EP1111168A2 - Vehicle door locking mechanism and method for detecting the closed state of such mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a lock and an associated closure part (4) with a closure bolt (3) that is secured by a holder, e.g. a rotary catch, in the closed state of the closing device. The closure part has a sensor (6) for detecting the closed state with a force or pressure sensitive sensor element mounted on the closure part. The lock has an inlet slot or capture bearing into which the closure bolt can be moved in the closing direction (S). Independent claims are also included for the following: a method of detecting a closed state of a motor vehicle door closing device.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle door locking device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for detection of a closed state of a motor vehicle door locking device according to the preamble of claim 18.

In a motor vehicle door locking device with the aforementioned Features the locking block on a locking pin, which in particular is cylindrical. The term "locking bolt" is used in the present To understand patent application in a broad sense, however, not limited to cylindrical shapes. It is essential that the "locking bolt" in the sense of the present patent application an abutment for the castle forms to the associated door, tailgate or the like. in the closed state to be able to keep closed.

DE 37 40 757 C2, which is the starting point of the present invention forms, discloses a motor vehicle door lock with locking wedge and Lock, with the striker attached to a door jamb and the lock is housed in a motor vehicle door. The striker has one at Opening or closing the motor vehicle door via an actuating plunger actuable, electrical switch on. The actuating plunger is in, in Seen closing direction, rear area of the striker arranged and actuated by a rotary latch of the lock, which with a control cam their rotational movement past the actuating plunger. The actuating plunger in turn acts on a transverse to the direction of actuation of the actuating plunger sliding switch plunger, the switch contacts of the switch operated.

The use of a mechanical switch to detect the closed Condition is disadvantageous. Because relatively large tolerances in the closed Condition with regard to the relative position of the lock and striker or locking block can occur, in particular by one with the Frame of non-aligned motor vehicle door and in particular in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, namely, is a complex structure of the mechanical Switch required. This is associated with corresponding costs. In addition, the tolerances mentioned can lead to very different loads of the mechanical switch so that the desired service life is at best difficult to reach. The aforementioned, known structure also has multiple moving parts, making it more vulnerable and leads to relatively high costs.

With similar problems and disadvantages is that from DE-PS 2 060 060 known motor vehicle door lock afflicted. Here has a locking block a striker in which a mechanical switching device is integrated.

The invention has for its object a motor vehicle door locking device and a closed state detection method specify a motor vehicle door locking device in which one reliable detection that is largely insensitive to positional tolerances the closed state with preferably a relatively small Effort is made possible.

The above object is achieved by a motor vehicle locking device according to claim 1 or a method according to any one of the claims 18 to 20 solved. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A basic idea of the present invention is that the sensor has a force or pressure sensitive sensor element on the locking block for detecting the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device is arranged. So the sensor works as a pressure sensor, which detects pressure on the locking block. This can be done proportionately realize and allow little effort in a simple manner reliable detection of the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device.

Under "capture" here is in particular the provision of data or measurement signals meant, whose evaluation enables detection or sensing, whether the door closing device is closed, i.e. the closed state is present. The evaluation can in particular be carried out directly in a Electronics assigned or arranged therein and / or in a sensor separate evaluation electronics or the like. This is a matter of course for the person skilled in the art, so that this is not discussed in more detail is, since it does not primarily matter where the evaluation takes place. However it is advantageous if the corresponding detection signal for Providing evaluation electronics already at least partially in the Closing block is integrated.

The terms "pressure" and "pressure load" are used in the present patent application to be understood in a broad sense, so that also a grasping or measuring a force in general and a load on one Pressure or tensile force are included. In particular, it doesn't come primarily on the fact that a pressure in the sense of force per area is measured or is detected. However, based on the measured absolute or relative Pressure and / or the measured absolute or relative force as the only one or additional information can be decided whether the closed state is present.

"Force- or pressure-sensitive sensor element" is in the present patent application no mechanically operated electrical switch to understand. Rather, this is to be understood as a measuring element or a measuring device, the or which preferably provides electrical measurement signals to the Correlate force or pressure, in particular largely depend on it, that of the lock on the lock block, in particular is exerted on the sensor or a part of the sensor.

The sensor as a whole, the at least one sensor element in the aforementioned Senses and includes, for example, an associated contact element or the like. can already evaluate or further process the measurement signals of the sensor element, that the sensor only outputs a detection signal which indicates the presence of the closed state.

A few preferred embodiments are briefly discussed below, to illustrate the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, a fixed part of the lock acts, in particular a part of a carrier plate or a safety bearing used therein, in the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device the sensor. This already minimizes the possible tolerances of the location of the Sensor relative to the part of the lock acting on it.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the sensor can also be equipped with a movable one or movably mounted part of the lock, such as a rotary latch, interact or in contact when closed.

The sensor element or at least one is preferably the sensor element associated contact element of the sensor, which is closed with the lock State comes into contact, at least essentially in the rear Area related to the closing movement that the locking block relative to Castle executes, arranged. This enables a simple, compact Structure of the locking block, with the sensor in a largely reset Area is arranged, which in particular the locking bolt the sensor from damage when the motor vehicle door locking device is open or motor vehicle door protects.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the sensor has elastically deformable contact element with a cavity for a liquid and / or gaseous medium, the sensor element being the contact element is assigned such that the sensor element the pressure or pressure changes of the medium due to deformation of the contact element or a current flowing through deformation of the contact element Can capture medium. This solution allows virtually any design of the contact element, which is accordingly optimal to the respective Conditions and space can be adjusted, also a very large or large-scale formation of the contact element possible is to, despite the position tolerances mentioned at the outset, in the closed State can occur, a safe detection of the closed state due to the possibly very small design compared to the contact element Sensor element due to the pressure spread in the medium and / or due to the overflow of the medium. The medium leads moreover to an advantageous averaging with, for example, only one-sided or local loading or deformation of the contact element by the lock, for example with tolerances in the relative alignment of the lock and Locking block in the closed state, which optimizes detection of the closed state is made possible. The above solution is So highly insensitive to the tolerances mentioned at the beginning.

In particular in the embodiment explained above, according to a proposed further training provided that the rate of change the measurement signals of the sensor element, in particular the Pressure change rate, for the detection of the closed state is evaluated. This enables simple and reliable detection of the closed state.

According to another embodiment, the contact element is also elastic deformable, but not with a cavity for a medium provided in the aforementioned sense. Instead it is the sensor element assigned to the contact element such that there are deformations of the contact element and / or can detect forces exerted on the contact element. For this purpose, the sensor element is, for example, in the form of a strain gauge or as their capacity or other electrical parameter changing conductor arrangement arranged on the contact element or with this connected. Alternatively or additionally, a piezo element can be used as the sensor element be provided, which is connected to the contact element, in particular this carries so that exerted by the lock on the contact element Forces, in particular pressure loads, detected by the piezo element and can be evaluated for the presence of the closed state.

If necessary, the sensor element can also be integrated in the contact element, poured, for example.

Alternatively, the contact element - at least partially - at least in be essentially rigid. The contact element is then preferred movably mounted, so that the contact part at least partially can dodge if the lock on the contact part when closing the Motor vehicle door locking device hits.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lock works on both sides an insertion slot for the locking bolt, a backup bearing for the Locking bolt or one arranged on the insertion slot or catch bearing Collar on the contact element in the closed state. These two Pages are usually in a vertical plane, so that even in proportion strong vertical offset of the locking block and lock compared to the Sollage acts on the contact element at least one side such that the Sensor element can detect the closed state. Especially done here when using the with a cavity for a liquid and / or Gaseous medium provided contact element compensation in terms the change or rate of change in the pressure of the medium when closing the motor vehicle door locking device, so that a quasi unchanged evaluation can take place, especially with regard to a vertical offset is insensitive.

To compensate for the above-mentioned, possibly occurring vertical misalignment the contact element can also be displaced accordingly in particular across the longitudinal axis of the locking bolt and across the closing direction the motor vehicle door locking device slidably, stored or be trained.

A procedural development provides that in the detection of closed state additionally one provided by the lock Closing the lock signal indicating the lock mechanism, for example the engagement of the pawl or with the swivel position of the rotary latch correlated lock signal is evaluated. This enables a special reliable detection of whether the motor vehicle door locking device is working properly is closed when the closed state is only detected becomes when both the sensor arranged on the locking block the closed State has detected as well as the lock signal the closed state indicated. Here, the temporal correlation can be taken into account in particular be, that for example that arranged on the locking block Sensor outputs a brief signal when closing and within one predetermined time the corresponding lock signal must be present.

Fig. 1

eine vereinfachte, perspektivische Darstellung einer Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließvorrichtung gemäß dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt der Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 entlang Linie II-II;

Fig. 3

eine vereinfachte, perspektivische Darstellung einer vorschlagsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließvorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform; und

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt entsprechend Fig. 2 einer Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließvorrichtung gemäß einer anderen Ausführungsform.

Further details, features, objectives and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a simplified, perspective view of a motor vehicle door locking device according to the prior art;

Fig. 2

a section of the motor vehicle door locking device according to Figure 1 along line II-II.

Fig. 3

a simplified, perspective view of a proposed motor vehicle door locking device according to a preferred embodiment; and

Fig. 4

a section corresponding to FIG. 2 of a motor vehicle door locking device according to another embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a simplified, perspective representation of a proposed Motor vehicle door locking device 1 with only a schematic indicated lock 2 and an associated, a locking pin 3rd having locking block 4 in the closed state. The lock 2 is preferably arranged on a motor vehicle door or the like, not shown. The locking block 4 is preferably on an associated, not shown Door jamb or the like arranged. When closed the Motor vehicle door locking device 1 keeps the lock 2 assigned Motor vehicle door closed.

2 illustrates that in the closed state a holding device, such as a catch 5, the lock 2 Locking bolt 3 of locking bolt 4 secures or holds in lock 2.

FIG. 2 also shows a sensor 6, which is assigned to the locking block 4, in particular is arranged on it. The sensor 6 has at least one Locking block 4 arranged sensor element 7, which in the above Is designed to be force or pressure sensitive. On the sensor element 7 acts directly or indirectly in the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device 1 part of the lock, so that the sensor element 7 can detect the closed state. In particular, it works Lock 2 with an inlet slot 8, which is preferably in a carrier plate 9th of the lock 2 and formed into the locking bolt 3 when closing the motor vehicle door locking device 1 is insertable, or with an in the inlet slot 8 or the support plate 9 used catch bearings 10 for the locking bolt 3 - as indicated in Fig. 4 - in the closed state on the sensor element 7.

1 and 2, the sensor element 7 is preferably a contact element 11 assigned to which the lock 2 acts in the closed state. In particular, both sides of the inlet slot come in the closed state 8, the catch bearing 10 or one of the inlet slot 8 or the Catch bearing 10 associated collar 12, which is usually along the edge of the inlet slot 8 or the catch bearing 10 protrudes for stiffening, in closed state on the contact element 11 to the system. However, could the sensor element 7 or the contact element 11 also with other parts the lock 2, for example the rotary latch 5, cooperate in the closed state, to detect the closed state by the sensor element 7 to enable.

3 illustrates that the sensor 6 or at least the contact element 11 and in particular the sensor element 7 in a rear area 13 based on the closing movement S, the locking block 4 executes relative to the lock 2 when closing is. This is particularly the case with the preferred interaction of the Sensor element 7 or the contact element 11 with run-in slopes, the Inlet slot 8, the catch bearing 10 or the collar 12, as in FIGS. 2 and 4 indicated, favorable. In addition, this arrangement can be extensive Protection of the sensor 6, as can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 3 results because the locking block 4, for example, one on the not shown Has door post base plate 14 to be fastened, of which the locking bolt 3 and a leg 15 protrude in the rear region 13, the Leg 15 in a base plate 14 at least substantially parallel extending counterplate 16 passes over, so that the locking pin 3 between the base plate 14 and the counter plate 16 is kept stable. Accordingly here the sensor 6 or the contact element 11 is essentially of Sections of the base plate 14 and the counter plate 16 and the leg 15 surrounded and thus from damage, especially when open Motor vehicle door locking device 1 protected.

Fig. 3 shows only one embodiment of the locking block 4, which here essentially U-shaped with locking bolt 3 in between is. Other forms, such as in particular from the general state of the Technology known, can of course also be used.

The following is closer to the first embodiment of the proposed Motor vehicle door locking device 1 with reference to FIG. 2.

The contact element 11 is designed to be elastically deformable. According to the first Embodiment, the contact element 11 has a cavity 17 which is filled with a gaseous and / or liquid medium 18 and with the associated sensor element 7 is connected in such a way that the sensor element 7 the pressure or pressure changes of the medium 18 in the cavity and / or can detect a flow of the medium 18 in the cavity 17. In particular, there is no recording or evaluation of the absolute or relative pressure of the medium 18, but the rate of change of the pressure of the medium 18. Accordingly, with high Responsiveness when closing the motor vehicle door locking device 1 occurring deformation of the contact element 11, which is at least a brief increase in the pressure of the medium 18 leads, senses and accordingly the closed state can be detected.

Additionally or alternatively, the absolute and / or relative pressure of the medium 18 for the detection of the closed state be used.

The aforementioned sensing by means of the medium 18 enables optimal Training and adaptation of the contact element 11 to the particular installation situation and the associated lock 2, since the outer contour of the contact element 11 can be chosen almost completely freely.

Another advantage lies in the fact that, in particular, in the preferably provided bilateral concerns of the contact element 11 on the lock 2 in the closed This is due to a vertical shift, for example asymmetrical deformation caused by locking block 4 and lock 2 of the contact element 11 quasi not on the occurring when closing Pressure change or the increased pressure in the closed state affects, so that a safe closing sensor possible in this case too is.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the sensor 6. Here is the contact element 11 is also elastically deformable, but in particular without closed cavity 17, but for example as a solid body. The contact element 11 is here preferably with a piezo element 19 or the like. Connected as a sensor element. The piezo element 19 detects the contact element 11 in the closed state exerted pressure loads or forces, so that in turn a detection of the closed state is possible.

Alternatively, the piezo element 19 can also be integrated into the hollow body 11, poured, for example.

Instead of the piezo element 19, an expansion element or a other measuring element detecting deformations and / or pressure loads can be used as a sensor element.

Depending on the design of the sensor element 7 or the piezo element 19 can the contact element 11 is also completely eliminated.

In the latter case in particular, the sensor element 7 can also be non-contact, work as a proximity sensor, for example.

2 and 4 schematically indicate that an evaluation electronics or unit 20 can be provided for evaluating the sensor element 7 or piezo element 19 detected measurement signals for the detection of the closed Condition serves. The evaluation unit 20 is preferably shown in FIGS Sensor 6 and especially integrated in the locking block 4. However, can the evaluation unit 20 also outside the locking block 4 on the motor vehicle arranged and / or in the motor vehicle electronics which are usually present anyway be realized.

In the evaluation, the change over time, in particular the Rate of change, the measurement signals of the sensor element 7 and the Piezo element 19 evaluated. This enables very reliable detection or sensing the closed state.

In addition, as indicated in the illustration example according to FIG. 4, a Lock signal that the closing of the holding device or the catch 5 of the Lock 2, the latching of a pawl 21 assigned to the rotary latch 5 (Supporting end, pawl loaded under pressure) or the like from one of the indicated lock sensors or switches 22 or 23 of the Lock 2 is supplied with the detection of the closed state with are evaluated in the sense that a closed state only then is detected or sensed if both by means of the closing block 4 assigned sensor 6 as well as a closed according to the lock signal Condition is recognized.

In addition, the temporal correlation of the evaluated signals, for example, the detection of the closed state by means of the sensor 6 and the detection of the closing of the lock 2 by means of the lock signal upon detection of the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device 1 are taken into account.

Claims (20)

Motor vehicle door locking device (1) with a lock (2) and an associated locking bolt (4) having a locking bolt (3), the lock (2) securing the locking bolt (3) in the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device (1) Holding device, such as a rotary latch (5), and the closing block (4) has a sensor (6) for detecting the closed state,
characterized,
that the sensor (6) has a force or pressure sensitive sensor element (7) which is arranged on the locking block (4) for detecting the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device (1). Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock (2) has an inlet slot (8) or a catch bearing (9) in which the locking bolt (3) can be inserted in the closing direction (S). Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor element (7) or an associated contact element (11) is arranged and designed so that it with the inlet slot (9), with the catch bearing (10) or with the inlet slot (8) or the collar (12) associated with the catch bearing (10) and projecting therefrom, in particular with both sides, to record the closed state the motor vehicle door locking device (1) interacts. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the sensor element (7) or one of these associated contact element (11) at least essentially in one rear area (13) with respect to the closing movement (S) of the locking block (4) relative to the lock (2) on the locking block (4), in particular essentially is arranged behind the locking bolt (3). Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the sensor element (7) or one of these assigned contact element (11) arranged on the locking bolt (3), in particular is integrated into this. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the sensor element (7) or one of these assigned contact element (11) of the sensor (6) in this way on the locking block (4) is arranged and designed that the sensor element (7) or Contact element (11) in the closed state with the lock (2) immediately is in contact, especially pressure contact. Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor element (7) indirectly or directly with the contact element (11) is connected. Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized characterized in that the contact element (11) at least essentially rigidly formed and movably mounted. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the contact element (11) at least essentially Movable across the locking direction (S) and across the locking pin axis is stored. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the contact element (11) is elastically deformable is trained. Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 10, characterized in that the contact element (11) at least partially as a stop buffer is designed for the lock (2). Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized characterized in that the contact element (11) has a cavity (17) for a comprises liquid and / or gaseous medium (18), the pressure or Pressure changes from the sensor element (7) for the detection of the closed State are detectable. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the sensor element (7) is a piezo element (19) comprises or is formed thereby. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the sensor element (7) is elastic is deformable. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the motor vehicle door locking device (1) or the sensor (6) an evaluation unit (20) for evaluation the measurement signals of the sensor element (7), in particular if one is exceeded predetermined rate of change, for the detection of the closed Has state. Motor vehicle door locking device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the lock (2) is a detection device to output a message indicating the closing of the lock (2) Has lock signal and that the motor vehicle door locking device or in particular an evaluation unit (20) is designed such that at detection and / or presence of the closed state of the lock signal, in particular at least within a predetermined one Time for a detection of the closed state by the Locking block (4) associated sensor (6), which can be evaluated. Motor vehicle door locking device according to claim 16, characterized in that the detection device a a pawl (21) for the catch (5) associated lock sensor or switch (22) for output one correlated with the engagement or engagement of the pawl (21) Lock signal, which can be evaluated when the closed state is detected is. Method for the detection of a closed state of a motor vehicle door locking device which has a lock and an associated locking bolt with a sensor for detecting the closed state and a locking bolt which is held by the lock in the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device,
characterized,
that by means of the sensor the force and / or the pressure with which the lock acts on the sensor in the closed state, or measurement signals correlated therewith for the detection of the closed state is or are recorded. Method for the detection of a closed state of a motor vehicle door locking device, which has a lock and an associated locking block with a sensor for detecting the closed state and a locking bolt which is held by the lock in the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device, in particular according to claim 18,
characterized,
that the change in time of the measurement signals detected by the sensor for the detection of the closed state, in particular exceeding a predetermined rate of change, is evaluated. Method for the detection of a closed state of a motor vehicle door locking device which has a lock and an associated locking bolt with a sensor for detecting the closed state and a locking bolt which is held by the lock in the closed state of the motor vehicle door locking device, in particular according to claim 18 and / or 19,
characterized,
that in addition a lock signal provided by the lock and indicating that the lock mechanism is closing, in particular taking into account the temporal correlation to signals from the sensor, is evaluated in order to detect the closed state.

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