Motor vehicle lock assembly and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock assembly, in particular a motor vehicle hatch lock assembly, which is equipped with a mechanical module (1) and an electrical module (2). The mechanical module (1) has at least one locking device (3, 4) and a lock housing (5). Furthermore, the electrical module (2) is equipped with at least one electrical component carrier (6) and at least one electrical / electronic component (7) arranged on or on the electrical component carrier. The electrical module (2) can be fastened to a lock housing (5) of the mechanical module (1). According to the invention, a locking lug (6a) of an electrical component carrier (6) of the electrical module (2) engages in a corresponding locking recess (5a) of a lock housing (5) of the mechanical module (1) in a releasable and electrically non-connectable manner during the pivoting movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock assembly, in particular to a motor vehicle hatch (engine hood) lock assembly, wherein the motor vehicle lock assembly comprises a mechanical module and an electrical module, wherein the mechanical module comprises at least one locking device and a lock housing, and further the electrical module is equipped with at least one electrical component carrier and at least one electrical / electronic component arranged on or at the electrical component carrier, and the electrical module can be fixed on the lock housing of the mechanical module. Background Art

[0002] At present, locking systems or motor vehicle locks for motor vehicles mainly consist of two components or modules, namely the actual mechanical part of the lock as a mechanical module, which is responsible for locking the relevant motor vehicle door or hatch, and the electrical module, for example, which carries the actuator system and supplies the actuator system with the required electrical energy. The actuator system can have an electric motor and a transmission. Since the electric motor is controlled by means of a controller and its position is monitored, the electrical module usually also requires a plurality of sensors in addition to realize the position query.

[0003] For this purpose, the electrical module has at least one electrical component carrier. The electrical component carrier is used on the one hand for electrical contacting of the individual electrical / electronic components, in particular actuator systems and sensor systems, and on the other hand serves as a mechanical carrier for the components involved. For this purpose, the electrical component carrier can be equipped with a lead frame, which is, for example, accommodated in a carrier plate made of plastic and is overmolded by the plastic. Generally speaking, electrical contacting can also be carried out here using one or more conductor track foils. Combinations are also conceivable.

[0004] The electrical component carrier equipped with the corresponding electrical / electronic components arranged thereon, and thus the electrical module, is usually fixed inside the lock housing of the mechanical module or on the lock housing. In the framework of previous practices, this usually requires various work steps, such as fixing the electrical component carrier in the lock housing or on the lock housing and its electrical contacting. Therefore, in practice, welding processes and screwing processes are often required, and in some cases, hot stamping processes are also required. All these production steps not only require the additional use of materials such as solder, but are also particularly time-consuming and therefore costly.

[0005] For example, DE 10 2012 208 078 A1 describes an electromechanical assembly for a locking system of a vehicle and an electrical module having an electrical component carrier. To this end, the known electromechanical assembly has a switching device, the number of actuations of which is determined by means of an evaluation device.

[0006] In the door lock module for a vehicle door according to EP 1 087 082 A2, the electric door lock consists of a control part and a mechanical part connected thereto. The electric control part is connected to the door lock mechanical part via an intermediate rod. The intermediate rod is designed so that tolerances of the two lock parts that must be taken into account when fastening the door lock to the end face of the relevant motor vehicle door can be accommodated by means of the intermediate rod.

[0007] Within the framework of the general type of prior art, DE 20 2015 009 935 U1 adopts the following approach: the electrical component carrier comprises a separate housing and can be fixed on the outer surface of the relevant motor vehicle lock. For this purpose, it is designed so that the electrical component carrier interacts with the housing of the motor vehicle lock or the retaining device of the lock housing. The retaining device involved is a clamp connection, a snap connection and / or a locking connection. It has basically proven to be effective.

[0008] However, in the known and common type of approach according to DE 20 2015 009 935 U1, the connection between the electrical component carrier and the lock housing of the motor vehicle lock is ultimately achieved by a vertical plug connection, because the electrical component carrier additionally has two plug connectors, which protrude from the longitudinal length of the electrical component carrier. When connected to the lock housing, the plug connectors engage in the corresponding seats on the lock housing. Then, the electrical component carrier is prevented from being loosened from the housing by means of a supplementary snap connection.

[0009] The known approach has the following problems in practice: On the one hand, the plug connector protruding relative to the electrical component carrier must be precisely aligned relative to the base accommodating it on or in the lock housing when it is respectively connected. On the other hand, such a plug connector is relatively fragile and can be bent when storing the electrical component carrier or during assembly, or even broken in the worst case. All of this can lead to assembly delays and thus increase costs. The present invention aims to comprehensively solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock assembly in order to enable simple assembly without the risk of damage.

[0011] In order to solve this technical problem, within the framework of the present invention, a general type of motor vehicle lock assembly is characterized in that the locking lug of the electrical component carrier of the electrical module is engaged in the corresponding locking notch of the lock housing of the mechanical module in a detachable and electrically non-connected manner during the swinging movement, or vice versa (i.e. the locking lug of the lock housing of the mechanical module is engaged in the corresponding locking notch of the electrical component carrier of the electrical module in a detachable and electrically non-connected manner during the swinging movement).

[0012] In other words, within the scope of the invention, a releasable connection is firstly achieved between the electrical component carrier on the one hand and the lock housing on the other hand by establishing a locking connection there. Here, the locking connection uses a locking lug on the electrical component carrier and a locking notch on or in the lock housing. In principle, the reverse is also possible. In this case, the lock housing is equipped with a locking lug, which in turn engages in a releasable manner in the locking notch of the electrical component carrier in this case.

[0013] Of particular importance to the invention and in contrast to the prior art of the generic type according to DE 20 2015 009 935 U1, is the design adopted such that the locking connection between the locking lug and the locking notch is also established during the swinging movement. That is, the joining between the electrical component carrier and the lock housing via the locking connection is accomplished by the swinging movement, whereas in the prior art of the generic type, an additional electrical contact between the plug and the associated base is achieved here by means of a strictly linear plug connection.

[0014] In contrast, the present invention works without an electrical connection, i.e., there is no electrical connection between the electrical component carrier and the lock housing, but a purely mechanical, releasable connection. The electrical component carrier can thus be releasably connected to the lock housing during the swinging movement while achieving a locking connection, since it is clear that no electrical connection needs to be established during this process. This excludes any malfunction or damage to the electrical connection that is not established as a result. This is where the main advantage lies.

[0015] According to another advantageous embodiment, in addition to the locking lugs, the electrical component carrier is also provided with a swing stop for engaging in a swing notch on the lock housing. In other words, in order to achieve a swinging movement during the connection between the electrical component carrier and the lock housing, the electrical component carrier engages with its swing stop in the associated swing notch on the lock housing. At the same time, it is usually provided that the locking lugs and the swing stop on the electrical component carrier are substantially opposite to each other.

[0016] In this case, it has also proven effective that the locking lugs and the swing stop are arranged on the fixing flange of the electrical component carrier. In order to be able to smoothly fix the electrical component carrier to the lock housing when the locking connection is realized, the electrical component carrier is additionally equipped with a centering lug. Here, the centering lug can be arranged on the fixing flange, specifically, advantageously between the locking lug and the swing stop. In addition, the design adopted in this case is such that, in the assembled state of the electrical component carrier, the centering lug engages in the associated centering notch on the lock housing.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for producing a motor vehicle lock assembly having the above-mentioned features. Here, during the swinging movement of the electrical component carrier relative to the lock housing, the locking lug of the electrical component carrier engages in a locking notch of the lock housing in a removable and electrically non-connected manner. In addition, the swinging movement of the electrical component carrier relative to the lock housing is designed as an arc movement. In order to realize the arc or arc movement, the swing stop serves as the center of the arc involved. In addition, during this swinging movement, the centering lug also ensures centering, because the centering lug gradually sinks into the centering notch of the lock housing during the swinging movement.

[0018] Thus, a motor vehicle lock assembly and an associated method for its production are described, which are distinguished by being particularly practical and structurally simple. Furthermore, by omitting an electrical connection between the electrical component carrier and the lock housing, it is ensured that the two components can be joined during a swinging movement, in particular an arc movement. This provides a particularly intuitive and simple assembly, in particular because in the process the electrical component carrier is additionally centered relative to the lock housing by means of a centering lug engaging in a centering recess.

[0019] The lock housing can in principle be a plastic housing that accommodates the motor vehicle lock. However, the lock housing that is usually used to support the locking device also serves as a lock housing or counterpart for an electrical component carrier that can be detachably fastened thereto. The electrical component carrier itself is usually equipped with at least one electrical or electronic component arranged thereon or there. This may be one or more sensors, for example one or more switches, in particular micro switches.

[0020] In addition, the electrical component carrier has a carrier plate made of plastic, into which the lead frame can be embedded and encapsulated in the carrier plate by a plastic injection molding method. In addition, the electrical component carrier is usually also equipped with a molded connection socket. The electrical / electronic components carried by the electrical component carrier can be electrically connected to a control unit, for example, on the door side or on the vehicle body side, for example, via the connection socket. For this purpose, it is only necessary to insert the plug into the connection socket after the electrical component carrier has been mounted on the lock housing and ensure the necessary electrical connection. This is where the main advantages lie. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show only one embodiment. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 The motor vehicle lock assembly according to the invention is shown in an overview in the form of a motor vehicle hatch lock assembly,

[0023] Figure 2 A to Figure 2 D shows the assembly of the electrical component carrier on the lock housing;

[0024] Figure 3A detail of an electrical component carrier assembled on a lock housing is shown in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The drawings show a motor vehicle lock assembly, in particular a motor vehicle hatch lock assembly, which has a mechanical module 1 and an electrical module 2, which are designed and produced separately from each other and are then combined with each other to form a hatch lock, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0026] For this purpose, the mechanical module 1 is equipped with at least one locking device 3, 4, which includes a locking tongue 3 and a locking pawl 4 interacting therewith. Figure 1 The locked state of the locking mechanism 3, 4 is shown in the view of FIG. Here, the locking mechanism 3, 4 is rotatably supported in a lock box 5, which in the framework of this embodiment serves as a lock housing 5, and within the framework of the present invention, the electrical component carrier 6 is detachably fixed to the lock housing as a component of the electrical module 2. In this way, the mechanical module 1 and the electrical module 2 are combined with each other to form the motor vehicle bonnet lock shown. The motor vehicle bonnet lock is used, for example, to lock a front bonnet / engine hood (not shown) relative to a motor vehicle body.

[0027] The electrical component carrier 6 is equipped with at least one electrical / electronic component 7 arranged thereon or at it. In the present exemplary embodiment and without limitation, the electrical / electronic component 7 is a sensor or a switch 7, by means of which the position of the ejector lever AH can be queried, which according to the exemplary embodiment is mounted coaxially with the locking pawl 4.

[0028] Of course, the positions of other components of the mechanical module 1 can also be queried and sensed by means of the component 7 or the sensor or (micro) switch 7 implemented here. The corresponding signal of the component or switch 7 is transmitted to the control unit 8, which is only schematically shown. The control unit 8 is connected to the electrical component carrier 6 or the connection socket 10 implemented here via a plug 9, and the plug 9 can be inserted into the connection socket to achieve contact connection. According to this embodiment, the connection socket 10 is formed on the electrical component carrier 6 or is a component of the electrical component carrier 6.

[0029] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the electrical component carrier 6 on which the electrical / electronic components 7 are arranged and the connection socket 10 generally define the electrical module 2, which is combined with the mechanical module 1 as a prefabricated structural unit to form the motor vehicle hatch lock as shown in the figure and will be explained in more detail below.

[0030] In fact, according to this embodiment, the electrical module 2 can be removably fixed to the lock housing 5 of the mechanical module 1. To this end, according to this embodiment and according to the invention, the electrical component carrier 6 of the electrical module 2 is (especially in Figure 3The locking lug 6a (visible in the figure, for example, formed) is detachably engaged in a corresponding locking notch 5a of the lock housing 5 of the mechanical module 1. In addition, the design adopted in this case is such that during the swinging movement between the electrical component carrier 6 and the lock housing 5, a locking connection 5a, 6a is established between the locking lug 6a and the locking notch 5a, as in accordance with Figure 2 A to Figure 2 D. Furthermore, within the framework of this embodiment and according to the invention, the connection between the electric component carrier 6 and the lock housing 5 is achieved without an electrical connection, that is, there is only a mechanical connection between the electric component carrier 6 and the lock housing 5, and more precisely, no additional electrical connection is established or required in this case.

[0031] For this purpose, in addition to the locking lug 6a, the electrical component carrier 6 is also equipped with a swing stop 6b. The swing stop 6b is used to engage in a corresponding swing notch 5b on the lock housing 5, such as in particular when the lock is locked. Figure 2 A to Figure 2 Here, the overall design is such that the locking lug 6a and the swing stop 6b on the electrical component carrier 6 are substantially opposite to each other, for example, Figure 2 A. It is also obtained that the locking lug 6a and the swing stop 6b are arranged on the fixing flange 6d of the electric component carrier 6. The fixing flange 6d additionally carries the centering lug 6c. In addition, the fixing flange together with the locking lug 6a, the swing stop 6b and the centering lug 6c are formed on the electric component carrier 6.

[0032] Here, the centering lug 6c is not only arranged on the fixing flange 6d of the electric component carrier 6, but also arranged between the locking lug 6a and the swing stop 6b. In this way, when the electric component carrier 6 is assembled on the lock housing 5, the centering lug 6c can be engaged in the centering notch 5c of the lock housing 5.

[0033] Therefore, according to Figure 2 As can be seen from the assembled state in D, here, the locking lug 6a on the electric component carrier 6 engages in the locking notch 5a of the lock housing 5. Similarly, the centering lug 6c of the electric component carrier 6 engages with the relevant centering notch 5c of the lock housing 5. Finally, this combination is achieved by arranging the electric component carrier 6 with its swing stop 6b in the relevant swing notch 5b in the process, and in this way, a swinging movement or arc movement with the swing stop 6b as the center can be achieved, such as in the case of Figure 2 C to Figure 2 As can be understood in the transition of D.

[0034] The lock housing or lock box 5 is made of metal, especially high-strength steel, which is usually also applicable to the lock tongue 3, the lock claw 4 and the ejector rod AH, but the electrical component carrier 6 is usually made of plastic. It is usually a plastic injection molded part. In the plastic injection molding process, the lead frame that is located inside the electrical component carrier 6 and is not obviously visible is coated with plastic and is therefore electrically insulated and protected from environmental influences. The electrical / electronic components 7 can also contact the lead frame. Here, the lead frame as a whole also transitions into the connection socket 10, so that the desired electrical connection with the plug 9 and finally with the control unit 8 can be achieved in the installed state.

[0035] Based on this Figure 2 From A to 2D, it can be understood that the installation process or manufacturing process when the mechanical module 1 is combined with the electrical module 2. Figure 2 A begins, for which purpose the pivot stop 6b of the electrical component carrier 6 is first inserted into the associated elongated pivot recess 5b in the lock housing 5. This can be done from Figure 2 A to Figure 2 B's transition and finally Figure 2 As can be seen from C, Figure 2 C shows the final state during the insertion process of the pivot stop 6b into the pivot notch 5b.

[0036] Once the swing stop 6b is located at the bottom of the swing notch 5b of the lock housing 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 C, the swing stop 6b can be used as the center of the swing motion of the electrical component carrier relative to the lock housing 5. Figure 2 The arrow in C indicates that according to the embodiment, in this swinging motion, the electric component carrier 6 swings about 45° clockwise along a circular arc about the center of the circle or the swing stop 6b. In this process, the centering lug 6c on the electric component carrier 6 gradually sinks into the centering notch 5c extending approximately horizontally of the lock housing 5, thereby centering and aligning the electric component carrier 6 relative to the lock housing 5.

[0037] At the end of this swinging motion, Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the locking lug 6a on the electric component carrier 6 can engage in the locking notch 5a in the lock housing 5. At this time, the electric component carrier 6 is aligned relative to the lock housing 5 and assembled into a motor vehicle hatch lock according to this embodiment. In order to electrically connect the component 7 to the control unit 8, it is only necessary to insert the plug 9 into the connection socket 10.

[0038] List of reference numerals:

[0039] Mechanical module 1

[0040] Electrical module 2

[0041] Lock tongue 3

[0042] Locking device 3, 4

[0043] Lock claw 4

[0044] Lock Box 5

[0045] Lock housing 5

[0046] Locking connection 5a, 6a

[0047] Locking notch 5a

[0048] Swing Gap 5b

[0049] Electrical component carrier 6

[0050] Locking lug 6a

[0051] Swing stopper 6b

[0052] Centering lug 6c

[0053] Fixed flange 6d

[0054] Lug 6c

[0055] Components 7

[0056] Switch 7

[0057] Control unit 8

[0058] Ejector rod AH

[0059] Plug 9

[0060] Connecting socket 10

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock assembly, in particular a motor vehicle hatch lock assembly, the motor vehicle lock assembly comprising a mechanical module (1) and an electrical module (2), the mechanical module (1) having at least one locking device (3, 4) and a lock housing (5), the electrical module (2) being equipped with at least one electrical component carrier (6) and at least one electrical / electronic component (7) arranged on or at the electrical component carrier, the electrical module (2) being able to be fixed on the lock housing (5) of the mechanical module (1), It is characterized in that The locking lug (6a) of the electrical component carrier (6) of the electrical module (2) engages in a corresponding locking recess (5a) of the lock housing (5) of the mechanical module (2) in a detachable and electrically non-connected manner during a pivoting movement, or vice versa.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that In addition to the locking lug (6a), the electrical component carrier (6) is also provided with a pivot stop (6b) for engaging in a pivot notch (5b) on the lock housing (5).

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking lug (6a) and the pivot stop (6b) on the electrical component carrier (6) are substantially opposite to each other.

4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The locking lug (6a) and the pivot stop (6b) are arranged on a fixing flange (6d) of the electrical component carrier (6).

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The electrical component carrier (6) additionally has a centering lug (6c).

6. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that The centering lug (6c) is arranged on the fastening flange (6d) between the locking lug (6a) and the pivot stop (6b).

7. The assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that In the assembled state of the electrical component carrier (6), the centering lug (6c) engages in the centering recess (5c) of the lock housing (5).

8. A method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lock assembly, preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in particular a motor vehicle hatch lock assembly, wherein the motor vehicle lock assembly has a mechanical module (1) and an electrical module (2), the mechanical module (1) having at least one locking device (3, 4) and a lock housing (5), the electrical module (2) being equipped with at least one electrical component carrier (6) and at least one electrical / electronic component (7) arranged on or at the electrical component carrier, and then the electrical module (1) is fixed to the lock housing (5) of the mechanical module (1), It is characterized in that The locking lug (6a) of the electrical component carrier (6) of the electrical module (2) engages in a corresponding locking recess (5a) of the lock housing (5) of the mechanical module (2) in a detachable and electrically non-connected manner during a pivoting movement, or vice versa.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The swinging motion of the electric component carrier (6) is a circular arc motion with the swinging stopper (6b) of the electric component carrier (6) as the center.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The electric component carrier (6) is additionally centered during its pivoting movement by the centering lugs (6c) of the electric component carrier (6) dipping into the centering recesses (5c) on the lock housing (5).

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