EP1408183A1 - Closing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A closing aid for a door or flap in a motor vehicle comprises a drive unit (12) with a drive element (20) releasably coupled (14) to a movable locking element carrier (16) so as to move between a rest and a retractable position. The coupling can be released from the locking element carrier by means of a suitable force.

Description

The present invention relates to a closing aid for doors or flaps a motor vehicle.

Such locking aids are generally known. They are used for Closing a door or hatch of a motor vehicle the door or hatch automatically from a pre-closing position to a final closing position move. In particular, they can serve to complete one closed door, whose lock is already in a on the locking aid locking element held, for example a striker, is engaged, compressing a seal along a frame to close the door completely without any person operating the door must apply the forces necessary for compression. The locking position can be chosen so that the door with only slight forces can be moved into this and the lock and the striker are already locked together in a main rest position. After this Lock the lock and the locking bracket in the pre-closing position can output a signal to a controller via a signal generator which activates the locking aid so that the locking element moves and thus the respective door or flap automatically and with External power is closed.

Such a locking aid can be attached to a door spar, for example be and have a laterally extendable striker that by a corresponding drive device can be extended and retracted. To the Opening the door, i.e. when operating a corresponding door handle, the striker is extended laterally by the locking aid.

To close the door, it is opened with its lock Locking straps moved until locking straps and lock in the main click position engage. Then via the signal generator already mentioned issued a signal to the drive device, which then the Retracts the striker to a rest position, with the door in the final closed position is moved.

However, such locking aids have the disadvantage that if one is too fast Closing of the door due to the inertia of the closing aid mechanism Considerable forces can act on the extended striker can reduce the lifespan of the locking aid.

The present invention is therefore based on the object To create locking aid that has a long life.

The task is solved by a locking aid with the features of Claim 1.

The locking aid according to the invention for doors or flaps of a motor vehicle comprises a drive device with an output element, a movable locking element carrier, and a coupling device, by means of which the movement of the locking element carrier Output element with the locking element carrier at least partially Can be detachably coupled, so that the locking element carrier in the coupled Condition due to movement of the output element between a rest position and can be moved back and forth from an extended position, wherein the coupling by the action of a predetermined size on the Locking element carrier is at least partially detachable.

The movable locking element carrier is used to hold a Locking element, which is in particular a striker, can act a striker or a striker.

The drive device serves to move the locking element carrier with the output element.

For mechanical coupling of the drive device and the locking element carrier the coupling device is provided. According to the invention is the movement of the locking element carrier with the of the output element is not rigidly coupled. Rather, there are two states possible, which do not have to be strictly separated. The locking element carrier is in a coupled state by movement of the drive element or that exerted by it Forces between a rest position and an extended position forth. The coupling device itself only needs such forces of the output element on the locking element carrier to be able to transmit a movement of the locking element carrier effect from the rest position to the extended position. The Movement in the opposite direction can be caused by the output element be effected by means of the coupling device or in another way, however, the coupling device must allow this movement. In this coupled state, the output element and the Locking element carrier expediently essentially synchronous move, but the coupling need not be completely rigid. It it is sufficient that the locking element carrier by the of the output element exerted forces, possibly with one through the coupling device conditional play, the movement of the output element follows.

This coupled state is in the normal use of the Locking aid before. Will with a door or flap that with the help of the invention Locking aid between a final closing position and one Pre-closed position is movable, the door handle operated, the drive device are controlled so that the output element over the coupling device the locking element carrier from the rest position moved to the extended position. However, there is the Door is already in an open state and is being closed, see above can when locking the locking element in a lock of the door or flap the drive device can be controlled so that the Output element the locking element carrier from the extended Position moved to the rest position, which causes the door or flap in the End closing position is moved.

In the second, at least partially decoupled state, the locking element carrier is either completely independent of the output element movable or mechanically so weakly coupled with it, that it moves out of the extended position with the output element stationary in an output element position corresponding to the extended position far from the extended position, for example until at least in the rest position, is movable.

The at least partial release of the coupling is due to the action of force predetermined size effectable on the locking element carrier. The force does not necessarily have to be directly over the Locking element carrier transferred to the coupling device , but this is preferably the case.

Due to the possibility of partial decoupling, the improper Operation on the locking aid and in particular the output element acting forces are limited very well, so that the The lifespan of the locking aid is at least increased. It is located the locking element carrier in the extended position and will the door or flap is closed with too much swing, so is over the locking element held on the locking element carrier exerted a correspondingly large force on the locking element carrier. The locking element carrier is then made of a coupled State in the at least partially decoupled state and can move even when it is stationary or moving slowly Move output element further. As a result, the pulse of the locking element carrier needs not or only greatly weakened by the output element to be caught.

The specified size of the force depends, among other things, on the Size of the output element on the locking element carrier forces applied in the coupled state. At least partially Decoupling due to normal movement of the output element avoid, is the predetermined size of the at least partial decoupling necessary force expediently greater than that by Output element exercisable forces. Furthermore, the default Size of the force expedient after using the Locking aid according to the invention in connection with a lock direct occurring forces. So is the predetermined size of the Force greater than the force when the locking element snaps into place in a lock of a door or flap is necessary. This is an at least partial decoupling during a normal closing of the Door not possible, so the door or flap can be closed using the locking aid or the output element of the same can be moved into an end closed position is.

On the other hand, the predetermined size of the force should be as possible be kept so low that a strong mechanical stress the locking aid in the event of a fast closing or slamming the door or flap is avoided.

The closing aid according to the invention also enables closing a door or flap when the Locking element carrier the drive device, for example by Power failure, is no longer operational. By slamming the door or the flap can be the locking element carrier from the driven element at least partially decoupled and moved into the rest position become.

Further developments and preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the description, the claims and the drawings.

The locking element carrier can in principle on any through storage and / or guidance and / or the drive Way to be movable. So he can z. B. rotatable or pivotable his. However, it is preferred that the locking element carrier be linear is movably guided. A linear movement of the locking element carrier and thus also allows a locking element held thereon the use of the locking aid according to the invention with any conventional locks, which in particular no enlarged pictures need to have for the locking element. Furthermore the at least partial decoupling is particularly easy and under Only small forces can be transferred to the locking aid.

The coupling can be at least partially solved in principle as desired respectively. However, it is preferred that the coupling device is designed in this way is that when the output element is not moving, coupling through the force of a predetermined size on the locking element carrier in the extended position in one direction towards the rest position is at least partially solvable. In this way, the decoupling by direct action of the locking element carrier on the Coupling device can be at least partially solved, which is the structure of the Locking aid simplified.

In principle, the coupling device can be any suitable device have with which the at least partially releasable coupling of output element and locking element carrier can be effected. However, it is preferred that the coupling device is a spring element comprises that with the locking element carrier and the driven element connected is. If the locking element carrier is linearly movable, can be used as a spring element in particular a tension or compression spring become. The strength of the tension or compression spring is particularly preferred chosen so that in the by the drive device on the The driven element does not exert forces or the tension or compression spring is only slightly deflected, so that the locking element carrier in Can be moved substantially synchronously with the output element. on the other hand the spring constant of the tension or compression spring should be selected that the tension or compression spring in the at least partially decoupled State, i.e. when the specified force is exceeded, when moving of the locking element carrier from the extended position in the rest position can be tensioned when the output element is one of the extended ones Positions of the locking element carrier corresponding Output element position takes. Such a coupling device is particularly simple and therefore allows a particularly cost-effective Structure of the locking aid according to the invention.

It is preferred that the coupling device on the locking element carrier and the output element complementary to each other Snap connection elements to form a releasable snap connection includes. The snap connection elements are special preferably designed so that a snap connection between the Locking element carrier and the driven element by movement of the locking element carrier with the predetermined force from the extended position at least in the direction of the rest position an immovable output element can be released non-destructively. To this A complete decoupling between the output element is particularly useful and locking element carrier possible, so that the driven element or the drive device particularly well in front of large external ones Force is protected.

It is particularly preferred that one of the snap connection elements a snap element with a loop-shaped strip comprises an elastic material, and that the complementary Snap connection element through a corresponding recess is formed, into which the snap element can be snapped in and out. there the recess preferably forms an undercut in the direction of movement of the locking element carrier, so that a safe Coupling is achievable in the coupled state. The snap element can in particular consist of a correspondingly shaped strip Spring steel be formed. The snap element can on the output element be held, but is preferably on the locking element carrier attached. Enable snap fasteners designed in this way a long service life, as there is also repeated loosening and manufacture the snap connection does not lead to high material fatigue leads that affect the function of the locking aid according to the invention could.

In the partially decoupled state, the locking element carrier can move relative to the output element. To this movement too limit, it is preferred that a locking device is provided, by means of which the locking element carrier in a synchronization position can be locked into which the locking element carrier can be moved, if the output element and the locking element carrier at least are partially decoupled. This way, not only becomes an uncontrolled one Movement of the locking element carrier, especially when complete Decoupling between output element and locking element carrier, avoided. Rather, the locking element carrier also kept in the synchronization position so that it is possible to To couple the output element back to the locking element carrier. Furthermore, the door is held in an appropriate position so that driving with the vehicle is still possible. Is particularly preferred the synchronization position then close to the rest position, because in this Fall the door in an appropriate practically closed position is held near the final closed position, in which a door seal at least is partially compressed and the force is applied when driving the door that comes very close to a door in the final closed position. The Latching device is then expedient for receiving corresponding ones Forces trained. The locking device can in particular one biased by an elastic element, for example a spring Include locking lever, which is held on a carrier element of the locking aid is. Furthermore, the locking element carrier can preferably have a corresponding locking lug or recess into which The locking lever can then snap into place.

The synchronization position can be, for example, with the rest position be identical. However, it is particularly preferred that the rest position between the synchronization position and the extended position lies. As a result, the latching device can be particularly simple be designed because during the normal movement of the locking element carrier in the state coupled with the output element the rest position and the extended position the synchronization position not reached and the locking device is not operated. In addition, there is a decoupling of the locking element carrier from the output element in the extended position longer path for the locking element carrier to the synchronization position, on which it is easier to brake. Eventually it turns out such a particularly secure locking of the door in a position in which it is closed further than in the rest position, so that the door Can perform a function that it performs in the normally closed state.

It is furthermore particularly preferred that an elastic element is provided is that with at least partially released coupling and with one Movement of the locking element carrier in the direction of the synchronization position is exciting. In particular, when the Locking element carrier with at least partially released coupling from the extended position to the synchronization position of the locking element carrier delayed by tensioning the elastic element be, so that no high peak values in the temporal course of force occur. Furthermore, leaving the synchronization position relieved when releasing a latch, because the locking element carrier through the restoring force of the stretched elastic Elements from the synchronization position towards the rest position is moved.

To restore a coupling between the output element and to enable the locking element carrier in a particularly simple manner, it is preferred that the locking device is designed so that the Locking of the locking element carrier by moving the drive element can be canceled in an output element position, which in the coupled Condition of the output element and the locking element carrier corresponds to the rest position of the locking element carrier. The latching when the above-mentioned is reached is particularly preferred Output element position can be canceled. That way, if that Output element and the locking element carrier partially decoupled are and the locking element carrier in the synchronization position is located, the output element for the production of the coupling only in the output element position corresponding to the rest position moves to are, whereupon the locking is released and the locking element carrier can be fully coupled with the output element. Is the Synchronization position essentially identical to the rest position, can make the coupling simply by moving the Output elements relative to the, in particular latched, locking element carrier respectively. With a synchronization position that is not lies between the rest position and the extended position, can on the other hand, the locking element carrier by the restoring force of stretched elastic element moves in the direction of the rest position so that the coupling by moving the locking element carrier alone or the locking element carrier and the output element can be restored to one another.

To synchronize or restore the full coupling To simplify, it is further preferred that one with the drive device electrically connected switching device is provided, the can be actuated by the locking element carrier when the latter Synchronization position reached, and that the drive device so it is formed that when the switching device is actuated, the output element is movable into an output element position, which in the coupled State of the output element and the locking element carrier Corresponds to the rest position of the locking element carrier. In this way can restore the coupling between the output element or the drive device and the locking element carrier in very easily done automatically. The switching device can a mechanical directly or indirectly from the locking element carrier include actuatable switching element. However, it is also possible to use one corresponding motion or position sensor to use with the it can be determined whether the locking element carrier the synchronization position reached or occupies this, and on the signals of which Drive device can be controlled accordingly.

It is further preferred that the output element has an output element stop and the locking element carrier a corresponding one Have locking element carrier stop, so that in the coupled State when the output element moves from an output element position, the extended position of the locking element carrier corresponds to an output element position that the rest position of the locking element carrier corresponds to the output element stop abuts the locking element carrier stop and the locking element carrier is movable into the rest position. That way the locking element carrier simply by the output element itself Movable to the rest position when higher forces occur without the Coupling device or a tension or compression spring or existing Snap connection elements of the coupling device would be charged. Given the forces that may be needed to open a door or flap with the locking aid, for example, against the resistance of one To close the door or the flap surrounding sealing rubber, and given that the movement of the locking element carrier necessary from the rest position to the extended position Forces much lower than those for moving in the opposite direction necessary coupling forces can be the coupling device be designed to be less massive.

On the locking element carrier can be held on Locking element significant torques are exerted when a lock is not when the locking element and lock engage exactly in the linear direction of movement of the locking element carrier strikes the locking element. It is therefore preferred that the locking element carrier is designed as a carriage and on a Linear guide is guided. This linear guide can in particular as a positive guidance on a carrier element, which the Attaching the locking aid to a door spar or other part serves a body of a motor vehicle.

The drive device can basically be electrical, hydraulic or also be pneumatically operated. In particular, it can be a linear motor include. However, it is preferred that the drive device has a Motor, an eccentric driven by the motor and as an output element comprises a linearly moveable slide which has an opening has, in which the eccentric engages, so that when the eccentric rotates the carriage can be moved linearly. Such a drive device enables especially the use of conventional motors with a rotating output shaft, the movement of which in a very simple manner a linear movement can be implemented. The linear guidance of the slide also allows a very good transfer of power to the Locking element carrier, so that the occurrence of torques the transmission of the movement of the output element to the locking element carrier is largely avoidable.

It is further preferred that the driven element is at least partially is arranged in an opening of the locking support element, whereby a particularly compact structure results.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Schließhilfe nach einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 2A - 2C

schematische Draufsichten auf die Schließhilfe in Fig. 1 bei verschiedenen Stellungen eines Abtriebselements und eines Verriegelungselementträgers der Schließhilfe in Fig. 1 im gekoppelten Zustand,

Fig. 3A - 3D

schematische Draufsichten auf die Schließhilfe in Fig. 1 im Verlaufe einer teilweise entkoppelten Bewegung des Verriegelungselementträgers und einer nachfolgenden Wiederherstellung der Kopplung des Verriegelungselementträgers mit dem Abtriebselement.

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittansicht durch eine Schließhilfe nach einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 5A - 5C

schematische, vereinfachte Schnittansichten der Schließhilfe in Fig. 4 während einer Bewegung eines Verriegelungselementträgers und eines Abtriebselements im gekoppelten Zustand, in denen eine in Fig. 4 sichtbare Rasteinrichtung nicht gezeigt ist, und

Fig. 6A - 6D

schematische, vereinfachte Schnittansichten der Schließhilfe in Fig. 4, in denen eine Entkopplung des Verriegelungselementträgers von dem Abtriebselement und eine nachfolgende Wiederherstellung der Kopplung veranschaulicht sind.

The invention is further explained below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a schematic top view of a locking aid according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,

2A-2C

1 is a schematic plan view of the locking aid in FIG. 1 in various positions of an output element and a locking element carrier of the locking aid in FIG. 1,

3A-3D

schematic plan views of the locking aid in Fig. 1 in the course of a partially decoupled movement of the locking element carrier and a subsequent restoration of the coupling of the locking element carrier with the output element.

Fig. 4

2 shows a schematic sectional view through a locking aid according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention,

5A-5C

4, schematic, simplified sectional views of the locking aid in FIG. 4 during a movement of a locking element carrier and an output element in the coupled state, in which a locking device visible in FIG. 4 is not shown, and

6A-6D

4 shows schematic, simplified sectional views of the locking aid in FIG. 4, in which a decoupling of the locking element carrier from the output element and a subsequent restoration of the coupling are illustrated.

In Fig. 1, a closing aid for a motor vehicle side door instructs one a screwed door pillar of the motor vehicle, not shown in the figures Base plate 10, a drive device 12, a coupling device 14, a locking element carrier 16 and a locking device 18 on.

The base plate 10 is essentially flat and planar and has two parallel to each other and not shown in Fig. 1 to a linear guides for an output element aligned in a direction of movement B. 20 of the drive device 12 and the locking element carrier 16 on. The direction of movement B is essentially tangential to a pivoting direction of a door for the actuation of which Locking aid serves, aligned.

The drive device 12 comprises one in the view in FIG. 1 below the base plate 10 arranged electric motor 22 with an output shaft 24, which extends through an opening in the base plate 10, and one arranged eccentrically on the end face of the output shaft 24 Bolt 26 as an eccentric.

In addition, the drive device 12 has the slide and in the corresponding first linear guide of the base plate 10 linearly guided output element 20, the one transverse to the direction of movement B running, substantially rectangular opening 28 has, in which the bolt 26 engages, so that by rotation of the output shaft 24 the output element 20 is linearly reciprocable.

Furthermore, control electronics, not shown in the figures, are used Control of the electric motor 22 is provided.

The linearly guided in the second linear guide of the base plate 10 Locking element carrier 16 has a locking element carrier opening 30, which is substantially rectangular, but below Formation of a serving as a locking element carrier stop Shoulder 32 has a rectangular extension of smaller size.

Is on the locking element carrier 16, for the sake of clarity only schematically indicated in Fig. 1, a locking element 34 in Shape of a striker, in the example by a welded connection, attached.

The locking element carrier has on a side facing the base plate 10 16 at one end a locking block 36.

The coupling device 14 comprises, as a spring element, one in the extension the locking element carrier opening 30 arranged and with the Output element 20 on the one hand and the locking element carrier on the other connected tension spring 38 which in a direction of movement B of the Locking element carrier 16 or the output element 20 along the Linear guides are arranged on the base plate 10 so that they pass through a relative movement of the locking element carrier 16 and the Output elements 20 can be tensioned.

The locking device 18 comprises, in addition to the locking block 36 on the locking element carrier 16 one on the locking element carrier 16 facing side on the base plate 10 rotatably mounted, two-armed Locking lever 40. This is arranged so that it is one of the figures not shown locking arm spring in the direction of the locking block 36 or, depending on the position of the locking element carrier 16, against its surface is movable parallel to the direction of movement B while the other Arm can be actuated by the bolt 26.

On the one located in the direction of movement B near the locking lever 40 The end of the base plate 10 is a key switch 42 as a switching device arranged, with the control electronics not shown in the figures the drive device 12 is connected.

The normal function of the locking aid in Fig. 1 is now based on the Fig. 2A to 2C.

2A shows the state of the closing aid when the motor vehicle door is closed, that is when this door is in a final closed position located.

The locking element carrier 16 is in a rest position, the output element 20 being in a corresponding first output element position located. The tension spring 38 is not under tension. About that In addition, one end of the locking lever 40 on the bolt 26 and one other end of the locking lever on the parallel to the direction of movement B extending surface of the locking block 36.

When a door handle of the door is actuated, the drive device 12 becomes so controlled that the electric motor 22, the output shaft 24 and thus the Bolt 26, in Fig. 2B clockwise, moves, so that the output element 20 linearly from the first output element position along the direction of movement B is moved into a second output element position.

The spring constant of the tension spring 38 is selected so that the output element 20 with only a minimal extension of the tension spring 38 by means of this tension spring 38 the locking element carrier 16 with the Takes locking element 34 and this in an extended Position moved. The locking element 34 is laterally from the Door handle moved away.

During this movement, one end of the locking lever 40 is constantly on on the corresponding, aligned parallel to the direction of movement B. Surface of the locking block 36 (see. Fig. 2C).

In this position, the electric motor 22 is stopped.

When the door is closed, it is initially in the direction of the locking element 34 to move to a locking position until the locking element 34 and a lock of the door in a main rest position engage. For this purpose, a locking force of about 300 N has to be overcome. The spring constant of the tension spring 38 is chosen so that at This force does not overcome a significant movement of the locking element carrier 16 compared to the now immobile output element 20 he follows.

When the main rest position is reached, a corresponding Encoder in the lock activates the drive device 12 so that the Electric motor 22, in Fig. 2B counterclockwise, is moved and the output element in the direction of the first output element position shifts. An end face serving as a stop element strikes 44 of the output element 20, which in the direction of the rest position of the Locking element carrier 16 is oriented to the shoulder 32 the locking element carrier 16 and takes it adjacent to him in the further course of the movement, so that the locking element carrier 16 from the extended position to the rest position is moved. The door is overcome from the pre-closing position one caused by compression of a door seal Resistance pulled into a final closed position. Upon reaching the The electric motor 22 is stopped in the rest position.

In this coupled state of the output element 20 and the locking element carrier 16 in normal operation, the locking element carrier follows 16 thus essentially in synchronism with the movement of the driven element 20th

3A to 3D is the function of the closing aid when closing the door in the event of a brief failure of the electric motor 22.

When the door reaches the pre-closing position, the locking element carrier is located 16 initially in the extended position, the Output element 20 in the corresponding second output element position is arranged.

By pressing the door in the closing direction or by throwing the door shut a force is exerted on the locking element 34. By action a sufficiently large force on the locking element 34 and so that the locking element carrier 16 is this when not moving Electric motor 22 and therefore a non-moving drive element 20 in Moved towards the rest position, whereby, due to the extensibility the tension spring 38, the coupling of the movement of the output element 20 and the locking element carrier 16 by the tension spring 38 in the by moving the output element 20 maximum occurring forces partially resolved. For this purpose, the spring constant of the tension spring 38 is corresponding selected.

As shown in Fig. 3B, the locking member carrier 16 is then against the tensile force of the tension spring 38 beyond the rest position into a synchronization position moves, the locking lever 40 by the in the Figures not shown spring first against the parallel to the direction of movement B aligned surface of the locking block 36 is pressed, when reaching the synchronization position but behind the orthogonal Direction of movement B oriented end face of the locking block 36 engages. The locking element carrier 16 is thereby in the synchronization position held under tensioned tension spring 38.

Furthermore, when this synchronization position is reached, the key switch 42 operated.

The door is thus kept in a closed position, although the Electric motor 22 does not work. This position of the door corresponds to Essentially the final closed position, with the door slightly pulled further against the seal. It can therefore essentially Perform a function that it has in the normally closed state.

If the electric motor is working again, pressing the Key switch 42 controls the drive device 12 so that the Output element 20 by the electric motor 22 from the second output element position in the first, the rest position of the locking element carrier 16 corresponding output element position is moved (see Fig. 3C).

When the first output element position is reached, it presses the movement of the output element 20 causing bolts 26 on one arm of the Locking lever 38. This will arm the locking lever 38 against the force the locking arm spring from the locking block 36 in the direction of the tension spring 38 pivoted so that the latch is released.

By moving the driven element 20 in the direction of the Synchronization position held locking element carrier 16 is the tension spring 38 is largely relaxed. After lifting the Locking the locking element carrier 16 in the synchronization position is this by the remaining driving force in the Tension spring 38 in the direction of the driven element 20 in the rest position emotional. The output element 20 and the locking element carrier 16 are now back to each other in the normal coupled Working position (see Fig. 3D). The locking aid can now function normally again work.

A corresponding function results if the door is also in working order Electric motor 22 closed so quickly and thus Locking element 34 with the locking element carrier 16 so is moved quickly despite that by snapping into the main click position triggered movement of the output element 20 the predetermined Force to move the locking element carrier 16 regardless of the movement of the output element 20 to release the snap connection is exceeded. The processes described last then run for the case of a blocked electric motor, although the Movement of the output element 20 in the first output element function need not be triggered by the key switch 42. Farther the locking element carrier 16 needs the synchronization position not necessarily achievable. In this way, the drive device 12 protected from excessive forces and the life of the Locking aid increased.

To ensure these functions and in particular on the one hand a simple closing even with blocked output element 20 and the To avoid high forces on the output element 20 and on the other hand to avoid too frequent partial decoupling, must be the predetermined force, from which one is essentially only weak Coupling with the output element 20 is given accordingly be chosen. For example, the predetermined force can be about twice as high be as large as the force required to lock the lock and locking element in the main click position of the lock is necessary in Example is about 600 N. According to the given force the Design tension spring 38.

4 is a locking aid according to a second preferred embodiment shown the invention. The locking aid in turn includes one base plate 46 screwed to a door pillar of a motor vehicle, a drive device 48, a coupling device 50, a locking element carrier 52 and a latching device 54.

The essentially flat and flat base plate 46 has a linear guide aligned parallel to a direction of movement B. for a drive element 56 of the drive device 48 and on opposite outer edges running parallel to the direction of movement B. Linear guides for the locking element carrier 52. The Direction of movement B is essentially tangential to one Swiveling direction of a door, for the actuation of which the locking aid is used aligned.

The drive device 48 is basically similar to the drive device 12 formed and points in the previous embodiment an electric motor 58 which, from the perspective in FIG. 4, below the Base plate 46 is arranged and on an output shaft, not shown an output disk 60 with an eccentrically arranged as an eccentric acting bolt 62, the bolt 62 by a corresponding Opening in the base plate 46 engages. The drive device further comprises 48 control electronics not shown in the figures to control the electric motor 58.

Finally, the drive device 48 has the slide and driven element guided on the first linear guide of the base plate 46 56, in which a transverse to the direction of movement B. rectangular opening is formed, in which the bolt 62 substantially engages without play in the direction of movement B, so that by rotating the Output disk 60, the output element 56 in the direction of movement B can be moved back and forth.

At an end of the output element facing away from the electric motor 58 56 are two holding plates 64 projecting transversely to the direction of movement B. and 64 '.

Furthermore, the output element 56 has a recess at the same end 66, which initially has the shape of a rectangle that extends then in a channel running parallel to the direction of movement B. opens, which in turn forms an undercut, an undercut forming end portion 67 ends.

The locking element carrier 52 has a substantially rectangular Opening 68, which arranged in Fig. 4 above the base plate 46 Parts of the drive device 48 and in particular the output element 56 records.

The locking element carrier has at its edges running in the direction of movement B. 52 further not shown in the figures around the lateral linear guide of the base plate 46 around guide elements on so that it is linear on the base plate 46 in the direction of movement B is guided.

Furthermore, on the recess 66 of the output element 56 facing Side of the opening 68 in the rectangular portion of the recess 66 corresponding, a locking element carrier stop forming projection 70 is formed.

On the locking element carrier 52 is furthermore, the clarity not shown in the figures, a locking element in the form a locking bolt attached.

In addition to the recess 66, the coupling device 50 comprises the channel-like section and in particular the end section 67 as Snap element 72 a loop-shaped strip of spring steel, whose head area is curved like a sector of a circle and essentially the shape of the end portion 67 of the recess 66 as complementary Snap connector corresponds. The snap element 72 is due to the choice of material and shape together with the recess 66 and in particular of the end section 67 in such a way that by applying a force of a predetermined size parallel to the direction of movement B the snap element 72 from the end portion 67 of the Recess 66 is movable out, the strip of spring steel is pressed together transversely to the direction of movement B. In the same way is the snap element 72 in the end portion 67 of the recess 66 snap-fit, whereby the formation of the undercut results in a defined triggering force for releasing the snap connection.

In the locking element carrier 52 are parallel to the direction of movement two guide rods 74 and 74 'leading through the opening 68 arranged, which also through corresponding openings in the holding plates 64 and 64 'of the output element 56 are guided. The guide rods 74 and 74 'they carry surrounding compression springs 76 and 76', respectively between the holding plates 64 and 64 'and an end face 78 of the opening 68 are held in the locking element carrier 52 so that they by relative movement between the locking element carrier 52 and the output element 56 can be tensioned, i.e. are compressible here.

The locking device 54 shown only in FIG. 4 is essentially designed like the locking device 18 in the first exemplary embodiment and comprises a two-armed locking lever 80 which is rotatably mounted on the base plate 46 and a locking block 82 which is on the locking element carrier 52 on its side facing the base plate 46 is arranged.
The locking lever 80 is arranged such that one of its arms can be moved by a locking arm spring (not shown in the figures) in the direction of the locking block 82 or, depending on the position of the locking element carrier 52, against its surface parallel to the direction of movement B, while the other arm can be actuated by the pin 62.

Finally, as a switching device on the base plate 46 with a Control electronics of the drive device 48 connected pushbutton 84 arranged at the end facing the locking block 82, so that this can be actuated by the locking element carrier 52.

The normal function of the closing aid in Fig. 4 is in Figs. 5A to 5C schematically illustrated.

In the normal function of the locking aid, the snap element is 72 in recess 66 snapped into place so that the locking element carrier 52 is coupled to the drive element 56 (cf. FIG. 5A).

If the door of the motor vehicle is in a final closed position, then is by a corresponding position of the electric motor 58 or Bolt 62 and connected to the output element 56 in a first Output element position of the locking element carrier 52 in a rest position. The compression springs 76 and 76 'are in a relaxed state Status.

By actuating the door handle, the control electronics of the drive device 48 the electric motor 58 is controlled so that the bolt 62, in Fig. 5A clockwise, is pivoted, the output element 56 linear in the direction of movement B, according to FIGS. 5A to 5C right, is moved into a second output element position. Doing so by the snap connection between the output element 56 and the Locking element carrier 52 of the latter with the output element 56 coupled coupled to the extended position (see FIG. 5C). To When this position is reached, the electric motor is stopped, so that Output element 56 and the locking element carrier 52 with the locking element are held in their respective positions.

To close the door, it is first in a pre-closing position moves in which the locking element with a lock of the door a main rest position is locked. There is a predetermined force of in the example about 300 N is necessary. The snap element 72 and the recess 66 and in particular their end section 67 are designed that the snap connection cannot be released by this force.

By reaching the main rest position, a corresponding The control electronics in the drive device are located in the lock 12 caused by the electric motor 58, the bolt 62, in the 5A to C counterclockwise, so that the driven element 56 from the second output element position to the first Output element position is moved.

In this case, the snap element 72 bears against the inner wall of the end section of the recess 66 on the one hand and in particular the striking of an end face 86 of the output element 56 on the Side in which the recess is formed as an output element stop on the projection 70 and a further end face 88 of the opening 68 of the Locking element carrier 52 as a locking element carrier stop on the other hand, the locking element carrier 52 parallel to the direction of movement B moved from the extended position to the rest position. In the electric motor 58 is then stopped, so that the locking element carrier 52 is held stationary.

During this movement, one arm of the locking lever 80 lies over the entire Course of movement on a parallel to the direction of movement B extending surface of the appropriately arranged and trained Locking blocks 82 on.

If the electric motor 58 or the output element 56 is blocked in the second position, the door can be closed accordingly by means of the closing aid vigorous movement of the door can still be closed. This Function of the locking aid is schematically simplified in FIGS. 6A to 6D shown. Since the locking device 54 is analogous to the previous one Example works, this is for the sake of clarity in the drawings not shown and is also not very accurate in the following described.

6A, the driven element 56 is in the second driven element position, the locking member carrier 52 in the extended Position is arranged. The output element 56 and the locking element carrier 52 are by means of a snap connection of the snap element 72 and the recess 66 coupled together.

When the door slams with a force above a predetermined one Force is greater than the force to snap into the main click position, the locking element initially engages in the lock and then the locking element carrier 52 is released by releasing the Snap connection between the locking element carrier 52 and the output element 56 is decoupled from the latter, so that it is independent from the fixed output element 56 in the direction of the rest position can move (see Fig. 6B).

Due to the relative movement between the locking element carrier 52 and the output element 56, the compression springs 76 and 76 'are tensioned, i.e. pressed together here, at the same time the locking element carrier 52 is braked.

The locking element carrier 52 then moves over the rest position out in the synchronization position shown in Fig. 5B, where the to thence on the side surface aligned parallel to the direction of movement B. of the locking block 82 guided arm of the locking lever 80 from this side surface slides and through the locking arm spring behind the perpendicular to end face of the locking block 82 oriented in the direction of movement B. locks. In this way, the locking element carrier 56 in the Synchronization position maintained.

The door is thus kept in a closed position, although the Electric motor 52 does not work. The position of the door reached in this way corresponds doing essentially the final closed position, with the door but is pulled slightly further against the seal. It can therefore essentially perform the function they closed in the normal Condition.

Furthermore, when the synchronization position is reached, the key switch 84 actuated by the locking element carrier 52.

If the electric motor 58 is functional again, the actuation of the push button switch 84, the control electronics of the drive device 48 causes the electric motor 58 to be driven so that the bolt 62, in 6A to 6D counterclockwise, and thus the output element 56, to the left in FIGS. 6A to 6D, to the synchronization position or towards the locking element carrier 52 held there is moved (see. Fig. 6C and D). This movement is caused by the resetting Force of the compressed compression springs 76 and 76 'supported.

If the output element 56 reaches the first output element position, then on the one hand, the snap element 72 snaps into the recess 66 or the end section 67 of the recess 66 at least partially.

In addition, the arm of the locking lever, which can be actuated by the bolts 62 80 in Figs. 6A to 6D pivoted clockwise so that the other arm of the locking lever 80 pivoted past the locking block 82 and the locking of the locking element carrier 52 in the synchronization position will be annulled.

As a result, the remaining restoring force of the Compression springs 76 and 76 'of the locking element carrier 52 at substantially fixed output element 56 is pulled against this, wherein the snap connection is fully established.

The locking element carrier 52 and the driven element 56 are located now again in the coupled state in which the above described normal function of the locking aid is possible.

As in the first embodiment, the function described last can also occur when the door closes so quickly and with that the Locking element with the locking element carrier 52 so quickly that is moved despite one by snapping into the main click position triggered movement of the output member 56 the force to release the Snap connection is exceeded. The last ones described then run Processes in the event of a blocked electric motor, however, the movement of the output element 56 into the first output element function not to be triggered by the key switch 84 needs. Furthermore, the locking element carrier 16 needs the Not necessarily reach synchronization position. In this way the drive device 48 is protected from excessive forces and the Lifetime of the locking aid increased.

To ensure these functions and in particular on the one hand a simple closing even with blocked output element 56 and thus to enable the avoidance of high forces on the output element 56 and on the other hand to avoid decoupling too often, the specified force, from which a snap connection is released, be chosen accordingly. For example, the predetermined force be about twice the force required to lock the lock and locking element in the main click position of the lock is, in the example, about 600 N. According to the specified force are the snap element 72 and the recess 66, i.e. in particular the end portion 67, formed so that a release of the snap connection at twice the force required to reach the main click position of the lock is necessary, in the example about 600 N.

Finally, it should be noted that even if the electric motor is in the both described embodiments are no longer functional at all is, by slamming the door the locking element carrier in any case is locked in the synchronization position, so that the door can be held in a final closed position until the Drive device can be put back into operation. The one described Synchronization with the establishment of the coupling can therefore fundamentally also only at any time interval from reaching the synchronization position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

baseplate

12

driving means

14

coupling device

16

Locking element carrier

18

locking device

20

output element

22

electric motor

24

output shaft

26

bolt

28

opening

30

Locking element support opening

32

shoulder

34

locking element

36

Rest block

38

mainspring

40

locking lever

42

Push switch

44

face

46

baseplate

48

driving means

50

coupling device

52

Locking element carrier

54

locking device

56

output element

58

electric motor

60

driven pulley

62

bolt

64, 64 '

holding plates

66

recess

67

end

68

Locking element support opening

70

head Start

72

snap element

74, 74 '

guide rods

76, 76 '

compression springs

78

face

80

locking lever

82

Rest block

84

Push switch

86

face

88

face

B

movement direction

Claims (14)

Locking aid for doors or flaps of a motor vehicle with a drive device (12; 48) with an output element (20; 56),
a movable locking element carrier (16; 52), and
a coupling device (14; 50), by means of which the output element (20; 56) can be at least partially releasably coupled to the locking element carrier (16; 52) so that the locking element carrier (16; 52) can be moved in order to move the locking element carrier (16; 52) coupled state can be moved back and forth by moving the output element (20; 56) between a rest position and an extended position, the coupling being at least partially detachable by the force of a predetermined size on the locking element carrier (16; 52). Locking aid according to claim 1,
characterized in that the locking element carrier is guided in a linearly movable manner. Locking aid according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the coupling device (14; 50) is designed in such a way that when the output element (20; 56) is not moving, a coupling due to the force of a predetermined size acts on the locking element carrier (16; 52) in the extended position in one direction towards the rest position is at least partially detachable. Locking aid according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the coupling device (14) comprises a spring element (38) which is connected to the locking element carrier (16) and the output element (20). Locking aid according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the coupling device (50) on the locking element carrier (52) and the driven element (56) comprises mutually complementary snap connection elements (66, 67, 72) to form a releasable snap connection. Locking aid according to claim 5,
characterized in that one of the snap connection elements has a snap element (72) with a loop-shaped strip made of an elastic material and
that the complementary snap connection element is formed by a corresponding recess (66, 67) into which the snap element (72) can be snapped in and out. Locking aid according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a locking device (18; 54) is provided, by means of which the locking element carrier (16; 52) can be locked in a synchronization position into which the locking element carrier (16; 52) can be moved when the output element (20; 56) and the locking element carrier (16; 52) are at least partially decoupled. Locking aid according to claim 7,
characterized in that the rest position is between the synchronization position and the extended position. Locking aid according to claim 7 or 8,
characterized in that an elastic element (38; 76, 76 ') is provided which can be tensioned when the coupling is at least partially released and when the locking element carrier (16; 52) moves in the direction of the synchronization position. Locking aid according to one of claims 7 to 9,
characterized in that the latching device (18; 54) is designed in such a way that the latching of the locking element carrier (16; 52) can be canceled by moving the output element (20; 56) into an output element position which, in the coupled state of the output element (20; 56 ) and the locking element carrier (16; 52) corresponds to the rest position of the locking element carrier (16; 52). Locking aid according to one of claims 7 to 10,
characterized in that a switching device (42; 84) which is electrically connected to the drive device (12; 48) is provided and can be actuated by the locking element carrier (16; 52) when it reaches the synchronization position, and
that the drive device (12; 48) is designed such that when the switching device is actuated, the output element (20; 56) can be moved into an output element position, which in the coupled state of the output element (20; 56) and the locking element carrier (16; 52) Rest position of the locking element carrier (16; 52) corresponds. Locking aid according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the output element (20; 56) has an output element stop (44; 86) and the locking element carrier (16; 52) has a corresponding locking element carrier stop (32; 88), so that in the coupled state when the output element (20; 56 ) from a position which corresponds to the extended position of the locking element carrier (16; 52) to a position which corresponds to the rest position of the locking element carrier (16; 52), the output element stop (44; 86) bears against the locking element carrier stop (32; 88) and the locking element carrier (16; 52) can be moved into the rest position. Locking aid according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the locking element carrier (16; 52) is designed as a slide and is guided on a linear guide. Locking aid according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the drive device (12; 48) comprises a motor (22; 58), an eccentric (26; 62) driven by the motor (22; 58) and, as the output element (20; 56), a carriage which is guided in a linearly movable manner, which has an opening into which the eccentric (26, 62) engages, so that the slide can be moved linearly when the eccentric (26; 62) rotates.

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