Covering an opening on a locking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking device for a movable locking component of a motor vehicle. To provide a locking device that is as economical to manufacture as possible, a locking device (10) for a movable locking component of a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a housing (12) with a Bowden cable receptacle (14) and a cover (16) for the Bowden cable receptacle that can be attached to the housing. The Bowden cable receptacle is designed as an opening (18) in the housing for attaching one end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a locking device arranged in the housing. The Bowden cable receptacle has a lateral receiving slot (20) for inserting a Bowden cable end piece in an insertion direction.When installed, the cover extends over the receiving slot and engages with the housing via two projections (22) to hold the housing in the transverse direction of insertion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a locking device for a movable end component of a motor vehicle, to a locking device module, to a motor vehicle door module and to a method for sealing a locking device of a movable end component of a motor vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONLocking devices such as door locks or closing aids are used, for example, in vehicle doors. For the transmission of force, Bowden cables can be used which are connected to the closing device. In order to protect components such as door locks or drives, a housing can be provided in a locking device, which has an opening for connecting the Bowden cable. A cover of an opening for a Bowden cable is shown, for example, in DE 10 2018 119219 A1. In the one-piece embodiment, the opening closure and fastening of the Bowden cable take place more or less in one step. In order to allow more flexibility during assembly, a separate opening closure can also be provided. However, it has been found that there is an increasing need for cost savings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a closing device which can be produced as inexpensively as possible.This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further examples are given in the dependent claims. The aspects described below also apply to the locking device for a movable end component of a motor vehicle, to the locking device module, to the motor vehicle door module and to the method for sealing a locking device of a movable end component of a motor vehicle.According to the invention, a closing device for a movable end component of a motor vehicle is provided. The closing device has a housing with a Bowden cable receptacle and a cover for the Bowden cable receptacle, which cover can be fastened to the housing. The Bowden cable receptacle is designed as an opening in the housing in order to fasten one end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a closing device arranged in the housing. The Bowden cable receptacle has a lateral receiving slot for inserting a Bowden cable end piece in an insertion direction. The cover extends over the receiving slot in the mounted state and is engaged with the housing with two projections in order to hold the housing in the transverse direction of the insertion direction.The extension of the cover over the slot and the cover used as an additional reinforcement allow a simpler configuration of the housing in this region, since the widening of the slot no longer has to be counteracted by, for example, a greater accumulation of material or ribs on the housing. Bridging the slot and simultaneously reinforcing the edges of the slot by the bridging provide, so to speak, external reinforcement of the housing.According to one example, in a first option, the two projections laterally encompass the housing. In a second option, the two projections engage in receptacles of the housing.The lateral gripping around represents a structural measure, which is simple to implement, of reinforcing a housing. The lateral gripping around is also suitable, for example, for retrofitting an existing closing device.The intervention in exceptions is appropriate, for example, in the case of tight installation space conditions.According to one example, the two projections are each formed with a latching nose which, in the mounted state, bear against respective latching edges of the housing in a holding direction counter to the insertion direction.As an option, it is provided that the latching noses are designed as self-locking hooks.According to one example, the two projections have a slope at the free end, which serves for inserting the projections as an insertion slope during the mounting of the cover.According to one example, the cover extends over the receiving slot in the mounted state with a bridging region. The cover is formed with an elastic seal which, in the mounted state, is pressed in a sealing direction against an opening edge of the housing. The cover is formed in the bridging portion with abutment projections for abutment on the opening edge of the housing.According to one example, a Bowden cable end piece is provided, which is rotatably held on the cover in a passage of a protruding holding tab and which can be inserted into the Bowden cable receptacle.The cover and the Bowden cable end piece can be connected to one another before being placed on the housing or into the Bowden cable receptacle. This simplifies the actual assembly process.According to one example, the cover is held at a first end on the housing by the Bowden cable end piece. The cover is held at a second end opposite the first end on the housing by a holding tab which is supported on a holding projection of the housing.According to one example, a locking device is provided in the housing, which is designed, for example, as a door lock, door lock drive, door drive or Bowden cable coupling.According to the invention, a closing device module is also provided. The closing device module has a closing device according to one of the preceding examples and a Bowden cable with a Bowden cable sheath and a core movably guided in the Bowden cable sheath. The core is operatively connected to a force transmission element of the closing device in a mechanical manner. The Bowden cable is held in the Bowden cable end piece which is inserted in the Bowden cable receptacle.According to one example, the Bowden cable end piece has a receptacle for one end of the Bowden cable sheath. The Bowden cable end piece has at least one stop which is axial with respect to the core and is for engagement with an edge region of the receiving slot of the housing.According to one example, the receiving slot has a first receiving region which is designed as an insertion region with a first slot width, and a second receiving region which adjoins said first receiving region with a second slot width which is greater than the first slot width. The Bowden cable end piece has a radial holding region for insertion into the receiving slot. The holding portion has an elongated cross section that has a first diameter in a first direction that is smaller than the first slot width and that has a second diameter in a second direction that runs transversely to the first direction that is smaller than the second slot width and larger than the first slot width. The holding region can be inserted into the second receiving region of the receiving slot in a first orientation and held in the receiving region in the slot direction in a second orientation.According to one example, the Bowden cable end piece has a radially protruding tab for rotating the Bowden cable end piece in relation to the housing. The Bowden cable end piece can be inserted into the receiving slot in a first axial position and can be rotated in the inserted position by means of the tab into a second axial position in which the Bowden cable end piece is held in the receiving slot counter to the insertion direction.According to one example, the radial holding region of the Bowden cable end piece is formed between two axial stops of the Bowden cable end piece, which hold the Bowden cable in the longitudinal direction on the housing.According to the invention, a motor vehicle door module is also provided. The motor vehicle door module has a supporting structure of a motor vehicle door and at least one locking device module according to one of the preceding examples. The at least one closing device module is held on the supporting structure.According to the invention, a method for sealing a closing device of a movable end component of a motor vehicle is also provided. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing a housing with a Bowden cable receptacle which is formed as an opening in the housing in order to fasten one end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a closing device arranged in the housing; the Bowden cable receptacle has a lateral receiving slot for inserting a Bowden cable end piece in an insertion direction; b) providing a Bowden cable with a Bowden cable sheath and a core which is movably guided in the Bowden cable sheath; the core is connected to the force transmission element in an active mechanical manner and the Bowden cable has a Bowden cable end piece; c) inserting the Bowden cable end piece into the Bowden cable receptacle; and d) fastening a cover for the Bowden cable receptacle to the housing; the cover extends over the receiving slot and engages the housing with two projections to retain the housing transversely of the insertion direction.According to one aspect of the invention, a housing of a closing component is formed with an opening for connecting a Bowden cable. The opening has a lateral slot for inserting the Bowden cable and inserting it into the housing. The opening is closed by a cover. To prevent the slot from widening, the cover bridges the slot and engages the housing to stabilize it. The cover forms a local reinforcement of the housing, i.e. a type of stiffening or reinforcement used. Preventing the slot from widening ensures a secure hold of the Bowden cable end piece in the Bowden cable receptacle.According to one aspect of the invention, a housing of a closing component is formed with an opening for connecting a Bowden cable. The cover of the opening is at the same time also provided for holding the housing in the slot region for passing through a Bowden cable against widening of the slot. According to one aspect, the cover of the opening is provided on the closing device for stabilizing and reinforcing the housing.It should be noted that the features of the exemplary embodiments of the device also apply to embodiments of the modules and of the method and vice versa. In addition, those features in which this is not explicitly mentioned can also be freely combined with one another.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSExemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a locking device in a kind of exploded view in connection with an example of a locking device module. FIG. 2 shows a further exploded illustration of the example from FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the example from FIG. 1 in an assembled state in a perspective illustration. FIG. 4 shows a detail of the example from FIGS. 2 and 3 in a further perspective illustration. FIG. 5 shows a detail of the cover from FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows a variant embodiment of the cover. FIG. 7 shows a further variant of the cover from FIG. 6. FIG. 8 shows a further variant of the cover. FIG. 9 shows a step during the insertion of the Bowden cable end piece. FIG. 10 shows a further step during the insertion of the Bowden cable end piece. FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of a motor vehicle door module. FIG. 12 shows steps of an example of a method for sealing a closing device of a movable end component of a motor vehicle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTSFIG. 1 shows an example of a locking device 10 for a movable end component of a motor vehicle. The closing device 10 has a housing 12 with a Bowden cable receptacle 14 and a cover 16 for the Bowden cable receptacle 14, which cover can be fastened to the housing 12; the Bowden cable receptacle 14 is designed as an opening 18 in the housing 12 in order to fasten one end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a closing device arranged in the housing 12. The Bowden cable receptacle 14 has a lateral receptacle slot 20 for inserting a Bowden cable end piece 60 in an insertion direction. The cover 16 extends over the receiving slot 20 in the mounted state and engages with the housing 12 with two projections 22 in order to hold the housing 12 in the transverse direction of the insertion direction.The direction of insertion is indicated by an arrow 24. The installation process will be described in more detail below.As an option, a locking device 25 is provided in the housing 12, which is designed, for example, as a door lock. In another example, the closing device 25 is designed as a door lock drive, door drive or Bowden cable coupling.In FIG. 1, the striker 10 is shown as an option in connection with an example of a striker module 50. The closing device module 50 has an example of the closing device 10 according to one of the preceding and subsequent examples and a Bowden cable 52 with a Bowden cable sheath 54 and a core 56 movably guided in the Bowden cable sheath 54. The Bowden cable 52 is held in a Bowden cable end piece 60 which is inserted in the Bowden cable receptacle 14.The force transmission element 58 is, for example, a lever for transmitting the actuating force from the Bowden cable to the closing device, e.g. a door lock, or as a lever for transmitting the actuating force from the closing device, e.g. a drive, to the Bowden cable.As an option, it is shown in FIG. 1 that the Bowden cable end piece 60 has a receptacle 62 for one end of the Bowden cable sheath 54. The Bowden cable end piece 60 has at least one stop 64 which is axial with respect to the core 56 for holding in engagement with an edge region of the receiving slot 20 of the housing 12. The axial stop 64 is a stop in the direction of the core 56. the term "engaging holding" refers to a positive connection, in the axial direction, of the stop 64 of the Bowden cable end piece 60, which abuts the edge region of the housing 12 in the axial direction. The locking device module 50 is designed, for example, as a lock module.The term "movable end component" refers to a movable component on a motor vehicle, with which an opening or access can be temporarily closed by closing the movable end component and with which the opening or access can be temporarily made accessible by opening the movable end component. The term "movable end component" thus refers to a movable closure of a motor vehicle. The movable end component is, for example, a motor vehicle door, a motor vehicle flap, a motor vehicle hood or a tailgate. The movable end component comprises at least one from the group comprising motor vehicle doors, motor vehicle flaps, motor vehicle hoods or tailgates. Motor vehicle doors can be, for example, doors that swivel laterally open, or sliding doors, or also doors or door segments that swivel upwards. Motor vehicle flaps may be tailgates, for example. Motor vehicle hoods can be, for example, engine compartment hoods, for example in the front vehicle region. Motor vehicle hoods can also be front hoods for closing stowage regions located underneath. These front hoods are also referred to as frunks (from the English: front trunk). Tailgates can be, for example, hinged flaps provided at the rear or laterally in order to allow access to a loading area or a loading surface. The tailgates can also be referred to as motor vehicle tailgates. In connection with so-called pick-up trucks, e.g. with an open loading surface, the cargo flaps are also referred to as drop gates. When motor vehicle door is mentioned in the context of the present invention, this also includes the other forms of the movable end component mentioned as examples. The term door lock includes, for example, a lock for a motor vehicle door, a lock for a motor vehicle flap, a lock for a motor vehicle hood or a lock for a tailgate.The term "housing" refers to a structure in which a locking device of a motor vehicle is provided, i.e. accommodated. The housing 12 serves, for example, as a fastening structure for the closing device. The housing 12 also serves, for example, as a casing for the closing device. Held on the housing 12 is, for example, an adjusting element for transmitting force, such as, for example, a Bowden cable 52. The Bowden cable 52 transmits, for example, forces for actuating the closing device and / or transmits forces of the closing device to a further closing device.The term "Bowden cable receptacle" refers to a connection possibility for a Bowden cable, which can be used, for example, for force transmission in order to transmit an adjusting force or control force.The term "lateral receiving slot" refers to an opening provided laterally with respect to the (main) opening 18. For example, the end of the Bowden cable 52 can be inserted via the opening 18 and mechanically connected. Via the receiving slot 20, the core 56 of the Bowden cable 52 can then emerge from the housing 12 and at the same time the Bowden cable 52 can connect with its sheath to the housing 12 or bear against the housing 12. The term "lateral" refers to the arrangement in relation to the opening 18, regardless of any shape of the housing 12.The term "extending across the receiving slot" refers to, for example, a cover 16 of the receiving slot.The term "engaged" refers to a positive connection with respect to the direction of the force to expand the receiving slot. The housing 12 is held by the projections 22 in such a way that widening of the receiving slot 20 is prevented. In an initial state, the projections 22 can be arranged directly next to the housing 12 or can also only slightly abut on the latter. During expansion, the projections 22 would hold the housing 12, i.e. the housing 12 or its walls would then abut against the housing 12.The term "locking device" refers, for example, to mechanical assemblies for locking or moving a movable vehicle component.The term "door lock" refers to a lock of a vehicle door. A striker or locking bolt, for example, is releasably held by the door lock in order to hold a door in the closed position.The term "door lock drive" refers to a drive of the locking mechanism of a door lock. The door lock drive is, for example, an electric drive for opening the lock of a door lock. The door lock drive can also be designed as an electric drive for closing the rotary latch of a vehicle lock in order to pull a door shut. The door lock drive is designed, for example, as a closing aid.The term "door drive" refers to a drive for moving the vehicle door, for example, for at least partially opening or closing the door. The door drive is, for example, a door adjuster, also referred to as a door presenter or push-out unit, with which the door is opened in a gap-wise manner. The door drive is, for example, a drive for completely opening a door, for example a tailgate. The door drive is, for example, a closing aid with which the door is pulled into the closed position, for example against the sealing pressure of the door seal. The door drive is designed, for example, as a door adjuster which presses the door from a vehicle body in order to open the door in a gapwise manner. The door drive may also act as a drive on a door check to move the door relative to the body.The term "Bowden cable coupling" refers to a coupling within the force transmission path, for example from one Bowden cable to another Bowden cable, or to several other Bowden cables, or from several Bowden cables to a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable coupling can be designed, for example, as a switch. The Bowden cable clutch can be designed, for example, with a controllable force transmission, for example, lockable by means of an actuator or with interruption of the force transmission path. The Bowden cable coupling can, however, also be designed, for example, as a connection of two Bowden cables. The Bowden cable coupling is designed, for example, as a Bowden cable diverter in order to transmit the force from a Bowden cable to one or more further Bowden cables.The term "operatively mechanical" refers to a connection capable of transmitting mechanical forces.The term "deployed" refers to the connection of the Bowden cable 52 to the closure device module. The Bowden cable end piece 60 is located in the Bowden cable receptacle 14 in order to ensure the retention of the Bowden cable 52 on the housing 12.The cover 16 with the two projections 22 acts as a reinforcement for the housing 12 and is provided to counteract pushing open end of the slot area of the lateral receiving slot 20.The opening 18 serves, for example, to hang one end of the Bowden cable 52 on the force transmission element 58. The end of the Bowden cable 52 has, for example, a type of hook or barrel (not shown).The lateral receiving slot 20 runs, for example, transversely to the opening 18.In one example, the closing device is protected from external influences by the housing 12. For example, the housing 12 protects against dirt and / or moisture. The housing 12 is designed to be dust-proof, for example. The housing 12 is designed to be protected from splash water, for example. The housing 12 can also be embodied to be watertight, for example. The cover 16 is then suitably sealed.In one example, the location at which the Bowden cable end piece 60 is inserted into the receiving slot 20 is also suitably sealed.FIG. 2 shows a further exploded illustration of the example from FIG. 1.As an example, it is shown in FIG. 2 that the cover 16 is retained at a first end 66 to the housing 12 by the Bowden cable end piece 60. The cover 16 is held on the housing 12 at a second end 68 opposite the first end 66 by a retaining tab 70 that abuts a retaining protrusion 72 of the housing 12 (see also FIG. 3 ). The term "retaining tab" refers to a tab-like portion of the cover 16 that is configured to retain the cover 16 to the housing 12. The retaining tab 70 can be formed as an edge segment of the housing 12. The term "retention protrusion" refers to a portion of the housing 12 against which the retention tab 70 may abut to retain the cover 16. The retaining protrusion 72 may also be a depression in which the retaining tab 70 engages.In another example, the cover 16 is retained on the housing 12 at the first end 66 by the two protrusions 22.FIG. 3 shows the example from FIGS. 1 and 2 in an assembled state in a perspective illustration.As an option, it is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the receiving slot has a first receiving region 74, which is designed as an insertion region with a first slot width S 1, and a second receiving region 76, which adjoins it, with a second slot width S 2 that is greater than the first slot width. The Bowden cable end piece 60 has a radial holding region 78 for insertion into the receiving slot 20 (see also FIG. 9 ). The holding portion 78 has an elongated cross section having a first diameter D 1 in a first direction that is smaller than the first slot width S 1. The elongated cross section has, in a second direction, which runs transversely to the first direction, a second diameter D 2 which is smaller than the second slot width S 2 and larger than the first slot width S 1. The holding region 78 is inserted into the second receiving region 76 of the receiving slot 20 in a first orientation (shown in FIG. 9 ), and is held in the slot direction in the receiving region 76 in a second orientation (see FIG. 4, for example).The term "insertion portion" refers to a portion of the receiving slot 20 into which the Bowden cable end piece 60 is inserted. The insertion region adjoins the opening region of the receiving slot 20.The term "receiving region" refers to the part of the slot in which the Bowden cable end piece 60 is located when the Bowden cable 52 is securely held on the housing 12, i.e. in the mounted state. The receiving region adjoins the insertion region of the receiving slot 20 and forms the inner part of the receiving slot. In one example, the receiving slot 20 has an inner end, i.e., the slot is closed at one end.The term "slot width" refers to the inside width of the receiving slot 20 in the respective slot area.The term "retention portion" refers to the portion of the Bowden cable end piece 60 configured to retain the Bowden cable end piece 60 within the receiving slot 20.The term "slot direction" refers to the direction of the receiving slot 20 from the slot depth toward the opening. The slot direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the Bowden cable 52.The term "held" refers to the Bowden cable end piece 60 not being movable out of the receiving slot 20 in this position, since the insertion area is narrower than the width of the Bowden cable end piece 60 in this position. For the purpose of moving it out, the Bowden cable end piece 60 must first be rotated about the axis formed by the Bowden cable 52.The first portion of the receiving slot 20 has, for example, two parallel edge portions, and the portion of the receiving slot 20 has a round shape. The receiving slot 20 is formed, for example, with an insertion region and an expansion adjoining the latter. The holding region with the elongated cross section forms together with the receiving slot 20 with the widening a kind of bayonet connection or bayonet closure.As another option, it is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 that the Bowden cable end piece 60 has a radially protruding tab 80 for rotating the Bowden cable end piece 60 in relation to the housing. The Bowden cable end piece 60 can be inserted into the receiving slot 20 in a first axial position P 1 and can be rotated in the inserted position by means of the tab 80 into a second axial position P 2, in which the Bowden cable end piece 60 is held in the receiving slot 20 counter to the insertion direction. This is also explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 10, the tab 80 is shown in dashed lines in the second axial position P2 and is identified by reference numeral 80'.The term "radial" refers to the orientation of the Bowden cable core 56 as a virtual axis. The term "rotating" refers to rotation about the Bowden cable core 56 as a virtual axis.The second position P 2 is rotated relative to the first position P 1 by an angle in the range between approximately 20 and 160° about the longitudinal direction of the Bowden cable 52, for example. For example, the range is approximately 45° to 135°, for example approximately 90°, indicated in FIG. 9 with a movement arrow 82.In one example, a contact surface for holding the Bowden cable end piece 60 is formed on the cover 16 in the region of the receiving slot 20 (not shown in detail). The contact surface is, for example, concavely rounded, and the Bowden cable end piece 60 has a convexly rounded counter surface.The Bowden cable end piece 60 is thereby held twice in the receiving slot 20: on the one hand by the bayonet locking in the receiving slot 20 and on the other hand by the cover 16.As an alternative option (not shown), it is provided that a locking element protrudes radially from the Bowden cable end piece 60 and has a locking protrusion in the axial direction. A retaining protrusion protrudes from the cover 16, which can be engaged behind by the locking protrusion in the second axial position in order to retain the cover 16. The term "locking protrusion" refers to a protrusion with which the Bowden cable end piece 60 holds, i.e., locks, the cover 16 in the closed position. The protrusion can be moved by rotating the Bowden cable end piece 60 into a locking or unlocked position in which the cover 16 is no longer held, i.e. is so to speak unlocked. The term "retaining protrusion" refers to the counterpart on the cover 16. The term "engageable behind" refers to the retention of the retention protrusion by the locking protrusion.In one example, in addition to the tab 80, a detent protrusion 84 radially protrudes from the Bowden cable end piece 60 that abuts at least one detent stop 86 when the Bowden cable end piece 60 is in the second axial position P 2.The locking protrusion 84 abuts on the locking stopper 86 in the rotational direction from the first axial position P 1 toward the second axial position P 2. In one example, the latching stop 86 is formed by a depression in which the latching projection 84, which can be designed as a tab, engages and is then latched in the direction from the second position P 2 to the first position P 1. The latching projection 84 is designed, for example, to be prestressed in the direction of the depression and latches in it by itself. To release the Bowden cable end piece 60, the latching projection 84 must then be slightly raised.The latching protrusion 84 and the latching stop 86 serve, for example, to more easily achieve the correct position during installation. Alternatively or additionally, however, the latching projection 84 and the latching stop 86 also serve, for example, to prevent undesired rotation after installation by the latching.As a further option, it is provided (see also FIG. 9 ) that the radial holding region 78 of the Bowden cable end piece 60 is formed between two axial stops 88, 90 of the Bowden cable end piece 60, which hold the Bowden cable 52 in the longitudinal direction on the housing 12. The term "axial stop" refers to a contact in the axial direction, i.e. a stop in the direction of the Bowden cable 52. The projections are, for example, disk-shaped. The housing 12 protrudes with the edge regions of the receiving slot 20 between the two axial stops 88, 90.FIG. 4 shows a detail of the example from FIGS. 2 and 3 in a further perspective illustration.As an example, it is shown in FIG. 4 that the cover 16 extends over the receiving slot 20 with a bridging region 92 in the mounted state. The cover 16 is formed with an elastic seal 94 that is pressed in a sealing direction against an opening edge 93 (see FIG. 2 ) of the housing 12 in the assembled state. The cover 16 is formed in the bridging portion with abutment projections 96 for abutment against the opening edge 93 of the housing 12. The term "bearing projections" refers to regions protruding from the cover 16 in the direction of the housing 12. These form small projections and can abut against the housing 12. The contact projections 96 provide a defined distance in a region in which the elastic seal 94 runs offset, for example. Alternatively or additionally, contact projections can be formed on the housing 12, for example next to the lateral receiving slot 20.The contact projections 96 serve, for example, to ensure a defined deformation of the seal 94. The contact projections 96 also counteract, for example, an undesired rattling of the cover 16.FIG. 5 shows a detail of the cover 16 of the example from FIG. 4 in a plan view.The cover 16 has, for example, lateral widenings 98, in order to allow, for example, the projections 22 to protrude as lateral tabs. Dashed lines 100 indicate an option in which no lateral expansions are provided.FIG. 6 shows a further variant of the cover 16 from FIG. 4 ; the two projections 22 engage laterally around the housing 12. The term "laterally encompassing" refers, for example, to the projections 22 resting against the housing 12 from the outside, to the side of the receiving slot 20, in order to thus bring about a mechanical interaction, i.e. to keep the housing 12 in the region of the receiving slot 20 against widening of the slot. The term "lateral" refers to the arrangement in relation to the insertion slot, i.e. independently of any possible arrangement or shape of the housing 12 as such.FIG. 7 shows a further variant embodiment of the cover 16 from FIG. 7. the two projections 22 are each formed with a latching nose 102 which, in the mounted state, bear against respective latching edges 104 of the housing 12 in a holding direction counter to the insertion direction 24. The term "detent" refers to a protruding portion on the protrusion 22 for engaging or latching with a counterpart on the housing 12, for example the latching edge 104. The term "latching edge" refers to a protruding portion on the housing 12 for engaging or latching with a counterpart on the protrusion 22, for example the latching tab 102. In this variant, too, the housing 12 is held in the region of the receiving slot 20 against widening of the slot.As an option, it is provided that the latching noses 102 are designed as self-locking hooks. The term "self-locking" refers to a tendency of the connection to urge towards the locking position when loaded. This is effected, for example, by geometric design of the contact surfaces, such that these are moved mutually in the direction of one another instead of one another under load, i.e. in the present case during expansion of the slot. Self-locking means, for example, that when a load is applied in the direction of releasing the projections 22, the latching noses 102 are pressed against the opening direction. The latching noses 10 2 are, for example, hooks with a saw-tooth-shaped cross section.In one example, the latching lug 102 abuts a latching edge 104, for example, wherein both the latching lug 102 and the latching edge 104 are formed perpendicular to the insertion direction of the projection 22. In another example, the latching lug 102 abuts the latching edge 104, for example, wherein the latching lug 102 projects at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the insertion direction of the hook and the latching edge 104 likewise forms an angle of less than 90° with respect to the insertion direction of the hook.The latching lug 102 forms a positive connection with the respective latching edge 104 when the cover 16 is fastened to the housing 12. The latching noses 102 and the latching edges 104 form, for example, a type of clipping.As a further option, FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the two projections 22 have a bevel 106 at the free end, which serves as an insertion bevel for inserting the projections 22 during the mounting of the cover 16. The term "slope" refers to a surface inclined toward the direction of insertion.The two exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 can also be formed without the bevel 106.FIG. 8 shows a further variant embodiment of the cover 16 from FIG. 1. the two projections 22 (shown here in dashed lines) do not engage laterally but rather slightly engaged, and engage in receptacles (not shown) of the housing 12. The term "engage" refers to a protrusion into the receptacles so as to cause a mechanical interaction. In this variant, too, the housing 12 is held in the region of the receiving slot 20 against widening of the slot.In a variant which is not shown, a bevel is provided at the free end of the projections 22 also in a variant of FIG. 8.In one option, which is shown inter alia in FIG. 9, provision is made for the Bowden cable end piece 60 to be rotatably held on the cover 16 in a passage 108 of a protruding holding tab 110. The Bowden cable end piece 60 can then be inserted into the Bowden cable receptacle 14 together with the protruding retaining tab 110 of the cover 16 in the inserted state (see FIG. 10 ).FIG. 9 shows a step during the insertion of the Bowden cable end piece 60.FIG. 10 shows a further step during the insertion of the Bowden cable end piece 60.In one option, it is provided that, for mounting the base cable 52, first the Bowden cable end piece 60 with the Bowden cable 52 fastened thereto is inserted into the round opening of the laterally protruding tab on the cover 12. The Bowden cable end piece 60 is rotated into the first position. Thereafter, the end of the core 56 is hooked onto the holding part of the closing element. The cover 12 is now hooked with the retaining tab 70 onto the retaining projection 72 and placed onto the opening in a type of pivoting movement in order to close the opening. During the pivoting, the Bowden cable end piece 60 is inserted into the receptacle in the housing 12, i.e. into the lateral receptacle slot 20. When the pivotal movement is completed, the Bowden cable end piece 60 is rotated by the tab 80 to reach the second position in which the Bowden cable end piece 60 is securely held. When the cover 16 is placed on, the projections 22 laterally encompass the region of the receiving slot 20 or engage into the housing 12 next to the receiving slot 20.FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of a motor vehicle door module 200. The motor vehicle door module 200 comprises a motor vehicle door support structure 202 and at least one example of the locking device module 50 according to any of the preceding examples. The at least one closing device module 50 is held on the supporting structure 202. The term "support structure" refers to a structure present in the door, which is provided for example for mounting the various components. The support structure may be the actual (frame) structure a door 204, or a structure inserted into the door. For example, the support structure is a support structure 206 for door lock components or window mechanisms, also referred to as a multi-functional bracket (MFB). FIG. 11 schematically shows a window region 208 of the door and two fittings 210 in order to hold the door on a body region. Also shown by way of example for the locking device module 50 is a door lock 212 which is connected to a door handle 216 via a Bowden cable 214.FIG. 12 shows steps of an example of a method 300 for sealing a closure device of a movable termination component of a motor vehicle. The method 300 comprises the following steps:In a first step 302, a housing is provided with a Bowden cable receptacle, which is formed as an opening in the housing in order to fasten an end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a closing device arranged in the housing; the Bowden cable receptacle has a lateral receiving slot for inserting a Bowden cable end piece in an insertion direction.In a second step 304, a Bowden cable is provided with a Bowden cable sheath and a core movably guided in the Bowden cable sheath; the core is operatively connected to the force transmission element and the Bowden cable has a Bowden cable end piece.In a third step 306, the Bowden cable end piece is inserted into the Bowden cable receptacle.In a fourth step 308, a cover for the Bowden cable receptacle is fastened to the housing; the cover extends over the receptacle slot and engages with the housing with two projections in order to hold the housing in the transverse direction of the insertion direction.The above-described exemplary embodiments can be combined in different ways. In particular, aspects of the devices may also be used for the embodiments of the method and vice versa.Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2018 119219 A1

[0002]

Claims

A closing device (10) for a movable end component of a motor vehicle, the closing device comprising: - a housing (12) with a Bowden cable receptacle (14); and - a cover (16) for the Bowden cable receptacle, which cover can be fastened to the housing; wherein the Bowden cable receptacle is formed as an opening (18) in the housing in order to fasten one end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a closing device arranged in the housing; wherein the Bowden cable receptacle has a lateral receiving slot (20), for inserting a Bowden cable end piece in an insertion direction; wherein the cover, in the assembled state, extends over the receiving slot and is engaged with the housing with two projections (22) in order to hold the housing in the transverse direction of the insertion direction.Locking device according to claim 1, wherein the two projections: i) engage laterally around the housing; or ii) engage in receptacles of the housing.Locking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two projections are each formed with a latching nose (102), which in the mounted state bear against respective latching edges (104) of the housing in a holding direction counter to the insertion direction; and wherein, preferably, the latching noses are formed as self-locking hooks.The locking device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the two projections have a slope (106) at the free end, which serves as an insertion slope during the mounting of the cover for inserting the projections.Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover extends over the receiving slot in the mounted state with a bridging region (92); wherein the cover is formed with an elastic seal which is pressed against an opening edge (93) of the housing in a sealing direction in the mounted state; and wherein the cover is formed in the bridging region with abutment projections (96) for abutment against the opening edge of the housing.Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a Bowden cable end piece (60) is provided, which is rotatably held on the cover in a passage (108) of a protruding holding tab (110) and which can be inserted into the Bowden cable receptacle.Closing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is held on the housing at a first end by the Bowden cable end piece; and wherein the cover is held on the housing at a second end opposite the first end by a holding tab (70) which is supported on a holding projection (72) of the housing.Locking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking device (25) is provided in the housing, which is designed as: - door lock; - door lock drive; - door drive; or - Bowden cable coupling.A closing device module (50), comprising: - a closing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and - a Bowden cable (52) having a Bowden cable sheath (54) and a core (56) movably guided in the Bowden cable sheath; wherein the core is operatively connected to a force transmission element of the closing device; and wherein the Bowden cable is held in the Bowden cable end piece inserted in the Bowden cable receptacle.The closure assembly module of claim 9, wherein the Bowden cable end piece includes a receptacle (62) for an end of the Bowden cable sheath; and wherein the Bowden cable end piece includes at least one stop (64) axial with respect to the core for engagingly retaining with an edge portion of the receptacle slot of the housing.The locking device module according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the receiving slot has a first receiving region (74), which is formed as an insertion region with a first slot width (S1), and a second receiving region (76), which adjoins the first receiving region and has a second slot width (S2) which is greater than the first slot width; wherein the Bowden cable end piece has a radial holding region (78) for insertion into the receiving slot; and wherein the holding region has an elongate cross section and: i) has a first diameter (D1) in a first direction which is smaller than the first slot width; and ii) has a second diameter (D2) in a second direction which runs transversely to the first direction which is smaller than the second slot width and greater than the first slot width; and wherein the holding region is insertable in a first orientation into the second receiving region of the receiving slot, and is held in a second orientation in the receiving region in the slot direction.Closing device module according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the Bowden cable end piece has a radially protruding tab (80) for rotating the Bowden cable end piece in relation to the housing; and wherein the Bowden cable end piece can be inserted into the receiving slot in a first axial position (P1), and in the inserted position can be rotated by means of the tab into a second axial position (P2), in which the Bowden cable end piece is held in the receiving slot counter to the insertion direction.Closing device module according to one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the radial holding region of the Bowden cable end piece is formed between two axial stops (88, 90) of the Bowden cable end piece, which hold the Bowden cable in the longitudinal direction on the housing.A motor vehicle door module (200), comprising: - a support structure (202) of a motor vehicle door; and - at least one locking device module (50) according to any one of claims 9 to 13; wherein the at least one locking device module is held on the support structure.A method (300) for sealing a closure device of a movable termination component of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: a) providing (302) a housing with a Bowden cable receptacle formed as an opening in the housing for fastening an end of a Bowden cable to a force transmission element of a closure device arranged in the housing; wherein the Bowden cable receptacle comprises a lateral receptacle slot for inserting a Bowden cable end piece in an insertion direction; b) providing (304) a Bowden cable with a Bowden cable sheath and a core movably guided in the Bowden cable sheath; wherein the core is operatively connected to the force transmission element; and wherein the Bowden cable comprises a Bowden cable end piece; c) inserting (306) the Bowden cable end piece into the Bowden cable receptacle; and d) securing (308) a cover for the Bowden cable receptacle to the housing; the cover extending over the receiving slot and engaging the housing with two projections to retain the housing transversely of the insertion direction.

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