Locking device of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Locking device (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a cylinder core of a lock cylinder (2) rotatable by a key, a lock, in particular a door lock, and a lock cylinder shaft (3) with a first and a second end section (4, 6), which is non-rotatably connected to the cylinder core of the lock cylinder (2) by means of the first end section (4) and to the lock by means of the second end section (6) and transmits a rotational movement of the cylinder core to the lock, wherein a sleeve-like cladding element (15) is arranged between the lock cylinder (2) and the lock, which is slid over and surrounds the lock cylinder shaft (3) and is secured in its installed position by means of a positive-locking and / or force-locking locking connection (21),which comprises at least one locking element (16) formed on the cladding element (15) and at least one receiving element (12) formed on the lock cylinder shaft (3) complementary to the locking element (16) and receiving the locking element (16), is connected to the lock cylinder shaft (3) in its locking position in a movement-coupled manner, wherein the locking connection (21) is releasable when external force is applied to the locking device (1) and the cladding element (15) is rotatably mounted on the lock cylinder shaft (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device of a motor vehicle, comprising a cylinder core of a lock cylinder rotatable by a key, a lock, in particular a door lock, and a lock cylinder shaft with a first and a second end section, which is connected to the cylinder core of the lock cylinder in a rotationally fixed manner by means of the first end section and to the lock in a rotationally fixed manner by means of the second end section and transmits a rotational movement of the cylinder core to the lock.

[0002] In a locking device for a motor vehicle of the type described above, such as a vehicle door lock, the lock or door lock and the locking cylinder shaft, which couples the movement of the cylinder core and the door lock, are located inside the vehicle door between the inner and outer door panels. The locking cylinder is usually coupled to a handle and is located in the outer door panel. Due to the use of a locking cylinder shaft that transmits the torque of the cylinder core to the door lock, there is a risk that the locking cylinder shaft could, for example, be severed. This would mean that the locking cylinder shaft, or at least the end of the locking cylinder shaft connected to the door lock, is no longer coupled to the locking cylinder, and therefore rotation of the locking cylinder shaft can no longer be blocked and prevented by the locking cylinder.This means that the end of the lock cylinder shaft that remains connected to the door lock can be directly manipulated to open the vehicle door without authorization. For example, such manipulation can be carried out with a tool inserted between the outer door panel and the window pane, although with older locks and latches of this general type, cutting the lock cylinder shaft was not always necessary.

[0003] From DE 197 43 128 B4, a door lock assembly is known, comprising a lock cylinder assembly mounted on an outer body panel accessible from the outside, and a lock mechanism mounted inside the body inaccessible from the outside. A transmission element is arranged on the lock cylinder assembly, establishing the connection between the lock cylinder assembly and the lock mechanism. Corresponding to the transmission element is a coupling element on the lock mechanism, designed as a nut rotatable in a bearing. The transmission element engages with the coupling element in a positive-locking manner such that a rotational movement of the transmission element is converted into a corresponding rotational movement of the coupling element.If the locking cylinder assembly is forcibly removed, the transmission element is taken away from the locking cylinder assembly, whereby the coupling element is destroyed or otherwise modified after the forcible removal of the transmission element in such a way that it can no longer be operated from the outside in the sense of an opening function.

[0004] Furthermore, US patent 2004 O 250 579 A1 describes a locking cylinder for enhanced burglary protection. When the cylinder core is forcibly rotated, an axial displacement of the cylinder core occurs due to the sliding of locking projections of the tumblers along locking groove flanks against the force of a spring. This disengages a coupling element of the cylinder core from a coupling element of a driver, so that a locking cylinder shaft connected to the driver is also no longer coupled to the cylinder core.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a solution that provides a simplified and improved locking device for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle door, in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, and which is also secured against tampering.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a locking device for a motor vehicle with the features according to claim 1.

[0007] The locking device according to the invention for a motor vehicle comprises a cylinder core of a lock cylinder rotatable by a key, a lock, in particular a door lock, and a lock cylinder shaft with a first and a second end section, which is rotationally fixed to the cylinder core of the lock cylinder by means of the first end section and rotationally fixed to the lock by means of the second end section and transmits a rotational movement of the cylinder core to the lock. A sleeve-like cladding element is arranged between the lock cylinder and the lock, which is slid over and surrounds the lock cylinder shaft and, in its installed position, is connected to the lock cylinder shaft in a movement-coupled manner in its locked position by means of a positive-locking and / or force-locking locking connection.The locking connection comprises at least one locking element formed on the cover element and at least one receiving element formed on the lock cylinder shaft complementary to the locking element and receiving the locking element. The locking connection is releasable upon application of external force to the locking device, and the cover element is rotatably mounted on the lock cylinder shaft.

[0008] Advantageous and appropriate embodiments and further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention provides a structurally simple way to increase theft protection. The sleeve-like cover element, which surrounds the lock cylinder shaft, functions as a security cover and, when installed, protects the lock cylinder shaft from unauthorized access. This prevents unauthorized manipulation of the lock cylinder shaft by a third party using a suitable instrument or tool inserted from the outside, past the window, into the interior between the inner and outer door panels when the vehicle door is closed and locked.

[0010] To ensure the movement-coupled connection of the lock cylinder shaft and the cover element in the locking position, the invention provides in an embodiment that the positive locking connection for the movement-coupled connection of the cover element and the lock cylinder shaft has at least one rib-shaped locking element that extends on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cover element in a longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft, and at least one groove-shaped receiving element corresponding to the locking element and connecting it to the lock cylinder shaft in a rotationally fixed manner in the installation position of the cover element.It is particularly advantageous if the rib-shaped locking element also has a predetermined breaking point, so that when external force is applied to the trim element, the locking element is separated from the trim element and consequently the rotationally fixed connection between the trim element and the lock cylinder shaft is eliminated.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the positive-locking and / or force-locking connection for the motion-coupled connection of the cover element and the lock cylinder shaft comprises at least one pin-shaped locking element extending from an end face of the cover element in a longitudinal direction along the lock cylinder shaft from the end of the cover element facing the lock cylinder, and at least one opening complementary to the locking element, which receives the locking element in the installed position of the cover element and is arranged and formed on the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft. The connection comprising the pin-shaped locking element and the opening receiving the locking element can, for example, be designed as an interference fit.Even in the alternative design, it is advantageous if the pin-shaped locking element has a predetermined breaking point, so that in the event of external force being applied, the rotationally fixed connection between the cladding element and the lock cylinder shaft is released.

[0012] In a further development, the invention provides that the locking connection for the fixed connection of the cover element and the lock cylinder shaft, at least in one longitudinal direction, comprises at least one projection circumferentially around and formed on the lock cylinder shaft, and at least one hook element formed on the cover element and engaging behind the projection. This allows movement of the cover element in at least one longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft, whereby this axial fixed fit of the cover element on the lock cylinder shaft is ensured by the fixed connection of the cover element and the lock cylinder shaft, which is designed like a snap-hook connection. This measure also prevents disruptive rattling noises that would occur if the cover element were not fixed.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sleeve-shaped cladding element has a stepped end section at its end facing the lock cylinder, resembling a stepped bore. This stepped end section is slid over the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft during assembly of the locking device.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the outer diameter of the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft is reduced compared to the inner diameter of the stepped end section of the cover element. The stepped end section of the cover element allows for the insertion of a correspondingly shaped end of the lock cylinder shaft and, furthermore, forms a stop that prevents movement of the cover element in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft. This blocks or prevents axial movement of the lock cylinder shaft, regardless of whether a locking mechanism is present to prevent rotation between the lock cylinder shaft and the cover element. In the event of external force being applied, the reduced outer diameter of the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft serves to mount the cover element rotatably on the lock cylinder shaft, similar to a freewheel mechanism.

[0015] In order to promote rotation of the cladding element around the lock cylinder shaft in the event of external force being applied, and thus to keep the frictional force opposing rotation of the cladding element around the lock cylinder shaft as low as possible, the invention provides in a further embodiment that the reduced outer diameter of the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft is defined by at least two web-like profile elements, which are distributed circumferentially, preferably uniformly, on the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft and serve as a stop to limit the movement of the cladding element in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft.This also essentially prevents the trim element and lock cylinder shaft from tilting, thus ensuring that in the event of external force being applied to the locking device, a rotation of the trim element does not lead to a rotation of the lock cylinder shaft.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lock cylinder shaft has a predetermined breaking point designed such that, when external force is applied to the locking device, the lock cylinder shaft breaks off essentially in the area of ​​its second end section, thus severing the connection between the lock cylinder and the lock. This ensures that no remnant remains on the lock or door lock that could be operated by an unauthorized third party. Furthermore, the second end section, which engages with the lock and remains in the lock after the lock cylinder shaft breaks, prevents the insertion of a corresponding special tool into the door lock's receptacle.

[0017] Finally, in one embodiment of the invention, the second end section of the lock cylinder shaft is paddle-shaped and has a cam, preferably elastically shaped, for coupling with the lock. In this way, the paddle-shaped second end section of the lock cylinder shaft engages securely in the lock.

[0018] The locking device described above can be used, for example, in a motor vehicle door.

[0019] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0020] Further details, features, and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawing, which illustrates an exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a partial view of the locking device according to the invention in perspective view, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a lock cylinder shaft of the locking device according to the invention, Fig. 3 a sectional view of a sleeve-shaped cladding element of the locking device according to the invention and Fig. 4 a sectional view of the lock cylinder shaft and the cladding element in the locking position.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a locking device 1 for a motor vehicle according to the invention. The locking device 1 is arranged inside a motor vehicle door (not shown) between an inner door panel and an outer door panel and comprises a locking cylinder 2, which is arranged with a handle in the outer door panel and has a cylinder core rotatable by a key. Furthermore, the locking device 1 comprises a Fig. 1 lock or door lock (not shown) and a lock cylinder shaft 3.

[0022] The in Fig. The lock cylinder shaft 3, shown in more detail below, is connected to the cylinder core of the lock cylinder 2 in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a first end section 4, which has a fork-shaped end piece 5 for coupling with the lock cylinder 2. A second end section 6 of the lock cylinder shaft 3, which is designed as a paddle-shaped driver 7, is connected to the door lock in a rotationally fixed manner, so that the lock cylinder shaft 3 transmits the rotation of the lock cylinder 2 to the vehicle-side door lock for unlocking or locking the door. For reliable engagement with the door lock, the second end section 6 of the lock cylinder shaft 3 has a cam 8, which may be elastically designed and further supports the coupling with the door lock.

[0023] In the assembled state of the locking device 1, the second end section 6 of the lock cylinder shaft 3 is fully immersed in a coupling mechanism of the door lock. For theft protection, the lock cylinder shaft 3 has a predetermined breaking point 9 in the area of ​​its second end section 6. This breaking point is designed such that, if external force is applied to the locking device 1, the lock cylinder shaft 3 will break off at a central section 10 of the lock cylinder shaft 3 in the immediate vicinity of the second end section 6, thus severing and interrupting the connection between the lock cylinder 2 and the door lock. The lock cylinder shaft 3 also has a plate-like collar 11 formed at the transition between the central section 10 and the second end section 6.In the assembled state of the locking device 1, the plate-like collar 11 is secured by a housing of the door lock. This prevents manipulation of the door lock, for example by means of a tool inserted between the outer door panel and the window pane, in a simple and functional manner.

[0024] The first end section 4 of the lock cylinder shaft 3 has a larger outer diameter compared to the central section 10 of the lock cylinder shaft 3. Starting from the central section 10, the outer diameter increases continuously in the region of the first end section 4. In the region of the transition from the central section 10 to the first end section 4, a groove-shaped receiving element 12 is formed on the lock cylinder shaft 3. The U-shaped receiving element 12 has two spreading legs between which a locking element can be clamped, as will be explained later. Furthermore, the lock cylinder shaft 3 has a circumferential projection or plate-like collar 13 formed on the shaft and located on the central section 10 in the region of the first end section 4.In addition, two web-like profile elements 14 are formed or molded onto the outer circumference of the first end section 4 of the lock cylinder shaft 3, which are arranged evenly distributed over the circumference of the first end section 4, i.e., opposite each other on the circumference.

[0025] The locking device 1 according to the invention further comprises a hollow cladding element 15, which, in the assembled state of the locking device 1, is arranged between the locking cylinder 2 and the door lock. The sleeve-shaped cladding element 15 is described in detail in Fig. 3 shown in cross-sectional view, and preferably consists of a material such as plastic, preferably a semi-crystalline thermoplastic such as polyoxymethylene (POM), which is characterized by high strength, hardness, and stiffness. The sleeve-shaped cladding element 15 has a diameter that changes in the longitudinal direction. A rib-shaped locking element 16 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cladding element 15. The locking element 16 extends in the longitudinal direction of the cladding element 15. In addition, two hook-shaped projections or two hook elements 17 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cladding element 15.The inner circumferential surface of the cladding element 15, which has the larger diameter, has a stepped end section 18 with a stop surface 19 and a support surface 20, wherein the stepped end section 18 is designed in the manner of a stepped bore.

[0026] The following describes the functioning of the locking device 1 according to the invention in conjunction with Fig. Figure 4 explains the process, showing the lock cylinder shaft 3 (depicted with solid lines) and the cover element 15 (depicted with dashed lines) in the assembled state of the locking device 1. During assembly of the locking device 1, the cover element 15 is slid over the lock cylinder shaft 3. The cover element 15 essentially completely surrounds the lock cylinder shaft 3, so that only the first and second end sections 4, 6 protrude from the cover element 15 for connection and coupling to the lock cylinder 2 and the door lock, respectively.

[0027] During assembly, the two hook elements 17 of the cover element 15 are pushed over the plate-shaped projection 13 of the lock cylinder shaft 3 and engage behind the projection 3. This causes movement of the cover element 15 in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft 3 in the direction of the door lock (in Fig. 4 to the right). The axial secure fit of the cover element 15 on the lock cylinder shaft 3 is therefore ensured by the positionally fixed connection of the cover element 15 and the lock cylinder shaft 3, which is designed in the manner of a snap-hook connection, whereby the secure fit essentially prevents a rattling noise. Furthermore, after the cover element 15 has been slid on, the first end 4 of the lock cylinder shaft 3, which has the reduced outer diameter, rests against the stop surface 19 of the cover element 15 in the assembled position of the cover element 15 and the lock cylinder shaft 3.More precisely, the profile elements 14 of the first section 4 of the lock cylinder shaft 3, representing the reduced diameter, rest with very little play against both the stop surface 19 and the support surface 20 of the stepped section 18 of the cover element 15, so that the first end section 4 of the lock cylinder shaft 3 can rotate in the stepped end section 18 of the cover element 15 in the manner of a freewheel. The stop surface 19 serves here as a stop to prevent the movement of the cover element 15 in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft 3 towards the door lock (in ). Fig.4 to the left) limiting stop. From the foregoing, it follows that the cover element 15 and the lock cylinder shaft 3 assume a locking position effective in the longitudinal direction of both components when assembled, wherein the stepped section 18 of the cover element 15 and the web-like profile elements 14 of the lock cylinder shaft 3, which abut the stepped section 18, are part of a locking connection 21 that serves to fix the connection of the cover element 15 and the lock cylinder shaft 3 in a position fixed in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft 3, so that in the installed position the cover element 15 is not movable in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft 3, thereby preventing rattling noises of the cover element 15.

[0028] When the cover element 15 is slid onto the lock cylinder shaft 3, the rib-shaped locking element 16, which extends longitudinally along the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cover element 15 in the direction of the lock cylinder shaft 3, is inserted into the groove-shaped receiving element 12 and clamped therein. Rotational movement of the cover element 15 relative to the lock cylinder shaft 3 is thus no longer possible, so that both components can only rotate together. The receiving element 12 is designed to correspond to the locking element 16, with the rectangular profile of the locking element 16 ensuring a secure fit through a positive locking action with the receiving element 12. The locking element 16 and the receiving element 12 are also part of the locking connection 21 and ensure a positive locking and rotationally fixed connection between the lock cylinder shaft 3 and the cover element 15.

[0029] As an alternative embodiment (not shown) to the locking element 16 and the receiving element 12, the locking connection for the rotationally fixed connection of the cover element 15 and the lock cylinder shaft 3 can comprise at least one pin-shaped locking element and at least one opening receiving the pin-shaped locking element. The pin-shaped locking element can, for example, extend from the end face of the cover element 15 in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft 3 from the end of the cover element 15 facing the lock cylinder 2 and can be received by the opening, which is designed to be complementary to the pin-shaped locking element and can be arranged on the first end section of the lock cylinder shaft 3. This results in a positive locking connection, which, in the case of an interference fit, can even exhibit characteristics of a friction-fit connection.

[0030] The locking connection 21 shown in the figures for the specific embodiment ensures that the lock cylinder shaft 3 and the cover element 15 are held in a locking position in which the cover element 15 is rotationally fixed to the lock cylinder shaft 3.

[0031] When external force is applied to the locking device 1, the locking connection 21 is released by the rib-shaped locking element 16 detaching from or being separated from the cover element 15. For this purpose, it is conceivable that the locking element 16 has a predetermined breaking point to ensure the functionality described above in the event of external force being applied. Thus, the cover element 15 will no longer rotate with the lock cylinder shaft 3, but will be freely rotatable relative to the lock cylinder shaft 3. Nevertheless, the partially remaining locking connection 21 ensures that the cover element 15 cannot move longitudinally along the lock cylinder shaft 3.Even after external force is applied, the cladding element 15 is held in an axially immovable position relative to the lock cylinder shaft 3 by means of the hook elements 17 engaging behind the plate-shaped projection 13 and the stop surface 19 abutting the profile elements 14, and consequently continues to cover the lock cylinder shaft 3 and protect it from unauthorized external manipulation.

[0032] The locking device 1 described above prevents direct access to the lock cylinder shaft 3 in the event of a forced theft attempt. Even with the alternative design featuring a predetermined breaking point 9, a forceful blow to the cover element 15 can cause the lock cylinder shaft 3 to break immediately before its second end section 6, thus preventing any manipulation of the door lock. Since the paddle-shaped second end section 6 (driver 7) engages in a receptacle in the door lock (not shown), access to the door lock, even via the broken lock cylinder shaft 3, is no longer possible.Furthermore, since the plate-shaped collar 11 of the lock cylinder shaft is secured at the second end section 6 by the housing of the door lock, the paddle-shaped second end section 6 cannot fall out of the receptacle of the door lock, resulting in multiple theft protection.

[0033] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Instead of two web-shaped profile elements 14, a single profile element could suffice, provided that the locking cylinder shaft 3 is prevented from tilting in the stepped end section 18 of the cover element 15. It is also conceivable that instead of two hook elements 17, only one or more than two hook elements could be used. Furthermore, for example, the first end section 4 of the locking cylinder shaft 3 need not be fork-shaped, but can also be connected to the cylinder core of the locking cylinder 2 in a rotationally fixed manner, such as with a ball-shaped end section. Likewise, the second end section 6 of the locking cylinder shaft 3, which can be coupled or connected to the door lock, need not be paddle-shaped, but can also have a different shape.Moreover, the person skilled in the art recognizes that the locking connection 21 described in the specific embodiment can be implemented through numerous variations.

Claims

[1] Locking device (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising a cylinder core of a lock cylinder (2) rotatable by a key, a lock, in particular a door lock, and a lock cylinder shaft (3) with a first and a second end section (4, 6), which is non-rotatably connected to the cylinder core of the lock cylinder (2) by means of the first end section (4) and to the lock by means of the second end section (6) and transmits a rotational movement of the cylinder core to the lock, wherein a sleeve-like cladding element (15) is arranged between the lock cylinder (2) and the lock, which is slid over and surrounds the lock cylinder shaft (3) and is held in its installed position by means of a positive-locking and / or force-locking locking connection (21),which comprises at least one locking element (16) formed on the cladding element (15) and at least one receiving element (12) formed on the lock cylinder shaft (3) complementary to the locking element (16) and receiving the locking element (16), is connected to the lock cylinder shaft (3) in its locking position in a movement-coupled manner, wherein the locking connection (21) is releasable when external force is applied to the locking device (1) and the cladding element (15) is rotatably mounted on the lock cylinder shaft (3). [2] Locking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the positive locking connection (21) for the motion-coupled connection of the cladding element (15) and the lock cylinder shaft (3) comprises at least one rib-shaped locking element (16) extending on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cladding element (15) in a longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft (3), and at least one groove-shaped receiving element (12) corresponding to the locking element (16) and connecting the cladding element (15) to the lock cylinder shaft (3) in a rotationally fixed manner in the installation position. [3] Locking device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the positive locking and / or force-locking locking connection (21) for the motion-coupled connection of the cladding element (15) and the lock cylinder shaft (3) comprises at least one pin-shaped locking element (16) extending from an end face of the cladding element (15) in a longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft (3) from the end of the cladding element (15) facing the lock cylinder (2), and has at least one opening complementary to the locking element, which receives the locking element in the installation position of the cladding element (15) and is arranged on the first end section (4) of the lock cylinder shaft (3). [4] Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking connection (21) for the connection of the cladding element (15) and the cladding cylinder shaft (3) in a positionally fixed manner at least in one longitudinal direction of the cladding cylinder shaft (3) comprises at least one projection (13) circumferentially around the cladding cylinder shaft (3) and formed on it, and at least one hook element (17) formed on the cladding element (15) and engaging behind the projection (13). [5] Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding element (15) has a stepped end section (18) in the form of a stepped bore at its end facing the lock cylinder (2). [6] Locking device (1) according to claim 5, wherein an outer diameter of the first end section (4) of the lock cylinder shaft (3) is reduced compared to an inner diameter of the stepped end section (18) of the cladding element (15). [7] Locking device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the reduced outer diameter of the first end section (4) of the lock cylinder shaft (3) is defined by at least two web-like profile elements (14) which are distributed circumferentially, preferably uniformly, on the first end section (4) of the lock cylinder shaft (3) and serve as a stop to limit the movement of the cladding element (15) in the longitudinal direction of the lock cylinder shaft (3). [8] Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock cylinder shaft (3) has a predetermined breaking point (9) which is designed such that the lock cylinder shaft (3) breaks off substantially in the area of ​​its second end section (6) when external force is applied to the locking device (1) and separates the connection between the lock cylinder (2) and the lock. [9] Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end section (6) of the lock cylinder shaft (3) is paddle-shaped and has a cam (8), preferably elastically shaped, for coupling with the lock.

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