Car locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism (2) consisting of a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), wherein the rotary latch (3) is latchable in a pre-latch position (36) and a main latch position (37), and has a pre-latch pawl (4) and a main latch pawl (5), and wherein a pre-latch (17) of the locking mechanism (2) is formed by a sloped region of a metal body (18) of the rotary latch (3), and the sloped region (17) is engageable with a closing pawl (25) of a closing device (23).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle having a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the rotary latch being latchable in a pre-latch position and a main latch position, the rotary latch having a pre-latch pawl and a main latch pawl, the pre-latch of the locking mechanism being formed by a sloped region of the metal body of the rotary latch.

[0002]

[0002] Automotive locks or locking devices are used when pivoting or sliding parts of an automobile must be fixed in their pivoting or sliding positions. To fix the position of the parts, the locking device cooperates with a lock holder, and the locking mechanism of the locking device is moved to a locked position by relative movement of the locking device with respect to the lock holder. Areas where these locks are applied include tailgates, doors, and sliding doors, and also include, for example, backrest locks for rear seats inside the vehicle. The present invention preferably relates to a lock for an automobile tailgate.

[0003]

[0003] To increase the practicality of the above-mentioned locking devices, locking systems are designed as electrically operable locking systems. Electrically operated locking systems use an electric motor that allows the locking mechanism to be unlocked and thus the lock to be electrically opened. For example, in combination with an electric tailgate, the operator can open the tailgate by radio remote control without having to manually intervene in the vehicle. In addition to the electrical unlocking of the locking mechanism, so-called closing devices are also used. The closing device allows the tailgate or even the side door, once opened, to be moved to its final closed position with electrical assistance.

[0004] To provide this automatic closing process, the lock must be able to be moved to its final closed position. A vehicle lock according to the present invention includes a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl. The rotary latch is pivotally held on a metal lock plate and can interact with a lock holder or lock holder bracket attached to the vehicle via an insertion area. When the lock, tailgate, or door is closed, the rotary latch is moved from an open position to a first closed position by the relative movement of the lock holder, which is typically fixed to the vehicle.

[0005]

[0005] In a first closed position, called the pre-latch position, a pawl engages the rotary latch so that its movement is blocked. The rotary latch cannot be opened again without moving the pawl. Closing aids are used to move the rotary latch from this pre-latch position to the main latch position. These closing devices interact with a locking mechanism so that the rotary latch is transferred from the blocked pre-latch position to the main latch position. In other words, the rotary latch is electrically assisted to move further to the closed position of its rotary latch. The closing device moves the rotary latch to the main latch position, where the pawl, i.e., the same pawl, engages with the rotary latch and blocks it in its main latch position. At this time, the rotary latch is in its end position, and the door or tailgate is in its final closed position.

[0006]

[0006] To ensure that the main latch position can be reached, the rotary latch is moved to an overtravel position by the closing device. The overtravel position is a position where the rotary latch is moved further into the closed position than is necessary for the main latch pawl to engage. By moving the rotary latch to the overtravel position, it is possible to ensure that the main latch pawl is securely latched or engaged into the rotary latch. This is therefore particularly necessary because it must be guaranteed that the locking mechanism will securely latch into the main latch position even when the door or tailgate is electrically closed.

[0007] As mentioned above, the pawl must interact with the rotary latch to achieve the pre-latch and main latch positions. In this case, only one pawl can interact with the rotary latch, or two or more pawls can be used, for example, interacting with rotary latches on different planes. For example, it is known that when a locking mechanism is in the main latch position, an opening torque is present in the locking mechanism. The opening torque in this case refers to the force that pushes the pawl out of the latched position. To prevent the locking mechanism from automatically unlocking in this case, the pawl is further secured in the latched position by a latch lever or a blocking lever.

[0008] A motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism and a closing / opening device is known from German Patent Application Publication No. 102013106672. The closing and opening device acts on the locking mechanism via a Bowden cable, and a gear mechanism lever is provided on the locking mechanism, on which a closing pawl is pivotally mounted. The closing pawl moves the locking mechanism from a pre-latched position to a main latched position. A unique feature of the document is that it discloses a drive for the closing mechanism, which is designed for variable torque, such that the gear mechanism elements of the closing device are subjected to a torque and, consequently, a force that depends on the drive path. For this purpose, the drive unit includes an electric motor with a downstream gear mechanism, which is therefore designed as a torque converter. This means that the drive can apply different forces to close the locking mechanism as required. In particular, the document discloses a spiral-shaped control contour that engages with a Bowden cable, allowing the Bowden cable to transmit gradually increasing forces to the locking mechanism.

[0009]

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved lock for a motor vehicle, and in particular to provide a compact locking system having a high level of functionality and the fewest possible number of parts.

[0010]

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting, but rather any variants of the features set out in the description and in the dependent claims are possible.

[0011] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a lock for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the rotary latch being latchable in a pre-latch position and a main latch position, the locking mechanism having a pre-latch pawl and a main latch pawl, the pre-latch of the locking mechanism being formed by an area disposed on a metal base of the rotary latch, in particular a sloped area of the metal body of the rotary latch, which is engageable with a closing pawl of a closing device. The inventive design of the motor vehicle lock now makes it possible to realize a compact design of the motor vehicle lock, which can achieve a high level of functionality with a reduced number of parts. In particular, by using an area disposed on the rotary latch, preferably a bolt or rivet bolt attached to the rotary latch, and even more preferably the sloped area of the metal body of the rotary latch, as a pre-latch and simultaneously as a means for mounting the closing device for the locking mechanism, additional parts, moldings, and / or structural means for introducing a force for closing the locking mechanism can be omitted.

[0012]

[0012] Thus, the closing device directly interacts with the engagement surface of the rotary latch, particularly the rotary latch that is also used to achieve the pre-latch position in the car lock. The ramped area on the rotary latch thus has a dual function. On the one hand, the ramped area can be used to achieve the first latch position for closing the lock mechanism, and at the same time, the closing pawl can engage with the ramped area to achieve full closure and reach the main latch position of the lock mechanism. As a result, a high level of functionality can be provided to the car lock with minimal design resources.

[0013] The lock according to the present invention can be a lock for a tailgate, a side door, a tailgate, or a roof, but can also be, for example, a lock for the back of a vehicle's rear seat bench. The present invention preferably relates specifically to a lock for a tailgate of a motor vehicle. In contrast to a lock for a sliding door, a tailgate lock is subject to variable loads, which places special requirements on the tailgate lock. For example, snow may accumulate on the tailgate, so when the tailgate is opened, especially when the tailgate is opened electrically, it must be ensured that the lock remains fully open until the tailgate is closed again. For example, when the tailgate is covered with snow, the locking mechanism can be opened electrically, but the lock holder engaging the rotary latch does not cause any relative movement of the locking mechanism because the tailgate remains in its position due to the heavy load. In this case, one or more pawls must be kept out of engagement with the rotary latch. Keeping the pawls disengaged when the locking mechanism is unlocked is also called the snow load function.

[0014]

[0014] Regarding the structure of the locking mechanism, please refer to the explanation in the introduction. The rotary latch has a metal body pivotally attached to the vehicle lock via a metal axle pin. The rotary latch and the pivot axis of one or more pawls are also held within a metal lock case. This metal basic structure of the car lock can ensure that pivoting or moving parts on the car can be securely held even in extreme situations such as an accident. In the pre-latch and main latch, the metal areas of the pawl and rotary latch are in contact with each other to ensure secure latching, especially the correct positioning of the locking mechanism.

[0015] In accordance with the present invention, a ramped region is provided on the metal body of the rotary latch, the ramped region preferably at a 90° angle to the base surface of the rotary latch and extending beyond the flat extension of the rotary latch, so that the ramped region forms an integral part of the rotary latch and engages the pre-latch pawl.

[0016] In a variant of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the closing pawl is pivotally mounted on a fixed closing aid. The closing pawl acts directly on an inclined region of the metal body of the rotary latch, and is mounted on a closing aid arranged in a fixed position in the vehicle lock so as to transmit the closing force from the pre-latch to the main latch element. The connection to the closing lever makes it possible to influence the closing force and to influence the closing force in relation to the design of the closing lever. In particular, the forces increase when the main latch position or the overtravel position is fully reached, and these forces increase continuously during the closing process. This is due in particular to the seals arranged between the moving parts and the body. To achieve a perfect seal against moisture as well as to minimize noise, seals, in particular door or tailgate seals, are arranged between the movably arranged parts on the vehicle and the body. The closing device must move the rotary latch against this sealing pressure, which occurs when the seal is compressed. The relative movement between the rotary latch and the lock holder introduces a closing force into the moving part. A sealing pressure of up to 500 N can be generated here, which must be transmitted to the lock holder via the closing device and the locking mechanism. By advantageously mounting the closure pawl on the closure lever, the force introduced into the locking mechanism can be varied depending on the size of the seal. In particular, the direct connection between the closure pawl and the ramp area ensures a safe transmission of force to the rotary latch.

[0017] In a variant of an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the closing device applies a variable closing force to the rotary latch. The closing pawl acts directly on the rotary latch, moving it from the pre-latch position to the main latch or overtravel position. During this closing process, a variable force also acts on the rotary latch and, therefore, the closing drive. In particular, the door or tailgate is moved by the rotary latch against the force of the seal. As the door or tailgate gradually moves to the closed position, the seal pressure increases, and therefore the reaction force on the rotary latch also increases. To counter this variable force with a correspondingly variable closing force, the closing device can provide a closing force that increases with the increasing closing movement of the door or tailgate. Thus, a variable closing force offers the advantage that, with a constant drive torque, the force provided by the electric motor and the gear stage abutting the electric motor's output shaft can be optimally adapted to the required closing force. By varying the closing force, a force or torque tailored to the closing process can be generated and transmitted to the rotary latch. The rotary latch engages the lock holder or lock holder bracket to move the door from a pre-latch position to a main latch position, which corresponds to the closed position of the vehicle door or tailgate.

[0018]

[0018] It may also be advantageous or represent a variant of the embodiment of the present invention if the closing lever can be driven by a cam disc. The closing lever can be pivoted but is fixed in a predetermined position within the vehicle lock. The closing pawl is located on one side of the closing lever, which directly acts on the rotary latch. At the end of the closing lever opposite the closing pawl, the closing lever engages with a cam disc. The cam disc is designed to introduce a variable torque into the closing lever. Depending on the orientation and positioning of the cam disc, the cam disc moves within the vehicle lock and enables the locking mechanism to close. The cam disc is designed so that at the start of the closing process, the door or tailgate element moves relatively quickly with little force introduced into the closing pawl, and as the closing movement of the door or tailgate increases, the torque introduced into the closing pawl increases so that the rotary latch can be moved to the main latch position at a slower speed but with greater force. The cam disc therefore allows for the adaptation of the required force while at the same time allowing for the adjustment of the closing movement or closing speed of the door or tailgate. Preferably, the cam disc is arranged so that it is rotatable within the vehicle lock but is fixed in a predetermined position within the vehicle lock. Like the closure lever, the cam disc is fixed in place within the vehicle lock and allows the closure lever to pivot, thereby enabling the closure pawl to operate.

[0019]

[0019] During closing, the closing lever applies an increasing closing force to the closing pawl. In this regard, it can also be said that the closing force increases gradually. The cam disc is designed so that the force increases continuously. Due to the curved path on the cam disc, the force increases continuously but gradually. The curved path on the cam disc can be described as a spiral. The spiral extends from the radially outer edge of the cam disc to the interior of the cam disc, i.e., the curve extends spirally towards the centre of the cam disc, i.e., towards the rotation axis of the cam disc.

[0020]

[0020] It may also be advantageous if the cam disc is integrated into the vehicle lock, forming a variant of the embodiment of the present invention. Integrating the cam disc into the vehicle lock or the housing of the vehicle lock allows for direct drive of the closing lever. This offers the advantage of a compact design, which eliminates the need for an external drive. The cam disc is preferably driven by an electric motor via a first stage, e.g., a worm gear stage. However, depending on the size of the door, sliding door, or tailgate, it is also conceivable to arrange two or more gear stages between the electric drive and the cam disc. The cam disc is driven with a constant torque by a gear mechanism, and the force on the rotary latch is adjusted or increased by the interaction between the cam disc and the closing lever.

[0021]

[0021] Preferably, the cam disc can have a guide profile for the closing lever. While it is conceivable that the cam disc is formed from a control profile and that the closing lever rests on the control profile, it is preferable to use a guide profile for the cam disc. For this purpose, the closing lever can have, for example, a drive bolt riveted to the closing lever. Furthermore, this drive bolt is held in a guide profile and can be moved by the rotational movement of the cam disc. The closing lever pivots about its fixed pivot point. Naturally, it is also conceivable that the drive bolt can be keyed to the cam disc. The keyed engagement between the drive bolt and the guide profile ensures safe transmission of torque to the closing pawl.

[0022]

[0022] Preferably, the cam disc can have an intermediate position, in particular a parking position for the closing pawl. The intermediate position defines a parking position for the closing pawl, which can also be described as a starting position for closure. In the parking position, the closing pawl is in a position where it can enter the locking mechanism, preferably the rotary latch, and even more preferably the pre-latch. Starting from the intermediate position, the closing process can be initiated by reaching the pre-latch and the pre-latch pawl coming into contact with the pre-latch.

[0023]

[0023] It is also advantageous if the rotary latch can be moved to the overtravel position by a cam disc. Starting from a pre-latch position in which the closing pawl is in contact with the pre-latch on the rotary latch, the cam disc can be used to move the rotary latch. The closing lever is moved by the cam disc, preferably by a guiding profile, and the closing pawl pulls or pushes the rotary latch from the pre-latch position to the main latch position. In the main latch position, the main latch pawl enters the main latch of the rotary latch. To ensure safe access to the main latch position in the locking mechanism, the rotary latch is moved beyond the main latch position by the closing pawl so that safe engagement of the main latch pawl into the main latch of the rotary latch can be guaranteed. Thus, the rotary latch is rotated beyond the actual main latch position to achieve reliable electrical operation of the main latch in the locking mechanism.

[0024]

[0024] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments do not limit the present invention, but the principle of merely advantageous design is applied. The illustrated features can be implemented individually or in combination with further features of the description and claimed features, individually or in combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle lock equipped in accordance with the present invention, with the locking mechanism in an open position, with only the parts essential for explaining the invention shown; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a rear view of the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 1, showing the lock case, the closing lever and the cam disc in the open position. [Figure 3] 3 shows a car lock designed according to the invention according to FIG. 2, in which the cam disc is shown during the closing process. [Figure 4] Shows the closing process and the position of the cam disc or closing lever in the main latch position of the locking mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]

[0026] In Figure 1, vehicle lock 1 is shown in a plan view of lock mechanism 2 in the open, i.e., non-blocking, position. The lock mechanism includes a rotary latch 3, a pre-latch pawl 4, and a main latch pawl 5. Lock mechanism components 3, 4, and 5 are pivotally mounted within lock case 8 by axles 6 and 7. Lock case 8 has an insertion area 9 through which a lock holder (not shown) can interact with rotary latch 3 in a known manner. Lock case 8 also has brackets 10 and 11, by which vehicle lock 1 can be fastened to a vehicle or vehicle body. For purposes of illustrating the present invention, only those components of vehicle lock 1 essential for illustrating the present invention are shown. Pawls 4 and 5 each have extensions 12 and 13 engageable with switch devices 14 and 15. Switching means 14 and 15 are shown in Figure 1 in their actuated positions. In other words, the extension 12 of the pre-latch pawl activates the switch device 14 and the extension 13 of the main latch pawl 5 activates the switch device 15. In this embodiment, both switch devices 14, 15 are shown designed and operated as microswitches.

[0027]

[0027] Figure 1 shows the unlocked position of the lock mechanism 2, in which the rotary latch 3 can move in the direction of arrow P, i.e., counterclockwise. Movement of the rotary latch 3 is effected by a rotary latch spring (not shown) which loads the rotary latch 3 in the direction of arrow P and the sealing pressure exerted by the tailgate on the vehicle lock or lock holder. In this open position, the rotary latch can release the lock holder and the tailgate can be opened. Axes 6, 7 of the lock mechanism 2 are housed within a lock case 8, and an entrance area 9 forms a recess in the lock case 8 to allow insertion of the lock holder. Brackets 10, 11 allow the car lock 1 to be mounted in a vehicle.

[0028] In addition to the locking mechanism already described, the motor vehicle lock 1 has a closing device 23, of which only the closing lever 24 and the closing pawl 25 are shown here. The closing pawl 25 is in the disengaged position, and a driver 26 on the closing pawl 25 engages with the pre-latch pawl 4. To activate the closing pawl 25, the pre-latch pawl 4 has a driving contour 27 with which the driver 26 of the closing pawl 25 engages. In this exemplary embodiment, the closing pawl 25 is arranged above the pre-latch pawl 4, and the driver 26 extends in the direction of the pre-latch pawl 4 so as to allow interaction between the driver 26 and the driver contour 27.

[0029] The closing lever 24 is mounted in the car lock 1 so as to be pivotable about its axis 28, which is arranged at a fixed position in the car lock 1. The closing lever 24 can therefore be pivoted about the axis 28 in the direction of the arrow P4, thereby moving the closing pawl 25 accordingly. For this purpose, the closing pawl 24 is accommodated in the closing lever 24 so as to be pivotable about an axis 29.

[0030] The closing lever 24 is shown in its initial position A, indicated by a dashed line. The initial position designates a position of the closing lever 24 in which the closing pawl 25 is disengaged from the rotary latch 3 or in which the closing pawl 25 can engage the range of travel of the rotary latch, in particular the pre-latch 17. However, the closing pawl 25 is held by the driver 26 out of engagement with the pre-latch 17 or the rotary latch 3, and interacts with the pre-latch pawl 4.

[0031]

[0031] In Figure 2, the car lock 1 according to Figure 1 is shown in rear view as a view of the lock case 8, with the cam disc 30 additionally shown. The cam disc is rotatable about its cam disc axis 31, and the cam disc 30 is arranged in a fixed position in the car lock 1. On the cam disc 30 there is a guide contour 32 which extends from a radial end 33 towards the rotation axis 31 of the cam disc 30 and is formed helically on the cam disc 30. The closing lever 24, which is arranged in a fixed position in the car lock 1, engages on one side with the closing claw 25 and has a drive bolt 34 which is guided in the guide contour 32 of the cam disc 30.

[0032] 4 shows the position of the closure lever 24 when the pre-latch position is not yet taken. The open position of the closure drive is thus shown, with the closure pawl 25, the closure lever 24, as well as the cam disc 30 with the downstream gear mechanism and the electric motor (not shown) being shown as substantial components of the closure drive. To start from the release position of the closure pawl 25 and allow closure to begin, the cam disc moves clockwise around its axis 31 in the direction of the arrow P6, so that the closure pawl can enter the pre-latch 17 of the rotary latch 3.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates the closing process performed by the cam disc 30, the closing lever 24, and the closing pawl 25. The guide contour 32 on the cam disc 30 is also visible. The guide contour 32 extends spirally from the radially outer region 33 of the cam disc 30 toward the axis 31 of the cam disc 30. The guide contour 32 has a first position 35, which may be designated as an open position; a second position 36, which may be designated as a parking position; and a start position for closing: a main latch position 37, in which the rotary latch 3 reaches the main latch; and an overtravel position 38, in which the rotary latch is pivoted beyond the main latch position to ensure secure engagement when the locking mechanism 2 is electrically latched. The spiral or helical course of the guide contour 32 varies the force input to the rotary latch 3, achieving an increased force or torque from the radial end 33 of the cam disc toward the overtravel position 38. Thus, FIG. 3 illustrates the movement of the cam disc and the position of the closing lever 24 during the transition of the rotary latch 3 from the pre-latch position to the main latch position.

[0034] In FIG. 4, the cam disc 30 moves the closing lever 24 until the rotary latch 3 reaches the main latch position. The drive bolt 34 is in the main latch position of the guide contour 32. As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, the cam disc varies the engagement of the closing lever 24 on the cam disc 30 so as to be able to introduce a variable torque into the closing pawl 25 or the rotary latch 3. Thus, the design according to the present invention makes it possible to introduce a variable torque into the rotary latch and provide a high force for closing the door, sliding door, or tailgate. In particular, a high closing force is required in the area where the main latch position 37 is reached, since the overall sealing force acts on the tailgate, door, or sliding door. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1. Car Lock 2 Locking mechanism 3 Rotary Latch 4 Pre-latch claws 5 Main latch claw 6, 7, 28, 29, 31 axis 8 Lock Case 9 Insertion Area 10, 11 Bracket 16 Latch holder 17 Pre-latch 18 Metal body 19 Plastic sheath 21 Main Latch 22 Housing 23 Closing device 24 Closing lever 25 closing claw 26 Drivers 27 Drive Contour 30 Cam disc 32 Guiding Contour 33 Radial end 34 Drive bolt 35 Open position 36 Pre-latch position 37 Main latch position 38 Overtravel position P4, P5 arrows

Claims

1. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism (2) consisting of a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 5), the rotary latch (3) being latchable in a pre-latch position (36) and a main latch position (37), the locking mechanism (2) having a pre-latch pawl (4) and a main latch pawl (5), the pre-latch (17) of the locking mechanism (2) being formed by an area arranged on a metal body of the rotary latch, in particular an inclined area of the metal body (18) of the rotary latch (3), characterized in that the inclined area (17) is engageable with a closing pawl (25) of a closing device (23). Lock (1).

2. 2. The lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing device (23) acts on the rotary latch (3) with a variable closing force.

3. 3. The lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing pawl (25) is pivotally arranged on a fixed closing lever (24).

4. A lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closing lever (24) can be driven by a cam disc (30).

5. Lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the closing lever (24) introduces an increasing closing force onto the closing claw (25) during closing.

6. Lock (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cam disc (30) is integrated into the motor vehicle lock (1).

7. Vehicle latch (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cam disc (30) has a guiding contour (32) for the closing lever (24).

8. 8. The lock (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that there is a keyed fit between the guiding contour (32) and the closing lever (24).

9. Lock (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the cam disc (30) has a central position (36), in particular a pre-latch position (36), for said closing pawl (25).

10. A lock (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the rotary latch (3) can be moved into an overtravel position (38) by a cam disc (30).

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