Automobile locks, especially automobile door locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, equipped with a locking mechanism (1,2) consisting of a rotary latch (1) and a claw (2) as locking mechanism components (1,2). In addition, the engagement area (3) of the two locking mechanism components (1,2) is provided with a latch element (4) pivotally mounted on the rotary latch (1) and / or the claw (2) mainly about a locking mechanism surface (E). In order to axially fix the latch element (4), according to the invention at least one locking mechanism component (1,2) is equipped with a cover (6), which is made of the same material and which extends at least partially over the latch element (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock for motor vehicles, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, comprising a lock mechanism consisting essentially of a rotating latch and a pawl, and a latch element which is arranged in the engagement area between two lock mechanism components and is pivotally mounted on the rotating latch and / or the pawl at most the lock mechanism level.

[0002]

[0002] Vehicle locks and especially vehicle door locks have been acoustically optimized for many years in order to meet increasingly stringent noise requirements. The focus is also on improving comfort. The car locks in question are, for example, car door locks, which in principle can also be used for the hood, rear door, fuel filler flap, etc. of the vehicle. This also includes vehicle locksmiths for seat locks, road locks, etc.

[0003]

[0003] The engagement area between the two locking mechanism components, the rotary latch and the locking claw, has a decisive influence on both the sound and the feel of such a vehicle lock and therefore on the operating comfort. In principle, however, the engagement area can also be between the two claws of a multi-claw locking mechanism. The engagement area here refers to the area between the so-called comfort claws.

[0004]

[0004] For motor vehicle locks of the design originally described according to WO2020 / 083435A1, in particular for motor vehicle door locks, the overall objective is to improve the guiding of the latch element while allowing for a structurally simple and at the same time low-noise solution. For this purpose, known teachings suggest that the latch element has a guide projection protruding from the lock mechanism level for additional axial and / or radial guidance. The guide extension can be designed integrally with the latch element, for example as an embossing. In this context, it is also possible for example to cooperate with an additional element in the form of a separate push-through pin and / or to form this as part of the wrapping of the latch element.

[0005]

[0005] Furthermore, in practice, for example, a plastic covering already provided on the rotary latch is often used to axially guide and fix the latch element. In other words, in this case, the plastic covering extends into and covers the area of ​​the bearing of the latch element in the case of the embodiment on the rotary latch. As a result, the latch element is axially fixed by the plastic covering, which means that the bearing shaft of the latch element cannot move axially.

[0006]

[0006] In practice, however, situations arise in which, despite the axial fixation carried out, an axial movement of the bearing shaft of the latch element is observed due to the covering. In this connection, the covering, being produced from plastic, can even be sheared off or broken. The present invention seeks to remedy this as a whole.

[0007] overview

[0008]

[0007] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, in such a way that the latch element has a perfect axial fixation.

[0009]

[0008] In order to solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes that in a similar motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, at least one lock mechanism component is equipped with a cover of the same material which at least partially overlaps the latch element in order to axially fix the latch element.

[0010]

[0009] As explained above, the latch element can in principle be pivotally mounted on the rotary latch as well as on the pawl or on both locking mechanism components, i.e. in relation to a pivoting movement at the locking mechanism level, which is spanned by the rotary latch and at least one pawl. In principle, the engagement area can also be between two pawls in a multi-pawl locking mechanism, as already explained.

[0011]

[0010] However, normally the engagement area is provided on the rotary latch and the latch element is pivotally mounted on the rotary latch as the associated locking mechanism component. The invention proposes a material-like cover on said locking mechanism component, which at least partially overlaps the latch element, in order to provide the desired axial fixation of the bearing axis of the latch element defined in the course of the pivotable bearing. It is particularly important that the cover reaches and covers the engagement area of ​​the latch element in the locking mechanism component in question, thus ensuring and being able to ensure the desired axial fixation of the position axis.

[0012] According to the invention, the cover is made of the same material as the locking mechanism components, i.e. the cover and the locking mechanism components are made of the same material. Usually, steel is used for the locking mechanism components. Therefore, since the cover of the same material is also made of steel, the axial fixation of the bearing shaft of the latch element is significantly improved compared to the plastic coverings used in practice and in the prior art.

[0013]

[0012] The same material design of the cover compared to the associated locking mechanism component does not of course exclude the possibility of using different types of steel for the locking mechanism component and the cover. This is because the locking mechanism component is usually designed as a multi-layer with at least one core layer and a cover layer with the cover. The core layer and the cover layer may each be made of steel. Nevertheless, it is possible to use a particularly tough steel for the core layer compared to the cover layer. This means that the term "same material" should be interpreted broadly in the context of the present invention.

[0014]

[0013] It is also sufficient that the core layer and the cover layer are each made of one metal. For example, it is conceivable that the core layer is made of steel and the cover is made of another metal, such as copper or brass. Of course, different metal alloys for one core layer and the other cover layer are also conceivable in this context and constitute the present invention.

[0015]

[0014] In contrast, covers of the same material and corresponding cover layers, for example made of plastic, are excluded according to the invention. As a result, the cover and the resulting cover layers have material properties, especially with regard to strength and toughness, that are comparable to those of the core layer, which must be able to withstand tensile forces, which arise, for example, in order to meet safety requirements or in the event of a crash. As a result, the latch element is completely fixed in the axial direction, and in contrast to the prior art, there is (no longer) any risk that the cover layers or the cover are sheared, torn or otherwise damaged. These are the main advantages.

[0016]

[0015] The possibility of equipping the locking mechanism component with at least one core layer and a cover layer with a cover can be further developed in such a way that at least one core layer is provided between the cover layers on both sides. In addition to such a three-layer structure, further layers in the sense of a multi-layer structure of the locking mechanism component are of course conceivable and are included in the present invention. In all these cases, the present invention proceeds in such a way that the cover layer exceeds the area of ​​the core layer by the cover. In this connection, the cover ensures that the engagement area between the locking mechanism component in question and the latch element is covered, thereby providing the desired axial fixation for the designed bearing shaft.

[0017]

[0016] In addition to the above mentioned possibility of producing the cover layer and the core layer from the same or different metals, the invention also enables the cover layer and the core layer to have the same or different material thicknesses, which also makes it possible to meet different strength requirements with a certain precision.

[0018]

[0017] There is also the option of connecting the cover and core layers to one another using external connection means. These external connection means may be, for example, rivets or screws passing through the layers. Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to connect the individual layers to one another by means of sheathing, for example made from plastic.

[0019]

[0018] In principle, the measures mentioned above can of course also be combined with one another.

[0020]

[0019] In a particularly preferred variant, the cover layer and the core layer are connected or bonded to one another by a forming process without the use of additional material. This means that the individual layers are either deformed together or subjected to the above-mentioned forming process in order to bond them to one another without additional material. This can be so-called through-joining or clinching. In this case, the individual layers are bonded to one another, for example, by forming time-precise clinching indentations.

[0021]

[0020] In principle, it is also possible to bond the cover layer and the core layer to one another without forming them, by a bonding process, in particular a thermal bonding process. This can be done, for example, by welding the individual layers to one another at least at certain points. Laser welding or spot welding are generally available for this purpose.

[0022] As previously mentioned, the latch element is typically rotatably mounted on the rotary latch to define a layer, typically such that the latch element engages bearing teeth in an associated mating recess of the rotary latch.

[0023]

[0022] As a result, firstly, a motor vehicle lock, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, is provided which offers a particularly quiet operation whilst improving the convenience due to the realized latch element. This is because, in contrast to conventional locking mechanisms, there is (no longer) any metal-to-metal friction between the two locking mechanism components; instead, the inserted latch element is pivotally mounted at the locking mechanism level, ensuring that the interaction is more or less "rolling", resulting in a reduced background noise, less forces being required and therefore an increased comfort. All this is coupled with a perfect radial and axial guidance of the latch element according to the invention, so that the kinematics are again overall improved. These are the main advantages. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024]

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of drawings which show exemplary embodiments only, and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a partial schematic side view of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention, in particular a motor vehicle door lock. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a further view of a motor vehicle lock or a motor vehicle door lock according to the invention.

[0025] [Detailed Description]

[0024] In the drawings, a car lock is shown, which is not limited to car door locks. In its basic design, it has two essentially locking mechanism components 1, 2, namely a rotating latch 1 and a claw 2. However, although not shown in detail, in principle the locking mechanism 1, 2 can also have several claws 2.

[0026]

[0025] The alternative basic structure comprises a latch element 4 arranged in the engagement area 3 between the two locking mechanism components 1, 2. According to this embodiment, the latch element 4 is rotatably mounted on the rotary latch 1 and can perform a pivoting movement in the locking mechanism level E, which is straddled by the locking mechanisms 1, 2. Indeed, in the exemplary embodiment, the latch element 4 is rotatably mounted on the rotary latch 1 and is designed for this purpose to have bearing teeth 4a. The bearing teeth 4a on the latch element 4 are located at one end of the latch element 4 opposite to the other end of the latch element 4 and interact with the claw 2 according to the exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the opposite end of the latch element 4 is equipped with a reinforcement 4b.

[0027]

[0026] The bearing teeth 4a as a whole engage in the mating recesses 1a of the rotary latch 1 in the engagement region 3. In this way, a bearing axis 5 is defined, along which the latch element 4 is pivotally mounted in the locking mechanism level E, i.e. relative to the rotary latch 1 carrying the latch element 4.

[0028] According to the invention, the relevant locking mechanism components 1, 2 supporting the latch element 4, the rotary latch 1 in the exemplary embodiment, are equipped with a material-like cover 6 at least partially overlapping the latch element 4 in order to axially fix the latch element 4, which can be seen in particular by comparing Figs. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the rotary latch 1 is equipped with a laminate of a core layer 1b and a cover layer 1c carrying the cover 6. It can be seen that according to this embodiment, the core layer 1b is realized between two cover layers 1c on both sides. The cover layers 1c on both sides are equipped with covers 6, and a bearing shaft 5 extending between the two covers 6 in a side view is axially fixed. The same applies to the latch element 4.

[0029]

[0028] The cover layer 1c is designed to overlap the core layer 1b by the cover 6. In fact, the cover 6 is designed and configured to cover at least the engagement area 3 between the relevant locking mechanism components 1, 2, the rotary latch 1 in the exemplary embodiment, and the latch element 4, thus allowing the axial fixation of the bearing shaft 5 and thus the latch element 4. In other words, according to this embodiment, the two cover layers 1c on both sides of the core layer 1b are provided with their respective covers 6, so that the latch element 4 is axially fixed and, as a result, cannot perform an axial movement along the bearing shaft 5. Rather, any movement of the latch element 4 relative to the rotary latch 1 is ultimately and only reduced to the locking mechanism level E, in which the latch element 4 can be pivoted relative to the rotary latch 1.

[0030]

[0029] The cover layer 1c or each of the cover layer 1c and the core layer 1b are generally produced from the same or different metals. For example, a particularly strong steel can be used for the core layer 1b in order to be able to control the tensile forces that the core layer 1b normally has to absorb on the locking mechanism 1, 2. In contrast, the cover layer 1c can be produced from a steel that is less strong than the core layer 1b. In principle, it is also conceivable to use metals other than steel for the realization of the cover layer 1c.

[0031]

[0030] Furthermore, the side view shows that the cover layer 1c and the core layer 1b have the same or different material thicknesses s1, s2. In most cases, the core layer 1b is designed to have a material thickness s1 that is many times larger than the material thickness of the cover layer. For example, thickness ratios of 2:1 or more are observed in this regard.

[0032]

[0031] This means that the material thickness s1 of the core layer 1b is at least twice the material thickness s2 of the cover layer 1c. In most cases, a ratio s1:s2>-2:1 (i.e., s1:s2 is 2:1 or more) is observed.

[0033]

[0032] It should be noted that in order to connect the individual layers 1b, 1c of the rotary latch 1, external connection means can generally be used. For example, rivets or screws penetrating the individual layers 1b, 1c can be considered for connecting them to each other. The individual layers 1b, 1c can also be connected by the illustrated plastic sheath 7. In addition, the individual layers 1b, 1c can also be connected by a forming process without filler or by a thermal bonding process.

[0034]

[0033] At this location, so-called through-joining or clinching processes have proven to be particularly preferred as suitable forming processes without the use of filler. In this case, the layers 1b, 1c are clinched at points by being joined or clinched using point-acting plungers. Alternatively or additionally, the layers 1b, 1c can also be firmly connected to one another by a thermal joining process. In such a thermal joining process, the layers 1b, 1c are simply welded together. This can be done in detail using a spot welding process or a laser welding process.

[0035] [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] Locking mechanism 1,2, Rotating latch 1, Joint recess 1a, Core layer 1b, Cover layer 1c, Claw 2, engagement area 3, Latch element 4, Bearing tooth 4a, Reinforcement 4b, Bearing shaft 5, Cover 6, Covering 7, Locking mechanism level E, Material thickness s1(s2).

Claims

1. A lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, having a locking mechanism (1, 2) and a latch element (4), 1. A lock for a motor vehicle, comprising: a locking mechanism (1, 2) which consists essentially of a rotating latch (1) and a pawl (2) of a locking component (1, 2); a latching element (4) is arranged in an engagement area (3) between two locking mechanism components (1, 2) and is pivotally mounted on said rotating latch (1) and / or said pawl (2) in a majority of a locking mechanism level (E); and at least one locking mechanism component (1, 2) is equipped with a cover (6) of the same material which at least partially overlaps said latching element (4) in order to axially fix said latching element (4).

2. 2. The lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism component (1, 2) is configured as a laminate of at least one core layer (1b) and a cover layer (1c) carrying the cover (6).

3. 3. The lock according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one core layer (1b) is provided between two cover layers (1c) on either side.

4. 4. The lock according to claim 3, wherein the cover layer (1c) projects regionally from the core layer (1b) by the amount of the cover (6).

5. 5. The lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover layer (1c) and the core layer (1b) are made of the same or different materials.

6. 6. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover layer (1c) and the core layer (1b) have the same or different material thicknesses (s1, s2).

7. 7. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover layer (1c) and the core layer (1b) are joined together by external connection means such as rivets, screws, cladding (7) or the like.

8. 8. The lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover layer (1c) and the core layer (1b) are joined by a forming or joining process that does not include a filler material, for example by through-jointing.

9. Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latch element (4) is rotatably mounted on the rotary latch (1).

10. 10. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 9, characterized in that the latch element (4) engages in a bearing tooth (4a) of a mating recess (1a) of the rotary latch (1).

Images