EP3066280B1 - Motor vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of catch and pawl and with an emergency opening handle for emergency operation.

Motor vehicle door locks of the type mentioned are already from the WO 2004/079137 A2 known. Here it is envisaged, in the case of frozen or accidentally warped motor vehicle doors to provide an emergency operating handle for manual opening in the blocked parking operation of motor vehicle doors. Such an emergency operation handle is proposed for example in the form of a folding or pulling handle. Thus, a larger force can be applied via the emergency operating handle to open the corresponding motor vehicle door.
However, problems may arise when the vehicle door latch, such as in an accident, is still in a locked or unlocked main latch position. The door is then closed or closed. In these cases, often, even under great effort, the vehicle door can not be opened with an emergency operation handle. This is where the invention starts.
The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing a motor vehicle door lock of the design described above so that the emergency operating handle can be actuated successfully during emergency opening, in particular in the case of accidents.
To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes in a generic motor vehicle door lock that during emergency opening the locking initially is moved by a motor from its main position to its pre-locking position before the emergency operation handle can be activated.
If the locking mechanism is first moved by motor to its pre-locking position before the emergency-actuation handle can be activated, then it is ensured that, when the emergency-operation handle is actuated, one does not work against a locking mechanism which is still in a main locking position. In this case, the catch with the pre-locking position from the main locking position assumes an intermediate state. Here thus not only a pre-locking position when closing the vehicle door is provided, but also a pre-locking position during emergency opening. In the latter case, by means of an engine, the rotary latch is transferred from the main latching position (closed or closed motor vehicle door) to a pre-latching position (due to the elastic effect of door seals slightly exposed, but still blocked door). A transfer to a completely open position of the catch, however, does not make sense because z. B. in the event of an accident, the doors could be torn open by the force of the impact.
The advantage of the pre-locking position relative to the main locking position is that the door can usually be opened more easily in the case of frozen / glued / warped parts. Often it only takes a jerk to open the door.
Although considerable forces can be applied via door handles, in the case of electric locks according to the invention there is no mechanical coupling between the door handle and the motor vehicle door lock. In certain situations, for example in the case of accidents, the motor vehicle closure does not respond to the commands of the operator due to a defect, so that the rotary latch remains in the main latching position. It can be a whole number of elements involved inoperative, so that the door can not be opened anymore. These are the electric motor driving the pawl, the power cable to the car battery from the electric motor, the element driving the opening command to the electric motor (for example, a key or a cable). Due to the involvement of numerous elements, therefore, a certain amount of redundancy must be provided. It requires an activatable Notbetätigungshandhabe, which is nothing more than a mechanical redundancy of the electrical system.

The term "activatable" includes both passive and actively activatable emergency actuation handles. Active activability corresponds to a process in which stored energy ultimately results in providing the operator with the emergency operation handle in a particular manner. This can be stored elastic energy, for example, which can be projected by the emergency operating handle. Likewise, an active provision by means of an electric motor is conceivable.

By contrast, a passive activation capability means that the operator is ultimately responsible for making the information available. This can be done by folding or unfolding a bar.

Just as well is an activation of the emergency operation handle conceivable in which both active and passive activation is required. For example, a snap element with stored elastic energy could release a ledge, which is then flipped by the operator so as to access a further internal emergency actuation handle.

The emergency operation handle initially has the task of bringing the catch from the pre-locked position to the open position, so that the door can be opened. For this purpose, the emergency operation must ultimately attack the pawl, which snap back the catch in the open position can. The transmission of the movement of the emergency operating handle on the pawl can be done for example by means of a linkage or a rope. According to the invention it is only important that the pawl releases the catch.

In the case of handle-less motor vehicle doors, the emergency operating handle may also be designed to transfer large forces from the emergency operating handle to the door itself. It is conceivable, for example, that a suitably dimensioned cable pulls on the pawl with a first smaller branch. This smaller branch is ideally dimensioned so that it can also easily jammed or jammed pawls solve, but at even greater forces at a predetermined breaking point breaks. As a result, a larger branch of the rope is released, which can transmit far greater forces. These forces are applied directly to the door panel and thus allow a tearing of the door.

If the assumption of the pre-locking position is triggered by a sensor signal, the intermediate state of the pre-locking position after the main locking position can be linked to a specific sensor-detected parameter. If the sensor signal is the signal of an acceleration sensor, in particular a crash sensor, the intermediate state of the pre-locking position after the main locking position can be coupled in particular to an accident.

Acceleration sensors are very quickly able to assess a corresponding situation as an accident. This speed advantage is exploited in this case, in which at an early stage of the accident, the locking mechanism is moved by motor into its pre-locked position. At this early point in time, it can be assumed that the vehicle has not yet been correspondingly warped and still a corresponding number of parts of the motor vehicle door locks intact are. Fractions of seconds later are no longer necessarily to be assumed, so that the crash signal is an essential aid for a functioning emergency operation.

Preferably, the emergency operating handle can be transferred in response to the sensor signal in an activatable by an operator position. Likewise, as the pre-locking position is advantageously assumed as a function of a sensor signal, a position of the emergency operating handle which can be activated by an operator is also advantageous, which is assumed as a function of the sensor signal. Here, too, the speed advantage helps to set the course in good time for the emergency operation handle to be made available.

The activatable position of the emergency operating handle may correspond to an exposed position relative to a motor vehicle surface and / or a position accessible by a cover. By the term "motor vehicle surface" is meant relatively large areas, such as the window areas or the sheet metal surfaces of a door. In contrast, for example, door handles, mirrors or even trim are in an exposed position.

The emergency operation handle can also be accessible through a cover which is not exposed. Examples are decorative parts embedded in the motor vehicle surface, window seals, or covers that are completely invisible under the body paint. The term "exposed position" should be based on whether the emergency operating handle 1 is still in the activatable (ie not activated) position or already in the activated position. In the activated position, all emergency operating handles 1 are in an exposed position; this does not apply to the position that can be activated.

Finally, in the case of a door (exposed position) issued as a result of pre-restraint, it is possible to arrange the emergency operating handle on the end face of the motor vehicle door. By the term "end face" is meant that surface of the door on which the motor vehicle door lock is also located. This arrangement has the advantage that the emergency operating handle is in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle door lock and allows a correspondingly simple power transmission system for motor vehicle door lock. In addition, there is a favorable leverage relative to the door hinge.

When the ratchet is moved via an electric motor of the pawl in the pre-engaged position, the intermediate state of the pre-locking position can be realized after the main locking position in a simple manner. This is possible, for example, in which the pawl is briefly lifted, that is only briefly raised, so that the catch can indeed rash, but is caught again in time in their Vorraststellung again. Likewise, another pawl is conceivable, which is controlled via the electric motor of the first pawl or a second electric motor. The position of this second pawl then substantiates the intermediate state of the pre-locking position after the main locking position.

If the emergency operating handle is arranged on a right or left or rear side of the motor vehicle, preferably on or in the vicinity of a motor vehicle door, the emergency operating handle can be realized via a comparatively simple mechanism. This applies all the more, the closer the emergency operation handle is the motor vehicle door lock. By the term "nearby" are meant in particular components adjacent to the door, such as lateral side members, exterior mirrors and door frames. Is the emergency operating handle in close proximity to the motor vehicle door lock, Thus, a mechanical connection can already be made by a simple rod. If it is a matter of greater distances, the mechanical coupling can be made for example via a cable.

The emergency actuation handle can be actuated by means of at least one hand or at least one finger or at least one foot. Thus, one-hand operable Notbetätigungshandhaben such as pull handles, folding lever, hidden handles, mirrors or ropes are conceivable. The hidden handles can be located, for example, on the inside of a door handle or below a window seal. Exterior mirrors can be pulled by hand to the front, ie towards the bonnet, whereby a pull rope pulls inside the door to the motor vehicle door lock.

By a finger operable Notbetätigungshandhaben can be for example prints or pull rings. Both emergency operating handles are relatively small and allow for advantageous placement. However, especially the finger operable emergency actuation handles are unsuitable for transmitting larger forces.

As an operable with the foot emergency operation handle come, inter alia, treads, running boards or stirrups in question. These are advantageously arranged at the height of the lateral side members and allow the transmission of larger forces.

If the emergency operating handle is preferably designed for large forces, mechanical imprecision in terms of door opening in the event of an accident can be prevented. Often then motor vehicle doors are warped so that they can not open despite the open position of the catch. But if these emergency operation handles are designed for large forces, then the Probably greater that the jammed door is released by a powerful jerk on the emergency operation handle and so can finally be opened. Large forces are transferable, in particular, via emergency actuation handles, which permit the engagement of at least one foot or of two hands.

It may be triggered a position indication of the emergency operation handle, which preferably comprises a signal color and / or a lamp. In this case, the position information is used in particular those persons who rush to help an injured motor vehicle. The position indication allows a quick recognition of the opening possibility; In particular, a signal color, for example red or red-white, is suitable here. Instead of a static signal color but also a light can be provided. In particular, a flashing light attracts attention.

Fig. 1A bis 6B

Erfindungsgemäße Notbetätigungshandhaben für Kraftfahrzeugtüren.

The invention also relates to a method for operating such a motor vehicle door lock. In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to illustrative drawings; show it:

Fig. 1A to 6B

Emergency actuation handles according to the invention for motor vehicle doors.

In Fig. 1A is a first Notbetätigungshandhabe 1 displayed a motor vehicle door. The vehicle door was issued, for example, as a result of a crash signal, in which the catch was brought out of the main latching position in the pre-locking position and at the same time the door seal has pushed away the door as far as possible from the vehicle surface due to their elastic forces. This simultaneously releases the end face of the door on which the emergency operating handle 1 is arranged.

Preferably also due to a crash signal, the emergency operating handle 1 has been transferred from a retracted position corresponding to a cover to an activated position. By folding over to the operator, the emergency operating handle 1 is actuated and the catch is opened. At the same time, the handle of the emergency operating handle 1 folded over towards the operator can transmit large forces in order to tear open the door if necessary.

Fig. 1B shows a designed as a folding lever Notbetätigungshabe 1. This works in much the same way as the pull handle Fig. 1A with the difference that the folding lever is pulled outwards, not downwards, in order to actuate the emergency operating handle 1.

As in the Fig. 1A and 1B is also the emergency operation handle 1 off Fig. 2A to be operated by hand. This trained as an internal handle emergency operation handle 1 lies on the inside of an outside door handle and is hidden as it were. The outside door handle occupies an exposed position 2. Unlike the solutions from the Fig. 1A and 1B can not attack a large force on the inside handle on the outside door handle. Therefore, the inner handle of the outside door handle is only suitable as an emergency operation for the catch. In this case, however, can attack the large forces on the outside door handle, which is why an emergency operation handle 1 in separately trained form is not necessary.

Another exposed position 2 for an emergency operation handle 1 takes the outside mirror Fig. 2B one. Is pulled on this, for example, in the direction of travel forward, so z. B. actuated the emergency operation via a cable mechanism and opened the catch. Since not too great forces can be transmitted to open the door on the outside mirror, an outside door handle would be necessary to apply large forces.

The Fig. 3B illustrates an emergency operating handle 1, which is at the same time a cover 3 in the form of a trim strip of the B-pillar, and which is pulled to the emergency operation to the outside. In this pulled-out position, the emergency operating handle 1 can be correspondingly well operated.

As in all previous solutions, so also shows Fig. 3B an emergency operating handle 1, which is operated by a hand. This Notbetätigungshandhabe 1 shown here is a rope, which is located in or below a window seal. In this case, the window seal corresponds to a cover 3. Again, it can be assumed that the rope can transmit only lower forces, so that it is only suitable for opening the rotary latch. Consequently, outside door handles are also useful in this case for transmitting large forces.

In Fig. 4A deviates from the solution of all previous solutions, since the pistol trigger-trained emergency operation handle 1 is actuated by a finger. Accordingly, only small forces can be transmitted with the pistol trigger-type emergency operating handle 1. For the transmission of larger forces, the operation of the outside door handle is appropriate.

The same applies to the trained as a pull ring emergency operation handle 1 of Fig. 4B , The pull ring is arranged at the exposed position 2 in the form of the outside door handle. A cover 3 on the outside door handle hides the pull ring.

In contrast to the previous solutions, the emergency operation handle 1 of FIG. 5A operated by foot. The trained as a step edge Notbetätigungshandhabe 1 can be arranged for example on the side rail or on the underside of a motor vehicle door. The last solution is then possible only on issued doors. Due to the operability by the foot larger forces can be transmitted with the tread edge. However, these are mainly directed downwards, so that a tearing of the vehicle door is more difficult.

The same applies to a trained as running board emergency operation handle 1 of Fig. 5B , The footboard corresponds to a folded cover 3, which is located by folding in an activated and actuated position.

In Fig. 6A An emergency operating handle 1 is shown in the form of an access to a rope. A cover 3 hides the emergency operation handle 1. In addition, a position indication 4 z. B. in the form of an LED light, the position of the emergency operation handle 1. If a button is pressed in the LED light in this embodiment, the cover 3 falls off and gives the Notbetätigungshabe 1 free.

Fig. 6B shows a button or knob-like emergency operation handle 1, which is blinded with a cover 3 and protrudes when activated. The activation can be done automatically (active) or also under pressure of an operator (passive). The emergency operating handle 1 is then operated by hand on a recessed grip by being pulled further outwards.

Claims (10)

1. Motor vehicle door latch, with a locking mechanism predominantly comprising a catch and a pawl, and with an emergency opening handle for emergency activation, characterized in that the locking mechanism is initially moved from its main ratchet position into its pre-ratchet position mechanically before the emergency activation handle (1) can be activated.
2. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 1, characterized in that the assumption of the pre-ratchet position is triggered by a sensor signal.
3. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor signal is a signal of an acceleration sensor, in particular of a crash sensor.
4. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the emergency activation handle is transferred dependent on the sensor signal into a position which can be activated by the operator.
5. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the activatable position of the emergency activation handle (1) corresponds to an exposed position (2) compared to a motor vehicle surface and/or a position accessible via a cover (3).
6. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking mechanism is moved via an electromotor of the pawl into the pre-ratchet position.
7. Motor vehicle door latch, according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the emergency activation handle (1) is arranged on a right or left or rear motor vehicle side, preferably on or near a motor vehicle door.
8. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the emergency activation handle (1) can be activated by means of at least one hand or at least one finger or at least one foot, is preferably designed for great forces and with special preference permits striking with two hands.
9. Motor vehicle door latches according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that positional information (4) of the emergency activation handle (1) can be triggered and preferably encompasses a signal color and/or a light.
10. Procedure for the operation of a motor vehicle door latch, with a locking mechanism predominantly comprising a catch and a pawl, and with an emergency activation handle (1) for emergency activation, characterized in that the locking mechanism is initially moved mechanically from its main ratchet position into its pre-ratchet position before the emergency activation handle (1) can be activated.

Images