Lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock holder (1) for a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock holder plate (2) and a lock holder bracket (3) which is secured to the lock holder plate (2). The lock holder bracket (3) is formed with a locking pin (7), a central piece (9), and a connecting pin (10), and the central piece (9) is equipped with a projection (8) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the central piece (8). The lock holder (1) is designed in at least two parts.

Description

[0001] Description Lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock The invention relates to a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock comprising a lock holder plate, a lock holder bracket fastened to the lock holder plate, wherein the lock holder bracket is formed with a locking bolt, a center piece, and a connecting bolt, and a projection is arranged on the center piece in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the center piece. The lock holder normally 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 lock. 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 vehicle body, for example, a B- or C-pillar of the associated vehicle body. The vehicle door lock, on the other hand, is located in the vehicle door to be locked. In principle, the reverse is also possible. 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, on the other hand, is exposed to particular stresses, particularly in the event of an accident. In fact, the protection of vehicle occupants in a side impact depends significantly on how reliably the lock holder and the locking mechanism interacting with it are able to absorb the applied forces.The primary requirement here is that the vehicle door remains closed so that safety devices provided in or on the vehicle door, such as side airbags, side impact protection, etc., can have the desired effect.

[0002] The forces absorbed through the interaction between the motor vehicle door lock and the lock holder act directly between the locking mechanism contained in the motor vehicle door lock and the locking bolt of the lock holder bracket, which engages with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is formed from a rotary latch and at least one pawl, whereby after the rotary latch engages the locking bracket of the lock holder during a closing movement of the door element, the 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 may 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 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] In order to increase the forces that can be absorbed by the lock holder, various approaches have been proposed. 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 help of an indentation, as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2010 021 677 A1. However, the loads actually occurring in practice and the usually associated crack behavior of the lock holder in the event of a crash or when extreme forces occur are only inadequately reflected in these approaches. This is because it has been shown that the connection between the lock holder bracket and the lock holder plate is a particularly important point.

[0005] 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 the locking bolt and / or the connecting bolt that extends beyond the lock holder plate is compressed.As a result of the upsetting process, the lock holder plate is also equipped 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.

[0006] The solutions known from the state of the art have generally proven themselves, but are reaching their limits with newer developments in the automotive industry. The use of batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles increases the loads generated in an accident. The batteries present in motor vehicles increase the overall weight of the vehicle many times over, so that the loads on the locking mechanism and the lock holder generated in 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.

[0007] 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.

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

[0009] According to 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, a lock holder bracket fastened to the lock holder plate, wherein the lock holder bracket is formed with a locking bolt, a center piece, and a connecting bolt, and a projection is arranged on the center piece in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the center piece, wherein the lock holder is formed in at least two parts. The design of the lock holder according to the invention now creates the possibility of designing the lock holder bracket so that it can be individually adapted to the loads, and in particular to the extreme loads, during an accident. The individual loads during an accident are particularly relevant to safety, since it must be ensured, especially in the event of an accident, that the doors, flaps, or hoods remain closed.The side doors are particularly important, as the vehicle's occupants must be protected. Only in combination with the secure closing of the door can other safety systems, such as seat belts and airbags, achieve their full effectiveness.

[0010] The stresses experienced during a crash are extremely high and are simulated by tensile tests during the design of the lock holder. In this test, the lock holder is subjected to tensile stress until it breaks. This is to determine whether the specified specifications are met and to identify weak points, allowing for customized design of the lock holder. The invention addresses this in particular and demonstrates a way to improve the load-bearing capacity of the lock holder. The overhang in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the center piece enables support of the rotary latch in the locking mechanism, with the two-part construction supporting the possibility of cost-effective production.

[0011] As already indicated above, the lock holder according to the invention not only relates to a side door, but can also be used in the area of ​​a hood, tailgate, sliding door, cover, foldable seats, etc., in fact everywhere where pivoting or sliding components on the motor vehicle must be held securely in their position.

[0012] Basically, the lock holder has a lock holder plate which is designed as a base for the lock holder bracket and which preferably has at least two bores by means of which the lock holder can be fastened to the motor vehicle or to the movable component. The openings in the lock holder plate preferably have a conical countersink so that a flat surface with the lock holder plate can be achieved using suitable screws with a conical head. The lock holder plate can additionally have a bevel so that rivet heads of the lock holder bracket can be received in the bevel, thus in turn enabling a flat fastening of at least a partial area of ​​the lock holder plate to the body. The bevel then receives corresponding rivet heads of the lock holder bracket. The lock holder bracket can preferably be fastened to the lock holder plate as a separate component, in particular can be fastened non-detachably.The two-part design, and in particular the separation between the lock holder bracket and lock holder plate, allows for individual adjustment of the loads. A simple construction is possible because the lock holder plates are manufactured individually and can, for example, be designed as stamped and bent pieces, which is particularly advantageous for mass production. The lock holder bracket can be attached to the lock holder plate, which also enables advantageous production. The design of a lock holder bracket with an overhang in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the center piece enables an expanded engagement surface between the lock holder bracket and the rotary latch engaged with the lock holder bracket. When the locking mechanism is closed, the rotary latch engages the locking bolt and rotates around the locking bolt.Finally, that is to say in the main locking position, the rotary latch rests on the locking bolt.

[0013] If, in the event of an accident, the engagement between the rotary latch and the lock holder shifts, the rotary latch engages with the center piece, as the rotary latch moves over the locking bolt toward the center piece. Due to the overhang on the center piece, not only the part of the rotary latch that surrounds the locking bolt, i.e. the load arm of the rotary latch, engages with the center piece, but also the part of the rotary latch located in front of the locking bolt, in other words the catch arm of the rotary latch. The rotary latch is therefore supported from both sides of the locking bolt, on the one hand toward the center piece and on the other hand toward the overhang. This allows for increased support overall when the rotary latch and lock holder interact. This increases the load-bearing capacity of the door locking system.

[0014] The locking bolt is preferably attached to the lock holder plate at a right angle, i.e., in the direction of a normal to the lock holder plate. Starting from the striker, the center piece extends essentially parallel to the lock holder plate, creating an engagement area for the rotary latch in the lock holder bolt. The connecting bolt is connected to the center piece and, in turn, extends from the center piece to the lock holder plate. The connecting bolt can be straight or at least partially curved. However, it is also conceivable for the connecting bolt to form a slope starting from the center piece and toward the lock holder plate.

[0015] Advantageously and in a further embodiment of the invention, the lock holder bracket has a mounting web, in particular a mounting web arranged parallel to the center piece. The mounting web extends along the lock holder plate and rests against the lock holder plate. The mounting web thus has, as does a preferred embodiment of the lock holder plate, a planar extension in the region of the contact surface with the lock holder plate. The lock holder bracket can be connected to the lock holder plate by means of the mounting web. The mounting web extends parallel to the center piece, resulting in an opening in the lock holder bracket that can be described as an essentially rectangular opening. Depending on the design of the connecting bolt, an alternative opening shape can result, for example if the connecting bolt is angled or has an S-shape.Preferably, the center piece and the mounting web have the same cross-sectional areas. This has proven particularly advantageous with regard to load-bearing capacity. The use of the mounting web increases resistance to bending stress. Bending stress can act on the locking bolt in particular in the vehicle's longitudinal direction or in the direction of a longitudinal extension. Typically, a coordinate system is incorporated into a motor vehicle for design purposes. The y-axis represents the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the x-axis a vehicle's transverse direction, and the z-axis a vertical axis relative to the vehicle or the vehicle's ground. The bending stress can thus be increased, particularly in the y- and z-directions.

[0016] It can also be advantageous if the mounting web is formed with mounting elements. In this case, at least one extension can be formed on the lock holder bracket, which then extends through an opening in the lock holder plate and can be permanently connected to the lock holder plate, for example by forming. Preferably, two extensions are formed on the lock holder bracket, which can be connected to the lock holder plate by forming, i.e. riveting. It is also conceivable for three extensions to be formed on the lock holder bracket, whereby it is also conceivable according to the invention for one extension, for example, to serve as an assembly aid, for example for inserting the lock holder bracket into the lock holder plate. Preferably, the extensions or extensions on the lock holder bracket are cylindrical, whereby the extensions can be inserted into bores in the lock holder plate.

[0017] The lock holder bracket has a contour that can essentially be described as rectangular. The center piece, the connecting bolt, and the mounting bar can have a square shape, whereas the locking bolt has a round cross-section. The locking bolt has a round shape because the locking bolt engages with the rotary latch and by means of a rotational movement of the rotary latch. In contrast, the projection, the center piece, the connecting bolt, and the mounting bar have a square shape, which has proven particularly advantageous with regard to bending stress on the lock holder.

[0018] The overhang advantageously forms a contact surface for a rotary latch. The overhang extends from the center piece beyond the locking bolt, with the overhang having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the center piece. The overhang forms a contact surface for the rotary latch. The overhang projects far enough beyond the locking bolt that the overhang engages with a catch arm of the rotary latch. The overhang preferably extends partially beyond the catch arm. The rotary latch can therefore also come into contact with the overhang in the event of extreme load, i.e. in the event of an accident. This offers a particular advantage with regard to a transverse direction of the vehicle, since the rotary latch not only rests on the center piece via the load arm, but also on the overhang by means of the catch arm.The locking bolt is therefore enclosed circumferentially in certain areas, i.e. over an angle of more than 180°, preferably up to 270°, so that in addition to the middle piece, the overhang is also available as a contact surface for the rotary latch.

[0019] The projection and center piece form a common contact surface for the rotary latch. For this purpose, the center piece and the projection can advantageously be arranged on a common plane, at least in relation to the contact surface for the rotary latch. The center piece and the projection thus form a common contact surface for the rotary latch. The center piece and the projection also extend laterally beyond the locking bolt, so that a circumferential contact with the rotary latch is also possible. The center piece and the projection can provide a load-bearing surface that allows the rotary latch to rest flatly in the event of extreme loads, thus significantly increasing the load-bearing capacity of the vehicle door lock.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the lock holder bracket is constructed in one piece. The one-piece design of the lock holder bracket offers the advantage of achieving increased load-bearing capacity in the lock holder bracket. In particular, stress peaks do not occur in the transition area between the different sections of the lock holder bracket, as a one-piece construction provides an optimized force line path.

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

[0022] It shows:

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view of a lock holder designed according to the invention in conjunction with a rotary latch and a lock case,

[0024] Figure 2 shows the lock holder according to Figure 1 in the event of an external force, such as an accident, and

[0025] Figure 3 is a plan view of the lock holder according to the invention from the direction of arrow III in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a side 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 1 is shown in interaction with a rotary latch 4 and a lock case 5. Figure 1 shows a main locking position, i.e. a closed position of the motor vehicle lock, in which the rotary latch 4 extends around the lock holder, wherein the rotary latch 4 is rotatably received about an axis 6 in the lock case 5. It should be noted here that the axis 6 is only shown in principle, wherein the axis 6 is typically arranged as shown in Figure 3 in the closed state of the rotary latch 4.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the lock holder bracket 3 is formed in one piece and has a locking bolt 7, a projection 8, a center piece 9, a connecting bolt 10, and a center web 11. The side view of the lock holder essentially describes a rectangular shape, with the rectangular shape being abstracted only by the inclination of the connecting bolt 10. The projection 8 extends from the center piece 9 beyond the locking bolt 7, so that a projection 8 beyond the locking bolt 7 can be achieved. The lock holder bracket 3 is essentially square in shape; only the locking bolt 7 has a cylindrical shape.

[0028] The rotary latch 4 circumferentially encloses the locking bolt 7, so that the locking bolt 7 rests against the rotary latch in some areas. It can be clearly seen that the projection 8 and the center piece 9 create a flat contact surface 12 for the rotary latch 4. The projection 8 extends beyond the rotary latch and in particular a catch arm 13 of the rotary latch 4 in some areas. The projection 8 can, for example, protrude 15 mm, preferably 10 mm, and even more preferably 8 mm beyond the catch arm 13.

[0029] In Figure 1, and particularly in the center piece 9 of the lock holder bracket 3, an indentation 14 can be seen, which additionally stabilizes the lock holder bracket 3. The indentation 14 extends essentially above an opening 15 formed by the lock holder bracket 3.

[0030] The mounting web 11 lies flush against a surface 16 of the lock holder plate 2. As can be clearly seen, the mounting web 11 and the center piece 9 are arranged parallel to one another, just as the rotary latch 4 and the lock case 5 are arranged parallel to the center piece 9, mounting web 11, and lock holder plate 2. The lock case 5 is usually manufactured as a stamped sheet metal part and carries the locking mechanism consisting of the rotary latch 4 and pawl 17. The locking mechanism 18 consisting of the rotary latch 4 and pawl 17 and the lock case 5 are parts of the motor vehicle door lock. The lock holder 1 is usually attached to the body of the motor vehicle, with the motor vehicle lock being arranged in the movable component of the motor vehicle.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the position of the lock holder 1 which occurs when a large force F acts on pressure peaks in a motor vehicle, as occurs, for example, in an accident. The lock holder 1 is subjected to a force in the direction of arrow F, whereby the rotary latch 4 comes into contact with the contact surface 12. The rotary latch therefore rests with its load arm 19 on the one hand against the contact surface 12 and with the catch arm 13 on the projection 8. The projection 8 and the middle piece 9 form a common flat contact surface 12 for the rotary latch 4. The projection 8, which extends beyond the catch arm 13, creates a common contact surface for the rotary latch and, in particular, a circumferential contact surface for the rotary latch 4. This increases the load-bearing capacity of the lock holder 1, which in turn represents an advantage for the increased demands on the locking mechanism 18 and lock holder 1 components.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a view of the lock holder 1 according to the invention from the direction of arrow III. The locking mechanism 18 is shown in a main locking position, i.e., the rotary latch 4 is locked in the closed position by means of the pawl 17, which corresponds, for example, to a fully closed door or tailgate. The rotary latch 4 and pawl 17 can each pivot about their axes 6, 20, so that a locking position, i.e., a pre-locking position and a main locking position, can be assumed.

[0033] As can be clearly seen in Figure 4, the projection 8 extends beyond the catch arm 13, so that in the event of increased load and a corresponding deformation of the motor vehicle, the projection 8 and the center piece 9 come into contact with the rotary latch. This allows a significant increase in load to be achieved.

[0034] List of reference symbols

[0035] 1 lock holder

[0036] 2 lock holder plate

[0037] 3 lock holder brackets

[0038] 4 rotary latch

[0039] 5 lock cases

[0040] 6, 20 axis

[0041] 7 locking bolts

[0042] 8 Overhang

[0043] 9 Middle piece

[0044] 10 connecting bolts

[0045] 11 Mounting bridge

[0046] 12 contact surface

[0047] 13 tentacle

[0048] 14 Imprint

[0049] 15 Opening

[0050] 16 Surface

[0051] 17 pawl

[0052] 18 locking devices

[0053] 19 Load arm

[0054] Power

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock holder (1) for a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a lock holder plate (2), a lock holder bracket (3) fastened to the lock holder plate (2), wherein the lock holder bracket (3) is formed with a locking bolt (7), a center piece (9) and a connecting bolt (10), and a projection (8) is arranged on the center piece (9) in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the center piece (8), characterized in that the lock holder is formed in at least two parts.

2. Lock holder (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock holder bracket (3) can be fastened to the lock holder plate (2), in particular can be fastened non-detachably.

3. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lock holder bracket (3) has a mounting web (11), in particular a middle piece (11) arranged parallel to the middle piece (9).

4. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mounting web (11) has a flat contact surface corresponding to the lock holder plate (2).

5. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mounting web has at least one mounting element, in particular a mounting element formed integrally on the mounting web (11).

6. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the projection (8) forms a contact surface (12) for a rotary latch (4).

7. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the projection (8) and the central piece (9) form a contact surface (12) for a rotary latch (4).

8. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the projection (8) and the central piece (9) form a flat contact surface (12) for the rotary latch (4).

9. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lock holder bracket (3) is formed in one piece.

10. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking bolt (7) has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and the center piece (9), the connecting bolt (10) and the mounting web (11) have a square cross-sectional shape.

Images