EP3908728A1

EP3908728A1 - Motor vehicle lock

Info

Publication number: EP3908728A1
Application number: EP20703373.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ömer INAN; Michael Scholz; Manuel REUSCH; Christian Bauer
Original assignee: Kiekert AG
Current assignee: Kiekert AG
Priority date: 2019-01-11
Filing date: 2020-01-10
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-10
Also published as: WO2020143881A1; US20220056739A1; EP3908728B1; DE102019100591A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock which is equipped with a locking mechanism (2, 3) consisting substantially of a rotary latch (3) and a pawl (2). Also provided is a sensor arrangement (5, 6) associated with the locking mechanism (2, 3) comprising a fixed sensor (6) and a sensing element (5) that influences signals of the sensor (6) and follows the locking mechanism (2, 3), or vice versa. The sensor (6) generates at least two different signals (S₁, S₂) associated with the presence and absence of the sensing element (5) in the region of influence of the sensor (6). According to the invention, the single sensing element (5) also produces at least one additional third signal (S₃) of the single sensor (6) in accordance with its position in relation to the sensor (6).

Description

Motor vehicle lock

description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and pawl, and with a sensor arrangement assigned to the locking mechanism with a stationary sensor and a signal from the sensor influencing the moving locking element following the locking mechanism, or vice versa, with the sensor having at least two for presence and absence of the probe element in the area of influence of the sensor generates different signals.

The sensory query, in particular of the main locking position in a motor vehicle lock and consequently the detection of the main locking position of the associated locking mechanism, is of particular importance in practice. Because only in the main closed position or main detent position of the motor vehicle lock, for example in the event of an impact, the associated motor vehicle door is reliably prevented from opening and, at the same time, any safety measures such as side impact protection and side airbags can develop their full effect. As a result, not only are the occupants protected, but the motor vehicle doors can also undergo an intended deformation together with the body in the event of such an impact. In addition, other safety-relevant internals and their functions, such as side airbags, are often linked to the main closed position or main rest position. The same generally applies to an alarm system.

In practice, it is particularly important to reliably detect so-called false closings. Such a sham closure corresponds to the fact that the associated motor vehicle door or motor vehicle flap is closed, although for example the pawl as Part of the lock has been excavated. With such a false closure and a vibration of the motor vehicle door, it can open.

For this reason, an influencing magnet is proposed as a sensing element in the generic prior art according to DE 100 65 100 A1 in a motor vehicle lock. The influencing magnet or the sensing element interacts without contact with a sensor that can be influenced by the magnetic field of the influencing magnet. In this way, the main closed position of the rotary latch or lock latch is detected.

For this purpose, the influencing magnet is assigned to the lock latch and the pawl and the sensor is arranged in such a way that the magnetic field of the influencing magnet influencing the sensor only reaches or exceeds an indicator field strength when the lock latch is in the main closed position and the pawl has fallen into the lock latch. For this purpose, a section of magnetically highly conductive material is provided in or on the pawl, which is in the main closed position when the pawl is in overlap with the influencing magnet.

In addition, another influencing magnet is provided in or on the pawl. In the main closed position of the lock latch and when the pawl is engaged, both influencing magnets are positioned aligned with the sensor and influence the magnetic field acting on the sensor. The overall design is such that the indicator field strength is only reached or exceeded by both influencing magnets.

Such a structure is structurally complex and expensive due to the use of two influencing magnets or permanent magnets. In addition, the combinatorial effect of both magnets means that problems with regard to functional reliability cannot be completely ruled out. Another state of the art according to DE 102 39 734 A1 is a motor vehicle flap lock, which is not only equipped with a locking mechanism, but with an additional actuator. The actuator has an actuator with an engaging element arranged thereon. By actuating the actuator from a starting position, the pawl can be lifted in a first direction with the help of the actuator. An opening aid function is thereby realized. A locking aid function is also possible.

In addition, two Hall sensors fixed relative to the pawl are provided. The pawl in turn has a magnet as a touch element. The two Hall sensors, on the one hand, and the magnet on the pawl, on the other hand, are arranged such that the magnet can be adjusted by moving the pawl into the detection area of one of the two Hall sensors or at the same time into the detection areas of both Hall sensors or outside the respective detection area of both Hall sensors. Sensors can be brought. In this way and by evaluating the sensor signals of the Hall sensors, the position of the pawl can be clearly determined.

As with the previously described prior art according to DE 100 65 100 A1, the further and also generic teaching according to DE 102 39 734 A1 works with an overall complex construction. While two permanent magnets are used in DE 100 65 100 A1, DE 102 39 734 A1 uses two Hall sensors. In a comparable manner, this is complex and needs to be improved in terms of increased functional reliability. The invention as a whole aims to remedy this.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing a motor vehicle lock of the design described at the outset in such a way that the functional reliability is increased while the design is simplified. To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes in a generic motor vehicle lock within the scope of the invention that the single key element additionally causes at least one further third signal from the single sensor as a function of its position relative to the sensor.

In the context of the invention and in contrast to the prior art according to DE 100 65 100 A1 as well as in accordance with DE 102 39 734 A1, the invention therefore does not use two sensors (or more) or two sensing elements (or more) . Rather, the invention is limited to a single probe element that generates associated signals from a single sensor, depending on the position of the probe element relative to the sensor. Since the movable probe element follows the locking mechanism while the sensor is designed to be stationary, the at least three signals to be distinguished from the sensor correspond to three different positions of the locking mechanism.

These different three positions of the locking mechanism, which are to be detected according to the invention, are generally a pre-locking position, a main locking position or an overstroke position of the locking mechanism. As usual, the overstroke position of the locking mechanism means that the locking mechanism is pulled beyond the main locking position, for example with the aid of a closing drive, in order to ensure that the locking mechanism engages securely after the closing of the closing drive. As an alternative or in addition to the overstroke position, an intermediate position of the locking mechanism can also be detected, specifically a position during the transition from the pre-locking position to the main locking position. Of course, according to the invention, all four positions mentioned can also be reliably detected using the single probe element and the single sensor. namely the pre-locking position, the intermediate position, the main locking position and finally the overstroke position.

To achieve this in detail, the movable probe element is connected to the locking mechanism and can consequently follow the locking mechanism as it moves and feel it. In contrast, the sensor is usually located in a fixed position on a housing. In fact, the sensor may be connected to a lock case, which is used to store the locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and pawl.

In principle, the reverse can also be used. In this case, the probe element is arranged in a stationary manner on the housing, whereas the movable sensor is connected to the locking mechanism and its movements follow. In this context, there is the further basic possibility that the movable probe element or the sensor is connected to the pawl or to the rotary latch or to both. Most of the time, the moving probe element is connected to the rotary latch and interacts with the fixed sensor. Here, the invention is based on the knowledge that the safe assumption of the previously reproduced positions is ultimately (only) linked to the position of the rotary latch. For this reason, the position of the rotary latch provides safe and reliable information about the position of the locking mechanism.

As a rule, the probe element works on the sensor without contact. Basically, a tactile interaction can also be set up between the probe element and the sensor. In addition, the design is usually made so that the probe element causes several third position-dependent and different signals to the sensor. If the sensing element is advantageously connected to the rotary latch, the sensing element can, depending on the position of the rotary latch in the measuring range detectable by the sensor, generate a largely linear signal from the sensor depending on the Generate the angle of rotation of the catch. In this case, there is therefore a largely linear dependency between the angle of rotation of the rotary latch and the signal from the sensor, which is able to correctly determine the three positions already specified or even more positions of the rotary latch.

According to a first embodiment, the probe element generates a magnetic flux in the sensor that varies depending on the position of the locking mechanism. In this case, the sensor is designed as a fall sensor. Flall sensors of this type are used frequently and advantageously in connection with the measurement of positions and positions in motor vehicles because they function reliably and are relatively insensitive to dirt, moisture, etc. As is generally known, the mode of operation of the Flall sensor is designed in such a way that the Hall effect is used as a whole for measuring magnetic fields.

In fact, Flall sensors are typically current-carrying Flalbleiter elements, in which a magnetic field running perpendicular to them generates an output voltage that is proportional to the magnetic flux density. The sensing element now generates a varying magnetic flux in the sensor or flall sensor in question depending on the movement of a locking component sensed by means of the sensing element. This will be explained in more detail in the context of the exemplary embodiment.

The probe element is particularly preferably designed as a magnet (permanent magnet or electromagnet) and magnetized such that during its movement within the sensor area of the sensor, the north pole first reaches the sensor area and towards the end of the movement the south pole reaches the sensor area, or vice versa. The North Pole and South Pole are interchangeable. It can thereby be achieved that initially a weak magnetic field becomes stronger via the rotary movement, so that position detection is possible in this way. The magnet (permanent magnet or Accordingly, the geometrical configuration of the electromagnet) is such that a first region, in particular a start, forms the north pole and a second region of the magnet, in particular an end of the magnet, forms the south pole. For example, the south pole can generate a strong magnetic field, the north pole producing a weaker magnetic field in comparison. The position of the magnet and thus of the probe element can then be derived from the strength of the magnetic field. This method of detection enables a simple and inexpensive design by appropriate magnetization of the magnet.

Alternatively or additionally, the probe element can also generate a changing electrical resistance in the sensor. In this case, the probe element is, for example, a slide in a linear potentiometer or a rotatable adjusting ring in a rotary potentiometer. Such sensors for detecting swivel angles are also conceivable elsewhere in motor vehicles and are used, for example, to detect a swivel angle of a motor vehicle door, as is described in detail in DE 10 201 1 1 19 579 A1 by the applicant. The sensor is therefore designed as a resistance sensor. In this case, depending on the position of the catch, in the example a largely linear signal of the sensor is generated depending on the angle of rotation of the catch, in the present case a correspondingly changing electrical resistance.

Finally, there is the additional or alternative possibility that the probe element generates a different optical light intensity in the sensor. In this case, the sensor is designed as an optoelectronic sensor. For example, in the simplest case the probe element may be a surface or line with a changing degree of reflection for light falling on it and emitted by the sensor and received by an associated receiver. That means, depending on the angle of rotation of the rotary latch in the example, the probe element attached to the rotary latch with changing reflectivity ensures that the optoelectronic sensor detects Reflection on the probe received light intensity is changed. In this case too, it is again conceivable that the sensing element generates a largely linear signal depending on the position of the rotary latch in the measuring range of the sensor or optoelectronic sensor, depending on the angle of rotation of the rotary latch. You can work with light in the visible range as well as, for example, in the near infrared range.

In all of these cases, the probe element is generally arcuate. It has also proven itself in this context if the curved shape of the sensing element is adapted to a pivoting movement of the locking component to be scanned. Since the probe element is generally connected to the rotary latch or represents or can be part of the rotary latch, the arc shape is usually equipped with an associated radius, which is measured according to the distance to the axis of rotation of the rotary latch. As a result, the arc shape of the probe element is adapted to the pivoting movement of the locking component to be scanned, in this case the rotary latch.

The sensor is usually connected to a control unit. The control unit can evaluate the signals from the sensor, for example, to control an alarm system and / or safety devices. This means that only the correct detection of the anti-lock position or anti-lock position may correspond to the fact that the control unit activates the alarm system. A comparable situation can apply to the safety device, for example side airbags, as has already been described in the introduction.

According to a particularly advantageous design, the control unit evaluates signals from the sensor for controlling an anti-trap protection. In this case, for example, the intermediate position between the pre-locking position and the anti-lock position may be detected. The intermediate position corresponds to a gap between one belonging to the motor vehicle lock Motor vehicle door, motor vehicle flap or motor vehicle hood is so small that it can no longer be trapped. This means that in this case the intermediate position or the sequence of the signal for the intermediate position and then the main rest position can be used to switch off the otherwise active trapping protection. In this way, situations can also be mastered in which the motor vehicle door is closed only briefly and incompletely and is not closed. In this case, the sensor reports that the intermediate position has been reached, but not that it has reached the main resting position immediately afterwards.

In any case, it is clear that the motor vehicle lock according to the invention perfectly captures all conceivable locking scenarios, sham closings, etc., with a structurally simple and functionally reliable structure. This is because only a single probe element and an associated single sensor are used for this. At the same time, the position of the catch as a relevant locking component can be recorded precisely and without any doubt. This is because the sensing element predominantly and depending on the position of the catch in the measuring range of the sensor generates a largely linear signal which depends on the angle of rotation of the catch. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the description of the figures. This is where the main advantages can be seen.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment of the illustrative drawing; show it:

1A the motor vehicle lock according to the invention, reduced to the components essential for the invention with its locking mechanism in the pre-locking position,

1 B shows an intermediate position between the pre-locking position and the main locking position, Fig. 1 C the motor vehicle lock or its locking mechanism in the main rest position and

Fig. 2 shows the probe element used including the sensor in a schematic perspective view and

3 shows a schematic characteristic curve of the sensor arrangement according to FIG. 2.

In the figures, a motor vehicle lock is shown, which is reproduced only with its components essential for the invention. One first recognizes a lock case 1 in which a locking mechanism 2, 3 is mounted. The locking mechanism 2, 3 is composed, as usual, of a pawl 2 and a rotary latch 3, which are each rotatably mounted in the lock case 1 taking into account spaced axes of rotation and interact with one another in a known manner. In addition, a closing drive 4 may be provided, which finally transfers the rotary latch 3 during the transition from the pre-latching position according to FIG. 1A via the intermediate position in FIG. 1B to the main latching position according to FIG. 1C by the rotary latch 3 in indicated counterclockwise is pivoted about its axis of rotation.

In addition, a sensor arrangement 5, 6 assigned to the locking mechanism 2, 3 is implemented, the detailed structure of which can best be seen in FIG. 2. The sensor arrangement 5, 6 is composed of a stationary sensor 6 and a sensing element 5 which influences the signals of the sensor 6 and follows the locking mechanism 2, 3.

Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, a single pushbutton element 5 is provided which is designed to be movable and which follows the movements of the locking mechanism 2, 3, in the present case being connected to the rotary latch 3. In contrast, the sensor 6 is designed to be stationary and is attached in or on the lock case 1. The sensor 6 generates at least two for presence and The absence of the sensing element 5 in the area of influence of the sensor 6 includes different signals Si, S2. According to the invention, the single sensing element 5 additionally causes at least one further third signal S3 from the single sensor 6 as a function of its position in relation to the sensor 6. According to the exemplary embodiment and corresponding to the representation in FIG. 3, a further third signal or a fourth signal S4 is additionally generated with the aid of the pushbutton element 5 when a certain position of the locking mechanism 2, 3 is assumed in the sensor 6. All signals S1, S2, S3, S4 lie within a measuring range or working range A of sensor 6.

The signal S1 belongs to the pre-locking position according to FIG. 1A. The intermediate position corresponding to FIG. 1B is represented by the signal S3. The signal S2 is the signal of the sensor 6 belonging to the main rest position according to FIG. 1C. The fourth signal S4 finally corresponds to an overstroke position, not shown, of the locking mechanism 2, 3, which is set when the closing drive 4 The rotary latch is also subjected to a rotation in the counterclockwise direction beyond its main rest position shown in FIG. 10 about its axis of rotation.

As already explained, the movable probe element 5 is connected to the locking mechanism 2, 3, in the present case to the rotary latch 3. In addition, the probe element 5 works contactlessly on the stationary sensor 6. According to the exemplary embodiment, the probe element 5 generates a varying magnetic flux in the sensor 6. For this purpose, the sensor 6 in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a Hall sensor 6, as can best be seen from the illustration in FIG. 2.

The sensing element 5 has an arcuate design, as FIG. 2 makes clear. The arc shape of the sensing element 5 is adapted to the pivoting movement of the rotary latch 3 to be scanned. That is, the arcuate sensing element 5 and the rotary latch 3 have after Embodiment over the same radius compared to a common axis of rotation 7 to be seen in FIG. 2.

Rotations of the rotary latch 3 and thus of the arcuate sensing element 5 connected thereto by an angle cp shown in FIG. 2 with respect to the common axis of rotation 7 now result in the sensor or Hall sensor 6 that a largely linear generated depending on the angle of rotation cp Signal is generated by the sensor 6, which corresponds to a corresponding flux density B of the magnetic field lines according to the diagram in FIG. 3. Since the flux density B, which changes as a function of the angle of rotation cp of the rotary latch 3 and consequently of the sensing element 5, in the same way and linearly influences the proportional output voltage U generated at the sensor 6, the different signals Si to S4 can be flawlessly separated from one another differentiate.

3, which shows the linear dependency of the flux density B or the output voltage U on the sensor 6 on the angle cp of the rotary latch 3.

The overall design is such that the sensing element 5 only causes a corresponding change in the magnetic flux in the area of influence of the sensor or the fall sensor 6. The area of influence of the sensor or Flall sensor 6 is indicated in FIG. 3 as the working area A and extends from the signal Si to the signal S4. It can be seen that in the work area A in question, the sensing element 5 generates a largely linear signal in the fall sensor 6 as a function of the angle of rotation cp of the rotary latch 3.

In order to achieve this in detail and in accordance with the illustration in FIG. 2, the sensing element 5 is an arc-shaped permanent magnet. The magnetic flux of this arc-shaped permanent magnet or sensing element 5 is via a so-called flux guide or two flux guide pieces 81 and 82 with associated air gaps 9 as part of the lock case 1 and the likewise ferromagnetic axis of rotation 7. Depending on the angular position of the arcuate permanent magnet or sensing element 5 and consequently of the rotary latch 3, ie depending on the angle cp of the rotary latch 3, the arcuate magnet 5 is guided over the two flux guide pieces 81 and 82, in whose magnetic path the Flall sensor 6 in one Air gap 9 is embedded. In this way, the linear dependency shown schematically in FIG. 3 between the magnetic flux density B generated and varying in the Hall sensor 6 and consequently the voltage U on the output side at the Hall sensor 6 as a function of the angle or angle of rotation cp of the rotary latch 3 generated with respect to its axis of rotation 7.

The sensor or Hall sensor 6 is in turn connected to a control unit 10. The control unit 10 can evaluate the signals of the sensor 6, for example, to control a pinch protection and / or an alarm system and / or security devices, as has already been described in the introduction.

Reference list

1 lock case

2 pawl

2, 3 locking mechanism

3 rotary latch

4 closing drive

5 sensing element

5, 6 sensor arrangement 6 sensor / Hall sensor

7 axis of rotation

81, 82 flow directors 10 control unit

A work area B flux density

S1, S2, S3, S4 signals

U output voltage f angle / angle of rotation

Claims

1. Motor vehicle lock, with a locking mechanism (2, 3) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (3) and pawl (2), and with a sensor arrangement (5, 6) assigned to the locking mechanism (2, 3) with a fixed sensor (6) and a sensing element (5) influencing the signals of the sensor (6) and following the locking mechanism (2, 3), or vice versa, the sensor (6) at least two for the presence and absence of the sensing element (5) in the area of influence of the sensor (6) appropriate different signals (Si, S2) generated, characterized in that the single probe element (5) additionally causes at least one further third signal (S3) from the single sensor (6) depending on its position relative to the sensor (6).

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable pushbutton element (5) is connected to the locking mechanism (2, 3) while the sensor (6) is stationary on a housing (1), or vice versa.

3. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensing element (5) works contactlessly on the sensor (6).

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pushbutton element (5) generates a plurality of third position-dependent and different signals (S3, S4) relative to the sensor (6).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pushbutton element (5) generates a varying magnetic flux and / or a changing electrical resistance and / or a different optical light intensity in the sensor (6).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 5, so that the sensor (6) is designed as a Hall sensor (6), and / or resistance sensor and / or optoelectronic sensor.

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, dadu rch geken nzeich net that the key element (5) is arcuate.

8. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, so that the arc shape of the sensing element (5) is adapted to a pivoting movement of the locking component (2, 3) to be scanned.

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensing element (5) has a largely linear signal from the sensor (6) depending on the position of the catch (3) in the measuring range (A) Angle of rotation (cp) of the catch (3) generated.

10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, dadu rch geken nzeich net that the sensor (6) is connected to a control unit (10) which its signals, for example, for controlling an anti-trap protection and / or an alarm system and / or security devices evaluates.

1 1. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the sensing element (5) is designed as a magnet and is magnetized such that during its movement within a sensor area of the sensor (6) the north pole of the magnet first reaches the sensor area and towards the end of the Movement of the south pole of the magnet reaches the sensor area, or vice versa.