Locks for motor vehicles, especially hood locks or hatch locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, particularly a cover lock (1), comprising: a locking mechanism (2) including a latch (6) and at least one latch (7) for locking a latch (3) at least in the locked position of the motor vehicle lock (1); a helical torsion spring (9) wherein the helical torsion spring (9) cooperates with the locking mechanism (2) in such a way that it enables the latch (3) to be moved out of the locked position at least in an auxiliary manner, wherein the force (F) of the helical torsion spring (9) can be controlled at least indirectly by means of a release element (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock for motor vehicles, particularly a cover lock, comprising: a locking mechanism including a latch / ratchet and at least one pawl / pawl for locking the latch at least in the locked position of the motor vehicle lock; and a helical torsion spring, wherein the helical torsion spring cooperates with the locking mechanism in such a way that the latch can be moved out of the locked position at least in an auxiliary manner by means of the helical torsion spring. Background Technology

[0002] Locks or locking systems for motor vehicles are used where doors, hatches, or movable components must be held in place on the vehicle to ensure safe operation. While locking systems are primarily used to hold movable components in their locked positions, comfort features are increasingly valued today. For hatches, in particular, it is important to ensure reliable locking and easy opening.

[0003] Here, the engine hood or hatch can be sealed using a sealing element, achieving a sealing effect such as waterproofing or dirt prevention. The sealing element is activated when the lock is engaged, and the locking mechanism, as a fixing element, is subjected to a reaction force.

[0004] In the hood or hatch, a latch is preferably and usually secured to the hood or hatch, which in this case works in conjunction with a vehicle lock. The latch typically interacts with the locking mechanism of the associated vehicle door lock. The latch and the vehicle lock generally define a vehicle locking device. The latch, in association with the locking mechanism in the vehicle lock, ensures a secure and reliable locking. In principle, the opposite approach can also be taken.

[0005] Because of its primary locking function associated with the locking mechanism in a vehicle's lock, the latch is a component particularly relevant to safety, and one that bears exceptionally heavy loads, especially in the event of an accident. In fact, the protection of vehicle occupants in a side impact largely depends on how reliably the latch and the locking mechanism interacting with it can withstand the forces. It is crucial that the vehicle doors remain locked so that safety devices located in or on the vehicle doors, such as brake assist systems, side airbags, and side impact protection devices, can function as intended.

[0006] The locking mechanism included in a vehicle lock has a pre-locking section, or holding or locking position, and a main locking section. A double-stroke operating system is provided in hatch locks or hood locks. Using, for example, a first stroke of the vehicle lock via a Bowden cable, the latch is moved from the main locking position (locked hood) to the pre-locking or locking position. This prevents the hood from opening completely when the Bowden cable is unintentionally operated, and thus prevents danger to the driver or occupants. The hood or hood is only fully released upon a second pull on the Bowden cable.

[0007] DE 296 00 386 U1 describes a hood lock of the aforementioned type. The hood lock works in conjunction with a latch bow. Typically, the hood lock is located at the front of the vehicle and works in conjunction with the latch bow of the hood. The latch bow is supported on the hood in a swingable manner and can swing from a standard position to an unleashed position against the restoring force of the latch bow spring. This is achieved by means of a control handle, which can be operated by the user when the latch bow is in the pre-locked position. The latch bow then swings out of its trajectory and can swing about the end of the hook. When the locking device is engaged, the latch bow, particularly the crossbar forming the end of the latch bow, slides on the control side of the catch hook, which in the prior art is fixedly connected to the lock housing. The catch hook extends beyond the end of the control side and is then repositioned by the load-bearing catch hook spring, thereby accommodating the catch hook in a rear-engaged position with respect to the locking side. As the latch bow moves further, it enters the locking slot of the bolt. The bolt rotates during the further movement of the latch bow and is fixed in the locking position by the pawl.

[0008] A hatch lock is known from DE 10 2010 061 518 A1, comprising: a capture hook associated with a lock housing for engaging a latch bow, wherein the capture hook has a control side and a locking side, which is positioned in the movement trajectory of the latch bow, which can be avoided from its movement trajectory, such that the latch bow, when locking the hatch, first slides on the control ramp of the capture hook fixed in the capture position relative to the lock housing and enters a pre-locked position after passing the end of the capture hook and entering the locking side; and a locking lug of the latch, into which the latch bow, in the open position, enters in the locking lug in the locking direction after further displacement of the hatch and remains in a locked position of the latch fixed by a pawl, wherein the capture hook is fixedly connected to the latch, and the latch is oscillatingly locked to its open position by a spring-loaded push-out arm, the oscillating lock being eliminated by displacement of the push-out arm when the latch bow enters the locking lug. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to improve the front hatch lock described at the beginning in terms of locking technology.

[0010] The objective is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the specification and dependent claims are possible.

[0011] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a lock for a motor vehicle, particularly a cover lock, comprising: a locking mechanism including a latch and at least one latch for locking the latch at least in the locked position of the motor vehicle lock; and a helical torsion spring, wherein the helical torsion spring cooperates with the locking mechanism in such a way that the latch can be moved out of the locked position at least in an auxiliary manner by means of the helical torsion spring, wherein the force of the helical torsion spring can be controlled at least indirectly by means of a release element / trigger element. Now, with the structure of the lock according to the invention, opening and locking can be achieved by means of different forces applied to the latch. When locking, it must be ensured that the latch reliably enters the main locking position. This can be particularly difficult because the force applied by the sealing part reacts to the cover or hatch. This sealing force needs to be overcome, wherein the force of the helical torsion spring must be overcome simultaneously to lock the cover or hatch. Now, with the structure of the lock according to the invention, a smaller force can be provided in the lock, thereby enabling easy locking. Conversely, force is required to open the lock in order to lift the cover, especially a large and long engine cover, thus allowing operator intervention. Here, different forces in the vehicle lock can be provided specifically and as needed by a helical torsion spring. According to the invention, the adjustment of the force when the cover is reopened from the supported position can be achieved by means of a release element.

[0012] The release element, in relation to the locking system, is used to unlock the locking mechanism. In other words, the locking mechanism, including the latch and pawl, is removed from the locked position. As mentioned at the beginning, a main locking section and a pre-locking section are provided in the cover lock. Here, the main locking section is also referred to as the locked position, and the pre-locking section is referred to as the catch position, support position, holding position, or capture position. In the main locking position, the cover or hatch is fully locked, and the vehicle is ready to move. The pre-locking position is the safe position of the cover or hatch, in which the cover or hatch is partially opened, but the latch or catch hook still holds the cover in place. The cover or hatch cannot be opened from this position. Its safety aspect is that the cover or hatch cannot be fully opened if the locking mechanism is unintentionally unlocked from the main locking section to the pre-locking section. "Fully opening from the main locking position" could pose a danger to the occupants of the vehicle. The release element must be operated again from the pre-locking position to move the locking mechanism to the released position. In the released position, the locking mechanism releases the latch, thereby allowing the cover or hatch to be opened. The release element may be, for example, a release lever that can be moved along with the locking pawl by electric or manual operation. Thus, the locking pawl can at least indirectly disengage from the bolt, so that the locking mechanism can move from the main locked position to the pre-locked position and finally to the open position.

[0013] In one design variation of the invention, the release element can be operated manually and / or electrically. The release element can be, for example, an electric drive mechanism, which in its simplest case includes an electric motor with a linear drive. However, it is also conceivable that a transmission mechanism in the form of a gear drive and / or a lever mechanism be arranged after the electric drive. Thus, the electric drive can be connected to the locking pawl indirectly or directly. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the release element can be operated manually. For this purpose, a Bowden cable can be used in a known manner, which can be operated, for example, via a lever or mechanism, for example, from inside the vehicle. Of course, it is also conceivable to combine a mechanism or electromechanical system, for example, an electric drive mechanism cooperating with the Bowden cable, wherein the Bowden cable is connected to the release element. It is also conceivable that the locking mechanism can be electrically unlocked only once, and then mechanically unlocked again.

[0014] In one improved embodiment of the invention, the release element is formed by a locking claw. This advantageous and structurally simple variant has the benefit of enabling unlocking of the locking mechanism with minimal structural cost.

[0015] The preload rod works directly with the helical torsion spring and allows for adjustment of the spring's travel. In other words, the force provided by the helical torsion spring can be altered using the preload rod. The helical torsion spring has two legs; the first leg acts directly on the latch, while the second leg engages with the preload rod. Therefore, the helical torsion spring can be supported on the preload rod and channel force into the latch.

[0016] The preload bar is supported in the lock housing of the vehicle lock in a swingable manner. Due to the possibility of movement or swinging of the preload bar, the abutment of the second leg on the preload bar can be altered. Therefore, the force acting on the latch can be changed. The spring travel can be adjusted by shifting the abutment point, thus affecting the force of the helical torsion spring. Different forces can be provided in the vehicle lock with different spring travels, i.e., different degrees of deployment of the helical torsion spring. This force can be adjusted.

[0017] The leg of the helical torsion spring can rest against the deflection / bend of the preload rod. To provide a simple and therefore cost-effective structural solution, a deflection is provided on the preload rod. The second leg of the helical torsion spring rests against this deflection. Now, if the preload rod supported in the lock box moves, the spring stroke of the helical torsion spring changes. Therefore, the application of preload and unloading of the helical torsion spring can be achieved with the simplest structural measures.

[0018] To fix the position of the preload bar, it can be secured or positioned in at least one location using a locking lever. The preload bar is received in a lock housing in a swingable manner. The preload bar is preloaded by a spring through a helical torsion spring and a second leg. A locking lever is used to hold the preload bar in different positions. If the preload bar is moved to the preloaded position, the locking lever can fix the preload bar in the preloaded position.

[0019] To reliably hold the locking lever in the position where the load is applied, it is advantageous for the locking lever to lock into the notch of the preload lever. Another simple possibility, through a reliable interlocking structure between the preload lever and the locking lever, can provide both precise positioning and high functionality.

[0020] Another design variation of the invention can be achieved if the locking lever can be operated by the locking tongue. As previously described, the locking tongue works in conjunction with the locking pawl and together they form the locking mechanism. In the main locked position of the locking mechanism, the locking tongue is in its maximum lowered position in the rest position, regardless of the overtravel position during locking. Now, if this position of the locking tongue, or more precisely, "reaching the main locked position," is used to preload the preload lever, the preload lever can be preloaded using the simplest structural measures. The locking tongue is locked or moved to its main locked position, and at the same time, the preload lever is transferred to the position where the load is applied. In this case, in the preload position, the locking lever is preloaded and engaged with the preload lever, specifically by means of a spring. Therefore, the final locking in the main locked position is for the preload to be applied by the helical torsion spring.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the locking lever to have a first arm that engages with the preload lever and a second arm that engages with the latch. In this case, the latch performs a dual function. On one hand, the latch works in conjunction with the pawl as part of the locking mechanism to secure the cover or hatch. On the other hand, the latch also controls the application of preload to the preload lever in a manner that the latch works in conjunction with the locking lever. The locking lever can be removed from its engagement with the preload lever by means of the latch, thus releasing the preload lever.

[0022] According to the present invention, the locking pawl is connected to the preload rod via a transmission rod. The aforementioned function of the preload rod allows for adjustment of the force in the helical torsion spring through its movement. Now, if the locking pawl is connected to the preload rod via the transmission rod, mutual cooperation between the locking pawl and the preload rod can be achieved. In other words, the force of the helical torsion spring can be changed by the locking pawl, which acts as a release element. Therefore, the movement of the locking pawl can be used to position the preload rod, thereby moving the leg of the helical torsion spring and thus adjusting the force in the helical torsion spring.

[0023] Another design variation of the invention is achieved if the transfer rod is fixedly received on one side and movably received on the opposite side. For example, by fixing the transfer rod to the locking pawl, the movement of the locking pawl can be directly transmitted to the transfer rod. To allow for targeted adjustment of the force in the helical torsion spring, the movable end of the transfer rod, i.e., received in an elongated hole, can be advantageous. For example, if the preload rod is in the position where a load is applied, there is no need to apply a load to the preload rod via a release element. In this case, the movable support of the transfer rod serves as the idle stroke of the transfer rod.

[0024] Advantageously, the helical torsion spring can be loaded via a transmission rod. The transmission rod can manipulate the helical torsion spring according to the movement of the release element. The preload rod can be swung by means of the transmission rod, regardless of the idle distance of the single-sided support of the transmission rod. Particularly in the first position of the preload rod, a small force is applied to the spring leg. If the preload rod moves via the transmission rod, the leg can swing from the first initial position to a second position, in which the helical torsion spring is compressed, i.e., squeezed. In this second position, an additional force can be applied to the latch via the helical torsion spring.

[0025] Another design variation of the invention is achieved in which the locking lever can be manipulated by means of a capture hook. In this embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism has a capture hook in addition to the latch. The capture hook can be supported as a separate component in the lock housing along with the latch. In this case, the movement of the latch and the capture hook can be locked by means of a pawl. It has proven advantageous that the latch can be locked in the main locking position by means of the pawl. In the pre-locking position, only the swinging movement of the capture hook is restricted. In other words, the latch has released the latch in the pre-locking position, where the latch is fixed by the capture hook. In this embodiment, a helical torsion spring acts advantageously on the capture hook. In this case, the swinging movement of the latch and the capture hook is guided into the locking mechanism or the capture hook on the one hand by the latch and on the other hand by the helical torsion spring. It is also advantageous to have an extension constructed on the capture hook that acts directly on the locking lever, so that the swinging movement of the capture hook opens the movement of the locking lever, and thus the position of the locking lever can be controlled by means of the capture hook. Preferably, the locking lever is preloaded by the spring in the direction toward the capture hook. The spring preload also acts on the latch in the opening direction, and the spring preload acts on the pawl, applying preload to the pawl in the direction of the latch or the capture hook. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, according to a preferred embodiment. However, the following principle applies: the embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely illustrate one design form. The features shown may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and the claims.

[0027] The diagram shows:

[0028] Figure 1 A top view of the locking mechanism shows the cover lock in the main locking position according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 The cover lock is in the released position and under preload conditions with the preload rod in place.

[0030] Figure 3 This shows the position of the cover lock after the capture hook is released.

[0031] Figure 4 This shows the fully open position of the capture hook after it has been released.

[0032] Figure 5 This shows the pre-locked position at the start of the locking motion of the cover lock.

[0033] Figure 6 The preload bar is shown to be preloaded during the locking process. Detailed Implementation

[0034] exist Figure 1 The top view of the locking mechanism 2 shows the cover lock 1. The locking mechanism 2 is shown in the main locked position and works in conjunction with the latch 3, which is fixed to the vehicle body, for example, by means of a latch plate 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 2 includes a latch 6 and a pawl 7. Additionally, the cover lock 1 has a capture hook 8, which also engages with the latch 3. A helical torsion spring 9 works in conjunction with a preload rod 11 via a first leg 10, wherein a second leg 12 engages with the bolt 13 of the capture hook 8. Here, the first leg 10 of the helical torsion spring 9 rests against a deflection 14 of the preload rod 11. The preload rod 11 is received in a pivotable manner within the lock housing 16 of the cover lock 1 about an axis 15.

[0036] The preload rod 11 works in conjunction with the locking pawl 7 via the transfer rod 17. Here, the transfer rod 17 is fixedly connected to the locking pawl 7 on one side, while the other end 18 of the transfer rod 17 is received or fixed in the guide portion 19 of the preload rod 11. The preload rod 11... Figure 1 The main locking position shown in the figure is maintained in place by means of locking lever 20.

[0037] The locking lever 20, along with the locking claw 7, locking tongue 6, and capture hook 8, are supported in the lock box 16 in a swingable manner.

[0038] exist Figure 1 The image shows a helical torsion spring 9 under maximum load. The first leg 10 of the helical torsion spring 9 is preloaded via a preload lever 11 in conjunction with a locking lever 20, and the second leg 12 of the helical torsion spring 9 rests against the bolt 13 of the capture hook 8 in its maximum compressed position. In this position, a maximum force F acts on the capture hook 8 and thus on the latch 3. The capture hook 8 is held in place by the latch 3, and the latch 6 is stopped in the main locking part 21 by means of the pawl 7. Therefore, Figure 1 The locked position of the vehicle's cover 5 is shown.

[0039] Now as it is Figure 2As shown, if the locking pawl 7 moves about axis 22 in the direction of arrow P, the locking pawl 7 releases the main locking part 21 on the latch 6, so that the latch can move to the released position or swing to the released position. At this time, the preload lever 11 is still in the preloaded position and is fixedly held in the preloaded position by means of the locking lever 20. Therefore, the pre-locked position of the locking mechanism 2 or the cover lock 1 corresponds to the position where the helical torsion spring 9 is still preloaded. In addition, the helical torsion spring 9, especially the second arm 12 of the helical torsion spring, applies force F to the bolt 13 of the capture hook 8. However, the cover 5 is in a fixed position because the capture hook 8 is stopped by the pre-locking part 23 on the capture hook 8. Therefore, the cover 5 cannot be opened from the pre-locking part. Figure 2 The force F applies a smaller force to the capture hook 8 because the helical torsion spring 9 is in a position with a higher degree of unloading. However, the force F is also applied to the latch 3, thereby reliably opening the locking mechanism or moving the capture hook 8 in a spring-assisted manner.

[0040] Now, if the vehicle lock 1 needs to be... Figure 2 When the pre-locked position shown shifts to the open position of the cover lock 1, the locking claw 7 needs to swing a second time in the direction of arrow P. This swinging of the locking claw 7 in the direction of arrow P, whether electrically or manually, causes the pre-locking part 23 on the capture hook 8 to release, and the capture hook can then move clockwise in the direction of arrow P1. The release of the capture hook 8... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the capture hook 8 is transferred to the release position via the second leg 12 of the helical torsion spring 9.

[0041] By releasing the capture hook 8 and swinging it in the direction of arrow P1, the capture hook moves fully into its open position, as shown in... Figure 4 The diagram is schematically shown. The extension 24 on the capture hook 8 or the actuating element 24 operates the locking lever and causes it to swing counter-clockwise (as shown in...). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). By swinging the locking lever 20 counterclockwise by the capturing hook 8, the preload lever 11 is released, and the preload lever further unloads the helical torsion spring. Therefore, in the now fully open position of the cover lock 1, the helical torsion spring 9 is in its maximum unloaded state. Here it can be seen that the locking claw 7 abuts against the outer surface 25, and the transmission lever abuts against the end of the guide 19. In this respect, Figure 4 The diagram shows the open position of the cover lock and the helical torsion spring 9 in its maximum unloaded state. Now, if the cover 5 is relocked and therefore the latch 3 moves toward the cover lock 1 in the direction of arrow P2, the capture hook 8 re-engages with the pawl 7. The pre-locked position that reappears at the start of the locking movement of the cover lock 1 is... Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0042] Two feasible solutions are now provided for the vehicle operator. On one hand, the cover 5 can be fully locked; for this, the cover moves further in the direction of arrow P2, and the locking mechanism 2 re-enters the main locking position, as in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. By moving the latch 6 counterclockwise, the pawl 7 moves from the extension 26, thereby causing the transmission lever 17 to return the preload lever 11 to the preloaded position. At this time, the cover lock is back in the main locking position, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram.

[0043] However, now if after partially locking the cover 5, it is necessary to proceed according to... Figure 5 If the cover is reopened from its pre-locked position, the locking pawl 7 needs to move in the direction of arrow P. However, the movement of the locking pawl 7 in the direction of arrow P causes the transmission rod 17 to move counterclockwise, thereby returning the helical torsion spring 9, particularly the first leg 10 of the helical torsion spring 9, to its preloaded position. Therefore, the cover can be opened by the helical torsion spring 9 with the introduction of additional force. The advantage is that, according to the invention, the cover can be easily opened from the pre-locked position. Thus, preloading via the preload rod 11 can introduce additional force into the helical torsion spring 9, which can then be transmitted to the capture hook 8 via the bolt 13. Therefore, this embodiment provides a feasible solution to control the force of the helical torsion spring by means of the release element, in this locking pawl, i.e., to control the force in a way that improves the comfort of the motor vehicle operator.

[0044] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0045] 1. Cover Lock

[0046] 2 Locking mechanism

[0047] 3. Locking

[0048] 4. Snap-on plate

[0049] 5. Body and cover

[0050] 6. Locking tongue

[0051] 7. Locking claws

[0052] 8. Capture Hook

[0053] 9. Helical Torsion Spring

[0054] 10 First leg

[0055] 11 Preload rod

[0056] 12 Second leg

[0057] 13 Bolts

[0058] 14. Deflection section

[0059] Axles 15 and 22

[0060] 16 Lock Boxes

[0061] 17. Passing rod

[0062] 18 end

[0063] 19. Guidance Department

[0064] 20 Locking lever

[0065] 21 Main locking section

[0066] 23 Pre-locking part

[0067] Extensions 24 and 26

[0068] 25 Outer surface

[0069] F force

[0070] Arrows P, P1, P2

Claims

1. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle, particularly a cover lock (1), comprising: a locking mechanism (2) including a latch (6) and at least one pawl (7) for locking the latch (3) at least in the locked position of the motor vehicle lock (1); and a helical torsion spring (9), wherein, The helical torsion spring (9) works in conjunction with the locking mechanism (2) in such a way that the latch (3) can be moved out of the locked position at least in an auxiliary manner, characterized in that the force (F) of the helical torsion spring (9) can be controlled at least indirectly by means of the release element (7).

2. The lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release element (7) can be operated manually and / or electrically.

3. The lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The release element (7) is formed by the locking claw (7).

4. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The helical torsion spring (9) can be loaded by means of the preload rod (11).

5. The lock (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preload rod (11) is supported in the motor vehicle lock (1) in a swingable manner, particularly in the lock box (16).

6. The lock (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The locking claw (7) is connected to the preload rod (11) via the transfer rod (17).

7. The lock (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transfer rod (17) is fixedly received on one side and removably received on the other side.

8. The lock (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The helical torsion spring (9) can be loaded by means of the transmission rod (17).

9. The lock (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The position of the preload rod (11) can be locked by means of the locking rod (20).

10. The lock (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking lever (20) can be manipulated by means of the capture hook (8).

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