Lock arrangement

Abstract

Locking arrangement (1), in particular for vehicle doors or vehicle hatches, comprising a lock housing (2, 3, 4), a rotary latch (5) rotatably mounted on the lock housing (2, 3, 4), a locking pawl (7) pivotally mounted on the lock housing (2) which, in its locked position, engages with the rotary latch (5), and an actuating element (9) moving the locking pawl (7) from its locked position into a release position that releases the rotary latch (5), wherein a blocking mechanism (24) is provided which is designed to enable movement of the actuating element (9) from a starting position into a first direction (18) that forces the locking pawl (7) into the release position, characterized in that the blocking mechanism (24), when the locking pawl (7) releases the rotary latch (5) and the actuating element (9) has reached an end position,is designed to prevent movement of the actuating element (9) in a direction opposite to the first direction (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lock assembly, in particular for vehicle doors or vehicle flaps, comprising a lock housing, a rotary latch rotatably mounted on the lock housing, a locking pawl pivotably mounted on the lock housing which engages with the rotary latch in its locking position, and an actuating element which moves the locking pawl from its locking position into a release position that releases the rotary latch, wherein a blocking mechanism is provided which is designed to enable movement of the actuating element from a starting position into a first direction which forces the locking pawl into the release position.

[0002] A lock arrangement of the type described above is known, for example, from DE 10 2017 124 519 A1.

[0003] Furthermore, a lock arrangement is known from DE 10 157 597 A1 which places a locking mechanism into a locked or open position by means of an actuating element.

[0004] Finally, a lock arrangement is known from DE 10 2006 032 033 A1, in which the locking pawl is moved from the locked position towards the release position by means of an actuating element in order to release the rotary latch for opening the vehicle door or hatch. The actuating element is moved by a motor drive, which is usually an electric geared motor, whereby, after the vehicle door or hatch has been opened, the drive also ensures that the actuating element is moved back to its initial position for a new opening operation. With such a known lock arrangement, a motor drive with a return function is therefore required, i.e., the motor drive operates in both directions of rotation. However, the loud return noise is a disadvantage of such lock arrangements.With such a lock arrangement, it can also happen that when the end position of the actuating element is reached, the motor drive is initially switched off, which can result in an undesirable return movement or even a noisy rebound of the actuating element due to the lack of drive force.

[0005] Furthermore, lock arrangements are also known in which the motor drive has a striking surface that interacts with a counter-striking surface formed on the pawl when the pawl is in its release position. This interaction stops the movement of the motor drive, which is registered by an electrical control unit, for example, by a sharp increase in the electrical current, whereupon the power supply to the motorized opening aid is switched off. Since the motor drive in such lock arrangements only operates in one direction of rotation, a return mechanism is required, which is usually designed in the form of a spring mechanism. However, the inclusion of a spring mechanism has the disadvantage of increasing the installation space required for the lock arrangement, which negatively affects its compactness.Furthermore, higher opening forces are required for a spring return mechanism that acts on the gearbox.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating a solution that provides a lock arrangement in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner, in which noise generation is reduced to a minimum and which is characterized by a compact design, in particular preventing an uncontrolled return of the actuating element.

[0007] In a lock arrangement of the type described above, the problem is solved according to the invention by the fact that the blocking mechanism, when the locking pawl releases the rotary latch and the actuating element has reached an end position, is designed to prevent movement of the actuating element in a direction opposite to the first direction.

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

[0009] The invention provides a locking mechanism characterized by a simple and compact design combined with quiet operation, resulting in a highly convenient locking system. The blocking mechanism allows for normal operation to open the vehicle hatch or door while simultaneously preventing the actuating element that deflects the locking pawl from retracting after the rotary latch is released. In particular, the blocking mechanism acts as a kind of rebound protection for the actuating element, thus preventing unwanted noise by eliminating the need for rebound.

[0010] A particularly simple and cost-effective way to implement a functional locking mechanism is provided in a further embodiment of the invention by having at least one locking element and at least one locking hook form the locking mechanism, which are in a positive-locking connection after the actuating element has reached its end position. In accordance with the invention, this is a one-sided positive locking connection, in which the locking element obstructs the locking hook or vice versa, such that movement in that direction is not possible.

[0011] In a particular embodiment of the lock assembly, the invention advantageously provides that, upon positive engagement of the blocking element and blocking hook, the actuating element assumes a blocking position which simultaneously serves as the starting position of the actuating element. This eliminates noisy return or rotation of the actuating element. Furthermore, the operation and control of the lock assembly are kept simple, and significantly higher opening forces are not required. This embodiment also allows the motor drive to be a single-direction motor, thus enabling the use of a cost-effective motor.Because the actuating element's locking position is also its starting position, the drive always rotates in only one direction to pivot the locking pawl, disengaging it from the rotary latch to open the vehicle door or hatch. The locking position is a position between the actuating element's starting and ending positions.

[0012] With a view to a cost-effective lock arrangement, a further embodiment provides that the blocking hook is formed integrally with the lock housing and, after the actuating element reaches its end position, rests against the at least one blocking element, which is designed as a projection on the actuating element. The blocking hook is thus designed as a kind of stationary stop that interacts with the blocking element, which moves along with the actuating element.

[0013] In this embodiment of the one-sided positive-locking connection, the invention provides that the projection is designed as a wedge rising towards the end position, which the locking hook, designed as an elastic spring arm, can traverse when moving from the starting position to the end position. However, it is not possible for the locking hook to traverse the wedge when moving in the opposite direction, because the wedge's side surface, which acts like a leg, obstructs the locking hook's path of movement. The locking hook can only move over the inclined and rising surface of the wedge-shaped locking element by deforming elastically and adapting to the rising surface of the locking element, thus sliding over it.

[0014] To achieve a particularly compact locking arrangement, it is advantageous in an embodiment of the invention if the actuating element comprises a gear connected to a motor drive. The locking element is formed on one of the two disc-shaped side surfaces of the gear, so that the movement of the locking element is a rotary movement.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the invention provides that the actuating element comprises an actuating shaft designed in the manner of a worm shaft with a circumferential helix, wherein the helix is ​​in operative connection with the pawl and the latter is designed to move from the locking position towards the release position.

[0016] To minimize the energy required for the motor drive, the movement of the actuating element for deflecting the pawl should be kept as small as possible. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the helix is ​​designed to extend around the actuating axis by a maximum of 345°. The helix, which is operatively connected to the pawl, thus requires less than one complete revolution to deflect the pawl.

[0017] Finally, in a further embodiment, the invention provides that the pawl has a movement limiting surface against which a longitudinal end of the helix abuts after a predetermined movement in order to block further rotation of the actuating axis. This type of operation of the actuating element is generally referred to as "block operation" and represents a highly efficient method of controlling the drive.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 lock arrangement according to the invention in perspective view, Fig. 2 a detailed representation of the lock assembly Fig. 1 in perspective view, Fig. 3 a perspective view of part of a lock housing of the lock arrangement Fig. 1, Fig. 4 an actuating element of the lock arrangement in perspective view, Fig. 5 in perspective view a locking latch of the lock arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 6 in perspective view some components of the lock assembly with a locking pawl arranged in its locking position and an actuating element arranged in its starting position, Fig. 7 in perspective view some components of the lock assembly with the locking pawl in its release position and the actuating element between its start position and end position, Fig. 8 a detailed view of the locking pawl and the actuating element for the in Fig. 7 positions shown, Fig. 9 a side view of the locking pawl and the actuating element according to the in Fig. 7 positions shown, Fig. 10 in perspective view the actuating element in its end position, Fig. 11 the locking pawl and the actuating element arranged in its end position in perspective view, Fig. 12 a side view of the locking pawl and the actuating element according to the in Fig. 10 positions shown, Fig. 13 in perspective view the position of the actuating element after reaching the end position and Fig. 14 a side view of the locking pawl and the actuating element according to the in Fig. 13 positions shown.

[0020] The lock arrangement 1 according to the invention is in Fig. 1 shown in the assembled state in perspective view, whereas in the Fig. In the lock assembly 1 shown in Figure 2, a first lid-like lock housing 2, a second lock housing 3, and a third lock housing 4 are removed, revealing further components of the lock assembly 1 that are enclosed by them when assembled. The lock housings 2, 3, and 4, which can be connected to each other via simple plug and screw connections, accommodate numerous components of the lock assembly 1, of which only the most important components are shown in the figures. These include a rotary latch 5, which is rotatably mounted on a pivot axis 6 on the lock housing 4. When a vehicle hatch is closed, the rotary latch 5 pivots from an open position to a closed position. Fig. 2 shown detent position, in which it secures a detent hook of the vehicle door or vehicle flap in its forked jaw 25. The lock assembly 1 further comprises a locking pawl 7 cooperating with the rotary latch 5, which is pivotably mounted on the lock housing 4 via a bearing pin 8. The locking pawl 7 is in the direction of its Fig. The locking position shown in Figure 2 is spring-loaded and engages the rotary latch 6 in the locked position. To move the locking pawl 7 from its locked position to the release position, the lock assembly 1 also has an actuating element 9, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. Figure 2 shows the actuating element 9. The actuating element 9 comprises a gear 10, which is in drive connection with a drive pinion 14 of a motor drive 11, and an actuating shaft 12 non-rotatably connected to the gear 10. The actuating shaft 12 is of the type of a worm shaft with a rotating helix 15 (see, for example, Figure 2). Fig. 4) designed, which is at least temporarily in operative contact with the locking pawl 7 and moves it towards the release position, as described in more detail below. The lock assembly 1 thus constructed, which is known from the prior art and therefore does not need to be described in further detail, can, for example, be assigned to the tailgate of a motor vehicle. The operation of the lock assembly 1 and further details of its construction are now described below.

[0021] Fig. Figure 6 shows the pawl 7 in its locked position, the rotary latch 5 engaging with the pawl 7, the actuating element 9 (i.e., the gear 10, the actuating shaft 12, and the rotating helix 15), and the first lock housing 2. A blocking hook 16 is integrally formed on the lid-like lock housing 2, as is also the Fig. 3. The blocking hook 16, which is formed integrally with the lock housing 2, is designed in the manner of an elastically deformable spring arm and, in the assembled state of the lock assembly 1, can be elastically deflected in the direction of the actuating axis 12, i.e., away from the gear 10. The blocking hook 16 rests against a blocking element 17, which is formed as a projection on a side surface of the gear 10, as shown in detail in Fig. 4 is shown. The one in Fig. The position of the gear 10 and the actuating shaft 12, which is non-rotatably connected to it, shown in Figure 6, corresponds to the starting position of the actuating element 9. To move the lock assembly 1 into the open position and to disengage the pawl 7 from the rotary latch 5, the drive 11 is energized, causing the gear 10 to move out of the position shown in Figure 6. Fig. 6 starting position shown with reference to the actuation axis 12 counterclockwise (see arrow 18 in Fig. 6) turns.

[0022] As the actuating element 9 rotates, the rotating helix 15, with its end facing the gear 10, enters a drive recess 19, which is formed at the free end of the pawl 7, as shown in particular in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the rotary movement of the actuating element 9 and the actuating shaft 12, which is designed in the manner of a worm shaft, moves the rotating helix 15 away from the stationary gear 10, so that the Fig. The 7 positions shown can be reached, whereby the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the snapshot from Fig. 7 show different perspectives. In the Fig. 7 - and likewise in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 - the pawl 7 is no longer engaged with the rotary latch 5, even if the actuating shaft 12 has not yet completed a full circumferential rotation. This is because the blocking hook 16 has in Fig. 7 has not yet passed the wedge-shaped blocking element 17, but is about to pass over or “sweep over” the blocking element 17 by elastically deflecting the blocking hook 16 in the axial direction of the actuating axis 12.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 7 shows that the locking hook 16 has already reached the inclined surface of the locking element 17. When the gear 10 rotates, the actuating shaft 12, which is fixedly coupled to the gear 10, rotates in the direction of arrow 18 and pivots – as mentioned above – the pawl 7 around the bearing pin 8. Fig. Figure 8 clearly shows that a section of the helix 15 presses against a lateral wall 20 of the drive recess 19 (in Fig. 8. The helix 15 pushes the pawl 7 to the left and therefore rests against the left wall 20 of the drive recess 19. The helix 15 does not run completely but, in the illustrated embodiment, only by approximately 335° around the actuating axis 12; therefore, when viewed from the side of the actuating axis 12 (see Fig. 9) Between the beginning and the end of the helix 15, there is a clearance 21, which provides a return path for the pawl 7 so that it can return to its locking position. It is evident that an angle other than 335° can also be chosen for the rotation of the helix 15, such as an angle of 345°. The clearance 21 defined by the angle thus serves to allow the pawl 7 to move back into its locking position when the helix 15 or the actuating shaft 12 is in a corresponding circumferential position. This corresponding circumferential position is reached when the actuating shaft 12 has rotated far enough that the helix 15 is no longer in contact with the wall 20.

[0024] This circumferential position is reached at the latest when the actuating element 9, i.e., the gear 10 and the actuating shaft 12 with the rotating helix 15, moves into the end position, which is in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the actuating element 9 has moved. In this position, or in the end position of the actuating element 9, the elastically movable locking hook 16, designed like a spring arm, has passed over the locking element 17, which is designed as a projection or as a wedge rising towards the end position. The pawl 7 is no longer engaged with the rotary latch 5, so that the drive 11 can now be switched off, since no further energizing of the drive 11 is necessary because the pawl has already reached its release position as desired. A so-called block running is provided for switching off the drive 11, in which a block running surface 22 formed at one longitudinal end of the helix 15 (see, for example, Figure 12) Fig. 4 and Fig. 11) on a movement limiting surface 23 formed on the locking pawl 7 (see for example Fig. 11) bumps into and runs onto these to initiate a further rotational movement (according to arrow 18 from Fig. 7) to block the actuating axis 12 of the actuating element 9. This blocking action results in an increasing resistance at the drive 11, causing the drive 11 to be switched off when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

[0025] Once the drive 11 is de-energized, the actuating element 9, i.e., the gear 10 and the actuating shaft 12 with the helix 15, can rotate clockwise with respect to the actuating shaft 12 (contrary to the direction indicated by the arrow 18) after reaching the end position. Fig. (in the direction of rotation shown in Figure 7) rotate back towards the starting position. However, a blocking mechanism 24 prevents this, thus fulfilling the function of rebound protection. The blocking mechanism 24 is formed by the wedge-shaped blocking element 17 and the elastic blocking hook 16, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. 13 is shown. The blocking mechanism 24 according to the invention is designed such that it prevents movement of the actuating element 9 from the starting position (see Fig. 6) into a first direction (see direction of rotation 18) that forces the pawl 7 into the release position. The first direction of rotation is thus a counterclockwise rotation of the gear 10 and corresponds to the movements of the actuating element 8 and the pawl 7 moved by the actuating element 8, which in the Fig. Figures 6 to 12 are shown and described in more detail above. The blocking mechanism 24 is also designed such that it prevents movement of the actuating element 9 in a second direction opposite to the first direction 18 when the pawl 7 releases the rotary latch 5 and the actuating element 9 has reached its end position. After reaching the end position of the actuating element 9 (see, for example, Figure 6 to 12), the locking mechanism 24 prevents movement of the actuating element 9 in a second direction opposite to the first direction 18 when the pawl 7 releases the rotary latch 5 and the actuating element 9 has reached its end position. Fig. 10) The actuating element 9 rotates clockwise back towards the starting position, causing the actuating hook 16 to rest against the blocking element 17 and be positively engaged with it. The actuating element 9, i.e., the gear 10 and the actuating shaft 12 with the helix 15, assumes a blocking position when the blocking element 17 and the blocking hook 16 are positively engaged. This blocking position is simultaneously the starting position of the actuating element 9, as can be seen by comparing the Fig. 13 (blockade position) with the Fig.Figure 6 (starting position) indicates this. This has the advantage that during the next opening process, the drive 11 can continue to rotate in the same direction 18, and consequently, a reversible geared motor is not required. The blocking hook 16, which is integrally formed with the lock housing 2 (for example, by injection molding), is fixed in position and prevents rebound and reverse rotation of the drive 11 or the gear 10 coupled to the drive. The blocking hook 16 strikes against the surface of the wedge-shaped blocking element 17, which projects perpendicularly from the side of the gear 10, thus blocking further rotation of the gear 10.In contrast, the inclined surface of the blocking element 17, which rises in the direction of rotation 18 (counterclockwise) of the actuating element 9, allows the blocking hook 16 to pass over it, since it is elastically designed in the manner of a spring arm and yields when passing over it, whereby after passing over the wedge-shaped blocking element 17 it moves back to the level of the side surface of the gear 10 in order to enable the blocking described above when the gear 10 or the actuating element 9 returns to its original position.

[0026] The invention described above is, of course, not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated. It is evident that numerous modifications, obvious to a person skilled in the art, can be made to the embodiment shown in the drawing, depending on the intended application, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the blocking element 17 can be designed as a recess instead of a projection, into which the blocking hook 16 engages in the blocking position. Alternatively, the blocking hook could be designed as a spring arm moving with the gear 10, and the projection could be fixed to the lock housing 2. The invention includes everything contained in the description and / or illustrated in the drawing, including modifications that are obvious to a person skilled in the art in contrast to the specific embodiment.

Claims

[1] Lock assembly (1), in particular for vehicle doors or vehicle hatches, comprising a lock housing (2, 3, 4), a rotary latch (5) rotatably mounted on the lock housing (2, 3, 4), a locking pawl (7) pivotally mounted on the lock housing (2) which engages with the rotary latch (5) in its locked position, and an actuating element (9) moving the locking pawl (7) from its locked position into a release position that releases the rotary latch (5), wherein a blocking mechanism (24) is provided which is designed to enable movement of the actuating element (9) from a starting position into a first direction (18) that forces the locking pawl (7) into the release position, characterized by, that the blocking mechanism (24) is designed to prevent movement of the actuating element (9) in a direction opposite to the first direction (18) when the pawl (7) releases the rotary latch (5) and the actuating element (9) has reached an end position. [2] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one blocking element (17) and at least one blocking hook (16) form the blocking mechanism (24) which are in a positive locking connection after reaching the end position of the actuating element (9). [3] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the actuating element (9) assumes a blocking position when the blocking element (17) and the blocking hook (16) are positively connected, which is simultaneously the starting position of the actuating element (9). [4] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the locking hook (16) is formed integrally with the lock housing (2) and, after reaching the end position of the actuating element (9), rests against the at least one locking element (17), which is formed as a projection on the actuating element (9). [5] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the projection is designed as a wedge rising towards the end position, which can be traversed by the blocking hook (16), which is designed as an elastic spring arm, when moving from the starting position to the end position. [6] Lock arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the actuating element (9) comprises a gear (10) which is in drive connection with a motor drive (11). [7] Lock arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the actuating element (9) comprises an actuating shaft (12) designed in the manner of a worm shaft with a rotating helix (15), wherein the helix (15) is in operative connection with the pawl (7) and the latter is designed to move from the locking position towards the release position. [8] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the helix (15) is designed to extend around the actuation axis (12) by a maximum of 345°. [9] Lock arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the pawl (7) has a movement limiting surface (23) against which a longitudinal end (22) of the helix (15) abuts after a predetermined movement in order to block a further rotational movement (18) of the actuating axis (12).

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