Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a lock box (1) and a lock cover (4, 5) as main components of a lock housing (1, 4, 5). The lock box (1) and the lock cover (4, 5) can be connected to each other, and furthermore, the lock box (1) is equipped with a raised edge (1a) at least on a part of the periphery. According to the invention, when mounted on the lock box (1), the lock cover (4, 5) overlaps the raised edge (1a) by means of the depending flange (4a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which has a lock box and a lock cover as main components of a lock housing, the lock box and the lock cover can be connected to each other, and the lock box is equipped with a raised edge at least on a part of the periphery. Background Art

[0002] The lock box is usually designed in metal and is advantageously made of steel or high-strength steel. This is necessary because the locking mechanism consisting of the locking fork / bolt and the locking claw is typically mounted in or on the lock box and must absorb tearing forces acting on it, especially in the event of a collision. In contrast, the lock cover is usually a plastic injection-molded part. The lock cover can be designed in one or more parts. For the connection between the lock box and the lock cover, typical hook-claw connections, plug-in connections, screw connections, etc. can be used.

[0003] Such motor vehicle locks, in particular motor vehicle door locks, are already described in the prior art according to US 2018 / 0245379 A1 and US 2017 / 0245378 A1. In this case, it is particularly important to design the electrical components or electrical modules to be especially waterproof and media-tight. For this purpose, the circuit board is accommodated in a liquid-tight open housing. With the aid of the circuit board or so-called electrical component carrier, the individual electrical / electronic components can be contacted and placed.

[0004] The liquid- and media-tight design of the lock housing in a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, is particularly important if the motor vehicle in question is to be moved, for example, in a dusty or particularly humid environment. This requirement for a particularly tight design is even more pronounced if the motor vehicle in question is designed to be able to wade through water or even float. In this case, it can be expected that the relevant motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, will even be immersed in water or will be located in an area below the waterline. Therefore, solutions are sought in this regard that enable perfect watertightness or reliable ventilation and water removal. So far, no convincing and comprehensive solutions have been found.

[0005] This is because in the prior art already mentioned, the electrical modules or electrical assemblies are mainly equipped with appropriate sealing measures. However, in this case, water can continue to penetrate the lock box. In principle, this is also possible for known electrical modules. The present invention generally seeks to remedy this. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, in such a way that the tightness is improved and at the same time a perfect drainage possibility is provided and available if water has already entered.

[0007] To solve this technical problem, in a common motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, the present invention proposes that when mounted on a lock box, the lock cover engages on a raised edge of the lock box through a depending flange.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, the lock box is therefore initially provided with a raised edge at least over a portion of the periphery. In this way, two advantages are achieved in total. Firstly, the edge on the lock box, which is raised at least over a portion of the periphery, ensures that the lock box is strengthened as a whole and that distortions of the lock box due to forces acting on the lock box are reduced. It can be said that the function of the lock box remains unchanged as before, and it (still) serves as a support plate for mounting a locking mechanism therein or thereon, which locking mechanism essentially consists of a locking fork and a locking pawl.

[0009] In addition to this mechanical reinforcement, the raised edge according to the invention also ensures an improved seal between the lock case and the lock cover, since by means of the raised edge in combination with the overhanging flange a surge protection is provided, preventing water striking the lock housing or lock case from penetrating into the interior of said lock housing or lock case.

[0010] In order to further improve the sealing effect in this area, i.e. between the lock box and the lock cover, a seal is advantageously also provided, which closes the grooved channel between the overhanging flange and the raised edge. That is to say, the raised edge and the overhanging flange as a whole and together primarily serve as surge protection, which is particularly important if, for example, the motor vehicle in question is to be driven in water or wading. In any case, the two measures taken together, i.e., the raised edge on the lock box on the one hand and the overhanging flange on the lock cover engaging the edge on the other hand, ensure that water cannot penetrate into the connection area between the lock box and the lock cover or can only penetrate into the connection area between the lock box and the lock cover to a limited extent. In this regard, a grooved channel is provided between the overhanging flange and the edge. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the grooved channel is closed with a seal.

[0011] The seal can be designed with an F-shaped cross section on the edge side. This enables the seal with an F-shaped cross section on the edge side to engage with its two legs in the F shape around the fastening web on the locking cover. As a result, the seal in question can be easily fixed to the locking cover with its two legs in the F shape, i.e. the two legs in the F shape surround the fastening web accommodated in the middle between them. In contrast, the web in the F shape of the seal with an F-shaped cross section on the edge side ensures that the groove-like channel in question is closed.

[0012] This completely seals the area between the lock box and the lock cover. However, it must be taken into account that, for example, liquids or dust can still penetrate through the lock box and the inlet formed there. In order to also form a barrier at this point and limit the ingress of water to a minimum, the invention also provides that the seal that closes the edge area between the lock box and the lock cover is generally designed as a surface seal. With the help of the surface seal, the locking mechanism installed in the lock box can be largely sealed towards the lock cover.

[0013] Apart from any openings, through which, for example, the extension on the locking claw is accessible, the seal is designed to be primarily continuous and closed. For example, the locking mechanism can be opened electrically via the extension, so that the extension passes through and must pass through the surface seal. However, this approach makes it possible to seal the lock case and the locking mechanism primarily. This also applies to the area of ​​the inlet mouth, which is covered and sealed using the surface seal. As a result, moisture can ultimately only penetrate into the lock cover through the unavoidable opening for the extension on the locking claw. Since the drainage hole is usually arranged at this point in the surface seal or in its edge area, any water that has penetrated can also easily leave the lock housing again, for example after wading.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the design is such that the seal or surface seal, the lock box and the locking mechanism together define a mechanical module. The mechanical module can be combined with an electrical module associated with the lock cover to form a lock housing enclosing the two modules. That is, the mechanical module and the electrical module are both self-supporting, separate components that function in principle by themselves and can be connected to each other in the manner of a plug-in construction kit. The mechanical module includes the lock box, while the electrical module is equipped with the lock cover. Once the mechanical module and the electrical module are connected to each other, for example by a plug-in or claw connection, this claw or plug-in connection is observed in the same way between the lock box on the one hand and the lock cover on the other hand.

[0015] The electrical module typically has an electrical component carrier and at least one drive unit. In the context of the present invention, the electrical component carrier is usually a circuit board made of plastic, on or in which conductor tracks are introduced. Typically, the electrical component carrier is defined and produced by overmolding a stamped grid made of metal as the associated conductor tracks.

[0016] For its part, the drive unit can now be fixed to the electrical component carrier. In addition, the invention provides that the drive unit is covered with a drive housing. For its part, the drive unit can be equipped in particular with an electric motor, an optional downstream gear mechanism, a driven wheel and an optional actuating cam. The electrical component carrier and the drive housing are connected to each other in a sealed manner via at least one circumferential plug-in channel. In principle, two mutually parallel plug-in channels can also be realized at this point. In addition, it is also within the scope of the invention to equip the plug-in channel with a drainage hole. This allows moisture or water that has penetrated into the interior of the lock cover to leave the lock housing through the drainage hole.

[0017] As already explained, the drive unit has an electric motor, an optional downstream gear mechanism, a driven wheel and an actuating cam. In order to be able to act on the actuating cam, which is usually arranged outside the drive housing, the shaft of the drive unit is usually guided to the outside through a sealed rotation passage in the drive housing. In this way, the actuating cam can, for example, act directly or indirectly on an extension on the pawl, which penetrates the surface seal and in this way lifts the pawl out of its locking engagement with the locking fork. This corresponds to an electric opening of the locking mechanism installed in the lock box.

[0018] In order to achieve a particularly sealed rotation passage between the shaft and the drive housing, according to the invention, the sealed rotation passage is provided with an annular seal having a cross-section that is X. The X-shaped annular seal may be an O-ring seal.

[0019] Finally, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the drive housing and / or the electrical component carrier is equipped with at least one drainage opening. Any water that has penetrated into the interior can escape again from the interior of the drive housing through the drainage opening. Furthermore, the process is generally such that a collector for water in the interior of the drive housing and a possible air buffer in the interior are also optionally implemented. The air buffer in the interior of the drive housing ensures that, for example, when the associated motor vehicle is wading and the motor vehicle is locked below the water line, no water can penetrate the drive housing through the drainage opening, because the air buffer accommodated in the interior prevents water from penetrating in this regard.

[0020] Thus, a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, is provided and realized, which is equipped with special measures to provide comprehensive tightness, in particular water tightness, and of course also dust tightness or protection against other adverse environmental influences. This can be traced back to the implementation of an edge on the lock box on the one hand, which extends around at least a part of the periphery, and the implementation of a depending flange overlapping the edge on the other hand. This already provides effective surge protection against any penetrating water. The additional implementation of a seal in the relevant grooved channel, which is designed with an F-shaped cross section on the edge side, also allows the seal to be installed quickly and easily, and the seal ensures that no water can penetrate into the interior of the lock housing through the grooved channel in question.

[0021] Furthermore, the electrical component carrier or at least one drive unit arranged thereon additionally and supplementarily has a separate drive housing, the drive housing and the electrical component carrier being connected to one another in a sealed manner via a peripheral plug-in channel. This means that an additional seal is formed at this point, which prevents any gears or driven wheels that are part of the drive unit from being damaged by penetrating water. However, with the help of the drive unit, the rotary movement can be transmitted to the outside of the drive housing, because a sealed rotary passage is achieved at this point. For its part, the rotary passage is equipped with a special annular seal with an X-shaped cross section, which provides the necessary sealing of the rotary passage and thereby the sealing of the shaft relative to the outside of the drive housing. Substantial advantages can be seen here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is an overall view of a motor vehicle lock according to the present invention, which is in the form of a motor vehicle door lock, in a state in which a lock box and a lock cover as components of a lock housing are assembled.

[0024] Figure 2 is a detailed view of the lock box.

[0025] Figure 3 is a view of the electrical module with the electrical component carrier and the drive housing removed,

[0026] Figure 4 shows a lock box with a face seal placed thereon,

[0027] Figure 5 It is available with Figure 3 Comparative view with the drive housing installed, and

[0028] Figure 6 Schematically shows the Figure 3 and Figure 5A cross section of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The drawings show a motor vehicle lock, which according to an exemplary embodiment is a motor vehicle door lock. For this purpose, the motor vehicle door lock has a lock box 1, in which a lock which is only located at a position which is rotatably mounted. Figure 2 2 and 3. The locking mechanism 2, 3 consisting of a locking fork 2 and a locking claw 3 is shown in FIG. It can be seen that the lock box 1 is equipped with a raised edge 1a on a part of its periphery or a part of its periphery. In addition, the lock box 1 is equipped with an entry mouth 1b, through which a locking pin (not shown) can enter the lock box 1 and interact with the locking mechanism 2, 3.

[0030] In addition to the lock box 1, lock covers 4, 5 are also implemented, which, when together, are the main components of the lock housing 1; 4, 5. For this purpose, the lock box 1 and the lock cover 4, 5 can be connected to each other. This can be achieved by a claw connection, a plug-in connection, a threaded connection, etc.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the lock cover 4, 5 consists of a lock cover part 4 with a rectangular cross section and an electrical component carrier 5 that can be connected thereto, which will be explained in more detail below and later. The lock box 1 is combined with the lock cover part 4. The electrical component carrier 5 is then connected to the unit 4, 1. In principle, the electrical component carrier 5 and the lock cover part 4 can also be connected to each other first, and then the lock box 1 is combined with the lock cover 4, 5 implemented and assembled in this way.

[0032] Figures 1 to 3 The comparison clearly shows that, when mounted on the lock box 1, the lock cover 4, 5 overlaps the raised edge 1a on the lock box 1 with the overhanging flange 4a. In this way, when a motor vehicle equipped with the relevant motor vehicle lock or motor vehicle door lock fords through a river or lake, the overhanging flange 4a on the one hand and the edge 1a on the other hand act alone or together as splash protection. This is also in Figure 1 The cable or Bowden cable 6 which can be seen in the figure and which is inserted into the lock housing 1 ; 4 , 5 is equipped with a sealing sleeve in order to seal the insertion area of ​​the Bowden cable 6 relative to the lock housing 1 ; 4 , 5 .

[0033] Figure 3 A seal 7 is shown which closes the groove-like passage between the depending flange 4a on the one hand and the raised edge 1a on the other hand. For this purpose, the seal 7 has an F-shaped cross section on the edge side. In this way, the seal 7 can engage with its two legs 7a in the F-shape on the edge side around the fastening web 4b on the locking cover 4, 5 or the fastening web 4b on the locking cover part 4 between the two legs 7a in the F-shape. The additionally provided web 7b in the F-shape of the seal 7 in question now ensures overall that the groove-like passage is closed.

[0034] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The comparison clearly shows that the seal 7 in question is generally designed as a surface seal and that the locking mechanism 2, 3 installed in the lock box 1 largely seals the lock covers 4, 5. In fact, the seal 7 or surface seal in question even ensures that the inlet mouth 1b in the lock box 1 is sealed relative to the lock covers 4, 5.

[0035] The seal 7 or surface seal in question largely ensures the sealing of the locking mechanism 2, 3 and thus the lock box 1 relative to the lock cover 4, 5. That is, at this point, Figure 4 As can be seen in the figure, at least one opening is still provided in the seal 7, through which the extension 3a on the pawl 3 and optionally another extension on the fork 2 passes. For example, the position of the fork 2 can be viewed / obtained via the extension on the fork 2. Conversely, in the closed state of the locking mechanism 2, 3, the pawl 3 can be lifted out of its locking engagement via the extension 3a on the pawl 3. This is ensured by the electric drive units 8, 9, 10, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0036] Figure 4 The illustration in clearly shows that the aforementioned seal 7, the lock box 1 and the locking mechanism 2, 3 installed in the lock box 1 together define the mechanical module 1, 2, 3, 7. The mechanical module 1, 2, 3, 7 can be combined with the electrical module 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 associated with the lock cover 4, 5 to form a lock housing 1; 4, 5, which surrounds the two modules 1, 2, 3, 7; 4, 5, 8, 9, 10. This means that the lock box 1 is associated with the mechanical module 1, 2, 3, 7. The electrical module 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 includes the lock cover 4, 5 and the electric drive unit 8, 9, 10. Once the mechanical module 1, 2, 3, 7 and the electrical module 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 are connected and combined with each other, the lock box 1 and the lock cover 4, 5 together also define and describe the lock housing 1, 4, 5 that encloses the two modules 1, 2, 3, 7; 4, 5, 8, 9, 10.

[0037] The electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 are equipped with the electrical component carrier 5 already described above. In addition, at least one drive unit 8, 9, 10 is implemented. For its part, the drive unit 8, 9, 10 consists of an electric motor 8, a driven wheel 9 rotatable by the electric motor 8 and an actuating cam 10.

[0038] The drive units 8, 9, 10 are integrally fixed to the electrical component carrier 5. In addition, a drive housing 11 is implemented, by means of which the drive units 8, 9, 10 are covered. That is, the drive units 8, 9, 10 are accommodated between the electrical component carrier 5 and the drive housing 11, which can be seen from Figure 6. This also means that the electrical component carrier 5 and the drive housing 11 are connected to each other in a sealed manner via at least one circumferential plug-in channel 5a, 11a. In this embodiment, the plug-in channel 5a, 11a consists of two plug pins 5a on the electrical component carrier 5 and associated sockets 11a or two such sockets 11a on the edge of the drive housing 11. In this way, the drive unit 8, 9, 10 is subjected to additional sealing because the drive unit 8, 9, 10 is accommodated in a sealed manner between the electrical component carrier 5 and the drive housing 11 or by these two housing parts.

[0039] from Figure 6 It can also be seen in the cross-sectional view of that the electrical component carrier 5 itself is connected to the lock cover 4, 5 at the edge side by means of two edge webs 5b and an additional fastening web 4b on the lock cover 4, 5 or the lock cover part 4. In this case, plug-in channels 5b, 4b are also realized. The plug-in channels 5a, 11a and 5b, 4b shown can be equipped with associated drainage openings, which are not shown in detail, as required, so that any water that penetrates into the interior of the lock housing 1, 4, 5 can be drained to the outside.

[0040] The drive units 8, 9, 10 are designed such that at least one shaft of the drive units 8, 9, 10 extends through a sealed rotary passage 12 in the drive housing 11 to the outside of the drive housing 11. Figure 6 As shown, the rotary passage 12 is equipped with an annular seal 12 with an X-shaped cross section. The annular seal 12 can be an O-ring seal. In any case, the seal or annular seal 12 in question generally ensures that the shaft emanating from the driven wheel 9 of the electric drive unit 8, 9, 10 is sealed relative to the drive device housing 11. As a result, the actuating cam 10 arranged on the output side of the drive unit 8, 9, 10 can be placed outside the drive device housing 11 and act on the extension 3a on the pawl 3 so that the pawl 3 is lifted from its engagement with the lock fork 2. In this case, the drive unit 8, 9, 10 is therefore used as an electric opening drive. Of course, this is only an example. In any case, the X-shaped annular seal 12 ensures low-friction operation in particular.

[0041] Finally, based on Figure 3, it becomes clear that the drive housing 11 removed there and / or the visible electrical component carrier 5 are equipped with at least one additional discharge opening 13. This of course also applies to the lock housing 1, 4, 5 as a whole. Any water that has penetrated into the interior of the drive housing 11 can be discharged back to the outside through the discharge opening 13. In addition, the area of ​​the discharge opening 13 can be designed as a water collector or optionally also as an air buffer. That is, the amount of air trapped in the interior of the drive housing 11 and between the drive housing 11 and the electrical component carrier 5 or in the area of ​​the discharge opening 13 can ensure that, for example, when a motor vehicle equipped with the relevant motor vehicle door lock is wading, due to the air buffer, no water can penetrate into the interior of the drive housing 11 through the discharge opening 13, although the water vapor contained in the drive housing can be discharged to the outside. Substantial advantages can be seen here.

[0042] Reference numerals list

[0043] Mechanical modules 1, 2, 3, 7

[0044] Lock housing 1, 4, 5

[0045] Lock Box 1

[0046] Edge 1a

[0047] Inlet mouth 1b

[0048] Locking mechanism 2, 3

[0049] Lock fork / lock tongue 2

[0050] Lock claw 3

[0051] Extension 3a

[0052] Lock cover 4, 5

[0053] Electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10

[0054] Lock cover part 4

[0055] Overhang flange 4a

[0056] Fasten the web 4b

[0057] Plug-in channels 4b, 5b

[0058] Electrical component carrier 5

[0059] Connector pin 5a

[0060] Web 5b

[0061] Bowden cable 6

[0062] Seal 7

[0063] Leg 7a in F shape

[0064] Web 7b in F shape

[0065] Electric drive unit 8, 9, 10

[0066] Electric motor 8

[0067] Driven pulley 9

[0068] Actuating cam 10

[0069] Drive device housing 11

[0070] Plug-in channels 5a, 11a

[0071] Rotating channel 12

[0072] Discharge opening 13

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a lock box (1) and a lock cover (4, 5) as main components of a lock housing (1; 4, 5), the lock box (1) and the lock cover (4, 5) being connectable to each other, and the lock box (1) being provided with a raised edge (1a) at least on a part of the periphery, It is characterized in that When mounted on the lock box (1), the lock cover (4, 5) overlaps the raised edge (1a) via the depending flange (4a).

2. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: A seal (7) is provided which closes the grooved passage between the depending flange (4a) and the raised edge (1a).

3. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The seal (7) has an F-shaped cross section on the edge side, and surrounds the fastening web (4b) on the lock cover (4, 5) with its two legs (7a) in the F shape, and closes the grooved channel with its web (7b) in the F shape.

4. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The seal (7) is designed as a surface seal, and the locking mechanism (2, 3) installed in the lock box (1) is largely sealed toward the lock cover (4, 5).

5. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that: The seal (7), the lock box (1) and the locking mechanism (2, 3) define a mechanical module (1, 2, 3, 7) which is combined with an electrical module (4, 5, 8, 9, 10) associated with a lock cover (4, 5) to form a lock housing (1, 4, 5) which encloses these modules (1, 2, 3, 7; 4, 5, 8, 9, 10).

6. The motor vehicle door lock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electrical module (4, 5, 8, 9, 10) has an electrical component carrier (5) and at least one drive unit (8, 9, 10).

7. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drive unit (8, 9, 10) is fixed to the electrical component carrier (5) and is additionally covered with a drive housing (11), the electrical component carrier (5) and the drive housing (11) being connected to each other in a sealed manner via at least one circumferential plug-in channel (5a, 11a).

8. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least one shaft of a drive unit (8, 9, 10) is guided to the outside through a sealed rotary passage (12) in a drive housing (11).

9. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sealed rotating passage (12) is equipped with an annular seal (12) having an X-shaped cross section.

10. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The drive housing (11) and / or the electrical component carrier (5) are equipped with at least one drain opening (13) and an optional water collector and an optional air buffer.

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