EP1026345B1 - Lock comprising a system for electrically assisted opening of a vehicle wing - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lock for a vehicle leaf, of the kind that include an electrical assistance system the opening comprising an electric motor suitable for driving an organ opening control in response to a power supply, and a control system activated by a so-called electric stroke of a manual means to ensure the electrical supply of the motor.

The invention applies to any vehicle door lock, physical opening is carried out via such an electrical system or electromechanical.

The introduction of this kind of lock (assistance and / or replacement of the mechanical opening function) is already effective on certain vehicle doors, such as tailgate or trunk, and tends to generalize, especially to side door locks, as described in document DE 197 13 863 C.

However, the installation of these locks on the side doors poses a safety problem for transported persons. Indeed, in case failure of the electronic control system, it can trigger an unwanted feed causing an opening untimely opening, in particular of the side door. This creates a significant risk, for example of falling on the road.

There is no such risk with a mechanical system traditional control since the door cannot be opened carried out only if the lever travel dedicated to this function has been carried out by manual means, handle or pallet, necessarily operated by an user.

The object of the invention is, above all, to provide a lock for vehicle opening comprising an electrical assistance system the opening in which an untimely opening of the lock, by example due to a failure of the electronic control system, cannot take place. It is also desirable that the means put in place work to obtain this result are of a simple realization and economical, and highly reliable.

According to the invention, a lock for a vehicle door leaf of the genre defined above, is characterized by the fact that the manual means can carry out an additional stroke beyond the electric stroke for mechanical opening backup in the event of power failure, that the lock comprises a mechanical locking means of the drive by the system the control member in the closed position, and that mechanical blocking release means are provided to be actuated during a first part of the stroke of the manual means, which precedes the electric race.

The invention therefore consists in using a backup link mechanical to block the electric opening assistance as long as it emergency link is not used (for example by pulling a pallet). In this way, any electrical opening order can only be carried out following a request from the user.

The invention, in a way, consisted in introducing a additional breakdown of the stroke of the manual means. according to the invention, the stroke of the manual means (handle or pallet) instead of divided into two as explained above, has three parts: first part, which is positioned before the electric race (second part), unblocks or releases the opening system electric; the purely mechanical third part provides assistance in electrical failure.

Advantageously, the mechanical locking means comprises a safety lever, the release of the electric opening system being obtained by a rotation of the lever controlled by the first part of the stroke of manual means. Preferably, the safety lever is recalled in the locking position by elastic means. Manual means can be connected by a cable to the safety lever.

The opening control member may be constituted by a rotary lever. This opening lever can be driven directly by the electrical assistance system, and may include a stop specific to cooperate with part of the safety lever so that in position blocking the rotation of the rotary lever allowing the opening of the lock is prevented, even if the electric motor is powered.

According to an advantageous variant, the lock is arranged to so as never to be trapped, so as not to render the rescue ineffective exterior opening mechanism. For this, the lock includes, between the electric assistance system and the opening control unit, transmission means which comprise a first element linked in rotation to the electrical assistance system and a second element linked in rotation to the control member, the first element being able to drive the second element in the direction of opening while the second element is free to rotate relative to the first element in the direction of the opening, the mechanical locking means cooperating with the first element, while mechanical rescue cooperates with the second element; thus, despite a blockage of the electrical system following a incident or as a result of a failure preventing release of the means of mechanical blocking, it is possible to control the opening manually by action on the mechanical emergency.

The first element of the means of transmission can be constituted by a first transmission lever actuated by the system electric, and the second element can consist of a second transmission lever linked in rotation to the opening control member.

The first transmission lever is preferably arranged between the second transmission lever and the control member for rotate around the same geometric axis, the first lever transmission being mounted to rotate freely on a shaft linked to the second transmission lever and to the control unit. This tree can be provided at one end with a square section on which is engaged a second lever square opening.

The layout of this variant therefore consists of a splitting of the transmission between the electrical system and the opening command. A first transmission lever is actuated by the electrical system, while a second, free transmission lever relative to the first in the opening direction, is actuated by the mechanical rescue.

This mechanical assistance may include a pivoting arm provided to control the opening, in the event of a power failure, under the action of medium manual.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, in a number of other provisions which it will be more Explicitly question below about described embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, but which are in no way limiting.

• la figure 1, est une vue schématique d'une partie de la serrure selon l'invention, en position de fermeture avec blocage mécanique ;
• la figure 2 est une vue partielle d'éléments de la figure 1, le levier de sécurité étant en position de libération ;
• la figure 3 est une vue partielle en élévation d'une variante de réalisation de la serrure, en position de fermeture ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique partielle en perspective de dessous par rapport à la figure 3, à plus grande échelle ;
• la figure 5 montre, semblablement à la figure 3, une partie des pièces de la serrure en début de course de la palette extérieure de commande d'ouverture ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de dessous par rapport à la figure 5 ;
• la figure 7 montre, semblablement aux figures 3 et 5, la configuration des pièces en fin d'ouverture de la serrure commandée par le système électrique, et
• la figure 8, est une vue en perspective de dessous par rapport à la figure 7.

On the drawing :

• Figure 1 is a schematic view of part of the lock according to the invention, in the closed position with mechanical locking;
• Figure 2 is a partial view of elements of Figure 1, the safety lever being in the release position;
• Figure 3 is a partial elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the lock, in the closed position;
• Figure 4 is a partial schematic perspective view from below relative to Figure 3, on a larger scale;
• FIG. 5 shows, similarly to FIG. 3, a part of the parts of the lock at the start of travel of the external opening control pallet;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view from below with respect to Figure 5;
• FIG. 7 shows, similarly to FIGS. 3 and 5, the configuration of the parts at the end of the opening of the lock controlled by the electrical system, and
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view from below with respect to FIG. 7.

Referring to Figure 1, we can see a lock S for opening of a vehicle comprising an electric system A for assistance with the opening. The opening consists of two parts (not shown on the drawing), namely a fixed frame and a movable part, for example a door vehicle, surrounded by the frame in the closed position.

The assistance system A comprises an electric motor 1 schematically represented, constituted for example by a gear motor electric. The motor 1 is suitable for driving a member 2 of control of the opening of the lock in response to a power supply electric provided by an electronic control system 3.

The control member 2 of the opening is constituted by a lever 4 rotatably mounted on an axis 5 provided on a first part of the opening and returned to the closed position of Figure 1 by elastic means not shown. Lever 4 cooperates with a pawl 6 having an extension 7 pressing against a spout 8 of the lever 4.

The opening lever 4 can rotate the pawl 6 by one closed position, in which the pawl retains a bolt (not shown) in the closed state, in an open position allowing the bolt to escape and the lock to open. The rotational movement of the lever 4 in the proper direction around its axis 5 to release the bolt can be controlled directly by motor 1 when supplied with electric energy.

The steering system 3 is actuated by a racing part called electric manual means 9, such as a pallet, controlled by the user and being able, for example, to pivot around an axis 10. During the electric stroke part, the paddle 9 actuates a sensor 11, by example a micro-contact or a passage detector, which triggers the control system 3 for powering the motor 1.

Pallet 9 is intended to act, by non-connecting means shown, on a mechanical emergency such as a mounted emergency arm 12 rotatable around an axis 13 arranged on the same part of the sash as the axis 5. The arm 12 has, at one end, a pusher 14 which can drive mechanically lever 4 in the opening direction (opposite direction clockwise according to Figure 1) around axis 5, when the paddle 9 performs an additional stroke part located beyond the electric stroke.

Thus, in the event of a breakdown of the electric assistance, it is possible to mechanically control the opening of the lock using this additional race part.

Unexpected opening of the lock, for example as a result a failure of the control system 3 which would control the power supply of motor 1 when no action has been taken exerted on pallet 9, could occur.

To prevent such inadvertent opening, a means of mechanical blocking B is provided to maintain in the closed position the lever 4, as long as the pallet 9 is not actuated. In addition, means of release L of the mechanical blocking are provided to act during a first part of the travel of pallet 9, which precedes the travel electric.

The mechanical locking means B comprises a lever safety 15 articulated on an axis 16, provided on the same part of the opening than axis 5, and provided at its lower part (according to the representation of the Figure 1) a heel 17 adapted to cooperate with a stop 18 provided on the opening lever 4. The lever 15 is returned to the locked position by a elastic means 19, for example a tension spring acting on the end of the lever opposite the heel 17.

When the stopper 18 bears against the heel 17, the lever opening 4 is mechanically prevented from turning in the direction opposite of clock around axis 5.

The release means L of the mechanical blocking comprise pallet 9 and a traction cable C linked to pallet 9. Cable C is directly coupled to the lever 15 towards its end opposite the heel 17. The assembly is provided so that the start of the stroke of the pallet 9 ensures sufficient rotation of the lever 15 clockwise around the axis 16 to release the stopper 18 from the heel 17.

During this first part of the race, the arm 12 is not driven, or in any case not enough to act on the lever 4.

By continuing its race, the pallet 9 drives both the lever 15 and the arm 12 which allows, towards the end of the race, to control mechanically opening by the pusher 14 if the electric assistance has not not work.

That said, the operation of the opening of the lock according to the invention results from the foregoing explanations.

We first consider the case where the control system 3 works normally. From the locking position illustrated on the Figure 1, when the user operates the paddle 9, the first part of the stroke, which precedes the electrical part, ensures the movement of the lever 15 rotating clockwise to release the stopper 18 (see figure 2) and unlock the opening lever 4.

The second part of the race, or electric race, causes by the sensor 11 the triggering of the control system 3 and the power supply of the motor 1 which drives the lever 4 in the direction clockwise around axis 5, which ensures the opening of the lock. In this case, the user generally does not continue his action on pallet 9. If, however, the user has the pallet 9 carry out the third part of its race, beyond the electric race, there is no additional effect since the opening is already assured.

In the event that the electric motor 1 does not operate, the first part of the race is still used for mechanical release by rotation of lever 15, the second part of the stroke or electric stroke has no effect on lever 4 which remains in the closed position. The user must then continue his action on the pallet 9 to make him perform the third part of the race which provides mechanical training of the lever 4 by the pusher 14 of the arm 12 in the direction of opening.

Finally, in the event that a failure of the control system 3 causes the power supply to motor 1, while the user has not acted on the pallet 9, the lever 15 remains in the locking position and prevents any rotation of the lever 4 in the opening direction; engine 1 is blocked.

Referring to Figures 3 to 8, we can see a variant of realization of the lock which makes it possible never to jam the lock complete, which would make mechanical opening emergency ineffective exterior. In FIGS. 3 to 8 the identical elements or playing roles similar to elements already described about the figures above are designated by the same reference numbers, possibly preceded by the number 1 of hundreds. Their description does will not be repeated or will only be carried out succinctly. Some elements of Figure 1 have not been shown but are provided.

The electric motor 101 of the electric assistance system A drives in rotation, by gears, a crank pin 20.

The control member 102 for opening the lock is also constituted by a rotary opening lever 104. This lever 104 by its rotation around the geometric axis 105 causes rotation, around a axis parallel to 105, the pawl 106 in a direction ensuring the opening of the lock.

Transmission means T (FIG. 4) are provided between the electric assistance system A and the control member 102.

These transmission means T comprise a first lever transmission 21 rotatably mounted around the same geometric axis 105 as the opening lever 104, and a second rotary transmission lever 22 linked in rotation to the control member 102.

The first transmission lever 21 is disposed between the second transmission lever 22 and the control member 102. A coaxial cylindrical shaft 23 is integral with the control member 102. The lever 21 is mounted to rotate freely on this shaft 23. The end 24 of the shaft 23, remote from the member 102, has a square section on which is engaged a corresponding square opening of the second transmission lever 22, which is thus locked in rotation relative to organ 102.

Unilateral abutment means are provided between the levers 21 and 22 so that the first transmission lever 21 can rotate the second transmission lever 22 in the direction which controls the opening, and that this second lever 22 can rotate freely in the direction of opening relative to lever 21. This lever 21 is controlled in rotation by the crank pin 20.

As shown in Figure 4, the lever 21 has a lateral extension forming a stop 118 which, in the rest position, cooperates by its upper edge with the lower end 117, forming heel, of the safety lever 115. At its other end, the safety 115, as explained above, is connected to the command C via a cursor 25. Cable C is connected to the pallet (not shown).

The emergency arm, equivalent to the arm 12 in FIG. 1, is not not shown in Figures 3 to 8. However, such an arm is provided for cooperate with the second transmission lever 22 so as to do so turn (third part of the travel of the outer pallet) in the direction of the opening, to drive the control member 102.

The operation of the lock of Figures 3 to 8 is as follows.

In the absence of an incident, when the user acts on the pallet outside, in the first part of the race the cable C drives the safety lever 115 rotating clockwise around the axis 116. The heel 117 of this lever 115 emerges from the stop 118, as visible in Figures 5 and 6, so that the transmission lever 21 is not more blocked in rotation.

At the end of the first part of the race, the assistance electric A is activated by the contact triggered by the movement of the pallet not shown.

The motor 101 is rotated and drives the wheel 20 to crankpin, which itself rotates the lever 21 in the direction corresponding to the opening (opposite clockwise according to the representation of Figures 3, 5 and 7).

This lever 21 rotates the second lever transmission 22, which itself drives the shaft 23 and the opening lever 104.

The opening lever 104 acts on the pawl 106 in the direction which releases the bolt (not shown) and ensures the opening of the lock, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

If the electric assistance A, while the lock is closed, is unexpectedly put into action without the outer paddle having been actuated, the lever 115 remains in its locked position and prevents the rotation of the transmission lever 21 controlling the opening of the lock.

In the event of an electrical system (or chain) blockage electric), for example when the crank pin 20 is blocked, or if the motor 101 is taken out of service, the opening can no longer be controlled by electric assistance A.

The second transmission lever 22, during the third part of the stroke of the pallet, is rotated by the arm of emergency (not shown) to control the movement of the pawl 106 in the direction of opening.

In the event of failure of the release means L acting on the lever 115, for example in the case where the cursor 25 has come off the cable C, or in the event of breakage of this cursor 25, the lever 115 remains in locked position and prevents lever 21 from turning in the direction of the opening. Even in this case, the opening remains possible by being assured directly by the second transmission lever 22 driven by the arm rescue.

The arrangement made to the lock of Figures 3 to 8 consists in a way in a duplication of the transmission between a first lever 21 and a second lever 22. The first lever 21 is actuated by the electrical system, while the second lever 22 is actuated by the relief arm.

Protective means are provided to prevent any damaging overcurrent in motor 1, 101 including the output shaft can be blocked. One can provide, in particular, a means of disengaging the motor 1, 101 above a torque limit value.

The invention allows, in a simple and effective manner, to prevent inadvertent opening of the assistance lock electric.

Claims (12)

1. Lock for a vehicle opening leaf comprising an electrical system (A) for assisting with opening, comprising an electric motor (1, 101) capable of driving an opening-instigating member (2, 102) in response to an electrical supply, and a control system (3) actuated by an electrical travel of a manual means (9) for electrically powering the motor (1, 101), characterized in that the manual means (9) can effect an additional travel beyond the electrical travel for mechanical back-up opening in the event of electrical failure, in that the lock comprises a means (B) for mechanically blocking the drive of the instigating member (2, 102) by the electrical system in the closed position, and in that means (L) of releasing the mechanical blocking are provided to be actuated during a first part of the travel of the manual means (9) which precedes the electrical travel.
2. Lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical blocking means (B) comprises a safety lever (15, 115), release of the electrical opening system being obtained by rotation of the lever (15, 115) instigated by the first part of the travel of the manual means (9).
3. Lock according to Claim 2, characterized in that the manual means (9) is connected by a cable (C) to the safety lever (15, 115).
4. Lock according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the safety lever (15, 115) is returned to the blocking position by an elastic means (19).
5. Lock according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the opening-instigating member (2, 102) consists of a rotary lever (4, 104).
6. Lock according to Claim 5, characterized in that the rotary lever (4) is driven directly by the electrical assistance system and in that this lever (4) comprises a stop (18) capable of collaborating with part (17) of the safety lever (15) so that in the blocked position the rotation of the rotary lever (4) that allows the lock to be opened is prevented, even if the electric motor is powered.
7. Lock according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises, between the electrical assistance system (A) and the opening-instigating member (102), transmission means (T) which comprise a first element (21) connected in terms of rotation to the electrical assistance system (101, 20), and a second element (22) connected in terms of rotation to the instigating member (102), the first element (21) being able to drive the second element (22) in the direction of opening, while the second element (22) is free to turn relative to the first element (21) in the direction of opening, the mechanical blocking means (B) collaborating with the first element (21) while the mechanical back-up collaborates with the second element (22).
8. Lock according to Claim 7, characterized in that the first element consists of a first transmission lever (21) actuated by the electrical system (101, 20), and the second element consists of a second transmission lever (22) connected in terms of rotation to the opening-instigating member (102).
9. Lock according to Claim 8, characterized in that the first transmission lever (21) is arranged between the second transmission lever (22) and the instigating member (102) to turn about one and the same geometric axis (105), the first transmission lever (21) being mounted so that it is free to rotate on a shaft (23) connected in terms of rotation to the second transmission lever (22) and to the instigating member (102).
10. Lock according to Claim 9, characterized in that the shaft (23) is equipped at one end with a square section (24) over which a square opening of the second lever (22) is engaged.
11. Lock according to the combination of Claim 2 and of Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first lever (21) comprises a stop (118) capable of collaborating with part (117) of the safety lever (115) so that in the blocked position, the rotation of the first lever (21) is. prevented, even if the electric motor is powered.
12. Lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical back-up comprises a pivoting arm (12) designed to instigate opening under the action of the manual means (9).

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