Closing device for a motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a closing device for a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock closing aid. The basic configuration of the closing device comprises a locking mechanism (1, 2) which mainly comprises a rotary latch (1) and a locking claw (2). A motor (4) and a transmission (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) following the motor (4) are also implemented. The transmission (5 to 9) acts on the rotary latch (1) at least during the closing process. According to the invention, in order to mechanically interrupt the closing process, the transmission (5 to 9) has a force flow element (8) which can be selectively engaged and disengaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking device for motor vehicle locks, particularly a locking auxiliary device for motor vehicle door locks. The locking device has a locking mechanism, which mainly includes a rotating locking fork and a locking pawl. The locking device also has a motor and a transmission device for a follow motor, wherein the transmission device acts on the rotating locking fork at least during the locking process. Background Technology

[0002] Locking devices for motor vehicle locks, and especially auxiliary locking devices for motor vehicle door locks, have long been widely used, as disclosed, for example, in the prior art according to DE 198 28 040A1. In this case, a motor is provided that rotates a control disc via a motor shaft and a worm gear. In this case, the rotating lock fork has a stop element that works in conjunction with the control disc during closing. In this case, the transmission mechanism is defined by the motor shaft, the control disc, and a bolt located on the control disc. Therefore, within the scope of this application, the concept of "transmission mechanism" should be interpreted broadly, that is, the transmission mechanism typically refers in the broadest sense to the transmission ratio of the rotational motion of the motor shaft of the motor.

[0003] This can be achieved and implemented through the combined action of the worm gear, control panel, and bolt. Alternatively, other design schemes for the transmission device can certainly be considered.

[0004] Therefore, another prior art of this kind, according to DE 10 2019 107 845 A1, uses an electric drive to act on a traction mechanism, which loads a rotating locking fork with the required closing force by tightening a pawl. To achieve and implement anti-pinch protection, voltage pulses and / or current pulses are generated during the closing process. Relatedly, a control device can disconnect the electric drive. Furthermore, in this case, the drive can be reversed.

[0005] Therefore, while effective anti-pinch protection can be achieved and implemented, the structural design is complex. However, this anti-pinch protection is practically essential for this closing device to avoid injury. This is essentially explained by the fact that during the closing process, the locking pin gripped by the rotating locking fork is also loaded in a closing sense. Because the locking pin is typically connected to the corresponding vehicle door, the closing movement of the corresponding vehicle door directly corresponds to it. When the operator's fingers enter the gap between the vehicle door and the vehicle body during this process, it may cause them to get pinched.

[0006] At the same time, the necessary effectiveness should be provided without fail, and the closing device should be particularly able to overcome the reaction force generated by the door rubber seal that is to be compressed between the corresponding vehicle door and the vehicle body when closing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further improve this closing device so as to provide a simple and low-cost implementation method for interrupting the closing movement while maintaining the same effectiveness.

[0008] To solve this technical problem, within the scope of the present invention, this locking device for motor vehicle locks is characterized in that the transmission device has a force flow element that can be selectively engaged and disengaged in order to mechanically interrupt the locking process.

[0009] Therefore, within the scope of this invention, complex sensor solutions such as those described in DE 102019 107845A1 are not used to achieve, for example, anti-pinch protection. More precisely, in the end, the force flow from the motor through the transmission to the rotating locking fork is simple and straightforward, and mechanically interrupted very routinely without sensor interference. For this purpose, the transmission has at least one force flow element that can be engaged and disengaged according to the invention. In the engaged state, the force flow element is used to convert the rotational motion of the motor output shaft by means of the transmission, and then transmit it to the rotating locking fork, which can be loaded by means of the transmission during the closing process.

[0010] Unlike the example of an engageable and disengageable engagement device, the engageable and disengageable force flow element in this invention helps achieve the desired transmission ratio. That is, when the engagement device is also used, or can be used, to disconnect the force flow, this is provided according to the invention by the engageable and disengageable force flow element, wherein the force flow element itself is a component of the transmission device that contributes to transmission. For this reason, according to the invention, additional engagement devices are explicitly redundant and are not provided.

[0011] At this point, the separation of the force flow element corresponds to the interruption of force flow from the motor to the rotary locking fork, therefore the motor can no longer (in the sense of closing) load the rotary locking fork. More precisely, the rotary locking fork is mechanically disconnected from the motor. This allows the corresponding vehicle door to be opened directly. Because the rotary locking fork is typically free and can be opened directly when the force flow element is separated (with the locking pawl additionally raised), the locking pin previously held by the rotary locking fork is released. This also applies to the corresponding vehicle door.

[0012] Therefore, this provides a particularly simple and cost-effective anti-pinch protection mechanism, or a particularly simple and cost-effective method for interrupting the closing process. For this purpose, the force flow element of the drive mechanism following the motor is specially designed to selectively engage and disengage.

[0013] To achieve and complete the engagement and disengagement of force flow elements in detail, the force flow elements are typically configured to be linearly loaded. In principle, rotational loading can also be applied to the force flow elements for engagement and disengagement. However, since force flow elements are typically gear-like, linear loading is recommended for engagement and disengagement.

[0014] This is because the force flow element, constructed as a gear, can be directly disengaged from the meshing plane, thus interrupting the force flow. Furthermore, it proves advantageous in this case that the force flow element is preloaded in the engaged position by means of a spring. Thus, the force flow element can selectively overcome the spring's force separation and directly return to the engaged position after the process of loading the force flow element into the disengaged position is complete.

[0015] For loading the force flow element, it has proven advantageous to load it using a handle or its own electric drive mechanism. This can be done indirectly or directly. When loading the force flow element indirectly, it is conceivable to provide an intermediate connecting transmission component. Here, this transmission component can be a rod, Bowden cable, lever, etc. Therefore, it is conceivable that the user can switch the force flow element to a disengaged state using a handle with an intermediate connecting transmission component.

[0016] In all these cases, the force flow element, and if necessary, the locking pawl, can be loaded by means of the handle or its own electric drive. This not only interrupts the force flow from the motor to the rotating fork, but also, additionally, allows the locking pawl, typically already engaged with the rotating fork during closing, to be simultaneously lifted from its engagement with the rotating fork. Thus, the rotating fork is completely free, disengaging not only from the motor but also from the locking pawl, and can swing directly upwards.

[0017] Furthermore, the force flow element, and if necessary, the locking pawl, can be switched to the disengaged state directly or indirectly by means of its own electric drive. However, in most cases, a handle and corresponding manual loading are used to keep costs low.

[0018] While linearly engaging and disengaging force flow elements, as part of a transmission system, are commonly known in conjunction with electric drive systems in motor vehicles, as per US 10,472,869 B2, the known drive system is an opening drive system acting on a locking pawl. Unlike the closing device described herein, this opening drive system is typically smaller in structure because such high torque is not required on the output side. Furthermore, in this opening drive system, since the opening drive system is involved in its primary and sole function, it is structurally unnecessary to additionally lift the locking pawl from the rotating fork. In contrast, in this invention, the electric drive system of the handle or itself used for loading the force element is typically used, additionally, to load the locking pawl, i.e., to lift it from its engagement with the rotating fork during the closing process, which is interrupted in this manner by the rotating fork. Therefore, the structure and design principles of the opening drive system according to US 10,472,869 B2 differ from those of the closing device described herein.

[0019] As previously explained, the force flow element is advantageously a gear element. This gear element is here supported in the transmission element in an axially movable manner. Because the force flow is achieved through the transmission element and the gear element, and this force flow is typically accompanied by rotational motion in this case, the gear element is mostly connected to the transmission element in a manner that prevents relative rotation.

[0020] To achieve and implement a connection that cannot be rotated relative to each other, gear elements are typically engaged with at least one radial bolt in a bolt receiver of the transmission element. In most cases, multiple radial bolts are even provided on the gear element, which engage with corresponding bolt receivers of the transmission element in a manner that prevents relative rotation but allows axial movement.

[0021] To achieve this implementation with particular simplicity and conciseness in its topology, the gear element is typically equipped with a radial bolt on its bottom side. An intermediate member is connected to this radial bolt. Teeth are provided on the top side of the gear element, which mesh with another transmission element. This other transmission element is advantageously a drive pawl located on the output side of the transmission device, by means of which the rotating locking fork is loaded. For this purpose, the drive pawl can, for example, act on the bolt of the rotating locking fork and in this way cause the oscillating motion of the rotating locking fork required for the locking process in the sense of closing.

[0022] The single or multiple bolt receptacles of the transmission element are designed to be open at least in the axial direction, allowing the gear element to move axially relative to the transmission element via its radial bolts engaging in the respective bolt receptacles. Because the gear element, constructed as a force-flow element, typically interacts with or meshes with the drive pawl previously described for driving the rotating locking fork, the gear element in question is usually made of metal or steel. This also largely applies to transmission elements that support the gear element in an axially movable manner. However, in principle, gear elements and transmission elements can also be made of plastic.

[0023] In most cases, the drive mechanism following the motor also has at least one additional drive element connected in front of the drive element supporting the gear element. This drive element itself can mesh with a worm gear on the motor's output shaft. The worm gear and the drive element meshing with it are typically made of plastic, but can also be made of metals such as steel or aluminum. Furthermore, it is conceivable to utilize involute teeth in this configuration. This is, of course, merely exemplary.

[0024] Furthermore, each transmission element, like gear elements, can be equipped with face teeth, helical teeth, or involute teeth. All alternatives are conceivable and included within the scope of this invention.

[0025] The result is a locking device for motor vehicle locks, and particularly a locking auxiliary device for motor vehicle door locks, which not only effectively interrupts the locking process but also enables the locking process to be implemented in an intuitive and simple manner. For this purpose, a force flow element or gear element that can be selectively engaged and disengaged is incorporated into the transmission mechanism. Therefore, additional devices, engagement mechanisms, etc., can be explicitly eliminated. Instead, the force flow element or gear element is designed as an integral part of the transmission mechanism in a manner that allows for selective interruption and closure of the force flow. This is the main advantage of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view shows the closing device according to the invention together with a handle for interrupting the closing process.

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Showing from another perspective, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The subject, in which force flow elements are joined ( Figure 3 ) and the force flow element in the separated state ( Figure 4 ). Detailed Implementation

[0029] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a general locking device for a vehicle lock. In this embodiment, the vehicle lock is a vehicle door lock. Therefore, a vehicle door lock locking auxiliary device is generally implemented. This vehicle door lock locking auxiliary device, in its basic structure, primarily comprises locking mechanisms 1 and 2, which mainly include a rotating locking fork 1 and a locking pawl 2. The locking mechanisms 1 and 2 are rotatably supported in a metal lock housing 3.

[0030] In addition, the transmission devices 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the motor 4 and the follower motor 4 can also be seen, which will be described in detail below.

[0031] Transmission devices 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 act on the rotating locking fork 1 at least during the closing process. This is best and substantially based on Figure 3 understand.

[0032] In practice, the design incorporates a worm gear 5 on the output shaft 10 of the motor 4. The worm gear 5 meshes with a first transmission element 6. The first transmission element 6 itself acts on another second transmission element 7.

[0033] A gear element 8 is supported in the transmission element 7 in a manner that prevents relative rotation but allows axial movement. This gear element, as a force flow element 8 constructed according to the invention and capable of selective engagement and disengagement, will be described in more detail later. The gear element 8 itself drives the drive pawl 9 on the output side of the transmission devices 5 to 9. The drive pawl 9 oscillates clockwise about its axis during the closing process, such as... Figure 3 As indicated by the corresponding arrow in the diagram. The clockwise oscillating movement of the drive pawl 9 causes it to move toward the bolt 1a on the rotating locking fork 1, and thus, in the sense of closing, i.e., in... Figure 3 The rotating locking fork is loaded in the sense of counterclockwise movement around its axis, as also shown in the diagram.

[0034] Therefore, the locking pin 11, shown only schematically, is gradually pulled into the guide slot 12 of the lock box 3. Since the locking pin 11 is connected to a vehicle door (not shown), this process also corresponds to the transfer of the relevant vehicle door to a closed position relative to the vehicle body that receives and rotatably supports the vehicle door, which is also not explicitly shown.

[0035] According to the invention, the relevant transmission devices 5 to 9 are now designed such that they can be mechanically interrupted during the closing process of the rotating locking fork 1, and therefore during the closing process of the corresponding vehicle door. This interruption is necessary, for example, to ensure anti-pinch protection. For this purpose, the transmission devices 5 to 9 have a selectively engaging and disengaging force flow element 8, as previously mentioned and explained, which, according to this embodiment, is a gear element 8, in order to mechanically interrupt the closing process.

[0036] In practice, the force flow element or gear element 8 can be constructed to be linearly loaded, that is, to be able to move axially or linearly, such as... Figure 4 As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. In this case, an additional, unseen spring can be used to preload the force flow element 8 into its engaged position. Figure 3 The engagement position of the force flow element or gear element 8 is shown in the diagram. In contrast, Figure 4 This corresponds to the disengagement position of the force flow element or gear element 8.

[0037] Now, in order to make the force flow element 8 flow from its corresponding Figure 3 The joint position shown in the diagram is shifted to according to Figure 4 In the separated position, handles 13 and 14 are implemented according to the embodiment, which can be optimally configured according to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Understood. In fact, the handles 13 and 14 consist of a swing rod 13 that can rotate about axis 15 on one hand and a protrusion 14 that is connected to the swing rod 13 in a way that prevents relative rotation on the other hand.

[0038] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the sequence that can be implemented, the swing rod 13 around its axis 15 Figure 1 The clockwise rotational movement shown now causes the protrusion 14, which is connected to the swing arm 13 in a manner that prevents relative rotation and is part of the handles 13, 14, to load the force flow element 8 or the gear element, i.e., the force flow element or gear element, according to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Press "down" in the view.

[0039] By means of the protrusion 14, which is part of the handles 13 and 14, the force flow element 8 is loaded from its position. Figure 3 Middle (corresponding to) Figure 1 (As illustrated in the diagram) It first occupies the joining position and then transitions to the separating position, as it does in Figure 4 As described in [the text]. Correspondingly, according to [the text]... Figure 2The swing positions of handles 13 and 14. During this process, the force flow element or gear element 8 moves axially relative to the second transmission element 7 that supports the force flow element or gear element. For this purpose, the gear element 8 is connected to the second transmission element 7 in a manner that prevents relative rotation.

[0040] For this purpose, the gear element 8 has a plurality of radial bolts 8c, which engage in a manner that prevents relative rotation with respect to corresponding bolt receivers 16 in the second transmission element 7. In fact, according to this embodiment, four radial bolts 8c protruding from the center of the primarily cylindrical gear element 8 at regular 90° intervals are implemented. These radial bolts engage in four correspondingly arranged bolt receivers 16 in the second transmission element 7.

[0041] As can be seen, the gear element or force flow element 8, which is generally cylindrical in structure, is equipped with the radial bolt portion 8c on its bottom side. The intermediate part 8a connected to it is designed as a cylindrical section in this embodiment. A tooth portion 8b, located on the top side of the gear element or force flow element 8, is connected to the intermediate part 8a. The force flow element or gear element 8 engages with the drive pawl 9 or the teeth at the drive pawl through this tooth portion 8b, and during the closing process of the rotating locking fork 1, it is used to cause the drive pawl 9 to... Figure 3 In the view, it swings clockwise around its axis and thus moves toward the bolt 1a of the rotating fork 1 so as to close the rotating fork counterclockwise.

[0042] The plastic housing or lock housing 17, which forms the entire casing of the vehicle lock, is shown only schematically. It can be seen that handles 13 and 14 are supported on the lock housing 17 outside the plastic housing 17 in a manner that allows them to rotate about axis 15. Thus, handles 13 and 14 can be directly loaded by the operator or accessed when needed via extensions, Bowden cables, etc. Therefore, the closing process can be directly interrupted as needed, and in this way, a particularly simple and cost-effective anti-pinch protection is achieved.

[0043] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0044] 1, 2 Locking mechanisms

[0045] 1. Rotate the locking fork

[0046] 1a Plug

[0047] 2 Locking claws

[0048] 3 Lock Box

[0049] 4 motors

[0050] 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Transmission devices

[0051] 5. Worm Gear

[0052] 6 First transmission element

[0053] 7 Second transmission element

[0054] 8. Gear components, power flow components

[0055] 8a Middleware

[0056] 8b Tooth section

[0057] 8c Radial bolt

[0058] 9. Drive claw

[0059] 10 Output shaft

[0060] 11 Locking pin

[0061] 12. Import slot

[0062] 13, 14 Handles

[0063] 13. Swing rod

[0064] 14. Protrusion

[0065] 15 Axis

[0066] 16. Bolt receiving part

[0067] 17. Lock housing, plastic housing

Claims

1. A locking device for a motor vehicle lock, the locking device having a locking mechanism (1, 2), the locking mechanism mainly comprising a rotating locking fork (1) and a locking pawl (2), the locking device further having a transmission device (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) for a motor (4) and a follower motor (4), wherein, The transmission device (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) acts on the rotating locking fork (1) at least during the closing process. Its features are, In order to mechanically interrupt the closing process, the transmission device (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) has a force flow element (8) that can selectively engage and disengage. The force flow element (8) can be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position using handles (13, 14). The handles (13, 14) consist of a swing rod (13) that can rotate around an axis (15) and a protrusion (14) that is connected to the swing rod (13) in a manner that prevents relative rotation. The rotational movement of the swing rod (13) around its axis (15) can cause the protrusion (14) to load the force flow element (8). The force flow element (8) is designed as a gear element (8), which is supported in the transmission element (7) in a manner that allows it to move axially.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force flow element (8) is designed to be linearly loaded to achieve engagement and disengagement.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The force flow element (8) is pre-tensioned in the engagement position by means of a spring.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The force flow element (8) can be loaded indirectly or directly by means of the handle (13, 14) or its own electric drive.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gear element (8) and the transmission element (7) are connected in a manner that prevents them from rotating relative to each other.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gear element (8) is engaged with the bolt receiving member (16) of the transmission element (7) by at least one radial bolt (8c).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple radial bolts (8c) on the gear element (8) are engaged in a manner that prevents relative rotation but allows axial movement into the corresponding bolt receiver (16) of the transmission element (7).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gear element (8) is provided with a radial bolt (8c) on the bottom side, an intermediate part (8a) connected to the radial bolt (8c), and a tooth (8b) on the top side.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned locking device for motor vehicle locks is a motor vehicle door lock locking auxiliary device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking claw (2) can be loaded indirectly or directly by means of the handle (13, 14) or its own electric drive.

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