EP1088952B1 - Lock for a motor vehicle door - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock according to the preamble of claim 1.

Motor vehicle door lock here is generally to be understood as a side door lock, a rear door lock, a tailgate lock, a hood lock or the like of a motor vehicle.

In a first known motor vehicle locking device (DE 197 43 129 A1), position detection of a movable actuating element is provided. To avoid detection errors, a reference point sensor is provided so that a reference point or zero point adjustment can be carried out repeatedly. In addition to the additional effort, such as the provision of a reference point sensor, the aforementioned reference point adjustment has the disadvantage that the actuating element can pass through undesired adjustment positions when moving into the reference position, so that, for example, an undesired unlocking or locking of the motor vehicle locking device takes place during the reference point adjustment can. A further disadvantage is that the motor vehicle locking device cannot be used during the reference point adjustment.

DE 296 18 688 U1 discloses a device for querying the switching positions of a locking cylinder of a motor vehicle door lock. The lock cylinder is coaxially connected to a switching nut which is provided with a magnet. The Hall socket is assigned to two Hall sensor chips, the Hall sensor chips preferably querying different signals, for example the "locking" and "unlocking" positions on the one hand and the "theft protection" position on the other hand. A coding of different control positions for the unambiguous detection of the control positions is not disclosed.

The starting point of the present invention is a motor vehicle door lock with an adjustable actuating element which can assume various actuating positions, namely actuating positions of a door lock nut (DE 39 41 086 A1). A position detection device here has a plurality of position elements arranged on the actuating element in the form of coding strips influencing a magnetic circuit. A switching sensor and an evaluation circuit are assigned to these. As a result, the various positions of the lock nut can be detected. The position detection device has position elements in the form of coding strips along offset, that is to say arranged along, movement paths, as well as a plurality of inductive sensors, each of which is assigned to a movement path. The position elements uniquely code each position to be detected.

In practice, the use of the magnetic pole zones explained above has proven itself as position elements. However, each pole zone has a certain extension in the direction of movement or adjustment, which is not to be neglected in practice, that is, along the path of movement of the actuating element. It is therefore often desirable, especially when using an electromotive actuator which is controlled as a function of the detection of actuating positions, but which has a certain lag, to already detect the limit or the beginning of an actuating position to be detected or an actuating position range to be detected ,

The present invention is therefore based on the problem of designing the known motor vehicle door lock in such a way that the detection of different setting positions is clearly achieved, only switching or digitally operating sensors being required and in particular the number of sensors required being able to be minimized.

The above-mentioned object is achieved in the motor vehicle door lock with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the feature of the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Due to the fact that intermediate areas between position positions to be detected are coded uniformly, in particular no position elements are arranged in these intermediate areas, the limits of the position positions are detected with a minimum number of switching or digitally operating sensors and in each case enables an at least unambiguous assignment to a position range.

In addition, even a clear detection of each limit of the actuating position range with a minimum number of sensors, for example with three sensors for five actuating position ranges, is made possible if the movement direction or current direction of the actuator and / or a previously detected, adjacent actuating position range is taken into account as additional information.

Here, the path of movement is to be understood as an essentially linear sequence of points on the actuating element which pass a fixed point when the actuating element is moving. In other words, the arrangement of position elements along a movement path on the control element enables the position elements to be detected one after the other - depending on the position or position of the control element - by a stationary sensor assigned to the control element or this movement path.

A switching or digitally operating sensor is to be understood here quite generally as an electrical or electronic component with possibly associated evaluation electronics, so that a discrete, preferably only two switching states, status signal is provided. However, for example, three switching states, such as the north pole, south pole or no magnetic pole nearby, can also be provided as an output signal by the sensor. However, it is preferably a digital output signal that is output by the individual sensor as a function of the proximity or adjacent position of a position element.

A clear detection of a setting position is to be understood here so that the different positions to be detected can be distinguished without reference to a reference point or a reference position of the setting element, that is to say in particular the position of the setting element is absolutely fixed in the case of a detected setting position.

Finally, under the control element is a displacement mechanism, in particular one that can be adjusted indirectly or directly, especially by an electromotive actuator, pivotable and / or rotatable - to understand element that can assume various positions that specify certain positions of at least one component, such as a locking lever of the lock mechanism, a pawl, also a rotary latch or another actuating element of the motor vehicle door lock. The actuating element can thus, for example, represent an adjustable component, be formed thereon, or be connected or coupled to a component which can be adjusted by means of an actuator. Accordingly, the actuating element itself can actuate another component or be adjusted by another component.

A very easy to implement, universally applicable embodiment provides a disk-like design of the actuating element, the position elements being arranged along coaxial movement paths or tracks on a flat side of the actuating element. In particular, the flat side of the actuating element can be magnetized in some areas in order to form magnetic areas as position elements.

Contactless detection is preferably provided by means of correspondingly contactless sensors. This enables a wear-free construction. Alternatively, however, mechanically operating switches or the like can also be used as sensors.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing of a merely preferred exemplary embodiment. The only figure shows
a simple schematic representation of an actuating element and associated sensors of a proposed motor vehicle door lock with a representation illustrating the output signals output by the sensors as a function of the position of the actuating element.

With regard to the possible design of the motor vehicle door lock, which is not shown in detail, reference is made, for example, to DE 197 43 129 A1. For example, an electric actuator or drive motor can have a Act spindle or screw on an adjusting element 1 which in this case is provided with a corresponding external toothing. Of course, instead of the worm gear mentioned as an example, other gear connections can also be used. In addition, the movement of the actuating element 1 is not limited to a rotary movement or twisting, but depending on the construction, linear and / or superimposed adjustment movements are also possible.

The actuating element 1 then acts, for example, on a lever or cam or the like, not shown, on a lever or other actuating element of the motor vehicle door lock. Here too, of course, solutions other than those shown in DE 197 43 129 A1 are possible.

A position detection device is assigned to the control element 1. This includes position elements 2 arranged on the control element 1, which here are formed by magnetic areas on the control element 1, and sensors 3 assigned to the position elements 2 and only indicated as points.

The sensors 3 can be configured as already defined on the input side. In the example shown, sensors are sensitive to magnetic fields, for example Hall sensors, reed contacts or magnetoresistive sensors. In general, however, all alternatives mentioned in DE 197 43 129 A1, such as optically operating sensors, come into consideration, depending on the design of the position elements 2 to be recognized.

Each sensor 3 is assigned to a movement path of the actuating element 1 in order to recognize or detect position elements 2, which are moved past or approximated to the sensor 3 when the actuating element 1 is moved or adjusted accordingly.

In the example shown, three movement paths are provided, which are arranged coaxially to one another and concentrically around an axis of rotation of the adjusting element 1, which axis is not specified. Accordingly, three sensors 3 are also provided.

The position elements 2 are arranged or formed along the movement paths on the control element 1 such that each control position to be detected is uniquely coded. On account of their extension of the position elements 2 in the direction of movement or adjustment direction of the actuating element 1, these form or define different, here five, position positions A to E. The position positions A to E are each spaced apart from one another in the adjustment or circumferential direction on the actuator 1 or formed so that intermediate areas 4 are formed between adjacent position positions A to E. The position elements 2 are thus spaced apart in the adjustment direction of the actuating element 1.

According to the present invention, the intermediate areas 4 are coded uniformly or in the same way. In the example shown, no position elements 2 are arranged or formed in the intermediate areas 4.

The uniform coding of the intermediate areas 4 enables the number of required movement paths along which the position elements 2 are arranged and accordingly the number of required sensors 3 to be minimized for a predetermined number of position positions A to E to be detected.

The illustration on the left illustrates the different coding of the setting position areas A to E and the intermediate areas 4 or the output signals output by the sensors 3 when the setting element 1 is adjusted or rotated in the direction of the arrow 5.

When using an electromotive actuator, the problem often arises in practice that a certain time elapses between a shutdown of the actuator and the actual standstill, a so-called run-on occurs. In order to ensure that the actuating element 1 is stopped or positioned in an actuating position area A to E, it is therefore preferably used to reach or exceed a limit from an intermediate area 4 to the desired actuating position area A to E to switch off the actuator. Detection of the limits of the position ranges A to D is therefore intended. In particular, a clear detection of the limits of the position ranges A to E is also desirable.

If the sensors 3 or the position detection device detect the reaching of a limit of a desired or to be reached position position range A to E, the actuator can be switched off. The wake of the actuator then has the effect that the actuating element 1 moves a little further to the center of the desired actuating position range A to E. The desired positioning position range A to E is thus reached without a clear detection or identification of the limits of the positioning position range A to E.

If, however, a clear detection of the limits of the setting position ranges A to E - here from ten positions with the help of three sensors - is to take place, the adjustment or movement direction of the setting element 1 is preferably evaluated as additional information in the position detection. This can be achieved in a very simple manner by taking the direction of energization of the electromotive actuator into account in the position detection.

Additionally or alternatively, the previously detected positioning position range A to E can be taken into account as additional information in order to enable a clear detection of the limits. In the case of a supplementary use as additional information, the position detection can be checked for plausibility.

It follows from the above that the proposed solution enables unambiguous detection of actuating positions or actuating position ranges A to E and in particular also unambiguous detection of limits of actuating position ranges A to E, with only a minimal number of sensors 3 and, accordingly, few position elements 2 are required due to the proposed coding. This results in a minimal manufacturing and assembly effort, so that the motor vehicle door lock can be manufactured inexpensively.

In the example shown, five positions A to E and three sensors 3 are provided. Of course, modifications are also possible here. For example, the three sensors 3 can uniquely detect up to seven adjustment position ranges with binary coding. If two sensors 3 are used, a detection of up to three setting position ranges is possible.

The actuating element 1 preferably has a plastic structure that can be magnetized in some areas. However, there are a large number of implementation options here. For this purpose, reference is again made to the disclosure of DE 197 43 129 A1.

Alternatively or in addition, optical or optoelectronic scanning is also possible if the sensors 3 and the position elements 2 are designed accordingly. In addition to the preferred, contactless position detection, mechanical detection is also possible, for example by means of position elements 2 designed as cams, which act on mechanical switches or the like as sensors 3.

In the example shown, the position elements 2 on the adjustable control element 1 and the associated sensors 3 are arranged in a fixed position. Of course, this can also be done in reverse.

In the example shown, at least the part of the actuating element 1 which carries the position elements 2 is preferably formed in one piece. This enables a simple and compact structure. When this part is initially produced separately, a connection then takes place, for example by gluing, screwing, clamping or the like. Accordingly, the part carrying the position elements 2 can be attached to a control element 1 of virtually any design, for example essentially consisting of metal.

In the example shown, the control element 1 is disc-like. However, it could also be lever-like or rod-like, for example.

In the example shown, the position elements 2 are arranged essentially in one plane and along concentric trajectories. Depending on the training and the direction of adjustment or movement of the actuating element 1, the position elements 2 can also be arranged or formed, for example, along straight-line movement paths and / or in different planes, for example on a cylindrical surface along axially offset circumferential lines.

In the example shown, binary coding is provided. Depending on the design of the position elements 2 and the sensors 3, a different coding, for example based on the triple system, for which the detection of different magnetic polarities and no magnetic pole is particularly suitable, can also be provided. If necessary, the number of required sensors 3 can be further minimized.

The proposed position detection was explained above using a preferred embodiment of a motor vehicle door lock. However, the position detection described above can also be used for other position detections, in particular for actuators in motor vehicles. It is essential that the number of sensors required is minimized, particularly when there are several positioning positions or positioning position ranges to be detected.

Claims (14)

1. A lock for a motor vehicle door with an adjustable actuating element (1) which can assume various actuating positions spaced apart by an intermediate area, and with a position recognition device, which has several positioning elements (2) arranged along offset paths of motion on the actuating element (1) and several assigned sensors preferably operating in a switching or digital manner, said sensors each being assigned to a path of motion, whereby the positioning elements (2) unequivocally encode each actuating position to be detected, so that the various actuating positions of the actuating element can be unequivocally detected,
   characterised in that
   the intermediate areas (4) between spaced actuating positions are encoded identically.
2. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to claim 1, characterised in that no positioning elements (2) are arranged in the intermediate areas (4).
3. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the positioning elements (2) are all designed in the same way, especially as magnetic sections with in particular the same polarity.
4. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positioning elements (2) of different paths of motion are arranged in tracks and/or planes which are offset essentially in parallel.
5. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (1) is designed disc-shaped, whereby the positioning elements (2) of different paths of motion are arranged along different coaxial tracks.
6. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to claims 3 and 5, characterised in that the actuating element (1) is designed as a zonally magnetic or magnetisable disc.
7. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the actuating element (1) has a curved surface, in particular at least one section of a lateral cylinder surface, whereby the positioning elements (2) are arranged along paths of motion lying axially beside one another, or offset, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuating element (1).
8. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to claim 7, characterised in that the paths of motion run at least in sections essentially along axially offset peripheral lines.
9. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positioning elements (2) each have an extension in the direction of the path of motion and correspondingly define actuating-position areas (A-E), and that the position recognition device is designed in such a way that the boundaries of the actuating-position areas (A-E) can preferably be detected unequivocally in the actuating direction of the actuating element (1).
10. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to claim 9, characterised in that the position recognition device is designed in such a way that the direction of motion of the actuating element (1) and/or the previous passage of a neighbouring actuating-position area (A-E), or more precisely of a boundary of a neighbouring actuating-position area (A-E), can be used for the unequivocal detection of boundaries of the actuating-position areas (A-E).
11. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that an electric-motor actuating drive is provided, to which the actuating element (1) is assigned, whereby the direction of motion or rotation, in particular the current-flow direction of the actuating drive, can be used by the position recognition device for the unequivocal detection of boundaries of the actuating-position areas (A-E).
12. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that a maximum of two sensors (3) are provided for the unequivocal detection of the boundaries of three actuating-position areas or a maximum of three sensors (3) are provided for the unequivocal detection of the boundaries of five to seven actuating-position areas (A-E).
13. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensors (3) operate in a contactless manner, in particular are designed to be sensitive to a magnetic field.
14. The lock for a motor vehicle door according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensors (3) are arranged essentially beside one another, crosswise to the paths of motion of the positioning elements (2).