EP1061212B1 - Actuator with an electro motor for motor vehicle locks - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electromotive actuator for a motor vehicle lock - Side door lock, rear door lock, hood lock - with the features the preamble of claim 1.

A motor vehicle lock of the type in question regularly has one Lock mechanics that are switched to different functional states should, for example, in the functional states "unlocked", "locked", "locked-theft-proof", "childproof" and possibly also "open by wire "(opening aid) or" servo closing ".

In the known electromotive actuator, of which the invention goes out (DE - A - 44 39 479), is the electric drive motor with a Worm gear coupled, the worm wheel of which forms the control element. There is a driver on the worm wheel, which is the switching element is capable of knocking over the pivoting lever between two positions. The electric drive motor is controlled by block operation, namely in that the driver on the control element in each of the two possible positions of the pivoting lever forming the switching element a stop surface lying transverse to the direction of movement of the driver starts. This blocks the further movement of the control element, the current that the electric drive motor draws suddenly increases, this is evaluated in terms of circuitry and the drive motor is switched off. The shutdown in block mode can also be controlled by a timer, a torque detection or the like.

There are exactly two switch-off positions for this electromotive actuator, which are defined by the two end positions of the switching element.

It is known for an actuator of a similar electromotive actuator as previously described (US-A-5,240,296) several switch-off positions provided. Then there are slip ring switches, other mechanical ones Use microswitches or contactless switches. Compared to switching off the electric drive motor in block mode The use of switches has the disadvantage that the switch-off positions can only be approached with a considerable tolerance. On the one hand are physical influences (operating voltage, motor tolerance, friction, Temperature, humidity) of considerable importance, on the other hand one must take into account that the electric drive motor of the electromotive Actuator of a motor vehicle lock a very small one Is a motor that runs at a very high speed. The electric drive motor must be braked very suddenly to switch off. If you want switch-off positions, which are defined by switches, achieve with great accuracy, so one must therefore with complex brake circuits for the electrical Drive motor work. All of this is when defining a shutdown position not necessary or not a problem due to a mechanical block.

The teaching is now based on the problem with an electromotive Actuator for a motor vehicle lock switch-off positions of the actuating element Specify exactly and largely freely in a simple, robust manner and start off to be able to.

The problem outlined above is for the claimed electromotive Actuator with the characteristics of the characteristic part of Claim 1 solved. According to the invention, a "flying" locking stop is implemented, a switch-off position largely by means of a mechanical block Any place that can be specified.

The locking stop on the locking element has a non-locking starting position and a blocking blocking position, in which it is in the movement path of the Power transmission element is on the actuator. After switching off the electrical Drive motor leaves the tension in the drive train due to the fact that the actuator is not driven self-locking, that is Gear is not self-locking, after and the locking stop of the Locking element can the path of movement of the power transmission element leave. This can happen when the electric drive motor starts again keep running because the mechanical block has disappeared.

In this way, you can choose practically any one you want to set beforehand Define a switch-off position without using a switch. This switch-off position is thus in block mode and therefore practically tolerance-free realized. The switch-off position can be added to the corresponding one Realize switch-off positions in the end positions of the switching element, but you can also completely dispense with end positions of the switching element and only realize free switch-off positions.

Do you have a power transmission element on the actuator and corresponding A locking stop on the locking element results in one direction of rotation of the control element a switch-off position. You have two power transmission elements on the control element, there are two switch-off positions realizable. Theoretically, it would also be conceivable to have several power transmission elements to be realized on the control element, but this is often due to space constraints no longer guarantee the kinematics safely.

Otherwise, only one direction of rotation can be provided for the control element or provide a drive in both directions of rotation. With a drive in both directions of rotation, the power transmission element in each the directions of rotation act so that a corresponding in each direction Switch-off position is realized.

It is also theoretically conceivable for the actuating element of the electromotive Actuator to assign more than one movable locking element and thereby more than one switch-off position by means of a mechanical block realize.

Of particular importance is the realization of several switch-off positions therefore to the further version, in which the control element with another Actuator is coupled with certain reduction, the further Actuator is also assigned a locking element with the same effect. The switching element is then only coupled to the further control element. at a reduction of 1: 1 is only a duplication of the blocking elements to reproduce the horizontal switch-off positions. If you choose a different reduction ratio, for example 1: 3, see above one can have three switch-off positions for a power transmission element realized by block operation, without switch-off positions in end positions of the switching element. You can see two power transmission elements in front of the control element, you can even realize six switch-off positions, the further control element only for power transmission to the Switching element and used as an aid to realizing the reduction becomes. This would not be possible with switches for tolerance reasons.

Preferred refinements and developments of the teaching result from the subclaims.

Fig. 1

in schematischer Darstellung einen elektromotorischen Stellantrieb für ein Kraftfahrzeugschloß des Standes der Technik mit dem angetriebenen Schaltelement in einer Endposition,

Fig. 2

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elek- tromotorischen Stellantriebes für ein Kraftfahrzeugschloß, das Schaltelement weggelassen, das Stellelement in einer einer Endposition des Schaltelementes entsprechenden Stellung,

Fig. 3

den Stellantrieb aus Fig. 2 mit sich gerade bewegendem Stellelement,

Fig. 4

den Stellantrieb aus Fig. 2, nunmehr das Stellelement durch das Sperrelement blockiert, so daß der Antriebsmotor soeben mittels eines mechanischen Blocks abgeschaltet wird,

Fig. 5

den Stellantrieb aus Fig. 4 nach erfolgtem Abschalten des elektrischen Antriebsmotors und Entspannung des Antriebszuges,

Fig. 6

eine Alternative in einer Abbildung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig 7

in schematischer Darstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen elektromotorischen Stellantriebes mit einem linear beweglichen Stellelement in einer Fig. 3 entsprechende Darstellung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely shows exemplary embodiments. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an electromotive actuator for a motor vehicle lock of the prior art with the driven switching element in an end position,

Fig. 2

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an electric actuator for a motor vehicle lock, the switching element omitted, the adjusting element in a position corresponding to an end position of the switching element,

Fig. 3

2 with a just moving actuator,

Fig. 4

2, now the actuator is blocked by the blocking element, so that the drive motor is just switched off by means of a mechanical block,

Fig. 5

4 after switching off the electric drive motor and relaxation of the drive train,

Fig. 6

an alternative in an illustration according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electromotive actuator according to the invention with a linearly movable actuator in a Fig. 3 corresponding representation.

Fig. 1 shows based on the prior art, from which the teaching of the present Invention starts (DE - A - 44 39 479), the basic structure of such an electromotive actuator for a motor vehicle lock. Such an electromotive actuator is in most cases a central locking drive that moves the lock mechanism into the various Functional states, ie the functional states "unlocked", "locked", "Theft-proof", "Child-proof" and possibly also the functional states "open by wire" and / or "locking aid" (special case). in the The basic principle of such an electromotive actuator is for Motor vehicle lock always about positioning the control element as precisely as possible, thus desired switch-off positions with the smallest possible tolerance to reach.

In the case of the electromotive motor shown in FIG. 1 and attributable to the prior art The lock mechanism is an actuator for a motor vehicle lock of the motor vehicle lock not shown. A is shown electric drive motor 1 and one of the drive motor 1 via a non self - locking gear, here a worm gear with worm 2 and Worm gear 3, driven actuator 4, which in the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the worm wheel 3. From the actuator 4 a switching element 5 is driven, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a swivel lever and for switching the lock mechanism 6 serves in the different functional states.

The example shown in FIG. 1 and attributable to the prior art shows on actuator 4, a driver 7, which on a circulation sheet in .both directions of rotation is movable. The driver 7 forms together with the control element 4 a kind of crank mechanism.

The illustrated embodiment shows that both end positions of the Switching element 5 forming pivot lever by a mechanical block Define switch-off positions of the electric drive motor 1 because namely the driver 7 here at right angles to the direction of movement of the driver 7 stops 8 and the drive motor 1 outgoing drive train blocked with it.

The general part of the description has explained the advantages a definition of switch-off positions by a mechanical block straight for electromotive actuators in motor vehicle locks. On the statements there may be referenced.

The teaching of the invention is now concerned with how to turn off positions of the control element 4 in a simple, robust manner and precisely set and start can, as is the case for mechanical positions Block can realize.

Fig. 2 shows a starting position of an electromotive according to the invention Actuator. This can be the position that corresponds to an end position of the Switching element 5 corresponds. When realizing the invention it will rather a normal switch-off position approached according to the invention.

2 that not only the driver 7 on the actuating element 4 is attached for the switching element 5, not shown here, but an additional one Power transmission element 9 is arranged. The actuator 4 is a movable locking element 10 associated with a locking stop 11 for has the power transmission element 9. The power transmission element 9 of the moving control element 4 meets the locking stop according to the invention 11 of the locking element 10, in such a way that thereby the movement of the actuator 4 blocked and the drive motor 1 by this mechanical Block is switched off. The switch-off takes place as already in general Part of the description explained by overcurrent detection, if necessary also by a time switch, that is simply by the expiry of a predetermined Follow-up time, through torque detection etc., all procedures that in the State of the art for this are known.

It is therefore essential for the invention that a mechanical block any Switch-off position defined for the electromotive actuator. The is independent of whether other switch-off positions by end positions of the switching element 5 are defined or not.

It is also essential according to the invention that after switching off of the electric drive motor 1 caused relaxation of the drive train the locking stop 11 of the locking element 10 the movement path of the Power transmission element 9 leaves again. This ensures that a renewed switching on of the electric drive motor 1 continues of the control element 4 to the next switch-off position, which again by a mechanical block is defined, allowed. So it is essential that the Locking element 10 after relaxing the drive train from its locking Blocking position returns to its non-blocking starting position

The first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 makes it clear that it is provided here that the moving actuator 4 during movement in the direction of the locking stop 11 itself the locking stop 11 in the movement path of the force transmission element 9 on the actuating element 4 relocated. For this purpose, it is provided here that the locking element 10 has a drive stop 12, on which the power transmission element 9 first to System comes to shift the locking element 10 so that the locking stop 11 reaches the path of movement of the force transmission element 9.

2 and 3 show that the locking element 10 against the spring force a return spring 13, which defines the recognizable starting position in FIG. 2, in the locking stop 11 is not in the path of movement of the power transmission element 9 is located, can be deflected into the blocking position of FIG. 3. The Return spring 13 is designed as a leg spring with a spring stop 14 on the locking element 10 and a fixed spring stop 15, the So practically arranged on the housing of the electromotive actuator is cooperating. The return spring 13 as a leg spring wraps around a sleeve on the pivot axis 16 of the here as a pivot lever executed locking element 10. Also other types of reset elements Instead of a return spring 13, for example magnets or the like can optionally be used.

It can be seen in the transition from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3 that by rotating the here designed as an actuator disk actuator 4 counterclockwise the power transmission element 9 on the drive stop 12 of the Locking element 10 comes to rest and continue to run here as Locking element 10 executed against the pivot axis 16 against the pivot lever swings out clockwise. 3 is the pivoting movement so far that the power transmission element 9 is now the drive stop 12 can happen. Simultaneously with the swiveling out of the drive stop 12 is also the locking stop 11 counterclockwise been pivoted. It is now in the path of movement in FIG. 3 of the power transmission element 9.

Fig. 2 shows a power transmission element 9 on the actuator 4. In Fig. 3 is however indicated that there is another force transmission element on the actuating element 4 9 is located. Since this is only optional, this is Power transmission element on the control element 4 on the right only in thin dashed lines Lines drawn. The two power transmission elements 9 would be in this variant offset by approximately 180 ° on the control element 4 arranged. That would mean that not a switch-off position, but approached two switch-off positions per revolution of the control element 4 become.

2 and 3 make it clear that in the present Embodiment, the actuator 4 also in two opposite to each other Directions of movement could run, then in both directions of movement a shutdown would take place at the stop 11. The Locking stop 11 shows this by its central position and in both directions acting return spring 13, which is both a deflection after allowed on the left as well as on the right in the same way. The drive stop too 12 is designed symmetrically and makes it clear that it acts in both directions of rotation of the control element 4.

The masses, movement speeds, distances and restoring forces of the various elements are now coordinated so that it is the slowest operational speed of the drive motor to be expected 1 ensures that the power transmission element 9 on the Lock stop 11 on the locking element 10 before it hits the path of movement has left the power transmission element 9 again. This state shows Fig. 4.

It can be seen that the spring force of the return spring 13 only the locking element 10 has been able to reset a little clockwise before the power transmission element 9 hit the stop 11. The power transmission element 9 is initially driven by the driving force of the electric drive motor 1 firmly pressed against the stop 11 and thus holds by friction the locking element 10 against the spring force of the return spring 13 firmly. This happens until the electric drive motor 1 has switched off and this relaxes the drive train.

Because the worm gear from worm 2 and worm wheel 3 in the shown Embodiment is not self-locking, leaves immediately after switching off of the electric drive motor 1, the pressure of the power transmission element 1 to the stop 11 after. The spring force is sufficient the return spring 13, the locking element 10 in its initial position swing back, which it then reaches again in Fig. 5 of the drawing Has. One sees through the one forced with the mechanical block Switching off the electric drive motor 1, the control element 4 is exactly in the switch-off position defined by the stop 11 stopped. From the position shown in Fig. 5, the actuator 4 can triggering the electric drive motor 1 again into the next switch-off position, for example an end position of the switching element 5, or, preferably, a further switch-off position can be moved.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 shows an embodiment of the electromotive actuator according to the invention, in which the locking element 10 is pivoted from the actuator 4 into the blocking position, just before the power transmission element 9 hits the locking stop 11. As alternative can also be understood that it is possible that the the reactivation of the electric drive motor 1 moving actuator 4 the locking stop 11 in the running direction behind when continuing to run the power transmission element 9 back into the path of motion of the power transmission element 9 relocated.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 shows another special feature. According to this embodiment, the driver 7 could Omit control element 4 and another control element shown in FIG. 6 18 assign that with the actuator 4 including a certain Reduction is coupled. For example, if it is a Reduction 1: 3, the control element 4 would make three turns, while the second actuator 18 makes one revolution. That in turn would mean that through the locking element 10 and the locking stop 11 defined switch-off position is reached three times, while the second Control element 18 has completely rotated once. You have two power transmission elements 9, six switch-off positions can be implemented accordingly. Often, however, you will not link this to end positions, but only provide such free switch-off positions.

So you can see that with a multi-stage version you can get a multitude of Switch-off positions each by a mechanical block and thus can be realized practically tolerance-free and without the use of additional switches. In addition to the advantage of precise positioning, this also has the advantage of one simple and very robust construction of the electromotive actuator overall, as well as a small number of parts.

In the following, the second exemplary embodiment is also to be described with reference to FIG. 7 are explained.

In the second embodiment, the actuating element 4 is linear Actuator slide executed. You can see that here instead of one Worm gear provided gear that rotates transmits the electric drive motor 1 to a threaded spindle 20 which runs the actuator slide forming the actuator 4. Not shown is the switching element 5, which is moved by the control element 4. It can be in on another level.

Two are essential defining the end positions of the switching element 5 Stops 21 for the control element 4. In the middle between them is a "flying" Stop formed in that the locking element 10 as the side of the movement path of the actuator slide 4 arranged rocker arm is, the tip of which forms the locking stop 11 for the actuating element 4. Here you can also see the pivot axis 16 of the locking element 10 and the Drive stop 12 on the locking element 10, with the help of the locking stop 11 only in the movement path of the force transmission element 9, formed by an edge of the actuator slide 4 pivoted into it becomes. By slight inclination of the contact surfaces on the power transmission element 9 and the locking stop 11 can be ensured here that a Solution of the lock stop 11 does not take place until the electric drive motor 1 has switched off and the drive train has relaxed is.

Claims (15)

1. Electric-motor-powered actuator for a motor vehicle lock, the motor vehicle lock having a lock mechanism which can be switched into various functional states, having a driving motor (1), an actuating element (4) which is not driven in a self-locking manner by the driving motor (1), and a switching element (5) which is driven by the actuating element (4) and is used for switching the lock mechanism into the various functional states, a force transmission element (9) being arranged on the actuating element (4), and the actuating element (4) being assigned a moveable blocking element (10) which has a blocking stop (11) for the force transmission element (9), and the force transmission element (9) of the moving actuating element (4) striking against the blocking stop (11) of the blocking element (10), the movement of the actuating element (4) is thereby blocked and the driving motor (1) is thereby switched off, characterized in that after relaxation of the driving cable effected by the driving motor (1) being switched off, the blocking stop (11) of the blocking element (10) leaves the path of movement of the force transmission element (9).
2. Actuator according to Claim 1, characterized in that the moving actuating element (4), as it moves in the direction of the blocking stop (11), shifts the blocking stop (11) into the path of movement of the force transmission element (9).
3. Actuator according to Claim 2, characterized in that the blocking element (10) has a driving stop (12) against.which the force transmission element (9) comes to bear in order to shift the blocking element (10) in such a manner that the blocking stop (11) reaches the path of movement of the force transmission element (9).
4. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the blocking element (10) can be deflected counter to the spring force of a restoring spring (13) from a starting position, in which the blocking stop (11) is not situated in the path of movement of the force transmission element (9).
5. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the masses, the speeds of movement, the distances and the restoring forces of the various elements are co-ordinated with one another in such a manner that, at the slowest running speed of the driving motor (1) which is to be expected during operation, the force transmission element (9) reaches the blocking stop (11) before the latter has left the path of movement of the force transmission element (9).
6. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating element (4), which moves after the electric driving motor (1) is switched on again, as it continues to run shifts the blocking stop (11) in the running direction behind the force transmission element (9) back again into the path of movement of the force transmission element (9).
7. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (4) has two force transmission elements (9) which are offset with respect to each other by approximately 180°.
8. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (4) permits switching off at the blocking stop (11) in two mutually opposed directions of movement.
9. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (4) is designed as an actuator disc and the force transmission element (9) thereon is designed as a pin or the like.
10. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the blocking element (10) is designed as a pivoting lever.
11. Actuator according to Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the pivoting lever forming the blocking element (10) is congruent with the actuator disc, which forms the actuating element (4), but the pivot axes (16, 17) are arranged offset with respect to each other.
12. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (4) is designed as an actuator slide which runs linearly.
13. Actuator according to Claim 12, characterized in that the blocking element (10) is designed as a tilting lever arranged to the side of the path of movement of the actuator slide (4).
14. Actuator according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the actuating element (4) is coupled to a further actuating element (18) with a certain step-down.
15. Actuator according to Claim 14, characterized in that the further actuating element (18) is likewise assigned a blocking element (10) having the same effect.

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