Lock for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, having a locking mechanism (2) consisting of: a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), the rotary latch (3) being latchable in a pre-latch position (36) and a main latch position (37); a pre-latch pawl (4) and a main latch pawl (5), a pre-latch (17) of the locking mechanism (2) being formed by an angled region of a metal main body (18) of the rotary latch (3), and the angled region (17) being engageable with a closure pawl (25) of a closure device (23).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lock for a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle having a locking mechanism, consisting of 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 pre-locking pawl and a main-locking pawl, wherein a 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, wherein 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 seats in the motor vehicle interior. The invention preferably relates to a lock for a tailgate of a motor vehicle.

[0005] In order to increase the convenience of the locking devices mentioned, the locking systems are designed as electrically operated locking systems. Electrically operated locking systems use electric motors which enable the locking mechanism to be unlocked and the lock to be opened electrically. In combination with, for example, a motor-operated tailgate, the operator can, for example, open the tailgate using radio remote control without having to intervene manually on the vehicle. In addition to the electrical unlocking of the locking mechanism, so-called closing devices are also used. The closing devices make it possible for a tailgate, or even a side door, to be moved into its final closed position with electrical assistance once it has been opened.

[0006] In order to provide this automatic closing process, the lock must be capable of being moved into its final closed position. The lock according to the invention comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl. The rotary latch is pivotably 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 rotary latch is moved from an open position into a first closed position by the relative movement of the lock holder, which is usually permanently mounted on the motor vehicle.

[0007] In a first closed position, known as the pre-locking position, a pawl engages the rotary latch in such a way that 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 moved 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] In order 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. By moving the rotary latch into the overtravel position, it is possible to ensure that the main locking pawl securely locks or engages in the rotary latch. This is particularly necessary because, even with electrically assisted closing of the door or flap, the locking mechanism must still be securely locked in the main locking position.

[0009] As described above, in order to achieve the pre-locking position and the main locking position, a pawl must interact with the rotary latch. In this case, just one pawl can interact with the rotary latch, or two or more pawls can be used, which interact with the rotary latch, for example, at different levels. It is also known that, for example, in a main locking position of the locking mechanism, there is an opening moment 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 motor vehicle lock with a locking mechanism and a closing and opening device is known from DE 10 2013 106 672 A1. The closing and opening device acts on a locking mechanism via a Bowden cable, wherein a transmission lever is provided on the locking mechanism, on which a closing pawl is pivotally mounted. By means of the closing pawl, the locking mechanism can be moved from a pre-locking position to a main locking position. As a characteristic feature, the printed document discloses a drive for the closing device, wherein the drive is designed with variable torque and the transmission element of the closing device is subjected to a torque that is dependent on the drive path and consequently also a force that is dependent on the drive path. For this purpose, the drive unit has an electric motor with a downstream gearbox, wherein the gearbox is designed as a torque converter.Thus, the drive is capable of providing different forces for closing the locking mechanism as required. In particular, the printed circuit board has a spiral-shaped control contour that engages with the Bowden cable, whereby the Bowden cable enables the gradually increasing force to be transmitted to the locking mechanism.

[0011] 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 a high level of functionality and the smallest possible number of components. This 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 restrictive; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0012] According to patent claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a lock for a motor vehicle is provided, 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 of the locking mechanism is formed by a region arranged on the metallic base body of the rotary latch, in particular 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 a high level of functionality can be realized with a small number of components.In particular, by means of a preferably fastened area arranged on the rotary latch, such as a bolt or rivet bolt, and even more preferably by means of the use of an angled area of ​​the metallic base body of the rotary latch as a pre-lock and at the same time as a means for implementing a closing device for the locking mechanism, further components, moldings and / or constructive means for introducing a force for closing the locking mechanism can be dispensed with.

[0013] 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 create the pre-locking position in the vehicle lock. The angled area on the rotary latch therefore performs a dual function. On the one hand, the angled area can be used to create an initial locking position when closing the locking mechanism, and at the same time, the closing pawl can access the angled area to fully close the locking mechanism and reach its main locking position. Consequently, a high level of functionality can be provided in the vehicle lock with minimal design resources.

[0014] 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. However, the invention preferably relates to a lock for a tailgate of a motor vehicle. Tailgate locks have to meet special requirements because, in contrast to sliding door locks, for example, they can be exposed to changing loads. For example, the tailgate may be loaded with snow, so that when it is opened, and in particular when it is opened electrically, it must be ensured that the lock is completely open until the loaded flap is closed again.For example, with a tailgate loaded with snow, the locking mechanism may be opened electrically, but the lock holder engaged with the rotary latch does not cause any relative movement in the locking mechanism because the tailgate remains in its position due to the heavy load. In this case, the pawl(s) must be kept out of engagement with the rotary latch. Keeping the pawl out of engagement with an unlocked locking mechanism is also referred to as the snow load function.

[0015] With regard to the construction 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 construction of the vehicle lock ensures that the pivoting or movable component on the vehicle is 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.

[0016] According to the invention, an angled region is provided on the metallic base body of the rotary latch, wherein the angled region preferably has an angle of 90° to the base surface of the rotary latch and extends beyond the flat extent of the rotary latch. The angled region thus forms a one-piece component with the rotary latch and engages with the pre-locking pawl. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closing pawl is arranged pivotably on a stationary closing aid. The closing pawl acts directly on the angled region of the metallic base body of the rotary latch and is mounted in a closing aid arranged stationary in the motor vehicle lock in such a way that a closing force can be transferred from a pre-lock to a main lock.The connection to the closing lever makes it possible to influence the closing forces and to influence the design of the closing lever. Increased forces occur particularly when the main locking position or the over-stroke position is fully reached, and these forces continue to rise during the closing process. This is particularly due to the seal arranged between the movable component and the body. In order to achieve complete sealing with regard to moisture, but also to minimize noise, a seal, in particular a door or flap seal, is arranged between the movable component on the vehicle and the body. The closing device must move the rotary latch against this sealing pressure, which occurs when the seal is compressed.The relative movement between the rotary latch and the lock holder transmits the closing force to the moving component. Sealing pressures of up to 500 N can occur here, which must be transferred to the lock holder via the closing device and the locking mechanism. Thanks to the advantageous mounting of the closing pawl on a closing lever, the force applied to the locking mechanism can be varied depending on the size of the seal. In particular, the direct connection between the closing pawl and the angled area ensures reliable transfer of force to the rotary latch.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closing device acts on the rotary latch with a variable closing force. The closing pawl acts directly on the rotary latch and moves the rotary latch from the pre-locking position to the main locking position or to the over-stroke position. During this closing process, a variable force counteracts the rotary latch and thus also the closing drive. In particular, the door or flap is moved by means of the rotary latch against the force of a seal. As the door or flap moves into the closed position, the seal pressure increases and so does the counterforce on the rotary latch. In order to counteract this variable force with a correspondingly variable closing force, the closing device can provide a closing force that increases with the increasing closing movement of the door or flap.The variable closing force therefore offers the advantage that, with a constant drive torque provided by the electric motor and the gear stage on the output shaft of the electric motor, the force can be advantageously adapted to the required closing forces. The variable closing force means that a force or torque adapted to the closing process can be generated and transferred to the rotary latch. The rotary latch engages with a lock holder or lock holder bracket and moves the door from the pre-locking position to the main locking position. The main locking position corresponds to the closed position of the door or flap on the motor vehicle. It can also be advantageous, or represent a variant of the invention, if the closing lever can be driven by means of a cam disk. The closing lever can be pivoted but is fixed in place in the motor vehicle lock.A closing pawl is arranged on one side of the closing lever and acts directly on the rotary latch. At the end of the closing lever opposite the closing pawl, the closing lever engages with a cam disc. The cam disc is designed in such a way that a variable torque can be introduced into the closing lever. Depending on the orientation and arrangement of the cam disc, the cam disc moves in the vehicle lock and enables the locking mechanism to be closed. The cam disc is designed in such a way that at the beginning of the closing process the door or flap element moves relatively quickly with little force being introduced into the closing pawl and with increasing closing movement of the door or flap the torque introduced into the closing pawl is increased so that the rotary latch can be moved into the main locking position with lower speed but greater force.The cam disc thus allows for adjustment of the required force and, at the same time, adjustment of the closing movement or closing speed of the door or flap. The cam disc is preferably rotatable within the vehicle lock but fixed in place. Like the closing lever, the cam disc is fixed in place within the vehicle lock and allows the closing lever to be pivoted, thereby enabling the closing latch to be actuated.

[0018] When the device is closed, the closing lever introduces an increasing closing force into the closing pawl. This can also be described as a progressively increasing closing force. The cam is designed in such a way that the force increases continuously. The course of the curve on the cam increases the force continuously, but in an increasing manner. The course of the curve on the cam can be described as helical. The helix extends from a radially outer end of the cam to an interior of the cam, i.e. the curve extends in a helical manner towards the center of the cam, i.e. towards the axis of rotation of the cam.

[0019] It can also be advantageous, and form a variant of the invention, if the cam disc is integrated into the motor vehicle lock. By integrating the cam disc into the motor vehicle lock or into a housing of the motor vehicle lock, it is possible to drive the closing lever directly. This offers the advantage of a compact design, whereby external drives can be dispensed with. The cam disc is preferably driven by means of an electric motor and via a first stage, for example a worm gear stage. However, it is also conceivable, depending on the size of the door, sliding door or tailgate, that more than one gear stage is arranged between the electric drive and the cam disc. The cam disc is driven by means of the gear with a constant torque; an adjustment orThe force on the rotary latch is then increased through the interaction of the cam disc and the closing lever.

[0020] The cam disc can advantageously have a guide contour for the closing lever. On the one hand, it is conceivable for the cam disc to be formed from a control contour, with the closing lever resting against the control contour, but preferably a guide contour is used in the cam disc. For this purpose, the closing lever can have a drive bolt which is riveted to the closing lever, for example. This drive bolt is then held in the guide contour and the closing lever can be moved by a rotating movement of the cam disc. The closing lever pivots about its fixed pivot point. It is of course also conceivable for the drive bolt to be able to engage the cam disc in a form-fitting manner. A form-fitting engagement between the drive bolt and the guide contour can ensure reliable transmission of the torque to the closing pawl.

[0021] Advantageously, the cam disc can have a middle position, in particular a middle position as a parking position for the closing pawl. The middle position defines a parking position for the closing pawl, which can also be described as the starting position for closing. In the parking position, the closing pawl is in a position in which the closing pawl is able to engage the locking mechanism, preferably the rotary latch and even more preferably the pre-lock. Starting from the middle position, a closing process can be started by reaching the pre-lock and the pre-lock pawl resting on the pre-lock.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the rotary latch can be moved into an over-travel position using the cam disc. Starting from the pre-locking position, in which the closing pawl is in contact with the pre-lock on the rotary latch, the cam disc can be used to move the rotary latch. The closing lever is moved using the cam disc and preferably using the guide contour, and the closing pawl pulls or pushes the rotary latch from the pre-locking position into the main locking position. In the main locking position, the main locking pawl engages with the main lock of the rotary latch. In order to reliably reach the main locking position in the locking mechanism, the rotary latch is moved beyond the main locking position using the closing pawl, so that reliable engagement of the main locking pawl with the main lock of the rotary latch can be guaranteed.The rotary latch is consequently rotated beyond the actual main locking position in order to ensure that the main locking position in the locking mechanism is reached in a secure, electrically operated manner.

[0023] 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. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0024] It shows :

[0025] Figure 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle lock equipped according to the invention with a locking mechanism in an open position, wherein only the components essential for explaining the invention are shown,

[0026] Figure 2 is a view of the rear side of the motor vehicle lock according to Figure 1 as a view of the lock case, the closing lever and a cam disc in an open position, Figure 3 is the motor vehicle lock according to the invention according to Figure 2, wherein the cam disc is shown during a closing process, and

[0027] Figure 4 shows the closing process and the position of the cam disc or the closing lever in a main locking position of the locking mechanism.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock 1 in a plan 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 received 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, each of which can 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 actuates the switching means 15. In this embodiment, both switching means 14, 15 are designed as microswitches and are shown actuated. 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 the arrow P, i.e. counterclockwise. The movement of the rotary latch 3 is effected by a rotary latch spring (not shown) which loads the rotary latch 3 in the direction of the arrow P and by a sealing pressure which is exerted by a tailgate on the motor vehicle lock or the lock holder.In this open position, the rotary latch is thus able to release the lock holder, allowing a tailgate to be opened. The axes 6, 7 of the locking mechanism 2 are accommodated in the lock case 8, with an inlet area 9 forming a recess in the lock case 8 to allow insertion of the lock holder. The motor vehicle lock 1 can be mounted in the motor vehicle by means of the bevel 10, 11.

[0029] In addition to the locking mechanism already explained, the motor vehicle lock 1 has a closing device 23, wherein only a closing lever 24 and a closing pawl 25 of the closing device 23 are shown. The closing pawl 25 is in a decoupled position, wherein a driver 26 on the closing pawl 25 engages the pre-locking pawl 4. To actuate the closing pawl 25, the pre-locking pawl 4 has a driver contour 27, into which the driver 26 of the closing pawl 25 engages. In this exemplary embodiment, the closing pawl 25 is arranged above the pre-locking pawl 4, and the driver 26 extends in the direction of the pre-locking pawl 4, so that an interaction between the driver 26 and the driver contour 27 is possible.

[0030] The closing lever 24 is pivotally mounted in the motor vehicle lock 1 about its axis 28, with the axis 28 being fixedly arranged in the motor vehicle lock 1. Thus, the closing lever 24 is capable of pivoting about the axis 28 in the direction of arrow P4 and moving the closing pawl 25 accordingly. For this purpose, the closing pawl 24 is pivotally mounted in the closing lever 24 about the axis 29.

[0031] The closing lever 24 is shown in its initial position A, wherein the initial position is represented by the dash-dotted line. The initial position designates the position of the closing lever 24 in which the closing pawl 25 is decoupled from the rotary latch 3 or in which the closing pawl 25 is able to engage in the movement range of the rotary latch and in particular in the pre-lock 17. The closing pawl 25 is, however, held out of engagement with the pre-lock 17 or the rotary latch 3 by means of the driver 26 and in interaction with the pre-lock pawl 4.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a rear view of the motor vehicle lock 1 according to Figure 1, as a view of the lock case 8, wherein a cam disk 30 is also shown. The cam disk can be rotated about its axis 31, wherein the cam disk 30 is arranged in a fixed position in the motor vehicle lock 1. On the cam disk there is a guide contour 32 which extends from a radial end 33 towards the axis of rotation 31 of the cam disk 30 and is designed in a helical shape on the cam disk 30. The closing lever 24 which is arranged in a fixed position in the motor vehicle lock 1 engages on one side with the closing pawl 25 and has a drive bolt 34 which is guided in the guide contour 32 of the cam disk 30.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the position of the closing lever

[0034] 24 , which the closing lever 24 assumes if the pre-locking position has not yet been assumed. The open position of the closing drive is shown, the essential components of the closing drive being the closing pawl 25, the closing lever 24, as well as the cam disc 30 and an electric motor (not shown) with a downstream gear. In order to be able to initiate the closing process starting from the release position of the closing pawl 25, the cam disc is moved clockwise around the axis 31 in the direction of the arrow P6, as a result of which the closing pawl is able to fall into the pre-locking position 17 of the rotary latch 3.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the closing process by means of the cam disk 30, the closing lever 24 and the closing pawl 25. The guide contour 32 on the cam disk 30 can also be seen. The guide contour 32 runs helically from a radially outer region 33 of the cam disk 30 towards the axis 31 of the cam disk 30. The guide contour 32 has a first position 35 which can be referred to as the open position, a second position 36 which can be referred to as the parking position and start position for closing, a main detent position 37 in which the rotary latch 3 would have reached the main detent and an over-travel position 38 in which the rotary latch has been pivoted beyond the main detent position in order to enable reliable engagement when the locking mechanism 2 is electrically locked.The spiral or helical shape of the guide contour 32 changes the way in which force is introduced into the rotary latch 3, whereby an increase in force or an increase in torque can be achieved starting from the radial end 33 of the cam disc towards the over-travel position 38. Figure 3 shows the movement of the cam disc and the position of the closing lever 24 during the transfer of the rotary latch 3 from the pre-locking position to the main locking position. In Figure 4, the cam disc 30 has moved the closing lever 24 so far that the rotary latch 3 has reached the main locking position. The drive bolt 34 is in the main locking position of the guide contour 32. As can be clearly seen in Figures 2 to 4, the cam disc changes the engagement of the closing lever 24 on the cam disc 30, so that a variable torque is applied to the closing pawl 25 or the rotary latch 3 can be initiated.The design according to the invention thus makes it possible to introduce a variable torque into the rotary latch and provide a high force for closing the door, sliding door, or flap. A high closing force is required, particularly in the area where the main locking position 37 is reached, since the sealing forces act collectively against the flap, door, or sliding door.

[0036] Reference symbol list

[0037] 1 motor vehicle lock

[0038] 2 locking devices

[0039] 3 Turntables

[0040] 4 Front locking pawl

[0041] 5 Main locking pawl

[0042] 6 , 7 , 28 , 29 , 31 axis

[0043] 8 Castle boxes

[0044] 9 Inlet area

[0045] 10 , 11 bends

[0046] 16 lock holders

[0047] 17 Pre-rest

[0048] 18 metallic base body

[0049] 19 Plastic sheathing

[0050] 21 Main Rest Area

[0051] 22 housings

[0052] 23 Pulling device

[0053] 24 closing levers

[0054] 25 Closing latch

[0055] 26 drivers

[0056] 27 With take contour

[0057] 30 curves before ibe

[0058] 32 guide contour

[0059] 33 radial end

[0060] 34 drive bolts

[0061] 35 open position

[0062] 36 Pre-locking position

[0063] 37 Main locking position

[0064] 38 Overstroke position

[0065] P4 , P5 arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism (2) consisting of a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), wherein the rotary latch (3) can be locked in a pre-locking position (36) and a main locking position (37), a pre-locking pawl (4) and a main locking pawl (5), wherein a pre-lock (17) of the locking mechanism (2) is formed by a region arranged on the metallic base body of the rotary latch, in particular 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 (25) of a closing device (23).

2. Lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing device (23) acts on the rotary latch (3) with a variable closing force.

3. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing pawl (25) is pivotally arranged on a stationary closing lever (24).

4. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closing lever (24) can be driven by means of a cam disc (30).

5. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the closing lever (24) introduces an increasing closing force into the closing pawl (25) during the closing process.

6. Lock (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the cam disc (30) is integrated into the motor vehicle lock (1).

7. Lock (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cam disc (30) has a guide contour (32) for the closing lever (24).

8. Lock (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that there is a positive connection between the guide contour (32) and the closing lever (24).

9. Lock (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the cam disc (30) has a central position (36), in particular a pre-locking position (36) for the closing pawl (25).

10. Lock (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the rotary latch (3) can be moved into an overstroke position (38) by means of the cam disc (30).

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