Motor vehicle lock with anti-theft device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1) having a locking mechanism (2) with a rotary lock lever (3), at least one locking pawl (4), a blocking device (14), an anti-theft device (6, 7, 8) and at least one first switch element (11, 12) for detecting the position (E, A) of the blocking device (6, 7, 8), the rotary lock lever (3) being lockable in at least one locking position by means of the locking pawl (4), the outer actuation lever (20) being deactivatable by means of the blocking device (14), the inner actuation lever (17) being deactivatable by means of the anti-theft device (6, 7, 8), wherein an anti-theft element (8) is provided, the position (E, A) of which can be detected by means of a separate switch element (10).

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, an anti-theft device, and at least one first switch component for detecting the position of the locking device. 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 010 301 U1 discloses a locking device having an anti-theft device, a child safety device, and a central locking mechanism.

[0004] Document DE 10 2005 052 190 A1 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 motor vehicle lock. In particular, this invention aims to provide location detection of the anti-theft device at the lowest possible technical cost in terms of structure and circuitry.

[0006] 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 and drawings.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism comprising a rotating locking fork, at least one locking pawl, a locking device, an anti-theft device, and at least one first switch member for detecting the position of the locking device. The rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl, the outer actuating lever can be disabled by means of the locking device, and the inner actuating lever can be disabled by means of the anti-theft device. An anti-theft element is provided, the position of which can be detected by means of a separate switch member. Reliable detection of the position of the anti-theft device is achieved through the motor vehicle lock structure according to the present invention. In particular, the position of the anti-theft device, especially the anti-theft element, in at least an end position can be detected by a separate switch member.

[0008] The anti-theft element can be designed as, for example, a slider, a rod, or a disc, with or without teeth. If a separate switching component is arranged on the anti-theft element so as to detect, for example, the position of at least one end of the anti-theft element, then the position of the anti-theft element can be detected directly and accurately.

[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, each switch element has at least an open position and a closed position. In an advantageous improvement, the switch element can be designed as a mechanical on / off switch, although the invention naturally also covers non-contact operating switch elements. However, contact operating switch elements are typically used, i.e., those that contact with the component to be monitored, and whose "open" or "closed" position can be identified along with the location of the anti-theft element. Preferably, a so-called microswitch is used, which works in contact with the anti-theft element. Particularly preferably, the anti-theft element releases the switch element or microswitch in the "anti-theft device engaged" position.

[0015] Another particularly important aspect of the invention is that a separate switching component is arranged together with the switch or other switching components on a component carrier, particularly an electrical component carrier. This component carrier is typically designed as a conductive circuit unit and is used to carry electrical or electronic components or devices. For this purpose, the conductive circuit unit mainly comprises a flexible or rigid conductive circuit film, or may also comprise a plastic carrier with correspondingly applied conductive circuitry. In short, the relevant component carrier is equipped with electrical or electronic components or devices that are typically required and / or necessary for the operation of the vehicle lock. Often, multiple such components and parts are located on the relevant component carrier to simplify assembly and improve functionality.

[0016] Examples of the aforementioned components or parts include plugs, the aforementioned switch components, other sensors, motors, etc., which are used in relevant vehicle locks or locking systems or vehicle door locking systems. The component carrier for the vehicle lock of the present invention has at least a switch component for detecting the position of the locking element and a switch component for detecting the position of the anti-theft element. Furthermore, the electrical component carrier has at least one contact component for the motor. A first motor can be used to actuate the locking element, and a second motor can be used to actuate the anti-theft element. Therefore, the operator of the vehicle can electrically lock the vehicle lock and engage the anti-theft device.

[0017] Another design aspect of the invention is that the independent switching component of the anti-theft element is integrated into the switching circuit of the first switching component. Connecting the switching component to the switching circuit of the first switching component eliminates the need for additional contact components on existing electrical component carriers. This provides a structurally advantageous solution for position detection of the anti-theft element. Based on the electrical component carrier of a vehicle lock with an anti-theft device, it is possible to maintain the vehicle lock in an electric or manual manner. Particularly important here is that it is possible to connect, for example, a plug to the vehicle lock, particularly the electrical component carrier, without the need for additional contacts on the electrical component carrier. Therefore, no structural modifications to the electrical connection structure of the vehicle lock are required. Connecting the independent switching component to the switching circuit of the first switching component allows for the detection of corresponding switching of the switching component by detecting the different voltages that can be detected in the switching circuit due to the actuation of the first switching component and the independent switching component. Preferably, this detection is performed in a control element or control unit connected to the vehicle lock.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an independent switching component is integrated into the switching circuit of the first switching component by means of a parallel circuit. The first switching component is typically connected to the control unit via a conductor circuit and two contacts, thereby enabling the detection of the current flowing through the conductor circuit. Here, the interruption of the conductor circuit by the switching component can be detected when the switching component is open, and the current present when the switching component is actuated can also be detected. The current differs depending on whether the first switching component or the independent switching component is actuated. Preferably, a resistor is connected before the independent switching component, that is, the resistor and the independent switching component are connected in series. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish the respective on / off states of the first switching component and the independent switching component. The current varies according to the on / off microswitch, thus the switching position of the microswitch can be clearly detected.

[0019] When the independent switching element is actuated, a current altered by resistance flows, while a constant current intensity can be detected when the first switching element is actuated. The voltage or current difference can therefore be used as a means of determining the switching positions of the first switching element and the independent switching element. Thus, by means of the structure according to the invention, which connects the independent switching element in parallel to the first switching circuit, the two switching positions of two independent microswitches can be detected using two existing contacts facing the plug.

[0020] Another advantage is that the electrical component carrier includes other switching components, by means of which the position of the locking mechanism, particularly the position of the rotating lock fork, can be detected. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in addition to detecting the position of the locking element and the anti-theft element, other microswitches can also be detected to detect other components of the vehicle lock. In an improved embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable that other microswitches are integrated into the switching circuit of the first switching component by means of resistors. It is advantageous here that the resistors have different resistance values. Therefore, the switching position of the switching components or microswitches can be detected by means of control, particularly by means of current or voltage difference, thereby directly determining, for example, the position of the rotating lock fork, the locking element, and the anti-theft element.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electrical component carrier can be incorporated into the vehicle lock as a separate component. This separate structure of the electrical component carrier allows for pre-installation of components such as switching devices, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the overall cost of the vehicle lock can be reduced by confining / encapsulating the structure of the electronic component carrier, which in most cases is formed by injection molding conductive circuitry using thermoplastic materials. Conversely, if the electrical component carrier were designed, for example, as part of the vehicle lock housing, a large-volume component would have to be manufactured, which in turn negatively impacts manufacturing costs.

[0022] In summary, the motor vehicle lock provided using the motor vehicle lock structure according to the present invention achieves the following: providing position detection of the anti-theft device with the simplest structure and the lowest cost in terms of circuit technology. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] In the picture: 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. Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Rear view of a vehicle lock, showing the integrated anti-theft device. Figure 3 Detailed diagrams of the locking device, anti-theft device, and actuator are shown. 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. Figure 5 A detailed diagram of an anti-theft device with security elements is shown, in which the anti-theft device is connected. 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 1 The 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.

[0028] exist Figure 2The 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 3 This 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.

[0031] 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 5The 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be seen that the electrical component carrier 9 has a contact / pin 33, by means of 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 micro-switch 10 can be additionally incorporated into the vehicle lock while 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.

[0034] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Motor vehicle lock 2 Locking mechanism 3. Rotate the locking fork 4 Locking claws 5. Housing 6. 28 motor 7, 13 gears 8 Anti-theft bars 9. Electrical component carrier 10, 11, 12 Switch components 14 Locking lever 15 Connecting rod 16 Release lever 17 Internal Actuating Rod 18. Internal locking bar 19. Control and Styling Department 20 External Actuating Rod Axles 21 and 26 Vibration dampers at ends 22 and 23 24 Safety components, spring elements 25 Opening 27 Worm Gear Extensions 29 and 31 30 Reception Department 31 Extension Section 32. Wavy design section 33 contact pieces 34 resistors 35 Conductor Circuits Arrows P, P1, P2 A. Anti-theft device detached 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, an anti-theft device, and at least one first switch component for detecting the position of the locking 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, 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, the position of which can be detected by means of a separate second switch component. The first and second switch components are housed in a common electrical component carrier (9). The locking device includes a locking lever. In the locked and anti-theft position of the motor vehicle lock (1), the actuation of the outer actuating lever (20) is locked by means of the extension (29) on the locking lever. The actuation of the release lever (16) via the inner actuating lever (17) is prevented by means of the anti-theft element. The extension (31) on the connecting lever (15) is held by means of the anti-theft element, so that the connecting lever reaches the position in which the locking pawl (4) cannot be actuated by means of the connecting lever (15).

2. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switch component and the second switch component each have at least an open position and a closed position.

3. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first and second switching components are designed as mechanical on / off switches.

4. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical component carrier (9) contains at least one additional switching component.

5. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The position of the locking mechanism (2) can be detected by means of the additional switching component.

6. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The independent second switch component of the anti-theft element is integrated into the switching circuit of the first switch component.

7. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The independent second switching component is integrated into the switching circuit of the first switching component by means of a parallel circuit.

8. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle lock includes a motor, and the electrical component carrier (9) has at least one contact component for the motor.

9. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical component carrier (9) can be installed as an independent component in the vehicle lock (1).

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