CAR LOCKING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle locking device comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an actuating lever mechanism acting on the pawl and a child safety device with an adjusting element, wherein the adjusting element can be locked in at least two positions and a spring element on the adjusting element, wherein the spring element interacts with a control cam in such a way that the adjusting element can be adjusted into the locking position under spring load.

[0002] Motor vehicle locking systems with an integrated child safety lock are typically installed on rear side doors of motor vehicles. The "child safety lock on" position disables the interior door handles. However, the side door in question can still be opened from the outside because the exterior door handle remains activated. The "child safety lock on" position of the child safety lock or the child safety lock lever thus corresponds to the previously mentioned selective deactivation of the interior door handle, which consequently becomes unusable and unable to open a locking mechanism located in the motor vehicle locking system. In contrast, the "child safety lock off" position of the child safety lock means that the interior door handle is activated and can therefore lift the pawl from the rotary latch via the operating lever mechanism.As a result, the corresponding vehicle side door can be opened easily, both from the inside and the outside. This functionality has proven itself in principle and can, of course, be transferred and extended to other vehicle doors.

[0003] In order to manually engage the child safety lock from the outside, so-called switching nuts are often used. A key, for example, can be inserted into this switching nut and the child safety lock can be engaged or disengaged. This is usually done by pivoting the switching nut. To ensure that the child safety lock can be safely set to its end positions, DE 10 2014 114 347 A1 discloses a child safety lock in which the child safety lock lever can be positioned by means of a spring and in cooperation between the spring and a stationary pin. For this purpose, the child safety lock lever has a guide groove with varying widths, allowing the pin to be adjusted into its end positions.

[0004] Another adjusting element of a child safety device is known from DE 10 2017 111 704 A1. A pivoting adjusting element mounted in a motor vehicle lock has a spring element integrally formed on the adjusting element, which engages a control contour. The spring element is made of plastic and has a web-like, V-shaped edge that interacts with grooves in the control contour. When the adjusting element is adjusted or pivoted, the spring element is elastically deformed and, through the formation of the control contour, supports adjustment to the various locking positions.

[0005] Further prior art includes a locking system, in particular a door lock, as described in DE 10 2007 055 413 A1. This locking system comprises a rotating body that can be pivoted between a first stable position and a second stable position. A spring element is deflected along a corresponding movement path.

[0006] The known designs of child safety devices have generally proven themselves, but they reach their limits when high demands are placed on long-term stability, i.e., high actuating forces. Particularly in these cases, plastics are used that exhibit greater strength and / or toughness, which in turn presents a design challenge with regard to long-term elasticity. This is where the invention comes in.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a child safety lock that enables the locking positions to be reached safely and, in particular, permanently, even with less elastic materials and higher spring forces. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective, and thus overall improved, child safety lock for a motor vehicle locking system.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the description, the subclaims, and the drawings are possible.

[0009] The motor vehicle locking device comprises: a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an actuating lever mechanism acting on the pawl, and a child safety device with an adjusting element, wherein the adjusting element can be locked in at least two positions, and a spring element on the adjusting element, wherein the spring element interacts with a control cam such that the adjusting element can be adjusted into the locking positions under spring load, and wherein the spring element is designed as a spring lip. The inventive design of the child safety device now creates the possibility of also using inelastic materials, for example plastics with a glass fiber content, in the area of ​​the child safety device. The glass fiber content in the plastic increases the resistance of the spring lip, whereby the locking positions can be reached safely and with long-term stability.

[0010] The spring lip extends from the actuating element toward a control contour. In an advantageous embodiment, the spring lip has a thickened portion that can be brought into engagement with the control contour. The spring lip has at least one elongated extension that extends from the actuating element, at least in part, along the actuating element, so that sufficient spring travel for the spring lip can be achieved.

[0011] Depending on the toughness or strength of the plastic used, the extension of the spring lip along the adjusting element and preferably along an axial extension of the adjusting element can have different lengths. By means of the thickened portion, which can in particular be a spring nose, an additional safety measure is integrated into the child safety lock. Thus, not only does the spring lip have to work together with the control contour, but it is also possible to design the thickened portion in such a way that a secure form fit can be achieved in the locking positions in interaction with the control contour. Preferably, the thickened portion has a conical shape, with the thickened portion tapering from the spring lip towards the control contour; in other words, the thickened portion on the spring lip can be formed conically in the direction of the control contour.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the spring lip can be pivoted into the actuating element. By designing the actuating element in such a way that the spring lip can be pivoted into the interior of the actuating element, the required installation space for the child safety device is reduced. At the same time, the spring travel for the spring lip can be limited by the opening or cavity in the actuating element. The cavity can thus provide a support for the spring lip. However, by pivoting the spring lip inward, the installation space for implementing an actuating element in conjunction with a control contour can be advantageously reduced.

[0013] If, in the sense of the invention, reference is made to a control contour, the control contour can, for example, be provided by a correspondingly contoured region of a housing of the locking device. The actuating element then interacts with the contour or control contour on the housing. Advantageously, the control contour and spring lip are designed in such a way that the end positions or locking positions of the actuating element can be reliably reached, and at the same time the control contour can be designed in such a way that the actuating element can be prevented from remaining in a central position. For example, the control contour can have a tip in the middle towards the actuating element, which interacts with a tapered or pointed contour on the spring lip, so that the actuating element is in an indifferent, i.e. unstable, position in a central position.In any case, the geometric shape of the control contour and the spring lip will pivot the actuator into one of the two locking positions. An undefined intermediate position on the actuator is effectively prevented by the pointed contour.

[0014] According to the invention, a support means is provided, wherein the support means can be brought into engagement with the actuating element at least during adjustment of the actuating element. A support means can, for example, be a rear wall of a depression or a cavity or a recess in the actuating element. In this case, the spring lip is bent into the actuating element by the movement and the interaction with the control contour and rests against the rear wall or the inner opening of the actuating element. This provides the spring lip with support, which enables the spring lip to be permanently stable. The support means is spaced far enough from the spring lip that, on the one hand, support of the spring lip is possible and, on the other hand, overtraveling of the control contour is guaranteed in every way. The spring lip is elastically deformed without undergoing plastic deformation.This ensures a high level of functional reliability of the child safety lock, which can also be used permanently.

[0015] A further embodiment of the invention results when the support means extends into a cavity, in particular a recess, of the adjusting element. The formation of a separate support means on the adjusting element offers a further advantage, namely that the separate support means is also movable or pivotable. If the spring lip is moved into the adjusting means when pivoting or rotating the adjusting means, the spring lip engages with the support means, whereby the support means also bends when the spring lip is moved further in and thus forms an elastic abutment for the spring lip. In this embodiment, the adjusting means therefore has two spring elements that interact and support one another. Advantageously, the support means extends into the cavity of the adjusting means and can, for example, extend into the cavity as a cylindrical or oval pin.When extended, the support means extends at least far enough into the cavity to allow interaction between the spring lip and the support means. Advantageously, the spring lip and the support means are arranged opposite one another on the adjusting means.

[0016] If the actuating means has an overall cylindrical shape, with the actuating element extending along a central axis, the spring lip can be arranged at one axial end of the actuating element, whereas the support means extends from an opposite axial end of the actuating means in the direction of the spring lip. Through the interaction of the spring lip and the support means, the force acting on the spring lip is distributed, in particular, between the opposite sides of the actuating element. This allows, on the one hand, the counterforce on the control contour and thus the force required to move the actuating element to be adjusted. At the same time, the load distribution can increase or ensure the long-term stability of the actuating element.

[0017] If the support means can be pivoted by means of the spring lip until it rests against the actuating element, this results in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. The force opposing the control contour can be counteracted by a further force if the support means rests against the actuating element. This rest can also provide a stop for the spring lip, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the spring lip. The spring lip and support means interact and complement each other in such a way that the support means serves to increase the spring force of the actuating element.

[0018] A further embodiment of the invention is achieved when the adjusting means is made of plastic and is formed integrally with the spring lip, the thickened portion, and the support means. The adjusting element is preferably a plastic injection-molded component and is manufactured in one piece. While materials such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyamide (PA) are typically used, it is also conceivable to use plastics with a glass fiber content. Plastics with a glass fiber content offer the advantage that higher counterforces against the control contour can be achieved. At the same time, however, the elasticity of the material decreases as the glass fiber content increases, which in turn reduces the spring travel of the spring lip or the support means. The longer the spring travel, the higher the risk of spring breakage. If the force generated by the adjusting means is not sufficient to provide the required actuating forces on the adjusting element, the spring travel must be increased.Increasing the spring travel, in turn, carries the risk of spring breakage. By using the support device for the spring lip, an additional support moment can be applied to the spring lip, thereby minimizing the risk of spring breakage. Tests have shown that the moment generated on the spring lip can be significantly increased with the use of a support device, with an approx. 25% higher spring force being achievable with the spring lip. If, for example, the moments on the spring lip are recorded while the spring lip is in engagement with the control contour, moments of approx. 30-35 Nm can be measured at the support device without the support device, whereas a moment of approx. 45 Nm can be measured at the support device when the support device is used. By using the support device, the spring force of the spring lip in relation to the control contour can therefore be significantly increased.

[0019] If the adjusting element is adjustable, in particular pivotable, with an adjusting means and in particular via an engagement contour, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. The adjusting means is in particular an adjusting means for a child safety lock, wherein the adjusting means is arranged in the motor vehicle lock so as to be manually adjustable and preferably pivotable. An engagement contour serves to preferably pivot the adjusting means and to engage or disengage a child safety lock. The engagement contour can, for example, be slit-shaped so that the adjusting means can be adjusted using a bunch of keys or a screwdriver. The engagement contour is preferably accessible from the outside and even more preferably from the area of ​​a door rebate of the open rear side door.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the adjusting element has an actuating contour, in particular an actuating lever. The adjusting element is used to engage the child safety lock and interacts in the motor vehicle lock, for example, with a mechanism for the internal actuation of the motor vehicle lock. For this purpose, the internal actuation has an internal door handle which, via an internal actuating lever, preferably actuates a release lever. The release lever can then be used to unlock the locking mechanism and open the door. The child safety lock interrupts the internal actuation chain, so that internal actuation, i.e. opening of the lock, can be prevented. An actuating contour formed on the adjusting element can interrupt the internal actuation chain and thus ensure child safety. Advantageously, the actuating contour is formed integrally with the adjusting element and can, for example, be designed as an actuating lever.Advantageously, the actuating contour has a control contour and in particular an eccentric control contour, so that a continuous introduction of force into the actuating lever chain is possible.

[0021] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents advantageous embodiments of the invention. The features presented may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0022] It shows: Figure 1a three-dimensional view of an actuating means in engagement with a control contour and in view of an engagement contour of the actuating element, Figure 2a three-dimensional view of the actuating element from the direction of arrow II from the Figure 1 , wherein a view of the cavity in the adjusting element with the support means arranged in the cavity can be seen, Figure 3 a view of the adjusting element according to the Figure 1 from the direction of arrow III, wherein the adjusting element is shown in its axial extent and in a side view, and Figure 4 shows a section through the adjusting element along the line IV-IV from Figure 3 with an additional representation of an actuated spring lip or a support means.

[0023] In the Figure 1a three-dimensional view of an adjusting element 1 is shown, wherein the adjusting element 1 is in engagement with a control contour 2, wherein the control contour 2 can be, for example, part of a lock housing. The adjusting element 1 is shown in a first end position of a locking position R1, in which the spring lip 3 is in a relaxed position. In this case, a thickening 4, which can be described as pointed, protrudes from the control contour 2, so that a first locking position R1 is assumed by the adjusting element 1. The adjusting element 1 can be moved in the direction of the arrow P and starting from the Figure 1 The locking position R1 shown in the diagram can be swivelled clockwise so that the adjusting element assumes the second locking position R2. The locking positions R1, R2 are shown in the Figure 1This is illustrated by the position of an engagement contour 5. The locking position R1 corresponds, for example, to the functional position "child safety lock engaged," whereas the locking position R2 represents the functional position of the actuating element 1 in which the child safety lock is engaged.

[0024] When the adjusting element 1 is pivoted, the spring lip 3 or the thickened portion 4 is guided along the control contour 2. The control contour 2 forms a fixed support and is, for example, part of the lock housing. As the adjusting element 1 pivots clockwise, the thickened portion 4 or the spring lip 3 is pivoted into the adjusting element or bent into the adjusting element 1. The maximum pivoting of the spring lip 3 occurs in the center 6 of the control contour 2, whereby the spring lip 3 is pivoted maximally into the adjusting element 1.

[0025] In the Figure 2 is a view of the control element 1 from the perspective of arrow II of the Figure 1 reproduced. An actuating contour 7 formed integrally with the actuating element 1, a cavity 8, a support means 9, a guide surface 10 and a recess 11 can be seen, wherein the recess 11 extends around the spring lip 3 and the thickened portion 4. It can clearly be seen that the support means 9 extends into the cavity as an oval support means 9. The cavity 8 surrounds the support means 9 circumferentially, so that on the one hand a spring travel is available for the spring lip 3 and on the other hand a spring travel for the support means 9. The guide surface 10 forms, with an edge 12 of the actuating element 1, a guide and fastening means for the actuating element 1, wherein the guide surface 10 can also simultaneously provide, for example, a stop 13 for the actuating element 1.

[0026] In the Figure 3a side view of the adjusting element 1 is shown. It can be seen that the adjusting element 1 is essentially cylindrical and can be described as extending along an axis A. It can also be clearly seen, however, that the spring lip 3 extends from a first axial end 14 of the adjusting element 1 in the direction of the engagement contour 5, wherein the spring lip 3 has a first region 15 which is made of the same material and has a uniform thickness. This first region 15 can also be described as a spring region 15. The spring region 15 is followed by a continuously thickening region which tapers almost to a point, so that the spring lip 3 ends in a thickened portion 4. The thickened portion 4 is provided with a radius at the end, which enables easy sliding on the control contour 2.In particular, the radius on the thickened portion 4 can serve to facilitate the movement of the adjusting element, but also to minimize noise during adjustment of the adjusting element 1. The support means 9 extends from a further axial end 16 of the adjusting element 1 in the direction of the spring lip 3. The spring lip 3 and the support means 9 are thus formed opposite one another on the adjusting element 1.

[0027] In the Figure 4 is a section along the line IV-IV from the Figure 3reproduced. The opposing connection areas 14, 16 for the spring lip 3 and the support means 9 on the actuating element 1 are clearly visible. If the actuating element 1 is now moved from the first detent position R1 to the second detent position R2, the spring lip 3 in the center 6 of the control contour 2 is pivoted as far as possible into the cavity 8. The pivoting in is effected by a force F, which the housing 17 or the control contour 2 on the housing 17 introduces into the actuating element 1. Due to the force F, the spring lip 3 is bent or pivoted into the cavity 8, whereby the spring lip 3 comes into engagement with the support means 9.

[0028] The position of the spring lip 3 and the support means 9 in the maximum pivoted position is in the Figure 4additionally inserted as a dashed line. It can be seen that a rear wall 18 of the cavity 8 provides a stop surface 18 for the support means 9. The support means 9 thus serves as an abutment for the spring lip 3, whereby the support means itself can be supported on the cavity 8. This provides maximum long-term stability of the actuating element 1 and higher spring forces can be realized on the actuating element 1. The inventive design of the actuating element comprising spring lip 3 and support means 9 thus increases the functional reliability, the spring force and the long-term stability of the actuating element. Consequently, high functional reliability can be achieved even with high-strength plastics, in particular glass-fiber-reinforced plastics. List of reference symbols

[0029] 1Adjusting element 2Control contour 3Spring lip 4Thickening 5Engagement contour 6Center of the control contour 7Actuating contour 8Cavity 9Support means 10Guide surface 11Recess 12Edge 13Stop 14, 16Axial end 15First area, spring area 17Housing 18Wall, stop surface R1, R2Detent position PParrow AAxis FForce

Claims

1. A motor vehicle locking device comprising a locking mechanism having a catch and at least one pawl, an operating lever mechanism acting on the pawl and a child safety device having an adjustment mechanism (1), wherein the adjustment mechanism (1) is latchable in at least two latching positions (R1, R2), and a spring element (3) on the adjustment mechanism (1), wherein the spring element (3) interacts with a control cam (2) in such a way that the adjustment mechanism (1) can be adjusted in a spring-loaded manner into the latching positions (R1, R2), wherein the spring element (3) is designed as a spring lip (3), characterized in that a support means (9) is provided, wherein the support means (9) can be brought into engagement with the adjustment mechanism (1) at least during an adjustment of the adjustment mechanism (1).

2. The motor vehicle locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring lip (3) has a thickened portion (4), in particular a spring tab.

3. The motor vehicle locking device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the spring lip (3) is pivotable into the adjustment mechanism (1).

4. The motor vehicle locking device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support means (9) extends into a cavity (8), in particular a recess, of the adjustment mechanism (1).

5. The motor vehicle locking device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support means (9) is pivotable by means of the spring lip (3) until the support means (9) abuts the adjusting means (1), in particular a stop surface (18) of the adjustment mechanism.

6. The motor vehicle locking device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism (1) is made of plastics material and is designed in one piece with the spring lip (3), the thickened portion (4) and the support means (9).

7. The motor vehicle locking device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring lip (3) and the support means (9) are formed opposite one another on the adjustment mechanism (1).

8. The motor vehicle locking device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism (1) is adjustable, in particular pivotable, using an adjusting means (5) and in particular via an engagement contour (5).

9. The motor vehicle locking device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism (1) has an operating contour (7), in particular an operating lever.