DE102017101704A1 - Lock with a closing device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism (2) comprising a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), a closing device (9) with an electric drive (M) and a sensor ( 20) for detecting a position of the locking mechanism (2) and a control (S) for the closing device (9), wherein at least one means for detecting a position (20) of a means of the closing device (9) movable component is provided and the means for Detection (20) with the controller (S) cooperates.

Description

The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism comprising a catch and at least one pawl, a closing device with an electric drive and a sensor for detecting a position of the locking mechanism and a control for the closing device.

In order to increase the comfort in a motor vehicle and to allow the simplest possible operation of a motor vehicle, more and more comfort functions are integrated into the motor vehicle. For example, it is known that motor vehicle doors, flaps or hoods are closed by means of a closing device. On the one hand, this may be due to the fact that, on the one hand, easy closing of the door is made possible; on the other hand, this may be due to the fact that, for example, an exterior door handle is to be dispensed with in order to achieve a corresponding design or to simplify the operation, by the Door is independently lockable. Especially with fully automatic tailgates such Zuzieheinrichtungen are often in use. For example, these flaps can only be operated by a radio remote control without manual operation of the flap itself, for example.

For example, the concerns DE 101 40 365 A1 a power lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock, wherein the term "servo lock holder" is used for a lock holder, in which an automatic closing takes place. In this case, a locking bolt of the motor vehicle door lock is attached to an adjustable actuating oscillator. In addition, a drive for the actuating oscillator is provided. The drive transfers the actuating oscillator with the locking bolt and a locking bolt comprehensive the catch and consequently an associated door from a pre-locking position in a main rest position motor. An additional locking lever ensures that the actuating rocker is held in this position during manual transfer of the door from the pre-locking position to the main locking position.

Such provided with a Zuzieheinrichtung lock holder are basically used in all conceivable doors on a motor vehicle. Thus, not only an admission of side doors, but also of trunk flaps, tailgates or hoods is conceivable and is included in the invention. With the help of Zuzieheinrichtung realized in this way, the affected door or vehicle door can now be moved from the previously mentioned pre-locking position into a main locking position against the resistance of, for example, a seal.

Another constructive design of a Zuzieheinrichtung is the subject of DE 198 28 040 B4 , This is about a power-assisted locking device for doors, flaps, hoods or roofs of motor vehicles and in particular passenger cars, in which a pivotable stop element is arranged on a rotary latch. In addition, the pawl interacting with the catch also has a pivotable stop member. The two stop elements cooperate with a control disk during the opening or closing operation. The control disc is part of an actuator, with the help of both an opening and a closing operation can be effected.

In the DE 20 2008 015 089 U1 is so proceeded that a Achsgleich is provided to an axis of a catch of the locking mechanism mounted transfer lever. In addition, a drive pawl is mounted on a transmission element. The drive pawl is in turn connected to the drive by means of a Bowden cable or other means of connection.

In a generic state of the art a rotary latch is transferred from a pre-locking position to a main locking position by means of a Zuzieh- or drive pawl and with the aid of a Bowden cable with a separate external drive. The closing device has a Bowden cable, which is connected via a cam with a torque converter. An electric drive accesses this for example by means of a worm gear on a gear, wherein the gear additionally has a cam. The Bowden cable is connected to the cam in such a way that a drive path dependent torque can be generated.

Preferably, a progressively increasing torque is achieved, so that a different Zuziehmoment depending on the position of the cam on the catch can be provided. The torque converter thus generates a force dependent on the drive path, which is necessary for closing, that is to say a transfer of the rotary latch from a pre-locking position to a main locking position, necessary closing force. This is advantageous, for example, because when transferring the rotary latch from the pre-locking position to the main locking position, the rotary latch must be moved against a sealing pressure from, for example, a door seal.

The known Zuzieheinrichtungen in motor vehicle door closures have basically proven, but in practice often come up against limits or are in need of improvement. This can essentially be attributed to the fact that the power provided by the drive is sufficient and sufficient according to the generic state of the art also variable to the required force is adaptable, but to provide a comfort function in relation to larger Zuziehwege further measures are necessary. In other words, are not available for all comfort functions when pulling a motor vehicle solutions that meet all safety-related features in the automatic closing of motor vehicles.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved lock for a motor vehicle. Moreover, it is an object of the invention to provide a Zuzieheinrichtung for a castle, with the larger Zuziehwege for example, a motor vehicle door can be realized without the safety of the operator of a motor vehicle is impaired. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a structurally favorable and cost-saving solution.

The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not restrictive, but rather any variation possibilities of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a lock is provided for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism of a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a closing device with an electric drive and a sensor for detecting a position of the locking mechanism and a controller for the closing device, wherein at least one means for detecting a position of a means of the closing device movable member is provided and the means for detecting cooperates with the controller. As a result of the interaction according to the invention between the means for detecting a position of the component to be moved in combination with the closing device, the controller is able to detect the position of the component with exact position. In particular, there is the possibility that the movement which has been introduced by means of the closing device into the component, to interrupt at any time. The controller is thus able to interrupt the closing process, regardless of the position of the component during engagement with the closing device. The closing process can be interrupted by interrupting a flow of the closing device, for example by ejecting an engaged closing pawl and / or interrupting it by reversing the closing process. As a result, for example, an entrapment of an operator can be prevented.

Especially in the case of flaps or doors, very high closing forces must be provided, since the closing forces must close a door or flap against the pressure of a seal. If now the door or flap or another movable component is tightened in such a way that during the closing of a monitoring of the acted upon with the Zuziehmoment component is made, so the closing process can be interrupted.

As a lock for a motor vehicle different locks and actuators can be used. The lock can be used as a compact unit, for example in a side door, sliding door or in the range of flaps or covers or covers. In addition, it is also conceivable that, for example hood locks, auxiliary locks such as used in vans.

A ratchet in a motor vehicle lock has a catch and at least one pawl, wherein the catch is durable by means of the pawl in a locked position. Two-stage locking mechanisms consisting of a preliminary catch and a main catch as well as systems with one or two pawls are used.

On the ratchet acts a trigger lever, wherein the trigger lever, for example, by a pivoting movement brings the one or more pawls out of engagement with the locking latch. Preferably, the release lever is pivotally mounted in the motor vehicle lock and preferably in a housing and / or a lock case of the motor vehicle lock.

The closing device has an electromotive drive and cooperates with a torque converter. In this case, the electric drives can be arranged with the torque converter directly in the lock or interact as a separate module, for example by means of a Bowden cable directly or indirectly with the rotary latch. This means that, for example, an electric motor drive with a corresponding gear as a torque converter is designed as a separate module and the separate module is connected, for example by means of a Bowden cable with a lock housing of the castle. The Bowden cable soul can then be connected, for example, with a Zuziehklinke, the Zuziehklinke can act directly on the catch. The closing pawl is then pivotally mounted in the lock, in such a way that the closing pawl can be brought into engagement with the catch via the Zuziehweg.

However, it is also conceivable that the closing device is integrated directly on the lock or even in the lock. It is conceivable, for example, that the electric drive and the torque converter, for example in the form of a transmission, are directly connected to the rotary latch. For this purpose, for example, an electric motor interact with a spindle drive, wherein the spindle drive moves the closing pawl. The closing pawl can be arranged pivotably in this case in the lock, that the closing pawl can be brought into engagement with the catch via the closing path.

As a torque converter, for example, serve a transmission or a mechanism with which at least different forces or moments in the catch can be introduced. In this case, the torque converter makes it possible to generate at least regionally, that is to say a torque which can be changed over the closing stroke, so that the rotary latch can be acted upon by different forces or moments.

The closing takes place with continuous detection of the movement of the component, wherein the means for detecting the control transmits a signal, so that at any time of tightening the position of the component or the position of the means of the component drawn part of the motor vehicle can be determined. If, as described above, the closing device is a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle with which a side door of a motor vehicle is pulled, the position of the door and thus the gap during tightening can be determined by means of the detection means. As a gap here the measure between the moving door and the body is determined. In particular, the gap determines the area that is open for, for example, an operator's hand between the movable component, preferably the door, and the body when the door is closed.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is an advantage if the means for detecting a sensor or a switching means, in particular a micro-switch. As a means for detecting, for example, a rotation sensor can be used which detects the rotational movement of the moving component, in particular the rotary latch. In addition, however, it is also possible to use one, two or more microswitches which detect the movement individually and / or in combination and thus make it possible to determine a determination of the movement of the component and thus of the door or flap moved by means of the component. In this case, the movement of the door or flap itself can be detected, so that in combination with the control unit, the positions can be determined. Microswitches are inexpensive, whereas rotary sensors allow a very accurate determination of a moving component and its position.

It may be advantageous if only a partial monitoring of the closing takes place, namely when only areas of the gap must be monitored. In fact, the closing pawl falls only in a range of <10 mm, preferably <8 mm and more preferably ≤ 6 mm in the component to be moved. At this time, therefore, therefore, must first take place a monitoring of Zuziehvorganges. From a gap of ≤ 4 mm, it is no longer possible for an operator, for example with his fingers, to get into the gap between the door and the body, for example. The range <4 mm can then be excluded from monitoring, for example. Preferably, monitoring the gap dimension of 10-4 mm, preferably 8-4 mm and more preferably 6-4 mm is considered to be an advantageous embodiment.

The means for detecting a position cooperates with the controller in such a way that an interruption of the closing process can be effected by detecting a current increase in the electric drive. In particular, an increase in current indicates that the closing process is subject to a great deal of stress. If this current increase is evaluated by means of the controller, then the controller can determine whether the deviation of the current increase is such that the current increase lies outside a tolerance window, so that the closing process can be interrupted. For example, if the closing drive acts on a locking mechanism of a lock in a side door of a motor vehicle, then the door arrives, for example, in a main catch of the locking mechanism of the side door lock. Now begins the closing process, that is, for example, a Ziehiehklinke comes into engagement with the catch and moves the catch such that the catch is transferred from a pre-locking position to a main latching position. During this process, the closing device must move the door against the door seal, so that with increasing closing position and a reduction of the gap dimension, a higher force is needed for pulling. However, the force can be determined in a tolerance range, so that deviations outside the tolerance range or a predefinable tolerance window can be detected and the controller is able to interrupt the closing process, possibly eject the closing pawl and / or initiate a reversing of the closing process. The current increase can thus be utilized in an advantageous manner as a security measure when closing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable component is a door, a flap, a cover or a hood of a Motor vehicle. The movable component is moved by means of the closing device, wherein the component conforms to the motor vehicle or the body in such a way that no gap or only very small gap dimensions are present. On the one hand to achieve the best possible aerodynamics of the motor vehicle and on the other hand for aesthetic reasons, the gap dimensions are kept as low as possible or, for example, in the case of a convertible roof cover causes a secure closing. When closing and especially during automatic closing the risk of pinching an operator or a foreign body is always given. The possibility of detecting the increase in current during automatic closing used in the context of the invention then offers the advantage that an electronic control signal can be generated in order to interrupt the closing process.

If the closing device interacts directly with the locking mechanism or a retaining strap, this results in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. The closing takes place depending on the point of application of the closing device such that the components, such as flaps, covers or doors, are transferred from a first closed position to a second closed position. If, for example, a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle lock is pulled, then the door or flap can be transferred from a pre-locking position of the locking mechanism into a main locking position. If the closing device acts on the tether, it is also possible to move or pull the door or flap over a wider area. During the closing is continuously monitored whether the closing and in particular the current consumption of the drive in the tolerance range or tolerance window of the current consumption, so as to draw a conclusion on a possible hazard to an operator can.

If the rotary latch can be moved by means of the closing device, this results in an advantageous embodiment variant of the invention. A movement of the rotary latch can take place in such a way that, for example, a closing pawl engages positively and / or positively with the rotary latch. If the catch is moved by means of the closing device and, for example, by means of a closing pawl, the catch engaging with the lock holder can move the door or flap or seat from a first engagement position into the lock holder into the main catch position or an overstroke position. If excessive current consumption is detected on the drive during closing, the closing process can be interrupted. The inventive construction thus a maximum of security can be provided. Pinching or injury when pulling can thus be prevented.

In one embodiment, the means for detecting the position of the rotary latch is arranged. Advantageously, the sensor means can act directly on the catch, so that very precise and monitored over the important for an operator of the motor vehicle Zuziehbereich away. In particular, the area of the tightening, which can lead to injury or pinching, is of interest. By querying the position of the catch a very precise monitoring of the gap or a conclusion on the gap is possible because of the engagement conditions between the catch and lock holder can be very accurately based on the gap of the door.

A further embodiment results when a variable Zuziehmoment be provided by means of the closing device. Independently of the monitoring of the closing movement, a changing closing torque can be controlled by the controller, a tolerance window being monitored at each instant so that the current can not deviate beyond the tolerance window without the controller generating at least one warning signal or the closing process interrupts, releases the catch or reverses the closing process. In any way thus can be prevented for the operator jamming and it can not cause injury to the operator.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to an embodiment. However, it is the principle that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an embodiment. The illustrated features may be performed individually or in combination with other features of the specification as well as the claims individually or in combination.

• 1 eine prinzipielle Darstellung eines Teils einer Zuzieheinrichtung in einem Kraftfahrzeugschloss mit einem Gesperre mit einer Vorrast und einer Hauptrast, und
• 2 ein Kraftwegdiagramm mit einer Darstellung eines Kräfteverlaufs über eine erste Zuziehbewegung und eine zweite Zuziehbewegung.

It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a part of a Zuzieheinrichtung in a motor vehicle lock with a locking mechanism with a pre-rest and a main rest, and
• 2 a Kraftwegdiagramm with a representation of a course of forces over a first Zuziehbewegung and a second Zuziehbewegung.

In the 1 is part of a motor vehicle lock 1 played. Shown is a locking mechanism 2 from a rotary latch 3 , a pre-ratchet pawl 4 and a main latch 5 , The catch 3 is about an axis 6 and pawls 4 . 5 around an axis 7 pivotally mounted. To reach a closed position is the catch 3 around the axis 6 in the direction of the arrow P pivotable to Example in a lock plate of the motor vehicle lock 1 storable. Shown in the 1 the pre-locking position, wherein the Vorrastsperrklinke 4 with a locking contour 8th at the rotary latch 3 can be brought into engagement.

Shown is still as part of the closing device 9 a closing pawl 10 , a recording 11 , a traction device 12 and a bowden cable soul 13 , wherein the traction means 12 and the Bowden cable soul 13 Part of a Bowden cable 12 . 13 could be. The closing pawl 10 is pivotable over a Zuziehweg Z taken in the motor vehicle lock. The Zuziehweg Z is as a dotted line and as a circular arc in the 1 located. Also shown is the lock holder 14 , the lock holder 14 in the pre-locking position already with the catch 3 engaged.

The closing pawl 10 as well as the catch 3 can each have a contour 15 , 16, which is formed such that upon reaching the rotary latch 3 with the lock holder 14 a traction, that is, for example, only a frictional connection between Ziehiehklinke 10 and catch 3 can be produced. On the one hand, the rotary latch contour 15 but also the closing latch contour 16 be designed such that in a first Zuziehweg a frictional connection can be achieved, whereas on a second Zuziehweg a positive connection can be achieved.

In the 2 is a diagram shown, the Zuziehweg Z in millimeters on the closing force in Newton is reproduced. Entered is a pre-rest position VR and a main stop position MR , In addition, there is an overstroke position ÜH re-entered, as the Zuzieheinrichtung 9 moved the catch into an overstroke position, so that the main latch 5 in the locking contour 8th can intervene. A pre-locking position is usually at a door gap of about 6 mm. In the main position the door is closed. The overstroke position indicates the path of the catch, which the catch travels over the main catch position, so that the pawl 5 in the locking contour 8th the catch 3 can come up. In this embodiment and the embodiment of the 1 is a locking mechanism 2 with two pawls 4 . 5 played. Of course, it is also conceivable that only one pawl 4, 5 is present.

The Zuziehweg Z describes the path over which the Ziehiehklinke 10 the catch 3 driven by an electric motor. According to the invention, the closing pawl engages 10 already then, if the catch 3 has come into engagement with the lock holder 14. In the in the 2 Diagram shown is a Zuziehweg Z of 10 mm plus an overstroke. The closing pawl 10 moves the catch 3 in the direction of the arrow P about a Zuziehweg of a door gap of 10 mm to a door gap of 4 mm. This is the catch 3 moved with a force of 100 Newton or moved into the closed position. The Kraftwegverlauf is denoted by K in the diagram. The course of the force path over the precession from a door gap of 4 mm to the closing of the door in the main catch or in an overstroke ÜH is shown in the diagram FO designated.

How clear from the 2 it can be seen, the Zuziehbewegung invention is not at the locking positions VR . MR bound. Rather, it is conceivable according to the invention, the adhesion so far in the direction of the main detent position MR to lay in that the door or flap is already closed for the most part. Only when large forces to close, for example against the pressure of a door seal, are necessary, a positive connection FO between closing latch 10 and catch 3 generated, whereby a safe closing and holding the catch is possible.

In addition, the force paths of the known from the prior art Zuzieheinrichtungen are entered in the diagram. A Zuziehbewegung according to a progressively increasing force or a progressively increasing moment is with the line of force 17 and an indirectly introduced with the pre-restraining force to the overstroke with the line of force 18 entered in the diagram.

During the closing is by means of Zuziehklinke 10 a torque in the direction of the arrow P in the catch 3 initiated. The torque is proportional to a current consumption and proportional to a force F in the 2 is entered in the ordinate axis. Now results during the closing of a line of force 17 . 18 who is above the traction K and the line of force 17 respectively. 18 results, so by means of the control a tolerance window TO be specified, which may not be exceeded. Achieve the power F a limit force line 19 as they dashed in the 2 is drawn, there is the possibility that the controller interrupts the closing process.

Results during a normal customary closing during the traction KO or the positive connection FO an excessive force, so the limit force line 19 and thus the tolerance window TO is exceeded, it can be detected by means of the control pinching and / or obstruction during the closing. The inventive design and in particular by detecting the increase in current in the drive, it is possible to identify a malfunction and initiate a suitable countermeasure.

The current increase is thus as a measure of a proper course of the closing process. A malfunction or jamming are detected here by means of an excessive current or an excessive force, so that an interruption, notching of Zuziehantriebs and / or reversing the Zuziehantriebs can be initiated.

A sensor as means for detecting a position 20 is exemplary in the 1 shown. The sensor 20 For example, as a rotary encoder, the rotational movement of the rotary latch 3 capture or be designed, for example, as a micro-switch, so that also the closing movement Z is detectable. The sensor 20 is directly with the controller S connected, the controller S again monitors the power input of the motor M. The controller is thus able, starting from the movement signal of the sensor 20 to set the current consumption of the motor M in proportion and thus to determine an excessive force or an excessive current consumption of the motor M with respect to the closing process. If the force exceeds the force limit line 19 or is an excessive current consumption at the motor M by means of the controller S determined, the Zuziehvorgang can be interrupted. Advantageously, for example, according to the 1 the closing pawl 10 out of engagement with the catch 3 to be brought.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Motor vehicle lock

2

ratchet

3

catch

4

Vorrastsperrklinke

5

Main catch pawl

6.7

axis

8th

catch contour

9

power closing

10

tightening pawl

11

admission

12

traction means

13

Bowden cable

14

Castle holder

15

Rotary latch contour

16

Zuziehklinkenkontur

17, 18

Lines of force

19

Border power line

20

sensor

P

arrow

Z

Zuziehweg

VR

first position

MR

primary position

ÜH

blowout

K

traction

FO

form-fit

F

force

TO

tolerance window

S

control

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10140365 A1 [0003]
• DE 19828040 B4 [0005]
• DE 202008015089 U1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Lock (1) for a motor vehicle having a locking mechanism (2) comprising a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), a closing device (9) with an electric drive (M) and a sensor (20) for detecting a Position of the locking mechanism (2) and a control (S) for the closing device (9), characterized in that at least one means for detecting a position (20) of a means of the closing device (9) movable member is provided and the means for detecting ( 20) cooperates with the controller (S). Lock (1) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the means for detecting (20) is a sensor and / or a switching means, in particular a micro-switch. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the means for detecting (20) a position in such a way with the controller (S) cooperates, that by means of detecting a current increase in the electric drive (M) interrupting the closing process is effected. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that by means of the means for detecting (20) a position, a gap when monitoring the moving component can be monitored. Lock (1) to Claim 4 , characterized in that up to a gap of 6 mm, preferably 5 mm, and more preferably 4 mm interrupting the closing operation by means of the controller (S) is possible. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the movable component is a door, a flap, a cover and / or hood of a motor vehicle. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the closing device (9) interacts directly with the locking mechanism (2) or a retaining strap. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that by means of the closing device (9), the rotary latch (3) is movable. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the means for detecting (20) the position on the rotary latch (3) is arranged. Castle (1) after one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that by means of the closing device (9) a variable Zuziehmoment is available.

Images