Car Locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism (3, 4) having a rotating latch (3) and at least one pawl (4), the locking mechanism parts (3, 4) being rotatably mounted on a stationary support body (9), the support body (9) forming a stop surface (11, 12) for the at least one locking mechanism part (3, 4), the support body (9) having, at least in a cross section, a convex bearing surface (10) for the locking mechanism part (3, 4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism having a rotating latch and at least one pawl, the locking mechanism components being rotatably mounted on a stationary support body, the support body forming a stop surface for the at least one locking mechanism component.

[0002]

[0002] Car locks are used when a component part, which is movably arranged on a motor vehicle, must be reliably held in its position during the use of the motor vehicle. As a rule, such car locks are equipped with a locking mechanism consisting of a rotating latch and at least one claw. The locking mechanism, the locking mechanism parts and the solid lock case are also made of high-strength materials, preferably steel, since the car lock must reliably position and hold the moving component even in extreme situations. Car locks often cooperate with a lock holder which is inserted into the moving component and fixed to the body. By relative movement between the car lock or the locking mechanism and the lock holder, the locking mechanism can be transferred to at least one latched position in which the claw part interrupts the rotating latch engaged with the lock holder. This design has been proven in principle.

[0003]

[0003] One development in the automotive industry is that car locks can be opened by means of an electric motor. The drawback to be overcome here is that in the closed position, i.e. the main rest position of the locking mechanism, high forces accumulate in the locking mechanism, which must be overcome by the electric motor drive in order to open the vehicle lock using the electric motor. The high closing forces are essentially due to the sealing pressure between the moving component and the vehicle body. In particular in the case of very large moving components such as sliding doors, high closing forces must be maintained in the locking mechanism, which leads to high forces when unlocking the locking mechanism. The electric motor drive must be able to overcome not only the forces arising from the seals, but also the forces that arise, for example, in the event of an accident or deformation of the vehicle body. In the event of an accident, the body may twist and, in extreme cases, there may not be an optimal closing ratio between the locking mechanism and the lock holder. In order to enable opening by the electric motor in the above cases, one approach is to reduce the friction forces that arise in the locking mechanism when it is opened or closed.

[0004]

[0004] By way of example, DE 10-2016-215 336 A1 can be cited, which discloses a method for reducing frictional forces between parts of a locking mechanism. In this case, a bearing cage is arranged in the locking mechanism, in particular between the rotary latch and the pawl, in which, for example, balls or cylinders can be received to ensure rolling friction between the pawl and the rotary latch as a whole. This reduces the frictional forces and makes it easier to open the locking mechanism.

[0005]

[0005] DE 10 2009 029 023 A1 discloses a locking mechanism having a support claw and a claw attached to the support claw, whereby the claw can be tilted and the force acting on the locking mechanism can be reduced early, so that the locking mechanism can be easily opened.

[0006]

[0006] The general prior art provides another approach to reduce friction forces in the locking mechanism, where the bearing shaft of the pawl is designed as a stationary support body with an open bearing trough for receiving the pawl. This allows the bearing surface of the pawl to engage with the support body, reducing the engagement surface between the pawl and the bearing shaft of the pawl, optimizing the friction value. This approach is successful in principle, but can be further improved in terms of robustness. This is where the invention begins.

[0007] overview

[0008]

[0007] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing motor vehicle locks in general, and motor vehicle door locks in particular, in such a way that it is possible to further increase the robustness and to influence the opening force of the locking mechanism.

[0009]

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, to which it is to be noted that the embodiments described below are not limited, but rather all possible variations of the features described in the description and in the dependent claims are possible.

[0010]

[0009] In order to solve the technical problem, the present invention provides a vehicle lock, characterized in that the vehicle lock has a locking mechanism with a rotating latch and at least one claw, the locking mechanism parts being rotatably mounted on a stationary support body, the support body forming a stop surface for at least one locking mechanism part, and the support body having a bearing surface that is at least area-convex for the locking mechanism part. The design of the vehicle locking device according to the present invention allows the support body to be made larger, which allows the dimensions of the bearing area for the locking mechanism parts to be increased. The advantage of low bearing friction is combined with the advantage of the possibility of high surface forces at the bearing points of the locking mechanism. On the one hand, the convex design of the bearing points allows the bearing points themselves to be made larger overall and to absorb higher forces, and on the other hand, the friction values ​​between the locking mechanism parts and the bearing points can be minimized. The support body provides a friction-optimized bearing point for the locking mechanism with a convexly designed bearing surface. The bearing points of the locking mechanism parts can be given sufficient stability while the friction between the locking mechanism parts and the bearing points is minimized. Also, due to the convex design of the bearing surface, the overall cross section can be increased, which improves the robustness of the bearing points.

[0011]

[0010] The motor vehicle lock according to the invention is preferably a door lock, more preferably a side door lock, but can be used in any case where it is necessary to fix a movably arranged component in a motor vehicle, for example a hood lock, a lock for a sliding door, a lock for a cover or flap, a tailgate or door, in particular all those components which must be held securely in place when the motor vehicle is in use or which must have a safety-related function.

[0012]

[0011] The locking mechanism has a rotating latch which can be held in at least one latched position (main latched position) by a claw. However, locking mechanisms equipped with a main latch and a pre-latch position are also used, for example as provided for side doors. The locking mechanism can further be equipped with a claw or, for example, a claw and a blocking lever. The locking lever is used when an opening moment occurs on the locking mechanism in at least one latched position, preferably in the main latched position, which opening moment initiates an independent opening of the locking mechanism, which can be prevented by the blocking lever. The invention is therefore not limited to a special locking mechanism, but offers the advantage that the locking mechanism is unlocked with a reduced opening force.

[0013] According to the invention, the locking mechanism part and at least one locking mechanism part are mounted on the support body. The locking mechanism part is usually held on a locking plate of the bearing shaft. As a result, the locking mechanism part can be pivotally or rotatably moved and engaged. According to the invention, the bearing surface is designed as a support surface and provides at least one stop surface for the locking mechanism. This allows the movement of the locking mechanism part to be limited by the bearing point itself, i.e. the support body. This allows a combination of advantages. On the one hand, the sliding friction between the locking mechanism part and the bearing point can be reduced, and on the other hand, further stops for the locking mechanism can be omitted. The invention can be applied to all parts of the locking mechanism, preferably the claw part can be supported by the convex support body according to the invention and can be provided with a stop.

[0014]

[0013] A variant of an advantageous embodiment of the invention is obtained if the support body has a bearing surface flush with respect to the locking mechanism component. Many advantages can be achieved by arranging the convex bearing surface flush with respect to the locking mechanism component. On the one hand, a very precise configuration of the frictional forces between the locking mechanism component and the bearing surface can be adjusted, and on the other hand, the noise situation can be optimized. The continuous movement of the locking mechanism component can be ensured by applying the locking mechanism component flush and therefore flat against the bearing surface. A continuous and consistently supported movement of the locking mechanism can thus be realized, since the bearing surface does not change during the movement of the locking mechanism component. The same friction ratio and surface forces can thus be achieved in the locking mechanism, which ensures that the locking mechanism moves smoothly. Flush in this case means that the locking mechanism component continuously rests against the bearing surface with an unchanging surface.

[0015]

[0014] It is also advantageous if the support body has a stop surface for the locking mechanism, forming an embodiment of the invention. The support body can therefore have several functions. On the one hand, it can act as a bearing surface, i.e. a friction and bearing surface, and also provide at least one stop surface for the locking mechanism parts when they are moved. When the locking mechanism parts are moved over the pawl, for example to the main latched position, the stop is defined by the interaction between the locking mechanism parts. On the other hand, when the locking mechanism parts are moved out of the latched position and into the released position, forming a stop surface on the support body allows the omission of a separate additional support surface in the vehicle lock. Forming a stop surface on the support body allows the provision of a structurally simpler solution that provides a vehicle lock with the same functionality with a smaller number of parts.

[0016]

[0015] Another advantageous embodiment variant can be provided if the stop surface rests directly against the bearing surface. The locking mechanism slides while moving above the bearing surface. In an end position, for example the main latch position, the locking mechanism part further engages with the stop surface. This forms another contact surface of the locking mechanism and reduces the surface pressure against the support body. In other words, the bearing surface and the contact surface provide a common support surface for absorbing the surface forces of the locking mechanism parts. Thus, the support body, as a bearing surface, can function as a stop surface and provide an enlarged surface for reducing the surface pressure against the support body. Also, the combination of the directly joined stop surface and the bearing surface can support the compactness of the structure of the car lock as a whole.

[0017]

[0016] The bearing surface preferably has a uniform radius. Forming a fixed radius on the bearing surface provides a structurally simple solution for the bearing of the locking mechanism components. It has been shown that a radius of 0.8 mm to about 1.5 mm, preferably a radius of 1 mm, can provide a sufficient surface for supporting the locking mechanism components. By forming such a small radius for supporting the locking mechanism components, the friction between the locking mechanism components and the supporting body can be reduced by more than 20%. As a result, a small movement can be achieved even under load in the locking mechanism, which is advantageous for the electric motor drive when unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0018]

[0017] If the support body forms part of the pawl bearing, this provides a particularly smooth locking mechanism. Of course, the support body is not limited to the pawl of the locking mechanism, but it has been shown that forming the support body according to the invention in the region of the pawl bearing allows a good force ratio when moving the locking mechanism parts. The design of the support body with bearing surface and stop surface according to the invention allows a friction-optimized pawl bearing with integrated stop to be used with a minimum of installation space.

[0019]

[0018] Furthermore, the robustness of the support body and the locking mechanism as a whole can be further increased if the locking mechanism parts, especially the claw bearings, are provided with guide surfaces for the locking mechanism parts, especially the claw bearings. The guide surfaces on the support body are preferably formed diametrically opposite the bearing surfaces on the support body. This allows the locking mechanism parts to be moved using one bearing surface and the other guide surface. If the bearing surfaces absorb the corresponding forces from the additional locking mechanism parts, the guide surfaces can provide a smoothly moving robust support body for moving the locking mechanism parts. By reducing the bearing surfaces used to move the locking mechanism, a reduced coefficient of friction can be provided for the friction-optimized bearing points, while a robust design of the locking mechanism parts bearings can be achieved by forming guide surfaces preferably arranged diametrically.

[0020]

[0019] A radius of about 1 mm has been found to be advantageous in the region of the bearing surface, but a radius of 4-6 mm, preferably 5 mm, for forming the guide surface has given favorable results in terms of the robustness of the bearing points for the locking mechanism parts. The guide surface on the support body extends only regionally above the support body, so that different shapes arise at the diametrically opposite ends of the support body, and the symmetrical construction of the support body is advantageous overall. The symmetrical design and arrangement of the bearing and guide surfaces, the stop surfaces and the opposite arrangement of the guide surfaces increase the cross-section of the support body by the convex design of the bearing and guide surfaces. By increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the support body, the load-bearing cross-section as a bearing surface for the locking mechanism parts is increased. This allows the robustness of the locking mechanism to be improved. However, the robustness of the locking mechanism is improved in that the lever ratio of the entire locking mechanism changes with the increase in the cross-sectional area, i.e., the lever can be shortened compared to the conventional one, which improves the support effect of the bearing points and has a positive effect on the lever ratio of the locking mechanism.

[0021]

[0020] In order to further increase the noise behavior and to allow smooth movement of the locking mechanism parts, the invention proposes that the support body can be received in a recess of the locking mechanism, which recess is at least partially lined or formed with a bearing means, in particular plastic. If the recess of the locking mechanism parts, in particular the claw, is lined with plastic, a low-noise and also friction-optimized bearing of the locking mechanism parts can be made possible. The plastic arranged in the region of the bearing point forms a sliding bearing for the locking mechanism parts, which can in particular reduce the stopping noise in the locking mechanism. It also makes it easier to move, since a good frictional partner can be combined between the locking mechanism parts and the bearing point. Overall, the design according to the invention provides friction-optimized bearing points for the locking mechanism parts, and the design according to the invention can increase the overall robustness.

[0022]

[0021] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings based on preferred embodiments. However, the principles are applied, and the exemplary embodiment does not limit the present invention, but merely represents one embodiment. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with further features of the specification as well as in the claims, either individually or in combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in its basic form. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the support body in the region of the bearing points of the claws.

[0024] Detailed Description

[0025]

[0023] Figure 1 shows in principle a car door lock with the components essential for the description of the invention. The car door lock is preferably connected to a car door (not shown). In the present embodiment, a base 1 is used for this, which is a metal lock case 1. The lock case 1 is connected to the car door, not shown. A fastening screw (not shown) which engages in an opening 2 of the lock case can serve for this purpose.

[0026] In this embodiment, the locking case 1 is fitted with a locking mechanism 3, 4 consisting of a rotary latch 3 and a claw 4. In principle, a locking mechanism with several claws 4, i.e. a so-called multi-claw locking mechanism, is also possible, but this is not shown. The locking mechanism 3, 4 of the door lock or automatic door lock interacts with a lock holder 5 connected to the vehicle body, not shown.

[0027]

[0025] Figure 1 shows the locking mechanism 3,4 in its closed state in basic form and is merely intended to illustrate the design mechanism structure. In the closed state of the locking mechanism 3,4 in the main latch position, the lock holder 5 is held by the rotary latch and in the main latch position shown, by the claw 4. In this case, an additional claw spring 6 ensures that the claw 4 has a closing torque on an axis 7, indicated by an arrow in Figure 1. The rotary latch 3 also has a moment, indicated by an arrow in Figure 1, which can be generated preferably by the sealing pressure of the door, but also by the rotary latch spring.

[0028]

[0026] Furthermore, an electric drive or opening drive 8 is visible in figure 1, which acts on the pawl 4 with an opening moment or opening torque in a counterclockwise direction relative to the axis 7. As soon as the pawl 4 is lifted out of engagement with the rotary latch 3 with the aid of the opening drive 8, the rotary latch 3 can pivot open due to its opening torque, releasing the locking pin 5.

[0029]

[0027] Figure 2 shows the design of a bearing point 7 according to the invention as a claw bearing. The bearing point 7 comprises a support body 9, a bearing surface 10, two stop surfaces 11, 12 and a guide surface 13. A recess 14 is inserted in the claw 4, which is further provided with a bearing means 15. Furthermore, the claw 4 is at least partially provided with a plastic casing 16.

[0030] As is clearly shown in FIG. 1, the claw 4 is flush with the bearing surface 10. Also, by holding the claw 4 via the guide surface 13, a play-free movement of the claw 4 can be realized. In this embodiment, the radius R1 of the bearing surface 10 is 1 mm, and the radius of the guide surface 13 is 5 mm. Since the guide surface 13 extends only over a portion of the support body 9, on the one hand a reliable guiding and contact between the bearing surface 10 and the guide surface 13 can be realized over the entire range of movement of the claw 4. In this embodiment, the bearing means 15 completely surrounds the recess 14, but it is also conceivable to provide the bearing means only in the area engaged with the support body 9. The main latch position of the claw 4 is again shown in FIG. 2, so that the stop surface 11 also engages with the recess 14 or the bearing means 15. The stop surface 11 therefore limits the movement of the claw so that a separate stop for the claw 4 can be omitted.

[0031]

[0029] The recess 14 is surrounded by a bearing means 15. The claw 4 moves in the recess 14 of the claw 4 along the bearing surface 10 and the guide surface 13. The recess 14 can be described as bell-shaped and therefore can be referred to as a bell bearing point as a whole. The bearing surface 10 and the guide surface 13 are designed convexly so as to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the support body 9 as a whole. The increased cross-sectional area increases the load-bearing cross-section of the bearing point 7 and increases the robustness of the locking mechanism 3, 4 as a whole. In addition to increasing robustness, the bearing position 7 designed according to the invention can provide a friction-optimized bearing position for the locking mechanism parts, in this embodiment a bearing point for the claw. This provides a robust smooth-running bearing point 7 that can be opened by an electric motor against the locking mechanism parts 3, 4 or the claw 4.

[0032] Explanation of symbols

[0033] 1...Lock case, 2…Opening, 3,4…Lock mechanism, 3…Rotary latch, 4…Claw part, 5…lock holder, 6...Claw spring, 7...Shaft, bearing point, 8...Opening drive device, 9...Support body, 10...bearing surface, 11,12...stop surface, 13...Guide surface, 14...recess, 15...bearing means, 16…Plastic casing, R1(R2)...Radius.

Claims

1. A vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism (3, 4) having a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4), 1. A lock for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the parts (3, 4) of the locking mechanism are rotatably mounted on a stationary support body (9), the support body (9) forming a stop surface (11, 12) for at least one of the locking mechanism parts (3, 4), and the support body (9) having, at least in a cross section thereof, a convex bearing surface (10) for the locking mechanism part (3, 4).

2. 2. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the support body (9) has a bearing surface (10) that is flush with the locking mechanism parts (3, 4).

3. 2. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the support body (9) has stop surfaces (11, 12) for the locking mechanism parts (3, 4).

4. 4. A lock according to claim 3, characterized in that the stop surfaces (11, 12) are in direct contact with the bearing surface (10).

5. 5. A lock according to claim 4, characterized in that the bearing surface (10) has a uniform radius (R1).

6. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that said radius (R1) is between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably 1 mm.

7. 7. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the support body (9) forms part of the bearing point (7) for the pawl.

8. 8. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking mechanism parts (3, 4), in particular the bearing points (7) for the pawls, have guide surfaces (13) for the locking mechanism parts, in particular the pawls (4).

9. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the radius (R2) of the guide surface is 3-6 mm, preferably 4-5 mm.

10. 10. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the support body (9) is receivable in a recess (14) of the locking mechanism part (3, 4), the recess (14) being formed in an area with at least a bearing means (15), in particular plastic.

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