Locking device component for motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device component (16, 28), in particular a bolt (16, 28) or pawl, for a motor vehicle lock, comprising at least one locking surface (30, 31), a first metallic main body (1, 19), a second metallic main body (14, 23) and a plastic layer (15, 27), the plastic layer (15, 27) partially surrounding the main bodies (1, 14, 19, 23) and being arranged at least partially between the main bodies (1, 14, 19, 23), the plastic layer (15, 27) forms at least part of the locking surface (30, 31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device component for a motor vehicle lock, particularly a latch / ratchet or a pawl / pawl, the locking device component having at least one locking surface, a first metal substrate, a second metal substrate, and a plastic layer, wherein the plastic layer at least partially surrounds the substrate and is at least partially disposed between the substrates. Background Technology

[0002] The locking device component claimed in this patent application is used in motor vehicle locks, which are also referred to as locking systems or generally as locks. The locking device component forms part of a locking device, wherein the locking device interacts with a latch / lock pin typically arranged on a motor vehicle. Through the interaction between the locking device and the latch, the locking device can be moved to a locked position. Here, a distinction is made between motor vehicle locks with single-stage locking or double-stage locking, i.e., locks with a main locking position or locks with a pre-locking position and a main locking position. The locking device includes a latch and at least one pawl. Depending on the locking position, the locking device can also be distinguished as having an opening torque or a locking torque, such that in the presence of an opening torque, the pawl must be secured in the locked position by another pawl, a locking lever, or a locking rod. The main function of the locking device in a motor vehicle lock is to hold a movable component, held in the correct position by means of the motor vehicle lock. Movable components mounted on a motor vehicle can be, for example, side doors, sliding doors, rear hatches, engine hoods, covers, panels, or hatch covers. The aforementioned locking device component is preferably used for side doors or rear hatches of motor vehicles. The latches that interact with the locking device can be installed, for example, on the B or C pillars of a motor vehicle, but in the case of a rear hatch, the opposite arrangement is often provided.

[0003] Locking device components are typically mounted in a swingable manner on metal shafts within the metal lock housing of a motor vehicle lock. To improve the stability of the locking device, so-called reinforcing plates may be arranged between the shafts of the locking device components to withstand, for example, high or extremely high loads under extreme conditions. On the one hand, the stability of the locking device in a motor vehicle plays a decisive role, therefore the locking device components are at least largely and primarily made of steel in the load-bearing areas; on the other hand, the noise characteristics of the motor vehicle lock are also taken into account when evaluating the quality of the lock.

[0004] DE 10 2008 034 638 A1 discloses a locking unit having at least one bolt, a first pawl with a pawl rotation axis, and a locking lever. In the locked state, the main locking portion of the bolt abuts against the first pawl and transmits torque to the first pawl, which is fixed by the locking lever. To reduce noise generation during operation of the locking device, the locking unit has at least a partial plastic layer in the region of the main locking portion. The locking device assembly has a plastic covering layer that causes noise reduction and is strategically positioned in the region of the locking surface between the bolt and the pawl. The interaction between the locking device components, the bolt, and the pawl, and the arrangement of the plastic layer in the locking surface region significantly affect the noise characteristics of the vehicle lock. Particularly in the main locked position, high stress or high torque exists between the locking device components. A popping sound may occur when the locking device components separate. The aforementioned plastic layer is used in the region of the locking surface to reduce this popping sound and affect the noise characteristics during relative movement between the bolt and the pawl.

[0005] Besides generating noise, maintaining the latch securely under extreme conditions is also a crucial function of locking devices. To ensure sufficient stability of the locking device components while minimizing noise characteristics, DE 10 2007041 477 A1 discloses a locking device component assembled from multiple metal components. In addition to two substrates, an insert serves as another metal component, forming the locking surface of the locking device component. An extension of the insert is inserted between the two substrates, allowing the insert to be reliably secured. Furthermore, both metal substrates and the insert are provided with a plastic coating, thereby reliably securing the insert while ensuring a strong connection between the substrates.

[0006] DE 10 2015 121 951 A1 also discloses a multi-layer structure for a locking device component. In addition to the locking device substrate consisting of multiple thin sheets, a hardened covering layer—such as a locking surface—is attached to a thin sheet, for example, a latch. Using thin-layer sheets can reduce the manufacturing cost of the locking device assembly.

[0007] Besides the high requirements for the stability of locking device components, manufacturing cost, noise characteristics, and wear resistance are also aspects that need continuous development and improvement. Automakers not only demand wear resistance and noise characteristics, but also value cost factors. This invention is proposed based on these considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved locking device component for motor vehicle locks, particularly aiming to reduce costs, positively influence noise generation, and improve wear resistance.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting; on the contrary, any variations of the features described in the specification and dependent claims are possible.

[0010] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a locking device component, particularly a latch or pawl, for a motor vehicle lock, the locking device component having at least one locking surface, a first metal substrate and a second metal substrate, and a plastic layer, wherein the plastic layer at least partially surrounds the substrate and is at least partially disposed between the substrates, and wherein the plastic layer at least partially constitutes part of the locking surface. With the structure of the locking device component according to the invention, the noise characteristics of the locking device component can now be directly and significantly affected. The arrangement of the plastic layer in the region of the locking surface provides the possibility of providing a sufficiently durable locking surface through the metal substrate, and on the other hand, influencing engagement behavior in terms of noise through the plastic portion, particularly reducing noise. In the main locking position of the locking device, the locking surface between the latch and the pawl bears a high load. This load is mainly generated by the sealing pressure applied to the movable member, which seals the door or hatch against environmental influences. Furthermore, the latch spring also acts on the locking device, particularly on the latch, thereby applying a high torque overall to the latch, which is borne by the pawl. If the locking device is opened at this time, allowing the door, hatch, or cover to be opened, the locking claw slides away from the locking surface, thereby releasing the bolt. During the separation of the bolt and locking claw, separation noise may be generated due to the high load; this noise can be reduced by the plastic layer. On the one hand, the noise generated when the locking claw slides away from the locking surface of the bolt can be reduced by the plastic layer; on the other hand, the noise generated during separation, that is, when the engagement between the bolt and locking claw disengages, can also be reduced by the plastic layer.

[0011] The locking device component according to the invention has a first metal substrate and at least a second metal substrate. The substrates are preferably designed as plates and arranged parallel to each other, such that at least one locking surface is formed when the widths of the metal plates are added together, preferably two locking surfaces. The dimensions of the substrates are substantially equivalent to those of known locking device components. The main difference lies in the fact that the thickness of the substrates can be made smaller, thereby providing a cost advantage in manufacturing the substrates.

[0012] The substrates are connected to each other by means of plastic layers. Here, the plastic layers surround the substrates in such a way that a plastic covering layer is formed around the locking device components, and the plastic layers are also arranged between the substrates. The plastic layers thus have multiple functions. On the one hand, the plastic layers form an outer jacket over the substrates, allowing for easy and low-noise support, for example, in the support area; furthermore, the plastic layers connect the substrates into a unified component, and can also actively influence the engagement behavior of the locking device components in the locking surface area.

[0013] For locking device components, it may be advantageous to arrange the plastic layer in the locking surface region between the substrates. The plastic layer arranged in this region offers the following advantages: it allows for a good bond between the plastic layer and the substrate. The load in the locking surface region can be high, thus the substrate provides support for the plastic layer. This support improves wear resistance, ensuring high wear resistance even under continuous stress on the locking surface and the plastic layer.

[0014] In addition to arranging the plastic layer in the area between the substrates, according to the invention, it is conceivable that the plastic layer at least partially extends beyond, or protrudes from, the locking surface in the locking surface area. Because the plastic layer extends beyond the locking surface, it can provide additional damping / vibration-damping material in the locking surface area. The extended portion of the plastic layer in the locking surface area can, on the one hand, act as damping, and on the other hand, provide a sliding surface for the locking device components that are in contact with each other. The latch is preferably constructed according to the invention, but it is also conceivable that the pawl is constructed with an intermediate layer in the form of a plastic layer. It is also conceivable according to the invention that the latch and pawl of the locking device are each designed with an intermediate plastic layer in the locking surface area. Here, one or both locking device components can have extended portions of the plastic layer in the locking surface area.

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is obtained if the plastic layer is completely disposed between the substrates. Seamlessly, i.e., completely, forming the plastic layer between the metal substrates ensures a reliable connection between the substrates, enabling the locking device components designed according to the invention to withstand high loads under extreme conditions. Extreme conditions may occur, for example, during a motor vehicle accident, where very large forces, for example, act on the side door. In this case, the locking device must ensure reliable retention of the latch, thereby protecting the vehicle occupants through the combined retention of the vehicle body and movable parts.

[0016] Another advantageous design of the invention is obtained if at least one base has at least one element for maintaining the spacing between the bases. It has proven advantageous for the bases of the locking device components to be held in the injection mold by means of at least one element for spacing the bases in order to arrange the bases in parallel. The spacing element provides a precise orientation of the bases in the locking device components, such that in addition to the parallel arrangement of the bases, a plane is formed, i.e., locking surfaces aligned with each other. In other words, for example, two bases jointly form a pre-locking portion on the locking device component, wherein the pre-locking locking surface is generally formed by the two bases. The parallel arrangement of the bases allows for a flat locking surface in the pre-locking portion and / or the main locking portion. The locking surfaces of the bases are aligned with each other by the spacing element. Besides the locking surfaces, the alignment of the openings for the shaft in the locking device components within the base is also important. That is, the stamped openings or holes in the base are aligned with each other by the spacing element, so that the holes are aligned and the shaft can be reliably and accurately received.

[0017] In a first embodiment of the invention, the spacer element is integrally formed with at least one substrate. The substrate for forming the locking device component is stamped from sheet metal and may have holes or stamped openings for receiving shafts. In parallel or separate manufacturing steps, for example, a relief structure (i.e., a structure with a recess on one side and a protrusion on the other) may be formed in the substrate, which can be used as spacer elements or partition elements in an injection mold. When referring to an injection mold, the manufacturing step of applying a plastic layer to one or more substrates is involved. If one or more spacer elements, such as relief structures, are formed in the substrate, the substrate can be placed in the injection mold and the spacers can be securely maintained within the mold. No additional mold support is required to achieve parallel arrangement between the substrates. An economical and simple substrate spacer method can be provided by spacer elements integrally formed on the substrate. Of course, spacer elements can be provided on only one substrate, but spacer elements that coordinate with or are spaced apart from each other can also be provided on two substrates.

[0018] Another embodiment of the locking device component of the present invention is achieved by designing the spacer element as a separate component, particularly as a stepped pin. The separate component can be, for example, a stepped pin inserted into an opening in the base. This allows for a parallel arrangement of the base and an overall orientation in the injection mold. One embodiment can be a separate stepped pin inserted into the base on both sides and integrated into the locking device component during base overmolding. Besides using two or more stepped pins distributed on the bottom surface of the base, it is also conceivable to use stepped pins in the hole region of the shaft for the locking device component. Here, the stepped pin can be designed such that the stepped pin itself keeps the base parallel and spaced apart. In addition to fixing the base by stepped pins, in any other embodiment, the locking device component or the base can be held in the injection mold in an area not overmolded, such as the locking surface.

[0019] A further advantage is that the entry area of ​​the latch is at least partially, and particularly completely, covered by a plastic layer, especially in the insertion surface area of ​​the latch. Most of the locking device components, and at least in the area serving as guide surfaces, are covered by a plastic layer. Areas serving as stops or guide surfaces for other components may also be covered by a plastic layer. When the locking device is locked, the latch engages with the latch. A buffer groove, which may be formed of the plastic layer, is typically arranged in this area. After the latch is locked in the pre-locked section, it can be electrically moved from the pre-locked section to the main locking section by means of a closing drive. During the movement of the latch from the pre-locked section to the main locking section, the latch sweeps across the insertion surface of the latch when closing, for example, a side door. It has now proven particularly advantageous to provide an integral covering layer and intermediate layer through overmolding, particularly an intermediate layer between the latch substrate. High stability and good adhesion of the plastic layer can be achieved, particularly in the latch insertion surface area, through the intermediate layer. This improves the wear resistance of the locking device components, especially the latch.

[0020] Another embodiment of the invention is obtained if the thickness of the substrate is less than 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm. The total thickness of the locking device component is preferably 6 mm or less. By using a two- or multi-layer technical structure of the locking device component, the thickness of the metal core made of the substrate can be reduced. The thickness of the substrate is preferably about 2 mm, so that the total thickness including the plastic outer layer and the intermediate layer can reach 6 mm. By reducing the number of metal inserts in the locking device component, the cost of the locking device component can be reduced. A 2 mm thick (metal) sheet can be stamped, and the sheet can be manufactured into an integral component with a metal core by plastic injection molding and (correspondingly formed) plastic layers. By reducing the thickness of the sheet used to manufacture the metal core of the locking device component, the cost of the locking device component can be reduced. In one embodiment of the invention, it may also be specified that two or more substrates have different thicknesses. For example, it may be specified that one substrate has a thickness of 2 mm and another substrate has a thickness of 4 mm.

[0021] Advantageously, the thickness of the plastic layer disposed between the substrates is less than 2 mm, preferably about 1 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the plastic layer disposed between the substrates may also be less than 1 mm. The intermediate layer between the substrates serves to connect the substrates and, together with the covering layer of the locking device component, stabilizes the locking device component as a whole. The intermediate layer also allows for a higher bond strength between the plastic layer and, in particular, the covering layer of the locking device component.

[0022] Preferably, the locking device component is formed from a substrate of uniform thickness, thereby achieving a symmetrical structure. This is particularly advantageous because a uniform substrate can be used for processing, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the locking device component. In addition to cost advantages, noise generation in the locking device can be reduced by utilizing a plastic interlayer to construct the locking surface. The improved bonding of the plastic layers also enhances wear resistance, thus combining the advantages of the locking device component structure according to the invention to achieve an improved latch or improved locking claw. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the basic principle is that these embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely illustrate advantageous implementations. The features shown may be implemented alone or in combination with other features in the specification and claims.

[0024] In the attached image:

[0025] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the locking device component base is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 The basis for showing the insertion of the spacer element is shown. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the substrate.

[0027] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A latch formed from a base material with a plastic layer,

[0028] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view showing an alternative embodiment of a substrate with an uneven structure is provided.

[0029] Figure 5 The diagram shows two assembled together with a mirrored substrate. Figure 4 The symmetrical structure of the matrix, and

[0030] Figure 6 Showing the basis with plastic layer Figure 5 of matrix. Detailed Implementation

[0031] exist Figure 1 The image shows a three-dimensional view of the base 1 in the form of a sheet metal stamping. The base 1 is part of a latch, which in the final embodiment has a pre-locking portion 2 and a main locking portion 3. The base 1 has an inlet 4 for a latch (not shown) and a receiving portion... Figure 2 The spacers 8, 9, and 10 are shown with openings 5, 6, and 7. Another notch 11 in the base 1 is used to receive the latch shaft. The base 1 is made of sheet metal and has a uniform thickness d throughout its length. Openings 5, 6, and 7, as well as notch 11, can be formed directly in the base 1, for example, during the stamping process of manufacturing the metal base 1.

[0032] Figure 2 The diagram shows a base with inserted spacer elements 8, 9, and 10, wherein the spacer elements 8, 9, and 10 are designed as stepped pins 8, 9, and 10. The stepped pins 8, 9, and 10 have different diameters, and the insertion region 12 (noted only once) is designed such that the diameter of the insertion region 12 corresponds to the diameter of the openings 5, 6, and 7. In addition to the insertion region 12, the stepped pins 8, 9, and 10 also have a larger diameter 13, such that the stepped pins 8, 9, and 10 not only align the base 1 with each other but also serve as spacers between the bases 1 and 14.

[0033] exist Figure 3 The image now shows a bolt 16, encased in injection molding and covered with a plastic layer 15. The bases 1 and 14, and the stepped pin 8, are visible. The bases 1 and 14 are connected to each other via an intermediate layer 17. It is clearly visible that the main locking portion 3 is formed by the bases 1 and 14 and the intermediate layer 17. The same is true for the pre-locking portion 2. It is clearly visible that the bolt 16 is only partially surrounded by the plastic layer 15. The metal surface 18 is also visible, particularly in the area receiving the rotating shaft.

[0034] exist Figure 4An alternative embodiment of the substrate 19 is shown. The substrate 19 has concave and convex structures 20, 21, and 22, which serve as spacer elements. Other components of the substrate 19 correspond to the components of the aforementioned substrates 1 and 14.

[0035] exist Figure 5 Two mirror-symmetrical substrates 19 and 23 are now shown. Substrates 19 and 23 are formed mirror-symmetrically such that the concave-convex structures 20, 21, and 22 abut against each other with the concave-convex structures 24, 25, and 26. The concave-convex structures 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26 can be formed into the substrates 19 and 23, for example, by deep drawing / deep stamping. In one embodiment of the invention, the contours of substrates 1 and 14 may also be implemented differently.

[0036] exist Figure 6 The image shows a latch 28 covered with a plastic layer 27. The latch 28 is manufactured as follows... Figure 6 As shown, it can be directly removed from the injection mold. The intermediate layer 29 in the locking surfaces 30 and 31 is also visible.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 1, 14, 19, 23 Matrix

[0039] 2. Pre-locking part

[0040] 3 Main locking part

[0041] 4 entrances

[0042] 5, 6, 7 Openings

[0043] 8, 9, 10 stepped pins and spacers

[0044] 11 gaps

[0045] 12 Insertion area

[0046] 13 diameter

[0047] 15, 27 Plastic layers

[0048] 16, 28 Locking Tongue

[0049] 17, 29 Intermediate Layer

[0050] 18 Metal surfaces

[0051] 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26 Concave-convex structure

[0052] 30, 31 Locking surfaces

[0053] d. Thickness.

Claims

1. A locking device component (16, 28), particularly a latch (16, 28) or a pawl, for a motor vehicle lock, the locking device component having at least one locking surface (30, 31), a first metal substrate (1, 19), a second metal substrate (14, 23), and a plastic layer (15, 27), wherein, The plastic layers (15, 27) at least partially surround the substrates (1, 14, 19, 23) and are at least partially disposed between the substrates (1, 14, 19, 23), characterized in that the plastic layers (15, 27) at least partially form part of the locking surfaces (30, 31).

2. The locking device components (16, 28) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Plastic layers (15, 27) are arranged between the substrates (1, 14, 19, 23) in the locking surface (30, 31) region.

3. The locking device component (16, 28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plastic layers (15, 27) extend at least partially beyond the locking surfaces (30, 31) in the region of the locking surfaces (30, 31).

4. The locking device component (16, 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Plastic layers (15, 27) are arranged between the substrates (1, 14, 19, 23).

5. The locking device component (16, 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one substrate (1, 14, 19, 23) has at least one spacer element (8, 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26) that space the substrates (1, 14, 19, 23) apart.

6. The locking device component (16, 28) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spacer elements (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26) are integrally formed with the substrate (19, 23).

7. The locking device component (16, 28) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spacer elements (8, 9, 10) are formed as individual components, particularly as stepped pins (8, 9, 10).

8. The locking device component (16, 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The entry area (4) of the latch (16, 28) is at least partially—especially completely—covered by a plastic layer (15, 27) in the insertion surface (12) of the latch.

9. The locking device component (16, 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the substrate (1, 14, 19, 23) is less than 3 mm, preferably about 2 mm.

10. The locking device component (16, 28) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The thickness of the plastic layers (17, 29) arranged between the substrates is less than 2 mm, preferably about 1 mm.

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