Lock for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a tailgate lock, comprising a locking mechanism (2) having a rotary latch (3) and having at least one pawl (4, 5), wherein the rotary latch (3) can be latched in a pre-latching position and a main latching position, having a main latching pawl (5) and having a pre-latching pawl (4), wherein a pre-latching element (17) of the locking mechanism (2) is formed by an angled region of a metallic main body (18) of the rotary latch (3), and wherein the angled region (17) can be placed in engagement with a closing pawl of a closing device.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lock for a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in a pre-locking position and a main locking position, a main locking pawl and a pre-locking pawl, wherein the pre-locking of the locking mechanism is formed by an angled region of a metallic base body of the rotary latch.

[0004] Locks or locking devices for motor vehicles are used wherever pivoting or sliding components on the motor vehicle must be secured in their position. To secure the position of the components, the locking device works together with a lock holder, whereby a relative movement of the locking device to a lock holder moves a locking mechanism of the locking device into a locked position. Areas of application for these locks include, for example, flaps, doors, and sliding doors, but also, for example, backrest locks for rear seat benches in the motor vehicle interior. The invention preferably relates to a lock for a tailgate of a motor vehicle.

[0005] To increase the convenience of these locking devices, they are designed as electrically operated locking systems. Electrically operated locking systems utilize electric motors that unlock a locking mechanism and thus electrically open the lock. In combination with, for example, a motor-operated tailgate, the operator can open the tailgate remotely without having to manually intervene in the vehicle. In addition to electrically unlocking the locking mechanism, so-called closing devices are also used. These closing devices allow a tailgate, or even a side door, to be moved into its final closed position with electrical assistance once it has been opened.

[0006] To enable this automatic locking process, the lock must be capable of being moved into its final locking position. The lock according to the invention comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl. The rotary latch is pivotally mounted on a metal lock plate and can interact with a lock holder or lock holder bracket attached to the motor vehicle via an inlet area. When the lock or the flap or door is closed, the relative movement of the lock holder, which is usually permanently mounted on the motor vehicle, moves the rotary latch from an open position to a first closed position.

[0007] In a first closed position, called the pre-locking position, a pawl engages the rotary latch in such a way that the movement of the rotary latch is blocked. Without moving the pawl, the rotary latch cannot be opened again. Closing aids are used to move the rotary latch from this pre-locking position to a main locking position. These closing devices interact with the locking mechanism in such a way that the rotary latch is transferred from the locked pre-locking position to a main locking position. In other words, the rotary latch is moved further into its closed position with electrical assistance. The closing device moves the rotary latch into the main locking position, in which a pawl or the same pawl engages with the rotary latch and locks the rotary latch in its main locking position. The rotary latch is then in the end position and the door or flap is in its final closed position.

[0008] To safely reach the main locking position, the rotary latch is moved into an overtravel position by the closing device. Overtravel position means that the rotary latch is moved further into the closed position than is necessary for the main locking pawl to engage. Moving the rotary latch into the overtravel position creates the possibility of ensuring that the main locking pawl securely engages or latches into the rotary latch. This is particularly necessary because secure locking of the locking mechanism in the main locking position must be guaranteed even when the door or flap is electrically assisted in closing.

[0009] As described above, to achieve the pre-locking position and the main locking position, a pawl must interact with the rotary latch. In this case, only one pawl can interact with the rotary latch, or two or more pawls can be used, which, for example, interact with the rotary latch at different levels. It is also known that, for example, in a main locking position of the locking mechanism, an opening moment is present in the locking mechanism, whereby the opening moment refers to a force that forces the pawl out of the locking position. To prevent the locking mechanism from unlocking itself in this case, the pawl is additionally secured in the locking position by means of a locking or blocking lever.

[0010] A locking mechanism with a pre-engagement pawl and a separate main-engagement pawl, which interact with the pawl in parallel planes and at a distance from each other, is known, for example, from DE 10 2007 003 948 A1. The locking mechanism also exhibits an opening moment in the main-engagement position, with the main-engagement pawl being secured in its main-engagement position by a locking or blocking lever. If the main-engagement pawl engages the rotary latch in a plane of a metallic base body of the rotary latch, the pre-engagement pawl acts on a bolt on the rotary latch to establish the pre-engagement position of the locking mechanism.

[0011] A generic prior art is formed by DE 102012 207 443 A1. This document discloses a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in a pre-locking position and a main locking position, wherein a pre-locking of the locking mechanism is formed by an angled region of a metallic base body of the rotary latch. Due to this angle on the metallic base body, a pre-locking can be realized by the metallic base body of the rotary latch itself. The provision of the pre-locking on the rotary latch, by the metallic base body itself, offers the advantage that the formation of an additional bolt and thus also the mounting of the bolt on the rotary latch can be dispensed with. The locking systems and locks known from the prior art have generally proven themselves.Based on the state of the art, locking system developers, as well as the automotive industry itself, continually strive to provide improved locking systems. The available space in the vehicle, the weight of the locking system, and also the noise level play a decisive role. As described above, electromagnets and closing aids are used to increase operating comfort for the vehicle user. These additional functions require a more complex locking system design and thus, in turn, an increased number of components, which in turn increase costs and affect the weight of the locking system. This is where the invention comes in.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide an improved lock for a motor vehicle. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a compact locking system with high functionality and the smallest possible number of components.

[0013] 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 desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0014] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a lock for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in a pre-locking position and a main-locking position, a main-locking pawl, and a pre-locking pawl, wherein a pre-locking position of the locking mechanism is formed by an angled region of a metallic base body of the rotary latch, and wherein the angled region can be brought into engagement with a closing pawl of a closing device. The design of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention now creates the possibility of realizing a compact design of a motor vehicle lock in which high functionality can be achieved with a small number of components.In particular, by using the angled area of ​​the metallic base body of the rotary latch as a pre-lock and at the same time as a means of implementing a closing device for the locking mechanism, additional components, moldings and / or constructive means for introducing a force to close the locking mechanism can be dispensed with.

[0015] The closing device thus interacts directly with the rotary latch and, in particular, with the engagement surface on the rotary latch, which is also used to achieve the pre-locking position in the vehicle lock. The angled area on the rotary latch therefore performs a dual function. On the one hand, a first locking position can be achieved via the angled area when closing the locking mechanism, and at the same time, the closing pawl can access the angled area to achieve complete closing and reaching the main locking position of the locking mechanism. Consequently, a high level of functionality can be provided in the vehicle lock with minimal design resources. The lock according to the invention can be a lock for a tailgate, a side door, a flap or cover, but also, for example, for a seat back of a rear seat bench of a vehicle.Preferably, however, the invention relates to a lock for a tailgate of a motor vehicle. Tailgate locks are subject to special requirements because, unlike sliding door locks, for example, they can be exposed to changing loads. For example, the tailgate may be loaded with snow, so that when opened, and in particular when opened electrically, it must be ensured that the lock is fully open until the loaded tailgate is closed again. For example, when a tailgate is loaded with snow, the locking mechanism may be opened electrically, but the lock holder engaging with the rotary latch does not cause any relative movement in the locking mechanism because the tailgate remains in its position due to the high load. In this case, the pawl or pawls must be kept out of engagement with the rotary latch.The disengagement of the pawl when the locking mechanism is unlocked is also referred to as the snow load function.

[0016] With regard to the structure of the locking mechanism, reference is made to the introductory explanations. The rotary latch has a metallic base body which is pivotally mounted in the vehicle lock via a metallic axis. The pivot axis of the rotary latch, as well as that of the pawl or pawls, is also held in a metallic lock case. This metallic basic structure of the vehicle lock ensures that the pivoting or movable component on the vehicle can be held securely even in extreme situations, such as an accident. In the preliminary and main detent positions, metallic areas of the pawl and the rotary latch lie against one another to ensure secure locking and, in particular, precise positioning of the locking mechanism.

[0017] According to the invention, an angled portion is provided on the metallic base body of the rotary latch, wherein the angled portion preferably has an angle of 90° to the base surface of the rotary latch and extends beyond the flat extension of the rotary latch. The angled portion thus forms a one-piece component with the rotary latch and engages with the pre-locking pawl.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, each pawl is assigned a separate switching device. To enable reliable evaluation of the pawl of the locking mechanism, two switching devices, in particular microswitches, are provided in the motor vehicle lock, each of which can detect a position of the pawls. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the electrical actuation of the motor vehicle lock, as it allows for reliable detection of the lock's opening and closing and the positions of the pawls.

[0019] In an advantageous development of the invention, the pre-locking pawl can be moved independently of the main locking pawl. Independent movement of the pre-locking pawl ensures, on the one hand, that the pre-locking position is reliably reached, and, on the other hand, that additional functions can be implemented using the pre-locking pawl. Safely reaching the pre-locking position is also advantageous because, if the main locking position cannot be reached, for example, if an object has entered the opening area of ​​the tailgate, the pre-locking pawl can ensure that the tailgate is held closed, even during ferry operation.

[0020] The further advantage of the independent movement of the pre-locking pawl arises when the main locking pawl can be actuated by a movement of the pre-locking pawl, particularly when the movement is directed toward unlocking the locking mechanism. The pre-locking pawl has an additional function here, namely that of moving the main locking pawl out of the engagement area of ​​the rotary latch. The pre-locking pawl therefore serves not only as a means of blocking the movement of the rotary latch, but also to keep the main locking pawl out of engagement with the rotary latch. This is particularly advantageous when, for example, the aforementioned snow load acts on the vehicle. The forced engagement of the main locking pawl by the pre-locking pawl can therefore ensure reliable unlocking of the locking mechanism even in extreme situations.

[0021] A further embodiment of the invention is achieved if, during a movement toward locking the locking mechanism, the pre-locking pawl is movable independently of the main-locking pawl. This ensures that, on the one hand, the main-locking pawl rests against the rotary latch, preferably spring-loaded, and the pre-locking pawl is movable over the main-locking pawl and can engage the pre-lock. The main-locking pawl consequently slides along the rotary latch moving in the closing direction and rests against an outer contour of the rotary latch with spring pre-load. The pre-locking pawl can also rest against the pre-lock of the rotary latch with spring pre-load and can engage the pre-lock when the rotary latch is in the appropriate position. When the rotary latch moves further in the closing direction, an extension on the pawl ensures that the pre-locking pawl moves further into the engagement area with the rotary latch.If the rotary latch reaches its main detent position during the closing movement, the main detent pawl can engage the main detent of the rotary latch, while the pre-detent pawl simultaneously slides along the pre-detent and rests against the pre-detent via the extension. The locking mechanism can then be unlocked and the lock opened by engaging the pre-detent pawl.

[0022] Advantageously, when the locking mechanism is unlocked, both switching means can be actuated. For this purpose, the pre-locking pawl and the main-locking pawl each have a separate extension that can be engaged with the respective switching means. The switching means are arranged in the motor vehicle lock such that both switching means, which are preferably designed as microswitches, are actuated when the locking mechanism is in the open position. This has several advantages. On the one hand, the precise position of the pawls makes it immediately detectable that the locking mechanism is in the open state. A further advantage arises from the fact that the switching means are only actuated when the locking mechanism is in the open position. The period in which a motor vehicle lock is open is significantly shorter than the period in which the motor vehicle lock is in a closed position.This is simply because a moving or parked motor vehicle is preferably parked or operated with the doors and tailgates closed. The time during which the switching devices are operated is therefore shorter, thus reducing the load on the switching device.

[0023] A further advantage of a design variant arises when, in a pre-locking position of the locking mechanism, a switching device assigned to the pre-locking pawl is unactuated. The free pivoting of the pre-locking pawl in relation to the rotary latch as well as in relation to the main-locking pawl allows the position of the locking mechanism or the detent position to be clearly detected. If, in the pre-locking position, the main-locking pawl is spring-loaded against the rotary latch and, at the same time, the switching device for the main-locking pawl is actuated, a switching signal can be generated via the main-locking pawl. The pre-locking pawl releases the switching device in the pre-locking position. In other words, the extension of the pre-locking pawl is no longer in contact with the switching device. This electrical circuit allows the pre-locking in the locking mechanism to be clearly detected.

[0024] It is also advantageous if both switching elements are unactuated in the main locking position of the locking mechanism. As already explained above, the switching position with both switching elements unactuated offers the advantage that the switching elements experience little stress during their service life. In addition, the main locking position can be reliably determined because the switching position of both switching elements clearly indicates that the main locking position has been safely reached. To actuate the switching elements, both the pre-locking pawl and the main locking pawl can have an extension that can be brought into engagement with the switching element. The extension can be designed such that the switching elements are only released when the pre-locking position or the main locking position has been safely reached.For example, a faulty engagement of the main detent pawl would not release the switching mechanism for the main detent. A main detent pawl that is only partially engaged does not release the switch, thus avoiding the risk of false closure. False closure occurs when the main detent pawl is only partially engaged, which could lead to the main detent being released when the vehicle is in operation. This is prevented by the extension on the main detent pawl, and in particular by the design of the extension in conjunction with the switching mechanism.

[0025] The pawls can advantageously be mounted on a common axis. The pawls are safety-relevant components that must meet requirements even under extreme loads. In other words, the pawls must keep the vehicle lock closed even in the event of an accident. For this purpose, the pawls are pivotally mounted on a metal axis, with the metal axis being accommodated in a lock plate. In addition, a reinforcement plate can be arranged between the pawl axis and the rotary latch axis, thereby providing additional stabilization of the locking mechanism as a whole. Mounting the two pawls together on one axis offers the advantage of achieving a compact design for the vehicle lock.

[0026] It can also be advantageous if the switching means are arranged on different levels and spaced apart from one another in the lock. Arranging the switching means on different levels enables a simple design of the pawls and a small design of a corresponding extension for the interaction of the pawls and switching means. This, in turn, supports the compactness of the vehicle lock and enables a simple design of the pawls. The pawls themselves only require a radial extension of the extension in order to engage with the switching means.

[0027] 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 presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0028] It shows:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock constructed according to the invention in the form of a tailgate lock in an unlocked position,

[0030] Figure 2 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention as shown in Figure 1 in a pre-locking position; and Figure 3 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a

[0031] Main locking position .

[0032] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock 1 in a top view of a locking mechanism 2 in an open, i.e., unlocked, position. The locking mechanism has a rotary latch 3, a pre-locking pawl 4, and a main-locking pawl 5. The locking mechanism parts 3, 4, 5 are pivotally mounted in a lock case 8 by means of axes 6, 7. The lock case 8 has an inlet region 9 through which a lock holder (not shown) can interact with the rotary latch 3 in a known manner. The lock case 8 also has bevels 10, 11 by means of which the motor vehicle lock 1 can be fastened to a motor vehicle or a body of the motor vehicle. To explain the invention, only a few components of the motor vehicle lock 1 that are essential to explaining the invention are shown. The pawls 4, 5 have extensions 12, 13, which can each be brought into engagement with a switching means 14, 15.The switching means 14, 15 are shown in Figure 1 in an actuated position, in other words, the extension 12 of the pre-locking pawl actuates the switching means 14 and the extension 13 of the main locking pawl 5 actuates the switching means 15. In this embodiment, both switching means 14, 15 are designed as microswitches and are shown actuated.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an unlocked position of the locking mechanism 2, so that the rotary latch 3 is able to move in the direction of arrow P, i.e., counterclockwise. The movement of the rotary latch 3 is achieved by a rotary latch spring (not shown), which loads the rotary latch 3 in the direction of arrow P, and by a sealing pressure exerted by a tailgate on the vehicle lock or lock holder. In this open position, the rotary latch is thus able to release the lock holder, and a tailgate can be opened.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the pre-locking position of the locking mechanism 2. After opening the motor vehicle lock 1 and closing, for example, the tailgate, a lock holder 16 engages the motor vehicle lock 1 and in particular the rotary latch 3 from the direction of arrow P1. This moves the rotary latch 3 in the direction of arrow P2. The pre-locking pawl 4, as well as the main locking pawl 5, rest against the rotary latch 3 in a spring-loaded manner. When the pre-locking position is reached, as shown in Figure

[0035] 2, the pre-locking pawl 4 can fall into a pre-lock 17 of the rotary latch 3. The pre-lock 17 is made of a single piece from a metallic base body of the rotary latch

[0036] 3 and designed as a fold in this embodiment.

[0037] The metallic base body 18 of the rotary latch 3 is largely surrounded by a plastic casing, for example to enable guidance of the pawl, as well as low-noise interaction between pawls 4, 5 and the rotary latch 3. Low-noise interaction is also enabled by the plastic casing 19 on the rotary latch 3 with the lock holder 16, whereby, for example, additional recesses can be provided on the pawl 3 and in particular in the plastic casing 19 to enable noise dampening in the interaction between the rotary latch 3 and the lock holder 16.

[0038] The pre-lock pawl 4 is spring-loaded toward the rotary latch 3 but can also be moved independently of the main locking pawl 5. The pre-lock pawl 4 can thus engage unhindered in the pre-lock 17 when the rotary latch is moved in the closing direction P2, for example, by the lock holder 16.

[0039] Figure 3 shows the closed position of the motor vehicle lock 1, showing the main locking position of the locking mechanism 2. The main locking pawl 5 has engaged the main locking position 21 and is resting against the main locking position 21. The main locking position is better visible in Figure 2.

[0040] However, Figure 3 also shows that the switching elements 14, 15 have been released from the extensions 12, 13. The switching elements 14, 15 are thus unloaded. The switching elements 14, 15 can be electrically connected and held in a plastic housing 22 of the motor vehicle lock 1 (only indicated).

[0041] Starting from Figure 3, the motor vehicle lock can be opened by moving the pre-locking pawl 4 in the direction of arrow P around the axis 6. Movement of the pre-locking pawl 4 results in the main locking pawl 5 being carried along by the pre-locking pawl 4. This enables secure unlocking of the locking mechanism 2, as incorrect engagement of the opening locking mechanism or the opening rotary latch 3 into the pre-lock 17 is prevented. The independent movement of the pre-locking pawl 4 thus enables secure unlocking of the locking mechanism 2 as well as preventing incorrect engagement of the pre-locking pawl 4 into the pre-lock 17.

[0042] Overall, the inventive design of the motor vehicle lock 1 allows a compact design of the motor vehicle lock to be realized, whereby a high level of functionality can be provided with minimal structural resources.

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] 1 vehicle lock

[0045] 2 locking devices

[0046] 3 rotary latch

[0047] 4 pre-locking pawl

[0048] 5 Main locking pawl

[0049] 6, 7 axes

[0050] 8 lock cases

[0051] 9 Inlet area

[0052] 10, 11 bends

[0053] 12, 13 Extension

[0054] 14, 15 Switching devices

[0055] 16 lock holders

[0056] 17 Pre-rest

[0057] 18 basic bodies

[0058] 19 Plastic sheathing

[0059] 20 recess

[0060] 21 Main Rest Area

[0061] 22 plastic housings

[0062] P, PI, P2, P3 arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock or tailgate lock, comprising a locking mechanism (2) with a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), wherein the rotary latch (3) can be locked in a pre-locking position and a main locking position, a main locking pawl (5), a pre-locking pawl (4), wherein the pre-lock (17) of the locking mechanism (2) is formed by an angled region of a metallic base body (18) of the rotary latch (3), characterized in that the angled region (17) can be brought into engagement with a closing pawl of a closing device.

2. Lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each pawl (4, 5) is assigned a separate switching means (14, 15).

3. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the pre-locking pawl (4) is movable independently of the main locking pawl (5).

4. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main locking pawl (5) can be actuated by means of a movement of the pre-locking pawl (4), in particular can be actuated during a movement in the direction of unlocking the locking mechanism (2).

5. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that during a movement in the direction of locking the locking mechanism (2), the pre-locking pawl (4) is movable independently of the main locking pawl (5).

6. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the locking mechanism (2) is unlocked, both switching means (14, 15) are actuated.

7. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in a pre-locking position of the locking mechanism (2) a switching means (14) associated with the pre-locking pawl (4) is unactuated.

8. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in a main locking position of the locking mechanism (2) both switching means (14, 15) are unactuated.

9. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pawls (4, 5) are mounted on a common axis (6).

10. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the switching means (14, 15) are arranged on different levels and spaced apart from one another in the lock (1).

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