How does central locking work?
The central lock is not a separate part of the car, but the combined name of all elements of the car's central locking system. The main task is the simultaneous opening or closing of all the doors of the car, and in some models also the fuel tank caps. Oddly enough, but the central lock is considered to be a component of the comfort system, and not the security system. It can remain operational both when the ignition is on, and when it is off.
Central lock: principle of operation
When the key is turned in the keyhole of the driver's door, a microswitch is activated, which is responsible for blocking. From it, the signal is immediately transmitted to the door control unit, and then to the central unit, where control signals are created, which are then sent to all other control units, as well as to the trunk and fuel tank lid control systems.
When a signal is received, all actuators are automatically activated, which provides instant blocking. Also, the signal from the microswitch to the central closing device does not allow the electric actuator to operate again. The reverse process (opening or unlocking) is performed in the same way.
You can lock all doors at the same time and contactless way. To do this, there is a special button on the ignition key, when pressed, the corresponding signal is sent to the receiving antenna of the central control unit. As a result of its processing, the central device “gives a command” to all actuators and they block the vehicle doors.
Using remote blocking, you activate the car alarm with one click, which makes practical sense. Also, the door lock can use the automatic window lifting mechanisms, that is, when using just one button, the car is “sealed” from all sides. In the event of an accident, the blocking is released automatically: the passive safety system control unit transmits a signal to the central control unit, which ensures the appropriate reaction of the actuators (opening the doors).
Central locking features
Central locking greatly simplifies the process of closing car doors. Climbing into the salon and closing them one by one is not very convenient, and in this case you will have a real opportunity to save time, since when one door is locked, the rest will automatically follow suit. In principle, this function is the main one in the operation of devices of this kind.
Before deciding which lock to choose, you need to decide what functions you expect from it. Each manufacturer and lock class has its own set of actions. So, modern central locks are capable of much:
- control over the condition of the doors in the car;
- control over the tailgate;
- opening/closing of the hatch of a fuel tank;
- closing windows (if electric lifts are built into the car);
- blocking the hatch in the ceiling (if any).
Quite useful is the ability to Use the central lock to also close the windows. As practice shows, the driver slightly opens the windows, and then forgets to close them, this is a great opportunity for car thieves.
Equally important is the ability partially block the doors. It is especially useful to choose such a lock for those who often transport children. If necessary, you can get additional features such as automatic locking of doors and trunk (when the car accelerates to
a certain speed) and safety unlocking (at first - only the driver's door, and only then, from the second press, the rest). For those who doubt the need for a central lock, it is possible to connect such a function in a simplified version - the system will block only the front doors. But in this case, safety is reduced, often drivers simply forget to close the rear doors.
Manufacturers of some sets of central locks add remote controls to them (). The principle of their operation allows you to control the door position mechanisms from a certain distance (usually no more than 10 meters), which undoubtedly simplifies use. However, if your car is already equipped with an alarm, then it is better to save money and purchase central locks without a remote control, and the existing alarm remote control will help control them.
Types of central locks
All central locks in operation are reduced to 2 main types:
- mechanical central locking;
- remote door lock.
The mechanical closing of the doors occurs by turning a regular key in the lock, most often this function is located in the driver's door. The remote is operated using a key fob or a button on the ignition key. Of course, the mechanical version is simpler and more reliable. The remote one can sometimes jam for many reasons - from a discharged battery and poor-quality mechanism to dead batteries in the key.
Initially, all locks were made with a centralized control unit, however, over time, the appearance of additional functions, such as blocking the tailgate or fuel hatch, required decentralization in control.
Today, manufacturers offer a central lock combined with an alarm. This option is quite practical, since all security systems work synchronously, which increases the level of car safety. In addition, it is more convenient to install a central lock with an alarm system - you do not need to visit a car service several times or disassemble the car yourself.
