Motor vehicle locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (10), particularly a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock plate (20) having a locking mechanism (11) supported on the lock plate (20), the locking mechanism including a bolt (12) and at least one first pawl (13), wherein the bolt (12) is supported on the lock plate (20) on a bolt shaft (18), and the pawl (13) is supported on the lock plate on a pawl shaft (17), wherein the bolt (12) can be locked in at least one locking position (I) by means of the pawl (13), wherein the lock plate (20) has a support assembly (22) on which the pawl (13) is supported under load caused by a collision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle locking systems and to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2009 029 025 A1 discloses a motor vehicle lock having a lock plate with a locking mechanism supported on the lock plate, including a bolt and at least one pawl, wherein the bolt is supported on a bolt shaft on the lock plate, and the pawl is supported on a pawl shaft on the lock plate, wherein the bolt can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the pawl, wherein the lock plate has a support assembly on which the pawl is supported under load caused by a collision, however, tilting of the pawl shaft cannot be avoided.

[0003] A motor vehicle lock is known from DE 10 2010 002 736 A1, comprising a lock plate with a locking mechanism supported on the lock plate, including a bolt and at least one pawl. The bolt is supported on a bolt shaft on the lock plate, and the pawl is supported on a pawl shaft on the lock plate. The bolt can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the pawl. The lock plate has a support assembly on which the bolt can be supported under load caused by a collision. The pawl is not supported under collision conditions, thus posing a risk of slippage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to at least partially eliminate the defects known from the prior art. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a motor vehicle lock in which collision safety is further improved.

[0005] The objective is achieved by a motor vehicle lock having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Other advantageous design options are given particularly in the dependent claims and the specification. It should be noted that the features recited in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically reasonable manner and indicate other design options of the invention.

[0007] When referring to a vehicle lock within the scope of this invention, it includes all locking systems that fix movable parts in a position relative to the vehicle. Here, the lock may be located, for example, in a side door, sliding door, hatch, or cover; however, it may also be located, for example, in the rear seat. It applies wherever a movable part is used by means of a locking system formed by a locking mechanism comprising at least one pawl and a latch. Here, the lock according to the invention may be located in a movable part (side door, sliding door, hatch, cover, rear seat) or in / on the vehicle / vehicle body.

[0008] A lock housing typically includes a lock box and a lock cover, with the lock cover used to close the lock box. The lock box, in most cases, supports a locking mechanism, which includes a bolt and a locking claw that works in conjunction with it. The bolt, and thus the motor vehicle door lock as defined in this way, interacts with a locking pin in a known manner and method.

[0009] As is common, the lock housing can be located on the side of the vehicle body, the cover, or the door. In the first case, the lock housing is fixed to the vehicle body, for example, by bolts. A second variation corresponds to the lock housing and integrated door lock being installed inside or on the door, cover, hatch, etc.

[0010] Therefore, in practice, they are categorized as side door locks, tailgate locks, hood locks or engine hood locks, and seat locks. They all belong to the broader concept of "motor vehicle door locks" and, in conjunction with the locking pin, belong to the broader concept of "motor vehicle door locking system".

[0011] Such locks or locking devices for motor vehicles have a locking mechanism with a pivotally supported latch for receiving a locking pin. The locking mechanism also has at least one locking pawl by means of which the latch can be locked in a locked position. The components of the locking mechanism are typically pivotally received on a lock plate or lock housing made of metal.

[0012] Motor vehicle locks typically have a forked entry gap formed by a load arm and a catch arm. When a door or hood is locked, the locking pin of the door or vehicle hood, such as an engine hood, sliding door, cover, or trunk lid, enters this entry gap. In this situation, the locking pin swings the lock tongue from the open position to the locked position. If the lock tongue has reached the locked position, it is locked in that position by the locking pawl. In this situation, the locking pin cannot disengage from the lock tongue's entry gap. This locked position is also known as the master locking position.

[0013] Motor vehicle locks also have a second locking position, also known as a pre-locking position. This pre-locking position is used to lock the door or hatch if it has not reached the main locking position when locked. Furthermore, the pre-locking position is also used in cases where, for example, the locking mechanism is accidentally opened from the main locking position. In this case, the pre-locking position acts as a safety measure to prevent the movable components from being accidentally opened.

[0014] To achieve the objectives of this invention, a vehicle lock, particularly a vehicle door lock, is proposed, comprising a lock plate with a locking mechanism supported on the lock plate. The locking mechanism includes a bolt and at least one pawl, wherein the bolt is supported on a bolt shaft on the lock plate, and the pawl is supported on a pawl shaft on the lock plate. The bolt can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the pawl. The lock plate has a support assembly on which the pawl can be supported under impact loads. The support assembly includes at least one protrusion, which allows the pawl to contact the protrusion under impact loads, thereby reducing and / or limiting the tilting of the pawl shaft.

[0015] The vehicle lock according to the invention has a support assembly for the lock claw, thereby improving collision safety. The support assembly supports the lock claw when the lock plate or lock claw shaft deforms. This prevents the lock claw from slipping off the latch in the locked position, and therefore the lock cannot be accidentally opened. According to the invention, the lock plate and therefore the support assembly include a protrusion, which is formed and arranged such that, in the event of deformation of the lock plate due to a collision, the lock claw is supported or can be supported on the protrusion. This deformation occurs, for example, when a vehicle collision occurs, the latch applies a very large force to the latch, causing the lock plate to deform.

[0016] The latch and pawl are fixed to the lock plate, so they may move / tilt if the lock plate or the axis on which the latch and / or pawl are arranged on the lock plate is deformed by an impact. In particular, if the pawl axis is not evenly tilted relative to the latch axis, the pawl may slip off the latch and the lock may open unexpectedly, allowing the door to be opened.

[0017] In other words, during a collision, or under conditions where a high load is applied to the latch, for example, laterally to the vehicle, the high load is transferred to the pawl. Due to this load, the pawl axis may tilt, and the bolt may slip off the pawl. The required breaking strength cannot be reached. The tilting of the pawl axis is significantly reduced by supports on the latch plate. During normal operation, a gap exists between the pawl and the latch plate, allowing the pawl free movement. Only under increased loads (collision conditions) are the pawl supported on the latch plate's support assembly, preventing tilting of the pawl axis. Therefore, the bolt no longer slips off the pawl.

[0018] Advantageously, the lock plate has at least two legs, which form an angle between about 80 degrees and about 100 degrees, preferably between about 85 degrees and about 97 degrees, and particularly preferably between about 90 degrees and about 95 degrees. The arrangement of these two legs relative to each other according to the invention further enhances the collision safety, and in particular the stability, of the lock plate and thus the lock. The angle is chosen in such a way that a lock plate that is essentially L-shaped is formed, which is therefore also called a lock box.

[0019] Alternatively, the locking mechanism can be arranged on one leg of the locking plate, and the support assembly on the other second leg of the locking plate, wherein, in particular, the support assembly is at least partially arranged in the same plane as the locking mechanism. Therefore, the support assembly is not arranged or formed on the locking mechanism leg itself. Instead, the support assembly, particularly the protrusion, is arranged on the other leg, which is formed at an angle to the locking mechanism leg. This other leg is preferably a leg of the locking plate, on which at least a portion of the operating mechanism is arranged. This further improves collision safety. Thus, the locking mechanism leg and the support assembly are separated from each other, and the locking mechanism leg deforms under the load caused by a collision, causing the axis of the pawl and / or the latch to tilt. That is, when the axis of the locking mechanism leg or the latch and / or the pawl deforms or tilts, the pawl can be supported on the other leg. The other leg typically does not bear as much load under collision conditions as the leg on which the locking mechanism is arranged.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be specified that the pawl is constructed with at least two arms and has a locking arm for locking the latch and a release arm for manipulating the pawl, wherein the release arm of the pawl is supported on a support assembly under load caused by a collision.

[0021] Advantageously, the protrusion extends from the locking plate, wherein the protrusion is designed as a rib or a bend, preferably formed integrally and / or one piece with the locking plate.

[0022] It is conceivable that the support assembly has a ramp-shaped section, on which the locking claw can be supported or rest under loads caused by a collision. In particular, the ramp-shaped section is arranged opposite to the protrusion. Advantageously, the locking claw is positioned between the protrusion and the ramp-shaped section in the normal state / in the normal locked position. Therefore, the locking claw can be supported in two positions, particularly in two directions. This can further improve collision safety.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, the ramp-shaped section is perpendicular to the plane of the locking mechanism and extends from the protrusion, so that the locking claw can be supported in at least two directions perpendicular to the plane under load caused by an impact.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be specified that the vehicle lock has a second locking claw; specifically, the first locking claw is configured as a pre-locking claw for locking with the bolt in the pre-locking position; the second locking claw is configured as a main locking claw for subsequently locking with the bolt in the main locking position. Thus, two separate locking claws are provided, wherein the first locking claw cooperates with the pre-locking geometry on the bolt in the corresponding locking position, and the second locking claw cooperates with the main locking geometry on the bolt in the corresponding locking position. In particular, the two locking claws are arranged on a common axis. Preferably, the two locking claws are arranged overlapping each other on the claw axis. However, it is also conceivable that the two locking claws are arranged on separate axes. This provides a compact lock with high collision safety overall.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous to design the pre-locking pawl as a release lever for the main locking pawl. For this purpose, the pre-locking pawl and / or the main locking pawl can have corresponding actuating elements, allowing the two pawls to work in concert or interact with each other. Therefore, a separate release lever for the main locking pawl can be omitted.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first locking pawl / pre-locking pawl or the second locking pawl / main locking pawl is supported on the support assembly, particularly the protrusion of the support assembly, under load caused by a collision. Particularly preferably, the pre-locking pawl is configured as a support in the event of a collision. Therefore, the main locking pawl can be reliably held in the main lock, and the pre-locking pawl serves as an additional support for collision situations during the main lock.

[0027] Advantageously, the first or second locking pawl is arranged only in the main locking position or main locking part of the locking mechanism in such a way that, under load caused by a collision, the pawl can contact the protrusion on the support assembly. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the pawl is arranged so that it cannot cooperate with the support assembly, especially the protrusion.

[0028] Further improvements to the invention are derived from the following description of one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. All features and / or advantages derived from the claims, description, or drawings, together with structural details, spatial arrangements, and method steps, can be essential to the invention on their own and in various combinations. It should be noted that the drawings are descriptive only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Attached Figure Description

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] The diagram shows:

[0031] Figure 1 An embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0032] Figure 2 A partial view of a motor vehicle lock according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0033] Figure 3 Another partial view of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A vehicle lock 10 according to the invention is schematically shown. This vehicle lock is preferably designed as a vehicle door lock, and more preferably as a vehicle side door lock. The vehicle lock has a lock plate 20 with a locking mechanism 11 disposed thereon. The lock plate 20 includes a first leg 20.1 and a second leg 20.2. The second leg 20.2 may also be referred to as a locking mechanism leg, wherein the locking mechanism 11 is correspondingly disposed or supported on the second leg 20.2. The locking mechanism 11 includes a latch 12 and a first pawl 13 and a second pawl 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 12 has two latch elements 12.1 and 12.2, wherein the two latch elements 12.1 and 12.2 are plate-shaped and assembled in a sandwich manner. Preferably, the first latch element 12.1 provides pre-locking, and the second latch element provides main locking. Correspondingly, the locking mechanism 11 has a first pawl 13 and a second pawl 14, wherein preferably, the first pawl 13 is designed as a pre-locking pawl, and the second pawl 14 is designed as a main locking pawl. Here, the first locking claw 13 works in coordination with the first locking tongue element 12.1 in the pre-locked position, and the second locking claw 14 works in coordination with the second locking tongue element 12.2 in the main locking position.

[0035] The first latch element 12.1 and the second latch element 12.2 essentially form a latch 12, which receives a latch 16 that can be inserted into the entry section 21 of the lock plate 20 when the door is locked. The two latch elements 12.1 and 12.2 are preferably force-locked, form-locked, and / or material-locked connected to each other and preferably have at least a partial plastic sheath. The latch 12 is rotatably supported on a latch shaft 18. Claws 13 and 14 are supported on a claw shaft 17. In particular, claws 13 and 14 are jointly supported on the claw shaft 17. Furthermore, the claw shaft 17 and the latch shaft 18 are assembled by means of a reinforcing plate 15. The reinforcing plate 15 is supported on shafts 17 and 18 for this purpose and is preferably also connected to the lock plate 20, particularly the second leg 20.2. This improves the stability of the lock plate and, consequently, the lock 10.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking pawl 13 has a release arm 13.1 for unlocking / unlocking the locking mechanism 11. Here, the release arm 13.1 is operated indirectly or directly, for example by means of an electric opening drive or manual loading, so that the locking pawl 13 rotates about the locking pawl axis 17. This allows the pre-locked position to be unlocked / unlocked. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second locking pawl 14 can be loaded by manipulating the first locking pawl 13, thereby disengaging the second locking pawl 14 from the main locking position. Therefore, in this design, the first locking pawl 13 serves as a locking pawl, particularly a pre-locking pawl, and also as a release lever for the second locking pawl 14, particularly in the form of a main locking pawl. Additionally, the first locking pawl 13 has an operating arm 13.3. The operating arm 13.3 is used to load the second locking pawl 14. For this purpose, the second locking pawl 14 preferably has a carrying member 14.1, which is loaded by and carried by the operating arm 13.3.

[0037] The first locking claw 13 also includes a locking arm 13.4, wherein the locking arm 13.4, in the pre-locked position, cooperates with the bolt 12, particularly the first bolt element 12.1, and prevents the bolt 12 from opening. Therefore, the first locking claw 13 is preferably formed in a three-arm configuration.

[0038] The locking plate 20 has a support assembly 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 22 is arranged on the first leg 20.1 of the locking plate 20. The support assembly 22 works in conjunction with the first locking claw 13, and in particular the support section 13.2 of the locking claw 13, under load caused by a collision. This reduces and / or limits the tilting of the locking claw axis 17 and, consequently, the locking claw 13 and / or the locking claw 14.

[0039] Figure 2A partial view schematically illustrates a vehicle lock according to the invention, comprising a support assembly 22 and components of a locking mechanism 11 and a lock plate 20. The locking mechanism 11 includes a latch 12 and a first pawl 13 and a second pawl 14. Here, the locking mechanism 11 has a first pawl 13 and a second pawl 14, wherein preferably, the first pawl 13 is designed as a pre-locking pawl, and the second pawl 14 is designed as a main locking pawl. Here, the first pawl 13 cooperates with a first latch element in the pre-locked position, and the second pawl 14 cooperates with a second latch element in the main locking position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pawl 13 has a release arm 13.1 for unlocking / opening the locking mechanism 11. Here, the release arm 13.1 is operated indirectly or directly, for example by means of an electric opening drive or manual loading, so that the pawl 13 rotates about a pawl axis 17. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second pawl 14 can be loaded by manipulating the pawl 13, thereby disengaging the second pawl 14 from the main locking position. Therefore, in this design, the first locking pawl 13 serves as a locking pawl, particularly a pre-locking pawl, and also as a release lever for the second locking pawl 14, particularly in the form of a main locking pawl. Furthermore, the first locking pawl 13 has an operating arm 13.3. The operating arm 13.3 is used to load the second locking pawl 14. For this purpose, the second locking pawl 14 preferably has a carrying member 14.1, which is loaded by and carried by the operating arm 13.3.

[0040] exist Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the support assembly 22 is shown in detail. Here, the support assembly 22 has a protrusion 22.1 and a ramp-shaped section 22.2 connected thereto. Preferably, the protrusion 22.1 is designed as a rib formed from a portion of the locking plate 20, particularly a portion of the first leg 20.1 of the locking plate 20. Accordingly, advantageously, the protrusion 22.1 can be formed from the locking plate 20 and thus integrally formed with the locking plate. This simplifies manufacturing or reduces manufacturing costs accordingly.

[0041] The ramp-shaped section 22.2 of the support assembly 22 is adjacent to the rib-shaped protrusion 22.1. Here, the ramp-shaped section 22.2 extends upward perpendicular to the plane / locking mechanism plane E. In the normal state, i.e., when there is no load caused by collision, the locking claw 13 is arranged to be spaced apart from the ramp-shaped section 22.2 by a distance x and from the protrusion 22.1 by a distance y. Therefore, sufficient clearance is provided for the normal movement of the locking claw 13. At the same time, under the load caused by collision, the locking claws 13 and 14 can be supported in at least two directions perpendicular to the plane E. In addition, they can be supported horizontally on the first leg 20.1 of the locking plate 20.

[0042] Lock plate 20 Figure 2The illustrated embodiment has two legs 20.1, 20.2, which form an angle A, preferably between about 80 degrees and about 100 degrees, more preferably between about 85 degrees and about 97 degrees, and particularly preferably between about 90 degrees and about 95 degrees. Therefore, angle A also affects the degree of movement of the locking claw shaft 17 or the locking claws 13, 14 supported thereon. Because, depending on the size of the angle between the two legs, the locking claw shaft 17 or the locking claws 13, 14 can tilt before contacting the support assembly 22 in the event of a collision.

[0043] The locking claw shaft 17, and consequently the locking claws 13 and 14, are further supported by the reinforcing plate 15 shown. The reinforcing plate 15 ensures additional stability, particularly the stability of the locking claw shaft 17. For this purpose, the reinforcing plate 15 is also arranged on the locking claw shaft 17 or on the support bolts of the locking claws 13 and 14. Furthermore, this reinforcing plate 15 extends through the locking mechanism components or sections of the locking plate 20 and is preferably connected to the locking plate 20 and / or to other components or shafts of the locking mechanism.

[0044] Now Figure 3 Another partial view of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention is shown in the figure. Here, in Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the load conditions caused by a collision, where the locking claw 13 is supported on the support assembly 22. For this purpose, the locking claw 13 is supported on the support assembly 22 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The locking claw 13 is arranged or supported on the locking claw shaft 17. The same applies to the second locking claw 14 and the reinforcing plate 15, which are arranged stacked one on top of the other on a common shaft 17 on the locking mechanism leg 20.2 of the lock plate 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking claw 13 has a release arm 13.1, which is supported vertically on a protrusion 22.1 and horizontally on a ramp-shaped section 22.2 at its end. This effectively limits or at least reduces the bending of the locking claw shaft 17. Therefore, the support assembly 22 on the first leg 20.1 of the lock plate 20 significantly improves the collision safety of the vehicle lock compared to the cited prior art.

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

[0046] 10 Motor vehicle locks

[0047] 11 Locking mechanism

[0048] 12 Locking tongue

[0049] 12.1 First locking tongue element

[0050] 12.2 Second locking tongue element

[0051] 13 First Claw

[0052] 13.1 Release Arm

[0053] 13.2 Support Section

[0054] 13.3 Control Arm

[0055] 13.4 Locking Arm

[0056] 14 Second locking claw

[0057] 14.1 Carrying components

[0058] 14.2 Locking Arm

[0059] 15 Reinforcing Plates

[0060] 16 Locks

[0061] 17. Locking claw shaft

[0062] 18 Locking Tongue Shaft

[0063] 20 Locking Plate

[0064] 20.1 First leg

[0065] 20.2 Second Leg / Locking Mechanism Leg

[0066] 21. Entering Section

[0067] 22 Support Components

[0068] 22.1 Protrusion

[0069] 22.2 Sloping Section

[0070] Angle A

[0071] E plane

[0072] X Spacing

[0073] Y-spacing

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock (10), particularly a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock plate (20) having a locking mechanism (11) supported on the lock plate (20), the locking mechanism including a bolt (12) and at least one locking claw (13, 14), wherein, The latch (12) is supported on the latch shaft (18) on the lock plate (20), and the pawls (13, 14) are supported on the pawl shaft (17) on the lock plate, wherein the latch (12) can be locked in at least one locked position (I) by means of the pawls (13, 14), wherein the lock plate (20) has a support assembly (22) on which the pawls (13, 14) can be supported under the load caused by collision, characterized in that the support assembly (22) includes at least one protrusion (22.1) so that the pawls (13, 14) can contact the protrusion (22.1) under the load caused by collision, and thus can reduce and / or limit the tilt of the pawl shaft (17).

2. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking plate (20) has at least two legs (20.1, 20.2) that form an angle (A) between about 80 degrees and about 100 degrees, preferably between about 85 degrees and about 97 degrees, and particularly preferably between about 90 degrees and about 95 degrees.

3. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (11) is arranged on one of the legs (20.2) of the locking plate, and the support assembly (22) is arranged on the other leg (20.1) of the locking plate (20). In particular, the support assembly (22) is arranged at least partially in the same plane (E) as the locking mechanism (11).

4. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pawls (13, 14) are constructed with at least two arms and have a locking arm (13.4) for locking the latch (12) and a release arm (13.1) for manipulating the pawls (13), wherein the release arm (13.1) of the pawls (13, 14) is supported on a support assembly (22) under load caused by a collision.

5. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The protrusion (22.1) protrudes from the lock plate (20), and the protrusion (22.1) is designed as a rib or a bend, preferably formed integrally with the lock plate.

6. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The support assembly (22) has a ramp-shaped section (22.2) on which the locking claws (13, 14) can be supported under load caused by a collision.

7. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ramp-shaped section (22.2) is perpendicular to the plane (E) of the locking mechanism (11) and extends from the protrusion (22.1), so that the locking claws (13, 14) can be supported in at least two directions perpendicular to the plane (E) under the load caused by the collision.

8. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The device is provided with a second locking claw (14), and in particular, the first locking claw (13) is configured as a pre-locking claw for locking with the bolt (12) in the pre-locking position; the second locking claw (14) is configured as a main locking claw for subsequently locking with the bolt (12) in the main locking position.

9. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first locking claw (13) and / or the second locking claw (14) are supported on the support assembly (22) under the load caused by the collision.

10. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first locking claw (13) or the second locking claw (14) is arranged only in the main locking position of the locking mechanism (11) in such a way that, under load caused by a collision, the locking claw (13, 14) can contact the protrusion (22.1) on the support assembly (22).

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