Motor vehicle lock with anti-theft device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1) having a locking mechanism (2) having a rotating locking fork (3), at least one locking claw (4), a locking device (14) and an anti-theft device (8), wherein the rotating locking fork (3) can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking claw (4), the outer actuating rod (20) can be disabled by means of the locking device (14), and the inner actuating rod (17) can be disabled by means of the anti-theft device (6, 7, 8), wherein an anti-theft element (8) is provided, and the anti-theft element (8) can be held in the end position (E, A) of the anti-theft element by means of a safety element (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism comprising a rotating locking fork, at least one locking pawl, a locking device, and an anti-theft device, wherein the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl, the outer actuating rod can be disabled by means of the locking device, and the inner actuating rod can be disabled by means of the anti-theft device. Background Technology

[0002] A range of functions can be integrated into a vehicle's locking system. Therefore, in addition to the primary task of locking movable components in a vehicle, locking devices, especially electrically operated locking devices, are currently included in vehicle locking systems according to standards. Additionally, the locking system may include child safety devices, active inertial locking devices, and / or anti-theft devices.

[0003] In many cases, these functions are electrically operable. An anti-theft device is used if the inside door handle should be locked to prevent the door or hatch from being opened without permission. If the anti-theft device is activated, the vehicle's locking system cannot be opened from the inside by operating the inner actuation lever or from the outside by operating the outer actuation lever. Therefore, even if someone reaches into the car through a damaged window, for example, the door cannot be opened from the inside. It is known that the anti-theft device is operated by means of an electrically driven mechanism. Document DE 20 2007 010 301U1 discloses a locking device having an anti-theft device, a child safety device, and a central locking mechanism.

[0004] Document DE 10 2005 052 190A1 discloses a lock device with a connecting element that can occupy at least three positions relative to the actuation linkage, thereby activating or deactivating the inner actuation linkage, the outer actuation linkage, or both. Therefore, child safety devices and / or anti-theft devices of the lock device can be activated or deactivated. Existing vehicle locks have proven suitable in principle, and the electrical connection of anti-theft devices is now a common standard. However, the automotive industry seeks to integrate vehicle locks into the smallest possible structural space and reduce the weight of the lock system while maintaining high functionality. This invention is proposed for this purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide an improved vehicle lock. In particular, this invention aims to provide a vehicle lock in which the end position of an anti-theft device is reliably implemented and maintained. Furthermore, this invention aims to provide a simple and low-cost solution for fixing the end position.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting, and the invention includes possible variations of the features described in the specification, dependent claims, and drawings.

[0007] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved in the following manner: A motor vehicle lock is provided, the lock having a locking mechanism comprising a rotating locking fork, at least one locking pawl, a locking device, and an anti-theft device, wherein the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl, the outer actuating rod can be disabled by means of the locking device, the inner actuating rod can be disabled by means of the anti-theft device, an anti-theft element is provided, and the anti-theft element can be held in an end position by means of a safety element. With the construction according to the present invention, the end position of the motor vehicle lock having an anti-theft element can be reliably achieved, wherein the anti-theft element can be fixed by means of a separate safety element. Here, the anti-theft element and the safety element cooperate to fix the anti-theft element in its end position. Here, the safety element applies a force to the anti-theft element, which pushes the anti-theft element into the end position. Therefore, in addition to moving the anti-theft element, there is an additional force that moves the anti-theft element to the end position. With the help of this additional force, it can be ensured at any time that the anti-theft element is not in the middle position, but moves to the end position with the support of the security element.

[0008] The anti-theft element is preferably actuated and moved to its end position by means of an electric drive. When the drive unit has a self-locking transmission, the end position can be maintained at least with the support of the transmission. When the drive unit does not have a self-locking structure, there is a risk that the anti-theft element may dislodge from its end position due to vibration and / or impact. Therefore, a safety element not only supports the occupied end position but also holds the anti-theft element in the end position.

[0009] When a vehicle lock is mentioned according to the present invention, then synonyms such as locking device or door lock are used. The term "vehicle door lock" also includes locks used in the doors, sliding doors, hatches, and / or covers of a vehicle, in general, in any application where it is necessary to hold a component mounted on the vehicle in a swingable or movable manner in a fixed position. The vehicle lock according to the present invention preferably relates to a side door lock. Such a vehicle lock includes a locking mechanism consisting of a rotating locking fork and locking pawls.

[0010] The locking mechanism may also be equipped with two or more locking claws, or, for example, a locking lever or a deadbolt. Such locking claws are known in the prior art. Here, the locking claws engage directly with the rotating locking fork, and the locking lever or deadbolt fixes the position of the locking claws in the locked position, preferably in the main locked position.

[0011] The vehicle lock according to the invention has a locking device. The locking device can be electrically operated, but can also be manually engaged. The locking device is characterized in that, after the vehicle lock is locked, it can no longer be unlocked by means of the external actuating rod or the outer door handle. In this case, whether, for example, the Bowden cable is arranged between the vehicle lock and the outer door handle or whether the external actuating rod can be electrically operated is irrelevant. If operation of the external actuating rod no longer unlocks the locking mechanism, locking occurs. Therefore, when the locking device is in the locked state, the external actuating rod is ineffective. Unlocking restores the external actuating rod to its original function.

[0012] The anti-theft device disables the internal actuator. In other words, the locking mechanism, and therefore the vehicle lock, can no longer be unlocked by means of the internal actuator. The anti-theft device can be engaged manually or electrically. After the anti-theft device is engaged, the vehicle lock can no longer be unlocked, for example, by means of the inside door handle. The anti-theft device interrupts or disables the actuation chain between the inside door handle and the internal actuator and / or the rear-mounted release lever and / or the connector behind the release lever.

[0013] The actuation chain for unlocking the locking mechanism comprises, for example, an outer actuation handle, a Bowden cable arranged between the outer actuation handle and the door lock, an outer actuation rod arranged on the Bowden cable, a release rod engaging with the outer actuation rod, and a connecting rod actuated by means of the release rod. The connecting rod or release rod itself cooperates with the locking pawl, releasing the locking pawl and / or the locking lever from the area engaging with the rotary lock fork. Of course, a similar actuation chain can be implemented within the range of the inside door handle. It is also conceivable that alternative actuation chains with more or fewer components exist in vehicle locks. Importantly for this invention, operation of the inside door handle does not cause the locking mechanism to unlock after the anti-theft device is engaged. After the anti-theft device is engaged and the inside door handle is operated, the vehicle lock remains in the locked position and thus remains closed.

[0014] In one embodiment variation of the invention, the security element can be form-locked with the anti-theft element. The advantage of this form-locking engagement of the security element is that it provides fixation of the end position with the simplest structural measures. In the simplest case, for example, a housing-shaped portion can cooperate with the anti-theft element, thus eliminating the need for other components for fixing the end position. Therefore, a simple and particularly low-cost solution for fixing the anti-theft element is obtained. If, for example, the anti-theft element has a recess into which the housing-shaped portion can be inserted, or vice versa, the end position of the anti-theft element can be maintained or fixed.

[0015] Advantageously, in one improvement to the inventive concept, the safety element can be constructed as an independent component. Using an independent component offers the advantage of high structural freedom, which is particularly advantageous when only a small amount of space is available for integrating the safety element. This allows the safety element to be individually adapted to the available structural space. Therefore, the safety element can be integrated into the vehicle lock and can function as an anti-theft element at any location. Thus, it is possible to install the safety element in a location within the vehicle lock where available structural space exists.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety element is constructed as a spring element. The use of spring elements, particularly those made of spring steel in the form of plates or wire, enables the provision of the safety element at low cost. Metallic spring elements can be provided in various ways and at very low cost, thereby ensuring the sustained retention of elasticity by means of the safety element. However, it is also conceivable that a separate spring element made of plastic can be fitted, for example, into at least one housing component of the vehicle lock. The positioning of the safety element in the vehicle lock, particularly relative to the anti-theft element, is certainly not limited to the constraints of the vehicle lock housing, but can also cooperate with other components of the vehicle lock in a form-locking manner to reliably orient it relative to the anti-theft element. However, it is also conceivable, for example, that the spring element is fixed to the anti-theft element itself, wherein the spring element can, for example, engage with a molding portion and / or adjacent components in the housing to maintain or fix its end position. Depending on the structure of the safety element and the structural space in the vehicle lock, various structural possibilities are provided herein for positioning and reliably holding the anti-theft element in its end position.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety element has at least one wavy shape. The safety element itself may have a wavy shape that engages with the safety element and / or another component in the vehicle lock. As described above, the safety element can be a separate component, for example, fixed to an anti-theft element and cooperating with another component, such as a housing, to fix the end position of the anti-theft element. However, it is also conceivable that the safety element is fixedly held relative to the anti-theft element in the vehicle lock, and the anti-theft element moves relative to the safety element. In both cases, reliable holding can be ensured by at least one wavy shape, for example, by a form-locking engagement between the safety element and the anti-theft element.

[0018] If the spring element is designed as a coil spring with legs, a preferred embodiment is provided regarding the interaction between the spring element and the wavy shape. The legs of the coil spring extend beyond the helical portion and are received within the housing of the vehicle lock. A symmetrical construction is advantageous. The legs allow the helical portion of the coil spring to be held or oriented relative to the anti-theft element. In other words, the helical portion is preloaded relative to the anti-theft element via the legs. The helical portion then interacts with the wavy shape of the anti-theft element and can therefore serve as a positional fixing element for the anti-theft element. The coil spring, particularly through its circular helical region, provides structurally advantageous possibilities to ensure reliable interaction with the anti-theft element.

[0019] Furthermore, in one advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the security element engages with a protrusion on the anti-theft element. If the anti-theft element itself has a protrusion, and the security element can engage with this protrusion, a particularly advantageous structural solution is obtained. Therefore, the number of components required to fix and maintain the end position is minimized. Thus, only the protrusion on the anti-theft element and the security element or spring element itself are used to fix the anti-theft element in its end position. Particularly advantageously, the security element has a wavy, pointed shape or at least one wavy shape that can be described as a pointed tip, which works in conjunction with the pointed protrusion on the anti-theft element. This design of the security system consisting of the security element and the protrusion avoids intermediate positions within the anti-theft element. A point-to-point state creates an unstable position, causing the security element to press the anti-theft element into its end position. Therefore, intermediate positions of the anti-theft element can be avoided or at least prevented.

[0020] In another embodiment variation of the invention, the safety element works in conjunction with at least one end-position damper. The safety element grips the anti-theft safety element and pushes it into the end position, where reaching the end position may introduce unwanted noise. Through the combined action of the safety element for the anti-theft element and the end-position damper, reliable, yet low-noise, arrival at the end position of the anti-theft element can be achieved. Preferably, the anti-theft element is configured as an anti-theft bar movably arranged in a vehicle lock. The anti-theft bar may also be referred to as a slide valve or sliding element. Preferably, the anti-theft bar is moved by means of an electric drive. The electric drive moves the anti-theft bar to abut against an end stop or end-position damper, where a spring element fixes the end position.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft element can be locked into the wavy shape of the security element. The security element has at least one wavy shape, but may also have additional wavy parts and / or bends or slopes, which work in conjunction with the anti-theft bar. Therefore, the combined effect of the wavy shape and the bends or slopes is a conceivable solution for achieving a more reliable occupancy at the end position. Here, for example, the security element is oriented toward the anti-theft bar in such a way that, when the anti-theft bar moves, the protrusions on the anti-theft bar are locked into the fixed wavy shape and / or bends on the spring element.

[0022] Another potential advantage is that the end-position damper is made of a rubber-elastic material. The end-position damper works in conjunction with the anti-theft bar to achieve low-noise arrival at the end position of the anti-theft element. Therefore, in combination with the security element, both low-noise arrival at the end position and reliable arrival at the end position can be achieved.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety element has a wavy shape and bends or slopes at its ends, the bends engaging with the safety element. Here, the bends can cooperate with the shape on the anti-theft bar to provide additional stability to the end position. At each end position of the anti-theft bar, in addition to the wavy shape, the bends on the end sides of the safety element cooperate with the shape on the anti-theft bar, thereby fixing and determining the end position. Thus, the combined action of the end position damper, the bends, and the wavy shape reliably reaches and maintains the end position of the anti-theft bar. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention is now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment. However, the following principles apply: the embodiments do not limit the invention, but only provide advantageous design options. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and claims.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] Figure 1 The image shows a partial side view of a vehicle lock, including a view of the locking mechanism in the main locking position.

[0027] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Rear view of a vehicle lock, showing the integrated anti-theft device.

[0028] Figure 3 Detailed diagrams of the locking device, anti-theft device, and actuator are shown.

[0029] Figure 4 Detailed diagrams of the anti-theft device, locking device, and release mechanism are shown, including the locked state of the anti-theft device when engaged.

[0030] Figure 5 A detailed diagram of an anti-theft device with security elements is shown, in which the anti-theft device is connected.

[0031] Figure 6 Another detailed diagram of an anti-theft device with security elements is shown, in which the anti-theft device is shown in an inactive state. Detailed Implementation

[0032] exist Figure 1 The side view shows a vehicle lock 1, which includes a locking mechanism 2 with a rotating locking fork 3 and a locking pawl 4, wherein the housing 5 is shown only in dashed lines. Specifically, Figure 1 The image shows a motor 6 with a gear 7 for driving the anti-theft lever 8. The motor 6 is electrically connected to an electrical component carrier 9, which in turn houses switch components 10, 11, and 12. Another gear 13 actuates the locking lever 14. Also shown are a connecting rod 15, a release rod 16, an internal actuation rod 17, and an internal locking lever 18.

[0033] The locking mechanism 2 shown is in the main locking position, in which the locking pawl 4 secures the rotating locking fork 3 in its main locking position. Typically, the rotating locking fork 3 works in conjunction with a locking block (not shown) and secures, for example, a side door during the operation of the vehicle.

[0034] Figure 1The following state of the vehicle lock 1 is shown: the vehicle lock 1 is in the unlocked position and the anti-theft device is disengaged / not engaged. The position of the anti-theft lever 8 is detected by the micro switch 10, wherein the control mechanism 19 on the anti-theft lever 8 cooperates with the micro switch 10. In the unlocked state, the locking mechanism 2 can be unlocked by means of the inner actuating lever 17 or the outer actuating lever 20. For this purpose, either the outer actuating lever 20 or the inner actuating lever 17 is operated to cause the release lever 16 to swing about the axis 21. In this view, in order to unlock the locking mechanism 2, the release lever 21 is swung counterclockwise in the direction of arrow P, thereby causing the connecting lever 15 to disengage the locking pawl 4 from the rotating lock fork. The rotating lock fork is then released and can swing under the action of the spring and / or due to the loading of the lock stop. In this embodiment, the rotating lock fork 3 also swings counterclockwise and releases the lock stop.

[0035] exist Figure 2 The text shows the data according to... Figure 1 The following is a rear view of the vehicle lock 1. The anti-theft bar 8, which extends substantially along the entire length of the vehicle lock 1, is clearly shown. The anti-theft bar 8 is shown in the released position, meaning the anti-theft device is disengaged. The position of the anti-theft bar 8 is detected by a microswitch 10, and end stops in the form of shock absorbers 22, 23 limit the position the anti-theft bar can occupy. The anti-theft bar 8 is held in the engaged position by means of a safety element 24 in the form of a spring element. Additionally, an opening 25 surrounds the support portion, i.e., around the shaft 26, serving as a guide for the anti-theft bar. Also visible are the worm gear 27 and the motor 28, which drives the gear 13 to lock the vehicle lock 1.

[0036] exist Figure 3 The figure shows an enlarged view of the lower region of the anti-theft lever 8. The inner actuating lever 17, the outer actuating lever 20, the release lever 16, and the position of the connecting lever 15 for actuating the locking pawl 4 are shown. In this state, the vehicle lock 1 is in an unlocked state, allowing the locking mechanism 2 to be unlocked via the outer actuating lever 20 and the inner actuating lever 17, through the release lever 16 and the connecting lever 15.

[0037] Figure 4 The following position of the vehicle lock 1 is shown: in this position, the vehicle lock 1 is in a locked and anti-theft position. The anti-theft lever 8 has been moved in the direction of arrow P1 by means of motor 6, wherein the anti-theft lever 8 is guided in opening 25. The locking lever 14 has swung about axis 26 in the direction of arrow P2, thereby locking the actuation of the actuating lever 20. For this purpose, an extension 29 on the locking lever 14 is used, which can... Figure 3This is seen more clearly in the image. The connecting rod 15 has been swung about its receiving portion 30 in the release rod 16 by means of the locking rod 14, which prevents actuation of the release rod 16 by means of the outer actuating rod 20. Additionally, actuation of the release rod 16 via the inner actuating rod 17 is prevented by means of the anti-theft rod 8. The extension 31 on the connecting rod 15 is held by means of the anti-theft rod 8, such that the connecting rod reaches a position in which the locking pawl 4 cannot be actuated by means of the connecting rod. Therefore, operation of either the outer actuating rod 20 or the inner actuating rod 17 will not unlock the locking mechanism. The vehicle lock is in a locked and anti-theft position. Anti-theft here means that the vehicle lock cannot be unlocked by means of the inside door handle.

[0038] Figure 5 The upper region of the anti-theft bar 8 is shown, wherein the security component 24 holds and secures the anti-theft bar 8 in its end position. Figure 5 The connected anti-theft device is shown, at which point the vehicle lock 1 cannot be operated via the internal actuation lever. In this upper position of the anti-theft lever 8, the anti-theft lever 8 rests against the end position shock absorber 23. This end position is fixed by a protrusion 31 on the anti-theft lever 8 in conjunction with a spring element 24. For this purpose, the spring element 24 has a wavy shape that engages with the protrusion 31 in the end position of the anti-theft lever and thus fixes the position of the anti-theft lever 8. Therefore, the spring element 24 is used to fix the position of the anti-theft lever 8.

[0039] Figure 6 The upper end of the anti-theft bar is also shown, with the position of the anti-theft bar 8 shown when the anti-theft device is disengaged. The anti-theft bar 8 is located in the disengaged position A. Here, the anti-theft bar 8 can reciprocate between the disengaged position A and the engaged position E along the direction of arrow P1, wherein the end position of the anti-theft bar 8 can be held by means of end position dampers 22 and 23. Additionally, the safety component 24 fixes the end positions A and E of the anti-theft bar 8.

[0040] Furthermore, it can be seen that the electrical component carrier 9 has a contact / feet 33, by which the vehicle lock 1 can be connected to the vehicle's electronic equipment. The switch component 10 is connected here to the switching circuit of switch components 10, 11, and 12 via a resistor 34, wherein the integrated resistor 34 allows the switch component 10 to be connected to an existing switching circuit. In particular, by utilizing the different current paths when switch components 10, 11, and 12 switch, the microswitch 10 can be additionally incorporated into the vehicle lock even when the electrical component carrier 9 is switched on in the same manner. In other words, the switching position of the switch component 10 can be additionally detected using the existing contact 33, without having to integrate additional conductor circuitry into the electrical component carrier 9. Therefore, the position of the anti-theft bar 8 can be provided in a simple form with minimal structural cost.

[0041] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0042] 1. Motor vehicle lock

[0043] 2 Locking mechanism

[0044] 3. Rotate the locking fork

[0045] 4 Locking claws

[0046] 5. Housing

[0047] 6. 28 motors

[0048] 7, 13 gears

[0049] 8 Anti-theft bars

[0050] 9. Electrical component carrier

[0051] 10, 11, 12 Switch components

[0052] 14 Locking lever

[0053] 15 Connecting rod

[0054] 16 Release lever

[0055] 17 Internal Actuating Rod

[0056] 18. Internal locking bar

[0057] 19. Control and Styling Department

[0058] 20 External Actuating Rod

[0059] Axles 21 and 26

[0060] Vibration dampers at the ends of positions 22 and 23

[0061] 24 Safety components, spring elements

[0062] 25 Opening

[0063] 27 Worm Gear

[0064] Extensions 29 and 31

[0065] 30 Reception Department

[0066] 31 Extension Section

[0067] 32. Wavy design section

[0068] 33 contact pieces

[0069] 34 resistors

[0070] 35 Conductor Circuits

[0071] Arrows P, P1, P2

[0072] A. Anti-theft device detached

[0073] E. Anti-theft device connected.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock (1) having a locking mechanism (2) comprising a rotating locking fork (3), at least one locking pawl (4), a locking device (14), and an anti-theft device, wherein, The rotating locking fork (3) can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl (4), the outer actuating rod (20) can be disabled by means of the locking device (14), and the inner actuating rod (17) can be disabled by means of the anti-theft device. Its features are, The anti-theft device includes an anti-theft element (8), which is held in the end position by means of a safety element (24), the safety element (24) being form-lockingly engaged with the anti-theft element (8). Safety element (24) can be constructed as a spring element. The safety element (24) has at least one wave-shaped part (32). The anti-theft element (8) can be locked into the wave-shaped part (32) of the security element (24).

2. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Safety element (24) can be constructed as an independent component.

3. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring element can be constructed as a helical spring.

4. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The safety element (24) can engage with the protrusion on the anti-theft element (8).

5. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The safety element (24) works in conjunction with at least one end position damper.

6. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end-position damper is made of a rubber-elastic material.

7. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The safety element (24) has bent edges on its end sides.

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