Lock striker for a motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock striker (1, 25) for a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock striker plate (2, 30) and a lock striker bracket (3) which is secured to the lock striker plate. The lock striker bracket (3) is formed with a locking pin (4), a central piece (6), and a connecting region (7, 24), wherein the lock striker bracket (3) is designed in at least two parts, and the central piece (6) and the connecting region (7, 24) are made of a sheet metal strip (5, 23).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock

[0003] The invention relates to a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock comprising a lock holder plate and a lock holder bracket fastened thereto, wherein the lock holder bracket is formed with a locking bolt, a center piece and a connecting region.

[0004] The lock holder usually interacts with a locking mechanism of an associated motor vehicle door lock. Lock holder and motor vehicle door lock generally define the motor vehicle door locking mechanism. The lock holder, in conjunction with the locking mechanism in the motor vehicle door lock, ensures secure and reliable locking of the associated motor vehicle door. For this purpose, the lock holder is usually attached to a motor vehicle body, for example a B- or C-pillar of the associated motor vehicle body. The motor vehicle door lock, on the other hand, is located in the motor vehicle door to be locked. In principle, the opposite procedure can also be used.

[0005] Due to the primary locking function of the lock holder in conjunction with the locking mechanism in the vehicle door lock, it is on the one hand a particularly safety-relevant component which is also exposed to particular stresses, particularly in the event of an accident. In fact, the protection of vehicle occupants in the event of a side impact depends largely on how reliably the lock holder and the locking mechanism interacting with it are able to absorb the acting forces. In this case, the primary factor is that the vehicle door remains closed so that safety features provided in or on the vehicle door, such as brake assist, side airbags, side impact protection, etc., can have their desired effect.

[0006] The forces which increase due to the interaction between the motor vehicle door lock and the lock holder act directly between the locking mechanism in the motor vehicle door lock and the locking bolt of the lock holder bracket which is in engagement with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is formed from a rotary latch and at least one pawl, whereby after engagement of the rotary latch, upon a closing movement of the door element, in the striking bracket of the lock holder a pawl engages in the rotary latch and prevents the door element from opening. The locking mechanism can have a preliminary detent and a main detent, which can be present in the door lock depending on the door element. Depending on the design of the locking mechanism, the respective detent position, i.e. main detent or preliminary detent, can be equipped with an opening or closing moment, so that a blocking lever can in turn be used to secure the detent position.In order to be able to absorb the high forces that occur in the event of an accident, the locking parts are made at least in part from a metallic material, mounted in metallic axes and held on a metallic lock plate in the vehicle door lock.

[0007] Various approaches have already been pursued in the state of the art to further develop such lock holders so that they can absorb far greater forces than before in the event of a crash without causing tearing or general mechanical damage. In practice, material deformations and tearing are often observed in lock holders, particularly at the transition from the lock holder bracket to the lock holder plate.

[0008] In order to increase the forces exerted by the lock holder, various approaches have been developed. For example, there are various approaches to equipping the lock holder or its lock holder bracket with different cross-sectional thicknesses, as described, for example, in EP 2 031 158 A2, or to specify an elongation of the lock holder with the aid of an indentation, as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2010 021 677 A1. However, this only inadequately reflects the loads actually occurring in practice and the deformation behavior of the lock holder usually associated with this in the event of a crash or when extreme forces occur. This is because it has been found that the connection between the lock holder bracket and the lock holder plate is a particularly important point.

[0009] DE 10 2014 006 857 A1 discloses a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a lock holder plate and a lock holder bracket attached thereto, the lock holder bracket being formed with a locking bolt, a center piece, and a connecting bolt. To reinforce the connection between the lock holder bracket and the lock holder plate, the document proposes that the lock holder bracket be positively connected to the lock holder plate via at least one material-thickened area. To create the positive connection, the part of the lock holder bracket or of the locking bolt and / or the connecting bolt that projects beyond the lock holder plate is compressed.As a result of the upsetting process, the lock holder plate is also provided with a bulge, which ensures that the upsetting caps created on the underside of the lock holder plate as a result of the upsetting process can be spaced apart from the locking bolt on the one hand and the connecting bolt on the other hand in relation to the body.

[0010] The solutions known from the prior art have generally proven themselves, but are reaching their limits with newer developments in the vehicle industry. The use of batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles increases the loads on vehicle door locks in the event of an accident. The batteries present in vehicles increase the overall weight of the vehicle many times over, so that the loads on the locking mechanism and lock holder in the event of an accident are also increased. Consequently, approaches must be found to increase the stability of the lock holder. This is where the invention comes in.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide an improved lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock. In particular, the object of the invention is to improve the load-bearing capacity of the lock holder and to increase the tensile strength of the lock and lock holder system.

[0012] 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. However, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not restrictive; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0013] According to patent claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock is provided, comprising a lock holder plate and a lock holder bracket fastened thereto, the lock holder bracket being designed with a locking bolt, a center piece and a connecting region, the lock holder bracket being at least two-part and the center piece and the connecting region being formed from a sheet metal strip. The design of the lock holder according to the invention now creates the possibility of being able to individually reinforce the lock holder. In particular, the use of a sheet metal strip makes it possible to adapt the required strength or tear resistance of the lock holder. The strength can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the sheet metal strip.

[0014] A further option for adjusting the tensile strength is to use different materials for the sheet metal strip. This makes it possible to design the lock holder so that it can be adapted to the requirements of the respective vehicle. The lock holder bracket is advantageously constructed in two parts and consists of an essentially cylindrical locking bolt, which is preferably connected to the sheet metal strip and the lock holder plate by means of forming. A preferred forming process here is cold heading or riveting. The combination of the two parts and the formation of the middle piece and the connecting area from a sheet metal strip thus makes it possible to adapt to the increased requirements, particularly in the event of an accident, and to provide the lock holder with sufficient strength even in extreme situations.In particular, the sheet metal strip can be easily manufactured, which in turn has a positive effect on the overall cost of the lock holder. Sheet metal is also available in different strengths and in a wide variety of different materials, which in turn has a positive effect on the manufacturing costs of the lock holder.

[0015] In the event of an accident, the locking system, consisting of the vehicle lock and lock holder, is subjected to extreme stresses. These stresses are simulated during the locking system's release, including through tensile and tear tests. In the tensile test, the lock holder is subjected to stress until it breaks, both to determine whether the specified specifications are met and to identify weak points. The inventive design of the lock holder now makes it possible to customize the lock holder to suit the loads.

[0016] As already indicated above, the lock holder according to the invention not only applies to a side door, but can also be used in the area of ​​a hood, tailgate, sliding door, cover, folding seats, etc. Its use is conceivable wherever pivoting or sliding components on the motor vehicle must be held securely in place.

[0017] The lock holder generally has a lock holder plate. The lock holder plate is typically screwed to the body or movable component using two screws, allowing the lock holder and vehicle lock to interact. The lock holder plate can also have a bevel so that any rivet heads of the other components of the lock holder can be accommodated in the bevel, enabling at least a portion of the lock holder plate to be attached flush to the body. The bevel then accommodates the corresponding rivet heads of the other components of the lock holder.

[0018] The lock holder has a lock holder bracket made up of a locking bolt, a middle piece and a connecting area. These components together form a bracket shape, so that these components can also be referred to as a lock holder bracket. The arrangement of the locking bolt, middle piece and connecting area, which can be described as a bracket shape, is designed in two parts according to the invention and is connected by means of forming, in particular cold heading. The bracket shape forms an opening through which a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle lock can interact with the lock holder. A locking mechanism arranged in the motor vehicle lock and comprising a rotary latch and at least one pawl is moved relative to the lock holder in such a way that the rotary latch can move around the locking bolt, after which a pawl then locks the rotary latch in its engaged position. Depending on the area of ​​application of the motor vehicle lock orof the lock holder, a pre-locking position and / or a main locking position can be assumed here.

[0019] The rotary latch encloses the locking bolt in the detent position(s). If the locking system is subjected to extreme loads in one of these detent positions, the rotary latch moves over the locking bolt until it comes into contact with the center piece of the lock holder. Depending on the force acting on the locking system, the side door, for example, which is subject to stress, must withstand the tearing forces and prevent the side door from opening. Due to the increased or ever-increasing demands on the locking system, the lock holder must be adapted to these increased requirements. The inventive design of the lock holder with a separate locking bolt and a center piece designed as a sheet metal strip and the connecting area allows individual adaptation to the increased and ever-increasing loads.

[0020] In an advantageous development of the invention, the sheet metal strip is permanently connected to the lock holder plate. If it is technically possible to insert or suspend the sheet metal strip into a recess in the lock holder plate, then the advantageous development of the invention claims the possibility of permanently connecting the sheet metal strip to the lock holder plate. In this structurally simple design of the lock holder, a simple, cost-effective and manufacturing-technically advantageous embodiment of the invention can be achieved. Cost-effective in the sense that a sheet metal strip can be easily punched out of a sheet metal, cost-effective because the sheets are available in a wide variety of designs and made from different materials, and in terms of manufacturing, because a sheet metal strip can be easily punched and formed.It can also be advantageous if the sheet metal strip is connected to the lock holder plate by forming, in particular riveting. The forming of the sheet metal strip offers the advantage that the sheet metal strip itself can be connected directly to the lock holder plate, so that further structural adjustments to the sheet metal strip can be omitted. This has the advantage that the sheet metal strip can be manufactured in a very simple manner, which in turn has a positive effect on the overall manufacturing costs of the lock holder. It is also possible to bring a high level of stability into the forming area and thus into the connection between the sheet metal strip and the lock holder plate by forming the entire sheet metal strip in the area of ​​the lock holder plate.

[0021] In this case, a recess can be provided in the lock holder plate into which the sheet metal strip can be inserted and then formed. If the sheet metal strip or an extension of the connecting area is inserted into the lock holder plate, the sheet metal strip can be of a uniform width. A uniform width of the sheet metal strip can be advantageous, particularly in the connecting area, as this allows the lock holder bracket to be made very stable. If a recess corresponding to the sheet metal strip is formed in the lock holder plate, this can in turn make the connection between the connecting area and the lock holder plate very stable. The connecting area and the connection of the connecting area to the lock holder plate can thus reinforce the lock holder bracket as a whole and ensure high operational reliability, i.e. tear resistance, of the lock holder.Due to the uniform width of the connection area and the extended area of ​​the connection area introduced into the lock holder plate, a connection between the connection area and the lock holder plate can be provided without any notch effect within the sheet metal strip.

[0022] It is also advantageous according to the invention that the sheet metal strip has at least one, preferably two extensions, wherein the extensions can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the lock holder plate and formed. The sheet metal strip can be adapted in the connection area to the lock holder plate in that the sheet metal strip is tapered and can be inserted into a corresponding recess in the lock holder plate. This results in a contact area between the sheet metal strip and the lock holder plate, wherein the contact area can represent an abutment for forming the extension. Preferably, the at least one extension or taper of the sheet metal strip is formed symmetrically, i.e. centrally, on the sheet metal strip in the connection area to the lock holder plate.It is also conceivable, however, that two extensions are formed on the sheet metal strip, for example, which can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the lock holder plate. Two preferably symmetrical extensions on the sheet metal strip offer the advantage of easy assembly, since the extensions can also be designed as guide or insertion aids. For this purpose, the extensions can, for example, have a taper at the ends guided through the recesses, so that the lock holder bracket or the sheet metal strip can be easily installed during manufacture of the lock holder. Preferably, two extensions are formed on the sheet metal strip, although three or more extensions can of course also be formed depending on the design and load of the lock holder.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sheet metal strip, in particular the connecting area, is curved at least in some areas. Individual design of the connecting area, in particular a bent portion of the sheet metal strip that can be described as a bulge, results in several advantages. On the one hand, the curved, i.e. arched, design of the sheet metal strip enlarges the engagement area for a rotary latch, and on the other hand, the curved design of the connecting area can provide material for deforming the lock holder under extreme loads. In other words, deformability is enabled without any loss of stability or strength being expected.

[0024] Starting with a sheet metal strip that is, in the simplest case, folded, i.e., angular, the sheet metal strip curves away from the locking bolt due to its curved shape. This enlarges the open area between the locking bolt and the connection area, ensuring that the rotary latch can move securely even under extreme loads, i.e., in the event of deformation of the lock holder. In addition, sufficient play, i.e., room for movement, can be provided for the rotary latch, whereby the extension of the lock holder plate can be reduced to a minimum. The curved shape of the sheet metal strip therefore offers the option of providing sufficient room for movement for the rotary latch and, on the other hand, reducing the extension of the lock holder plate in the direction of the extension of the center piece or the lock holder bracket to a minimum.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sheet metal strip is conical in the area of ​​the center piece, at least in some areas. The sheet metal strip can have a uniform width, but according to the invention it is also conceivable for the sheet metal strip to taper from the connecting area towards the locking bolt. In particular, a conical, i.e. symmetrical, taper of the center piece has proven advantageous in this case. In particular, the tapering of the center piece allows advantageous force transmission between the locking bolt, center piece and connecting area to be achieved. Furthermore, the center piece can be designed to be adaptable to the requirements, i.e. the loads, and in particular the extreme loads. A significant advantage here is the course of the force lines, which can be advantageously utilized by the continuous change in width.

[0026] The width of the sheet metal strip can also continue to be an advantage. If the sheet metal strip in a connection area with the locking bolt has a width that is wider than the width of an inlet area of ​​a rotary latch, then an additional supporting effect can be provided by the sheet metal strip. The width of an inlet area of ​​the rotary latch refers to the area of ​​the rotary latch that extends around the locking bolt in the loaded position of the rotary latch. Usually, the inlet area of ​​the rotary latch is tapered, but at the same time the width of the inlet area is greater than the locking bolt. The locking bolt also has free space in the inlet area of ​​the rotary latch when the rotary latch is in the locked position. According to the invention, the sheet metal strip and in particular the middle piece in the connection area with the locking bolt is wider than the inlet area orthe opening in the rotary latch in the locked position. The center piece thus covers the inlet area and can also provide a supporting effect. As already described above, in the event of an extreme situation, for example an accident, the rotary latch will shift over the locking bolt towards the center piece. If the rotary latch rests circumferentially on the center piece and the center piece is larger than the inlet area, there will be an overlap between the rotary latch and the center piece or metal strip. The overlap of the center piece can have a supporting effect on the locking system consisting of the vehicle lock and lock holder.

[0027] If the lock holder plate has a recess, wherein the deformations of the locking bolt and the sheet metal strip can be accommodated in the recess, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. By forming a recess in the lock holder plate, wherein the recess accommodates the rivet heads of the locking bolt and the connecting area, a flat contact surface for the lock holder plate can be provided. As a result, the extent of the recess corresponds at least to the height of the cold-formed areas of the locking bolt and the connecting area. The cold-formed areas of the lock holder bracket can therefore also form a contact surface for the lock holder on, for example, a B-pillar of a motor vehicle. This ensures that the lock holder fits securely and is securely mounted on the body.In addition, the recess can serve as an assembly aid, for example, if a raised area is provided on the body, so that the recess can serve as a positioning aid during assembly.

[0028] The inventive design of the lock holder now makes it possible to adapt the lock holder to the requirements of the motor vehicle using the simplest constructional means and in a cost-effective manner. In particular, the use of the sheet metal strip creates a cost-effective solution that can meet the increased demands of the automotive industry. High strength can be combined with easy manufacturing of the lock holder through a targeted selection of materials and utilized to advantage.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The features illustrated can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0030] It shows :

[0031] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a lock holder designed according to the invention, Figure 2 is a view of the lock holder according to Figure 1 from the perspective of arrow II,

[0032] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a connection area of ​​the connection area with the lock plate, and

[0033] Figure 4 View of the lock holder plate when using extensions at the connection area according to Figure 3.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a lock holder 1 designed according to the invention. The lock holder 1 has a lock holder plate 2 and a lock holder bracket 3. The lock holder bracket 3 is constructed in two parts and consists of a locking bolt 4 and a sheet metal strip 5. The sheet metal strip 5, in turn, is formed from a center piece 6 and a connecting area 7.

[0035] The lock holder plate 2 has openings 8, 9; preferably, the openings 8, 9 are provided as bores in the lock holder plate. Of course, the openings 8, 9 can also be formed as punched openings or punched openings 8, 9 with milled or drilled phases 10, 11. In addition, the lock holder plate 2 has a recess 12, which can be formed into the lock holder plate 2, for example, by deep drawing. The locking bolt 4 and the connecting region 7 are each introduced into the raised region or elevation 13 by forming. For this purpose, the raised region 13 can each have recesses and / or bores into which the locking bolt 4 and the connecting region 7 are inserted. The locking bolt 4 is essentially cylindrical in design, but has a material accumulation or a thickening 14, 15 at the respective axial ends.The thickened portions 14, 15 serve as contact areas which respectively bear against the lock holder plate 2 and the center piece 6, so that a contact or abutment is available for cold forming the axial ends 16, 17 of the locking bolt 4.

[0036] The sheet metal strip 5 is formed from the central piece arranged parallel to the lock holder plate 2 or to the raised area 13 and the connecting area 7 which is only partially arranged parallel to the locking bolt 4. The lock holder 1 is overall symmetrical, which is illustrated by the center line M shown in dash-dotted lines. Starting from the locking bolt 4, the sheet metal strip 5 or the central piece 6 widens to a width B, where the width B is the width B of the connecting area 7. In other words, the central piece 6 tapers from the connecting area 7 towards the locking bolt 4. However, in the connection area with the locking bolt 4, the central piece 6 has a greater width than the accumulation of material 15. As a result, the central piece 6 is able to extend over an inlet area of ​​a rotary latch and form an additional support surface.

[0037] The connecting area 7 extends from the lock holder plate 2 to the parallel area of ​​the middle piece 6. In this embodiment, the connecting area 7 is curved so that one can also speak of an S-shape of the sheet metal strip. Of course, the connecting area 7 can also be straight, which is indicated by the dashed line 18. However, the connecting area 7 is advantageously curved so that an enlarged engagement opening 19 is produced for a rotary latch. The design of the sheet metal strip 5 according to the invention allows individual adaptation to the strength of the lock holder 1, in particular through the selection of the material, the thickness of the sheet metal strip and / or the material thickness of the sheet metal strip 5.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a view of the lock holder 1 according to Figure 1 from the perspective of arrow II. The recess 12 in the lock holder plate 2, the openings 8, 9, the cold-formed end 16 and the connecting region 7 can be seen. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting region 7 has a rectangular extension 20 which is passed through a recess 21 (which is only indicated) and is permanently connected to the lock holder plate 2 by means of cold forming. Cold forming is also generally referred to as riveting. The extension 20 can correspond to the width B of the connecting region 7 or, as shown, have a width b. Due to the difference in width between the connecting region 7 and the extension 20, the connecting region 7 also provides a contact area on the lock holder plate 2, which in turn has a positive effect on the cold forming in the region of the recess 12.The recess 12 offers the advantage that the cold-formed areas 16, 20 can be accommodated in the recess 12, so that a flat contact surface 22 of the lock holder 1 or the lock holder plate 2 is produced.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a sheet metal strip 23 and in particular an alternative embodiment of the connecting region 24 of a lock holder 25. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. This makes it possible, in particular, to work with an identical locking bolt 4. In this embodiment, the sheet metal strip 23 or the connecting region 24 has two extensions 25, 26. The extensions 25, 26 are shown in Figure 3 in their original form and in their cold-formed or riveted form. In the initial form of the extensions 25, 26, the extensions 25, 26 have chamfers 27, 28 so that assembly aids are available. The extensions 25, 26 only extend partially across the width B of the connecting region 27 so that a contact area 29 is available for cold forming.After the connecting portion 24 has been inserted, the contact area 29 rests against the lock holder plate 30. The contact area 29 thus provides a support for the cold forming of the extensions 25, 26. The cold-formed areas, rivets, or rivet heads 31, 32 can also be seen in Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a view of the lock holder 25 from the underside of the lock holder plate 30. The rivet heads 31, 32 in the recess 33 are clearly visible. The design according to the invention also allows for individual adaptation to the manufacturing or assembly process, namely because the extensions 20, 25, 26 can be designed to suit the specific requirements of the motor vehicle. Overall, this results in an individually adaptable lock holder 1, 25 that can also meet the increased strength requirements of the lock holder 1, 25. List of Reference Symbols

[0041] 1.25 lock holder

[0042] 2, 30 lock holder plate

[0043] 3 lock holder brackets

[0044] 4 locking bolts

[0045] 5, 23 metal strips

[0046] 6 Middle piece

[0047] 7, 24 connection area

[0048] 8, 9 openings

[0049] 10, 11, 27, 28 chamfers

[0050] 12, 33 Deepening

[0051] 13 Increase

[0052] 14, 15 Thickening

[0053] 16, 17 axial ends

[0054] 18 dashed line

[0055] 19 Access opening

[0056] 20, 25, 26 extension

[0057] 21 Recess

[0058] 22 flat contact surface

[0059] 29 Investment area

[0060] 31, 32 rivet heads

[0061] M center line

[0062] B, b width

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock holder (1, 25) for a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a lock holder plate (2, 30) and a lock holder bracket (3) fastened thereto, the lock holder bracket (3) being designed with a locking bolt (4), a central piece (6) and a connecting region (7, 24), characterized in that the lock holder bracket (3) is formed in at least two parts and the central piece (6) and the connecting region (7, 24) are formed from a sheet metal strip (5, 23).

2. Lock holder (1, 25) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23) is permanently connected to the Lock holder plate (2, 30).

3. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23) is connected to the lock holder plate (2, 30) by means of forming, in particular cold forming, preferably riveting.

4. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23) can be inserted into a recess (21) of the lock holder plate (2, 30) and can be formed.

5. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23) has at least one, preferably two extensions (20, 25, 26), wherein the extensions (20, 25, 26) are arranged in corresponding recesses (21) of the lock holder plate (2, 30) can be inserted and formed.

6. Lock holder (1, 25) according to claim 5, characterized in that the extensions (20, 25, 26) can be formed with insertion aids (10, 11, 27, 28), in particular with chamfers (10, 11, 27, 28).

7. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23), in particular the connecting region (7, 24) is bent at least in some regions.

8. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23) is at least partially conical in the region of the central piece (6).

9. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sheet metal strip (5, 23) has a width in a connection area with a locking bolt (4) which is wider than the width of an inlet area of ​​a rotary latch.

10. Lock holder (1, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lock holder plate (2, 30) has a recess (12, 33), wherein a deformation (16) of the locking bolt (4) and the sheet metal strip can be accommodated in the recess (12, 33).

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