Motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle
By arranging the sealing strip with a partially free inner contact surface in the transition section, the motor vehicle lock achieves improved sealing performance during installation, addressing stress-related sealing issues.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024124897
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing motor vehicle locks face challenges in achieving a good sealing effect, particularly in the transition areas, due to stress on the sealing strip during installation, which can lead to reduced performance even before the lock is mounted.
The sealing strip is arranged such that its inner contact surface is partially free of contact in the transition section, ensuring a stress-free arrangement, which maintains a good sealing effect when the vehicle lock is mounted.
This design ensures a robust sealing effect, particularly in the transition areas, by minimizing stress on the sealing strip, thus maintaining effective sealing during installation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a locking element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, a locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle according to claim 11 and a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 12.
[0002] The vehicle lock in question can be assigned to any locking element of a motor vehicle. The term "locking element" is to be understood broadly here and includes, for example, tailgates, hoods, and especially side doors. The vehicle lock can be located on the respective locking element, for example, within the locking element itself. The vehicle lock has a seal that seals the lock, at least partially, against the locking element at the respective point of installation. This is because, despite the internal location of the vehicle lock, it is quite possible that the lock will come into contact with liquid, such as rainwater, which is channeled through the locking element. The seal can protect certain areas of the locking element and / or the vehicle lock itself from the ingress of liquid.
[0003] In principle, it is also conceivable that the vehicle lock is located on the vehicle body and can be engaged with the locking element via a locking component. Here, too, a very similar problem arises regarding the seal and sealing effect when the vehicle lock is located on the body.
[0004] The seal of a vehicle lock can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, there are vehicle locks where the seal is directly injection-molded onto the lock housing during manufacturing. In this case, the seal is essentially created during the application process. This allows for a seal with good sealing performance and makes the application process easily automated. However, this method results in comparatively high manufacturing costs. Vehicle locks are also known where a stamped seal is glued onto the housing. While this can be implemented relatively cost-effectively, it is only partially, if at all, automatable.
[0005] The prior art from which the invention is based relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1. In the motor vehicle lock, the seal is formed by a sealing strip which is arranged along a housing of the motor vehicle lock. The housing has an outer sealing surface with several surface sections and a transition section for arranging the sealing strip. The sealing strip extends from one of the surface sections, across the transition section, to the other surface section, with an inner contact surface facing the sealing surface and an outer contact surface of the sealing strip facing away from the sealing surface. The surface sections are arranged at an angle to each other and are connected to each other via the transition section. In the known motor vehicle lock, the surface sections can, for example, be flat or have a relatively slight curvature.In contrast, the transition section can have a comparatively strong curvature, which in many cases (e.g., in the case of injection-molded plastic housings) is necessary due to manufacturing requirements.
[0006] Using a sealing strip to create the seal in the familiar automotive lock has proven effective in the past, particularly with regard to cost. However, certain challenges can arise concerning the achieved sealing effect. While the sealing strip can be relatively easily positioned on the flat sections of the sealant surface in such a way that the full sealing effect of the sealing strip is achieved when the automotive lock is subsequently mounted to the locking element (or to the body), the sealing effect is often impaired in the transition area.By positioning the sealing tape along the transition section, particularly the curved section, stresses on the outer contact surface of the sealing tape can cause settling, which can ultimately lead to a reduced sealing effect when the vehicle lock is installed against the locking element (or the vehicle body). These settling effects can occur even before the vehicle lock is installed, i.e., in its uninstalled state.
[0007] Against this background, the invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known motor vehicle lock in such a way that a motor vehicle lock for a locking element with a comparatively inexpensive seal is created, through which a good sealing effect can also be achieved in the mounted state of the motor vehicle lock.
[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.
[0009] The fundamental principle is that, at least in the uninstalled state, the inner contact surface of the sealing tape is at least partially free of contact in the transition section. While the sealing tape can be applied directly, i.e., in contact with, the surface sections, in the transition section it is deliberately positioned free of contact, at least over a portion of the transition section. Although the sealing tape is guided along the transition section, it is not, or at least not over its entire length, pressed against it. This ensures that the sealing tape, and in particular its outer contact surface, is at least sufficiently stress-free or stress-free in the transition section to prevent or at least reduce settling.This in turn makes it possible to achieve a good sealing effect, especially in relation to the locking element, with the comparatively inexpensive sealing tape when the vehicle lock is mounted on the locking element or on the body.
[0010] Specifically, it is proposed that the sealing tape be arranged, in particular glued, along the sealing surface of the housing in such a way that the inner contact surface of the sealing tape is at least partially free of contact in the transition section.
[0011] Claims 2 and 3 relate to advantageous embodiments in which the sealing strip can be formed in multiple parts or as a single continuous piece. Forming the sealing strip in multiple parts with several strip sections (claim 2) allows for a particularly simple arrangement of the sealing strip during the manufacture of the vehicle lock, especially in the area of the transition section. Forming the sealing strip as a single continuous piece (claim 3) enables an optimized sealing effect, especially in the area of the transition section, since, for example, any connecting edges of several strip sections along the sealing strip can be omitted.
[0012] Claims 4, 5, and 6 propose advantageous embodiments that ensure a good sealing effect when mounting the vehicle lock to the locking element or the vehicle body. Adhering the sealing tape in the transition section according to claim 4 such that the distance between the sealing surface and the outer contact surface corresponds to at least the effective height of the sealing tape can facilitate good contact and compression of the sealing tape during assembly. A compensating gap according to claim 4 allows, firstly, the sealing tape to be arranged stress-free, particularly in the transition section, along the sealing surface, and secondly, enables good contact and compression of the sealing tape during assembly. The embodiment according to claim 6 can ensure a stress-free arrangement of the sealing tape.
[0013] Claims 7 to 9 relate to advantageous embodiments in which the sealing tape itself is further developed. A simple arrangement of the sealing tape along the sealant surface is possible, for example, if the sealing tape has an adhesive layer (claim 7). An optimized sealing effect can be achieved by using a foamed polymer in the sealing tape (claim 8). The cross-section of the sealing tape can be rectangular or trapezoidal, at least in the areas of the surface sections, which is structurally simple and equally functional (claim 9). This can also have the advantage that the sealing tape is easy to handle before it is applied to the housing, for example, as a roll.
[0014] Claim 10 proposes an advantageous embodiment relating to the surface sections and the transition section.
[0015] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 11, which has independent significance, a locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle is claimed. The locking element arrangement comprises a locking element and a motor vehicle lock, wherein the motor vehicle lock is designed as proposed.
[0016] Reference may therefore be made to all statements regarding the proposed motor vehicle lock.
[0017] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 12, which also has independent significance, a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lock, in particular a proposed motor vehicle lock, is claimed. In the method, a sealing strip is arranged along an outer sealing surface of a housing of the motor vehicle lock, wherein the sealing surface has several surface sections and a transition section, in particular a curved one, wherein the surface sections are arranged at an angle to each other and are connected to each other via the transition section, wherein the sealing strip has two contact surfaces, an inner contact surface facing the sealing surface and an outer contact surface facing away from the sealing surface, wherein the sealing strip is arranged extending from one of the surface sections, via the transition section, to the other of the surface sections.
[0018] It is essential that the sealing tape is arranged, in particular glued, to the sealing surface of the housing in such a way that the inner contact surface of the sealing tape is at least partially free of contact in the area of the transition section.
[0019] Reference may be made to all statements concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock and the proposed locking element arrangement.
[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1. A first embodiment, a proposed motor vehicle lock, wherein the motor vehicle lock is shown in a) in the mounted state on a locking element in perspective view, in b) in the mounted state in reduced sectional view and in c) in the unmounted state in reduced sectional view and Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the proposed motor vehicle lock, wherein the motor vehicle lock is shown in a) in the mounted state on a locking element in perspective view, in b) in the mounted state in reduced sectional view and in c) in the unmounted state in reduced sectional view.
[0021] In the Fig. Figures 1a) to 1c) and 2a) to 2c) each depict a preferred embodiment of a motor vehicle lock 1 for a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle 3. As already mentioned, the term "locking element" is to be understood broadly in this context, whereby in the Fig. 1a) and Fig. 2a) in each case the motor vehicle lock 1 is assigned to the locking element 2 designed as a side door.
[0022] The motor vehicle lock 1 is in the Fig. 1b) and Fig. 2b) is arranged on, in particular in, the locking element 2, and is therefore in an assembled state, and in the Fig. 1c) and 2c) are not arranged on the locking element 2; therefore, prior to its initial assembly, it is in an unassembled state. In principle, it is also conceivable that the vehicle lock 1 is arranged on a body 4 of the vehicle 3. In this case, too, the vehicle lock 1 is associated with the locking element 2 and is arranged on the body 4 in such a way that the vehicle lock 1 can engage with a locking part, such as a locking bolt, of the locking element 2.
[0023] In the present context, the “unassembled state” refers in particular to the state of the motor vehicle lock 1 after its manufacture and before its initial assembly, in which the motor vehicle lock 1 has not yet been attached to the locking element 2 or to the body 4, and is to be distinguished in particular from a “disassembled state” of the motor vehicle lock 1, i.e. a state in which the motor vehicle lock 1 was first attached to the locking element 2 or the body 4 and then disassembled again.
[0024] The vehicle lock 1 has a housing 5 with an outer sealing surface 6. Components of the vehicle lock 1 can be housed inside the housing 5 for protection against external influences. The outer sealing surface 6 is positioned such that, along the sealing surface 6, the housing 5 can be sealed against the locking element 2 or the vehicle body 4. Fig. 1a) and Fig. 2a) The sealant surface 6 is covered by the sealing tape 7. In the Fig. 1b), Fig. Figures 1c) and 2b), 2c) show the sealing surface 6. Here, and preferably, the housing 5 includes a strike plate. The sealing surface 6 can be arranged on the strike plate or on the rest of the housing 5.
[0025] The vehicle lock 1 has a sealing strip 7 which is arranged on the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5. The sealing strip 7 allows the housing 5 to be sealed against the locking element 2 or the body 4, as can be seen from the Fig. 1b) and Fig. 2b) results. The sealing tape 7 can, for example, be supplied as a roll during the manufacture of the motor vehicle lock 1 and cut to length accordingly.
[0026] The sealing tape 7 has two contact surfaces 8, 9. In this context, the "contact surfaces" are those surfaces of the sealing tape 7 which, at least in the assembled state of the vehicle lock 1, come into at least partial contact with the components to be sealed against each other, here the housing 5 and the locking element 2 or the housing 5 and the body 4. Fig. 1b) and Fig. 2b)). One of the contact surfaces 8, 9, namely an inner contact surface 8, faces the sealant surface 6. Another of the contact surfaces 8, 9, namely an outer contact surface 9, faces away from the sealant surface 6. The inner contact surface 8 is for contact with the housing 5, in particular with the sealant surface 6, and the outer contact surface 9 is for contact with the closure element 2 or the body 4. It is possible that the sealing tape 7 is arranged along the sealant surface 6 of the housing 5 such that at least one end of the sealing tape 7 is substantially flush with an edge, in particular an outer edge, of the housing 5 or a part of the housing 5, as shown in Fig. 1a) is shown.
[0027] The sealing surface 6 of the housing 5 has several surface sections 10 and a transition section 11, as can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 1b), Fig. 1c) and 2b), 2c). Here, and preferably, the surface sections 10 are flat. However, it is also possible that one or more of the surface sections 10 are at least partially curved. Here, and preferably, the transition section 11 is curved. It is possible that the curvature of the transition section 11 is more pronounced than the curvature(s) of one or more of the surface sections 10. The transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6 can generally differ from the surface sections 10 by a different curvature, regardless of whether the surface sections 10 themselves are curved or flat.
[0028] The surface sections 10 are arranged at an angle 12 to each other and connected via the transition section 11. Due to the arrangement of the surface sections 10 at the angle 12, the normal vectors of the surface sections 10 can be oriented differently, in particular obliquely to each other. Here, and preferably, the angle 12 between the surface sections 10 is at least 80°, preferably at least 85°, and / or at most 120°, preferably at most 105°, and more preferably at most 95°. The angle 12 between the surface sections 10 can result in particular from the angled arrangement of two housing walls 13 of the housing 5 to each other, as can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 1a) and Fig. 2a) is evident. In this context, it is preferably possible that the two housing walls 13 are arranged to each other at essentially the same angle 12 as the surface sections 10.
[0029] As described above, the sealing tape 7 is arranged on the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5. The sealing tape 7 extends from one of the surface sections 10, across the transition section 11, to the other surface section 10. Fig. 1b), Fig. In 1c) and 2b), 2c) one of the surface sections 10 is shown on the left, horizontally oriented and the other of the surface sections 10 is shown on the right, vertically oriented.
[0030] It is essential that the sealing tape 7 is arranged, in particular glued, along the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5 in such a way that the inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 is at least partially free of contact in the area of the transition section 11. This is the case at least in the unassembled state of the motor vehicle lock 1, as is shown by way of example in the Fig. 1c) and 2c), and / or may preferably be the case in the mounted state of the motor vehicle lock 1, as exemplified by the Fig. 1b) and Fig. 2b) can be taken from this.
[0031] The sealing tape 7 is arranged along the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5, in particular by adhesive bonding. The inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 can run in contact with the sealing surface 6 in the areas of the surface sections 10 of the sealing surface 6, particularly in the unassembled state, as shown in the Fig. 1c) and 2c). In the areas of surface sections 10, the sealing tape 7 can be arranged in a continuous, flat position along the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5, in particular by bonding.
[0032] In the area of transition section 11, the inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 runs at least partially, i.e., at least over a portion of the transition section 11, without contact with the sealant surface 6. This means that in the area of transition section 11, the sealing tape 7 is at least partially not arranged against the transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6, but is arranged at least partially spaced away from the transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6. The sealing tape 7 therefore does not lie flat against the transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6, at least partially. This ensures a low-stress or stress-free arrangement of the sealing tape 7 along the sealant surface 6 and, in particular, in the area of transition section 11.This can ultimately lead to a good sealing effect, particularly in the area of the transition section 11, being achieved during the assembly of the vehicle lock 1 on the locking element 2 or the body 4. The vehicle lock 1 can, in particular, be arranged on the locking element 2 or the body 4 such that a corner area of the locking element 2 or the body 4 is located in the area of the transition section 11 of the vehicle lock 1.
[0033] In the present context, "in the area of the transition section" can refer to the area in which the sealing strip 7 is arranged running along the transition section 11 and which is associated with the transition section 11, as can be seen from the Fig. 1b), Fig. 1c) and 2b), 2c). This area can be located, in particular, in the normal direction of the transition section 11. Accordingly, "in the areas of the surface sections" in the present context can refer to those areas in which the sealing tape 7 is arranged running along the respective surface section 10 and which are each assigned to the corresponding surface section 10, as can also be seen from the Fig. 1b), Fig. 1c) and 2b), 2c). These areas can be located, in particular, in the respective normal direction of the corresponding surface section 10.
[0034] In principle, the sealing strip 7 can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces, with the different designs offering various advantages. In this regard, it has proven advantageous if the sealing strip 7 is designed in multiple pieces, particularly two pieces, with several, especially two, strip sections 14 arranged one behind the other, as is the case with the motor vehicle lock 1 according to the Fig. 1a), Fig. 1b), Fig. 1c) is the case. "Arranged one behind the other" in this context refers to the main direction of extension of the sealing tape 7, which runs from the area of one of the surface sections 10, across the area of the transition section 11, to the area of the other surface section 10. At least two of the tape sections 14 form a corner joint 15 in the area of the transition section 11. "Corner joint" in this context means, in particular, that the tape sections 14 are arranged at a corner. The tape sections 14 can preferably be arranged adjacent to one another, i.e., touch each other (as in Fig. 1c) shown), or arranged at a slit-like distance from each other. The slit-like distance can in particular be at most 3 mm, preferably at most 1 mm. Particularly preferably the corner joint 15 of the two band parts 14 is a butt joint ( Fig. 1c)) or a miter joint.
[0035] As an alternative to the multi-part design of the sealing strip 7, it has also proven advantageous if the sealing strip 7 is designed as a continuous sealing strip 7, at least from the area of one of the surface sections 10, across the transition section 11, to the area of the other surface section 10, as is the case with the motor vehicle lock 1 according to the Fig. 2a), Fig. 2b), Fig. 2c) is the case. "Continuous" in this context means that the sealing tape 7 is continuous at least in the corresponding areas of the surface sections 10 and, in particular, in the area of the transition section 11, i.e., it has no cut edges, etc., there. Interruptions, such as cut edges, etc., further along the sealing tape 7 are not excluded. Here, and preferably, it is provided that the sealing tape 7 is deflected in the area of the transition section 11. The sealing tape 7 can, in particular, be deflected in the normal direction of the inner contact surface 8 ( Fig. 2b). 2c)). The sealing tape 7 can be deflected in such a way that the inner contact surface 8 experiences a curvature.
[0036] Particularly preferably, it is provided that the sealing tape 7 is deflected in the area of the transition section 11 in such a way that a deflection bend 16 facing the sealing surface 6 is formed ( Fig. 2c)). The sealing tape 7 can be designed to be correspondingly flexible. It is possible that the material of the sealing tape 7 is at least partially compressed around the deflection bend 16, particularly towards the side of the inner contact surface 8. The inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 can, as shown here, run freely along the sealant surface 6 over the deflection bend 16. It is particularly advantageous if the sealing tape 7 is deflected in the area of the transition section 11 such that the outer contact surface 9 runs essentially parallel to the transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6 of the housing 5, at least in the uncompressed state. In this case, the outer contact surface 9 has the same curvature as the transition section 11, as shown in Fig. 2c) is shown.
[0037] The sealing tape 7 generally has an effective height 17. The effective height 17 is essentially the distance between the inner contact surface 8 and the outer contact surface 9 in the uncompressed state of the sealing tape 7, i.e., before the sealing tape 7 is positioned on the sealant surface 6 or in the areas of the surface sections 10 in the unmounted state. Preferably, the effective height 17 of the sealing tape 7 is constant along the length of the sealing tape 7. With regard to the Fig. 1c) and 2c) and preferably it is provided that the distance between the sealing surface 6 and the outer contact surface 9 in the area of the transition section 11 corresponds at least to the effective height 17 of the sealing strip 7. This is particularly the case in the unmounted state of the motor vehicle lock 1 ( Fig. 1c) and 2c)). This ensures that, in the assembled state of the vehicle lock 1, sufficient material of the sealing tape 7 is present in the area of the transition section 11 and that a good sealing effect can be achieved. The sealing tape 7 can thus, for example, be pressed into a corner area of the locking element 2 or the bodywork 4 in the area of the transition section 11 during the assembly of the vehicle lock 1. This results from a combined view of the Fig. 1c) according to 1b) and 2c) according to 2b). Preferably, the effective height 17 of the sealing tape 7 is at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4.5 mm, and more preferably at least 5.0 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the effective height 17 of the sealing tape 7 is at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 7.5 mm, and more preferably at most 5.5 mm.
[0038] It is particularly preferred that the height of the sealing strip 7 in the areas of the surface sections 10 and / or in the area of the transition section 11 is reduced by at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, and more preferably at least 20%, compared to the effective height 17 of the sealing strip 7 when the vehicle lock 1 is installed. This means, for example, that the sealing strip 7 is compressed by at least 10% during the installation of the vehicle lock 1 on the locking element 2 or the body 4. This is evident from a combined view of the Fig. 1c), 1b), 2c), and 2b) are evident. If the effective height 17 of the sealing tape 7 is, for example, 5 mm, then the height of the sealing tape 7 in the areas of the surface sections 10 and / or in the area of the transition section 11 can be 4 mm when installed.
[0039] Here, and preferably, a compensating gap 18 is formed between the sealing tape 7 and the sealant surface 6 in the area of the transition section 11, at least in the unassembled state. The inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 and the sealant surface 6 are thus spaced apart from each other, at least partially, along the transition section 11. The compensating gap 18 can be, as shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1c) and 2c), the height 17 of the sealing tape 7 varies along the transition section 11. Preferably, the maximum compensation gap is at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, and at most 70%, preferably at most 50%, of the effective height 17 of the sealing tape 7 when unassembled. The maximum compensation gap is that compensation gap 18 which represents the greatest absolute distance between the inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 and the sealant surface 6. The compensation gap 18 can be achieved, in particular, by the fact that the inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 is partially free of contact in the area of the transition section 11. It is possible that the compensation gap 18 is formed exclusively in the unassembled state, or that the compensation gap 18 is reduced in the assembled state compared to the compensation gap 18 in the unassembled state, as can be seen from a combined view of the figures. Fig. 1b) and Fig. 1c) as well as 2b) and 2c).
[0040] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7, in the unassembled state, is free of contact over at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, and more preferably at least 85% of the length of the transition section 11. It is possible that the free contact area of the inner contact surface 8 extends continuously ( Fig. 1c), 2c)) or in several subsections.
[0041] As described above, the sealing tape 7 is bonded along the sealant surface 6. Although it is possible to apply an adhesive layer 19 first when attaching the sealing tape 7 to the sealant surface 6, it is particularly advantageous in this context that the sealing tape 7 has an adhesive layer 19 and that the adhesive layer 19 is applied to the inner contact surface 8, for example, during the manufacturing process, i.e., already during the production of the sealing tape 7, e.g., as a roll. The adhesive layer 19 makes it particularly easy to bond the sealing tape 7 along the sealant surface 6 of the housing 5.
[0042] In connection with the adhesive layer 19, it is fundamentally possible that the adhesive layer 19, at least in the assembled state, creates a sealing effect between the sealant surface 6 and the inner contact surface 8. The adhesive layer 19 can provide this sealing effect particularly in the transition section 11, where the inner contact surface 8 may be free of contact in the assembled state. The adhesive layer 19 can, for example, reduce or close the compensating gap 18.
[0043] Various options are conceivable regarding the design of the sealing tape 7. For example, it has proven effective if the sealing tape 7 comprises a foamed polymer. The foamed polymer can comprise polyethylene. Preferably, the foamed polymer has a closed-cell structure.
[0044] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided that the sealing tape 7 has a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section, as shown here, at least in the areas of the surface sections 10. In this context, the cross-section refers to a section perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the sealing tape 7. In its unassembled state, the sealing tape 7 can generally have a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section. Preferably, this cross-section is constant, particularly along the main direction of extension of the sealing tape 7.
[0045] Regardless of the cross-sectional shape, it is possible that the inner contact surface 8 and the outer contact surface 9 of the sealing tape 7 run essentially parallel to each other, at least in the areas of the surface sections 10, when unmounted. Alternatively or additionally, the outer contact surface 9 of the sealing tape 7 can run parallel to the transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6 in the area of the transition section 11 when unmounted. Fig. 2c)). Preferably, the sealing tape 7 has two side surfaces 20 and the side surfaces 20 run parallel to each other at least in the areas of the surface sections 10 when unassembled.
[0046] With regard to the surface sections 10, it is preferably provided that the surface sections 10 are each planar. The surface sections 10 are preferably arranged at an angle 12 of at least 80°, preferably at least 85°, and / or of at most 120°, preferably at most 105°, further preferably at most 95°, to each other. This can be provided whether the surface sections 10 are planar or curved. Fig. 1b), Fig. In 1c) and 2b), 2c), the angle 12 is approximately 92°. With regard to the transition section 11, it is preferably provided that the transition section 11 is curved and, preferably, has a radius of curvature 21 of at least 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 2.5 mm, more preferably at least 3.5 mm, more preferably 5 mm.
[0047] With regard to the exemplary implementations according to the Fig. 1a), Fig. 1b), Fig. 1c) and 2a), 2b), 2c), and particularly preferably, the surface sections 10 and the transition section 11 of the sealant surface 6 are arranged in a common plane 22, which is spanned in particular by the normal vectors of the inner contact surface 8 and / or the outer contact surface 9 of the sealing tape 7 in the areas of the surface sections 10. The common plane 22 is in the Fig. 1a) and Fig. 2a) indicated.
[0048] Furthermore, a locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle 3 is proposed, such as the following example: Fig. 1a) and Fig. 2a). The locking element assembly comprises a locking element 2 and the proposed motor vehicle lock 1. The motor vehicle lock 1 can have one or more of the described features.
[0049] Reference may be made to all statements concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock 1.
[0050] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lock 1, in particular the proposed motor vehicle lock 1, is proposed. The method provides that a sealing strip 7 is arranged along an outer sealing surface 6 of a housing 5 of the motor vehicle lock 1, that the sealing surface 6 has several surface sections 10 and a transition section 11, that the surface sections 10 are arranged at an angle 12 to each other and are connected to each other via the transition section 11, that the sealing strip 7 has two contact surfaces 8, 9, that an inner contact surface 8 faces the sealing surface 6 and an outer contact surface 9 faces away from the sealing surface 6, and that the sealing strip 7 is arranged extending from one of the surface sections 10 via the transition section 11 to the other of the surface sections 10.
[0051] It is intended that the sealing tape 7 is arranged, in particular glued, to the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5 in such a way that the inner contact surface 8 of the sealing tape 7 is at least partially free of contact in the area of the transition section 11. This can be the case at least in the unmounted state of the motor vehicle lock 1 and / or in the mounted state of the motor vehicle lock 1.
[0052] Reference may be made to all statements concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock 1 and the proposed locking element arrangement.
[0053] It is particularly preferred that the sealing tape 7 is automatically applied to the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5, in particular by being glued. This can be done, for example, by one or more robots, such as one or more robot arms.
[0054] Preferably, in this method, the sealing tape 7 is unwound from a roll. The sealing tape 7 is thus available as a rolled product. In this method, the sealing tape 7 can be cut to the required length. This can be done before, after, or during the process of applying the sealing tape 7 to the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5.
[0055] In this method, the sealing tape 7 is preferably arranged along the sealing surface 6 of the housing 5 by pressing the sealing tape 7 against the sealing surface 6 in the areas of the surface sections 10 and, in the area of the transition section 11, guiding it along the sealing surface 6 at least partially without pressure. This can be done manually or automatically.
Claims
[1] Motor vehicle lock for a locking element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) has a housing (5) with an outer sealing surface (6) and a sealing strip (7) arranged on the sealing surface (6), wherein the sealing surface (6) has several surface sections (10) and a transition section (11), wherein the surface sections (10) are arranged at an angle (12) to each other and are connected to each other via the transition section (11), wherein the sealing strip (7) has two contact surfaces (8, 9), wherein an inner contact surface (8) faces the sealing surface (6) and an outer contact surface (9) faces away from the sealing surface (6), wherein the sealing strip (7) extends from one of the surface sections (10) via the transition section (11) to the other of the surface sections (10), characterized by , that the sealing tape (7) is arranged along the sealing surface (6) of the housing (5), in particular glued, such that the inner contact surface (8) of the sealing tape (7) is at least partially free of contact in the area of the transition section (11). [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sealing strip (7) is formed in multiple parts with several strip parts (14) arranged one behind the other and that at least two of the strip parts (14) form a corner connection (15) in the area of the transition section (11), preferably that the corner connection (15) of the two strip parts (14) is a butt joint or a miter joint. [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the sealing tape (7) is formed as a continuous sealing tape (7) at least starting from the area of one of the surface sections (10) via the area of the transition section (11) to the area of the other of the surface sections (10), preferably that the sealing tape (7) is deflected in the area of the transition section (11), further preferably, such that a deflection bend (16) facing the sealing surface (6) is formed. [4] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sealing tape (7) has an effective height (17) and that the distance between the sealing surface (6) and the outer contact surface (9) in the area of the transition section (11) corresponds at least to the effective height (17) of the sealing tape (7), preferably that the effective height (17) of the sealing tape (7) is at least 3.5 mm, preferably at least 4.5 mm, further preferably at least 5.0 mm, and / or at most 10.0 mm, preferably at most 7.5 mm, further preferably at most 5.5 mm. [5] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a compensating distance (18) is formed between the sealing tape (7) and the sealing surface (6) in the area of the transition section (11), preferably that the maximum compensating distance is at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, and at most 70%, preferably at most 50%, of the effective height (17) of the sealing tape (7). [6] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the inner contact surface (8) of the sealing tape (7) in the area of the transition section (11) is free of contact over at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, further preferably at least 85% of the length of the transition section (11). [7] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sealing tape (7) has an adhesive layer (19) and that the adhesive layer (19) is arranged on the inner contact surface (8). [8] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sealing tape (7) comprises a foamed polymer as a material, preferably that the foamed polymer is closed-pore. [9] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sealing tape (7) has a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section at least in the areas of the surface sections (10). [10] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the surface sections (10) are planar, and / or that the surface sections (10) are arranged at an angle (12) of at least 80°, preferably at least 85°, and / or of at most 120°, preferably at most 105°, further preferably at most 95°, to each other, and / or that the transition section (11) is curved and, preferably, has a radius of curvature (21) of at least 1.5 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, further preferably at least 3.5 mm, and / or that the surface sections (10) and the transition section (11) of the sealant surface (6) are arranged in a common plane (22). [11] Locking element arrangement for a motor vehicle (3), wherein the locking element arrangement comprises a locking element (2) and a motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lock (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which a sealing strip (7) is arranged along an outer sealing surface (6) of a housing (5) of the motor vehicle lock (1), wherein the sealing surface (6) has several surface sections (10) and a transition section (11), wherein the surface sections (10) are arranged at an angle (12) to each other and are connected to each other via the transition section (11), wherein the sealing strip (7) has two contact surfaces (8, 9), wherein an inner contact surface (8) faces the sealing surface (6) and an outer contact surface (9) faces away from the sealing surface (6), wherein the sealing strip (7) is arranged extending from one of the surface sections (10) via the transition section (11) to the other of the surface sections (10), characterized by , that the sealing tape (7) is arranged, in particular glued, to the sealing surface (6) of the housing (5) in such a way that the inner contact surface (8) of the sealing tape (7) is at least partially free of contact in the area of the transition section (11).