reaches the opening cam 10 on the release lever 6 during a counterclockwise pivoting movement of the circular segment lever 5 about the common axis 9 initiated by the output disk 4, the circular segment lever 5 ensures that its counterclockwise rotation about the axis 9 is transferred to the coaxially mounted release lever 6, thereby causing the lock to open as described. This corresponds to the so-called normal opening path or normal opening process, which is shown in detail in Fig. 3.

[0072] According to the invention, a quick-release unit is additionally arranged between the output disk 4 and the release lever 6, and actuated by the output disk 4. Depending on the opening force required to open the lock, the release lever 6 is actuated by the aforementioned quick-release unit, the output disk 4, or both, as will be explained in more detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, the design is such that the release lever 6 is actuated either by the quick-release unit, as shown in detail in Fig. 2, or by the output disk 4, as shown in Fig. 3, or by both, as also illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0073] It can be seen that the quick-release unit has a deflection lever and a spring 13 arranged between the deflection lever and the release lever 6. According to the exemplary embodiment, the deflection lever is designed in two parts, consisting of a disc lever 12 and an opening lever 14. Both levers are rotatably mounted about a common axis 15. The spring 13, which in this exemplary embodiment is a helical spring 13, is interposed between the two levers. The spring, or helical spring 13, keeps the two levers spaced apart from each other. Kiekert AG

[0074] P23046WO

[0075] 12

[0076] To actuate the quick-release unit, the output disk 4 is equipped with a disc cam 11 that actuates the quick-release unit. The disc cam 11 is located on the output disk 4, whereas the previously described opening cam 10 is formed on the release lever 6.

[0077] The operating principle is as follows. Normally, the so-called rapid opening path is used, which is illustrated in Fig. 2. This rapid opening path is used by the electric motor drive train to open the lock when an opening force within the normal range is required. In fact, under normal conditions, a maximum opening force of 800 N is sufficient for opening the lock in this example. This is because, in such a case, the counterforces generated by the previously mentioned but not shown door rubber seal can usually be overcome. Furthermore, spring 13 is designed so that the force it generates, or the counterforce it generates, exceeds the nominal opening force of 800 N in this example, for instance, and may be 1000 N or less.

[0078] As a result, when the quick-opening path is traversed and a quick-opening process is carried out as shown in Fig. 2, a sensor (not shown) is first activated by an operator to open the lock. A signal from the sensor is received by a control unit (not shown) and interpreted as an opening signal. The control unit ensures that the electric motor 1 is energized to open the lock. This causes the worm gear 3 to rotate counterclockwise via the worm 2, as indicated in Fig. 1.

[0079] Since the worm gear 3 meshes with the output disc 4, which is also designed as a toothed disc, the output disc 4 thereby performs a similar action. Kiekert AG

[0080] P23046WO

[0081] 13

[0082] The clockwise rotation indicated in Fig. 1. The clockwise rotation of the output disk 4 results in the disc cam 11, located on or attached to the output disk 4, acting upon the disc lever 12 of the two-part deflection lever immediately adjacent to it, even after a slight rotation angle of, for example, 5° or less. Since the opening force required in this case during the rapid opening process is less than the counterforce generated by the spring 13, the spring 13 is slightly compressed by the action of the disc lever 12, and the force exerted on the spring 13 is otherwise transferred to the opening lever 14, which is mounted coaxially with the disc lever 12.

[0083] The opening lever 14 rests directly against the opening cam 10 on or against the release lever 6. Since, during this process, the two-part deflection lever performs a counterclockwise pivoting movement about its axis 15, initiated by the disc cam 11 and indicated in Fig. 2, this counterclockwise rotation of the two-part deflection lever is also transferred to the release lever 6 in this rapid opening process, which in turn follows it counterclockwise around the axis 9. This allows the release lever 6 to lift the locking pawl 7 from its engagement with the rotary latch 8, starting from the closed position of the lock. The rotary latch 8 opens with spring assistance and releases the previously engaged locking bolt. This also frees the door leaf. All of this occurs practically immediately and without significant delay following the opening signal.

[0084] If, on the other hand, an increased opening force is required to open the locking mechanism 7, 8, for example due to icing as described in the introduction or another blockage of the locking mechanism, the normal opening process and a corresponding normal opening path are followed, as can be seen in Fig. 3. In this process, following an opening signal, the electric motor 1 causes the worm gear 3 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the worm gear 3 leads Kiekert AG

[0085] P23046WO

[0086] 14

[0087] This, in turn, causes the output disk 4 to perform a pivoting or rotating movement in a clockwise direction. The disk cam 11 located on the output disk 4 again acts on the disk lever 12. However, since the opening force required on the output side is increased and more or less significantly exceeds the counterforce generated by the spring 13, the action on the disk lever 12 in this case causes the spring 13 to be fully or almost fully compressed, without the force thereby transmitted to the opening lever 14 being able to actuate the opening cam 10 on the opening lever 14 to pivot the release lever 6. Instead, the release lever 6 is actuated by means of the circular segment lever 5.

[0088] In fact, the counterclockwise rotation of the worm gear 3 initiated by the electric motor 1 consistently results in the output disk 4 being rotated clockwise, and in all cases, the circular segment lever 5 is driven along in a meshing motion. The circular segment lever 5 then performs a counterclockwise rotation about the axis 9 common to the release lever 6. In the case of the previously described rapid opening process, the stop edge 5a formed on the circular segment lever 5 does not reach the opening cam 10 on the release lever 6. This is because the release lever 6 has already been pivoted by the rapid opening unit.

[0089] However, if an increased opening force is required and the spring 13 has already been fully or partially compressed by moving the disc lever 12 towards the opening lever 14 and being driven "to its limit" by the compressed spring 13, the stop 5a on the circular segment lever 5 then comes into contact with the opening cam 10 of the release lever 6. This allows the release lever 6 to be pivoted counterclockwise about its axis 9 via the circular segment lever 5 and the opening cam 10, thereby disengaging the pawl 7 from its engagement with the rotary latch 8. The two-part deflection lever and the Kiekert AG can also be used in this way.

[0090] P23046WO

[0091] 15

[0092] The circular segment lever 5 together act on the release lever 6, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0093] The lock is therefore also opened in this case during a normal opening process and with the required increased opening forces. However, this occurs with a time delay compared to the previously described rapid opening process, because the output disc 4 must traverse a larger angle before the stop edge 5a on the circular segment lever 5 reaches the opening cam 10 on the release lever 6. This usually corresponds to rotation angles of significantly more than 5°, for example, 10° to 20° of the output disc 4. This is, of course, only an example and should in no way be understood as a limitation. Kiekert AG

[0094] P23046WO

[0095] 16

[0096] Reference symbol list

[0097] Electric motor 1

[0098] Snail 2

[0099] Worm gear 3

[0100] Output disc 4

[0101] Circular segment lever 5

[0102] Stop edge 5a

[0103] Release lever 6

[0104] Locking pawl 7

[0105] Rotary trap 8

[0106] Axis 9

[0107] Opening cam 10

[0108] Disc cam 11

[0109] Disc lever 12

[0110] Spring 13

[0111] Opening lever 14

[0112] Axis 15

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with an electric motor drive (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for opening a locking mechanism (7, 8) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (8) and a pawl (7), and with a release lever (6) which, for opening the locking mechanism (7, 8), lifts the pawl (7) from its engagement with the rotary latch (8), wherein the release lever (6) is actuated directly or indirectly by means of an output disk (4) of the electric motor drive (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), characterized by the fact that Additionally, a quick-opening element (12, 13, 14) is provided between the output disc (4) and the release lever (6) and can be actuated by the output disc (4), wherein the release lever (6) is actuated by the quick-opening element (12, 13, 14), the output disc (4) or both, depending on the required opening force.

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the release lever (6) is actuated either by the quick-opening element (12, 13, 14) or by the output disc (4).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the quick-opening element (12, 13, 14) has a deflection lever (12, 14) and a spring (13) arranged between the deflection lever (12, 14) and the release lever (6).

4. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring (13) generates a counterforce exceeding the opening force in normal operation.

5. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the spring (13) is designed as a helical reversible spring (13).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the deflection lever (12, 14) is designed in two parts with a coaxially rotatable disc lever (12) and an opening lever (14).

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the spring (13) is spaced apart from the two levers (12, 14) and is interposed between the two levers (12, 14).

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the output disc (4) meshes with a circular segment lever (5) which is mounted coaxially with the release lever (6).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the output disc (4) has a disc cam (11) acting on the quick-opening element (12, 13, 14).

10. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 9, characterized in that a quick-opening element (12, 13, 14) is arranged between the disc cam (11) and an opening cam (10) on the release lever (6).

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