Latch for motor vehicles, in particular, latch for motor vehicle doors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a latch for a motor vehicle, particularly a latch for a motor vehicle door, which is equipped with a latch case (1) and latch covers (4, 5) as main components of a latch housing (1, 4, 5). The latch case (1) and the latch covers (4, 5) are connectable to each other. Further, the latch case (1) is equipped with a raised edge portion (1a) at at least a part of the circumferential direction. According to the present invention, when the latch cover (4, 5) is installed on the latch case (1), it overlaps the raised edge portion (1a) together with the overhanging flange (4a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automotive latch having a latch case and a latch cover as substantial components of a latch housing, particularly to a latch for an automotive door. The latch case and the latch cover are connectable to each other, and the latch case has a raised edge portion at least on a part of its periphery.

[0002] The latch case is usually designed to be made of metal, and preferably made of steel or high-strength steel. This is necessary because a locking mechanism consisting of a catch portion and a claw portion is typically mounted in or on the latch case, and particularly in the case of a collision, it must absorb the tearing force acting on it. In contrast, the latch cover is usually a plastic injection molded part. The latch cover can be designed with one or more parts. For the connection between the latch case and the latch cover, not only typical catch connections and plug-in connections, but also screw connections and the like can be used.

[0003] Such automotive latches, particularly latches for automotive doors, have already been described in the prior art according to US Patent No. 2018 / 0245379A1 and US Patent No. 2017 / 0245378A1. In this case, it is particularly important to design the electrical assembly or electrical module to be particularly waterproof and media-tight. For this purpose, the circuit board is housed in a liquid-tight open housing. With the help of what is known as a circuit board or an electrical component carrier, the individual electrical / electronic components can be placed in contact.

[0004] The liquid-tight and media-tight design of a latch for a motor vehicle, in particular of a latch for a motor vehicle door, is particularly important when the motor vehicle is moved in an environment that is, for example, dusty or particularly humid. Such requirements for a particularly stringent design are even more pronounced when the motor vehicle in question is designed to be able to cross rivers or even float. In this case, the associated motor vehicle latch, in particular a latch for a motor vehicle door, is expected to be submerged in water or located in an area below the waterline. Therefore, a solution that enables complete watertightness or reliable ventilation and water removal is currently required. So far, there is no convincing comprehensive solution to this problem.

[0005] This is because, in the prior art already mentioned, the electrical module or electrical assembly is mainly equipped with suitable sealing means. Nevertheless, in such cases, water may continue to penetrate the latch case. In principle, this is also possible with known electrical modules. The present invention aims to improve this overall.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a latch for a motor vehicle, in particular a latch for a motor vehicle door, such that the sealing performance is improved and at the same time complete ventilation is possible when water enters.

[0007] To solve this technical problem, in a general latch for a motor vehicle, in particular a latch for a motor vehicle door, the present invention proposes that when the latch cover is installed on the latch case, the latch cover engages with an overhanging flange on the raised edge of the latch case.

[0008] Accordingly, in the context of the present invention, the latch case is initially equipped with a raised edge at least on a part of its periphery. In this way, two advantages are achieved in total. First, at the edge of the latch case, since at least a part of the circumferential direction is raised, the rigidity of the entire latch case is ensured, and the torsional deformation of the latch case due to the force acting on the latch case is reduced. The latch case functions in the same way as before and remains unchanged as a bearing plate for a locking mechanism substantially composed of a catch part and a claw part mounted thereon or on it.

[0009] In addition to such mechanical reinforcement, the raised edge also ensures, according to the present invention, that the seal between the latch case and the latch cover is improved. This is because, with the help of the raised edge in relation to the overhanging flange, a kind of surge protection is provided to prevent water hitting the latch housing or the latch case from entering the interior of the latch housing or the lock case.

[0010] To further improve the sealing effect in this area, i.e., between the latch case and the latch cover, a seal that closes the slotted channel between the overhanging flange and the raised edge is also advantageously provided. That is, the raised edge and the overhanging flange function as a whole and, first of all, as surge protection, which is particularly important, for example, when the relevant vehicle passes through water or a ford. In any case, by using both means, i.e., on the one hand, the raised edge of the latch case and, on the other hand, the overhanging flange of the latch cover that engages over the edge, it is ensured that water does not enter the connection area between the latch case and the latch cover or can only enter within a limited range. At this point, a slotted channel is provided between the overhanging flange and the edge. In addition, advantageously, the slotted channel is closed by a seal.

[0011] The seal can be designed with an F-shaped cross-section on the edge side. As a result, a seal having an F-shaped cross-section on the edge side can be engaged with the fastening web on the latch cover by two F-shaped legs. As a result, the seal can be easily fixed to the latch cover by the two F-shaped legs, that is, by surrounding the fastening web with the two F-shaped legs received therebetween. In contrast, the F-shaped web of the seal has an F-shaped cross-section on the edge side to ensure that the slotted channel in question is closed.

[0012] As a result, the space between the latch case and the latch cover is completely sealed. However, here, for example, it must be considered that liquids or dust can still penetrate through the latch case and the inlet nozzle implemented at this point. Also, in order to form a barrier at this point and minimally limit the entry of water, the present invention also provides that the seal closing the edge region between the latch case and the latch cover is designed as a surface seal overall. With this surface seal, the locking mechanism mounted on the latch case can be largely sealed towards the latch cover.

[0013] The seal is designed to be largely continuously closed, for example, except for an opening accessible to the extension of the claw portion. For example, the locking mechanism can be electrically released via the extension, and as a result, the extension in question has to reach through and penetrate the surface seal. Nevertheless, the excellent sealing of the latch case and the locking mechanism is made possible in this way. This also applies to the area of the cover and the sealed inlet nozzle using the surface seal. As a result, moisture can ultimately penetrate the latch cover only through the inevitable opening for the extension of the claw portion. At this point, ventilation holes are often provided in the surface seal or its edge region, so that the water that has penetrated can also easily exit the latch housing again, for example, after crossing.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the design is such that the seal or surface seal, the latch case, and the locking mechanism together define a mechanical module. This mechanical module can be combined with an electrical module associated with the latch cover to form a latch housing surrounding both modules. That is, both the mechanical module and the electrical module are in principle self - functioning and can be joined to each other in a plug - in configuration kit manner as self - contained, independent assemblies. The mechanical module comprises a latch case and the electrical module is equipped with a latch cover. As soon as the mechanical module and the electrical module are connected to each other, for example, by a plug - in connection or a catch connection, such a catch connection or plug - in connection is equally recognized between the latch case on the one hand and the latch cover on the other hand.

[0015] The electrical module typically has an electrical component carrier and at least one drive unit. In the context of the present invention, the electrical component carrier is generally a circuit board made of plastic, on or in which conductive tracks are introduced. Typically, the electrical component carrier is defined and produced by overmolding a punched grid made of metal as the associated conductive tracks.

[0016] Here, the drive unit can be fixed to the electrical component carrier as part of it. Furthermore, the present invention provides that the drive unit is covered by a drive housing. As part of it, the drive unit can be equipped in detail with an electric motor, optionally a downstream gear mechanism, a driven pulley, and optionally an actuating cam. The electrical component carrier and the drive housing are connected to each other in a sealed manner via at least one circumferential plug - in channel. In principle, two plug - in channels running parallel to each other can also be realized at this point. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present invention to equip the plug - in channel in question with ventilation holes. Thereby, moisture and water that have penetrated into the interior of the latch cover can be discharged from the latch housing through the ventilation holes.

[0017] As already explained, the drive unit has an electric motor, optionally a downstream gear mechanism, a driven pulley, and an actuating cam. Usually, the shaft of the drive unit is generally guided out through a sealed rotary passage in the drive housing so as to act on an actuating cam that is usually arranged outside the drive housing. In this way, the actuating cam can act directly or indirectly, for example, on an extension that penetrates the surface seal of the claw part, and in this way, the claw part can be lifted from the latching engagement with the catch part. This corresponds to the electrical release of a locking mechanism mounted on the latch case.

[0018] According to the present invention, in order to realize a particularly tight rotary passage between the shaft and the drive housing, the sealed rotary passage advantageously is equipped with a ring seal having an X-shaped cross-section. This X-shaped ring seal can be an O-ring seal.

[0019] Finally, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the drive housing and / or the electrical component carrier is equipped with at least one discharge opening. Water that has penetrated inside can exit again from the inside of the drive housing through the discharge opening. In addition, this procedure usually is such that a trap for water inside the drive housing and optionally also an internal air cushion are implemented. The air cushion inside the drive housing, for example, when the associated vehicle crosses a ford and the latch of the vehicle is below the waterline, ensures that water cannot penetrate into the drive housing through the discharge opening because the air cushion accommodated inside at this time prevents water intrusion.

[0020] As a result, an automotive latch, in particular a latch for an automotive door, is provided and implemented with special means for providing comprehensive sealing, especially against water and, of course, against the influence of dust or other adverse environments. This can essentially be traced back to the implementation of an edge on the latch case that extends around at least a part of the circumferential direction on the one hand, and on the other hand, a protruding flange that overlaps the edge. This already provides effective surge protection against the ingress of water. A seal additionally implemented in the associated slotted channel, designed to have an F-shaped cross-section on the edge side, also enables the seal to be installed quickly and easily, ensuring that water cannot penetrate into the interior of the latch housing through the slotted channel in question.

[0021] Furthermore, the electrical component carrier or at least one drive unit additionally and complementarily arranged thereon has a separate drive housing, and the drive housing and the electrical component carrier are connected to each other in a sealed manner via a circumferential plug-in channel. This means that an additional seal is created at this point, thereby preventing gears and driven pulleys, which are part of the drive unit, from being damaged by the ingress of water. Nevertheless, with the help of the drive unit, a sealed rotary passage is implemented at this point so that the rotary motion can be transmitted to the outside of the drive housing. In that regard, the rotary passage is equipped with a special ring seal having an X-shaped cross-section, and this ring seal provides the necessary seal for the rotary passage and thus for the shaft to the outside of the drive housing. A significant advantage can be seen here.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings showing only one exemplary embodiment.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0023] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] The drawings show, according to an exemplary embodiment, an automotive latch which is a latch for an automotive door. For this purpose, the latch for an automotive door has a latch case 1, in which a locking mechanism 2, 3 consisting of a catch part 2 and a pawl part 3, which is only shown in Figure 2, is rotatably mounted. It can be seen that the latch case 1 is equipped with a raised edge part 1a on a part of the circumferential direction or a part of the circumferential direction. Further, the latch case 1 is equipped with an inlet mouth 1b for a lock pin (not shown) to enter the latch case 1 and interact with the locking mechanisms 2, 3.

[0025] In addition to the latch case 1, latch covers 4, 5 are mounted, and when the two are combined, they become substantial components of the latch housing 1, 4, 5. For this reason, the latch case 1 and the latch covers 4, 5 can be connected. This can be done via a catch connection, a plug-in connection, a screw connection, or the like.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the latch covers 4, 5 are composed of a latch cover component 4 with a rectangular cross-section and an electrical component carrier 5 that can be coupled thereto, which will be described in more detail below. The latch case 1 is combined with the latch cover component 4. And the electrical component carrier 5 is connected to the units 4, 1 for its components. In principle, it is also possible to first connect the electrical component carrier 5 and the latch cover component 4 to each other, and then combine the latch case 1 with the mounted latch covers 4, 5 and assemble them in this way.

[0027] Comparing FIGS. 1 to 3, it can be seen that when the latch covers 4, 5 are installed on the latch case 1, they overlap the raised edge 1a of the latch case 1 with the overhanging flange 4a. In this way, one overhanging flange 4a and the other edge 1a function as splash protection individually or together when an automobile equipped with a relevant automotive latch or a latch for an automotive door passes through a river or a lake. This is also the reason that can be seen in FIG. 1, that the cable or Bowden cable 6 inserted into the latch housing 1; 4, 5 is provided with a sealing sleeve for sealing the insertion area of the Bowden cable 6 with respect to the latch housing 1; 4, 5.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a seal 7 that closes the slotted channel between the overhanging flange 4a on the one hand and the raised edge 1a on the other hand. For this purpose, the cross-sectional shape of the edge side of the seal 7 is F-shaped. In this way, the seal 7 can engage with its two F-shaped legs 7a and engage with the fastening web 4b on the latch cover component 4 between the latch covers 4, 5 or its two F-shaped legs 7a. Here, the additionally provided F-shaped web 7b of the seal 7 in question ensures overall that the slotted channel is closed.

[0029] Comparing FIGS. 3 and 4, it is clear that the seal 7 is designed as a surface seal overall, and the locking mechanisms 2, 3 mounted on the latch case 1 seal the latch covers 4, 5 quite tightly. In fact, the seal 7 in question, or the surface seal, even ensures that the inlet mouth 1b in the latch case 1 is sealed from the latch covers 4, 5.

[0030] The seal 7 in question, or the surface seal, greatly guarantees that the locking mechanisms 2, 3, and thus the latch case 1, are sealed from the latch covers 4, 5. That is, at this point, as can be seen from FIG. 4, even though at least one opening is provided in the seal 7, it also passes through the extension 3a on the claw part 3 and optionally another extension on the catch part 2. For example, the position of the catch part 2 can be queried via the extension of the catch part 2. In contrast, in the closed state of the locking mechanisms 2, 3, the claw part 3 can be lifted from the latched state via the extension 3a of the claw part 3. This is ensured by the electric drive units 8, 9, 10 described in detail below.

[0031] The display in FIG. 4 reveals that the aforementioned seal 7, latch case 1, and the locking mechanisms 2, 3 mounted within the latch case 1 together define the mechanical modules 1, 2, 3, 7. The mechanical modules 1, 2, 3, 7 can be combined with the electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 related to the latch covers 4, 5 to form the latch housing 1, 4, 5 surrounding both sets of modules 1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10. This means that the latch case 1 is associated with the mechanical modules 1, 2, 3, 7. The electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 comprise the latch covers 4, 5 and the electric drive units 8, 9, 10. As soon as the mechanical modules 1, 2, 3, 7 and the electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 are coupled and combined with each other, the latch case 1 and the latch covers 4, 5, when joined together, also define and describe the latch housing 1, 4, 5 that surrounds both sets of modules 1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10.

[0032] The electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 are already equipped with the electrical component carrier 5 described above. In addition, at least one drive unit 8, 9, 10 is implemented. The drive units 8, 9, 10 are composed of an electric motor 8, a driven pulley 9 rotatable by the electric motor 8, and an actuating cam 10.

[0033] The drive units 8, 9, 10 are integrally fixed on the electrical component carrier 5. In addition, a drive housing 11 is implemented, thereby covering the drive units 8, 9, 10. That is, as best understood from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the drive units 8, 9, 10 are housed between the electrical component carrier 5 and the drive housing 11. This also means that the electrical component carrier 5 and the drive housing 11 are connected to each other in a sealed manner via at least one circumferential plug-in channel 5a, 11a. The plug-in channels 5a, 11a are composed of two plug-in pins 5a on the electrical component carrier 5 and the associated plug receptacles 11a, or in this embodiment, two such plug receptacles 11a on the edge of the drive housing 11. In this way, since the drive units 8, 9, 10 are housed between the electrical component carrier 5 and the drive housing 11 or are sealed by these two housing components, they are receiving additional sealing.

[0034] Also, from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, it can be seen that the electrical component carrier 5 is coupled to the latch covers 4, 5 on the edge side, with the help of, as a part of it, additionally two edge webs 5b and the fastening web 4b on the latch cover 4, 5 or the latch cover component 4. Also in this case, plug-in channels 5b, 4b are implemented. The illustrated plug-in channels 5a, 11a and 5b, 4b can be equipped with associated drainage openings (not shown in detail as necessary) so that water that has entered the inside of the latch housings 1, 4, 5 can be drained to the outside.

[0035] The drive units 8, 9, 10 are designed such that at least one shaft of the drive units 8, 9, 10 is led outside the drive housing 11 through a sealed rotary passage 12 within the drive housing 11. As shown in FIG. 6, the rotary passage 12 is equipped with a ring seal 12 having a cross-sectional X-shape. The ring seal 12 may be an O-ring seal. In any case, the seal or ring seal 12 in question ensures overall that the shaft emerging from the driven pulley 9 of the electric drive units 8, 9, 10 is sealed from the drive housing 11. As a result, the actuating cam 10 provided on the output side of the drive units 8, 9, 10 is positioned outside the drive housing 11 and can act on the extension 3a of the claw 3 such that the claw 3 is lifted from its engagement with the catch part 2. In this context, the drive units 8, 9, 10 consequently act as an electric release drive. Of course, this applies only as an example. In any case, the X-shaped ring seal 12 ensures in particular a low-friction operation.

[0036] Finally, based on FIG. 3, it becomes apparent that the drive housing 11 removed there, and / or the electrical component carrier 5 that can be seen, is equipped with at least one additional discharge opening 13. Of course, the same applies to the entire latch housings 1, 4, 5. Water that has entered the interior of the drive housing 11 can be discharged to the outside through this discharge opening 13. Furthermore, the region of the discharge opening 13 may be designed as a trap for water and optionally also as an air cushion. That is, the air trapped inside the drive housing 11 and between the drive housing 11 and the electrical component carrier 5, or the amount of air in the region of the discharge opening 13, can, for example, discharge the moisture contained in the drive housing to the outside when an automobile equipped with a latch for a related automobile door is fording a river, but it can be ensured that water cannot enter the interior of the drive housing 11 through the discharge opening 13 for the air cushion. A great advantage can be seen here.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0037] Mechanical modules 1, 2, 3, 7, Latch housings 1, 4, 5, Latch case 1, Edge portion 1a, Inlet mouth 1b, Lock mechanisms 2, 3, Catch portion 2, Claw portion 3, Extension portion 3a, Latch covers 4, 5, Electrical modules 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, Latch cover components 4, Overhanging flange 4a, Fastening web 4b, Plug-in channels 4b, 5b, Electrical component carrier 5, Plug-in pin 5a, Web 5b, Bowden cable 6, Seal 7, F-shaped leg portion 7a, F-shaped web 7b, Electric drive units 8, 9, 10, Electric motor 8, Driven pulley 9, Actuating cam 10, Drive housing 11, Plug-in channels 5a, 11a, Rotating passage 12, Release opening 13.

Claims

1. An automotive latch, especially a latch for an automotive door, having a latch case (1) and a latch cover (4, 5) as substantial components of a latch housing (1; 4, 5), wherein the latch case (1) and the latch cover (4, 5) are connectable to each other, and the latch case (1) is equipped with a raised edge portion (1a) at least on a part of its periphery, and the latch cover (4, 5) overlaps the raised edge portion (1a) together with an overhanging flange (4a) when installed on the latch case (1).

2. The automotive latch according to claim 1, characterized in that a seal (7) is provided for closing a slotted channel between the overhanging flange (4a) and the raised edge portion (1a).

3. The automotive latch according to claim 2, characterized in that the seal (7) has an F-shaped cross-sectional shape on the edge side, surrounds a fastening web (4b) on the latch cover (4, 5) with two F-shaped legs (7a), and closes the slotted channel with an F-shaped web (7b).

4. The automotive latch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the seal (7) is designed as a surface seal, and the locking mechanism (2, 3) mounted on the latch case (1) is highly sealed towards the latch cover (4, 5).

5. The automotive latch according to claim 4, characterized in that the seal (7), the latch case (1) and the locking mechanism (2, 3) are combined with an electrical module (4, 5, 8, 9, 10) associated with the latch cover (4, 5) to define a mechanical module (1, 2, 3, 7) forming the latch housing (1, 4, 5) surrounding the modules (1, 2, 3, 7; 4, 5, 8, 9, 10).

6. The automotive latch according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrical module (4, 5, 8, 9, 10) has an electrical component carrier (5) and at least one drive unit (8, 9, 10).

7. The drive units (8, 9, 10) are fixed to the electrical component carrier (5) and are further covered by a drive housing (11), and the electrical component carrier (5) and the drive housing (11) are connected to each other in a sealed state via at least one circumferential plug-in channel (5a, 11a). The latch for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The latch for a motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one shaft of the drive units (8, 9, 10) is guided outwards via a sealed rotary passage (12) in the drive housing (11).

9. The latch for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealed rotary passage (12) is equipped with a ring seal (12) having an X-shaped cross section.

10. The drive housing (11) and / or the electrical component carrier (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one discharge opening (13), optionally a trap for water, and optionally an air cushion.

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