EP1283934B1 - Motor-vehicle door locking system with quick unlocking - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 and a motor vehicle door locking system with the features of claim 5.

Conventional electromechanical motor vehicle door locking systems are known with radio remote control, but without passive entry function. at These classic automotive door closure systems operate the operator a pushbutton on the remote control module. This will be the Control electronics activates and goes through their reaction phase immediately. Due to the distance of the operator pressing the button of the Remote control module reaches the operator the outside door handle on the Motor vehicle door with such a large time delay that the reaction phase the control electronics long completed and the motor vehicle lock has been unlocked. The operator opens by pulling the Outside door handle the vehicle door, the motor vehicle lock either mechanically opens, so the pawl by the movement of the outside door handle is excavated, or opens electromechanically or pneumatically, wherein from the outside door handle a control signal to the opening drive for lifting the pawl is discharged.

Such a conventional automotive electromechanical door closing system is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 5,240,296. The locking element is here by an electromotive central locking drive with electric drive motor and worm gear driven. The Worm wheel of the worm gear is the drive element of the central locking drive, it runs comparatively slowly. The adjustment of the locking element from the locking position to the unlocked position by means of the central locking drive requires at least 50 ms, usually longer.

Control electronics with passive entry function, also "electronic Key ", differs from the classic explained above Motor vehicle door locking system in that the remote control module no Handling, so no keystroke must be made to the Lock motor vehicle when approaching the motor vehicle to unlock. Rather, all this happens by itself simply when approaching the operator to the motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle door locking system with passive entry function needed for the control electronics a certain reaction phase resulting from a start-up interval, to activate the system when approaching the remote control module, an authorization check interval to the operator based the coding of the exchanged between remote control module and control electronics To check signals for their authorization, and finally the actual action interval in which the action takes place, in particular the Unlocking the motor vehicle lock is performed, composed. (Also when locking the motor vehicle door locking system is a corresponding Reaction phase needed. This one is less critical because it is the operator is not noticeable.)

The duration of the reaction phase of about 150 ms is compared with conventional Motor vehicle door locking systems felt long when one the start-up interval only starts when the outside door handle is pressed. The pulling the outside door handle o. The like. May namely at a passive entry function u. U. already done, if the reaction phase of the control electronics not yet has been completed. The operator then gets annoyed that she has to pull the door handle a second time because this is called a "malfunction" is interpreted.

Since the resulting total time of the reaction phase is not arbitrarily far has already tried to hide the delay time (DE - A - 195 21 024). In this motor vehicle door locking system is while the start-up interval and the authorization check interval of the control electronics relocated to a stage before that by the operator noticeable actual operating phase lies. Is then noticeable for the Operator only the remaining time, the reaction time of mechanical, corresponds to conventional motor vehicle door locking systems.

Another approach is the start-up interval of the control electronics not just when pressing the outside door handle to start, but already an approach of the hand of an operator to the outside door handle to start the startup interval. It is known, on the outside door handle to provide a proximity sensor (DE - A - 197 52 974; DE - A - 196 17 038), through which the approach of the hand of an operator already about 100 to 150 ms before touching the outside door handle by the Hand is detected. Starting the start-up interval of the control electronics, ie the "wake up" of the control electronics so far before the actual Pulling the outside door handle, that the start-up interval and usually the Permission check interval already completed when the outside door handle is actually moved by the hand of the operator.

The use of proximity sensors in motor vehicle door locking systems The species in question brings with it various difficulties. On the one hand, the proximity sensors have a comparatively high level Quiescent current, on the other hand, it is difficult to a stable, clear threshold adjust. External influences such as rain, snow, dust and Dirt, especially with capacitive proximity sensors, changes the measured values very. Finally, with proximity sensors, the problem is due to they can not be overlooked emitted electromagnetic interference. Therefore, despite the difficulties discussed above, the automotive door closing systems with passive entry feature, where only one Operation of the outside door handle by the hand of an operator that Start-up interval of the control electronics starts, also considerable advantages.

As can be seen from the above, there is at Motor vehicle door locking systems with passive entry function in all before variants explained the problem that one the reaction phase of the control electronics as much as possible, at least in terms of the perception by the operator.

For itself, it is known in motor vehicle door locking systems, the central venous valve drive via a centrifugal clutch with the drive element for the locking element to connect (EP 0 064 942 B1). That allows that To adjust the locking element by hand without much resistance, provided that Central locking drive is. That's an alternative to the beginning addressed construction of a conventional electromechanical Motor vehicle door closing system in which this adjustment by hand without great resistance by appropriate design of the locking element is realized. However, the local design does not work for everyone Position of the central locking drive, especially not then if the central locking drive is in an unintended position stop. Here the use of a centrifugal clutch has clear advantages.

In a motor vehicle door closing system with centrifugal clutch on the central locking drive the problem of reaction time arises even then if no passive entry function is provided. The central locking drive has just come to the necessary speed before the Centrifugal clutch is incident and the power transmission train to the lock mechanism closes.

The teaching is based on the problem, a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door locking system the type in question, in particular one with a passive entry function, with regard to the reaction of the control electronics under consideration to improve the fact that the central locking drive with a first from a minimum speed incident clutch, especially in the form of a Centrifugal clutch, is equipped.

The aforementioned problem solves the motor vehicle lock according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. The motor vehicle lock is at the central locking drive one only from a minimum speed incident clutch, in particular in the form of a centrifugal clutch assigned. In a tailored to the specifics of a centrifugal clutch Way is then realized an additional quick release. This starts from the realization that one reaches a quick release then if the centrifugal clutch for the unlocking practically bypassed becomes. In principle, all the benefits of using a centrifugal clutch achieved, however, the disadvantage of the use of such Coupling eliminates the fact that it takes a certain time until the central locking drive, especially after the end of the authorization check interval at passive entry function, starts and the minimum speed reached and then only on the centrifugal clutch to move the locking element can.

According to the invention the locking element immediately after start of the Central locking drive, with passive entry function immediately after Completion of the authorization check interval and in the first part of the action interval, already moved to the unlocked position. The same applies, of course for an element which is the locking element in the lock mechanism in the Subordinate power transmission chain. It is essential that by means of Quick release element the unlocking position of the motor vehicle lock within a few milliseconds, in particular about 10 ms can be. The required effort is minimal, it will only a simple bypass structure needed for the clutch. You do without not to the benefits of using a clutch, especially in Form of a centrifugal clutch. Their disadvantages, namely a delay the response of the central locking drive, but are according to the invention elegantly eliminated.

It is essential that the central locking drive itself classic with a slow running drive element is executed and also the time delay for the response caused by the centrifugal clutch, continues to exist. The central locking drive is unavoidable with the Time delay tracked and is after a slight longer period of time then in its ready position for the next Function.

The teaching of the invention is particularly valuable if, as already explained above in the prior art, the startup interval thereby started is that the hand of an operator actually actuates the outside door handle, especially touched. In this form, pointing to a proximity sensor So far, the length of the reaction phase has been a special one Problem because it is due to the lead time, the approach sensors an advantage is missing. But also with one with proximity sensors equipped motor vehicle door closing system brings the teaching of the invention Of course, a time advantage.

The teaching of the invention is in a particularly advantageous manner also already existing classic electromechanical automotive door closure systems integrable without much additional effort, so that one even with existing constructions the passive entry function without Can use disadvantages in operating comfort.

The teaching of the present invention can also be used in particular if the motor vehicle door lock is designed as an electric lock that of Sensors in the lock mechanism is actuated. With such a technique Force reaction chains serve from the outside door handle, the inside door handle and if necessary from the lock cylinder in the lock mechanism only the operation corresponding switch or influencing corresponding sensors. However, due to the existence of mechanical force action chains if necessary, the lock mechanism for the purpose of actuating the pawl, etc. be used. This concept is the subject of the earlier patent application 199 24 447 of the Applicant.

Finally, the teaching of the present invention is also in a motor vehicle door closing system can be used without passive entry function, for example in particularly comfortable motor vehicle door locking systems in Connection with the operation of the outside door handle.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen und perspektivischen Ansicht ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem Türschließsystem der in Rede stehenden Art,

Fig. 2

eine Türaußengriffanordnung bei einem Kraftfahrzeug-Türschließsystem gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

in schematischer Darstellung ein Kraftfahrzeugschloß mit Zentralverriegelungsantrieb und Schnellentriegelungselement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one embodiment. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

in a schematic and perspective view of a motor vehicle with a door locking system of the type in question,

Fig. 2

an outside door handle arrangement in a motor vehicle door locking system according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a motor vehicle lock with central locking drive and quick release according to an embodiment of the invention.

The motor vehicle 1 shown schematically in FIG. 1 has a motor vehicle door closing system on where the various motor vehicle locks 2 for motor vehicle doors and motor vehicle doors schematically with their Installation positions are indicated. Each motor vehicle lock 2 is motorized, preferably electric motor, unlocked and lockable, just by means a central locking drive. In execution as an electric lock, As shown here, the motor vehicle lock 2 additionally has the Possibility of a motorized opening, ie the lifting of the pawl, by means of an opening drive. In this case, the unlocking and Locking also done only circuit technology. Another variant is also the equipment of the motor vehicle locks 2 with a closing auxiliary drive, to be identical to or separate from the opening drive can. All in all, reference may be made to the state of the art (DE - A - 196 29 709 etc.).

Indicated in motor vehicle door locking system is an electronic control unit 3, the is indicated here as a central control electronics, but also decentralized each the motor vehicle locks 2 can be assigned. It is planned to continue a to be operated by means of a key hood lock 4 for the hood of the motor vehicle and a remote control module 5, which as Passive Entry smart card is running. The control electronics 3 works in total with a passive entry function, ie with an "electronic key". Also in this respect may refer to the aforementioned prior art become. It is essential that the doctrine also in a motor vehicle door locking system can be used with control electronics that are not passive Entry-function is equipped.

On the vehicle body can be seen on the respective motor vehicle door an outside door handle 6 o. The like., And on the driver's door a lock cylinder 7 for an operation with a mechanical key 8, wherein a Such operation in an emergency occurs (emergency release and emergency opening, if necessary).

As already explained to the starting point forming state of the art has been (DE - A - 195 21 024) is in this motor vehicle door locking system to take into account that the control electronics 3 in time a reaction phase with start-up interval, authorization check interval and action interval, in particular for unlocking the motor vehicle lock 2, required.

In the prior art is already realized that the starting interval of the control electronics 3 is started by the hand of an operator the outside door handle 6 touched. Fig. 2 shows a typical door handle assembly of a Motor vehicle door locking system of the type in question with the outside door handle 6 and the lock cylinder 7. Also indicated is a switching device 9 on the outside door handle 6, with the 6 when pulling the outside door handle Switching signal is triggered to an electric opening drive for lifting to control the pawl. This is a variant of an electric lock, in a mechanically operated lock takes the place of the switching device 9 a transmission mechanism of classical design.

Fig. 3 shows that the motor vehicle lock 2 of this motor vehicle door closing system in the illustrated embodiment, first a between a locking position and an unlocking position adjustable Locking element 10 has. As can be seen Fig. 3, the locking element 10th coupled with the rest of the lock mechanism 11, this lock mechanism 11 does not need to be explained further. The locking element 10 is anyway by means of a preferably shown here and electric central locking drive 12 with a slow-speed drive element 13 a locking position in an unlocked position and vice versa overturned. This is due to the letters VS and ES on the lock mechanism 11 indicated.

In the locked position, the motor vehicle lock 2 can not be opened be in the unlocked position of the locking element 10, the motor vehicle lock 2 are opened. How this opening is done, whether mechanically or motor, it does not matter in the present context. In that regard, the alternatives of the prior art are to be realized here.

The illustrated embodiment shows the electric central locking drive 12 with an electric drive motor and a worm gear, its worm wheel, the slow-running drive element 13th forms for the locking element 10. Alternatives for corresponding central locking drives 12 are also linear drives with threaded spindle as slow running drive element 13. Also pneumatic central locking drives 12 are known, of course.

It is essential that the slowly running drive element 13, the locking element 10 between the locking position and the unlocked position back and forth, but that happens relatively slowly.

According to the invention it is now provided that between the central locking drive 12 and the drive element 13 one only from a minimum speed incident clutch 14 is arranged, which ensures that a slight adjustment of the locking element 10 by hand with stationary central locking drive 12 is possible. As a rule, this is one Clutch 14 to a centrifugal clutch in one or the other Design. Reference may be made to the state of the art (EP 0 064 942 B1).

The fact that the clutch 14 only from a minimum speed of the central locking drive 12, that means after the authorization check interval another long time passes, from the locked position the unlocked position of the lock mechanism is achieved. the is now countered by the fact that the central locking drive 12 on this side the clutch 14 assigned a quick release 15. This is the central locking drive 12 immediately when starting operable. Run the central locking drive 12 immediately after the Control electronics 3 has completed the authorization check interval, so Immediately the quick release element 15 is actuated. This is now designed so that it is the locking element 10 or a subordinate thereto Element of the lock mechanism 11 from the locked position immediately in the Unlocking position adjusted.

The central locking drive 12 itself runs when the clutch 14 is engaged then correspondingly slower in the unlocked position or on the Unlocking position to its next rest position after. The advantage of By-passing the centrifugal clutch by means of the quick-release element 15 realized in an advantageous manner, even if the control electronics 3 is not equipped for passive entry function, in particular when operating the outside door handle.

As already explained in the general part of the description, the Duration of the reaction phase when unlocking the motor vehicle lock problematic as when locking the motor vehicle lock, because they there the Operator is not noticeable. The quick release element 15 is thus used primarily for unlocking and thus for the Displacement of the locking element 10 from the locking position in the Unlocked.

After the expiry of the central locking drive 12 including the Clutch 14 typical reaction time is the lock mechanism 11 in total completely in sync again. The central locking drive 12 with his Drive element 13 can then for the locking of the motor vehicle lock 2, so for the return of the control element 10 from the unlocked position be used in the locked position in the classical manner.

Moreover, one can also provide the central locking drive 12 also for the unlocking, ie for the displacement of the locking element 10th from the locking position into the unlocked position, in the motor vehicle locks 2 to be provided on a motor vehicle, not through the operator has been directly operated, so for example on the front passenger door and on the two rear side doors.

With regard to the design of the lock mechanism 11, it is recommended that the Quick release element 15 by the incoming central locking drive 12 from its rest position in its operating position and by the returned from the unlocked position in the locking position Lock element 10 or this subordinate element of the lock mechanism from its operating position back to its rest position is adjustable.

Corresponding characteristics of the lock mechanism 11 can be achieved by means of a To realize lost motion connection, for which there are extensive in the prior art There are role models. In the illustrated embodiment, this is a Variant provided, which is characterized in that the locking element 10 of the drive element 13 on one side positively and in the opposite direction is entrained via a releasable detent. One recognizes indicated in Fig. 3 is a positive locking element 13a on the drive element 13. The releasable detent is not shown for illustrative reasons in Fig. 3.

You can the quick-release element 15 more or less positive fit connect with the lock mechanism 11 and the locking element 10. However, a particularly fast-acting quick release results in that the quick-release element 15 as a spring snap element is formed, which is only released from the central locking drive 12 and then snaps into its operating position under spring force. The quick release element 15 becomes like a catch only from the beginning Central locking drive 12 triggered the further movement of the Latch element 10 in the unlocked done then lightning fast the preloaded spring.

Of particular importance is the teaching of the invention then, if not for example, by a proximity sensor a way to lamination Part of the reaction time of the control electronics 3 consists. The So applies to a motor vehicle door locking system in which the start-up interval started by the hand of an operator the outside door handle 6 actuated, in particular only touched.

Claims (9)

1. A motor vehicle lock with a locking element (10) that can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position, and with a preferably electric central interlocking drive (12) that contains a slow driving element (13) for moving the locking element (10),
   for a motor vehicle door locking system, wherein the motor vehicle door locking system comprises, in addition to at least one motor vehicle lock, a control electronic (3), preferably a control electronic with passive entry function, and a remote control module (5) that is carried along by a user, wherein the control electronic (3), if realized with a passive entry function, requires a reaction phase with a start-up time interval, an authorization check time interval and an action time interval, particularly for unlocking the motor vehicle lock (2), and the start-up time interval is started by the user, preferably without the user being aware of this fact,
   wherein a clutch (14) that only engages at a certain minimum rotational speed, in particular in the form of a centrifugal clutch, is arranged between the central interlocking drive (12) and the driving element (13) and makes it possible to easily move the locking element (10) when the door locking system (12) is in the idle state,
   characterized in that
   a quick unlocking element (15) is assigned to the central interlocking drive (12) on this side of the clutch (14) and can be actuated upon start-up by the central interlocking drive (12),
   the actuated quick unlocking element (15) immediately moves the locking element (10) or an element of the lock mechanism arranged downstream thereof from the locked position into the unlocked position, and in the central interlocking drive (12) follows into the unlocked position or into the next idle position beyond the unlocked position with a correspondingly slower speed when the clutch (14) is engaged.
2. The motor vehicle lock according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the quick unlocking element (15) can be moved from its idle position into its actuating position by the central interlocking drive (12) being started up, and the quick unlocking element can be moved back into its idle position from its actuating position by the locking element (10) that is moved back into its locked position from its unlocked position or by the element of the lock mechanism arranged downstream thereof.
3. The motor vehicle lock according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the driving element (13) moves the locking element (10) in a positive fashion in one direction and by means of a releasable catch mechanism in the opposite direction.
4. The motor vehicle lock according to one of Claims 1-3, characterized in that the quick unlocking element (15) is realized in the form of a spring-loaded snap element that is merely released by the central interlocking drive (12) and then snaps into its actuating position under the influence of the spring force.
5. A motor vehicle door locking system,
   with a motor vehicle lock (2) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 4 that can be unlocked and locked by means of a motor and opened mechanically or in a motor-driven fashion,
   comprising a control electronic (3) that preferably has a passive entry function, and
   a remote control module (5) that is carried along by a user,
   wherein the control electronic (3), if realized with a passive entry function, requires a reaction phase with a start-up time interval, an authorization check time interval and an action time interval, particularly for unlocking the motor vehicle lock (2), and the start-up time interval is started by the user, preferably without the user being aware of this fact.
6. The motor vehicle door locking system according to Claim 5, characterized in that the quick unlocking element (15) can be moved from its idle position into its actuating position by the central interlocking drive (12) being started up, and the quick unlocking element can be moved back into its idle position from its actuating position by the locking element (10) that is moved back into its locked position from its unlocked position or by the element of the lock mechanism arranged downstream thereof.
7. The motor vehicle door locking system according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the driving element (13) moves the locking element (10) in a positive fashion in one direction and by means of a releasable catch mechanism in the opposite direction.
8. The motor vehicle door locking system according to one of Claims 5-7, characterized in that the quick unlocking element (15) is realized in the form of a spring-loaded snap element that is merely released by the central interlocking drive (12) and then snaps into its actuating position under the influence of the spring force.
9. The motor vehicle door locking system according to one of Claims 5-8, characterized in that the action time interval is started by the hand of a user actuating an outside door handle (6).

Images