Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (2) that comprises a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be latched in at least one latching position by means of the pawl, and having an actuating lever (3, 18, 30) which is received pivotably in a bearing point (4, 21, 29), wherein the actuating lever has arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) for retaining the actuating lever (3, 18, 30) in the bearing point (4, 21, 29), and wherein the retaining arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) of the actuating element (3, 18, 30) fit over the bearing point (4, 21, 29) after being inserted into the bearing point (4, 21, 29), and wherein the retaining arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) are deformable.

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle lock Description The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one locking position by means of the pawl, an actuating element pivotably received in a bearing point, wherein the bearing point has arms for holding the actuating element in the bearing point, and wherein the lever arms of the actuating element overlap the bearing point after insertion into the bearing point. Levers are often used in motor vehicle locks to implement the various functions of the motor vehicle lock.In addition to the locking mechanism, the vehicle lock then has, for example, a lever mechanism that enables locking, child safety, anti-theft protection, closing the lock, opening the side door, and / or electrically unlocking the lock, to name just a few examples of the functions in a vehicle lock. The lever mechanisms are operated by a rod, a Bowden cable, and / or, for example, by an electric motor with a downstream transmission. Depending on their arrangement in the vehicle and functionality, the actuating elements or levers are mounted either in a lock case or in the lock housing, or on a lever itself.By way of example only, reference is made to DE 10 2008 039 240 A1, which discloses a locking device comprising at least one locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pivotable first pawl, wherein a release lever is moved such that the release lever interacts with a driver pin of the first pawl during its movement and forms a lateral pawl spring of a contact between the driver pin and the release lever during the interaction. If, for example, the pawl is considered as an actuating element in a motor vehicle lock, the pawl is mounted on a metal bearing pin, wherein the bearing pin is fastened in the lock case by forming and preferably by riveting.However, if one considers DE 10 2018 116 313 A1, this document discloses a fastening mechanism in which a pivoting component, in this case an inertia element, is mounted on a plastic mandrel by means of a bayonet-type lock. To mount the inertia element, the plastic mandrel with its arms is guided through recesses in the inertia element, and the inertia element is then rotated. The rotation of the inertia element relative to the plastic mandrel is designed in such a way that the inertia element can move freely without the arms coming into alignment with the recesses, thus ensuring reliable functioning and retention of the inertia element.The plastic mandrel serves as a bearing point for the inertia element and, once inserted, securely holds the inertia element, with the arms of the plastic mandrel overlapping the inertia element. The prior art mounts for supporting an actuating element in a motor vehicle lock have generally proven their worth. However, there is always an effort to implement bearing points for actuating elements in motor vehicle locks using the smallest possible resources, for example, to save components, reduce the required installation space, or lower the weight of the motor vehicle lock. In any case, however, it must be possible to guarantee safe operation of the functionality, as motor vehicle locks are safety-relevant components.Based on these prerequisites, the invention is directed to an improvement of the motor vehicle lock. The object of the invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle lock. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide a bearing point for an actuating element which makes do with the fewest possible components, is space-saving and has the lowest possible weight. Furthermore, a structurally simple, inexpensive option for implementing the bearing point should be made possible. 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 is pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described below are not restrictive; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description, the subclaims and the drawings are possible.According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one detent position by means of the pawl, an actuating element pivotably received in a bearing point, wherein the bearing point has arms for holding the actuating element in the bearing point, and wherein the holding arms of the actuating element engage over the bearing point after insertion into the bearing point, and wherein the lever arms are deformable. The design of the bearing point according to the invention now creates the possibility of providing a bearing point for an actuating element which enables the actuating element to be held securely with minimal component expenditure.On the one hand, forming can ensure secure holding, and on the other hand, forming the actuating element itself can create a bearing point, i.e., pivotable mounting of the actuating element. In addition to secure holding, forming can provide a connection between the bearing element and the actuating element, a pivot bearing that is created solely through the interaction between the bearing point and the actuating element. Thus, pivotable mounting of an actuating element in the motor vehicle lock can be provided with the least possible resources, i.e., with the fewest possible number of components. The forming itself replaces the alternative methods for connecting or producing a bearing point. The bearing point itself is provided by the interaction between the actuating element and the bearing point.A separate axle or, for example, a rivet can be omitted. In a lock for a motor vehicle, which is also called a locking system, locking mechanisms are installed which consist of a rotary latch and at least one pawl. The locking mechanism in the lock interacts with a lock holder which is attached either to the body of the motor vehicle or to the door, flap, sliding door, etc. The relative movement between the lock holder and the rotary latch causes the rotary latch to pivot and, at the same time, the pawl to engage with the rotary latch. There are locking mechanisms with a preliminary detent and a main detent, which are widely known from the prior art. Depending on the design, there are one- or two-stage locking mechanisms, which then have a preliminary detent and / or a main detent. The pawl is preferably spring-loaded to engage the rotary latch.To unlock, i.e., to release the pawl from the rotary latch, a release lever is used. The pawl is actuated by the release lever in such a way that the pawl is disengaged from the rotary latch and the rotary latch can move from the locked position into an open position. The rotary latch is usually moved by means of a spring element and / or due to a tensile load resulting from the lock holder in combination with the door seal. An operating lever chain with at least one operating lever is used to actuate the release lever. The operating lever can, for example, be an internal operating lever or an external operating lever, to name a few examples of applications for an operating lever. The operating lever is used to move the release lever and unlock the locking mechanism. It can be advantageous if two, three, or more retaining arms overlap the operating lever or the operating element.The number of retaining arms allows, on the one hand, the pivoting movement of the actuating element or the actuating lever to be adjusted, and, on the other hand, the number of retaining arms can influence the freedom of play of the actuating element in the bearing point. The retaining arms thus serve, on the one hand, to adjust the pivot angle and, on the other hand, to enable stabilization of the bearing for the actuating lever. Depending on the functionality, which can be adjusted using the actuating lever in the vehicle lock, the number of retaining arms can be selected or used accordingly. If the bearing point and the actuating element are made of a metallic sheet, this again results in an advantageous design variant.Providing the bearing point and the actuating element from metal makes it possible, on the one hand, to use cost-effective components and, on the other hand, to provide a stable bearing for transmitting even larger forces. Greater forces are required, for example, where a vehicle lock must be closed. Likewise, large forces may be necessary when, for example, an ice-covered door element is raised. The metallic components of the articulated connection of the metal parts can be used advantageously here. Consequently, not only can a cost-effective articulated connection with a small number of components be provided, but it also makes it possible to transport or transmit large forces across the bearing point.Forming can be achieved using the simplest of constructional means, for example with a punch, which in turn requires the lowest possible manufacturing effort. In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing point is formed from an opening with an identical diameter. The bearing point is provided with an opening into which the actuating element is inserted. After the holding arms have been formed, the actuating element is connected to the bearing point. If a substantially circular opening is punched or drilled, for example, into the bearing point, this results in cost-effective and simple production. In addition to the cost-effective production of the opening, pivoting of the actuating element can be easily achieved by using an opening with a uniform diameter.In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing point has at least one deformation, in particular a bevel or an indentation. If a deformation is introduced into the bearing point itself, the bearing point can assume an additional function. The bearing point serves, as the name suggests, to receive and support the actuating element. If, for example, a bevel is formed into the bearing point, the bearing point can additionally serve as a stop means in the interaction between the actuating element and the bearing point. The bevel can then interact with, for example, the actuating element and / or a holding arm and thus represent a pivot limit for the actuating lever. In other words, the actuating lever can then be moved against the bevel when pivoting, so that a separate stop for the actuating lever can be dispensed with.This reduces the number of components required to provide a bearing point for a pivotably mounted lever to a minimum. It is also conceivable, however, that an indentation is additionally or alternatively formed into the bearing point. An indentation in the bearing point can, for example, also be easily formed into the bearing point using a forming stamp during manufacture. The indentation then protrudes beyond the bearing point on one side and, depending on the arrangement of the indentation, can serve as a stop for the operating lever or as a stop for a holding arm. It is of course also conceivable that preferably two, even more preferably three or more, indentations are arranged on the circumference of the opening of the bearing point.It is also conceivable, for example, for each holding arm to be assigned an indentation, so that a stable contact of the actuating element is enabled, which can be advantageous, for example, when transmitting large forces. Folded sections and indentations can be present together in the bearing point and interact with the holding arms and / or an extension of the actuating lever itself. If the bearing point has a separation point in the region of the opening, then again a variant of the invention can be provided. A separation point here means that the bearing point has a separation all the way around the opening. The separation of the bearing point in the region of the opening can advantageously interact with a fold on the circumference of the opening, so that on the one hand the fold and on the other hand the separation point can serve as a stop limit for the movement of the actuating element.This advantageous design variant makes it possible to provide a bearing point for limited mobility of the actuating element without the need for additional parts to limit pivoting. Advantageously, of course, bevels, indentations, and separation points can interact to enable secure holding and / or limitation of the actuating element. If the bearing point has a tab, wherein the tab extends at least partially into the opening of the bearing point, so that positional security for the actuating element can be provided, then another advantageous embodiment of the invention can be achieved. An extension can serve as the tab, which extends from a border of the opening on the tab towards the center of the opening. The opening is thus limited.The tab can also be formed into the tab during production of the opening and serves as a support for the actuating element. The tab is advantageously symmetrical and extends beyond a center point of the opening. By forming an additional tab that covers the opening, the actuating element can be further stabilized in the bearing point. The tab thus serves to secure the position to enable the actuating element to be guided as precisely as possible in the bearing point. The deformation, in particular the bend and / or indentation and / or the separation point and / or the tab, can form a stop for the actuating element.The tab can thus be assigned a dual function, particularly when the tab not only serves to secure the position of the actuating element, but also interacts with the actuating element in such a way that the tab represents a pivot limit for the actuating element. Depending on the arrangement and design of the lever mechanism according to the invention, the aforementioned modifications to the bearing point can be introduced together into the bearing point and / or the actuating element, so that the corresponding functionalities can be achieved with the bearing point. Different pivot angles can be set by arranging the stops at appropriate distances, and a secure holding of the actuating element in the bearing point can be made possible, so that a force can be transmitted across the bearing point with as little play as possible.A variant of the invention can also result from the bearing point itself being designed as part of a pivotably mounted lever. The bearing point itself can represent a lever and be pivotally mounted. This makes it possible to either exceed a large lever travel or to provide a complex mechanism in the motor vehicle lock. A large movement is necessary, for example, if the door element is to be raised or if, for example, the locking mechanism is to be closed from a pre-locking position of the locking mechanism to a main locking position of the locking mechanism by means of the actuating element according to the invention. In order to enable the holding arms to be deformed and the actuating element to be mounted in the bearing point with as little play as possible, it can be advantageous if the bearing point has a greater material thickness than the actuating element.As clearly illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the material differences allow for a certain amount of play to be achieved between the bearing point and the actuating element, so that precise movements can also be achieved using the bearing point in the lock. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred exemplary embodiment. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely represent advantageous embodiments. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.It shows: Figure 1 is an exemplary representation of the invention of an axle-less joint in a three-dimensional representation, wherein the bearing point is formed from a pivotably mounted lever, Figure 2 is an alternative embodiment of the axle-less joint from a view opposite to Figure 1, Figure 3 is a first step for joining the axle-less joint or before joining the bearing point to the actuating element, Figure 4 is a joined joint as a section through the bearing point, and Figure 5 is also a view of the bearing point in a section with a view of the formed actuating element. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an axle-less joint 1 as part of a motor vehicle lock 2. The axle-less joint 1 comprises an actuating lever 3 and a bearing point 4.The operating lever 3, which can be a closing lever for a closing device, for example, is pivotally mounted in the bearing point 5 in the direction of arrow P about the axis 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the bearing point 4 is designed as part of a pivotally mounted lever 6. The lever 6 is mounted in the motor vehicle lock 2 so as to be pivotable about the axis 7. The lever 6 and thus the bearing point 4 can therefore also be pivoted in the direction of arrow P2 about the axis 7. The bearing point 4 comprises an opening 8, wherein the opening 8 is enclosed by the bearing point 4. A parting line 9 is formed in the bearing point 4, wherein the parting line 9 forms part of a bevel 10 in this exemplary embodiment. A tab 11 is also formed in the bevel 10 and serves to stabilize the operating lever 3 or the operating element 3.The actuating lever 3 is fastened to the bearing point 4, wherein the actuating lever 3 is positively connected to the bearing point 4 by means of lever arms. The actuating lever 3 is consequently received so as to be pivotable about the axis 5 and is held in the opening 8 by means of the holding arms 12, 13. As can be clearly seen in the exemplary embodiment, the movement of the actuating element 3 is limited on the one hand by the parting line 9 and the stop surface 14 formed on the parting line 9 and the stop surface 15 on the folded edge 10. The actuating lever 3 is therefore received in the bearing point 4 so as to be movable back and forth in the direction of the arrow P, starting from the stop surface 15 up to the stop surface 14. The position of the actuating lever 3 is secured by the interaction of the circular end 16 of the actuating lever 3 in interaction with the holding arms 12, 13 and the position securing by the tab 11.As can be clearly seen, the tab 11 extends beyond the center of the axis 5, allowing the actuating lever 3 to be securely mounted in the bearing point 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the tab 11 is designed symmetrically with respect to the center axis M of the tab 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot angle about the axis 5 of the actuating element 3 is limited by the stop surfaces 14, 15, whereby it is also conceivable that the retaining arms 12, 13, in conjunction with the bevel 10 and the parting line 9, can serve as stops for the actuating lever 3. The actuating lever 3 can, for example, serve as a closing lever for a locking mechanism. For this purpose, a part of a rotary latch (not shown) could engage in the bevel 17 and move the rotary latch from a pre-locking position into a main locking position.To enable movement of the actuating lever 3 in the direction of arrow P3, the lever 6 would be driven, for example, by a motor and / or a Bowden cable and pivoted about the axis 7 so that a closing force could be exerted on the rotary latch. To ensure secure engagement between the actuating lever 3 and the rotary latch, the actuating lever 3 can be pivoted about the axis-less joint 1 in the direction of the arrow P during the closing process. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of an actuating element 18 in a three-dimensional representation and in a rear view of the actuating lever 18 with respect to Figure 1. The actuating lever 18 is also mounted in a pivotable lever 19, wherein the lever 19 can be pivoted about the axis 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the bearing point 21 is provided with indentations 22, 23.The indentations 22, 23 are introduced into the bearing point 21 in different directions. If the indentation 22 forms a raised portion in the bearing point 21, the indentation 23 is introduced into the bearing point 21 as a depression. The indentations or deformations 22, 23 are thus formed in different directions with respect to the bearing point. Two retaining arms 24, 25 can again be seen, which secure the actuating lever 18 in the bearing point 21. If the raised portion 22 serves as a stop surface for the actuating lever 18, the depression 23 can, for example, interact with the retaining arm 25, so that stops are present for the actuating lever 18.Depending on the design of the indentations 22, 23, the arrangement of the holding arms 24, 25 and the orientation of the extensions 26 of the actuating lever 18, as well as the arrangement of the extension 26 in relation to the circular end 27 of the actuating lever 18, the pivot angle α of the actuating lever 18 can be adjustable. Of course, combinations of the features shown can also be provided so that different functions can be realized with the axisless joint 1. In the two embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the actuating lever 3, 18 is identical, whereas the bearing points 4, 21 form different receptacles for the actuating lever 3, 18. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of a lever 28 with a further embodiment of a bearing point 29 before assembly with an actuating lever 30. In this respect, it can be seen in Figure 3 that the holding arms 31, 32 are shown in an undeformed state.It can also be seen, however, that a bevel 33 is formed into the bearing point 29, which extends circumferentially around the opening 34 in some areas. Additionally, Figure 3 shows an assembly aid having supports 36, 37 for forming the holding arms 31, 32. Figure 3 shows the state of the axisless joint 38 before the actuating lever is joined to the bearing point 29 or the lever 28. Figure 4 shows the joined state of the actuating lever 30 and bearing point 29. The holding arms were formed using, for example, a punch with a force F, with the beveled supports 36, 37 serving as counterbearings. The supports 36, 37 in the assembly aid 35 are higher than the material thickness D. lthe bearing point 29, so that a clearance S is established between the arms 31, 32 and the bearing point 29. By means of the assembly aid 35 and in particular by means of the beveled supports 36, 37, a precise alignment between the bearing point 29 and the holding arms 31, 32 can be set. Figure 5 shows the joining of the actuating lever 30 to the bearing point 29 using an alternative assembly aid 38. The assembly aid 38 dispenses with the supports 36, 37, so that when the holding arms 31, 32 are formed, a clearance-free resting of the holding arms 31, 32 on the bearing point 29 can be achieved. For this purpose, the bearing point 29 has a greater material thickness D l than the operating lever 30. The material thickness D B of the operating lever 30 is less than the material thickness D Lthe bearing point 29. In any case, the inventive design of an axleless joint allows for a structurally simple, secure mounting of an operating lever in a motor vehicle lock, achievable with the fewest possible components. Depending on the adjustable clearance S, in combination with a tab 39, precise guides for the operating lever can also be realized, so that even large forces can be transmitted reliably by means of the operating lever.

[0002] List of reference symbols 1, 38 axisless joint 2 motor vehicle lock 3, 18, 30 actuating element 4, 21, 29 bearing point 5, 7, 20 axis 6, 19, 28 lever 8, 34 opening 9 parting line 10 bevel 11, 39 tab 12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32 holding arm 14, 15 stop surface 16, 27 circular end 17, 33 bevel 22, 23 impressions 26 extension 35, 38 assembly aid 36, 37 support P, P2, P3 arrow M central axis α pivot angle F force S arrow D L , D B Material thickness

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock (2) comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one locking position by means of the pawl, an actuating lever (3, 18, 30) pivotably received in a bearing point (4, 21, 29), wherein the bearing point (4, 21, 29) has arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) for holding the actuating lever (3, 18, 30) in the bearing point (4, 21, 29), and wherein the holding arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) of the actuating element (3, 18, 30) after insertion into the bearing point (4, 21, 29) the bearing point (4, 21, 29), characterized in that the holding arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) are deformable.

2. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that two, three or more holding arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) engage over the actuating element (3, 18, 30). 3.Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29) and the actuating element (3, 18, 30) are formed from a metallic sheet.

4. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29) is formed from an opening (8, 34) having an identical diameter.

5. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29). at least one deformation, in particular a fold (10) and / or an indentation (22, 23).

6. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29) has a separation point (9) in the region of the openings (8, 34).

7. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29) has a tab (13, 39), the tab (11, 39) extending at least partially into the opening of the bearing point (4, 21, 29), so that a bearing lock for the actuating element (3, 18, 30) can be provided.

8. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the deformation, in particular the bevel (10, 17, 33) and / or indentation (22, 23) and / or the separation point (9) and / or the tab (11, 39) forms a stop (14, 15) for the actuating element (3, 18, 30). 9.Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29) is designed as part of a pivotably mounted lever (6, 19, 28).

10. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bearing point (4, 21, 29) has a greater material thickness (D). L ) than the actuating element (3, 18, 30).

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