DE102017111155A1 - Actuator for adjustable outside door handle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with a drive for a motor vehicle lock module. To provide an easy-to-use outside door handle, a motor vehicle lock module drive (10) is provided having an actuator (12) for generating a first actuating force for moving an outside door handle from a rest position to an activating position and generating a second one Operating force for opening a vehicle lock. A first mechanical connection port (14) for transmitting the first actuating force to the outside door handle is provided, with which the outside door handle can be brought into its activation position. In addition, a second mechanical connection terminal (16) is provided for transmitting the second actuating force to the vehicle lock, with which the vehicle lock can be opened.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drive for a motor vehicle lock module, with a motor vehicle lock module, with a motor vehicle door module and with a method for opening a motor vehicle door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outside door handles are used in motor vehicles to open a door lock from the outside. For various reasons, e.g. Aerodynamics, acoustics, feel, design and comfort, door handles are also used, in which the handle with a drive from a rest position, i. Stowed position, is moved to an extended position in which the handle is used to open the vehicle door. However, it has been found that there is a need to further improve user comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an easy to use outside door handle available.

This object is achieved by a drive for a motor vehicle lock module, by a motor vehicle lock module, by a motor vehicle door module and by a method for opening a motor vehicle door according to one of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments are given in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a drive for a motor vehicle lock module is provided. The drive includes an actuator for generating a first actuating force for moving an outside door handle from a rest position to an activating position and generating a second operating force for opening a vehicle lock. A first mechanical connection connection is provided for transmitting the first actuating force to the outside door handle, with which the outside door handle can be brought into its activation position. A second mechanical connection terminal is provided for transmitting the second actuating force to the vehicle lock with which the vehicle lock can be opened, i. can be opened.

The drive thus has a single actuator for generating the first and the second actuating force. Since the actuator is connected to both the outside door handle and the vehicle lock, one and the same actuator can be used for the mechanical activation of the two functions. The mechanical activation can also be called auxiliary drive or servo drive. The mechanical activation of outside door handle and opening of the vehicle lock is carried out by the actuator in the control mode, i. normally. Only in case of failure of the actuator, for example in case of failure of the power supply to an electric actuator, an additional manual operation of the vehicle lock and the outside door handle can be provided.

The drive thus combines two functions (showing the outside door handle and opening the vehicle lock), for the motor-driven operation of a common drive in the form of the actuator is provided. The drive is therefore a bi-functional or dual drive and the one actuator can be referred to as a dual actuator. By using the actuator for the two different tasks weight, space and cost can be saved. The thus designed drive gives an easy to use outside door handle. User comfort is enhanced, among other things, by the fact that the handle not only extends automatically to generate the signal for opening the door, but also that the door is opened automatically with the same drive.

The "drive" can also be referred to as a motor drive.

The "vehicle lock" can also be referred to as a door lock.

The term "door" refers to motor vehicle doors, e.g. Pivoting or sliding doors, or gullwing doors, but also includes automotive doors, motor vehicle covers or motor vehicle hoods, such as tailgates, trunk lids or engine compartment hoods.

The term "outside door handle" therefore also includes outside handles, i. externally accessible handles and actuating devices of motor vehicle flaps, motor vehicle covers or motor vehicle hoods.

An extendable outside door handle for the operation is also referred to by the English term "deployable handle".

The movement of the outside door handle from the rest position to the activation position (and back) can be done with different movement mechanisms. For example, the outside door handle can be issued in parallel, or be unfolded or swung over a pivot point, or be extended. Moving the outside door handle from the rest position to the activating position can also be seen as exhibiting, unfolding, Swinging or extending the outside door handle are called.

The "rest position" can also be referred to as stowage position or folded, pivoted or retracted position. The "activation position" may also be referred to as an operating position or unfolded, swung out or extended position.

The term "opening the vehicle lock" refers to the release of a striker, with the door is held in the closed state with the vehicle lock. The opening of the vehicle lock, for example, refers to moving a catch to release the striker.

According to one example, the first actuating force and the second actuating force can be generated one after the other. In one option, the actuator for generating the first and second actuating forces acts in a same direction.

In an alternative example, the actuator acts to generate the first actuating force in a first direction and to generate the second actuating force in a second direction. The first direction is different than the second direction, for example, the two directions are in opposite directions.

In one example, the actuator is an electric motor. Preferably, the electric motor for generating the first and the second actuating force is operable in a same direction of rotation.

The actuator is, for example, an electric actuator, for example as a linearly operable electromagnetic actuator (electromagnetic actuator) or as a rotatably operable electromagnetic actuator (electric motor).

In an alternative example, the actuator is designed as a pneumatic actuator.

According to one example, a two-stage clutch is provided, which couples the actuator in a first coupling position with the outside door handle and which couples the actuator in a second coupling position with the vehicle lock.

The first coupling position is also referred to as the basic position. The second coupling position is also referred to as the open position.

For example, the outside door handle is temporarily engaged in the first coupling position and the vehicle lock is temporarily disengaged or decoupled in the first coupling position.

For example, the vehicle lock is temporarily engaged in the second coupling position and the outside door handle is temporarily disengaged or decoupled in the second coupling position.

In another example, in the first coupling position, the outside door handle is engaged while the vehicle lock is disengaged; and in the second coupling position the outside door handle and the vehicle lock are engaged. For example, the door handle will continue to move when the lock is opened.

In another example, in the first coupling position, the outside door handle and the vehicle lock are engaged; and in the second coupling position the outside door handle is disengaged or uncoupled and the vehicle lock is engaged. The vehicle lock, for example, initially brought parallel to the door handle movement in a pre-open position in which it is not yet open, but is merely brought into a position preparing the opening.

In another example, the clutch is formed integrally with the actuator.

In another example, the clutch and the actuator are separately formed.

According to one example, the coupling can be activated by the first mechanical connection connection, so that a change from the first to the second coupling position by means of the outside door handle can be activated.

According to the invention, a motor vehicle lock module is provided which has an outside door handle, a vehicle lock, a drive according to one of the preceding examples and a sensor device. A first mechanical connection couples the first mechanical connection terminal of the actuator with the outside door handle; a second mechanical connection couples the second mechanical connection terminal of the actuator to the vehicle lock. With the sensor device, a first signal can be generated for activating the actuator in order to generate the first actuating force. With the sensor device and a second signal can be generated to activate the electric actuator to produce the second actuating force.

The actuator is for example an electric or pneumatic actuator.

The actuator is thus both for the movement of the outside door handle in its extended Position responsible, as well as for the mechanical opening of the vehicle lock.

The term "coupled" refers to the mechanical connection for power transmission.

The first signal, for example, leads to an extension or unfolding of the outside door handle. The second signal leads, for example, to an opening of the vehicle lock.

The sensor device may have one or two or more sensors.

According to one example, the drive is integrated with the outside door handle. With the second mechanical connection, a force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable. In one option, the second mechanical connection is a Bowden cable, with which a tensile force can be transmitted from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock.

The first mechanical connection may be formed as a direct connection from the drive to a movement mechanism of the outside door handle, e.g. by direct mechanical coupling of positioning or movement elements.

If the drive is located in the (outer) handle, a false signal for the opening of the door lock is excluded because the signal is only generated when the door handle is in the activation position.

According to one example, the drive is integrated with the vehicle lock. With the first mechanical connection, a force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable. In one option, the first mechanical connection is a Bowden cable, with which a tensile force can be transmitted from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle.

The second mechanical connection may be formed as a direct connection from the drive to the moving mechanism of the vehicle lock, e.g. by direct mechanical coupling of positioning or movement elements.

The term "integrated" refers for example to the arrangement of the drive within the same housing as the vehicle lock, or within the same housing as the vehicle handle. In another example, "integrated" refers to attachment to the housing of the vehicle lock or handle.

According to one example, the drive between the outside door handle and the vehicle lock is arranged. With the first mechanical connection, a force can be transmitted from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle. With the second mechanical connection, a force can be transmitted from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock. In one option, the first mechanical connection is a first Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable; and the second mechanical connection is a second Bowden cable with which a tensile force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable.

The arrangement of the drive can be done for example at a separate location within a vehicle door.

According to an example, the sensor device has a first sensor which generates the first signal in order to move the outside door handle with the actuator into its activation position. Preferably, the first sensor is designed as a proximity sensor which detects a hand approaching the outside door handle at a first distance.

The generation of the first signal may be coupled to an example immediately preceding detection of unlocking the vehicle lock. The unlocking can be done for example via the detection of a key located nearby, for example via wireless detection.

According to one example, the sensor device has a second sensor which generates the second signal in order to open the vehicle lock with the actuator. Preferably, the second sensor is a trigger sensor which i) detects a hand approaching the outside door handle at a second distance less than the first distance; and / or ii) detects one or more fingers moving behind the outside door handle which is in its activation position; and / or iii) detects a tensile force applied to the outside door handle located in its activation position.

The tensile force can be, for example, a first tensile force in which the outside door handle can not be moved or only minimally moved.

According to one example, the outside door handle is held in the rest position with a first holding force. The outside door handle is movable by applying a first manual opening force, which is greater than the first holding force, to a manual activation position, from which the vehicle lock can be opened via a mechanical connection.

According to one example, the outside door handle is in the activation position or in the manual activation position with a second holding force held. By applying a second manual opening force, which is greater than the second holding force, the outside door handle can be moved to a manual opening position in which the vehicle lock can be opened via a mechanical connection.

This provides, for example, an emergency opening function.

According to the invention, a motor vehicle door module is provided which has a multi-functional support for a motor vehicle door and a motor vehicle lock module according to one of the preceding examples. At least one element from the group of exterior door handle, vehicle lock, drive and sensor device is attached to the multi-function mount. The multifunctional bracket can be attached to a door support structure.

The multifunction bracket is also referred to as a multifunction bracket, MFB.

For example, the outside door handle, the vehicle lock and the drive are attached to the multifunction bracket.

According to the invention there is also provided a method of opening a motor vehicle door, comprising the steps of: a) generating a first actuating force with an actuator and moving an outside door handle of a motor vehicle door from a rest position to an activating position; and b) generating a second actuating force with the actuator and opening a vehicle lock of the motor vehicle door. The first actuating force is transmitted to the outside door handle with a first mechanical connection port to bring the outside door handle into its activating position. The second actuating force is transmitted to the vehicle lock with a second mechanical connection terminal to open the vehicle lock.

In one example, for step a), a first signal is generated by a sensor device when a hand approaching the outside door handle approaching a first distance is detected. In one option, for step b), a second signal is generated by the sensor device when i) a hand is detected approaching the outside door handle to a second distance less than the first distance; and / or ii) one or more fingers are detected which move behind the outside door handle, which is in its activation position; and / or iii) detecting a tensile force applied to the outside door handle located in its activating position.

According to one aspect of the invention, a combination of door handle movement and door lock opening is provided. For this purpose, a single motor is provided which performs both functions, i. Moving the door handle and opening the door lock.

It should be noted that the features of the embodiments of the drive for a motor vehicle lock module also apply to embodiments of the motor vehicle lock module, for embodiments of the motor vehicle door module and for embodiments of the method for opening a motor vehicle door and vice versa. In addition, those features can be freely combined with each other, where this is not explicitly mentioned.

list of figures

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Beispiels eines Antriebs für ein Kraftfahrzeugschlossmodul.
• 2 zeigt ein weiteres Beispiel eines Antriebs für ein Kraftfahrzeugschlossmodul mit einer zweistufigen Kupplung.
• 3 zeigt ein Beispiel für ein Kraftfahrzeugtürmodul.
• 4 zeigt ein Beispiel für Schritte eines Verfahrens zum Öffnen einer Kraftfahrzeugtür.

Hereinafter, reference will be made to embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a drive for a motor vehicle lock module.
• 2 shows another example of a drive for a motor vehicle lock module with a two-stage clutch.
• 3 shows an example of a motor vehicle door module.
• 4 shows an example of steps of a method for opening a motor vehicle door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a drive 10 for a motor vehicle lock module. The drive 10 has an actuator 12 for generating a first operating force for moving an outside door handle from a rest position to an activating position and a second operating force for opening a vehicle lock. A first mechanical connection connection 14 is provided for transmitting the first actuating force to the outside door handle, with which the outside door handle can be brought into its activation position. There is also a second mechanical connection port 16 provided for transmitting the second actuating force to the vehicle lock with which the vehicle lock can be opened.

For example, the first actuating force and the second actuating force can be generated one after the other. In one option, the actuator for generating the first and second actuating forces acts in the same direction.

For example, the actuator is an electric motor. In one option, the electric motor is operable to generate the first and second actuating forces in a same direction of rotation.

2 shows an example of a drive with a two-stage clutch 18 , which couples the actuator in a first coupling position with the outside door handle, and which engages the actuator in a second coupling position with the vehicle lock.

For example, the coupling can be activated by the first mechanical connection connection, so that a change from the first to the second coupling position can be activated by means of the outside door handle.

3 shows a motor vehicle lock module 50 that has an outside door handle 52 , a vehicle lock 54 , a drive 56 according to one of the preceding examples and a sensor device 58 having. A first mechanical connection 60 couples the first mechanical connection terminal of the electric actuator with the outside door handle 52 , A second mechanical connection 62 couples the second mechanical connection terminal of the electric actuator with the vehicle lock 54 , With the sensor device is a first signal 64 producible for activating the electric actuator for generating the first operating force. With the sensor device is also a second signal 66 producible for activating the electric actuator for generating the second operating force.

For example, the drive is integrally formed with the outside door handle. With the second mechanical connection 62 is a force from the outside door handle 52 to the vehicle lock 54 transferable. As an option, it is provided that the second mechanical connection is a Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable.

In an example, not shown, the drive is integrated with the vehicle lock formed. With the first mechanical connection, a force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable. As an option, it is provided that the first mechanical connection is a Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable.

For example, the drive is as in 3 indicated, arranged between the outside door handle and the vehicle lock. With the first mechanical connection, a force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable; and with the second mechanical connection, a force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable.

For example, the first mechanical connection is a first Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable; and the second mechanical connection is a second Bowden cable with which a tensile force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable.

For example, the sensor device has a first sensor which generates the first signal in order to move the outside door handle with the actuator into its activation position. Further preferably, the first sensor is designed as a proximity sensor which detects a hand approaching the outside door handle at a first distance.

For example, the sensor device has a second sensor which generates the second signal in order to open the vehicle lock with the actuator. Further, preferably, the second sensor is a triggering sensor which i) detects a hand approaching the outside door handle at a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance; and / or ii) detects one or more fingers moving past the outside door handle which is in its activation position; and / or iii) detects a tensile force applied to the outside door handle located in its activation position.

In an example, not shown, it is provided that the outside door handle is held in the rest position with a first holding force. The outside door handle can be moved by applying a first manual opening force, which is greater than the first holding force, into a manual activation position, from which the vehicle lock can be opened via a mechanical connection.

In an example, also not shown, it is provided that the outside door handle is held in the activation position or in the manual activation position with a second holding force. In one option, by applying a second manual opening force, which is greater than the second holding force, the outside door handle can be moved to a manual open position, in which the vehicle lock can be opened via a mechanical connection.

For example, a (not shown in detail) motor vehicle door module is provided. The motor vehicle door module has a multi-function holder for a motor vehicle door, and a motor vehicle lock module according to one of the preceding examples. At least one element from the group of exterior door handle, vehicle lock, drive and sensor device is attached to the multi-function mount. The multifunctional bracket can be attached to a door support structure.

4 shows a method 100 for opening a motor vehicle door, comprising the following steps: In a first step 102 , also referred to as step a), generates a first actuating force with an actuator and moving an outside door handle of a motor vehicle door from a rest position to an activation position. In a second step 104 Also referred to as step b), a second actuating force is generated with the actuator and opening a vehicle lock of the vehicle door. The first actuating force is transmitted to the outside door handle with a first mechanical connection port to bring the outside door handle into its activating position. The second actuating force is transmitted to the vehicle lock with a second mechanical connection terminal to open the vehicle lock.

The embodiments described above can be combined in different ways. In particular, aspects of the devices may also be used for the embodiments of the method and vice versa.

In addition, it should be noted that "encompassing" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a multitude. It should also be appreciated that features or steps described with reference to any of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims (15)

A drive (10) for a motor vehicle lock module, comprising: - An actuator (12) for generating a first actuating force for moving an outside door handle from a rest position to an activation position and a second actuating force for opening a vehicle lock; wherein a first mechanical connection terminal (14) is provided for transmitting the first actuating force to the outside door handle, with which the outside door handle can be brought into its activation position; and wherein a second mechanical connection terminal (16) is provided for transmitting the second actuating force to the vehicle lock, with which the vehicle lock is openable. Drive to Claim 1 wherein the first actuating force and the second actuating force are successively producible; and wherein, preferably, the actuator for generating the first and the second actuating force acts in a same direction. Drive to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the actuator is an electric motor; and wherein, preferably, the electric motor is operable to generate the first and second actuating forces in a same direction of rotation. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a two-stage clutch (18) is provided, which couples the actuator in a first coupling position with the outside door handle, and which couples the actuator in a second coupling position with the vehicle lock. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling can be activated by the first mechanical connection terminal, so that a change from the first to the second coupling position by means of the outside door handle can be activated. A motor vehicle lock module (50), comprising: - An outside door handle (52); - A vehicle lock (54); - A drive (56) according to one of the preceding claims; and a sensor device (58); wherein a first mechanical connection (60) couples the first mechanical connection terminal of the actuator to the outside door handle; wherein a second mechanical connection (62) couples the second mechanical connection terminal of the actuator to the vehicle lock; wherein the sensor means a first signal (64) is generated for activating the electric actuator for generating the first actuating force; and wherein with the sensor device, a second signal (66) can be generated for activating the electric actuator for generating the second actuating force. Motor vehicle lock module according to Claim 6 wherein the drive is integrated with the outside door handle formed; and wherein with the second mechanical connection, a force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable; and wherein, preferably, the second mechanical connection is a Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable. Motor vehicle lock module according to Claim 6 wherein the drive is formed integrally with the vehicle lock; and wherein with the first mechanical connection, a force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable; and wherein, preferably, the first mechanical connection is a Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable. Motor vehicle lock module according to Claim 6 wherein the drive between the outside door handle and the vehicle lock is arranged; and wherein with the first mechanical connection, a force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable; and with the second mechanical connection, a force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable; and wherein, preferably, the first mechanical connection is a first Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the vehicle lock to the outside door handle is transferable; and the second mechanical connection is a second Bowden cable, with which a tensile force from the outside door handle to the vehicle lock is transferable. Motor vehicle lock module according to one of Claims 6 to 9 wherein the sensor means comprises a first sensor which generates the first signal to move the outside door handle with the actuator to its activation position; and wherein, preferably, the first sensor is configured as a proximity sensor detecting a hand approaching the outside door handle at a first distance; Motor vehicle lock module according to one of Claims 6 to 10 wherein the sensor means comprises a second sensor which generates the second signal to open the vehicle lock with the actuator; and wherein, preferably, the second sensor is a trigger sensor that: i) detects a hand approaching the outside door handle at a second distance; wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and / or ii) detects one or more fingers moving past the outside door handle which is in its activation position; and / or iii) detects a tensile force applied to the outside door handle located in its activation position. Motor vehicle lock module according to one of Claims 6 to 11 wherein the outside door handle is held in the rest position with a first holding force; and wherein the outside door handle is movable by applying a first manual opening force, which is greater than the first holding force, to a manual activation position, from which the vehicle lock can be opened via a mechanical connection. Motor vehicle lock module according to one of Claims 6 to 12 wherein the outside door handle is held in the activating position or in the manual activating position with a second holding force; and wherein the outside door handle is movable by applying a second manual opening force, which is greater than the second holding force, in a manual open position, in which the vehicle lock can be opened via a mechanical connection. A motor vehicle door module, comprising: - a multifunction bracket for a motor vehicle door; and a motor vehicle lock module according to any one of Claims 6 to 13 ; wherein at least one of the group of outside door handle, vehicle lock, drive and sensor device is attached to the multi-function mount; and wherein the multi-function mount is attachable to a door support structure. A method (100) for opening a motor vehicle door comprising the steps of: a) generating (102) a first actuating force with an actuator and moving an outside door handle of a motor vehicle door from a rest position to an activating position; and b) generating (104) a second actuating force with the actuator and opening a vehicle lock of the motor vehicle door; wherein the first actuating force is transmitted to the outside door handle with a first mechanical connection terminal for bringing the outside door handle into its activating position; and wherein the second actuating force is transmitted to the vehicle lock with a second mechanical connection terminal to open the vehicle lock.

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