Car Locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive (7), a gear mechanism (8) arranged downstream of the electric drive (7), a locking housing (2) with at least one housing cover (14), a cover cap (4) and a housing shell (3), and a printed circuit board, wherein the housing cover (14) and the cover cap (4) can form at least one dry space (5, 6) in the locking housing (2), the printed circuit board (9) is arranged in the dry space (5, 6), at least one electrical contact (11, 12) from the printed circuit board (9) to the electric drive (7) can be provided, and the electrical contacts (11, 12) between the printed circuit board (9) and the electric drive (7) can be arranged in the housing cover (14).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock, having a lock mechanism with a rotating latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive, in particular an electric motor, a gear mechanism arranged downstream of the electric motor, a lock housing with at least one housing cover, preferably a cover cap and a housing shell, and a printed circuit board, wherein at least one dry space is formed in the lock housing, the printed circuit board is arranged in the dry space and at least one electrical contact can be provided from the printed circuit board to the electric drive.

[0002]

[0002] Automotive locks are used when movable components on a motor vehicle, such as doors, flaps, covers and / or sliding doors, must be held or secured in place. The lock has the primary task of reliably holding the movable components in place, even during extreme conditions, thus protecting the operator or user of the motor vehicle from injury. Such locks are also used in areas that are subject to environmental influences and thus may come into contact with moisture, dust and / or other environmental influences.

[0003]

[0003] In particular, areas of the locking mechanism may come into contact with moisture or even be directly affected by moisture. In addition to the purely fixed function of holding the moving parts, locks are now increasingly faced with further challenges. In addition to the purely mechanical holding of the moving parts, the lock may also contain electronics that are particularly susceptible to moisture. The electronics may be used, for example, to control a motor arranged in the car lock and to supply it with appropriate power, or switching means may be included in the car lock, where the position of functional components in the car lock may be queried, for example, by the switching means.

[0004] DE 10 2009 027 415 A1 discloses a lock for a motor vehicle, which provides protection against external influences such as dust, moisture or steering. In this case, the lock has a lock housing and a housing cover for the lock housing, whereby between the lock housing and the cover a circumferential slot remains, through which moisture can penetrate into the lock. In order to protect the internal lock components, it is proposed to at least partially wrap the lock several times with an adhesive film, in order to reliably and permanently protect the lock from external influences.

[0005]

[0005] In order to protect the printed circuit board and / or other electronic components in the car lock from the ingress of moisture, the car lock can be divided into a dry area and a wet area. Such a lock is known, for example, from EP 2 754 799 A1. The printed circuit board and other electronic components are arranged between a cover cap and a lock cover and are sealed against moisture.

[0006]

[0006] In addition to the direct influence of moisture, car locks are also exposed to strong temperature fluctuations. To function properly in all climates, car locks must cover a temperature range of -40°C to +80°C. However, temperature influences can affect the humidity of the air, and especially in the case of large temperature fluctuations, moisture can escape from the air, which can result in electronic components being affected by moisture.

[0007] DE 102 59 465 A1 discloses an actuation drive in which a pressure difference is generated inside the actuation drive by the movement of the actuation means. The actuation drive can likewise be arranged in moist areas of the motor vehicle, so that the internal parts and the actuation means must be tightly sealed. In order to compensate for these pressure differences and at the same time prevent moisture from entering the inside of the actuation drive, this publication proposes providing a vent that is moisture-tight and at the same time air-permeable. For this purpose, a membrane is inserted into the vent. Pressure compensation can be carried out through the membrane, but at the same time the membrane is made of a semi-permeable plastic material that prevents moisture from entering.

[0008]

[0008] Unpublished DE 10 2021 119 652.3 discloses a lock for a motor vehicle lock, which includes a lock mechanism having a rotating latch and at least one claw, a lock housing having at least one housing cover, and a printed circuit board arranged inside the lock housing, the printed circuit board being arranged in a dry space separated from the lock mechanism. By separating the printed circuit board, the electronics can be protected from moisture.

[0009]

[0009] Electronic and electrotechnical components such as motors and circuit boards must be protected against moisture as described above in order to ensure their full functionality over the service life of the vehicle. The above solutions have proven generally successful, but can also be improved. In particular, the connections of the electric drives are of critical importance, since, at least in some areas, the contacting conductive tracks may be exposed. If the conductive tracks are connected directly to the printed circuit board, on the one hand the electrical contact must be ensured and, on the other hand, the printed circuit board must be protected against moisture. Overall, no constructive solutions have been found so far that are convincing. This is where the invention begins. Summary of the Invention

[0010]

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an improved constructional solution for contacting an electric drive, in particular a constructionally simple and reliable sealing of the connection between the electric drive and a printed circuit board.

[0011]

[0011] According to the invention, that object is achieved by the features of the independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted, however, that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting. Rather, any number of possible variations of the features described in the description, the claims and the drawings are possible.

[0012] According to the claims, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle side door, which lock comprises a lock mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one claw, an electric drive, in particular an electric motor, a gear mechanism arranged downstream of the electric motor, a lock housing with at least one housing cover, preferably a lock housing with a cover cap and a housing shell, and a printed circuit board, in which at least one dry space can be formed in the lock housing, in which the printed circuit board can be arranged, in which at least one electrical contact from the printed circuit board to the electric drive can be provided, and in which an electrical contact between the printed circuit board and the electric drive can be arranged in the housing cover. The design of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention creates the possibility of arranging an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the electric drive in the motor vehicle lock in such a way that a hermetic connection between the electric drive and the printed circuit board can be realized. To realize the hermetic connection, a housing cover is essentially used here. The housing cover is therefore multifunctional. On the one hand, the housing cover is used to seal and / or cover the lock housing, and on the other hand, the housing cover is used according to the invention as a carrier for the conductive tracks. The sealing feed-through is thus provided by the housing cover. This improves the feasibility of the dry space and increases the design freedom for the developer of the car lock.

[0013]

[0013] When referring to a car lock in the sense of the present invention, this includes all locking systems used to hold movable parts in a car. These locking systems have a locking mechanism with a rotating latch and at least one pawl, the rotating latch being able to engage with a lock holder and the pawl being able to latch the rotating latch in at least one ratchet position. Such locks can be used, for example, on side doors, flaps, hoods and / or sliding doors, to name just a few examples of the use of the car lock according to the present invention.

[0014]

[0014] If the car lock is used, for example, on a side door, two ratchet positions are specified for the locking mechanism. When the side door is closed, the locking mechanism first enters a pre-ratchet position and for full closure enters a main ratchet position. In this case, the rotary latch can be fixed in the ratchet position by a pawl or a pawl and a blocking lever or a locking lever, depending on whether a closing or opening moment occurs on the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is mounted on the car lock on a metal locking case and can be additionally fixed to the car receptacle by a reinforcing plate.

[0015]

[0015] In order to protect the locking mechanism and other functional components housed in the vehicle lock from dirt and / or moisture and to provide a receptacle or storage place for the functional components of the lock, the lock has a lock housing with at least one housing cover. In addition to the housing cover, there may be a cover cap in the lock, especially if there are weather-sensitive components in the vehicle lock. This cover cap has the role of forming wet and dry areas in the vehicle lock. As a result, it is possible to arrange wet or moisture-sensitive components separately in the vehicle lock and provide additional safety in the vehicle lock. Such moisture-sensitive components include, for example, electronic components, printed circuit boards or electric motors. These components that are placed inside the lock housing are particularly sensitive to moisture, since the ingress of moisture may impair the functionality of these components. In principle, however, it is possible to create a dry space using the lock housing and the lock cover.

[0016]

[0016] The printed circuit board is arranged in a dry space at least separated from the locking mechanism. The dry space is characterized by the fact that at least direct moisture cannot penetrate into the dry space. According to the invention, the cover cap as an intermediate layer and the housing cover can form a dry space for accommodating the printed circuit board. Furthermore, further dry spaces may also be present in the vehicle lock. In addition to the dry space for the printed circuit board, there may be dry spaces for example for an electric drive, a microswitch, i.e. an electric or electronic component, while the further dry space may include, for example, a gear mechanism arranged downstream of the electric drive.

[0017]

[0017] Preferably, in a variant of the embodiment of the invention, the housing cover has a separation joint, which forms at least a part of the dry space boundary. The separation joint forms a sealing surface between the dry space for the printed circuit board and the electrical components connected to the printed circuit board. Although the above mainly describes the contact between the electric drive and the printed circuit board, it is naturally conceivable according to the invention to provide a number of electrical contacts between the printed circuit board and the electrical components via the separation joint. In other words, the electrical contacts can be guided through the separation joint and extend through the separation joint in the housing cover. The separation joint can then engage, for example, with a seal on the cover plate, so that a dry space can be formed. What is important for the invention is that the electrical contacts extend through the housing cover, so that the electrical contacts contact the printed circuit board on the one hand and the electrical components on the other hand. The electrical contacts therefore extend through the separation joint.

[0018]

[0018] A further embodiment variant is realised, which then has an independent meaning, if the electrical contacts can be held in the housing cover, in particular in a form-fitting manner. Holding the electrical contacts in the housing cover can facilitate the installation of the housing cover. Furthermore, a secure fixation or retention of the electrical contacts ensures that a proper contact is made between the printed circuit board and the electrical drive or electrical component when the cover is installed. The form-fit can be achieved, for example, via locking elements, so that the electrical contacts can be securely and firmly held in the housing cover. The electrical contacts can be inserted in the housing cover as conductive track strips and / or conductive track structures.

[0019]

[0019] It also represents a further embodiment variant of the invention and is advantageous if the electrical contacts extend through openings in the housing cover, in particular openings in the region of the separation joint. If openings through which the electrical contacts extend are formed in the housing cover, an inexpensive and effective sealing of the feed-through for the electrical contacts is possible. The openings are preferably located in the region of the separation joint of the cover and are accessible from the vehicle lock and from the outer surface of the housing cover. If the electrical contacts are mounted in the housing cover, for example are conformally held in the housing cover, they are visible through the openings. It should be noted that only one opening has been described here, but it is naturally conceivable that the housing cover also has more than one opening in the case of several electrical contacts with electrical components on the printed circuit board.

[0020]

[0020] The opening extends towards the outer surface of the lock housing at least in some areas. The opening is therefore visible from the outside when the car lock is in the closed state, so that on the one hand it is possible to check the correct position of the electrical contacts and at the same time, for example, to check the electrical contacts to the electric drive and / or to the printed circuit board. This combines the advantage of a reliable feed-through of the electrical contacts through the housing cover with the possibility of checking the functional reliability and suitability of the electronic contacts.

[0021]

[0021] It is also advantageous and there is a further embodiment variant if the opening can be filled with a sealing compound. The opening can be simply closed from the outside. In this case, the sealing compound can be introduced into the opening, for example, in liquid and / or viscous form, in order to reliably seal the passage between the dry space and the electric drive or electrical component. This provides a simple constructional means of providing a sealed feed-through through the housing cover.

[0022]

[0022] For filling the separation joint, it is advantageous to have an opening in the housing cover, as mentioned above. However, it is also conceivable to omit the opening in the lid and to omit the separation joint below the housing cover. The separation joint can be arranged in the locking housing cavity, i.e. in the filling area surrounding the separation joint, and a casting trough for filling is provided.

[0023]

[0023] In a further embodiment variant of the invention, an elastic seal is arranged in the housing cover, in particular the electrical contacts extend through the seal. In this embodiment variant, it can of course also be combined with further solutions for sealing the electrical contacts, the seal being inserted, for example, in the housing cover or being formed, for example, as two components, materially integral with the housing cover. The electrical contacts can thus be inserted in the housing cover, whereby a direct sealed connection is formed. The electrical contacts can be formed, for example, in such a way that they extend from the printed circuit board, reach through the seal in the cover and come into contact with the electrically conductive tracks or electrical contacts, so that the seal is provided in the area of ​​the protruding contact lugs on the printed circuit board. However, it is also conceivable that the electrical contacts or the conductive tracks in the housing cover extend through a seal present in the housing cover. It is also conceivable that one, two or more seals can be provided, through which or through which the conductive tracks are passed, but only one seal seals the electrical contacts in the housing cover.

[0024]

[0024] The elastic seal can advantageously be arranged in the dry space itself. In a variant of the invention, the elastic seal is placed, for example, on the housing cover so that the electrical contacts extend through the seal, or, for example, there are contact lugs on the printed circuit board in the dry space which extend through the seal in the housing cover. In any case, the elastic seal makes it possible to achieve a sealed electrical contact with a conductive track in the housing cover.

[0025]

[0025] According to the invention, an additional independent embodiment variant of the invention can be provided by injection-molding the electrical contacts into the housing cover. In this case, the housing cover carries the conductive tracks or the electrical contacts, and the conductive tracks are injection-molded directly into the housing cover during its production. This allows a reliable seal to be achieved directly during the production of the housing cover.

[0026]

[0026] If an electrical contact is referred to within the meaning of the present invention, this comprises, for example, electrically conductive tracks in the form of a stamped grid and / or as individual conductive sheet strips. The electrical contact is therefore not limited to individual conductive tracks but can also be designed, for example, as a composite conductive track structure.

[0027]

[0027] It is advantageous if the conductive tracks can be connected to the printed circuit board by means of pressure-displacement connections. This embodiment variant results in an advantageous and contact-friendly solution that ensures reliable contact with the conductive tracks. In particular, if the pressure-displacement connections extend in the direction of the cover, clamping contact lugs can ensure reliable contact with the conductive tracks. It is also possible to use the clamping contact lugs to easily form a sealed connection, for example via an elastic seal. Preferably, the electrical contacts or the conductive tracks are realised away from the printed circuit board towards the electric drive, in particular the electric motor. This makes it possible to provide a constructionally inexpensive sealing means for contacting the electric motor.

[0028]

[0028] In addition to connecting the printed circuit board via a pressure-displacement connection, it is also conceivable to contact the conductive tracks via spring-suspended contacts, which can be arranged on the printed circuit board, for example, such that when inserted or installed, the conductive tracks engage with the spring contacts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029]

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below based on the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, the principle that the exemplary embodiments do not limit the present invention, but are merely embodiments, is applied. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with further features in the specification and claims, individually or in combination. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a lock for a motor vehicle in the area of ​​the electric drive and in the dry area, where the electrical contacts between the printed circuit board and the electric drive are further shown detached from the housing cover. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the electrical contacts. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the electrical contacts inserted into the housing cover, with additional openings formed in the housing cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the housing cover according to FIG. 3 in a plan view of the lock housing for a motor vehicle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a clearer representation of the embodiment according to FIG. 4 with an opening in the housing cover. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment as a combination of an aperture seal and a resilient seal.

[0030] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031]

[0031] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a part of the area of ​​a motor vehicle lock 1 in an open view. A lock housing is shown, consisting of a housing shell 3 and a cover cap. The cover cap 4 forms an intermediate layer in the housing shell 3 and allows the formation of a first dry space 5 and a second dry space 6. In the first dry space 5, an electric drive with a downstream gear mechanism 8 is arranged. In the second dry space 6, a printed circuit board 9 is provided on which an electronic component 10 can be arranged. The electric drive 7 is connected to the printed circuit board 9 via conductive tracks 11, 12. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock 1 with a circumferential seal 13 arranged on the housing shell 3. The circumferential seal 13 protects the motor vehicle lock 1 from external influences, but separates the dry spaces 5, 6. This motor vehicle lock 1 is thus equipped with at least two dry spaces 5, 6.

[0032] In FIG. 1, the conductive tracks 11, 12 are shown as electrical contacts 11, 12 detached from a housing cover 14 (not shown). The electrical contacts 11, 12 connect the electric motor 7 to contacts 15, 16 on the printed circuit board 9. The electrical contact of the conductive tracks 11, 12 with the printed circuit board 9 is shown in an enlarged three-dimensional representation in FIG. 2. The electrical contact of the conductive tracks 11, 12 is made via terminal contacts 15, 16 on the printed circuit board 9. In other words, the electrical contact of the conductive tracks 11, 12 with the printed circuit board 9 is made by inserting the conductive tracks 11, 12 into the pressure contacts 15, 16. As mentioned above, it is also conceivable to connect the conductive tracks 11, 12 to the printed circuit board 9 via bent elastic spring contacts. In FIG. 2, a sealing joint 17 is shown, into which, for example, an elastic sealing means 13 is inserted in a form-fitting manner.

[0033] 3 is a three-dimensional view of the housing cover 14 and a view of the interior 18 of the housing cover 14. The housing cover 14 can be connected to the locking housing 2 or to the housing shell 3 via recesses 19 which correspond or interact with screws 20. Of course, it is also conceivable that the housing cover 14 can be connected to the locking housing 2 by clips and / or locking connections and / or screws 20.

[0034]

[0034] Figure 3 shows the conductive tracks 11, 12, which are inserted into the locking cover 14. The locking cover 14 has ribs 21, by which the conductive tracks 11, 12 are held in a form-fitting manner in the housing cover 14. In some areas the conductive tracks 11, 12 are inserted into recesses 22 of the housing cover 14, the conductive tracks 11, 12 extending into the areas of slot-like openings 23, 24. The conductive tracks 11, 12 can be connected to contacts 15, 16 on the printed circuit board 9 via the slots 23, 24. The conductive tracks 11, 12 thus bridge a separation joint 25, which can be molded into the housing cover 14 or formed integrally therewith. Figure 3 also shows a contact surface 26, which acts as a sealing surface towards the seal 13. In this case, the separation joint 25 is also formed so as to rest on the seal 13, so that the dry spaces 5, 6 can be insulated by the separation joint 25.

[0035] In Fig. 4, the housing cover 14 shown in Fig. 3 can be seen in the position where it is mounted on the lock housing 2. In some areas, the lock case 27 can also be seen, by means of which the openings 28 and the recesses 22, which can provide the lock mechanism bearing for the car lock, are clearly visible in Fig. 4. The conductive tracks 11, 12 and the contacts 15, 16 can be seen through the openings 28. In this way, a reliable contact between the conductive tracks in the car lock and the electrical contacts 15, 16 can be ensured, and at the same time, a means can be provided for checking the electrical contact between the conductive tracks 11, 12 and the contacts 15, 16. After the housing cover is installed and it has been checked that the conductive tracks 11, 12 are in full and correct contact, the openings 28 can be closed by a plug or a liquid or hardening sealant.

[0036]

[0036] Figure 5 shows the assembly according to Figure 4 with a transparent housing cover 14. The conductive tracks 11, 12 are visible, which supply electrical energy to the electric motor 7 via the printed circuit board 9. When using a locking housing cover 14 carrying the conductive tracks 11, 12, the conductive tracks 11, 12 are first inserted into the housing cover 14 and held there in a press-fit, form-fit or materially integral manner. Only after the conductive tracks 11, 12 have been inserted into the housing cover is the housing cover 14 connected to the locking housing 2 and electrical contact made with the electric drive 7. After the cover 14 has been installed with the screws 20, a visual check of the electrical contact with the printed circuit board 9 is made and finally the openings 28 are filled or sealed.

[0037]

[0037] Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment as a composite seal for the electric lines 11, 12. Identical components are provided with the same reference numbers. The conductive tracks 11, 12 are also inserted into the housing cover 14 and held there according to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment. In addition to the sealing option by the recess 22 of the housing cover 14, additional seals 29, 30 are arranged in the area of ​​the slots 23, 24 of the locking cover 14. An additional seal can thus be provided, which ensures tightness towards the printed circuit board 3 and the dry space 6. The design according to the invention of the locking housing 2, 3, 14 makes it possible to improve the contact of the electric drive 7 from the dry space to the electric drive. In particular, an electrical contact in the dry space 6 is possible and functional reliability can be ensured by a safety measure by visual inspection. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1...Car lock, 2...Lock housing, 3…Housing shell, 4…Cover cap, 5,6…Dry space, 7...Electric drive unit, 8...Gear mechanism, 9...Printed circuit board, 10...Electronic components, 11, 12...conductive tracks, electrical contacts, 13…Seal, 14…Housing cover, 15, 16...contact portion, 17...sealed joint, 18…Inside of housing cover, 19…recess, 20…Screw, 21…Rib, 22...recess, 23,24…Slots, 25…separation joint, 26...contact surface, 27…Lock case, 28…Opening, 29,30...Stickers.

Claims

1. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a lock mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, an electric drive (7), in particular an electric motor (7), a gear mechanism (8) arranged downstream of said electric motor (7), a lock housing (2) with at least one housing cover (14), a cover cap (4) and a housing shell (3), and a printed circuit board, The housing cover (14) and the cover cap (4) can form at least one dry space (5, 6) in the lock housing (2), the printed circuit board (9) can be arranged in the dry space (5, 6), at least one electrical contact (11, 12) from the printed circuit board (9) to the electric drive (7) can be provided, and the electrical contacts (11, 12) between the printed circuit board (9) and the electric drive (7) can be arranged in the housing cover (14).

2. 2. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing cover (14) has a separation joint (25) forming at least a part of a dry space boundary.

3. 3. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrical contacts (11, 12) pass through the separation joint (25).

4. 4. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contacts (11, 12) are held in the housing cover (14), in particular in a form-fitting manner.

5. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the electrical contacts (11, 12) pass through an opening (28) in the housing cover (14), in particular the opening (28) in the region of the separation joint (25), in particular a recess (22) in the opening (28).

6. 6. The lock (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening (28) extends in at least a partial area towards the outer surface of the lock housing (2).

7. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the opening (28) is fillable with a sealing compound.

8. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastic seal (29, 30) is arranged in the housing cover (14), in particular the electrical contacts (11, 12) extending through the seal (29, 30).

9. 9. Lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the seal (29, 30) is arranged in the dry space (6) of the printed circuit board (9).

10. The lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contacts (11, 12) are injection moulded into the housing cover (14).

11. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrical contacts (11, 12) can be formed as conductive tracks (11, 12).

12. 12. Lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the conductive tracks (11, 12) are connectable to a printed circuit board (9) by means of insulation displacement connections (15, 16).

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