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) and an anti-theft device (6, 7, 8), by means of which the rotary lock lever (3) can be locked in at least one locking position, by means of which the outer actuation lever (20) can be deactivated, by means of which the inner actuation lever (17) can be deactivated, and an anti-theft element (8) is provided, which can be supported together with the blocking device (14) in the motor vehicle lock (1).

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. 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 here 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 locking system. In particular, this invention aims to provide a motor vehicle lock that enables a highly functional anti-theft device with a minimal number of components. Furthermore, this invention aims to provide a simple and low-cost solution for anti-theft devices.

[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, having a locking mechanism comprising a rotating locking fork, at least one locking pawl, a locking device, and an anti-theft 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. An anti-theft element is provided, which can be supported together with the locking device in the motor vehicle lock. The motor vehicle lock structure according to the present invention achieves the implementation of an anti-theft device in the motor vehicle lock while using as few components as possible. In particular, the number of anti-theft device components is minimized by supporting the anti-theft element on a support portion of the locking device. The locking device is a common component of existing motor vehicle locks and is therefore provided in motor vehicle locks. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide additional components for supporting the anti-theft element. The anti-theft element can be received simply by adapting the support portion to the anti-theft element. The adaptation of the support portion can be achieved by common structural measures, in the simplest case by means of a form-locking engagement between the anti-theft element and the support portion.

[0008] When a vehicle lock is mentioned according to the present invention, then synonyms such as locking device or door lock are used interchangeably. 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 a 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft element is received in a guideable manner in a support portion of the locking lever. The anti-theft element can be received in the support portion in a swingable, rotatable, and / or movable manner. In summary, the support portion of the locking device forms a guide element for the anti-theft element, providing at least one form-locking guide for the anti-theft element.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft element is designed as an anti-theft bar having an opening, particularly an elongated hole, by means of which the anti-theft bar can be guided. By forming an opening in the form of an elongated hole in the anti-theft element, an advantageous structural solution for guiding the anti-theft bar is achieved, thereby enabling the guidance of the anti-theft element in the simplest structural manner. If, for example, the locking lever is swayably received on a support shaft, then the guidance of the anti-theft bar can be achieved by a simple shaft extension. If the shaft of the locking lever extends through the anti-theft element, then reliable and precise guidance of the anti-theft element can be achieved by selectively constructing the elongated hole.

[0015] Furthermore, it may be advantageous and constitutes a variation of the invention if the anti-theft element is movably supported within the vehicle lock. The internal structural space of a vehicle lock is limited, and the overall geometry of the lock is largely determined by the structural space present in the vehicle. Therefore, it may be advantageous to movably arrange the anti-theft element within the vehicle lock, thereby achieving a higher precision displacement than other components. The movement of the anti-theft element can also be easily achieved structurally and allows for functional adjustment of the anti-theft device using the smallest possible structural space. Unlike oscillation, movement only causes reciprocating motion of the anti-theft element, thereby achieving precise positioning of the anti-theft element on the one hand, and requiring less space for the adjustment mechanism used for positioning on the other.

[0016] In a favorable embodiment variation, the anti-theft element can be moved by means of an electric drive. The advantage of electric control of the anti-theft device, especially the anti-theft element, is that the element can be moved with minimal adjustment time. Furthermore, a power source is present in the vehicle lock system, allowing for easy connection of a separate anti-theft motor to the lock. Preferably, a DC motor capable of operating at 9, 12, or 24 volts is used to drive the anti-theft element. This provides the vehicle operator with additional functionality, which can also be easily and reliably accessed, for example, via a radio remote control.

[0017] If the anti-theft element has teeth that cooperate with the gears of the electric drive unit, further advantages of the invention can be achieved. If the anti-theft element directly has teeth that cooperate with the electric drive unit, a very fast adjustment time can be provided. However, by directly driving the anti-theft element, the number of components required for engaging the anti-theft device can also be minimized. Preferably, the anti-theft element is made of plastic. If the teeth are integrally formed with the anti-theft element, the anti-theft device can be implemented using an electric drive unit, utilizing gears arranged on the drive shaft of the motor, and an anti-theft bar. By supporting the anti-theft bar in a component already present in the vehicle lock according to the invention, the number of components used to implement the anti-theft device can be minimized, thereby providing high functionality in the vehicle lock with as few structural components as possible.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, a connecting rod is arranged between the release rod and the locking pawl, and the connection of the connecting rod can be prevented by means of an anti-theft element. As described above, a connecting element can be provided between the release rod and the locking pawl. Here, the engagement or disengagement of the connecting element interrupts or engages the actuation chain for unlocking the locking mechanism. If the anti-theft element and the connecting rod work together, the anti-theft device can be implemented in the simplest structural manner. The release rod can be moved by means of an inner actuating rod, or selectively by means of an outer actuating rod. The outer actuating rod can be disengaged from the release rod by means of a locking device, or the locking device can also cooperate with the connecting element to disengage the outer actuating rod from the connecting rod. Furthermore, the inner actuating device can be disabled by means of the anti-theft device. This can be achieved simply as follows: when the locking device and the anti-theft device are engaged, the connecting rod swings to a position or remains in a position, causing the connecting rod to disengage from the locking pawl. Therefore, the locking mechanism can be unlocked by neither external nor internal actuation rods, and provides the greatest functional reliability in motor vehicle locks.

[0019] If the anti-theft element can move to abut against the end position damper, the functionality of the vehicle lock, especially its noise characteristics, can be further improved by means of the anti-theft device. The end position damper ensures reliable positioning of the anti-theft device, especially the anti-theft bar, and enables low-noise occupancy of the end position. The end position damper is preferably made of a rubber elastic material. The rubber elastic material dampens vibrations when the anti-theft bar reaches the end position, thus allowing the anti-theft device to engage advantageously with low noise, i.e., with good acoustic characteristics. Preferably, the anti-theft bar has an extension, which is advantageously integrally formed with the anti-theft bar. Therefore, even with the fastest adjustment time of the anti-theft element, reliable positioning can be achieved using the simplest structural measures.

[0020] Therefore, by means of the anti-theft device in a motor vehicle lock according to the present invention, another function can be integrated into the motor vehicle lock using the simplest structural components and the fewest possible number of parts. In particular, by supporting it within the existing components of the motor vehicle lock, the number of parts can be limited to a minimum. Yet, a high level of functionality and security of the anti-theft device can be achieved simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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.

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Rear view of a vehicle lock, showing the integrated anti-theft device.

[0025] Figure 3 Detailed diagrams of the locking device, anti-theft device, and actuator are shown.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 5 A detailed diagram of an anti-theft device with security elements is shown, in which the anti-theft device is connected.

[0028] 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

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Figure 1 The following states are shown for the vehicle lock 1: 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 a micro switch 10, wherein the control mechanism 19 on the anti-theft lever 8 works in conjunction 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. To do this, 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. Figure 1 In the view, to unlock the locking mechanism 2, the release lever 16 is swung counterclockwise in the direction of arrow P, thereby causing the connecting lever 15 to disengage the locking pawl 4 from the rotating locking fork 3. The rotating locking fork 3 is then released and can swing under the action of the spring and / or due to the loading of the locking block. In this embodiment, the rotating locking fork 3 also swings counterclockwise and releases the locking block.

[0032] exist Figure 2 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 8 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 8. Also visible are the worm gear 27 and the motor 28, which drives the gear 13 to lock the vehicle lock 1.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 4The 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 As can be seen more clearly, 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 at this time 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. This operation is freewheeling when the outer actuating rod 20 is operated. Similarly, operation of the inner actuating rod 17 does not cause the locking mechanism 2 to unlock because operation of the inner actuating rod 17 also freewheels. 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.

[0035] 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 wave-shaped portion 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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, particularly the controller. The switch component 10 is connected here via a resistor 34 to the switching circuit of switch components 10, 11, and 12, wherein the integrated resistor 34 allows the switch component 10 to be connected to an existing switching circuit. A preferred embodiment of the parallel circuit of the resistor and another microswitch in the switching circuit of the first microswitch 12 is shown in the figure. 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.

[0038] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0039] 1. Motor vehicle lock

[0040] 2 Locking mechanism

[0041] 3. Rotate the locking fork

[0042] 4 Locking claws

[0043] 5. Housing

[0044] 6. 28 motors

[0045] 7, 13 gears

[0046] 8 Anti-theft bars

[0047] 9. Electrical component carrier

[0048] 10, 11, 12 Switch components

[0049] 14 Locking lever

[0050] 15 Connecting rod

[0051] 16 Release lever

[0052] 17 Internal Actuating Rod

[0053] 18. Internal locking bar

[0054] 19. Control and Styling Department

[0055] 20 External Actuating Rod

[0056] Axles 21 and 26

[0057] Vibration dampers at ends 22 and 23

[0058] 24 Safety components, spring elements

[0059] 25 Opening

[0060] 27 Worm Gear

[0061] Extensions 29 and 31

[0062] 30 Reception Department

[0063] 31 Extension Section

[0064] 32. Wave-shaped design department

[0065] 33 contact pieces

[0066] 34 resistors

[0067] 35 Conductor Circuits

[0068] Arrows P, P1, P2

[0069] A. Anti-theft device detached

[0070] E. Anti-theft device connected.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock (1) having a locking mechanism (2) having 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) that can be supported together with the locking device (14) in the vehicle lock (1). The anti-theft element (8) is received in a guideable manner in the support portion (26) of the locking device (14). The anti-theft element (8) is designed as an anti-theft rod with an opening (25) which is constructed as an elongated hole and serves as a guide for the anti-theft rod around the support portion.

2. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-theft element (8) can be moved by means of an electric drive device.

3. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-theft element (8) has teeth that work in conjunction with the gears (7) of the electric drive device.

4. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The teeth are integrally formed with the anti-theft element (8).

5. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A connecting rod (15) is arranged between the release rod (16) and the locking claw (4), and the connection of the connecting rod (15) can be prevented by means of the anti-theft element (8).

6. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The anti-theft component (8) can move to the end position of the shock absorber.

7. The motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The anti-theft element (8) is made of plastic.

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