Motor vehicle lock locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock locking mechanism, in particular a motor vehicle door lock locking mechanism, equipped with at least one rotary latch (1, 2) as well as a preliminary catch pawl (3) and a main catch pawl (4) as at least two catch pawls (3, 4). The two catch pawls (3, 4) are mounted so as to be coaxial with each other. Additionally, the preliminary catch pawl (3) interacts with a preliminary catch (1a) of the rotary latch (1, 2) on a preliminary catch plane whereas the main catch pawl (4) interacts with a main catch (2a) of the rotary latch (1, 2) on a main catch plane arranged parallel and at a distance to the preliminary catch plane. According to the invention, the rotary latch (1, 2) is composed of a main catch rotary latch (2), which has the main catch (2a), and a preliminary catch rotary latch (1), which has the preliminary catch (1a), said latches being connected together in a sandwiched manner.

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle lock

[0002] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock mechanism, in particular a motor vehicle door lock mechanism, with at least one rotary latch and a pre-locking pawl and a main locking pawl as at least two locking pawls, wherein both locking pawls are axially co-axial with one another and rotatably mounted and the pre-locking pawl interacts with a pre-lock of the rotary latch in a pre-locking plane and the main locking pawl interacts with a main lock of the rotary latch in a main locking plane parallel and spaced therefrom.

[0003] Motor vehicle lock locking mechanisms primarily perform a security function and ensure that not only can a motor vehicle door equipped with the motor vehicle lock and consequently also the motor vehicle lock locking mechanism be securely locked against the vehicle body. They also transmit structural forces, particularly in the event of a crash. At the same time, it is important to keep any operating forces required to open the locking mechanism as low as possible and, furthermore, to minimize the noise associated with the locking mechanism opening.

[0004] In order to be able to implement the previously described and essentially conflicting requirements as a whole, various approaches already exist in the prior art. For example, DE 102010011 322 A1 uses a convex curvature located in an area of ​​the rotary latch, specifically extending at least in a section in contact with the striker or a locking bolt. For this purpose, the rotary latch can be equipped with a sandwich-like structure. As a result of the convex curvature, a rounded contact area is created on the striker or locking bolt and an overall reduction in unwanted noise emissions, which could previously be attributed to a relative movement between the striker or locking bolt and the rotary latch.Also for reasons of noise emission, and in accordance with the teaching of WO 2020 / 083435 A1, a locking element on the rotary latch and / or the pawl is often pivotally mounted largely in one locking plane. As a result, the engagement area between the two locking components ultimately does not result in a sliding movement against each other, for example, during an opening process. Instead, the pivotally mounted locking element ensures a predominantly rolling relative movement.

[0005] The generic prior art according to WO 2008 / 061491 A1 is implemented in such a way that a first pawl or main locking pawl is implemented, along with a second pawl or pre-locking pawl. The first pawl or main locking pawl can be engaged with a main notch on the rotary latch. The second pawl or pre-locking pawl, in contrast, can be engaged with a pre-lock on the rotary latch. In the example, the pre-lock on the rotary latch is a bolt-like pin on the rotary latch.

[0006] This is intended to provide a self-opening mechanism. In fact, the design of the generic teaching according to WO 2008 / 061491 A1 is such that, in the locked state, the rotary latch introduces a pivoting moment into the first pawl or main locking pawl. The first pawl is secured by a blocking lever. As soon as the blocking lever releases the pawl to open the locking mechanism, the rotary latch pivots the first pawl or main locking pawl toward the open position. This means that the associated operating forces during opening are relatively low.

[0007] The state of the art has generally proven itself, but requires improvement with regard to the safety requirements that still need to be taken into account, in addition to the low opening forces and the minimization of any noise emissions. Such motor vehicle locking mechanisms are subject to stringent requirements with regard to the tensile forces they can withstand, which can amount to up to half a ton or more in both the pre-locking and main-locking positions. Since, in the generic state of the art according to WO 2008 / 061491 A1, the pre-locking is defined solely by a bolt-like pin on the rotary latch that extends into the pre-locking plane, it cannot be guaranteed that such tensile forces can also be properly absorbed in the pre-locking position. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0008] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock and in particular a motor vehicle door lock in such a way that all safety requirements are met better than before and at the same time an embodiment with low opening forces and reduced noise emissions is observed.

[0009] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from a generic motor vehicle lock mechanism, that the rotary latch is composed of a main latching rotary latch having the main catch and a pre-latching rotary latch having the pre-latching rotary latch, which are connected to one another in a sandwich-like stack.

[0010] According to the invention, in addition to the main latching rotary latch with the main latch, as in the generic prior art according to WO 2008 / 061491 A1, a pre-latching rotary latch with the pre-latching is also provided. Unlike the prior art, this pre-latching rotary latch is not limited to a bolt-like pin. Rather, the pre-latching rotary latch with the pre-latching has its own surface area, which largely corresponds to that of the main latching rotary latch. In this way, the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch can be connected to one another in a sandwich-like stack.

[0011] Such a sandwich-like stacking connection is already advocated in the prior art according to DE 10 2010 011 322 A1 for a rotary latch, but there it is intended to realize and implement the desired convex curvature at this location, particularly in the inlet opening of the rotary latch, through the inserted layer. In contrast, the invention works in such a way that the main locking rotary latch and the pre-locking rotary latch are each plate-shaped with predominantly identical surfaces. The predominantly identical surfaces are observed particularly in the area of ​​an inlet opening and / or a bearing opening of the rotary latch.

[0012] This means that the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch are each plate-shaped or disc-shaped. The two plates or discs are connected to each other in a sandwich-like stack. At this point, the surface area of ​​the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch largely overlaps, particularly in the area of ​​the inlet opening, into which a locking bolt or striker typically enters and is caught during a closing process. The inlet opening is usually defined by two arms: a stop arm and a load arm of the rotary latch.

[0013] During the closing process of a motor vehicle door equipped with the motor vehicle lock mechanism according to the invention, the locking bolt retracts into the inlet opening and, by engaging or stopping against the stop arm of the rotary latch, ensures that the rotary latch moves into its closed position. The rotary latch first assumes its pre-locking position and then its main locking position. The load arm, in contrast, primarily absorbs the applied tearing forces.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, both the main locking rotary latch and the pre-locking rotary latch are designed as metal stampings, for example. The metal stampings in question can be made of the same or different metals.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch are made of materials of different hardness and / or have different sheathing. For example, it is conceivable for the main latching rotary latch to be made of a harder material than the pre-latching rotary latch or to be sheathed in a harder material. This increases the overall strength of the rotary latch, without it having to have a particularly great material thickness or requiring additional reinforcement measures to be integrated. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sheathing and / or the material of the pre-latching rotary latch protrudes slightly from the sheathing and / or the material of the main latching rotary latch. In this case, it can be provided that the sheathing and / or the material of the pre-latching rotary latch protrudes a few tenths of a millimeter beyond the sheathing and / or the material of the main latching rotary latch.This has the advantage that contact with the pawl, for example, only occurs on the softer material, which further improves the acoustics. In this way, noise levels are positively influenced while safety requirements are met. This can be attributed to the fact that, in a particularly advantageous design, the main detent rotary latch is equipped with a locking element pivotally mounted on it. This means that any opening and closing processes starting from the main detent are particularly quiet and require little operating force. The locking element can be at least partially secured and covered using the pre-locking rotary latch. Additional guides ensure that there is no pre-locking snagging and that the main detent pawl can engage in the necessary free space between the locking element and a holder supporting the locking element.The guides in question can be implemented on the main locking rotary latch and / or the main locking pawl.

[0016] Either way, this ensures low operating forces and noise emissions in the main latch, while simultaneously ensuring the necessary strength. The same applies to the pre-latch. Since, in the example described, the pre-latch rotary latch can be made of a softer material or coated with one compared to the main latch, this positively influences the closing behavior and corresponding noise emissions. According to the invention, this is achieved even without the presence or requirement of a pivot-mounted latching element on the pre-latch rotary latch, which is also conceivable at this location.

[0017] The main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch can be connected to each other in a sandwich-like stack in various ways. For example, it is conceivable to use typical mechanical connections such as riveting, screwing, stamping, etc. Of course, the aforementioned measures can also be combined. In this case, the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch are generally connected to each other at least at certain points.

[0018] The pre-locking pawl and the main locking pawl are rotationally coupled to each other in such a way that the pre-locking pawl engages the main locking pawl after a defined free travel, for example, during an opening operation of the locking mechanism. This ensures that the rotary latch is completely released from both the pre-locking pawl and the main locking pawl during an opening operation and can swing open, releasing the locking bolt or striker trapped in the inlet opening between the stop arm and the load arm. The corresponding vehicle door can be opened without any problems.

[0019] As a result, a motor vehicle lock and locking mechanism, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock and locking mechanism, is provided and delivered that both meets all safety-specific requirements and can be opened with low actuation forces. Furthermore, particularly quiet operation is observed. This means that the previously described and inherently conflicting requirements have been represented and reflected for the first time in the context of the present invention. This can ultimately be attributed to the combination of the sandwich-like stacked structure of the rotary latch, consisting of the main locking rotary latch and the pre-locking rotary latch, on the one hand, in conjunction with the additional locking element on the main locking rotary latch, on the other.Due to the sandwich-like stacking between the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch and their mechanical connection to each other, practically any strength for the rotary latch can be realized and implemented without the need for additional and complex reinforcement measures.

[0020] Furthermore, as a result of the advantageous and additionally implemented locking element, the opening process of the locking mechanism is particularly successful with little force, because the locking element allows and defines a rolling movement between the locking parts moving relative to one another, whereas in the previous state of the art, grinding movements were predominantly observed at this point.

[0021] All of this is achieved while maintaining a cost-effective and structurally simple design, because both the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch, as well as the main latching pawl and the pre-latching pawl, are typically stamped metal parts that can be easily manufactured cost-effectively and with the desired properties. The connection between the main latching rotary latch and the pre-latching rotary latch requires only an established mechanical connection process, such as the insertion of rivets, screws, stampings, or, in principle, welding the two rotary latches together. A single point connection, for example, at three points, is sufficient, thus further reducing the manufacturing effort.

[0022] This is where the main advantages can be seen.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows the motor vehicle lock mechanism according to the invention in the form of a motor vehicle door lock mechanism in plan view and partly in perspective in the main locking position and Fig. 2 shows the motor vehicle lock mechanism according to Fig. 1 schematically in the pre-locking position,

[0025] Fig. 3 a detail from Figures 1 and 2 and

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a further detail in the area of ​​the intended locking element.

[0027] The figures depict a motor vehicle lock mechanism, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock mechanism. This mechanism comprises at least one rotary latch 1, 2, a pre-locking pawl 3, and a main locking pawl 4, forming at least two pawls 3, 4. The rotary latch 1, 2, in conjunction with the two pawls 3, 4, can generally be rotatably mounted in a metal lock case 5, indicated in Fig. 1, and represents the essential component of a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, not otherwise depicted. The term "motor vehicle lock" or "motor vehicle door lock" is to be interpreted broadly and in accordance with the invention, and ultimately encompasses any locking device used to lock flaps, hoods, doors, etc., in or on a motor vehicle.

[0028] Comparing Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the two pawls 3, 4 are mounted on the same axis. For this purpose, both pawls 3, 4 have aligned holes for the engagement of a bearing pin 6. The bearing pin 6, as well as another bearing pin 7 (not shown in detail), are anchored in a bearing opening for the rotary latch 1, 2 in the lock case 5.

[0029] According to the exemplary embodiment, both pawls 3, 4 are each C-shaped in plan view, and not restrictively, with the bearing pin 6 being arranged in the area where both C-legs are connected. One C-leg of the respective pawl 3, 4 may typically be used to pivot the pawl 3, 4. The other C-leg, in contrast, interacts with the rotary latch 1, 2, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0030] It should be emphasized that the C-shape of the two pawls 3, 4 described above as an example primarily stems from or is attributable to the fact that the pawls 3, 4 in question are equipped with a largely invisible metallic core and a plastic casing. This means that the plastic casing determines the described C-shape. The metallic core can be designed differently. The implemented C-shape of the plastic casing makes it particularly elegant and advantageous to activate individual sensors or switches (not shown). With the help of these sensors or switches, the movement of the pawls 3, 4 can be queried and the functional status of the locking mechanism can be deduced from this. For this purpose, the C-leg remote from the rotary latch may interact with the sensors or switches.

[0031] In fact, the overall design is such that the pre-locking pawl 3 interacts with a pre-lock 1a of the rotary latch 1, 2, specifically in a pre-locking plane spanned by the pre-locking pawl 3. In contrast, the main locking pawl 4 interacts with a main lock 2a of the rotary latch 1, 2 in a main lock plane parallel to and spaced from the aforementioned pre-locking plane. This main lock plane is therefore primarily spanned and described by the main locking pawl 4. According to the exemplary embodiment, the main lock 2a is formed on a locking element 10 (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0032] According to the invention, the rotary latch 1, 2 is composed of a main latching rotary latch 2 having the main latch 2a on the one hand, and an additional pre-latching rotary latch 1 having the pre-latching 1a on the other. Both rotary latches 1, 2 are connected to one another in a sandwich-like stack, as can be seen in particular from the perspective views in Figures 1 and 2. The overall design is such that, according to the exemplary embodiment, both the main latching rotary latch 2 and the pre-latching rotary latch 1 are each plate-shaped or disc-shaped with predominantly identical surfaces. This predominantly identical surface area can be observed in the exemplary embodiment in particular in the region of an inlet mouth 8 of the rotary latch 1, 2 and furthermore in the region of the bearing opening 7, which is provided for receiving the bearing pin rotatably supporting the rotary latch 1, 2.

[0033] According to the exemplary embodiment, both the main latching rotary latch 2 and the pre-latching rotary latch 1 are stamped metal parts. These can be made of the same or different metals. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the main latching rotary latch 2, like the pre-latching rotary latch 1, have a casing not shown in the exemplary embodiment. Of course, the casing in question is just as unnecessary. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the main latching rotary latch 2 and the pre-latching rotary latch 1 are made of materials of different hardness and / or have casings of different hardness. For example, it is conceivable that the main latching rotary latch 2 is made of a harder material than the pre-latching rotary latch 1 or is casings of a harder material. This increases the overall strength of the rotary latch, without it having to have a particularly great material thickness ormust have or additional reinforcement measures are to be integrated. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the casing and / or the material of the pre-locking rotary latch 1 protrudes slightly from the casing and / or the material of the main locking rotary latch 2. In a further exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the casing and / or the material of the pre-locking rotary latch 2 protrudes a few tenths of a millimeter beyond the casing and / or the material of the main locking rotary latch 1. This has the advantage that contact with the pawl 3, 4, for example, only occurs on the softer material, thereby further improving the acoustics. In this way, the noise behavior is positively influenced while at the same time fulfilling the safety requirements. It can be seen that the main locking rotary latch 2 and the pre-locking rotary latch 1 are connected to one another in a sandwich-like stack within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, at least in some places.According to the exemplary embodiment, a total of three connection points 9 are implemented between the pre-locking rotary latch 1 and the main locking rotary latch 2. According to the exemplary embodiment, the connection points 9 are each realized and implemented using riveted connections. In principle, screw connections, stampings, or even welding can also be used to connect the two rotary latches 1, 2 in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the connection points 9 form a triangle. One load arm of the rotary latch 1, 2 is equipped with two connection points 9 to provide the required strength (keyword: tensile strength).

[0034] According to the exemplary embodiment, the two locking pawls 3, 4 are also plate-shaped or disc-shaped. As in the case of the two rotary latches 1, 2, these can also be metal stamped parts. The use of the same or different metals is conceivable. In contrast to the two rotary latches 1, 2, the locking pawls 3, 4 are not rotationally coupled to each other.

[0035] Rather, the pre-locking pawl 3 and the main locking pawl 4 are rotationally coupled to one another in such a way that the pre-locking pawl 3 engages the main locking pawl 4 during an opening process and after a defined free travel. Such a free travel is typically required when the main locking rotary latch 2 opens faster than the pre-locking rotary latch 1. In either case, the free travel in question between the two locking pawls 3, 4 prevents any pre-locking jamming.

[0036] A comparison of Figures 1, 2 and 3, 4 clearly shows that the main locking rotary latch 2 is equipped with the locking element 10 pivotally mounted thereon. This is particularly evident in the enlarged view in Figure 4. The locking element 10 is accommodated in a receptacle 11 in the main locking rotary latch 2. In fact, the locking element 10 as a whole ensures that, during an opening process of the locking mechanism, a rolling process occurs between the main locking pawl 4 on the one hand and the main locking rotary latch 2 on the other. This results in a particularly low-force opening process, which is also associated with reduced noise emissions.

[0037] Since the locking element 10 is mounted in the receptacle 11 taking into account a free space circled in Fig. 4, which ultimately allows the pivoting movements of the locking element 10 relative to the main locking rotary latch 2, for example, during the opening process, additional guides 12 are provided to prevent any engagement of the main locking rotary latch 4 in the free space in question. The relevant guides 12 are located, as shown in the illustration in Fig. 3 and limited to the exemplary embodiment, on the one hand on the main locking pawl 4 and on the other hand on the main locking rotary latch 2. This is, of course, only an example and is in no way restrictive.

[0038] In any case, the guides 12 as a whole ensure that the main locking pawl 4 can only engage during a closing operation of the locking mechanism when the rotary latch 1, 2 or the main locking rotary latch 2 with the locking element 10 mounted therein has safely passed the projection on the main locking pawl 4 which interacts with the main catch 2a on the main locking rotary latch 2.

[0039] Finally, Fig. 4 shows that the locking element 10 is equipped with a nose 10a which engages in an arcuate region 11a of the receptacle 11. In this way, the nose 10a on the one hand and the arcuate region 11a of the receptacle 11 on the other hand together define a rotary joint 10a, 11a which allows rotary movements of the locking element 10 about the axis defined thereby, as indicated by a double arrow in Fig. 4. This results in the rolling movement already described when the locking mechanism is opened. This opening movement corresponds to the preliminary locking pawl 3 and subsequently the main locking pawl 4 rotating about their common axis as defined by the bearing pin 6 in the direction shown in Fig.1, so that, as a result, the locking element 10 can roll counterclockwise around its pivot point defined by the joint 10a, 11a, on the edge until the two pawls 3, 4 ultimately release the rotary latch 1, 2, which then in turn pivots clockwise around the axis of rotation defined by the receiving opening 7 and releases a locking bolt (not shown) previously caught in the inlet mouth 8. As a result, an associated motor vehicle door, flap, or the like can be opened.

[0040] To ensure that during the described opening process and more generally, the locking element 10 does not axially leave the plane defined by the receptacle 11 with regard to its pivoting movements while forming the joint 10a, 11a, the pre-locking rotary latch 1 is designed to at least partially secure and cover the locking element 10. This means that, based on the exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the locking element 10 is ultimately arranged between the receptacle 11 in the main locking rotary latch 2, on the one hand, and the pre-locking rotary latch 1, which at least largely covers the receptacle 11, on the other. As a result, the locking element 10 is received in a sandwich-like manner between the receptacle 11 or a base of the receptacle 11, on the one hand, and the overlap by the pre-locking rotary latch 1, on the other hand, and is secured against any axial movements.

[0041] List of reference symbols

[0042] Pre-locking rotary latch a Pre-lock , 2 Rotary latch Main latching rotary latch a Main latch Pre-locking pawl , 4 Pawl Main latching pawl Lock case Bearing bolt Bearing opening Inlet mouth

[0043] Connection points 0 locking element 0a nose 0a, 11 a swivel joint 1 holder 1 a curved area 2 guides

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock locking mechanism, in particular motor vehicle door lock locking mechanism, with at least one rotary latch (1, 2) and a pre-locking pawl (3) and a main locking pawl (4) as at least two pawls (3, 4), wherein both pawls (3, 4) are mounted on the same axis as one another and are rotatable, and the pre-locking pawl (3) interacts with a pre-lock (1a) of the rotary latch (1, 2) in a pre-locking plane and the main locking pawl (4) interacts with a main lock (2a) of the rotary latch (1, 2) in a main lock plane parallel and spaced therefrom, characterized in that the rotary latch (1, 2) is composed of a main locking rotary latch (2) having the main lock (2a) and a pre-locking rotary latch (1) having the pre-lock (1a), which are connected to one another in a sandwich-like stack.

2. Locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and the pre-locking rotary latch (1) are each plate-shaped with predominantly surface matching, in particular in the region of an inlet mouth (8) and / or a bearing opening (7).

3. Locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and the pre-locking rotary latch (1) are designed, for example, as metal stampings made of the same or different metals.

4. Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and the pre-locking rotary latch (1) are connected to one another by riveting, screwing, stamping, etc.

5. Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and the pre-locking rotary latch (1) are connected to one another at least at certain points.

6. Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and the pre-locking rotary latch (1) optionally have a casing.

7. Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and the pre-locking rotary latch (1) consist of materials of different hardness and / or are coated with different hardness.

8. Locking mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) consists of a harder material than the pre-locking rotary latch (1) and / or is coated with a harder material.

9. Locking mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the casing and / or the material of the pre-locking rotary latch (1) protrudes slightly from the casing and / or the material of the main locking rotary latch (2).

10. Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pre-locking pawl (3) and the main locking pawl (4) are rotationally coupled to one another in such a way that the pre-locking pawl (3) entrains the main locking pawl (4) after a defined free travel during an opening process. 11 . Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) has a locking element (10) pivotally mounted thereon.

12. Locking mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that the pre-locking rotary latch (1) is designed to at least partially secure and cover the locking element (10).

13. Locking mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the main locking rotary latch (2) and / or the main locking pawl (4) are equipped with guides (12).

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