EP2099991B1 - Door lock for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, with a central locking drive with a worm wheel and a Zentralverrieglungselement which is actuated by the central locking drive and at least the functional positions "unlocked" and "locked" occupies, wherein at least one intermediate element is provided which operates on the central locking element and at the occupied functional position allows further movement of the central locking drive elastically yielding, wherein the intermediate element is designed as an actuating pin, which is axially elastically slidably connected at one end to the central locking drive, wherein the actuating pin by means of a stop, perpendicular to the plane spanned by the worm wheel on the worm wheel is received and the intermediate element for adjusting the central locking element in the functional position "unlocked" or "locked" one of the two sides ig an actuating jaw of the central locking element arranged attacks acted upon.

Such a motor vehicle door lock is from the EP 1 178 172 A2 known.

Other motor vehicle door locks are known in large numbers from practice and are otherwise in the EP 0 478 013 A2 or the DE 195 08 026 A1 or even the EP 0 711 891 B1 presented. Usually, the procedure here is that the central locking drive works by means of an electric motor via a worm on a worm wheel, which in turn has driving cam or actuating cam or actuating pin.

The actuating or driving cam work on the central locking element, which is usually - but not limiting - designed as a central locking lever. For this purpose, the central locking element or the central locking lever has a fork receptacle, in which engages the actuating cam, in order to transfer the central locking lever in its functional positions (at least "unlocked" and "locked"). In each case one direction of rotation of the worm wheel regularly corresponds (clockwise or counterclockwise) to this process, at the end of which the actuating cam abuts stop surfaces laterally of the receptacle in the sense of a block drive.

This block operation corresponds, on the one hand, to the fact that many electronic components, in particular switches or sensors which detect the assumption of the functional positions of the central locking element, are eliminated can. In addition, such a block drive can be easily identified and evaluated electronically by an increase in the pick-up current for the electric motor of the central locking drive. On the other hand, the block drive requires special structural adjustments.

Thus, first of all not inconsiderable power cable cross sections for the electric motor of the central locking drive must be made available in order to evaluate the safe increase of the absorbed current without the risk of cable fire or the like. This is expensive and expensive. In addition, in a block drive of the electric motor, the entire cable network of a motor vehicle door closures provided with such a vehicle is contaminated with interference voltage peaks. Because of the large number of sensitive to such interference voltage spikes electronic components, this has the consequence that additional suppression components must be installed. This in turn increases the constructive and financial expense.

Finally, it should not go unmentioned that the block ride generated in the prior art noises within the motor vehicle door lock, which can detect the entire vehicle body by structure-borne sound transmission. This problem has been taken into account in the past that more or less complex damping measures have been provided. This results in further construction costs and increased costs. Here, the invention aims to provide a total remedy.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door lock so that the disadvantages associated with a block drive (increased conductor cross-section for the electric motor, occurrence of interference voltage peaks and unpleasant noise development) are avoided.

To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle door lock in the invention is characterized in that the central locking drive works without a stop and to the intermediate element at its occupied functional position further movement of the central locking drive permits by the actuating pin does not reach a first stop the Betätigungsmaules and the second stop elastically yielding is moved away.

In contrast to the prior art ( EP 1 178 172 A2 ) drives the central locking drive according to the invention therefore not (more) "on block", because he works so far without a stop. For this purpose, the invention uses a special intermediate element, which couples the central locking drive with the central locking element. The intermediate element thus transmits movements of the central locking drive to the central locking element. This happens now in such a way that the intermediate element at occupied functional position of the central locking element (for example, "locked" or "unlocked") allows further movement of the central locking drive elastically yielding.

That is, even if the central locking element has already taken the desired functional position, the central locking drive can be moved in the associated operating direction. - Actuation in the opposite direction of course has the consequence that the central locking element is taken to its other functional position.

By means of these inventive measures, the central locking drive can, for example, be flanked by a time control which, after a certain time, ensures its disconnection, without any damage to the central locking drive and / or the central locking element have to be feared. Because the central locking drive works - as I said - without a stop, so it is expressly waived a block drive. This ensures the intermediate element, which also allows further movement of the central locking drive when the central locking element has assumed the desired functional position. Of course, the time control will be designed in such a way that the desired functional position of the central locking element ("locked" or "unlocked") will always be safely assumed.

In this way, as part of the central locking drive regularly used (reversible) electric motor can be supplied with conventional power cable cross-sections, because an increased power consumption is not expected and is not needed for evaluation. In addition, because the block drive is eliminated, no interference voltage peaks in the line network are to be expected, so that additional suppression components can be omitted. Finally, the control of the central locking drive can be realized with inexpensive semiconductor devices, taking into account a simple time control, which only need to be able to switch the occurring low currents. Overall, therefore, a considerable effort reduction and consequently cost reduction is achieved.

This is achieved in detail by the invention in such a way that the intermediate element is connected to the central locking drive. In this case, the intermediate element may have at least one spring which elastically absorbs its movements caused by the central locking drive when the central locking element is fixed. The spring thus provides the necessary elasticity of the intermediate element, although the invention of course also covers variants in which the intermediate element even has the necessary elasticity to absorb the described further movement of the central locking drive elastically yielding at fixed in the desired functional position central locking element. Unquestionably, combinations of a spring are covered with a self-elastic intermediate element.

The intermediate element engages in an actuating mouth of the central locking element. Then movements of the central locking drive via the intermediate element on the actuating jaw or usually provided laterally of the Betätigungsmaules stop surfaces are transmitted. Also in this case, the intermediate element thus ensures that the central locking element assumes the desired functional positions (at least "unlocked" and "locked").

The intermediate element is designed as an actuating pin, which is connected with its one end axially elastically displaceable to the central locking drive. Mostly, a worm wheel of the central locking drive is used for the corresponding recording of the actuating pin. This usually engages in the operating jaw of the central locking element and ensures by its start at local attacks that the central locking element assumes the desired functional position. Now, if the worm wheel or the central locking drive is moved further, the actuating pin can move on unhindered about a cooperating with the stop ramp, even over the stop away, because it is designed to be axially elastically displaceable.

Usually, two stops in the motor vehicle door lock housing or on a lock case connected stops provide for fixing the central locking element in its two functional positions. Of course, more than three functional positions of the central locking element can be realized, namely, if, for example, the positions "anti-theft lock on" or "anti-theft lock off" are added. In addition, of course, more than one intermediate element can be realized in this context. Finally, the central locking drive - as described - may have a reversing motor, which provides the regularly provided worm wheel clockwise and in the Counterclockwise operated so as to represent the associated functional positions of the central locking element can.

Fig. 1 und 2

einen Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß dem Stand der Technik in verschiedenen Funktionsstellungen,

Fig. 3

einen erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss in einer Übersicht und

Fig. 4 und 5

Details aus Fig. 3 in verschiedenen Funktionsstellungen.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

Fig . 1 and 2

a motor vehicle door lock according to the prior art in various functional positions,

Fig . 3

a motor vehicle door lock according to the invention in an overview and

4 and 5

Details from Fig. 3 in different functional positions.

In the figures, a not belonging to the invention motor vehicle door lock is shown, which has a central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4. The central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4 is composed in detail of a central locking motor or reversing electric motor 1, a driven by the electric motor 1 screw 2 and a worm wheel 3 and actuating pin 4, which are supported by the worm wheel 3. As usual, the central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4 is acted upon by a control unit, not expressly shown, which ensures that all motor vehicle door locks of a motor vehicle coincidentally assume the positions "unlocked" or "locked". In principle, an anti-theft position can be realized, but this is not shown.

In the embodiment represented as Zentrafverriegelungshebel running central locking element 5 represents the two functional positions "unlocked" and "locked". As part of the variant after the Fig. 1 and 2 is the central locking lever or the central locking element in the Position after Fig. 1 in its position "unlocked" while the functional position after Fig. 2 belongs to the position "locked". In principle, the procedure could be reversed. In any case, the central locking element or the central locking lever 5 occupy two defined end positions, which correspond to the fact that the central locking lever 5 starts against stops 6 fixed to the housing and is fixed in this position.

The functional position "unlocked" corresponds to the fact that a not shown actuating lever mechanism is mechanically connected to a locking mechanism, also not shown, and consequently the motor vehicle door lock can be opened. In the "locked" position, however, such an interrupted mechanical chain of action is not present, so that operations go empty.

Connected to the central locking lever 5 is a locking lever 7, to which additional mechanical locking elements, such as an inner door knob, a locking cylinder, etc., can be connected and which is insignificant for the present invention.

Both basic variants are characterized in that the central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4 works without a stop and for this purpose has at least one intermediate element 8. In the example of the Fig. 1 and 2 is the intermediate element 8 as an actuating lever 8 'is formed, which is pivotally connected at one end elastically to the central locking element and the central locking lever 5. For this purpose, a pivot axis 9 is realized, which is enclosed by a coil spring 10. The coil spring 10 or spring 10 has two spring ends 11 which receive a stop pin 12 of the actuating lever 8 'between them.

In this way, the operating lever 8 'and the intermediate element 8 can be pivoted back and forth about its pivot axis 9 and returns spring-assisted in the in the Fig. 1 illustrated starting position centered between two lugs 13 of the central locking lever 5, which cooperate with the housing-fixed stops 6.

In the modified embodiment of the Fig. 3 to 5 the intermediate element 8 is designed as an actuating pin 8 ", which is axially elastically displaceably connected with its end to the central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4. For this purpose, the actuating pin 8" is held on the worm wheel 3 with the aid of a stop 14, vertically to the plane spanned by the worm wheel, in the view Fig. 3 extending vertically to the back and almost "piercing" the plane of the drawing. As a result, the actuating pin 8 "yield elastically in the axial direction.

The intermediate element 8 engages in the context of the example of the Fig. 1, 2 in an orbit 15 of the actuating pin 4 on the worm wheel 3 a. In this way, the central locking lever 5 is transferred to the desired functional positions. Starting from the position "unlocked" to Fig. 1 For example, a clockwise movement of the left actuating pin 4 ensures that the intermediate element 8 or the actuating lever 8 'entrains the central locking element or the central locking lever 5.

Actually performs in this process, the central locking element or the central locking lever 5 counterclockwise movement about its pivot axis 16. As soon as the left nose 13 of the central locking lever 5 starts against the left stop 6, the central locking lever 5 in the then achieved functional position "locked" after Fig. 2 set or blocked.

Nevertheless, the actuating pin 4 can continue to run, because in this respect the actuating lever 8 'yielding elastic yielding, as the dot-dashed line in FIG Fig. 2 makes it clear. The central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4 thus works without a stop. For the actuating lever 8 'moves in a plane which lies below the plane which is spanned by the central locking lever 5 with the two lugs 13. As a result, clockwise movements of the actuating pin 4 are not hindered and the actuating lever 8 'can each yield elastically yielding (when the central locking element 5 carrying it is blocked as described).

The associated coil spring 10 ensures with its two ends 11 each for the fact that the actuating lever 8 'unchanged in this process its solid position shown in accordance with Fig. 1 maintains. After a predetermined period of time, ie within a specified time window, the electric motor 1 of the central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4 is turned off.

Does it - starting from the position "locked" after Fig. 2 - To the fact that the electric motor 1 is energized in the opposite direction, so causes a counterclockwise rotation of the actuating pin 4 that the actuating lever 8 ', the central locking lever 5 again entrains, but now in the sense of pivoting clockwise about its pivot axis 16. At the end this movement reaches the central locking lever 5, the starting position "unlocked" after Fig. 1 , Also in this case, a further movement of the actuating pin 4 causes the operating lever 8 '- supported by the coil spring 10 - can yield elastically yielding, namely until the electric motor 1 is switched off after the predetermined time. - It is understood that the time can be adjusted and adapted to the installation conditions.

The variant after the Fig. 3 to 5 is similar. In this case, the intermediate element 8 or an actuating pin 8 "engages in an actuating jaw 17 of the central locking lever 5. In addition, stops 18 are provided on both sides of the actuating jaw 17. As soon as the actuating pin 8", for example, starts from the "unlocked" position Fig. 4 - Applied to the left stop 18, the central locking lever 5 is adjusted counterclockwise about the pivot axis 16 and reaches the functional position after Fig. 5 "Locked". The actuating pin 8 "can continue to carry out the counterclockwise movement associated with the above-described operation as indicated, since the previously actuated left stop 18 is moved away from the actuating pin 8" in the functional position achieved Fig. 5 "locked" not reached (more). Rather, the actuating pin 8 "moves along the in Fig. 5 dash-dotted trajectory unchanged in the counterclockwise direction and runs here to a right stop 18 rising ramp 19 high.

After reaching the right stop 18, the actuating pin 8 "(spring-assisted) engages in the actuating jaw 17 and consequently is not obstructed in this counterclockwise movement - The left-hand stop 18 also has a ramp 19 rising towards it moved actuating pin 8 "in the functional position Fig. 5 "locked" thus perform an unhindered movement in the counterclockwise direction, over the stop 18 of time.

To start from the position "locked" in Fig. 5 the position "unlocked" after Fig. 4 to reach again, the central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4 or its electric motor 1 is operated reversing. As a result, the actuating pin 8 "performs in the Fig. 5 a clockwise rotation, which is indicated by a local arrow. This clockwise rotation corresponds to the actuation pin 8 "starting against the right stop 18. This leads to that the central locking lever 5 about the pivot axis 16 in the position "unlocked" to Fig. 4 is transferred. In this position, the actuating pin 8 "again unhindered continue its clockwise rotation, because it is so far away with the aid of the left stop 18 associated ramp 19 over the left stop 18 and the right stop 18 in the position after Fig. 4 not reached.

Finally, it should be expressly emphasized that the intermediate element 8 or the actuating lever 8 'and / or the actuating pin 8 "can also be provided multiple times, that is, a plurality of intermediate elements 8 are realized. that the position of the intermediate element 8 is only approximately fixed after the time interval of the central locking drive 1, 2, 3, 4. In order to be able to carry out a so-called "quick unlocking", which is usually associated with, for example, only a quarter turn of the worm wheel 3, it is recommended , three or even four intermediate elements 8 respectively operating lever 8 'and / or actuating pins 8 "provide, so after passing over this a quarter turn the desired functional position (in the example" unlocked ") is achieved safely.

Claims (3)

1. Motor vehicle door lock containing a central locking drive (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising a worm gear (3) and a central locking element (5) operated by the central locking drive (1, 2, 3, 4) and at least assuming the operating positions "unlocked" and "locked", in which at least one linking element (8, 8") is provided, acting on the central locking element (5) and which when it has assumed its operating position, permits moving on of the central locking drive (1, 2, 3, 4) in an elastically yielding manner, in which the linking element (8, 8") is designed as an actuating pin (8") of which one end is connected to the central locking drive (1, 2, 3, 4) in an axially elastically displaceable manner, in which the actuating pin (8") is received on the worm gear (3) by a stop (14) arranged perpendicularly to the plane defined by the worm gear (3) and in which in order to move the central locking element (5) into the operating positions "unlocked" or "locked", the linking element (8") acts upon one of the stops (18) arranged on both sides of an actuating jaw (17) of the central locking element (5)
   characterised in that
   the central locking drive (1, 2, 3, 4) operates without stops and that thus the linking element (8, 8") allows the central locking drive (1, 2, 3) to be moved on, when in its operating position, by means of the linking element (8") not reaching a first stop (18) of the actuating jaw (17) and being moved past the second stop (18) in an elastic resilient manner.
2. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1, characterised in that two stops (6), fixed relative to the housing, are provided for retaining the central locking element (5) in its two operating positions "unlocked" and "locked".
3. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1 and 2, characterised in that the central locking drive (1, 2, 3, 4) contains a reversible electric motor (1).

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