Method for producing a motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a motor vehicle lock (1). A housing main part (3) is provided, comprising a lock latch (4), a pawl assembly, and an opening drive (5), wherein the lock latch (4) can be pivoted into at least one closed position for engaging with a locking part so as to hold same and into an open position for releasing the locking part, and the pawl assembly can be brought into an engaged position in order to lock the lock latch (4) located in the closed position and into a raised position in order to release the lock latch (4), said opening drive (5) being designed to move the pawl assembly from the engaged position into the raised position. A lock controller (6) is provided on the housing main part (3) for actuating the opening drive (5), said lock controller (6) having at least one electric component (7). According to the invention, a housing part (8) is provided with at least one recess (9) for receiving a respective electric component (7), a support material (10) is introduced into the recess (9), and the housing part (8) is arranged relative to the lock controller (6) before the support material (10) is completely cured such that the at least one electric component (7) is introduced into the respective recess (9) and at least partly displaces the support material (10) in a target position of the electric component (7).

Description

[0001] Method for producing a motor vehicle lock

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a motor vehicle lock according to claim 12.

[0003] The motor vehicle lock in question is used for all types of locking elements of a motor vehicle. These include, in particular, side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, and hoods. These locking elements can generally be designed as swing or sliding doors.

[0004] The known prior art (DE 10 2014 105 874 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a motor vehicle lock with the locking elements of a lock latch and a pawl. The motor vehicle lock is typically arranged on the associated locking element, while a locking part is fixed to the vehicle body. The lock latch can be moved into a closed position, in which it is in holding engagement with the locking part and in which it is secured by a pawl arrangement. The known motor vehicle lock is further equipped with an opening drive with which the pawl arrangement can be lifted out, so that the lock latch can be adjusted to its open position, releasing the locking part.

[0005] Especially in the case of an electric motor vehicle lock, the implementation of an electronic lock control system is particularly important. A motor vehicle lock is referred to as an "electric lock" if the locking pawl assembly can be released exclusively by motor and not manually by the user.

[0006] The lock control comprises several electronic components and in particular at least one electronic part for providing an emergency supply voltage, such as a double-layer capacitor. If a central battery of the motor vehicle fails, the motor vehicle lock can continue to be operated with the opening drive using the emergency supply voltage. To ensure largely autonomous operation of the motor vehicle lock in emergency mode, the lock control is implemented as a component integrated into the motor vehicle lock, which is arranged, for example, in a common housing with the locking elements. One challenge here is that the lock control is exposed to increased mechanical loads. Due to the arrangement of the motor vehicle lock in the locking element, the electrical components are regularly subjected to high accelerations during operation, for example when the locking element slams shut.

[0007] The invention is based on the problem of specifying a method for producing a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock so that further optimization is achieved with regard to the protection of the electronic components.

[0008] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0009] The invention is based on the assumption that inserting the lock control into the motor vehicle lock provides additional stabilization of the electrical components on the housing of the motor vehicle lock. The fundamental idea is to use a support material that is not yet fully cured at the time the electrical component is inserted. This partially displaces the support material in its liquid or viscous state by the electrical component, forming an optimal bond with the electrical component. In addition to improving mechanical stabilization, this also simplifies the insertion of the lock control during production.

[0010] In detail, it is proposed that a housing part is provided with at least one formation for the respective accommodation of the electrical component, that a support material is introduced into the formation and that, before the support material has completely hardened, the housing part is arranged for lock control in such a way that the at least one electrical component is introduced into the respective formation and at least partially displaces the support material in a target position of the electrical component.

[0011] The proposed stabilization of the electrical component is particularly advantageous when arranged on a printed circuit board according to the embodiment of claim 2, since the mechanical load is critical for projecting electrical components such as capacitors, which in many cases are otherwise only held to the printed circuit board via electrical contacts. Preferably, the at least one electrical component is provided on the side of the printed circuit board facing away from the housing base body, so that the assembly, in particular of the locking elements, into the housing base body can be carried out largely independently of the application of the housing part with the support material.

[0012] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 3, the support material contacts both an end face and a side surface, thus achieving optimized stabilization of the electrical component. For this purpose, contact of the support material with the side surface to a height of just a few millimeters is sufficient, thus requiring only minimal material expenditure.

[0013] The advantageous properties of the cured support material and an optimized contact with the electrical component are achieved in the preferred embodiment according to claim 4 in particular via an insertion speed of less than 10 mm / s.

[0014] According to claim 5, the use of a sealant with a Shore hardness of A20 to A50 as the support material is particularly preferred. The aforementioned selection of Shore hardness allows sufficient stabilization of the electrical component while simultaneously allowing deformability for damping. Particularly when stabilizing a capacitor, this offers the advantage that the support material, due to its comparatively low hardness, can be kept flexible even in the area of ​​a predetermined breaking point of the capacitor, so that the predetermined breaking point can also be covered by the support material. Here, the Shore hardness is preferably between A25 and A35, and particularly preferably A30.

[0015] Sealants based on silane-modified polymers according to claim 6 have proven to be effective.

[0016] Advantageous variants of a foam material for the support material are specified in claims 7 and 8. A physically foamed foam material with a degree of foaming of approximately 80% is particularly advantageous in terms of elastic properties and weight. Further variants of the electrical component to be supported are the subject of claim 9. In addition to the (double-layer) capacitor already mentioned, the additional stabilization of coils is advantageous, which in many cases have a coil core with a comparatively high mass.

[0017] In addition to stabilizing the electrical component, the lock control system, for example, the circuit board, can also be supported via support elements of the housing part in the embodiment according to claim 10. In addition to securing the circuit board, the target position of the electrical component relative to the housing part can be adjusted with high precision. Another possibility, particularly for adjusting the target position, is the use of a centering element according to claim 11.

[0018] According to a further teaching according to claim 12, which has independent significance, a motor vehicle lock manufactured using a method according to the proposed method is claimed. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed method.

[0019] As already pointed out, the proposed method results in optimal application and distribution of the support material by inserting the electrical component before complete curing. The homogeneous elastic properties achievable in this way are further specified in claim 13.

[0020] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents exemplary embodiments. In the drawing,

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a locking element of a motor vehicle with a proposed motor vehicle lock in various perspective views,

[0022] Fig. 2 a) a housing base body with lock control and b) a housing part, provided within the framework of the proposed method,

[0023] Fig. 3 a), b) an assembly of the housing base body and the housing part from Fig. 3 within the framework of the proposed method and Fig. 4 the proposed motor vehicle lock in a perspective view.

[0024] The preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures relates to a method for manufacturing a motor vehicle lock 1. The motor vehicle lock 1 can be used for a variety of applications. In this regard, reference is made to the explanations in the introductory part of the description.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the motor vehicle lock 1 is assigned to a front side door as a locking element 2 as a preferred embodiment. Likewise, the motor vehicle lock 1 can be assigned to the rear side doors as well as the trunk lid or other locking elements 2.

[0026] Figures 2 and 3 show components of the motor vehicle lock 1 within the framework of the proposed method. As shown in Fig. 2a), a housing base body 3 is provided. The housing base body 3 is configured to accommodate a lock latch 4, a pawl assembly (not shown here), and an opening drive 5.

[0027] The lock latch 4 is, for example, a pivoting lock latch 4 for holding engagement with a locking part. In at least one closed position, preferably in a pre-locking position and a main locking position, the lock latch 4 can be brought into holding engagement with the locking part. In an open position, the lock latch 4 is configured to release the locking part. A striker, locking wedge, or the like can be provided as the locking part.

[0028] The pawl arrangement (not shown in detail) can generally be provided as a single pawl, as an arrangement of several pawls, and / or as a multi-part pawl. The pawl arrangement can be brought into an engaged position to lock the lock latch 4 in the closed position, here in the pre-locking position and the main locking position. Furthermore, the pawl arrangement can be brought, preferably pivotably, into a lifted position to release the lock latch 4. The opening drive 5 is designed to adjust the pawl arrangement from the engaged position to the lifted position. In general, the opening drive 5 can have an electronic actuator, for example an electric motor, and a release mechanism which transmits a drive force of the actuator directly or indirectly to the pawl arrangement to lift the pawl arrangement and release the lock latch 4.Preferably, the motor vehicle lock 1 is an electric lock as mentioned above.

[0029] As further illustrated in Fig. 2a), a lock control 6 for controlling the opening drive 5 is provided on the housing base body 3. The lock control 6 can, for example, be placed on the housing base body 3, as shown in Fig. 2a. The lock control 6 can be secured in place during the further process. Likewise, the lock control 6 can be attached directly or indirectly to the housing base body 3.

[0030] The lock control unit 6 has control electronics for controlling the opening drive 5 and preferably a computing unit such as a microprocessor, which serves, among other things, to implement lock states and receive operating signals. The lock control unit 6 is therefore equipped with several electronic components, which can be discrete components and / or at least partially integrated. Here, at least one electrical component 7 of the lock control unit 6 is of primary importance, for which mechanical stabilization is provided in the motor vehicle lock 1. In addition to the at least one electrical component 7 highlighted below, further electronic components can be provided, which do not necessarily require additional stabilization. In general, the term "lock control unit" can encompass the electronic components, in particular active ones, of the motor vehicle lock 1.

[0031] It is provided that a housing part 8 is provided with at least one formation 9 for respectively receiving the electrical component 7. The housing part 8 shown as an example in Fig. 2b) can be designed in particular as an outer housing cover for the housing base body 3, which also provides a sealing effect for or in interaction with the housing base body 3. The at least one formation 9 is preferably geometrically adapted to an outer contour of the at least one component 7, so that when the component 7 is inserted, a predefined distance exists between component 7 and housing part 8. Fig. 2b) shows a plurality of formations 9, each of which serves to receive a component 7. For example, for a component 7 with a cylindrical basic shape, a cylindrical basic shape of the associated formation 9 is also provided.The term "receiving" the component 7 here means that the component 7 can be at least partially inserted into the volume defined by the recess 9. Preferably, after insertion, there is no direct mechanical contact between the component 7 in the recess 9 and the housing part 8.

[0032] Furthermore, it is provided that a support material 10 is introduced into the recess 9. The support material 10 is shown in Fig. 2b) as an example with the patterned surface. Here, and preferably, the support material 10 is provided prior to introduction and is filled, in particular injected, into the recess 9 in a liquid or viscous state. The recess 9 is only partially filled with the support material 10.

[0033] Furthermore, it is provided that, before the support material 10 has completely hardened, the housing part 8 is arranged relative to the lock control 6 in such a way that the at least one electrical component 7 is introduced into the respective recess 9 and, in a target position of the electrical component 7, at least partially displaces the support material 10. The insertion of the component 7 into the receptacle is thus carried out before the support material 10 has completely hardened, which allows the support material 10 to be displaced in a preferably liquid or viscous state. The displacement of the support material 10 thus does not occur in the hardened state and essentially without mechanical deformation of a hardened support material 10. These actions are illustrated by way of example in Fig. 3a) (initial contact of the component 7 with the support material 10), Fig. 3b) (displacement of the support material 10), and Fig. 4 (reaching the target position of the component 7 with further displacement of the support material 10).Preferably, the housing part 8 is arranged on the lock control 6 immediately after the introduction of the support material 10. "Curing" can be understood as the achievement of the final strength of the support material 10, whereby, for example, the cured support material 10 can also be a largely elastic material. The target position of the component 7 is understood to be the spatial position of the component 7 relative to the housing part 8, which the component 7 assumes upon complete assembly of the motor vehicle lock 1.

[0034] The actions of the proposed method do not necessarily occur in a specific chronological order. For example, the housing part 8 can be arranged on the housing base body 3 before the housing base body 3 is equipped with the lock latch 4, pawl assembly, and / or opening drive 5. Only the insertion of the at least one electronic component 7 into the support material 10 takes place before the support material has completely cured.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, it is preferably provided here that the lock control 6 has a printed circuit board 11 on which the at least one electrical component 7 is arranged, in particular with an extension direction protruding from the plane of the printed circuit board 11. For example, the component 7 is electrically contacted at one end in the extension direction to the printed circuit board 11. The extension direction is to be understood as a preferred direction of the basic shape of the component 7. In the aforementioned example of a component 7 with a cylindrical basic shape, the extension direction corresponds to the cylinder axis.

[0036] The printed circuit board 11 can, as also shown in Fig. 2a), be arranged with the plane on a receiving surface of the housing base body 3. Preferably, the printed circuit board 11 is arranged on the housing body such that the at least one electrical component 7 is provided on the side of the printed circuit board 11 facing away from the housing base body 3. The housing part 8 is arranged on the side of the printed circuit board 11 facing away from the housing base body 3.

[0037] It is particularly preferably provided that the at least one electrical component 7 has an end face 12, in particular facing away from the circuit board 11, and that when it is introduced into the recess 9, the end face 12 at least partially displaces the support material 10. In the target position, the end face 12 can be completely in contact with the support material 10. The end face 12 is in particular a surface arranged at the end with respect to the direction of extension, for example a base surface of a cylindrical basic shape of the component 7. A predetermined breaking point of the component 7 can be provided on the end face 12, which can also be covered by the support material 10 in the target position.

[0038] Preferably, the displacement brings the support material 10 into at least partial contact with a side surface 13 of the electrical component 7 adjacent to the end face 12, as is particularly evident from the sectional views in Fig. 3a) and b). Preferably, upon complete curing of the support material 10, a positive connection is formed between the component 7 and the support material, here at the end face 12 and partially at the side surface 13.

[0039] In principle, the curing of the support material 10 can also be accompanied by a material bond, here by gluing the component 7 to the support material 10. In a further embodiment, the component 7 can be detached therefrom even after the support material 10 has cured and, for example, only has a positive connection to the support material 10.

[0040] Further preferably, the support material 10 is brought into partial contact with the side surface 13, starting from the end face 12, up to a maximum height of 10 mm, in particular up to a maximum height of 5 mm. In the example of a cylindrical basic shape, the lateral surface is in contact with the support material 10 up to a corresponding height.

[0041] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the housing part 8 is brought to the lock control 6 at a speed of less than 10 mm / s, preferably at a speed of between 2 and 3 mm / s, when the support material 10 is displaced.

[0042] For example, the housing part 8 is lowered from Fig. 3a) to Fig. 3b) at a corresponding speed. This allows for a largely homogeneous "flow" of the support material 10 around the component 7. For example, with a support material 10 comprising foam material, it is provided that the pores provided in the liquid or viscous foam material are also largely displaced and preferably only slightly deformed upon introduction of the component 7. Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the support material 10 comprises a sealant with a Shore hardness of A20 to A50, preferably A25 to A35, more preferably A30.

[0043] The Shore hardness can be determined according to DIN EN ISO 868, whereby the numerical data refer to a determination using a Type A durometer. Preferably, the electrical component 7 has a functional surface such as a predetermined breaking point, wherein the functional surface is at least partially covered by the support material 10. To maintain the function of the functional surface, the Shore hardness is preferably between A25 and A35 and particularly preferably A30, so that, for example, at a predetermined breaking point, gas can escape through deformation of the support material 10.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the support material 10 comprises a sealant based on silane-modified polymers. The sealant is preferably a sprayable one-component or two-component sealant. The use of silane-modified polymers enables, in particular, a solvent-free implementation of the support material 10.

[0045] In general, the support material 10 is particularly preferably designed to be free of silicones. This can reduce the risk of damage to other components 7 of the motor vehicle lock 1, for example, due to outgassing of the support material 10.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the support material 10 comprises a foam material. The foam material is preferably physically foamed, for example by foaming with a dry gas, such as nitrogen. A degree of foaming of 70% to 90%, more preferably 75% to 85%, is preferably provided for the foam material. The degree of foaming is understood to be the volume fraction of pores or foam cells in the fully cured foam material.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the foam material is based on polyurethane, preferably a two-component polyurethane. The foam material is particularly preferably free of silicones. As already explained for the sealant, the foam material can also have a Shore hardness of A20 to A50, preferably A25 to A35, more preferably A30.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that a capacitor 14, a coil 15 and / or a switching element 16 is provided as the electrical component 7.

[0049] The capacitor 14 serves in particular as a rechargeable energy storage device for emergency operation of the motor vehicle lock 1. In emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of the normal supply voltage of the motor vehicle, the capacitor 14 can provide an electrical emergency supply voltage for the lock control 6 and / or the opening drive 5. Preferably, at least one double-layer capacitor is provided. In a double-layer capacitor, the energy is stored in an electrochemical double layer, also known as a "Helmholtz layer." Such a double-layer capacitor is also referred to as a "supercapacitor," "supercap," "ultracap," or the like. If multiple capacitors 14 are provided, they can be stabilized in respective formations 9 with support material 10.

[0050] In an electrical component 7 configured as a coil 15, the support material 10 can be displaced to at least partially contact a coil core of the coil 15. Excessive mechanical stress on the coil 15 via the coil core can thus be prevented.

[0051] A thyristor, transistor, or the like, for example, can be provided as the switching element 16. Other configurations of the electrical component(s) 7 are conceivable.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the housing part 8 has at least one support element for the lock control 6, which, when the housing part 8 is arranged, is brought into supporting contact with the lock control 6, in particular with the circuit board 11. The support element is provided for further mechanical stabilization of the lock control 6.

[0053] In particular, the lock control 6 can be fixed via the support element, whereby additional measures for fastening the lock control to the housing base body 3 can be dispensed with. For example, as shown in Fig. 3a), the housing part 8 is first placed on the housing base body 3, whereby the at least one support element is brought into contact with the lock control 6, here with the circuit board 11.

[0054] By fixing the housing part 8 to the housing base body 3, in particular by compressing a housing seal 17, the printed circuit board 11 can be pressed against the housing base body 3 by means of the at least one support element. The transition from Fig. 3b) to Fig. 4 shows that the housing part 8 is fixed to the housing base body 3 with screws. Due to the compression of the housing seal 17, the housing part 8 lowers slightly relative to the housing base body 3, whereby the printed circuit board 11 is held force-fittingly between the housing base body 3 and the housing part 8.

[0055] The housing seal 17 can be designed as a separate insert. In a preferred embodiment, however, the housing part 8 and / or the housing base body 3 is / are designed as a two-component (2K) element with an integrated housing seal 17.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the housing base body 3 and / or the housing part 8 have at least one centering element 18, which defines the target position of the at least one electronic component 7 at least partially, in particular in the plane of the printed circuit board 11.

[0057] The centering element 18 is designed, for example, as shown in Fig. 2a), as a mandrel that engages a recess in the lock control 6, particularly in the circuit board 11. The lock control is held in a form-fitting manner in the plane of the circuit board 11. Fixation perpendicular to the plane is achieved via the at least one support element. Overall, the target position of the at least one component 7 relative to the housing part 8 is thus determined, so that stabilization via the support material can be achieved with particularly reliable process reliability.

[0058] According to a further teaching, a motor vehicle lock 1 is produced using a proposed method. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed method, and in particular to the statements regarding the structure of the support material 10. Preferably, the support material 10, when fully cured, is partially in contact with the electrical component 7 in the target position, and the support material 10, with the electrical component 7 in the target position, has homogeneous elastic properties.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for producing a motor vehicle lock (1), wherein a housing base body (3) is provided with a lock latch (4), a pawl arrangement, and an opening drive (5), wherein the lock latch (4) is pivotable into at least one closed position for a holding engagement with a locking part and into an open position for releasing the locking part, wherein the pawl arrangement is movable into a retracted position for locking the lock latch (4) in the closed position and into a lifted position for releasing the lock latch (4), wherein the opening drive (5) is configured to adjust the pawl arrangement from the retracted position to the lifted position, wherein a lock control (6) for controlling the opening drive (5) is provided on the housing base body (3), the lock control (6) having at least one electrical component (7), characterized in thatthat a housing part (8) is provided with at least one formation (9) for the respective accommodation of the electrical component (7), that a support material (10) is introduced into the formation (9) and that before the support material (10) has completely hardened, the housing part (8) is arranged in relation to the lock control (6) in such a way that the at least one electrical component (7) is introduced into the respective formation (9) and at least partially displaces the support material (10) in a target position of the electrical component (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock control (6) has a printed circuit board (11) on which the at least one electrical component (7) is arranged, in particular with an extension direction protruding from the plane of the printed circuit board (11), preferably that the printed circuit board (11) is arranged on the housing body in such a way that the at least one electrical component (7) is provided on the side of the printed circuit board (11) facing away from the housing base body (3) and that the housing part (8) is arranged on the side of the printed circuit board (11) facing away from the housing base body (3).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one electrical component (7) has an end face (12), in particular facing away from the printed circuit board (11), and with the introduction into the molding (9) the end face (12) at least partially displaces the support material (10), preferably that with the displacement the support material (10) is brought into at least partial contact with a side surface (13) of the electrical component (7) adjacent to the end face (12), further preferably that the support material (10) is brought into partial contact with the side surface (13) starting from the end face (12) up to a height of a maximum of 10 mm, in particular a maximum of 5 mm.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (8) is brought to the lock control (6) at a speed below 10 mm / s, preferably at a speed between 2 and 3 mm / s, during the displacement of the support material (10).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support material (10) comprises a sealant with a Shore hardness of A20 to A50, preferably of A25 to A35, more preferably of A30.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support material (10) comprises a sealant based on silane-modified polymers, preferably that the support material (10) is designed free of silicones.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support material (10) comprises a foam material, preferably that the foam material is physically foamed and in particular has a degree of foaming of 70% to 90%.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the foam material is based on polyurethane, preferably a 2K polyurethane.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a capacitor (14), in particular a double-layer capacitor, a coil (15) and / or a switching element (16) is provided as the electrical component (7), preferably that in the case of an electrical component (7) designed as a coil (15), the support material (10) is brought into at least partial contact with a coil core by the displacement.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (8) has at least one support element for the lock control (6), which is brought into supporting contact with the lock control (6), in particular with the printed circuit board (11), when the housing part (8) is arranged, preferably in that by fixing the housing part (8) to the housing base body (3), in particular by compressing a housing seal (17), the printed circuit board (11) is pressed against the housing base body (3) by means of the at least one support element, further preferably in that the housing part (8) and / or the housing base body (3) is designed as a 2K element with an integrated housing seal (17).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing base body (3) and / or the housing part (8) have at least one centering element (18) which defines the target position of the at least one electronic component (7) at least partially, in particular in the plane of the printed circuit board (11).

12. Motor vehicle lock manufactured by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 10, characterized in that the support material (10) is completely cured and partially in contact with the electrical component (7) in the target position, and that the support material (10) has homogeneous elastic properties with the electrical component (7) in the target position.

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