WO2019001631A1

WO2019001631A1 - Motor vehicle lock

Info

Publication number: WO2019001631A1
Application number: PCT/DE2018/100573
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastian GOLDMANN; Thomas Welke
Original assignee: Kiekert Ag
Priority date: 2017-06-28
Filing date: 2018-06-20
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Also published as: DE102017114303A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator (1) for a motor vehicle, having a housing (2), in particular consisting of a housing shell (3) and a housing cover (11); an electric drive (18), wherein an actuator (10) can be moved out of the housing (2) into a locking position (V) and into the housing (2) into a release position (F) by means of the drive (18); a switching element (8, 9) which can be used to detect the position of the actuator (10); and an electric contact (6, 7) of the switching element (8, 9). At least one additional switching element (8, 9) is provided such that the locking position (V) and release position (V) can be detected.

Description

Motor vehicle lock

description

The invention relates to an actuator for a power ^¬ vehicle comprising a housing, in particular of a housing shell and a housing cover, an electric drive, wherein by means of the actuator, an actuating means out of the housing and in a locking position and into the housing is moved into a release position , A switching element, wherein by means of the Schaltele ^¬ ment a position of the actuating means is detectable, and an electrical contacting of the switching element.

In modern motor vehicles, a plurality of encryption riegelungs-, closing and actuating elements are contained ^¬ th to increase the comfort for the operator the one hand and the safety of the motor vehicle on the other. For example, actuators are used where flaps or covers are electrically locked. Thus, for example, a tank flap can be equipped with a Stellan ^¬ drive to secure the tank opening against unauthorized ^¬ ter use. On the other hand, can be locked by means of an actuator cover, such as a center console in a convertible by means of an actuator. Locking means in this case that by means of the actuator an adjusting means is moved such that the adjusting means is moved out of the actuator, wherein the adjusting means with the flap and / or the housing surrounding the flap can cooperate. The actuating means then serves in the retracted position as a bar, so that, for example, the cover or fuel filler flap can not be opened.

In order to monitor the position of the actuating means, it is known to use switching elements by means of which a position of the actuating means can be detected.

For example, from DE 10 2010 003 545 AI an actuator with an electrically movable latch, in particular by means of an electric motor has become known. The actuator has a housing of a housing shell and a housing cover, in which an electric motor with a transmission gear to ^¬ cooperates, the transmission directly drives a spindle. A latch is ver ^¬ prevented, so that it can be moved with the spindle nut by a rotational movement of the electric drive the bolt out of the housing or into the housing. Adjacent to the thread of the spindle is a sensor, namely a microswitch arranged. At the spindle nut or the carriage a ramp is mounted, wherein by means of the ramp of the Mik ^¬ roschalter can be actuated. Thus, the position of the carriage and consequently the position of the thus-bound ver ^¬ bolt is detectable. The problem here is that only one position of the bolt can be detected by means of only one microswitch.

For detection of an actuating means in several positions, it is known from EP 0575120 Bl, that an actuating means along a switching element can be guided, where ^¬ at the restoring means contact elements with a Kontaktspit- is arranged. By adjusting the actuating means along the switching element, the contact tip comes together with different contact elements, so that un ^¬ different positions of the actuating means are detectable.

Starting from the known prior art, it is to provide an improved actuator available on ^¬ reproducing the invention. In particular, it is object of the invention ^¬ to provide an actuator which is mi ^¬ nimalsten constructive means able to capture several positions of a setting agent. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a structurally favorable and cost-effective embodiment of an actuating means.

The object is achieved by the features of un ^¬ dependent patent claim 1. Advantageous Ausgestaltun ^¬ of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that in the following be ^¬ signed embodiments are not limiting, but any variations of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible.

According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that an actuator for a motor vehicle ^¬ zeug is provided comprising a housing, in particular ^¬ special of a housing shell and a housing cover, an electric drive, wherein by means of the drive an actuating means out of the housing into a lock lung position and is movable into a release ^¬ position into the housing, a switching element, wherein with ^¬ means of the switching element, a position of the actuating means is detectable, and an electrical contact of the switching element, wherein at least one further formwork Tele ^¬ element is provided, so that the locking and free ^¬ position can be detected. The inventive design of the invention with a further Schaltele ^¬ ment now the possibility is created to detect different positions, movements and / or end positions of the actuating means safely. It can be monitored by means of the switching elements, either an end position by the switching ^¬ medium interacts or in the end position with the actuating means may, for example, a position monitors who ^¬, in which the actuating means from the end position, i.e., a locking or releasing position out ^{¬ has} moved. Thus, it is possible to detect not only the locking ^¬ and / or release position of the actuating means by means of two or more switching elements, it is also possible to determine whether the Stellele ^¬ ment is in an intermediate position, that is, between the end positions.

The actuator is used to adjust an actuating means in a motor vehicle. In this case, the actuator has a housing which is preferably formed from plastic and consists of a housing shell and a housing cover be ^¬ . Housing shell and housing cover are umäng ^¬ Lich so formed and equipped for example with a sealing element, so that the housing water- is dense feasible and meets the requirements of the automotive industry ^¬.

The electric drive can be designed as a 12 Volt or 24 Volt drive. In particular, an electrical ^¬ shear DC motor is used, which cooperates, for example, via a spur gear with a positioning means insbeson ^¬ particular a spindle drive. It can act together with a toothed wheel ^¬ a valve disposed on the electric motor and in particular to the shaft of Elect ^¬ romotors pinion, wherein the gear is, for example, executable integrally with the spindle. Spindle and gear can be designed as a plastic injection zgussbauteil. On the spindle sits a spindle nut, which in turn interacts immedi ^¬ bar with the actuating means or is integral with the actuating means executable.

By a drive by means of the electric motor, the spindle nut and thus the adjusting means is thus moved via the gear stage. Depending on the direction of rotation of the motor, the adjusting means can thus be moved out of the housing and into the housing. If the adjusting means moved out of the housing, the adjusting means can serve as a bolt, so that the extended position can also be marked as a locking position. If the adjusting means moved into the housing, so the Rie ^¬ gel, for example, a movable fastened on the motor vehicle ^¬ tes component so that the hineinbeweg ^¬ te in the housing position of the actuating means can also be marked as a release position. By means of the inventively provided switching elements, wherein at least two switching elements are provided, the locking position and / or the release position can be detected. For this purpose, a switching element in the locking position query the position of the actuating means and another switching element detect the position of the Stellmit ^{¬ means} in the release position. It is thus pos ^¬ lich to determine the position of the actuating means in the end positions or the locking and release position.

If the motor is driven, and neither of the two positio ^¬ nen is achieved, so, may also he will ^¬ summarizes means of a at the Stellan ^¬ drive connected control unit that the control means is's position in an intermediate and thus, for example, a failure ^¬ function to capture. It is conceivable, of course, on the one hand the release position is detected, and on the other hand ^¬ an intermediate position of the actuating means, so that, for example erfass- a critical intermediate position is bar. An intermediate position, and in particular a critical intermediate position can be achieved if the bolt or the adjusting means, for example, cooperates with egg ^¬ nem further component of the motor vehicle, the adjusting means, for example, in a locking range, or an opening is moved into.

In one embodiment of the invention, the switching ^¬ elements are connected together by means of the electrical contact with a control unit. A control unit serves to supply the electric drive with electricity and at the same time generate the control signals. ren, to allow start-up, stopping and positioning of the ^¬ drive. In this case, for example, the control unit can receive a signal from an operator that the car is to be locked, so that the electric drive is supplied with power, as a result of which the adjustment means is moved to the locking position, for example. The first actuating means is in the release position, that is, in the traveled into the housing position, then this position may, for example, by means of a switching element and are preferably captured with ^¬ means of a micro-switch. The Steuerein ^¬ unit thus receives from the microswitch a signal that the actuating means is in the release position. If the electric drive is now supplied with power, then the actuating means moves into the locking position.

In the locking position, a further Mik ^¬ rosch old detects the position of the adjusting means, and transmits a control signal to the control unit. The electrical connections can be powered abge ^¬ on with reaching the locked position. It is thus a safe method or adjustment of the actuating means possible. In particular, by the inventive arrangement of two or more switching means, the control unit is able to safely detect the reached position of the actuating means. If the control means, for example, according to an adjustment from the release position out limited by, for example, an obstacle in the adjustment, the Steuerein ^¬ uniform can be seen, for example, over a period of detecting that after the actuating means has not moved to the locking posi ^¬ tion. In this case, the other generates Microswitch no switching signal, so that the Steuerein ^¬ unit is able to detect the non-reaching the Verriege ^¬ ment position. The arrangement of several Mik ^¬ rosch old thus increases lantriebs the operational reliability of the positioner.

If the adjusting means are connected to the control unit by means of a parallel connection, this results in a further advantageous embodiment variant of the invention. By integrating the switching elements in the form of a parallel circuit ^¬ the switching elements can be ^¬ joined to the control unit by means of the electrical contacting of the usual rule ^¬ electrical contact with a switching element. Thus, a favorable and structurally advantageous solution is given to be able to supply the switching elements with electricity or to allow an evaluation of the switching elements. For two or more switching ^¬ elements only two supply lines are therefore necessary, which reduces the number of lines and so ^¬ provides a cost-neutral solution with increased reliability.

Another advantage arises when at least one switching element is connected to a series resistor, so that a coding can be achieved. By using ei ^¬ nes resistance is a possibility that not only is evaluated that a switching means is operated, it is also evaluated, which switching element WUR operated ^¬ de. If the switching elements are arranged in a parallel circuit and a resistor is connected only in front of a switching element, then the control unit is in the Able to evaluate, which switching element WUR closed ^¬ de. The switching elements are thus be coded and systematically evaluated by using a Wi ^¬ DERS tandes. If more than two switching elements are used, different resistances and / or a different number of resistors in the circuit can revolve ^¬ an individualization of the switching elements provided ^¬ be taken a selection. Thus, it is a coding of the scarf Tele ^¬ mente possible and the control unit is able to recognize each ^¬ the switching element individually so that Endla ^¬ gen and intermediate layers of the actuator can be detected.

The switching elements by means of a bridge, re insbesonde ^¬ a solder bridge, connected, the result is a white ^¬ tere variant embodiment of the invention. The use of one or more solder bridges is a cost effective and secure way to connect the switching elements in the actuator. In particular, the USAGE ^¬ dung of switching bridges in automated art manufacturing processes ^¬ is easy and safe to obstruct.

The switching elements in such a manner in the actuator angeord ^¬ net that in each case a separate switching means by means of the actuating means is contactable, the result is a white ^¬ tere advantageous embodiment variant of the invention. The adjusting means is preferably moved linearly or ver ^¬ sets, wherein the actuating means cooperates along the adjustment with two or more switching elements. Thus, the end positions and / or intermediate layers can be detected along the Ver ^¬ the travel. Preferably, the actuating means may comprise a control contour aufwei ^¬ sen, said control contour to the switch means is engageable. A control contour on the adjusting means offers the advantage that the switching time of the switching element can be set in a defined manner. In this case, the control contour, for example, have a slope which on the one hand facilitates the Betä ^¬ tion of the switching means and can ensure a dauerstabi ^¬ le cooperation between the control contour and switching means. In addition, the control contour can additionally as a stop means for the actuating means the ^¬ nen. Preferably, the control contour is formed such that the control contour forms a lever arm, wherein the lever arm is formed on the one hand to cooperate with the Schaltmit ^¬ tel and at the same time can be brought into engagement with the housing of the actuator. Thus, the control contour or the lever arm can multiple functions fulfillment ^¬ len.

In a further embodiment variant of the invention, the switching element is a mechanical switching element, in particular a microswitch and / or a non-contact switching element, in particular a Hall sensor. Depending on the requirements of the actuator and / or turned ^¬ translated materials it may be advantageous to use different switching elements in the actuator. For example, a locking means of a metalli ^¬ rule material, such as steel or aluminum is used, the use of alternative Schaltelemen ^¬ te can be advantageous. For example, when an actuating element of an injection molding material, that is a synthetic material ^¬ material used, so are mechanical Schaltele- advantageous. Preferably, the actuator is adjusted linearly in the actuator. For this purpose, a spindle drive can serve in an advantageous manner, on the one hand enables a high power transmission and on the other hand, a very accurate adjustment of the actuating means can be ensured. Depending on the pitch of the spindle while a power transmission by means of the actuating means is possible. The actuator is drivable by means of a transmission, insbesonde ^¬ re spur gear. The advantageous Kom ^¬ nation of spur gear and actuator permits each one smallest-building structure of the actuator, while large control movements can be combined with the advantage of short positioning times.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to a preferred Ausfüh ^¬ tion example. However, it is the basic ^¬ rate that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an embodiment. The illustrated features may be performed individually or in combination with other features of the specification as well as the claims individually or in combination.

It shows :

1 is a plan view of an actuator and in particular a plan view of a Ge ^¬ housing cover of an actuator with a locking means located in a locking position, Figure 2 is a detailed view of the electrical con- clocking of the switching elements as an off ^¬ sectional view of the figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a plan view of the actuator without

Housing cover including the arrangement of the motor, the gear stage, the spindle ^¬ drive and the two end positions of the actuating means.

In the figure 1, an actuator 1 is shown in a plan view. Evident is the housing 2 and in particular ^¬ special housing shell 3, a plug 4, for electrical see contacting the actuator and for connection to a control unit 5, wherein electrical Kontaktie ^¬ ments 6, 7 are provided to the plug and at least one to contact electrical switching element 8. Another switching element 9, as well as the first switching element 8 can be recognized by the connection regions of the switching elements 8, 9. An adjusting means 10 is in a Verrie ^¬ gelungsposition V, that is reproduced in a retracted from the housing 2 position. The adjusting means 10 is adjustable along a path W towards a release position F. A housing cover 11 is only visible through mounting tabs 12 therethrough. The Gehäusede ^¬ ckel 11 closes the housing 2 by a non-visible in the figure 1 side. The housing cover 11 snaps it into the mounting lugs 12 is on or in these mounting tabs 12 into locked and thus connectable to the Gehäu ^¬ seschale. 3 In addition, in the housing 2 Mounting openings 13, 14 are provided, by means of which the actuator 1, for example, in a motor vehicle mon ^¬ tierbar. The electrical contact 6 connects the Steuerein ^¬ unit 5 with the switching means 8, wherein the lines are held in the present embodiment in the housing shell 3 form and / or non-positively. The Steuerleitun ^¬ conditions 6 contact directly the switching element 8. An actuation of the switching element 8 can thus be detected directly. In a parallel circuit, the first switching element 8 in this embodiment, a further switching element 9 is connected in parallel. 2 shows a detailed view of the electrical contacting of the switching elements 8, 9 in conjunction with the electrical contact 6 reproduced in an enlarged view. The switching element 8, 9 are on the one hand via an electrical resistance 15 and on the other hand via a solder bridge 16 ver ^¬ connected. Thus, there are two circuits that are respectively closable on the one hand with the first switching element 8 and the other ^¬ hand with the other switching element 9. Through the use of electric resistor 15 in this case may be a coding of the switching elements 8, 9 he ^¬ follow, so that it is clearly detek- tierbar for the control unit 5, which switching element 8, 9 has been operated. For sealing and protecting the contacts of the switching ^¬ elements 8, 9, the electrical resistance 15 and the solder bridge 16 is a filling area 17 in the housing shell 3 provided, which can be filled, for example by means of an epoxy resin.

In the figure 3, the actuator 1 is given in a view of the housing shell 3 without the housing cover 11 ^¬ again. Evident is the electric drive 18, which is designed in this embodiment as an electric Gleichstrommo ^¬ tor, mounted on the motor shaft 19 spur gear, which meshes with a gear 20 and is in engagement with the gear 20. The gear 20 is formed integrally with a spindle 21 in this embodiment and preferably formed as a plastic injection molded component. The adjusting means 10 is reproduced in both, that is, the locking position V and the joining position F. The adjusting means 10 in this case has a lever arm ^¬ 22, which also includes the control contour 22. By means of the lever arm 22 and the control contour on the lever ^¬ arm 22, the switching elements 8, 9 can be contacted. The adjusting means 10 is in the position shown in Figure 3 and in particular in the locking position V with the control contour 22 in abutment with a stop 23, so that the lever arm 22 at the same time for Lagepositionie ^¬ tion of the actuating means 10 is used. In addition, a further stop 24 may be provided, with which the lever ^¬ arm 22 and the control contour 22 cooperates to realize a defined release position F in the actuator 1. By means of the inventive construction of the actuator with two parallel Schaltelemen- th 8, 9 is thus a cost-effective and constructive created a simple way to detect a secure detection of the end positions V, F of the actuating means 10.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 actuator

2 housings

3 housing shell

4 plugs

5 control unit

6, 7 electrical contact

8, 9 switching element

10 actuating means

11 housing cover

12 mounting tabs

13, 14 mounting holes

15 electrical resistance 16 solder bridge

17 filling area

18 electric drive

19 motor shaft

20 gear

21 spindle

22 control contour, lever arm

23, 24 stop

V Locking position F Release position

W way

Claims

claims

1. actuator (1) for a motor vehicle having a housing (2), in particular of a housing shell (3) and a housing cover (11), an electric drive (18), wherein by means of the drive (18) an actuating means (10) the housing (2) out in a Verriegelungspo ^¬ position (V) and in the housing (2) into a release position (F) is movable, a switching element (8, 9), wherein by means of the switching element (8, 9) a position of the actuating means (10) is detectable and an electrical ^¬ contacting (6, 7) of the switching element (8, 9), characterized in that at least one further switching element (8, 9) is provided, so that the locking gelungs - and release position (F, V) is detectable.

Second actuator (1) according to claim 1, characterized marked ^¬ characterized in that the switching elements (8, 9) together by means of the contacting (6, 7) with a control unit (5) are connectable.

3. Actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching elements (8, 9) by means of a parallel connection with the control unit (5) are connectable.

4. actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one switching element (8, 9) with a series resistor (15) is connected, so that a coding can be achieved.

5. actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the switching elements (8, 9) by means of a bridge (16), in particular a solder bridge (16) are connectable.

6. actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the switching elements (8, 9) are arranged in such an actuator (1) that in each case a separate switching element (8, 9) by means of Stellmit ^¬ means ( 10) is contactable.

7. actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the adjusting means (10) has a control contour (22), wherein the control contour (22) with the switching elements (8, 9) can be brought into engagement.

8. Actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switching element (8, 9) a mechanical switching element (8, 9), in particular a micro-roschalter and / or non-contact Schaltele ^¬ ment, in particular a Hall sensor is.

9. actuator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the adjusting means (10) by means of a spindle drive (21) is adjustable.

10. actuator (1) according to claim 9, characterized marked ^¬ characterized in that the spindle drive (21) by means of a gear (19, 20), in particular a spur gear (19, 20), can be driven.