EP1865131B1 - Motor vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, with at least one locking mechanism, a first lever, a second lever and a drive unit and with an actuator, wherein with the aid of the drive unit via the actuator both the first lever from a first functional position to a second functional position and the second Lever from a first functional position in a second functional position can be transferred or transferred and vice versa.

First lever and second lever generally means different levers within a motor vehicle door latch. By way of example and not limitation, the first lever can be a locking lever, in particular a central locking lever. The second lever is usually designed as anti-theft lever. First and / or second lever can also be designed as a child safety lever or as a lever for the operation of a secondary lock. Always means with the first lever and second lever two lever of a motor vehicle door closure, which define at least two (different) lock functions that correspond to their two different functional positions (first functional position and second functional position).

The mentioned locking usually consists of a rotary latch and acting on the rotary latch and cooperating with her pawl together. The mentioned locking lever and the anti-theft lever act in a manner known per se with a corresponding locking mechanism and / or actuating mechanism in such a way that the locking lever in its first functional position, for example, "unlocked" a corresponding force action chain (eg., Innenbetätigungskette and / or Außenbetätigungskette) Activation of the lock releases and i locked in its locked position (second function position) or creates a free-stroke.

While the locking lever, z. B. in the embodiment as a central locking lever, usually interrupts an external actuating chain, the anti-theft lever usually acts on both the Außenbetätigungskette and on the Innenbetätigungskette. This has the consequence that the motor vehicle door lock in question can not be unlocked in its anti-theft functional position neither via an internal locking lever nor an internal operating lever and of course also via an optionally provided external locking lever and an external operating lever.

Motor vehicle door locks of the type described above are known from practice in various embodiments, including in addition to the DE 43 43 340 A1 referenced. There, such a motor vehicle door lock is described in which a single electric motor drive operates on both a central locking lever and an anti-theft lever. For this purpose, an output element with eccentric control pin is connected to the reversible electric motor, which engages on the one hand in a fork receptacle of the central locking lever and on the other hand acts on a corresponding control surface on the anti-theft lever. Such motor vehicle door locks have basically proven, but are able to be improved in terms of manufacturing costs. This is where the invention starts.

GB 2 262 769 A describes a generic motor vehicle door lock. GB 2 257 467 A . DE 44 26 043 A1 and GB 2 275 499 A describe similar motor vehicle door locks.

In the closure according to GB 2 262 769 A when the first lever is in its first operative position and the second lever is in its first operative position and is moved in a first direction by the drive unit from a home position, the actuator will translate the first lever to its second operative position and if so is then moved back in the first direction by the drive unit after returning to the normal position, transfer the second lever in its second operating position;

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door lock in such a way that the most simple and cost-effective design is achieved.

To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes a motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1. The invention proposes that the first lever via a first coupling element with the actuator and (the first and the second) are each releasably connected via a further second coupling element to the actuator.

• der erste Hebel und der zweite Hebel unabhängig voneinander, mit Hilfe des Stellgliedes, in ihre jeweils erste und zweite Funktionsstellung und zurück derart steuerbar sind, dass
  • das Stellglied, wenn sich der erste Hebel in seiner ersten Funktionsstellung und der zweite Hebel in seiner ersten Funktionsstellung befindet und es ausgehend von einer Grundstellung durch die Antriebseinheit in einer ersten Richtung bewegt wird, den ersten Hebel in seine zweite Funktionsstellung überführt und, wenn es nach Rückkehr in die Grundstellung anschließend durch die Antriebseinheit erneut in der ersten Richtung bewegt wird, den zweiten Hebel in seine zweite Funktionsstellung überführt;
  • das Stellglied, wenn sich der erste Hebel in seiner zweiten Funktionsstellung und der zweite Hebel in seiner zweiten Funktionsstellung befindet und es ausgehend von der Grundstellung durch die Antriebseinheit in einer zweiten Richtung bewegt wird, den zweiten Hebel in seine erste Funktionsstellung überführt und, wenn es nach Rückkehr in die Grundstellung anschließend durch die Antriebseinheit erneut in der zweiten Richtung bewegt wird, den ersten Hebel in seine erste Funktionsstellung überführt.

The invention also proposes essentially that

• the first lever and the second lever are independently, with the aid of the actuator, in their respective first and second functional position and back so controllable that
  • the actuator, when the first lever is in its first operative position and the second lever is in its first operative position and it is moved in a first direction, starting from a home position by the drive unit, the first lever is transferred to its second operating position and, if it Return to the home position is then moved by the drive unit again in the first direction, the second lever is transferred to its second operating position;
  • the actuator when the first lever is in its second operative position and the second lever is in its second operative position and it is moved from the home position by the drive unit in a second direction, the second lever is converted to its first operating position and, if it Return to the home position is then moved by the drive unit again in the second direction, the first lever is transferred to its first functional position.

The invention thus makes use of two coupling elements, namely a first coupling element and a second coupling element, which in conjunction with the one drive motor of the drive unit ensure that a selective actuation of both the first lever and the second Levers succeed. That is, both the first lever and the second lever can be independently controlled by means of the actuator (and the one single drive motor) in their respective first and second functional position and back. The functionality is therefore the same as if a separate drive motor for the first lever, in particular locking lever, preferably central locking lever, and a second motor for the second lever, in particular anti-theft lever, would be provided. In this way, the already mentioned selective activation and actuation of the first and the second lever with only a single drive motor succeeds.

This can realize significant cost savings. Nevertheless, virtually the same mode of action as in a conventional motor vehicle door lock with separate (central) locking motor and anti-theft motor is given. That is, the unlocking function and anti-theft function can be electromechanical. In addition, of course, a manual operation of the motor vehicle door lock and the associated lever is also possible in case of failure of the drive motor. All this is possible with a particularly simple and cost-effective design.

In detail, the design is such that the actuator transfers the first lever from its first to its second functional position, wherein during or at the end of this adjustment process, the second lever is in operative connection with the actuator. This is usually accomplished so that during or at the end of the relevant setting process, the first and second lever releasably connecting coupling element assumes its position "engaged". In this position, a renewed action by the actuator causes the second lever is transferred from its first to the second operating position. In addition, it is also possible by a movement of the actuator in the other direction, however, that the actuator with the aid of the coupling element, the first lever - regardless of an existing or non-existing operative connection of the two levers with each other or the second lever with the actuator - from its first transferred to the second functional position and back.

In order to control the second lever from its first to its second functional position and back, regardless of the first lever, the first coupling element is transferred to its disengaged position, so it is ineffective. As a result, the first lever connected to the actuator via the first coupling element is not influenced by corresponding actuating movements on the second lever. Conversely, it has already been explained that the actuator can transfer the first lever with the aid of the first coupling element from its first to the second functional position and back, regardless of an existing or non-existing operative connection of the second lever with the actuator. This is achieved in such a way that the second coupling element connecting the first lever and the second lever occupies only its engaged or disengaged position, but the second lever experiences no influence whatsoever due to the actuating movements in question on the first lever.

In this way, the two levers can thus be independently and selectively transferred to their two functional positions, and in each case by the actuator performs respective actuating movements in a first or a second direction of movement. The adjusting movements of the steep link are initiated by means of the drive unit, which in turn includes a single drive motor.

In this context, it is further provided that the first coupling element is blocked in its disengaged position by a further adjusting element arranged on the actuator. This actuator is in turn by a contour, for. B. a cam, a web or the like acted on the second lever. That is, the second lever ensures with its contour that regularly connected to the second lever further actuator holds the first coupling element in its disengaged position or blocked. As a result, actuation movements of the second lever initiated by the actuator are not transmitted to the first lever, which retains its position (second functional position).

That is, the first lever transferred in the second functional position is not influenced by adjusting movements on the second lever. This is the usual functionality, namely such that the locking lever in the "locked" position allows unhindered engagement and disengagement of the anti-theft device without any change in the state of the locking lever.

The actuator is usually equipped with a first contour and a second contour. The first contour is configured for interaction with the first coupling element and the second contour for interaction with the second coupling element. This allows the actuator to transfer the first lever and the second lever from their respective first functional position in their respective second functional position and back each performs a two-stage movement with associated return to a basic position. That is, the actuator ensures in a first movement step that, for example, the first lever is transferred from its first to the second functional position. Then, the actuator returns to its normal position and thereby allows the second coupling element can connect the first lever and the second lever together and the second coupling element connects the actuator with the second lever. At the same time, the second coupling element takes its engaged position - possibly spring assisted - a. This allows the actuator in the subsequent second movement step in the same direction of movement to control the second lever from its first to the second functional position.

The procedure is the other way around. However, for this purpose, the actuator is acted upon in the opposite direction of movement and ensures in a first step that the second lever returns from its second functional position to the first functional position. Subsequently, the actuator resumes its basic position and thereby allows the previously disengaged first clutch is transferred to the position "engaged". Now, in a second movement step, the first lever can be returned from its second functional position to the first functional position in the same (compared to previously opposite) movement direction.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. The Fig. 1 to 7 show the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention in various functional positions, each with a) a front view and b) a rear view of associated and reduced to the essential components motor vehicle door lock is designated.

In the figures, a motor vehicle door lock is shown, which has a not explicitly shown locking mechanism, for example, rotary latch and interacting with it pawl. For example, the locking mechanism in a below the in the Fig. 1 to 7 Placed drawing plane or even perpendicular thereto. Also not shown is an actuating lever chain, which is brought into each case by means of the locking or theft protection to be described respectively in engagement or disengagement with the locking mechanism, as has already been described in the introduction and is well known in the art.

From the mentioned lock and anti-theft device can be seen in the figures, a first lever 1, which is present and not limiting as a locking lever, in the embodiment of the central locking lever 1, is formed. In addition, a second lever 2, in the embodiment and not limiting an anti-theft lever 2, realized. A merely indicated drive unit 3, 4 is composed of a single drive motor or electric motor 3 and an output shaft 4. The drive unit 3, 4 operates or acts on an actuator 5, which is configured in the example and also not restricting as a worm wheel 5. The worm wheel 5 can - the rotational movements of the electric motor 3 following - be acted upon in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction, resulting in a Fig. 1 a shown double arrow indicates.

With the aid of the actuator 5, both the first lever or central locking lever 1 and the second lever or theft prevention lever 2 can be moved from a respective first functional position to a respective second functional position and back, namely selectively, ie, as it were independently from each other. For this purpose, two coupling elements 6, 7 are realized according to the invention. The first lever or central locking lever 1 is detachably connected via the first coupling element 6 to the actuator 5. The second coupling element 7, however, ensures a releasable connection of the actuator 5 with the second lever or theft prevention lever. 2

It can be seen that the first coupling element 6 is designed as a central locking coupling 6, while the second coupling element 7 assumes the function of an anti-theft clutch 7. Both clutches or coupling elements 6, 7 are each spring-loaded. For this purpose, on the one hand a central locking clutch spring 8 and on the other hand an anti-theft clutch coupling spring 9 is realized. Both clutch springs 8, 9 are formed as helical springs, wherein a spring arm the respective coupling element or the coupling 6, 7 acted upon and the other spring arm is supported in each case on the first lever or central locking lever 1.

Furthermore, one recognizes an adjusting element 10, which is arranged on the second lever or theft prevention lever 2 and connected thereto. In addition, there is a so-called center-zero spring 11, which acts on the actuator or worm wheel 5 and each ensures that the worm wheel 5 spring-assisted his example in Fig. 1 a and 1 b shown basic position occupies. Because each movement of the worm wheel 5 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction causes the aforementioned center-zero spring 11 is tensioned, because an associated and attached to the worm wheel 5 pin 12 ensures that the two belonging to the center-zero spring spring legs under tensioning the center-zero spring 11 are moved apart.

The worm wheel 5, the anti-theft lever 2 and the central locking lever 1 are each rotatably mounted about a common axis 13, the in turn may be set in a lock case or lock housing, not shown. In addition, a contour 14 or a pin 14 on the anti-theft lever 2 is important for the operation, which interacts with the rotatable about an axis 15 to the anti-theft lever 2 control element 10, as will be explained in more detail below.

The operation is as follows. Starting from the basic position after the Fig. 1a, 1b is the locking lever or central locking lever 1 in its "unlocked" position. In addition, the anti-theft device is not inserted, ie the anti-theft lever 2 assumes the functional position "unlocked". Now move the central locking lever 1 to the "locked" position Fig. 2 to convict, the electric motor 3 is energized so that the worm wheel 5 in the transition from the Fig. 1a to Fig. 2a turns clockwise. The corresponding setting corresponds in the rear views after the Fig. 1b and 2 B of course, to a movement in the opposite direction, ie counterclockwise.

When pivoting the actuator or worm wheel 5 clockwise - starting in the Fig. 1a - Provides a first contour 16 on the worm wheel 5 that the "locked" in position central locking clutch 6 takes the central locking lever 1 in this movement. This can be seen in the transition from the Fig. 1a, 1b to the Fig. 2a, 2b , The first contour 16 on the actuator or worm wheel 5 is consequently designed as a central locking coupling contour 16.

For this first contour 16 or central locking coupling contour 16, a further second contour 17 on the actuator respectively worm wheel 5 is added. This second contour 17 is designed as anti-theft clutch coupling contour 17. As already explained, the first contour or central locking coupling contour interacts 16 with the first coupling element or the central locking clutch 6, while the second contour 17 or anti-theft clutch coupling contour 17 cooperates with the second coupling element or the anti-theft clutch 7.

As soon as the central locking lever 1 "locks" its position after the Fig. 2a has reached, the worm wheel or actuator 5 returns to its normal position. This is ensured by the center zero spring 11 as described. At the same time the anti-theft clutch spring 9 is tensioned in this process, as can be seen in the transition from the Fig. 1a to Fig. 2a recognizes. Once the actuator or worm wheel 5 its in the Fig. 3a shown basic position (again) has reached, the anti-theft clutch 7 can be transferred to the second contour 17 of the actuator 5 over with the help of the clutch spring 9 in the position "engaged". That is by an arrow in the Fig. 3a shown. In this way, there is now a pin 7b of the anti-theft clutch 7 on the second contour 17 of the actuator 5 at. In contrast, a further pin 7a of the anti-theft clutch 7 is acted upon by the anti-theft clutch spring 9 or a spring arm of this anti-theft clutch spring 9.

The fact that after return of the actuator or worm wheel 5 in the basic position following the capture of the position "locked" of the central locking lever 1 now a connection between the two levers 1, 2 is present through the anti-theft clutch 7, the anti-theft device can be inserted thereafter become. In addition, this ensures the fact that the anti-theft clutch 7 mechanically connects the actuator 5 with the anti-theft lever 2. Starting from the position after the Fig. 3a, 3b the actuator or worm wheel 5 is acted upon again in the clockwise direction by means of the electric motor 3. This can be seen in the transition from the Fig. 3a, 3b to the Fig. 4a, 4b , In this process the anti-theft lever 2 is "unsecured" transferred from its first functional position to its second functional position "secured".

So that in this process the central locking lever 1 does not leave its already occupied position "locked", essentially the adjusting element 10 connected to the anti-theft lever 2 is provided. Because the questionable actuator 10 is acted upon by means of the contour or the pin 14 on the anti-theft lever 2 so that the central locking clutch 6 of hers in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown position "engaged" in the position "disengaged" after the Fig. 4a and 4b is transferred. As a result, the first contour 16 on the actuator 5 does not interact with the central locking coupling 6 in question and the central locking lever 1 consequently retains its "locked" position. This indicates an arrow in the Fig. 4b at.

The insertion of the lock as the anti-theft device is thus initiated by a two-or two-stage movement process of the actuator 5 in a direction of movement (clockwise), wherein the actuator 5 occupies each of its basic position between these two movements. In this case occurs during or at the end of the first setting operation (transferring the central locking lever from its position "unlocked" in "locked") the second lever or theft prevention lever 2 in operative connection with the actuator 5, because insofar the anti-theft clutch 7 for a mechanical connection of both levers. 1 , 2 ensures that the second contour 17 can act on the actuator 5 via the anti-theft clutch 7 on the anti-theft lever 2.

It should be emphasized that the actuator 5 - starting from the functional position to Fig. 3a - Of course, the central locking lever 1 of its second functional position "locked" again in the first functional position "unlocked" can convict, regardless of whether the anti-theft lever 2 enters into an operative connection with the actuator 5 or not. In fact, in this process, the actuator 5 - starting from the Fig. 3a - Acted counterclockwise, so that the central locking lever 1 is taken by the located in the engaged position central locking clutch 6 in its "unlocked" position and can also be. In the Fig. 4a, 4b the motor vehicle door lock overall has reached its position "locked" and "secured".

In the Fig. 5 to 7 the opposite procedure is explained. In fact, the transfer of the anti-theft lever 2 from the "secured" position to the "unlocked" position is the same as the return of the central locking lever 1 from "locked" to "unlocked" again in a two-stage moving operation, this time counterclockwise and again in two steps.

Starting from the position "locked" and "secured" after the Fig. 5a, 5b the worm wheel 5 is counterclockwise in the Fig. 5a moves and takes those into the Fig. 6a, 6b shown position. In this case, the worm wheel or actuator 5 takes through the position in the "coupled" anti-theft clutch 7, the anti-theft lever 2 in the position "not secured or unlocked" with. That's what they show Fig. 6a and 6b which describe the motor vehicle door lock in the "locked" and "unlocked" position.

Following this, the center-zero spring 11 in turn ensures that the worm wheel or actuator 5 its basic position after the Fig. 7a, 7b reached. In this process, the central locking clutch 6 their in the Fig. 5a, 5b and 6a, 6b leave the position taken "disengaged" and go into the position "engaged" after the Fig. 7a, 7b above.

Consequently, in a first step, the anti-theft lever 2 has its position "unlocked" according to the Fig. 6a, 6b taken and can unlock the central locking lever 1 in a second step. Because starting from the Fig. 7a, 7b is the central locking clutch 6 is engaged and thus is the first contour 16 and central locking coupling contour 16 to the central locking coupling 6 at. A renewed loading of the worm wheel or actuator 5 in the counterclockwise direction transfers the motor vehicle door lock - starting from the Fig. 7a, 7b - in the starting position after the Fig. 1a, 1b in the position "unlocked" and "unlocked" back.

Claims (9)

1. Motor vehicle door latch, with

   • at least a locking mechanism,

   • a first lever (1),

   • a second lever (2),

   • a drive unit (3, 4) which is only equipped with a single drive motor (3), and

   • an actuator (5),
   whereby

   • both the first lever (1) and the second lever (2) can be transferred from a first functional position to a second functional position and vice versa by means of the drive unit (3, 4) via the actuator (5),

   • the first lever (1) is detachably connected via a first coupling element (6) and the second lever (2) via a second coupling element (7) in each instance with the actuator (5),
   and whereby

   • the first lever (1) and the second lever (2) can be propelled independently of one another into their first and second functional position respectively and back again with the aid of the actuator (5), that

   - the actuator (5) when the first lever (1) is in its first functional position and the second lever (2) is in its first functional position and starting from a basic position is moved by the drive unit (3, 4) in a first direction, transfers the first lever (1) into its second functional position and, when it is subsequently moved again by the drive unit (3, 4) in the first direction after return into the basic position, transfers the second lever (2) into its second functional position;

   - the actuator (5) when the first lever (1) is in its second functional position and the second lever (2) is in its second functional position and starting from the basic position is moved by the drive unit (3, 4) in a second direction, transfers the second lever (2) into its first functional position and, when it is subsequently moved again by the drive unit (3, 4) in the second direction into its second functional position after return into the basic position, transfers the first lever (1) into its first functional position;
2. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (5) transfers the first lever (1) from its first to its second functional position, whereby the second lever (2) enters into an operative connection with the actuator (5) during or at the end of this actuating process.
3. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the actuator (5) with the aid of the first coupling element (6) transfers the first lever (1) from its first to its second functional position- regardless of an existent or non-existent operative connection of the second lever (2) with the actuator (5).
4. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first coupling element (6) is transferred from its first to its second functional position and back into its disengaged position to transfer the second lever (2).
5. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first coupling element (6) is blocked in its disengaged position by an actuating element (10).
6. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuator (5) is equipped with a first contour (16) and a second contour (17), whereby the first contour (16) is set up for interaction with the first coupling element (6) and the second contour (17) for interaction with the second coupling element (7).
7. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuator (5) accomplishes a two-stage movement with pertaining return into a basic position for transfer of the first lever (1) and the second lever (2) from its respective first functional position into the respective second functional position and back in each instance.
8. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first lever (1) is formed as a bolting lever, in particular a central bolting lever (1) and the second lever (2) is formed as an anti-theft lever (2).
9. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first coupling element (6) is formed as a central locking coupling (6) and the second coupling element (7) is formed as an anti-theft coupling (7).

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