Lock for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (1), in particular a rear hatch lock, for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism (2) having a bolt (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), namely a main locking pawl (5) and a pre-locking pawl (4), in which the bolt (3) can be locked, a pre-locking portion (17) of the locking mechanism (2) is formed by a bending region of a metal base body (18) of the bolt (3), the bending region (17) being engageable with a closing pawl of the closing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism having a lock tongue and at least one lock claw, namely a main locking lock claw and a pre-locking lock claw, wherein the lock tongue can be locked in a pre-locking position and a main locking position, and the pre-locking portion of the locking mechanism is formed by a bent area / an area with a knurled portion of a metal base of the lock tongue. Background Art

[0002] Locks or locking devices for motor vehicles are used when pivotable or movable components on a motor vehicle must be fixed in position. To fix the component position, the locking device acts together with a lock catch, wherein the locking mechanism of the closing device is moved into the locked position by a relative movement of the closing device relative to the lock catch. Fields of application of these locks include hatches, doors and sliding doors, but also, for example, backrest locks for rear seats in the interior of a motor vehicle. The invention preferably relates to a lock for a rear hatch of a motor vehicle.

[0003] In order to increase the convenience of the locking device mentioned, the locking system is designed as an electrically operable locking system. In electrically operable locking systems, an electric motor is used, which enables the locking mechanism to be unlocked and the lock to be opened electrically. For example, in conjunction with an electrically operated tailgate, the operator can open the tailgate, for example remotely, without having to operate the vehicle manually. In addition to the use of an electrically unlocked locking mechanism, so-called closing devices are also used. The closing devices enable the tailgate and the side doors, which have been opened, to be transferred to their final locked position in an electrically assisted manner.

[0004] In order to be able to provide such an automatic closing process, the lock must be able to be transferred to its final locked position. The lock according to the invention has a locking mechanism with a locking tongue and at least one locking pawl. The locking tongue is pivotably held on a metal locking plate and can interact with a lock catch or a lock catch holder mounted on the motor vehicle via an access area. When the lock or the hatch or door is closed, the locking tongue is transferred from the open position to the first locked position by a relative movement of the lock catch, which is usually fixedly mounted on the motor vehicle.

[0005] In a first locked position, referred to as the pre-locking position, the pawl engages in the bolt so that the movement of the bolt is locked. If the pawl does not move, the bolt cannot be opened again. In order to transfer the bolt from this pre-locking position to the main locking position, a closing auxiliary device is used. These closing devices act together with the locking mechanism so that the bolt is transferred from the locked pre-locking position to the main locking position. In other words, the bolt is further moved into its locked position in an electrically assisted manner. The closing device moves the bolt to the main locking position, in which another pawl or the same pawl again engages with the bolt and locks the bolt in its main locking position. The bolt is then in its final position and the door or hatch is in its final locked position.

[0006] In order to be able to reach the main locking position reliably, the closing device is used to move the locking tongue into an overtravel position. The overtravel position here means that the movement of the locking tongue towards the locked position is greater than is required for the main latching pawl to fall in. By moving the locking tongue into the overtravel position, it is possible to ensure that the main latching pawl is reliably locked or latched in the locking tongue. This is particularly necessary because it must be ensured that the locking mechanism is reliably locked in the main locking position even when the door or hatch is closed with electrical assistance.

[0007] As mentioned above, in order to achieve the pre-locking position and the main locking position, the pawl must interact with the lock tongue. Here, only one pawl may interact with the lock tongue, or two or more pawls may be used, which interact with the lock tongue, for example, at different levels. It is also known that, for example, in the main locking position of the locking mechanism, there is an opening torque in the locking mechanism, which is the force for pushing the pawl out of the locked position. In order to prevent the locking mechanism from unlocking itself in this case, a locking rod or a locking rod is used to additionally fix the pawl in the locked position.

[0008] For example, DE 10 2007 003 948 A1 discloses a locking mechanism with a pre-locking pawl and a separate main locking pawl, which interact with the pawl in parallel planes and at a distance from each other. The locking mechanism also has an opening torque in the main locking position, wherein the main locking pawl is fixed in its main locking position by a locking rod or a blocking rod. If the main locking pawl engages in the lock tongue in the side of the metal base of the lock tongue, the pre-locking pawl acts on a pin on the lock tongue to achieve the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism.

[0009] The prior art also includes DE 10 2012 207 443 A1. This document discloses a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock, which has a locking mechanism with a lock tongue and a lock claw, and the lock tongue can be locked in a pre-locking position and a main locking position, wherein the pre-locking portion of the locking mechanism is formed by a bent area of ​​the metal substrate of the lock tongue. Through this bent portion on the metal substrate, the pre-locking portion can be realized by the metal substrate of the lock tongue itself. The advantage of providing the pre-locking portion on the lock tongue by the metal substrate itself is that no additional pin is required, and no pin needs to be installed on the lock tongue.

[0010] The locking systems or locks known from the prior art have been proven to be effective. Based on the prior art, the developers of locking systems and the automotive industry itself have been pursuing the provision of improved locking systems. The existing space requirements in the vehicle, the weight of the locking system and the noise characteristics play a decisive role in this. As mentioned above, electromagnets and closing assistance devices are used to increase the operating comfort for the vehicle user. The additional functions require a more complex locking system structure, which in turn increases the number of components, which in turn causes costs and affects the weight of the locking system. The present invention is based on the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle lock. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a compact locking system which has a high functionality and a minimum number of components.

[0012] The solution to this problem is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the embodiments described below are not restrictive, but rather any feasible variants of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible.

[0013] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a lock for a motor vehicle, which lock comprises a locking mechanism with a locking tongue and at least one locking pawl, namely a main locking pawl and a pre-locking pawl, wherein the locking tongue can be locked in the pre-locking position and the main locking position, and the pre-locking part of the locking mechanism is formed by a bent area of ​​the metal base body of the locking tongue, which can engage with the closing pawl of the closing device. The structure of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a compact structure of the motor vehicle lock, wherein a high functionality can be achieved with a small number of components. In particular, by using the bent area of ​​the metal base body of the locking tongue as the pre-locking part and at the same time as the structure of the closing device for realizing the locking mechanism, it is not necessary to use other components, moldings and / or structural devices for introducing forces to pull the locking mechanism closed.

[0014] The closing device thus interacts directly with the locking tongue, in particular with an engagement surface on the locking tongue, which also serves to achieve a pre-locking position in the motor vehicle lock. The curved region on the locking tongue thus assumes a dual function. On the one hand, the curved region can be used to achieve a first latching position when closing the locking mechanism, while at the same time the closing claw can act on the curved region to achieve complete closure and reach the main locking position of the locking mechanism. Thus, a high functionality can be provided in a motor vehicle lock with a minimum of structural means.

[0015] The lock according to the invention can be a lock for a rear hatch, a side door, a hatch or a lid, and also a lock for a seat backrest of a rear seat of a vehicle, for example. However, the invention preferably relates to a lock for a rear hatch of a motor vehicle. Special requirements are placed on the rear hatch lock, since, in contrast to sliding door locks, the latter are subject to varying loads. For example, it can happen that the rear hatch is subject to snow loads, so that when opening, in particular when opening electrically, it must be ensured that the lock remains in the fully open position until the loaded hatch is closed again. Thus, in the case of a rear hatch subject to snow loads, it can happen that the locking mechanism is opened electrically, but the lock catch, which is engaged with the locking tongue, does not cause a relative movement in the locking mechanism, since the rear hatch remains in its original position due to the high loads. In this case, one or more locking pawls must be kept out of engagement with the locking tongue. Keeping the locking pawls out of engagement when the locking mechanism is unlocked is also referred to as the snow load function.

[0016] For the structure of the locking mechanism, please refer to the description at the beginning. The locking tongue has a metal base body, which is mounted in a swingable manner in the motor vehicle lock via an axis made of the same metal. The swing axis of the locking tongue and one or more locking claws are also held in a metal lock box. This metal basic structure of the motor vehicle lock ensures that the swingable or displaceable components can be reliably held on the motor vehicle even in extreme situations such as accidents. In the pre-locking position and the main locking position, the metal areas of the locking claw and the locking tongue are in contact with each other to achieve a reliable locking of the locking mechanism, in particular a positionally accurate locking.

[0017] According to the invention, the curved region is arranged on the metal base of the lock tongue, which is preferably at an angle of 90° to the base surface of the lock tongue and exceeds the flat extension area of ​​the lock tongue. Therefore, the curved region forms an integral component with the lock tongue and engages with the pre-locking pawl.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, each pawl is assigned a separate switching device. In order to be able to reliably evaluate the pawls of the locking mechanism, two switching devices, in particular microswitches, are provided in the motor vehicle lock, which can each detect the position of the pawl. This is an advantage, in particular for electrical operation of the motor vehicle lock, because the opening and closing of the lock and the position of the pawl can be reliably detected.

[0019] In an advantageous improvement of the present invention, the pre-locking pawl can move independently of the main locking pawl. The independent movement of the pre-locking pawl can ensure that the pre-locking position is reached reliably on the one hand, and can realize other functions with the help of the pre-locking pawl on the other hand.

[0020] Reliable reaching of the pre-locking position is also advantageous because, if the main locking position is not reached, for example if an object enters the opening region of the tailgate, the pre-locking pawl can ensure that the tailgate is held even during driving operation.

[0021] A further advantageous solution for achieving the independence of the movement of the pre-locking pawl is that the main locking pawl can be moved by means of the movement of the pre-locking pawl, in particular in a movement in the unlocking direction of the locking mechanism. The pre-locking pawl has an additional function here, namely to move the main locking pawl away from the engagement area of ​​the bolt. The pre-locking pawl thus serves not only as a means for locking the movement of the bolt, but also for keeping the main locking pawl out of engagement with the bolt. This is particularly advantageous when, for example, the above-mentioned snow loads act on the motor vehicle. Thus, even in extreme cases, the forced driving of the main locking pawl by the pre-locking pawl ensures that the locking mechanism is reliably unlocked.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention proposes that when moving in the locking direction toward the locking mechanism, the pre-locking pawl can move independently of the main locking pawl. Thus, on the one hand, it is ensured that the main locking pawl abuts against the preferably spring-loaded bolt, and the pre-locking pawl can move over the main locking pawl and can fall into the pre-locking portion. Therefore, the main locking pawl slides along the bolt moving in the closing direction and abuts against the outer contour of the bolt in a spring-loaded manner. The pre-locking pawl can also be abutted against the pre-locking portion of the bolt in a spring-loaded manner, and can fall into the pre-locking portion when the bolt is in a suitable position. If the bolt moves further in the closing direction, the extension on the pawl ensures that the pre-locking pawl moves further into the engagement area with the bolt. If the bolt now reaches its main locking position during this closing movement, the main locking pawl can fall into the main locking portion of the bolt, while the pre-locking pawl slides along the pre-locking portion and abuts against the pre-locking portion with the extension. With the help of the driving portion on the pre-locking pawl, the locking mechanism can be unlocked and the lock can be opened.

[0023] Advantageously, both switch devices can be actuated when the locking mechanism is unlocked. For this purpose, both the pre-locking pawl and the main locking pawl have separate extensions, which can engage with the corresponding switch devices. The switch devices are arranged in the motor vehicle lock in such a way that the two switch devices, which are preferably designed as micro switches, are actuated in the open position of the locking mechanism. This has a number of advantages. On the one hand, the open state can be detected directly by the exact state of the pawl position. Another advantage is that the switch devices are only actuated in the open position of the locking mechanism. The time period in which the motor vehicle lock is open is significantly shorter than the time period in which the motor vehicle lock is in the locked position. This is simply because the moving or parked motor vehicle is preferably parked or operated when the doors and hatch are closed. As a result, the time period in which the switch devices are actuated is shorter and the load on the switch devices is reduced.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment is that in the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism, the switch device assigned to the pre-locking pawl is not actuated. The position or latching position of the locking mechanism can be clearly detected by the free swingability of the pre-locking pawl relative to the bolt and relative to the main locking pawl. If the main locking pawl is abutted against the bolt in a spring-preloaded manner in the pre-locking position and the switch device for the main locking pawl is actuated at the same time, the main locking pawl can be used to implement the switching signal. The pre-locking pawl releases the switch device in the pre-locking position. In other words, the extension of the pre-locking pawl no longer abuts against the switch device. The pre-locking position in the locking mechanism can be clearly detected by this circuit.

[0025] It is also advantageous that in the main locking position of the locking mechanism, both switch devices are not actuated. As already explained above, the switch position in which both switch devices are not actuated provides the advantage that the switch devices are subjected to very little load during their service life. In addition, the main locking position can be reliably determined, because the switch positions of the two switch devices can clearly infer that the main locking position has been reliably reached. In order to actuate the switch device, both the pre-locking pawl and the main locking pawl can have an extension that can engage with the switch device. The extension can be designed here so that the switch device is only released when the pre-locking position or the main locking position is reliably reached. For example, the wrong falling of the main locking pawl will not cause the switch device for the main locking pawl to be released. The main locking pawl that only partially falls in will not release the switch device, thereby avoiding the risk of misjudgment of closing. If the main locking pawl is only misjudged to be closed, the main locking part may be loosened during the operation of the motor vehicle. This is avoided by the extension arranged on the main locking pawl, in particular by the design scheme of the interaction of the extension with the switch device.

[0026] Advantageously, the pawl can be mounted on a common shaft. The pawl is a safety-related component that must meet requirements even under extreme loads. In other words, the pawl must keep the motor vehicle lock closed even in the event of an accident. For this purpose, the pawl is mounted in a pivotable manner on a metal shaft that is received in the lock plate. In addition, a reinforcement plate can be arranged between the pawl shaft and the bolt shaft, thereby achieving additional stability for the locking mechanism as a whole. The advantage of mounting the two pawls together on one shaft is that a compact design of the motor vehicle lock can be achieved.

[0027] It is also advantageous if the switch devices are arranged on different levels in the lock and are spaced apart from one another. The arrangement of the switch devices on different levels allows for a simple construction of the pawl, and the corresponding extensions for the interaction of the pawl and the switch devices are designed to be small. This in turn contributes to the compactness of the motor vehicle lock and enables the pawl to be designed in a structurally simple manner. The pawl itself only requires a radial extension of the extension in order to be able to engage with the switch device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below using examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, in principle, the examples do not limit the invention, but only represent advantageous embodiments of the invention. The features shown can be implemented alone or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0029] In the attached figure:

[0030] Figure 1 A motor vehicle lock designed according to the invention in the form of a tailgate lock is shown in the unlocked position,

[0031] Figure 2 Shown in the pre-locked position according to Figure 1 The motor vehicle lock according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 The motor vehicle lock according to the invention is shown in the main locking position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1The motor vehicle lock 1 is shown in an open position, i.e. unlocked position, in a top view of the locking mechanism 2. The locking mechanism has a locking tongue 3, a pre-locking pawl 4 and a main locking pawl 5. The locking mechanism components 3, 4, 5 are received in a lock box 8 in a pivotable manner via shafts 6, 7. The lock box 8 has an entry area 9, via which a lock catch (not shown) can interact with the locking tongue 3 in a known manner. The lock box 8 also has bent edges 10, 11, via which the motor vehicle lock 1 can be fastened to a motor vehicle or a body of a motor vehicle. In order to explain the invention, only the components of the motor vehicle lock 1 that are necessary for explaining the invention are shown. The pawls 4, 5 have extensions 12, 13, each of which can be engaged with a switch device 14, 15. The switch devices 14, 15 are Figure 1 In other words, the extension 12 of the pre-locking pawl 4 actuates the switch device 14, while the extension 13 of the main locking pawl 5 actuates the switch device 15. In this embodiment, both switch devices 14, 15 are designed as micro switches and are shown as being actuated.

[0034] Figure 1 The unlocked position of the locking mechanism 2 is shown, so that the bolt 3 can move in the direction of the arrow P, i.e. in the counterclockwise direction. The movement of the bolt 3 is achieved by a bolt spring (not shown) which loads the bolt 3 in the direction of the arrow P and by the sealing pressure exerted by the tailgate on the motor vehicle lock or striker. In the open position, the bolt can release the striker and the tailgate can be opened.

[0035] exist Figure 2 1 shows the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism 2. For example, after the motor vehicle lock 1 is opened and the tailgate is closed, for example, the lock catch 16 engages with the motor vehicle lock 1, in particular the lock tongue 3, in the direction of the arrow P1. This causes the lock tongue 3 to move in the direction of the arrow P2. The pre-locking pawl 4 and the main locking pawl 5 are spring-loaded against the lock tongue 3. When the pre-locking pawl 4 and the main locking pawl 5 are spring-loaded, the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism 2 is shown. After the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism 2 is reached, the lock catch 16 engages with the motor vehicle lock 1, in particular the lock tongue 3, in the direction of the arrow P1. Figure 2 In the pre-locking position shown, the pre-locking pawl 4 can fall into the pre-locking portion 17 of the lock tongue 3. The pre-locking portion 17 is formed integrally with the metal base of the lock tongue 3, and is implemented as a curved edge portion in this embodiment.

[0036] The metal base body 18 of the lock tongue 3 is mostly surrounded by a plastic jacket, for example, to guide the pawls and to achieve a low-noise interaction between the pawls 4, 5 and the lock tongue 3. A low-noise interaction with the catch 16 can also be achieved by the plastic jacket 19 on the lock tongue 3, where, for example, additional recesses may be provided on the lock pawl 3, in particular in the plastic jacket 19, in order to suppress noise in the interaction between the lock tongue 3 and the catch 16.

[0037] The pre-locking pawl 4 can move towards the bolt 3 under the preload of the spring independently of the main locking pawl 5. Therefore, when the bolt moves in the closing direction P2, for example under the action of the lock catch 16, the pre-locking pawl 4 can fall into the pre-locking portion 17 without hindrance.

[0038] Figure 3 The locked position of the motor vehicle lock 1 is shown, wherein the main locking position of the locking mechanism 2 is shown. The main locking pawl 5 has fallen into the main locking part 21 and is in contact with the main locking part 21. Figure 2 The main locking section can be better seen in the figure.

[0039] exist Figure 3 It can also be seen that the switch devices 14, 15 have been released by the extensions 12, 13. Therefore, the switch devices 14, 15 are in a non-loaded state. Here, the switch devices 14, 15 can be electrically contacted and held in the only schematically shown plastic housing 22 of the motor vehicle lock 1.

[0040] from Figure 3 Initially, the motor vehicle lock can be opened by moving the pre-locking pawl 4 about the axis 6 in the direction of the arrow P. The movement of the pre-locking pawl 4 causes the main locking pawl 5 to be carried along by the pre-locking pawl 4. This enables the locking mechanism 2 to be reliably unlocked, because the locking mechanism during the opening process or the lock tongue 3 during the opening process is prevented from being erroneously locked into the pre-locking portion 17. Therefore, the independent movement of the pre-locking pawl 4 enables the locking mechanism 2 to be reliably unlocked, and also prevents the pre-locking pawl 4 from erroneously falling into the pre-locking portion 17.

[0041] In summary, the structure of the motor vehicle lock 1 according to the invention allows a compact structure of the motor vehicle lock while providing a high functionality with a small number of components.

[0042] Reference numerals list

[0043] 1 Motor vehicle lock

[0044] 2 Locking mechanism

[0045] 3. Lock tongue

[0046] 4 Pre-locking claws

[0047] 5 Main locking pawl

[0048] 6 and 7 axis

[0049] 8 Lock Box

[0050] 9 Entrance Area

[0051] 10, 11 Flanged edge

[0052] 12, 13 extension

[0053] 14, 15 Switchgear

[0054] 16 Lock

[0055] 17 Pre-locking part

[0056] 18 Matrix

[0057] 19 Plastic wrap

[0058] 20 Gap

[0059] 21 Main locking part

[0060] 22 Plastic housing

[0061] P, P1, P2, P3 arrows

Claims

1. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock or a rear hatch lock, comprising a locking mechanism (2) having a lock tongue (3) and at least one locking claw (4, 5), namely a main locking claw (5) and a pre-locking claw (4), wherein the lock tongue (3) can be locked in the pre-locking position and the main locking position, the pre-locking portion (17) of the locking mechanism (2) being formed by a bent area of ​​a metal base (18) of the lock tongue (3), characterized in that: The bent area (17) is engageable with a closing claw of a closing device.

2. The lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each pawl (4, 5) is assigned a separate switching device (14, 15).

3. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pre-locking pawl (4) is capable of moving independently of the main locking pawl (5).

4. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that By means of the movement of the pre-locking pawl (4), the main locking pawl (5) can be moved, in particular in a movement towards the unlocking direction of the locking mechanism (2).

5. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that When moving in the locking direction of the locking mechanism (2), the pre-locking pawl (4) can move independently of the main locking pawl (5).

6. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that When the locking mechanism (2) is unlocked, both switching devices (14, 15) are actuated.

7. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that In the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism (2), the switching device (14) assigned to the pre-locking pawl (4) is not actuated.

8. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that In the main locking position of the locking mechanism (2), both switch devices (14, 15) are not actuated.

9. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The locking claws (4, 5) are mounted on a common shaft (6).

10. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The switch devices (14, 15) are arranged on different levels in the lock (1) and are spaced apart from one another.

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