Motor vehicle locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle locking device, in particular a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle door lock. The locking device is provided with a locking mechanism (2, 3) which is supported in or on a locking plate (1) and mainly comprises a locking tongue (2) and a locking claw (3). The bolt (2) has a stop arm (2a), a load arm (2b), and an inlet opening (2c) arranged between the two arms (2a, 2b) for receiving the lock catch (4). Furthermore, a support element (6) is provided which is coupled to the lock plate (1) for transmitting a force (F) acting on the latch (4), which is gripped by the bolt (2) in the locked state, to the lock plate (1) via the bolt (2). According to the invention, a load arm (2b) of the bolt (2) is supported on a support element (6). Alternatively, a projection (10) coupled to the bolt (2) can also be supported on the support element (6).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle locking device, in particular a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle door lock, having a locking mechanism which is supported in or on a lock plate, comprising mainly a locking bolt / ratchet and a locking pawl / pawl, wherein the locking bolt has a stop arm, a load arm and an entry opening arranged between the two arms for receiving a lock catch, a support element which is coupled to the lock plate for transmitting forces acting on the lock catch which is seized by the locking bolt in the locked state via the locking bolt to the lock plate. BACKGROUND

[0002] The term "motor vehicle locking device" is generally to be understood as any device for locking a hatch, for example in or on a motor vehicle. It relates in particular to a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle door lock, by means of which a motor vehicle door, for example a motor vehicle side door and a motor vehicle tail hatch, is closed relative to the motor vehicle body. For this purpose, a locking mechanism which mainly comprises a locking bolt and a locking pawl on the lock side generally interacts with a lock catch arranged on the body side.

[0003] For this purpose, the lock catch is seized and fixed in the entry opening of the locking bolt in the locked state of the locking mechanism. If an accident now occurs in the locked state, a so-called breakaway force acts on the lock catch, which can act in a direction which causes the locking mechanism or the locking bolt to open.

[0004] In order to prevent this, the "locking engagement of the locking pawl into the locking bolt" ensures that such an unintentional opening is avoided. Since the breakaway force acting is generally very large and can be several kN, it has been attempted in the prior art to additionally take up the forces transmitted from the lock catch to the locking bolt and to introduce them into the lock plate. In this connection, the invention is based on the knowledge that the lock plate is typically coupled to the associated motor vehicle door and can therefore be used in association with the locking bolt to take up such breakaway forces or breakaway forces.

[0005] It is therefore important on the one hand firstly that the locking bolt and the locking pawl do not deform in the event of such a breakaway force. This is taken into account by a particularly robust design and by the use of a generally high-strength steel as a material. On the other hand, the support element provided in the prior art of this type ensures that the forces transmitted via the lock catch to the locking bolt are not only transmitted to the lock plate by the support spindle on which the locking bolt is supported, but that the support element coupled to the lock plate is additionally provided and designed for the transmission of said forces.

[0006] That is to say, within the scope of the teaching of this type, the forces transmitted from the lock catch seized by the locking bolt to the locking bolt in the locked state of the locking mechanism are not only introduced via the locking bolt into the lock plate and thus ultimately into the motor vehicle door, but are additionally also introduced via the support element by the locking bolt into the lock plate.

[0007] For this purpose, the prior art of this type, as described in DE 10 2020 106 592 A1, takes the following approach: the lock plate has a support element called a mating element, or in other words, the support element is coupled to the lock plate and interacts with a support element that serves as an engagement recess on the latch. That is, the latch in this case has the engagement recess already discussed, and the support element coupled to the latch engages in this engagement recess in the locked state of the locking mechanism. Here, the engagement recess is located in or on the stop arm of the latch and, furthermore, away from the axis from the support pin that supports the latch relative to the lock housing.

[0008] This situation hinges on the special design of the stop arm and the construction of the engagement recess on or within the stop arm. Therefore, in this type of teaching according to DE 10 2020 106 592 A1, the latch with the stop arm is configured to extend relatively outwards and with the stop arm, including the engagement recess for supporting elements, extending significantly into the vehicle lock, i.e., opposite an entry slot in the lock plate through which the latch moves into the vehicle lock when the associated vehicle door is locked. On the one hand, this relatively outward-extending structure is disadvantageous in terms of material consumption, for example, for the lock plate. On the other hand, a smaller installation depth is required for vehicle locking devices, particularly vehicle locks, because the associated vehicle door is additionally equipped with auxiliary devices, such as side airbags, window regulators, anti-collision devices, speakers, and possibly additional drive mechanisms.

[0009] In other words, the teachings of this type, as described in DE 10 2020 126 592 A1, are disadvantageous in terms of compact implementation and require specialized matching measures for the locking tongue on the stop arm to achieve the engagement recess for the support element. This is disadvantageous considering cost-effective manufacturing and compact size. The present invention is proposed on this basis. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to further develop such a motor vehicle locking device, especially a motor vehicle lock, so that it can withstand the fracture tensile force without change, especially in the event of a collision, while achieving a compact structure and low structural cost.

[0011] To address this technical problem, the present invention proposes, within the scope of a first variation, a motor vehicle locking device of this type, wherein the load arm of the locking tongue is supported on a support element.

[0012] Therefore, in this case, the present invention—unlike the prior art of this type as described in DE 10 2020 106 592 A1—takes the following measures: the load arm of the locking tongue is supported on a support element, whereas in the prior art of this type and as a starting point, the stop arm interacts with the support element.

[0013] Here, the present invention is based on the knowledge that, in the locked state of the locking mechanism, the locking plate typically has a certain amount of free space on the edge side of the entry slot or the opening of the entry slot, which can be used to accommodate a support element. Therefore, installing a support element does not change the basic dimensions of the vehicle locking device. Furthermore, in the locked state of the locking mechanism, the free space on the edge side of the entry slot or the opening of the locking plate, between the edge of the locking plate and the stop arm of the latch bolt, can advantageously be used to place the support element, so that the support element can directly interact with the stop arm of the latch bolt in this area.

[0014] Therefore, any movement of the latch's stop arm toward this free space is supported and prohibited. Such movement may be caused by the breaking tensile force acting on the latch along the opening direction of the locking mechanism, as described at the beginning. In this regard, most designs also employ the following approach: the support element involved is arranged at the distal end of the latch's axis, thus intercepting the high torque acting on the latch along the opening direction, which can ultimately be directed through the latch to the vehicle door or hood that carries the latch.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, within the scope of the second variation, the protrusion attached to the latch (or, more specifically, the protrusion constructed on the latch) is supported on a support element to address the technical problem based on this type of teaching. Here, the protrusion attached to the latch may be attached to a load arm or a stop arm. Typically, the protrusion and the latch form a one-piece component. In this case, the latch, including the protrusion, is manufactured as a punched component. However, the protrusion can also typically be attached to the latch by conventional joining techniques, such as welding.

[0016] What has proven particularly advantageous in this respect is that the support element is arranged near the shaft of the bolt. This allows for a design where the protrusions connected to the bolt do not increase the size of the lock housing or plate compared to the alternative of using a bolt without protrusions. In other words, the advantageous placement of the support element close to the shaft automatically results in the protrusions on the bolt not corresponding to a protruding structure including the protrusions, thus achieving a consistently compact overall structure.

[0017] Furthermore, it has proven particularly advantageous in this respect that the support element interacting with the protrusion is connected to the lock plate in the extension line of the bolt axis or on the side of the bolt axis opposite to the stop arm, i.e., in the locked state of the locking mechanism. Here, the invention is based on other knowledge, namely, that in the region in the extension line of the bolt axis or on the side of the bolt axis opposite to the stop arm, free space is provided on or at the lock plate, which can be used to install the support element without significant modification or without compromising the compactness of the vehicle locking device.

[0018] Here, the extension of the bolt's axis refers to the direction, or line of sight, followed by the latch as it enters the entry slot of the lock plate to lock the locking mechanism. In fact, according to the invention, there exists a free space near the axis along the direction of the latch's entry in the direction of the extension of the bolt's axis, because the arcuate region of the bolt surrounding the bolt's axis is recessed rearward relative to the connected stop arm. Now, according to the invention, this free space can be used to mount a support element on the latch. The same applies to the same observed free space on the other side of the bolt's axis extension and located on or disposed on the lock plate opposite the bolt's stop arm, and alternatively, it can be used to mount a support element. In the latter case, the support element interacts with a protrusion on the bolt's load arm, whereas the previously mentioned variation (mounting the support element in the extension of the bolt's axis) corresponds to the protrusion being connected to the bolt's stop arm.

[0019] All the variations shown can be advantageously improved by constructing the support element integrally with the lock plate, for example, as an embossed portion, a bent piece, a folded edge, a rolled edge, a stretched portion, etc. That is, in this case, it is not necessary to separately and additionally mount the support element onto the lock plate. More precisely, the support element is integrated into the manufacturing process of the lock plate. Therefore, regarding the embossed portion, it can be considered that the lock plate is embossed in the area of ​​the support element using an embossing tool and, for example, has a protrusion that functions as the support element. Alternatively, a bending process can also be integrated into this manufacturing process to achieve the bent piece or folded piece, the folded edge or rolled edge, and to achieve the stretched portion. Thus, the manufacturing cost for the lock plate, including the support element, can be kept particularly low, while simultaneously ensuring that the support element has similar strength to the lock plate itself.

[0020] However, alternatively, the support element can also be constructed separately from the lock box or lock plate. In this case, the support element is exemplarily a bolt or pin that is threaded, riveted to, or otherwise connected to the lock plate.

[0021] A third alternative proposes that the support element be constructed as part of the functional component. In this case, the support element is constructed as part of the functional component, or it can be combined with the functional component. Here, the functional component performs a dual function: in addition to its original function, it additionally provides support for the latch relative to the breaking tensile force.

[0022] For example, the support element may be a stepped mandrel for supporting an additional reinforcing plate. Such a reinforcing plate is typically used to supplementally reinforce the locking mechanism. For this purpose, the reinforcing plate is typically arranged parallel to and spaced from the lock plate and serves to additionally connect the bolt and typically the pawl shafts to each other via the reinforcing plate. For this purpose, the associated support mandrel serves as the shaft for the bolt and pawl, passing through the lock plate and the reinforcing plate and for interconnection.

[0023] Such reinforcing plates are typically held additionally at a distance from the lock plate by means of one or more stepped mandrels. Now, the stepped mandrels, which are functional components for fixing the reinforcing plates, take on the additional function of supporting elements for the bolt according to the invention, so as to divert the breaking tensile force acting on the bolt into the lock plate.

[0024] Another functional component can be the lock housing, which is typically used to cover the lock plate and provide enclosure against environmental influences. In addition to its functional role, the housing can also serve as a support element for the bolt. For this purpose, the housing can be equipped with, for example, a reinforcing plate to provide the desired function as a support element. In this case, the reinforcing plate on the lock housing functions as a support element and is therefore part of the functional component, i.e., the lock housing.

[0025] In principle, the following feasible solutions exist in this regard: the functional components and supporting elements are designed as an integrated unit, such as having an embossing part, a bending piece, or a folded edge, or being designed as an embossing part, a bending piece, or a folded edge, as described at the beginning.

[0026] Finally, to achieve a compact structure, it has proven advantageous to arrange the support element on or adjacent to the outer periphery of the latch. This advantageously utilizes the free space typically present at the outer periphery of the latch for mounting the support element. This is a key advantage of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; the drawings show:

[0028] Figure 1 This illustrates a motor vehicle locking device in the form of a motor vehicle lock according to the prior art.

[0029] Figure 2This invention illustrates a motor vehicle locking device according to the invention, wherein in a first variant, the load arm of the latch is supported on a support element.

[0030] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 The second variant,

[0031] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein in a first variant, the protrusion attached to the latch is supported on a support element.

[0032] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 Another second variation of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The accompanying drawings show a vehicle locking device. This vehicle locking device has a lock plate 1 and locking mechanisms 2 and 3 supported on the lock plate 1, mainly comprising a bolt 2 and a pawl 3. According to this embodiment, the vehicle locking device is designed as a vehicle lock, specifically a vehicle door lock. In principle, the locking mechanisms 2 and 3 can also be configured with two pawls 3 instead of the single pawl 3 shown here.

[0034] The latch 2 is equipped with a stop arm 2a and a load arm 2b. An inlet 2c is provided between the two arms 2a and 2b for receiving the latch 4. Figure 1 The diagram shows, especially in the event of a collision, that the breaking tensile force F can act on the latch 4 in the direction of the arrow shown therein, and ensure that the latch 2 is loaded in the opening direction, that is, along... Figure 1 The clockwise direction, roughly outlined in the diagram, is loaded relative to axis 5 of the latch 2. According to... Figure 1 In the prior art, this prevents the locking claw 3 from securing the locking tongue 2 in a locking engagement manner.

[0035] Additionally, according to the present invention, a support element 6 is also connected to the locking plate 1, the support element corresponding to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram can have different structural forms. The breaking tensile force F acting on the latch 4 is borne by the support element 6. In fact, the force, or breaking tensile force F, acting on the latch 4 causes this force, or breaking tensile force, to be transmitted to the bolt 2 via the latch 4 in the locked state of the locking mechanisms 2 and 3. Now, the bolt 2 itself transmits the force to the lock plate 1 via the support spindle 5 of the defining shaft 5 and additionally via the support element 6, which is connected to the lock plate 1 like the support spindle 5.

[0036] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3As can be seen, for this purpose, the load arm 2b of the locking tongue 2 is supported on the support element 6 involved. Therefore, the relevant load arm 2b can be equipped with... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The simplified extension line 7 is shown in the middle. However, this is not mandatory. In any case, when the load arm 2b of the latch 2 is supported on the support element 6, the support element 6 is arranged as a whole away from the axis 5 of the latch 2, so that the support element 6 can withstand a large breaking tensile force F acting on the latch 2 in the opening direction.

[0037] According to Figure 2 Within the range of variations, the support element 6 is integrally constructed with the locking plate 1 in this case. In practice, the support element 6 is a folded edge or bent piece, which is installed into the locking plate 1 during its manufacturing process. Conversely, according to... Figure 3 In this variant, the support element 6 is constructed separately from or separated from the locking plate 1. In practice, the support element can be a bolt or a pin in this case.

[0038] Particularly advantageously, additionally Figure 3 The simplified variation shown in the diagram illustrates that support element 6 is designed as part of a functional component. In fact, according to... Figure 3 In a variant, the support element is a stepped spindle, which is used to support the reinforcing plate 8, which is only briefly outlined here, on the lock plate 1. For this purpose, the reinforcing plate 8 is arranged to be mostly parallel to and spaced apart from the lock plate 1 and connects the shaft 5 of the bolt 2 and the shaft 9 of the pawl 3, or the support spindles 5 and 9 respectively provided here, to each other and to the stepped spindle, or support element 6.

[0039] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The embodiment now employs an additional protrusion 10 on the latch 2, which itself is supported on the support element 6. Herein, according to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, the support element 6 can be designed integrally with the locking plate 1 or separately from the locking plate 1. Furthermore, the support element 6 can be designed as a component of the functional components or as the functional component itself, as previously referred to... Figure 3 And as described above, the stepped mandrel, which serves as the support element 6 and is used here to fix the reinforcing plate 8.

[0040] The protrusion 10 can be constructed as a single piece with the latch 2 or as a separate component to be connected to the latch 2. Furthermore, the protrusion 10, according to... Figure 4 In the variant, it is connected to the load arm 2b, and according to Figure 5 The variant is constructed such that, in this case, the protrusion 10 is connected to the stop arm 2a of the latch 2.

[0041] It can be seen that, based on Figure 5 In this variant, the support element 6, which interacts with the protrusion 10, is arranged along the extension line of the axis 5 of the latch 2. In fact, the extension line of the axis 5 of the latch 2 coincides with the entry slot 11 of the latch 4 into the lock plate 1. Figure 5 The insertion direction E, roughly outlined by an arrow, is consistent with this direction; in other words, the extension of axis 5 should be set parallel to this insertion direction. Here, the insertion direction E is oriented approximately opposite to the breaking tensile force F. Furthermore, according to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the variant, the support elements 6 are arranged close to the axis relative to the axis 5 of the latch 2.

[0042] The above situation is feasible because there is free space relative to the lock plate 1 in the extension line of the axis 5 of the latch 2 along the insertion direction E of the latch 4, in a manner close to the axis, which is used according to the invention for mounting the support element 6 there. The reason for the formation of this free space is that the arcuate region of the latch 2 in the region of its axis 5 is recessed rearward relative to the stop arm 2a in the locked state of the locking mechanisms 2, 3.

[0043] In contrast, according to Figure 4 In the variant, the support element 6 is located on the other side of the shaft 5 of the latch 2, or rather, on the other side of the extension of the shaft 5 along the insertion direction E, that is, opposite to the stop arm 2a of the latch 2 on the lock plate 1. Moreover, in the region near the shaft 5 of the latch 2, a free area is typically realized on or at the lock plate 1, which, according to the invention, is advantageously used for mounting the support element 6.

[0044] In all the aforementioned embodiments, the overall design scheme is such that the support element 6 is arranged on or adjacent to the outer periphery of the latch 2. Furthermore, the support element 6 can be implemented and carried out considering three of the aforementioned variations: integral with the lock plate 1, separately from and independently of the lock plate 1, or as part of a functional component or as a functional component itself, such as in the case of the stepped mandrel for the reinforcing plate 8.

[0045] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0046] Lock plate 1

[0047] Locking mechanisms 2 and 3

[0048] Locking tongue 2

[0049] Stop arm 2a

[0050] Load arm 2b

[0051] Entrance 2c

[0052] Claw 3

[0053] Lock 4

[0054] Shaft, support spindle 5

[0055] Support element 6

[0056] Extension line 7

[0057] Reinforcing plate 8

[0058] Axis 9

[0059] Support mandrel 9

[0060] Protrusion 10

[0061] Entering slot 11

[0062] Insertion direction E

[0063] Breaking tensile force F

Claims

1. A motor vehicle locking device, particularly a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle door lock, comprising: a locking mechanism (2, 3) supported in or on a lock plate (1), the locking mechanism mainly comprising a bolt (2) and a pawl (3), wherein, The latch (2) has a stop arm (2a), a load arm (2b), and an inlet (2c) between the two arms (2a, 2b) for receiving the latch (4); a support element (6) is connected to the lock plate (1) for transmitting the force (F) acting on the latch (4) held by the latch (2) in the locked state to the lock plate (1) via the latch (2). Its features are, The load arm (2b) of the latch (2) is supported on the support element (6).

2. The motor vehicle locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support element (6) is located at the far end of the shaft of the latch (2).

3. A motor vehicle locking device, particularly a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle door lock, comprising: a locking mechanism (2, 3) supported in or on a lock plate (1), the locking mechanism mainly comprising a bolt (2) and a pawl (3), wherein, The latch (2) has a stop arm (2a), a load arm (2b), and an inlet (2c) between the two arms (2a, 2b) for receiving the latch (4); a support element (6) is connected to the lock plate (1) for transmitting the force (F) acting on the latch (4) held by the latch (2) in the locked state to the lock plate (1) via the latch (2). Its features are, The protrusion (10) connected to the latch (2) is supported on the support element (6).

4. The motor vehicle locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion (10) is attached to the load arm (2b) or to the stop arm (2a).

5. The motor vehicle locking device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The support element (6) that interacts with the protrusion (10) is connected to the lock plate (1) in the extension of the shaft (5) of the latch (2) or on the side of the shaft (5) opposite to the stop arm (2a).

6. The motor vehicle locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The support element (6) is integrally constructed with the locking plate (1), for example, as an embossed part, a bent piece, a folded edge, a rolled edge, or a stretched part.

7. The motor vehicle locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The support element (6) is constructed separately from the locking plate (1), for example, as a bolt or pin.

8. The motor vehicle locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The support element (6) is constructed as a component of the functional component or as the functional component itself, for example, as a stepped mandrel for supporting the reinforcing plate (8) or as a component of a housing with reinforcing plates.

9. The motor vehicle locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The support element (6) is arranged on the outer periphery of the latch (2) or adjacent to the outer periphery of the latch.

10. The motor vehicle locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The support element (6) is arranged near the shaft (5) of the latch (2).

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