What is central locking
Central locking (CL) allows you to lock all doors in the car at once. Of course, without the help of this mechanism, the driver could also open and lock his car: not remotely, but manually. The presence of a central lock does not in any way affect the technical properties of the vehicle, so manufacturers classify this mechanism as a system that ensures the comfort of the car owner.
The central locking can be controlled either by the remote control or by turning the key in the driver's door
Door locking using central locking can be done in two ways:
- centrally (when one press of the key fob button closes all doors at once);
- decentralized (such a system allows you to control each door separately).
The decentralized system is the most modern version of the door locking device. In order for it to perform its functions, an electronic control unit (ECU) is additionally installed on each door. In the centralized version, all the doors of the car are controlled by a single unit.
Intercom equipment
As a rule, the kit consists of the following elements:
- call panel;
- intercom monitor connected inside the house;
- power unit;
- set of keys and lock;
- box in which the power supply will be built;
- camcorder;
- wires;
- instructions that indicate a step-by-step plan for installing the device.
Scheme for connecting an intercom yourself
The convenience of the electromechanical device is that it can be opened in several ways:
- remotely by pressing the button located on the body of the internal part of the intercom;
- from the site side, using an electronic or mechanical button;
- from the outside of the site, using a card, mechanical key or entering a code.
Features of the central lock
The central locking system in a car has several features that make the interaction between the system and the driver as simple and effective as possible.
- The central locking system can function successfully in combination with any alarm system.
- The trunk is also connected to the central locking system, but its opening can be controlled separately from the doors.
- For the convenience of the driver, the remote control button is located on the key fob and in the vehicle interior. However, you can also close the central locking mechanically by turning the key in the driver's door lock. Simultaneously with turning the key, all other doors of the vehicle will be locked.
In winter, during severe frosts, the elements of the central lock may freeze. The risk of freezing increases if moisture enters the system. The best way to solve the problem is a chemical defroster, which can be purchased at a car dealership. To get inside the car, just defrost the driver's door and start the engine. When the car warms up, the remaining locks will thaw on their own.
A complete set of elements necessary for installing a central lock
Central locking functions
The advantage of a central locking device with remote control in a car:
- Save time. Instead of closing each door in turn, you need to close one - the rest are locked automatically.
- Versatility. The device is standard. There is no need to select a model.
A standard car lock kit consists of:
- Electric drive (five-wire).
- Central locking.
- Two-wire electric drives.
- Control controller.
The system is operated by a key or remote control.
Functional features:
- The system works with any type of alarm system.
- The remote control start button is placed on the key fob for convenience.
- If your car has an alarm system and a remote control, there is no point in ordering another one - it’s better to save money.
- In addition to the doors and hatch, you can also connect the trunk of the car. It can also be controlled by remote control.
- An important feature is the recoding of safety capabilities. For example, if the speed is exceeded, the doors are automatically locked. Or set the opening sequence: first the driver's side door, and when pressed again, the rest.
System design
In addition to the control unit, the central locking system also includes input sensors and actuators (actuators).
Input sensors
These include:
- door limit switches (limit switches), transmitting information about the location of car doors to the control unit;
- microswitches that fix the position of the structural elements of the door lock.
Microswitches perform different functions.
- Two of them are designed to fix the cam mechanism of the front doors: one is responsible for the lock signal (closing), the second – unlock (opening).
- Also, two microswitches are responsible for fixing the position of the central locking mechanisms.
- Finally, another switch determines the position of the lever mechanism in the lock drive. This allows you to evaluate the position of the door relative to the body. As soon as the door is opened, the system closes the switch contacts, as a result of which the central locking cannot operate.
The signals sent by each of the sensors enter the control unit, which transmits commands to the actuators that close the doors, trunk lid and fuel tank flap.
Control block
The control unit is the brain of the entire central locking system. It reads information received from input sensors, analyzes it and transmits it to actuators. The ECU also interacts with the alarm system installed on the car and can be controlled remotely using a remote control.
Actuator
The actuator is the final link in the chain, responsible for directly locking the doors. An actuator is a DC electric motor that is combined with the simplest gearbox. The latter converts the rotation of the electric motor into the reciprocating movement of the lock cylinder.
In addition to the electric motor, the actuators used a pneumatic drive. For example, it was used by manufacturers such as Mercedes and Volkswagen. However, recently the pneumatic drive has ceased to be used.
How the device works
The car's central locking can be activated both when the ignition is running and when the ignition is turned off.
As soon as the car owner locks the car doors by turning the key, a microswitch in the lock is activated, providing locking. It transmits the signal to the door control unit, and then further to the central unit. This element of the system analyzes the received information and redirects it to the actuators of the doors, trunk and fuel flap. Subsequent unlocking follows the same pattern.
If a motorist locks the car using the remote control, the signal from it is sent to an antenna connected to the central control unit, and from there to the actuators that lock the doors. At the same time, the alarm is activated. On some vehicle models, the windows on each door may automatically roll up when the doors are locked.
If the car is involved in an accident, all doors are automatically unlocked. A signal about this is transmitted from the passive safety system to the central locking control unit. After this, the actuators open the doors.
Features of electric locks
If everything is done correctly, a buzzer will sound when the controller is connected to the network.
Four of them are responsible for communication with the intercom, and two control the lock. On a wooden panel, the gateway is made with a feather drill, on a metal one - by drilling small-diameter holes around the perimeter.
In case of unstable operation and periodic jamming, it is worth dismantling the equipment and reinstalling it, strictly observing all the manufacturer’s requirements. In order to open the door you need to press the button on the subscriber unit.
Using a drill, we prepare channels for self-tapping screws. If you decide to use an intercom and an electromechanical lock in your own home, you can use a system that includes 2 or more panels that allow you to control it simultaneously from different rooms. Different manufacturers use different colors to designate connecting cables, so it is important to find in the instructions the purpose of each wire for a specific lock model. Since the bolt is connected to a worm gear, it is rigidly fixed, and it is essentially impossible to open such a lock from the outside.
To ensure reliable contact connection, the cores can be crimped with lugs. Therefore, it is always better to use a separate BUZ, and you can throw away the excess wire or bite it out.
On the gate Equipment Often a lock with an electric drive is sold simultaneously with a video intercom. This is what a cable laid along the door leaf looks like. Installation of all components of the lock connection diagram.
After completing the installation work, take the time to test the lock. Electromechanical locks for video intercoms come in two types: overhead and mortise. For this, a regular door with linings or special equipment is used. You will have to drill a hole in the horizontal part of the door frame through which the power cable will be laid.
With this connection, it turns out that by pressing a button, the locking device is controlled. It is advisable to use a cable rather than a wire; an additional protective coating will protect against external damage. Often a special corner is included with the bracket. Comparison of BUS and Booster (CISA). Devices for powering the lock from the intercom.
"Children's castle" in the car
Children can behave unpredictably. If the driver carries a child in the back seat, then it is difficult to control the behavior of the small passenger. Curious kids may accidentally pull the car door handle and open it. The consequences of a small prank are unpleasant. To eliminate this possibility, a “child lock” was additionally installed on the rear doors of the cars. This small but very important device prevents the door from being opened from the inside.
An additional lock that blocks the opening of the rear doors from the passenger compartment is installed on both sides of the body and is activated manually.
The method of activation of the mechanism depends on the make and model of the car. In some cases, the locking is activated using a lever, in others - by turning the spline. But in any case, the device is located next to the main door lock. For more information on using the child lock, please refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.
“Child lock” allows you to block the opening of doors from the inside and protect small passengers from falling out of the car
Double locking system
Some cars use a double locking system, where the doors are locked both from the outside and from the inside. This mechanism reduces the risk of vehicle theft: even if a thief breaks the car window, he will not be able to open the door from the inside.
Double locking is activated by pressing the central locking button on the key twice. You will also need to press the remote control twice to open the doors.
The double locking system has an important drawback: if the key or locks malfunction, the driver himself will also not be able to open his car.
The central lock in a car is an important mechanism that allows you to close all the doors of the vehicle at the same time. Thanks to additional functions and devices (such as a child lock or double locking system), the driver can protect himself and his passengers (including small children) as much as possible from the sudden opening of doors during a trip.
Types, features and principles of operation of locking systems
Electromechanical locking devices are similar to mechanical ones. They are distinguished by the presence of electrical parts (electric motor or solenoid) that provide locking of the mechanism and a variety of unlocking methods. Such locks can be opened either with a regular key or by other means - a magnetic card, a remote control, or by typing a code combination on a special keyboard. According to the installation method, there are mortise and overhead:
- Invoices. Installed on the inside of the door. Often additional elements are connected with them, for example, an intercom. Usually they are installed where it is not possible to make a tie-in.
- Mortise. Installed inside the door leaf. They have a more complex design, so they are considered highly reliable. But they usually cost more, and their installation takes longer.
Despite the fact that electromechanical locks are generally universal, i.e. suitable for any door products (iron, plastic, glass, wood); there are models designed for installation only on certain structures. This point must be clarified before purchasing.
Principle of operation
When electricity is supplied to the electronic block of the lock, the latch lock switch is activated and the bolts are automatically retracted. In this case, you must pull the handle in time, otherwise the door will close again.
Important: if there is a power outage, the door can only be opened with the key. Or an uninterruptible power supply must be installed.
Features of electromechanical locking devices
Electric locks with remote opening are common in the private sector. They are installed on gates and gates so that you don’t have to constantly open them to the street. And the mechanism, equipped with a small electric motor, will even open the door itself. They are often installed on the entrance doors of apartment buildings. In combination with intercoms, they help enhance the security of residents.
Considering all the facts described above, we can highlight a number of advantages of electric locks:
- simplicity, ease of use;
- a combination of mechanical and electrical elements that provide additional safety;
- installation on any door structures;
- reliability of the mechanism, long service life;
- remote control that allows you to open doors from a distance;
- Some mechanisms do not make noise when activated.
Disadvantages include high cost and possible difficulties when connecting the system. But, if you install and configure strictly according to the instructions, using a suitable connection diagram, anyone can handle it.