Locking arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking arrangement, comprising a latch arrangement (30) which is movable with respect to a base (20); a Bowden cable (60) which can be fastened to the base (20) and can be coupled to the latch arrangement (30); a securing arrangement (40) which has a distal end (41) with a folded edge (41a), wherein the distal end (41) passes through an aperture (22) in the base (20). A locking arrangement in which undesired actuation of the latch arrangement does not occur is created in that the distal end (41) of the securing arrangement (40) when loaded comes into contact with the latch arrangement (30) as a result of the installation of the Bowden cable (60) and prevents the latch arrangement (30) from moving. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a Bowden cable (60) on a base (20) with a latch arrangement (30) connected to the base (20) and a securing arrangement (40) fastened on one side of the base (20).

Description

[0001] Locking arrangement

[0002] The invention relates to a locking arrangement comprising a locking bolt assembly movable with respect to a base, and a Bowden cable that can be attached to the base and coupled to the locking bolt assembly. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a Bowden cable.

[0003] Such locking arrangements are known from automotive manufacturing practice, for example when the hood of a car is to be unlocked by actuating the Bowden cable.

[0004] A problem with using a Bowden cable is that it can usually only be connected after the car has been painted. This means that forces exerted on the car's inner cable during installation actuate the locking mechanism and release a component held in place by the locking mechanism, which is typically spring-loaded. While this can be relatively easily reversed on a hood, reversing it is more problematic at other installation locations in the car.

[0005] DE 10 2014 118 690 A1 discloses a release device for two Bowden cables, comprising a curved actuating lever that actuates a follower designed in the manner of a double lever, with a Bowden cable core connected to each end of the follower. When the actuating lever is rotated, the Bowden cable actuates two catch hooks that release a front hood.

[0006] EP 3 882 421 A1 discloses a Bowden cable for actuating a latch assembly pivotable about a base and designed as a catch hook, in which the Bowden cable is guided at the base and has one end that is hooked into a receptacle arranged in a leg of the latch assembly. DE 10 2012 020 804 A1 describes a compensation device formed from a flat steel blank, which has at one end a mounting area attachable to a structural part of an automobile and at the other end a holding area with an opening, wherein a bulbous spring element is arranged between the mounting area and the holding area, pointing away from the structural part. The opening serves to receive an end fitting of a Bowden cable housing, the inner tube of which can be actuated with a ball at the end.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a locking arrangement and a method for mounting a Bowden cable in which there is no unwanted actuation of the locking arrangement.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a locking arrangement with the features of independent claim 1 or by a method with the features of independent claim 11.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a locking arrangement is provided comprising a bolt assembly movable with respect to a base; a Bowden cable that can be attached to the base and coupled to the bolt assembly; and a locking arrangement having a distal end with a folded edge, wherein the distal end passes through an opening in the base, the distal end of the locking arrangement, when stressed by the installation of the Bowden cable, comes into contact with the bolt assembly and prevents movement. This advantageously results in a force-fit mutual blocking between the distal end of the locking arrangement and the bolt assembly, thereby preventing the bolt assembly from performing an unlocking movement, since the distal end blocks the displacement path.On the other hand, the distal end of the locking arrangement is prevented from moving out of the travel path of the locking arrangement under load, with the force-fit holding force for the distal end being applied by the stress on the locking arrangement.

[0010] Only when the locking mechanism is no longer tensioned by the Bowden cable can the distal end of the locking mechanism be moved out of the travel path of the locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism can be triggered by actuating the Bowden cable.

[0011] Advantageously, the locking mechanism is attached to the side of the base opposite the locking mechanism, so that the Bowden cable can be attached unhindered to the side of the base facing the locking mechanism. In particular, this also ensures that the distal end of the Bowden cable can be moved out of the path of movement of the locking mechanism after installation.

[0012] Preferably, the edge can be brought into contact with the side of the base facing the locking mechanism, in order to further tighten the locking arrangement. Furthermore, the distal end can spring back into the path of movement of the locking mechanism, for example, when the Bowden cable is replaced.

[0013] The locking mechanism is preferably designed as a resilient sheet metal part. This allows the sheet metal part to deform resiliently in a central area, while the distal end is held in position by friction. Simultaneously, the missing sheet metal part, with its specific shape, creates a resilient preload on the end section of the Bowden cable connected to the base. Preferably, the locking mechanism has a bump pointing towards the base. When the end section passes over it, the bump is displaced away from the base, effectively preventing unwanted movement back in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the bump ensures that the distal end is tensioned against the base with its edge section, thus preventing unwanted rattling or other noise.The Bowden cable advantageously comprises a core and a sheath, wherein the core can be displaced relative to the sheath by external actuation. The end of the core associated with the locking mechanism is advantageously connectable to or connected to a terminal of the locking mechanism. The sheath has an end cap from which the core exits. Preferably, the end cap is received at the base, e.g., by a form-fit connection.

[0014] Preferably, the base has a keyhole-shaped recess, wherein the keyhole-shaped recess comprises an enlarged head region located away from the locking mechanism and an elongated, slot-like shank region extending from the head towards the locking mechanism. The head region advantageously allows the insertion of a fastening area for the end cap, while the shank region allows the fastening area to be moved together with the end cap towards the locking mechanism. The fastening area is designed such that the end cap cannot be removed from the shank region perpendicular to the base, thereby positively engaging the fastening area with the base, generally in the end position of the shank region furthest from the head region.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the boss of the locking mechanism is positioned between the head area and the end of the bit area facing the locking mechanism. This boss thus prevents an undesirable shift of the end cap's fastening area towards the head area, where, due to the dimensions of the fastening area, it could fall out of the base.

[0016] Advantageously, the end cap features a mushroom-shaped insert with an undercut that can be inserted through the head area, and the undercut allows for movement along the beard area. The undercut, with its protruding mushroom-shaped insert, effectively prevents the cap from falling out of the beard area. However, the undercut also allows for axial movement along the keyhole-shaped recess. The radial projection of the mushroom-shaped insert enables it to be pressed into the head area.

[0017] The locking mechanism is conveniently pivotally connected to the base and preferably pre-tensioned by a spring in the opposite direction to the release. This allows a proven locking latch to be operated in a tried and tested manner.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for mounting a Bowden cable to a base with a locking arrangement connected to the base and a securing arrangement attached to one side of the base is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

[0019] (i) Blocking the locking assembly by pre-tensioning a distal end of the locking assembly such that the distal end of the locking assembly prevents the locking assembly from moving;

[0020] (ii) Connecting the Bowden cable to the base when the soul is burdened during the blocking process according to (i);

[0021] (iii) Moving the Bowden cable towards the locking assembly while simultaneously relieving the core and loading the locking assembly until the locking assembly no longer forces the locking assembly to move and is thereby able to displace.

[0022] This method conveniently allows for the subsequent connection of the Bowden cable to the base, even when the locking mechanism already holds a triggerable component that may not be easily reversible. A separate Bowden cable can be provided for reversing. According to this method, the Bowden cable can be installed late, yet it is ensured that the tensile forces acting on the locking mechanism during the initial assembly will not trigger the locking mechanism. It is possible to manually reposition the locking mechanism within the path of the locking mechanism, for example, if the Bowden cable needs to be replaced.

[0023] The locking mechanism is advantageously attached to the side of the base opposite the locking mechanism. This facilitates the installation of the Bowden cable and defines and limits the stroke of the distal end of the locking mechanism.

[0024] The locking mechanism preferably holds a pre-tensioned part in a form-locking manner, whereby the part remains held in a form-locking manner during assembly, even though the Bowden cable exerts a force sufficient to actuate the locking mechanism.

[0025] Further advantages, properties and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment on a base of a locking arrangement.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the base from Fig. 1 with the Bowden cable not yet mounted.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section through the locking arrangement made of

[0030] Figs. 1 and 2 in the state according to Fig. 1.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the locking arrangement from Figs. 1 to 3 in the state corresponding to Fig. 2.

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through the locking arrangement from Figs. 1 to 4 with the Bowden cable inserted into the base.

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a cross-section through the locking arrangement from Figs. 1 to 5 with the Bowden cable advanced along the base.

[0034] Fig. 7 shows a cross-section through the locking arrangement from Figs. 1 to 6 with the safety device retracted. Fig. 8 shows a cross-section through the locking arrangement from

[0035] Figs. 1 to 7, in which the Bowden cable actuates the locking mechanism.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a locking arrangement 10, which includes a base 20 in the form of an elongated link, a locking arrangement 30 in the form of a locking hook 32 pivotable about an axis 31 and a securing arrangement 40, which is designed as a sheet metal folding part with spring properties.

[0037] The locking mechanism 30 is pivotally connected to the base 20 via a pivot pin having an axis 31 and is biased in the locking direction by a spring 33. For this purpose, one end 33a of the spring 33 is connected to a bore 21 in the base 20, while the other end 33b of the spring 33 engages a corresponding projection 32a of the locking mechanism 30, which is designed as a hook 32. The hook 32 also has an engagement lug 32b, which, with a tip 32c, holds a releasable element (not shown) in the manner of a rotary latch. The hook 32 further has a wedge-shaped back surface 32d, which makes it possible to displace the hook 32 against the bias of the spring 33 when the releasable element held by the hook, e.g., a shackle, is retracted.Finally, the hook 32 has a coupling section 32e which has a recess 32f that allows the insertion of the core of a Bowden cable with a ball attached to its end.

[0038] On the side of the base 20 opposite the locking arrangement 30, the locking arrangement 40 is connected via a rivet 50. The locking arrangement 40 is designed as a deformable sheet and has a distal, doubly folded end 41 that projects through a rectangular opening 22 in the base 20. The folded end 41 comprises an edge section 41a, which extends substantially parallel to the extent or side of the base 20, and a base section 41b, which passes through the opening 41 and runs substantially parallel to the extent of the coupling section 32e. The angle between the edge section 41a and the base section 41b is approximately 90°.

[0039] The base 20 is designed as a stable sheet metal part and generally extends further than shown in the drawings to allow, for example, the connection of the release element or other elements. The base 20 also has a keyhole-shaped recess 23 through which the locking mechanism 40 is visible in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the keyhole-shaped recess 23 has a head region 23a with an enlarged diameter and a bit region 23b with a reduced diameter. The main axis of the keyhole-shaped recess 23 is directed essentially towards the recess 32f.

[0040] The bolt arrangement 30 is designed in this case as a pivot bolt, but it is also possible to design the bolt arrangement as a bolt part that can be moved axially along a guide or similar.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows the end of a Bowden cable 60, which comprises a flexible sheath 61 in which a core 62 in the manner of a metallic wire or strand is displaceably guided, wherein a ball is attached to the end of the core 62.

[0042] 63 is connected, which can be connected to the hook 32 by means of the recess 32f of the coupling section 32e. It can be seen that the sheath 61 has an end cap 64 at its end, from which the core 62 emerges, the end cap

[0043] 64 has an insertion piece designed as a mushroom-head-shaped projection 64a, to which an undercut 64b is attached.

[0044] The mushroom-shaped projection 64a is dimensioned such that it can be pressed through the head region 23a of the base 20. The undercut 64b is dimensioned such that, after the mushroom-shaped projection 64a has been pressed through, the undercut 64b can be axially displaced along the beard region 23b, ideally without force. The length of the core 62 is dimensioned such that, when the end cap 64 is completely displaced along the beard region 23b, the core is practically not subjected to any tensile stress. Figures 1 and 2 show that the locking mechanism 40, under its preload, projects with its distal end 41 through the opening 22 in such a way that it blocks the pivoting of the hook 32 against the preload of the spring 33, acting like a latch.

[0045] In the sectional views according to Figs. 3 to 8, which run along a line through the rivet 50, the main axis of the keyhole-shaped recess 23, and the opening 22, it can be seen that in the initial position, which corresponds to an unmounted position of the Bowden cable 60, the spring-loaded locking device 40 rests against the underside of the base 20 facing away from the hook 32, and thus the base section 41b of the distal end 41 of the locking device 40 protrudes maximally from the opening 22. It can also be seen that the locking device 40 has a recess 42 located below the head region 23a of the keyhole-shaped recess 23. The recess 42 allows the mushroom head 64a to be pushed through the head region 23a without the locking device 40 being forced downwards. This leaves the distal end 41 of the securing arrangement 40 within the pivot path of the hook 32.

[0046] The locking device 40 further comprises a boss 43, which is arranged such that it is positioned between the head region 23a and the end of the beard region 23b spaced apart from the head region. The boss 43, which can also be designed as an elongated boss extending transversely to the displacement path of the mushroom head, i.e., essentially transversely to the extent of the locking device 40, is pressed downwards, i.e., away from the base 20, when passing through the beard region 23b, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 6. At the same time, the boss 43 serves to prevent the insertion piece or the mushroom head 44a from unintentionally moving back towards the head region 23a after it has been moved through the beard region 23b.

[0047] Figure 4 shows that, for the end cap 44 to be pushed through, the inner tube 62 of the Bowden cable 60 is subjected to a tension that extends its length. It is important that the hook 32 is not released. This is achieved by the distal end 41 of the locking mechanism 40 protruding through the opening 22 and preventing the hook 32 from pivoting in response to the tensile force exerted on the inner tube 62 by the Bowden cable 60. At the same time, the distal end 41 of the locking mechanism 40 is held in a frictional clamping position by the tensile force of the inner tube 62 and the coupling section 32a of the hook, so that the distal end 41 cannot be pushed away from the base 20 while the mushroom head 64a passes over the bump 43.

[0048] The next step from Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 consists of the end cap 64 now reaching its final position in the beard area 23b and having passed over the hump 43. Since the core 62 is simultaneously under tension, the stop area 32e is pressed against the distal end 41 or its base section 41b, and the locking mechanism 40 is prevented from displacing the distal end 41 downwards, so that the locking mechanism deforms slightly by utilizing its elasticity.

[0049] It should be noted that the displacement of the end cap 64 or the mushroom head 64a within the keyhole-shaped recess towards the ball 63 generally occurs rapidly in order to avoid a short-term relief of the friction pairing base section 41b and stop area 32e. The displacement typically takes place in less than 3 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second, and most preferably in less than 0.5 seconds.

[0050] As soon as the inner cable 62 is relaxed, as shown in Fig. 7, the spring 33 pushes the hook 32 in the pivoting direction and thus away from the distal end 41 of the locking assembly 40. Accordingly, the elastically deformed locking assembly 40 can then relax and move away from the underside of the base 20 in such a way that the distal end 41 no longer obstructs the path of movement of the hook 32 in the event of actuation by the Bowden cable 60. The edge section 41a of the distal end 41 abuts against the side of the base 20 facing the hook 32, so that the locking assembly 40, and in particular the boss 43, are further tensioned and secure the end cap 64 in its position against being moved backward. In the diagram in Fig.In the position shown in Fig. 7, the hook 32 can now be released without being blocked by the safety device 40 by actuating the Bowden cable 60, i.e. by a pull exerted at the other end on the inner tube 62, as is shown by way of example in Fig. 8 with shortening of the inner tube 62.

[0051] It can be seen that the edge or edge section 41a of the distal end 41 of the locking arrangement 40 prevents the distal end 41 from detaching from the base by the edge section 41a coming into contact with the side of the base 20 facing the locking arrangement 30. This advantageously ensures that the end cap 64 or the insertion piece 64a is held in position by the tensioned boss 43. At the same time, the boss 43 acts as a kind of rattle protection and, through its elastic deformation or preload, prevents the development of noise by also preloading the locking arrangement 40 with its edge section 41a against the base 20 due to contact with the insertion piece 64a.

[0052] Above, with reference to the locking arrangement 10, a method for mounting the Bowden cable 60 to the base 20 has also been described in the following steps:

[0053] Blocking the locking assembly 30 by pre-tensioning a distal end 41 of the locking assembly 40 such that the distal end 41 of the locking assembly 40 prevents the locking assembly 30 from moving; connecting the Bowden cable 60 to the base 20 with the core 62 under tension during the blocking process; and

[0054] The method involves moving the Bowden cable 60, or its end cap 64, towards the locking assembly 30 while simultaneously relieving the tension on the core 62 and loading the locking assembly 40, until the locking assembly 30 no longer exerts a force-fit load on the locking assembly 40, thereby enabling it to move through the opening 22. Further steps that can develop the method have also been described. The invention has been explained above with reference to an exemplary embodiment in which the base 20 is designed as a link, in this case as a link of a locking assembly 10 in the area of ​​a flap hinge of an automobile. It is understood that the base can also be designed as part of the body, for example, to provide an actuation option for a hood lock or fuel tank lock. The same applies to other parts to be locked, even outside of an automobile.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Locking arrangement comprising a locking bolt assembly (30) movable with respect to a base (20); a Bowden cable (60) attachable to the base (20) and coupleable to the locking bolt assembly (30); a safety arrangement (40) having a distal end (41) with a folded-over edge (41a), wherein the distal end (41) is formed by an opening (22) in the base (20) passes through, characterized in that the distal end (41) of the locking arrangement (40) comes into contact with the locking arrangement (30) when stressed by the installation of the Bowden cable (60) and prevents the locking arrangement (30) from moving.

2. Locking arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking arrangement (40) is attached to the side of the base (20) facing away from the locking arrangement (30).

3. Locking arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the edge (41a) can be brought into contact with a side of the base (20) facing the locking arrangement (30).

4. Locking arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking arrangement (40) is designed as a resilient sheet metal part.

5. Locking arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking arrangement (40) has a bump (43) directed towards the base (20).

6. Locking arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Bowden cable (60) comprises a core (62) and a sheath (61), that the core (62) is displaceable relative to the sheath (61) by external actuation, that the end (63) of the core (62) associated with the locking arrangement (30) is connected to a connection (32e) of the locking arrangement (30), and that the sheath (61) has an end cap (64) from which the core (62) exits, and that the end cap (64) is positively received at the base (20).

7. Locking arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (20) has a keyhole-shaped recess (23), that the keyhole-shaped recess (23) has an enlarged head area (23a) located away from the locking arrangement (30) and an elongated bit-like bit area (23b) extending from the head area (23a) towards the locking arrangement (30).

8. Locking arrangement according to claim 7, insofar as it relates back to claim 5, characterized in that the boss (43) of the locking arrangement (40) is arranged between the head region (23a) and the end of the beard region (23b) facing the locking arrangement (30).

9. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 7 or 8, insofar as it relates back to claim 6, characterized in that the end cap (64) has a mushroom-shaped insertion piece (44a) with an undercut (44b) which can be inserted through the head region (23a) and in which the undercut (44b) allows displacement along the beard region (23b).

10. Locking arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking arrangement (30) is pivotably mounted on is connected to the base (20) and is pre-tensioned by a spring (33) against the release direction.

11. Method for mounting a Bowden cable (60) to a base (20) with a locking arrangement (30) connected to the base (20) and a locking arrangement (40) attached to one side of the base (20), comprising the steps: Blocking the locking assembly (30) by pre-tensioning a distal end (41) of the locking assembly (40) such that the distal end (41) of the locking assembly (40) prevents the locking assembly (30) from moving; Connecting the Bowden cable (60) to the base (20) when the soul is burdened (62) during blockage; The Bowden cable (60) moves towards the locking assembly (30) while simultaneously relieving the core (62) and loading the locking assembly (40) until the locking assembly (30) no longer loads the locking assembly (40) in a force-locking manner and is thereby able to displace.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking arrangement (40) is attached to the side of the base (20) facing away from the locking arrangement (30).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the locking arrangement (30) holds a pre-tensioned part in a positive locking manner and the part remains positively locked during assembly, even though the Bowden cable (60) exerts a force sufficient to actuate the locking arrangement (30) on the locking arrangement (30).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the securing arrangement (40) has a distal end (41 ) with a folded edge (41a), and that the distal end (41 ) passes through an opening (22) in the base (20).

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