Car lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (2) comprising a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the rotary latch being capable of being latched into at least one latched position by the pawl and having an actuating lever (3, 18, 30) rotatably received in a support point (4, 21, 29), the actuating lever having arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) for holding the actuating lever (3, 18, 30) in the support point (4, 21, 29), the retaining arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) of the actuating element (3, 18, 30) fitting into the support point (4, 21, 29) after being inserted into the support point (4, 21, 29), the retaining arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) being deformable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] explanation

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the rotary latch being capable of being latched into at least one latched position by the pawl and having an actuating element pivotally received in a support point, the support point having an arm for holding the actuating element in the support point, and a lever arm of the actuating element engaging with the support point after being inserted into the support point.

[0002] Levers are often used in car locks to perform various functions of the car lock. In addition to the locking mechanism, the car lock may have, for example, a lever mechanism that allows locking, child safety, anti-theft protection, closing the locking mechanism, opening a side door, and / or electrically unlocking the locking mechanism, to name just a few of the functions in a car lock. The lever mechanism here is actuated by a rod, a Bowden cable, and / or an electric motor with, for example, a downstream gearing. Depending on their location and function in the car, the actuating element or lever is attached either to the lock case or lock housing or to the lever itself.

[0003]

[0003] By way of example only, reference may be made to German Patent Application Publication No. 102008039240, which discloses a locking device having at least one locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pivotable first pawl, and a release lever which is moved so that during its movement it interacts with a drive pin of the first pawl and, during the interaction, forms a lateral pawl spring of the contact point between the drive pin and the release lever. For example, if a pawl is considered to be the actuating element of a motor vehicle lock, the pawl is mounted on a metal support mandrel which is fixed to the lock case by deformation, preferably by riveting.

[0004]

[0004] Meanwhile, German Patent Application Publication No. 102018116313 A1 discloses a fastening mechanism in which a pivoting part, in this case a mass inertia element, is held on a plastic mandrel by a bayonet-like closure. During assembly of the mass inertia element, a plastic pin with its arms passes through a recess in the mass inertia element, which then undergoes a rotation, the rotation of the mass inertia element relative to the plastic pin being designed so that the mass inertia element can move freely without the arms aligning with the recess, thereby achieving reliable functioning and retention of the mass inertia element. The plastic mandrel here serves as a support point for the mass inertia element, and after insertion of the mass inertia element, forms a secure support for the mass inertia element, with the arms of the plastic mandrel fitting into the mass inertia element.

[0005]

[0005] The prior art receivers for mounting actuating elements on car locks are, in principle, well-established. However, there is always an effort to realize the minimum number of support points for the actuating elements in the car lock, for example, to save on components, reduce the required installation space, or reduce the weight of the car lock. However, in any case, since the car lock is a safety-relevant component, it must be possible to ensure that the function can be safely activated. Based on these prerequisites, the present invention aims to improve car locks.

[0006]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved motor vehicle lock. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a support point for an actuating element, which support point uses as few parts as possible, is space-saving, and has the smallest possible weight. Furthermore, a structurally simple and cost-effective way of realizing the support point will be possible.

[0007]

[0007] 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 allow for any possible variants of the features set out in the description, the dependent claims and the drawings.

[0008] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock with a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the rotary latch being capable of being latched into at least one latch position by the pawl and having an actuating element pivotally received in a support point, the support point having an arm for holding the actuating element in the support point, the retaining arm of the actuating element engaging with the support point after insertion into the support point, and the lever arm being deformable. The inventive design of the support point allows for a support point for the actuating element, which allows for a secure holding of the actuating element with minimal expenditure of parts. On the one hand, the deformation process can ensure reliable holding, and on the other hand, deformation of the actuating element itself can allow for a pivotal mounting of the support point, i.e., the actuating element. In addition to ensuring holding, forming a connection between the support element and the actuating element can provide a pivotal support generated solely by the interaction between the support point and the actuating element. Therefore, the pivotal mounting of the actuating element in the motor vehicle lock can be achieved with as few means as possible, i.e., the smallest possible number of parts. The formation itself replaces other methods for connecting or creating the support point. The support point itself is defined by the interaction of the actuating element with the support point, for example, a separate axle or rivet can be omitted.

[0009]

[0009] In a lock for a motor vehicle, also called a locking system, a locking mechanism is installed, consisting of a rotary latch and at least one locking pawl. The locking mechanism in the lock interacts with a lock holder attached to either the body of the vehicle or the door, flap, sliding door, etc. Relative movement between the lock holder and the rotary latch causes the rotary latch to pivot, and at the same time, the locking pawl engages with the rotary latch. Locking mechanisms with a pre-latch and a main latch are widely known from the prior art.

[0010] Depending on the embodiment, there may be one or two stage locking mechanisms, each with a pre-latch and / or a main latch. The locking pawl is preferably engaged with the rotary latch by a spring load. A release lever is used to unlock, i.e., release, the locking pawl from the rotary latch. The release lever acts on the locking pawl so that it disengages from the rotary latch and allows the rotary latch to move from the latched position to the open position. The rotary latch is acted upon by a tensile load, which is primarily generated by a spring element and / or a lock holder in combination with a door seal.

[0011]

[0011] A series of actuating levers, each having at least one actuating lever, is used to actuate the release lever, which may be, for example, an internal actuating lever or an external actuating lever, to give examples of the application areas of the actuating lever, with the help of which the release lever is moved and the locking mechanism is unlocked.

[0012]

[0012] It can be advantageous if two, three or more retaining arms are fitted to the actuating lever or actuating element. On the one hand, several retaining arms can be used to adjust the pivoting movement of the actuating element or actuating lever, and on the other hand, several retaining arms can be used to influence the degree of freedom of the actuating element at the support point. Thus, the retaining arms serve, on the one hand, to adjust the pivot angle and, on the other hand, to provide a stable support for the actuating lever. Depending on the functions that can be adjusted using the actuating lever in the car lock, several retaining arms can be selected or used accordingly.

[0013]

[0013] If the support points and actuating elements are made of sheet metal, this also leads to advantageous design variations. Providing metal support points and actuating elements allows for the use of cost-effective components, on the one hand, and also provides a stable support for the transmission of larger forces, on the other hand. For example, when a vehicle lock needs to be closed, a larger force may be required. For example, a larger force may also be required to open a frozen door element. Here, metal components of an articulated connection of metal parts can be advantageously used. Thus, not only can a cost-effective articulated connection with a small number of components be provided, but also large forces can be transferred or transmitted across the entire support points. The transformation can be carried out using the simplest construction means, for example, with a stamping machine, which also requires the least possible manufacturing effort.

[0014] In a further embodiment variant of the present invention, the support points are formed from openings having the same diameter. The support points are provided with openings into which the actuating elements are inserted. After the holding arms are deformed, the actuating elements are connected to the support points. For example, if approximately circular openings are punched or drilled into the support points, this results in cost-effective and simple manufacture. In addition to cost-effective manufacture of the openings, the pivoting of the actuating elements can be easily achieved by using openings with a uniform diameter.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the support point has at least one deformation, in particular a fold or an indentation. If the deformation is introduced into the support point itself, the support point can fulfill additional functions. As the name suggests, the support point serves to receive and support the actuating element. For example, if a fold is formed at the support point, the support point can also function as a stop means in the interaction between the actuating element and the support point. The fold can then interact with, for example, the actuating element and / or the retaining arm and thus constitute a pivot limit for the actuating lever. In other words, the actuating lever can then move relative to the fold when pivoting, so that a separate stop for the actuating lever is not required. This minimizes the number of parts required to provide a support point for a pivotally mounted lever. However, it is also conceivable, additionally or alternatively, to form an indentation on the support point. The indentation of the support point can also be easily formed on the support point during its manufacture, for example, using a molding indentation. The markings then protrude in one direction beyond the support point and, depending on their placement, can function as a stop for the actuating lever or a stop for the retaining arm. Of course, it is also conceivable that preferably two, and even more preferably three or more, markings are arranged around the opening of the support point. For example, it is also conceivable to assign a marking to each retaining arm, thereby enabling stable contact of the actuating element, which can be advantageous, for example, when transmitting large forces. The fold and markings can be present together at the support point and interact with the extensions of the retaining arms and / or the actuating lever themselves.

[0016]

[0016] A variant of the invention can also be provided where the support point has a separation point in the region of the opening. Separation point means that the support point has a separation around the entire opening. The separation of the support point in the region of the opening can advantageously interact with the fold on the circumference of the opening, so that the fold on the one hand and the separation point on the other hand can function as stop limits for the movement of the actuating element. This variant of an advantageous embodiment makes it possible to provide a support point for limited mobility of the actuating element without requiring additional parts to limit its rotation. Advantageously, of course, the fold, the marking, and the separation point can cooperate to enable a secure retention and / or restriction of the actuating element.

[0017]

[0017] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention can also be achieved if the support point has a tab that extends at least partially into the opening of the support point, thereby fixing the position of the actuating element. The extension can function as a tab, extending from the border of the opening on the tab toward the center of the opening. Thus, the opening is limited. The tab can also be molded into the tab during the manufacture of the opening and serves as a support for the actuating element. Preferably, the tab has a symmetrical design and extends beyond the center point of the opening. By creating an additional tab that covers the opening, the actuating element can be further stabilized within the support point. Thus, the tab serves to fix the position, allowing the actuating element to be guided as accurately as possible in the support point.

[0018]

[0018] The deformations, in particular the folds and / or the indentations and / or the separation points and / or the tabs, can form stops for the actuating element. The tabs can therefore be assigned a dual function, particularly if they not only serve to fix the position of the actuating element but also interact with the actuating element in such a way as to constitute a pivot limit for the actuating element. Depending on the arrangement and design of the lever mechanism according to the invention, the aforementioned modifications to the support point can be integrated into the support point and / or the actuating element together, so that the corresponding functions can be achieved by the support point. By arranging the stops at appropriate distances, different pivot angles can be set, ensuring that the actuating element is firmly held on the support point, so that forces can be transmitted to the entire support point with as little play as possible.

[0019]

[0019] A variant of the invention can also result from the fact that the support point itself is designed as part of a pivotally mounted lever. The support point itself constitutes a lever and can be pivotally mounted. This makes it possible to exceed large lever movements or to provide complex mechanisms for the vehicle lock. For example, large movements are required when the door element is opened or when the lock mechanism is pulled from the pre-latched position of the lock mechanism to the main latched position of the lock mechanism by the actuating element according to the invention.

[0020]

[0020] In order to deform the retaining arm and make it possible to attach the actuating element to the support point with as little play as possible, it can be advantageous if the support point has a material thickness greater than that of the actuating element. As shown in detail in the exemplary embodiment, the difference in material makes it possible to set a degree of play between the support point and the actuating element, so that a precise movement can also be achieved using the support point in the lock.

[0021]

[0021] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the principle that the exemplary embodiments do not limit the present invention, but are merely advantageous embodiments, applies. The illustrated features can be implemented individually or in combination with further features of the present specification and claims, individually or in combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary illustration of the invention of a shaftless joint in a three-dimensional view, in which the support point is formed by a pivotally mounted lever. [Figure 2] 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a couplingless shaft from an opposite perspective to that of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 1 shows the first step for joining a shaftless coupling or before joining a support point with an actuating element. [Figure 4] The bonded joint is shown as a cross section through the support points. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B further show cross-sectional support point views showing the formed actuation elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023]

[0023] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a shaftless joint 1 as part of a car lock 2. The shaftless joint 1 comprises an actuating lever 3 and a support point 4. The actuating lever 3 can be, for example, a closing lever for a locking device and is attached to the support point 5 so that it can pivot about an axis 5 in the direction of the arrow P. In this exemplary embodiment, the support point 4 is designed as part of a pivotally attached lever 6. The lever 6 is attached to the car lock 2 so that it can pivot about an axis 7. The lever 6, and therefore the support point 4, can therefore also pivot about the axis 7 in the direction of the arrow P2.

[0024] The support point 4 comprises an opening 8, which is surrounded by the support point 4. A dividing line 9 is formed in the support point 4, which dividing line 9 forms part of a fold 10 in this exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, a tab 11 is formed in the fold 10, which tab serves to stabilize the actuating lever 3 or actuating element 3.

[0025]

[0025] The actuating lever 3 is fastened to the support point 4, to which it is form-fittingly connected by a lever arm. As a result, the actuating lever 3 is pivotably mounted about an axis 5 and is held in the opening 8 by retaining arms 12, 13. As can be clearly seen in the exemplary embodiment, the movement of the actuating element 3 is limited on the one hand by the dividing line 9, a stop surface 14 formed on the dividing line 9, and a stop surface 15 on the folding part 10. As a result, the actuating lever 3 is received in the support point 4 so as to be movable back and forth in the direction of the arrow P from the stop surface 15 to the stop surface 14.

[0026] The position of the actuating lever 3 is fixed by the interaction of the circular end 16 of the actuating lever 3 interacting with the retaining arms 12, 13, which fix the position by the tab 11. As can be clearly seen, the tab 11 extends over the centre of the axis 5, making it possible to securely attach the actuating lever 3 to the support point 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the tab 11 is formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis M of the tab 11.

[0027]

[0027] In this exemplary embodiment, the rotation angle of the actuating element 3 around the axis 5 is limited by stop surfaces 14, 15, and it is also considered that the retaining arms 12, 13 interacting with the folding portion 10 and the dividing line 9 function as stops for the actuating lever 3.

[0028]

[0028] The actuating lever 3 can function, for example, as a closing lever for a locking mechanism. For this purpose, a portion of a rotary latch (not shown) can engage with the folding portion 17 and move the rotary latch from a pre-latched position to a main latched position. To enable movement of the actuating lever 3 in the direction of arrow P3, the lever 6 can be driven, for example, by a motor and / or a Bowden cable, and can be pivoted about an axis 7, thereby applying a closing force to the rotary latch. To ensure a secure engagement between the actuating lever 3 and the rotary latch, the actuating lever 3 can be pivoted in the direction of arrow P around the shaftless coupling 1 during the closing process.

[0029]

[0029] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the actuating element 18 in a three-dimensional view, a rear view of the actuating lever 18 compared to Figure 1. The actuating lever 18 is also attached to a pivotable lever 19, which can pivot about an axis 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the support point 21 is provided with markings 22, 23. The markings 22, 23 are introduced into the support point 21 in different directions. If the marking 22 forms a protrusion in the support point 21, the marking 23 is formed as a recess in the support point 21. The markings or deformations 22, 23 are therefore formed in different directions relative to the support point. Here too, two retaining arms 24, 25 can be seen, which secure the actuating lever 18 to the support point 21. If the protrusion 22 serves as a stop surface for the actuating lever 18, the recess 23 can interact with the retaining arm 25, for example, so that a stop is provided for the actuating lever 18. Depending on the design of the markings 22, 23, the arrangement of the retaining arms 24, 25 and the orientation of the extension 26 of the actuating lever 18, as well as the arrangement of the extension 26 relative to the circular end 27 of the actuating lever 18, the pivot angle α of the actuating lever 18 can be adjusted. Of course, it is also possible to provide combinations of the illustrated features so that different functions can be realized with the shaftless coupling 1. In the two variants of Figures 1 and 2, the actuating levers 3, 18 are configured identically, but the support points 4, 21 form different receivers for the actuating levers 3, 18.

[0030]

[0030] Figure 3 shows the arrangement of the lever 28 with a further embodiment variant of the support point 29 before assembly with the actuating lever 30. In this respect, it can be seen that in Figure 3 the retaining arms 31, 32 are reproduced in an undeformed state. However, it can also be seen that a fold 33 is formed in the support point 29 and extends circumferentially around the opening 34 in several areas. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows an assembly aid with supports 36, 37 for deforming the retaining arms 31, 32. Figure 3 shows the state of the non-coupling 38 before connection of the actuating lever at the support point 29 or lever 28.

[0031] 4 shows the connection between the actuating lever 30 and the support point 29. The holding arm is formed, for example, using a pressing force F, and the folding support members 36, 37 act as opposing supports. The support members 36, 37 are formed in the assembly aid 35 so as to have a material thickness D of the support point 29. l , so that a gap S is formed between the arms 31, 32 and the support point 29. By means of the assembly aids 35, in particular by means of the fold supports 36, 37, it is possible to set a precise alignment between the support point 29 and the holding arms 31, 32.

[0032] 5 shows the joining of the actuating lever 30 to the support point 29 using an alternative assembly aid 38. The assembly aid 38 dispenses with the supports 36, 37, so that when the retaining arms 31, 32 are deformed, it is possible to achieve a play-free seating of the retaining arms 31, 32 on the support point 29. For this purpose, the support point 29 is made of a material having a thickness D greater than that of the actuating lever 30. l The material thickness D of the actuating lever 30 B is the material thickness D at support point 29 L is smaller than.

[0033] In any case, the inventive design without a shaft coupling allows for a structurally simple and reliable mounting of the actuating lever in the car lock, which can be achieved with the fewest possible parts. Depending on the gap S set in combination with the tab 39, a precise guidance of the actuating lever can also be achieved, so that even large forces can be transmitted safely by the actuating lever. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1, 38 Shaftless coupling 2. Car Locks 3, 18, 30 Actuating elements 4, 21, 29 support points 5, 7, 20 axes 6, 19, 28 levers 8, 34 Opening 9 Dividing Line 10 Folding section 11, 39 tabs 12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32 Retaining arms 14, 15 Stopper surface 16, 27 Circular end 17, 33 Folding section 22, 23 Engraving 26 Extension 35, 38 Assembly aids 36, 37 Support P, P2, P3 arrows M center axis α Turning angle F force S arrow D L , D B Material Thickness

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle lock (2) comprising a locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the rotary latch being capable of being latched into at least one latched position by the pawl and having an actuating lever (3, 18, 30) pivotally received in a support point (4, 21, 29), the support point (4, 21, 29) having an arm (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) for retaining the actuating lever (3, 18, 30) on the support point (4, 21, 29), the retaining arm (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) of the actuating element (3, 18, 30) fitting into the support point (4, 21, 29) after being inserted into the support point (4, 21, 29), characterized in that the retaining arm (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) is deformable.

2. 2. The vehicle lock (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that two, three or more retaining arms (12, 13, 24, 25, 31, 32) fit onto said actuating element (3, 18, 30).

3. 3. The vehicle lock (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support points (4, 21, 29) and the actuating elements (3, 18, 30) are made from sheet metal.

4. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support points (4, 21, 29) are formed from openings (8, 34) having the same diameter.

5. 5. The vehicle lock (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support points (4, 21, 29) have at least one deformation, in particular a fold (10) and / or an inscription (22, 23).

6. 6. The vehicle lock (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the support points (4, 21, 29) have separation points (9) in the region of the openings (8, 34).

7. 7. The vehicle lock (2) according to claim 4, wherein the support point (4, 21, 29) has a tab (13, 39) which extends at least partially into the opening of the support point (4, 21, 29) to provide a support lock for the actuating element (3, 18, 30).

8. 8. The motor vehicle lock (2) according to claim 2, wherein the deformation, in particular the fold (10, 17, 33) and / or the marking (22, 23) and / or the separation point (9) and / or the tab (11, 39), forms a stop (14, 15) for the actuating element (3, 18, 30).

9. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support point (4, 21, 29) is formed as part of a pivotally mounted lever (6, 19, 28).

10. The support points (4, 21, 29) have a material thickness (D Ｌ 10. Motor vehicle lock (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a

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