Automobile locks, especially hood locks or panel locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and to a motor vehicle lock (1), in particular a hood lock, comprising a locking mechanism (1) having a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4) for latching a striker (8) at least in the locked position of the motor vehicle lock (1), and a torsion spring (7) configured to interact with the locking mechanism (3, 4) in such a way that the torsion spring (7) can at least assist in displacing the striker from the locked position and can also introduce a differential force on the striker (8) by means of the torsion spring (7).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a hood lock, comprising a rotary latch, at least one pawl for latching a striker in at least the locked position of the motor vehicle lock, and a torsion spring, the torsion spring interacting with a locking mechanism such that the torsion spring can at least assist in moving the striker from the locked position.

[0002]

[0002] Automobile locks or locking systems are used where doors, hinged panels or movable components must be held on a vehicle to ensure safe operation. Nowadays, locking systems primarily serve to hold movable components in a closed position, while comfort functions are increasingly emphasized. In this case, it is particularly important for hinged panels to be securely closed and easily opened.

[0003]

[0003] Hoods and hinged panels may be closed by seals to provide a seal against water, dirt, etc. Here, the seal means a fixing element that provides back pressure (reaction force) to the locking mechanism when the lock is closed.

[0004]

[0004] Preferably and typically, in the case of an engine hood or hinged panel, a lock holder is fastened to the engine hood or hinged panel, and the striker interacts with the vehicle lock. The striker typically interacts with a locking mechanism of a corresponding vehicle door lock. The striker and the vehicle door lock typically define a locking means for the vehicle door. The striker cooperates with the locking mechanism in the vehicle lock to provide a secure and reliable closure. In principle, this relationship can also be reversed.

[0005]

[0005] The striker, which cooperates with the locking mechanism of a vehicle door lock to perform the main closing function, is, on the one hand, a particularly important component related to safety, and, on the other hand, is exposed to special loads, especially in the event of an accident. In fact, occupant protection in a side collision depends largely on how reliably the striker and the locking mechanism interacting with it can absorb the forces acting on it. The most important point here is to ensure that the vehicle door remains closed and that the various safety devices (brake assist, side airbags, side impact protection, etc.) installed in or on the vehicle door can perform their intended function.

[0006]

[0006] The locking mechanism included in the vehicle lock has a pre-latch (hold / catch) position and a main lock. The hood or hinged panel lock is provided with a two-stroke operation. The first stroke (for example, acting on the vehicle lock via a Bowden cable) moves the striker from the main latch position (the hinged panel closed position) to the pre-latch or catch position. This prevents the hinged panel from fully opening in the event of a Bowden cable malfunction, thereby avoiding danger to the driver and passengers. The second pull of the Bowden cable fully releases the hinged panel or hood.

[0007] A lock for a front hinged panel of the above type is disclosed in DE 296 00 386 U1. The lock interacts with a closure bar. This lock is typically located at the front end of a motor vehicle and interacts with the closure bar of the front hinged panel. The closure bar is pivotally mounted on the front hinged panel and can be pivoted from a normal position to a release position against the restoring force of a closure bar spring. This is achieved by an actuation handle that can be activated by a user when the closure bar is in the pre-latch position. The closure bar is then pivoted out of its path of travel and can pivot about the hook end. During closing of the closing device, the closure bar, particularly the rib forming the end of the closure bar, slides along the control side of a catch hook that, in the prior art, is fixedly connected to the lock housing. The catch hook rides over the end of the control side and is then returned by the tensioned catch hook spring to a rearward engagement position relative to the latch side. As the closure bar is further displaced, it enters the locking mouth (entrance mouth) of the rotary latch, and as the closure bar is further displaced, the rotary latch rotates and is secured in the locked position by the pawl.

[0008]

[0008] DE 10 2010 061 518 From A1, a lock for front-hinged components is known, which comprises a catch hook assigned to the lock housing for engaging with a closure bar, the catch hook having a control side and a latch side, the latch side being arranged on the path of movement of the closure bar, which can be deflected from its path of movement, and wherein, when closing the front-hinged panel, the closure bar first slides along the control ramp of the catch hook, which is fixed relative to the lock housing in the catch position, and after passing the end of the catch hook, enters a pre-latch position behind the latch side, and further comprises a locking mouth of a pawl, wherein the closure bar enters the open position of the rotary latch after further displacement of the front-hinged panel in the closing direction, and wherein the closure bar is held in the locked position of the rotary latch secured by the pawl, the catch hook being fixedly connected to the rotary latch, and the rotary latch is blocked from pivoting into the open position by a spring-loaded ejection arm, the pivot block being removed by the displacement of the ejection arm when the closure bar enters the locking mouth. Summary of the Invention

[0009]

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve is to improve the closing performance of the locks for front hinged panels mentioned at the outset.

[0010]

[0010] This object is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, with the following description being non-limiting, rather any variation of the features set out in the description and in the dependent claims is possible.

[0011]

[0011] According to claim 1, the problem of the present invention is solved by providing a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a hood lock, comprising a rotary latch, at least one pawl for latching a striker in at least the locked position of the motor vehicle lock, and a torsion spring, the torsion spring being configured to interact with a locking mechanism to at least assist in displacing the striker from the locked position, and the torsion spring being able to apply different forces to the rotary latch. The inventive design of this lock allows the lock to be opened and closed using different forces on the rotary latch. During the closing process, it must be ensured that the striker is reliably moved to the main locking position. This can be particularly difficult because the hood or hinged panel must move against a counter force from the seal. This sealing force must be overcome while simultaneously closing the hood or hinged panel against the force of the torsion spring. The lock structure of the present invention allows for a modified, reduced force to be applied within the lock, allowing for easier closure. In contrast, when opening the lock, a high force is required to lift the hood, especially a large and long engine hood, so that the operator can intervene. The different forces in the vehicle lock allow for selective and situation-dependent force supply by the torsion spring.

[0012] Preferably, the torsion spring can be directly engaged with the rotary latch. Direct engagement of the torsion spring with the rotary latch allows direct interaction between the rotary latch and the striker. Force is transmitted from the torsion spring to the rotary latch without a transmission element, allowing the rotary latch to utilize a variable force introduced directly to the rotary latch via the torsion spring.

[0013]

[0013] A further embodiment of the present invention is achieved by making the force of the torsion spring adjustable by means of a preload lever. The preload lever interacts directly with the torsion spring and adjusts the amount of spring deflection. In other words, the force provided by the torsion spring can be varied by means of the preload lever. The torsion spring has two legs, with the first leg directly engaging the rotary latch and the second leg engaging the preload lever. This allows the torsion spring to bear against the preload lever in a tensioning manner and directly apply force to the rotary latch.

[0014]

[0014] The preload lever is pivotally mounted on the lock case of the vehicle lock. The preload lever can be moved or pivoted to change the abutment of the second leg against the preload lever. This allows the force acting on the rotary latch to be varied. By shifting the contact point of the legs of the torsion spring, the amount of spring deflection can be adjusted, which in turn affects the force within the torsion spring. Different amounts of spring deflection, i.e., different amounts of spring spread, can generate different forces within the vehicle lock. The force is adjustable.

[0015]

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous for one leg of the torsion spring to abut against a curved portion of the preload lever. To provide a simple and therefore cost-effective design solution, the preload lever is provided with a curved portion. The second leg of the torsion spring abuts against this curved portion. When the preload lever attached to the lock case is moved, preferably pivoted, the deflection amount, i.e., the spread, of the torsion spring changes. When the leg spread angle is large, the force acting on the torsion spring is small, and when the leg is compressed, a large force is stored in the torsion spring. In this way, preloading and deloading of the torsion spring can be achieved with simple design means.

[0016]

[0016] To secure the position of the preload lever, the preload lever can be positioned in at least one position by a blocking lever. The preload lever is pivotably housed in the lock case. The preload lever is spring-suspended by the abutment of the second leg of the torsion spring. The blocking lever is used to ensure that the preload lever can be held in different positions. When the preload lever is moved to the preload position using a rotary latch, which will be described later, the blocking lever can secure the preload lever in a tensioned position or prevent the preload lever from moving. The blocking lever is mounted in the lock case and is capable of engaging with at least the preload lever.

[0017]

[0017] Advantageously, the blocking lever can be latched into a recess in the preload lever so that the blocking lever can be secured in a tensioned position. This further simple design option for ensuring coordinated interaction between the preload lever and the blocking lever allows for precise positioning and also ensures that the preload lever is securely held.

[0018]

[0018] A further embodiment is obtained by making the blocking lever operable by means of a rotary latch. As mentioned above, the rotary latch interacts with the pawl and together with the pawl forms the locking mechanism. In the main locking position of the locking mechanism, the rotary latch is in its rest position at its maximum retraction, regardless of whether there is an overtravel position in the latch. This position of the rotary latch, or more precisely, its reaching the main locking position, is used to preload the preload lever, thereby preloading the preload lever with minimal design resources. At the same time that the rotary latch is closed and moves to the main locking position, the preload lever moves to its tensioned position. In this preloading position, the blocking lever is simultaneously engaged with the preload lever, in particular by spring bias. Thus, the final closure in the main locking position is used to preload the torsion spring.

[0019]

[0019] It is further advantageous for the blocking lever to have a first arm engageable with the preload lever and a second arm engageable with the rotary latch. In this case, the rotary latch performs a dual function. First, it acts as a locking mechanism in cooperation with the pawl to secure the hood or hinged panel. Second, the rotary latch interacts with the blocking lever to control the preloading of the preload lever. The rotary latch allows the blocking lever to be moved out of engagement with the preload lever, thereby releasing the preload lever.

[0020]

[0020] The solution to the problem can also be provided by a method for closing a motor vehicle lock, in which a torsion spring acts on a rotary latch, providing a high force to the torsion spring when the lock is open and a lower force when the lock is closed, thereby achieving both easy closing and high force-assisted opening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021]

[0021] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiment does not limit the present invention, but merely represents one embodiment. The illustrated features can be implemented alone or in combination with other features described in the specification and claims. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a partial side view of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in the closed or main locking position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the lock of FIG. 1 in the lift-off or pre-latched position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the lock of FIG. 1 in a more open lift-off position, ie beyond the pre-latched position in the opening process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the lock according to FIG. 1 in the fully open position.

[0022] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0023]

[0023] Figure 1 shows a portion of a vehicle lock 1. Lock 1 includes a lock case, a rotary latch 3, a pawl 4, a blocking lever 5, a preload lever 6, and a torsion spring. A striker 8 is held in place by the rotary latch 3, and the position of the striker 8 shown corresponds to the closed position of the engine hood (not shown). The engine hood is held in the closed position by the interaction of the striker 8 and the vehicle lock 1.

[0024]

[0024] The rotary latch 3 is pivotally housed or mounted within the metal lock case 2, and the rotary latch 3 is pivotally mounted around a pivot shaft 9. The rotary latch 3 further comprises a bolt 10, which interacts with a first leg 11 of a torsion spring 7. The torsion spring 7, particularly the first leg 11, acts on the rotary latch 3 with a force F acting in a clockwise direction.

[0025]

[0025] The rotary latch 3 is held or secured in the main lock position shown in Figure 1 by the pawl 4. For this purpose, the pawl 4 is spring-suspended by a spring (not shown) towards the rotary latch 3. To hold or position the rotary latch 3, the pawl 4 engages with the main lock 13 of the rotary latch 3 with a first locking profile 12.

[0026]

[0026] The blocking lever 5 interacts with the preload lever 6 and blocks the preload lever 6 in the main lock position of the vehicle lock 1. The blocking lever 5 secures the position of the preload lever 6 and prevents the preload lever 6 from pivoting counterclockwise. The blocking lever 5, like the pawl 4 and the rotary latch 3, is pivotally mounted in the lock case 2 and is provided with pivot shafts 9, 14, and 15, respectively.

[0027]

[0027] The blocking lever 4 engages on one side in a recess 16 in the preload lever 6, securing the position of the preload lever 6. On the other hand, the preload lever 6 is spring-suspended via the second leg 17 of a torsion spring 7 and is pivotally held in the lock case 2 by a pivot shaft 18, like the other movable components 4, 5, 6. The torsion spring 7 also exerts a force F on the preload lever 6, which acts in a counterclockwise direction on the preload lever 6.

[0028] 1, the spring 7 is fully preloaded and held between the bolt 10 and the curved portion 19 of the preload lever 6. In this position, the spring 7 can exert a maximum force on the rotary latch 3. The preload force on the rotary latch 3 supports the rotary latch 3 during the opening process, which will be described below.

[0029]

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, when the pawl is moved from the main lock position, for example by a Bowden cable acting in the direction of arrow P1, the rotary latch 3 is released and moved in the direction of arrow P2, i.e., clockwise, by the torsion spring 7. However, the rotary latch 3 is not fully released and is held in an intermediate lock position 21 by the second locking profile 20 of the pawl 4 while tension is applied to the Bowden cable or the pawl 4. Therefore, the striker 8 is not released and is held in the entrance mouth 22 of the rotary latch 3. The torsion spring 7 holds the rotary latch 3 in the partially open intermediate position, as shown in Figure 2.

[0030]

[0030] Subsequently, when the tension on the Bowden cable is released, i.e., the first pull is stopped, the pawl re-engages with the first locking profile 12 into the pre-latch profile, i.e., pre-latch 23, of the rotary latch 3, as shown in FIG. 3. Note that the intermediate locking profile 21 of the rotary latch 3 engages with a further arm 24 or bolt 25 of the blocking lever 5. In FIG. 3, the intermediate locking profile 21 abuts against the blocking lever 5. More importantly, the torsion spring 7 continues to be preloaded via the second leg 17. In other words, the torsion spring 7 continues to exert a large force on the rotary latch 3, assisting and facilitating the opening of the hood. The blocking lever 5 is spring-suspended by a torsion spring (not shown) in a clockwise direction, i.e., in the direction of the rotary latch 3.

[0031]

[0031] When the Bowden cable is activated again from the state shown in Figure 3 (see Figure 4), two movements occur simultaneously. On the one hand, the rotary latch 3 is released and can move freely in the direction of the arrow P2, i.e., clockwise. On the other hand, the blocking lever 5 moves and releases the preload lever 6. The rotary latch 3 moves the blocking lever 5 counterclockwise, causing the further arm 26 of the blocking lever 5 to move out of the recess 16 of the preload lever 6. This causes the second leg 17 to rest against the stop 27 of the lock case 2. Likewise, the curved part 19 of the preload lever also abuts against the stop 27 of the lock case 2. As soon as the rotary latch 3 reaches its end position, the striker is released and can move freely in a straight line along the line M. In other words, the striker 8 and the hood can be opened.

[0032]

[0032] Here, a further advantage of the present invention becomes apparent. When the vehicle lock 1 is in the open position, the spring 7 is in its most relaxed state and exerts only a small force on the rotary latch 3. This provides the advantage that the hood can be easily closed and moved to the main lock position. In contrast, from the main lock position, the torsion spring (7) (particularly the second leg 17) applies the maximum force F to the rotary latch 3 and thus to the striker 8, allowing the hood to be easily opened, lifted, and safely moved to the pre-latch (catch) position. In other words, the compressed spring 7 exerts a high force F on the rotary latch, assisting in the opening of the hood. In the open hood position, i.e., the unlocked position of the vehicle lock 1, the spring 7 is in its most relaxed state, so the reaction force F acting on the rotary latch 3 is small. Therefore, the hood can be easily opened and closed with little resistance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1... Car lock, 2...lock case, 3...Rotary latch, 4...claw part, 5...Block lever, 6...Preload lever, 7...torsion spring, 8...Strike, 9, 14, 15, 18... Swivel shaft, 10,25... volts, 11...first leg, 12...First lock profile, 13...Main Rock, 16...recess, 17...second leg, 19...curved part, 20...Second lock profile, 21...Intermediate lock profile, 22...Entrance mouse, 23...Pre-latch, 24,26...Arm, F...force, P1, P2, P3...arrows, M...line.

Claims

1. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a hood lock, A locking mechanism having a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4) for latching a striker (8) in at least the locked position of the vehicle lock (1), a torsion spring (7), and Equipped with the torsion spring (7) is configured to interact with a locking mechanism (3, 4) to at least assist in moving the striker from the locked position by the torsion spring (7); A lock (1) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that said torsion spring (7) can introduce different forces into said rotary latch (3).

2. 2. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the torsion spring (7) can be directly engaged with the rotary latch (3).

3. 3. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the force (F) of the torsion spring (7) is adjustable by means of a preload lever (6).

4. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the preload lever (6) is pivotally mounted on the lock case (2).

5. 5. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein one leg (17) of the torsion spring (7) abuts against a curved portion (19) of the preload lever (6).

6. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the preload lever (6) can be held in at least one position by a blocking lever (5).

7. 7. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the blocking lever (5) is latchable in a recess (16).

8. A lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the blocking lever (5) is operable by the latch (3).

9. 9. The lock (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the blocking lever comprises a first arm (24) engageable with the preload lever (6) and a second arm (26) engageable with the rotary latch (3).

10. A method for closing a motor vehicle lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: The method involves applying the force of the torsion spring to the rotary latch (3), giving the torsion spring (7) a large force (F) when the lock (1) is open and a smaller force (F) when the lock (1) is closed.

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