Coupling assembly for connecting a bowden cable to a motor vehicle lock, and motor vehicle lock having connected bowden cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling assembly (3) of a Bowden cable consisting of a sheath and a core and to a motor vehicle lock having a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly comprises a connection sleeve (8) for locking attachment to a first component (1), the connection sleeve being associated with the sheath (7), and a connection piece (9) for attachment to a second component (5, 10) which is movable relative to the first component (1), the connection piece being associated with the core (6), wherein the connection piece (9) is in the form of a locking element which can be inserted into a connection socket (10), and wherein the connection piece (9) can be form-fittingly received in the connection socket.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Coupling arrangement for connecting a Bowden cable to a motor vehicle lock and motor vehicle lock with connected Bowden cable

[0003] The invention relates to a coupling arrangement of a Bowden cable consisting of a casing and a core, having a connecting sleeve assigned to the casing for locking attachment to a first component and a connecting piece assigned to the core for fastening to a second component which is movable relative to the first component, wherein the connecting piece is designed as a locking element which can be inserted into a connecting socket.

[0004] Bowden cables are often used in today's motor vehicles to transmit power. These cables can flexibly transmit external force over a distance and direct it to a specific functional unit. For example, Bowden cables are used where a force is to be transmitted to a motor vehicle lock, for example, via an outside door handle, thus enabling the mechanical opening of the motor vehicle lock. The motor vehicle lock serves as the functional unit.

[0005] In addition to the door handle, it is also conceivable and known from the prior art to use the Bowden cable between an externally arranged closing device and a motor vehicle lock. The force generated in the closing device can then be transmitted to the motor vehicle lock by means of the Bowden cable. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, that the closing device automatically transfers a locking mechanism in the lock from a pre-locking position to a main locking position. The use of a Bowden cable in conjunction with a motor vehicle lock can therefore occur in many different ways, with the areas of application of the Bowden cable being adaptable to the requirements in the motor vehicle and offering various connection options.

[0006] The Bowden cable itself consists of a Bowden cable core, which is preferably made of a wire rope. The wire rope has a mounting device at its end. The mounting device can be, for example, a mounting hook firmly connected to the wire rope or a Bowden cable nipple. The Bowden cable core is guided in a Bowden cable sheath, which serves as a guide element for the Bowden cable core and offers the advantage that force transmission can also be redirected. The Bowden cable can therefore also be used where a direct connection of the functional unit to the vehicle lock is not possible.

[0007] The Bowden cable sheath is preferably made of plastic and can, for example, have a metal or plastic layer as a permanently stable contact surface or guide for the Bowden cable core. Fastening means are preferably provided at the ends of the Bowden cable sheath, which make it possible to insert the free ends of the Bowden cable sheath into the functional unit and / or the motor vehicle lock and to mount the Bowden cable. To ensure correct and play-free installation of the Bowden cable, it is possible to adjust the Bowden cable in relation to, for example, the motor vehicle lock in the area of ​​the mounting means. Solutions for this have become known from the prior art. DE 10 2013 203 166 A1 discloses a device with which the adjustment of a Bowden cable in relation to a motor vehicle lock can be adjusted and mounted.The Bowden cable core is connected to the motor vehicle lock by means of a hook, wherein a fastening means is provided with which any play that may exist between the Bowden cable sheath and the Bowden cable core or the component of the motor vehicle lock connected to the Bowden cable core can be compensated for. If the Bowden cable is mounted on the housing of the motor vehicle lock and the Bowden cable core is connected to the motor vehicle lock, it may happen that play between the connecting component and the Bowden cable core or the Bowden cable sheath has to be compensated for. To compensate for the play, a locking contour is provided on the housing which enables the Bowden cable sheath to be locked to the motor vehicle lock housing by means of a locking means. In this embodiment, the locking means is designed as a clip, wherein locking teeth between the locking means and the housing enable play-free adjustment or tightening.Enable mounting of the Bowden cable with the vehicle lock.

[0008] DE 298 02 594 U1 can be regarded as the closest prior art; this discloses a coupling arrangement for a Bowden cable consisting of a sheath and a core, with a connecting sleeve assigned to the sheath for fastening to a first component and a connecting piece assigned to the core for fastening to a second component which is movable relative to the first component, wherein the connecting piece is designed as a locking head which can be inserted into a connecting socket and latches there, and the connecting sleeve can be pushed through a fastening opening in the first component to insert the latching head and can be secured there in a retracted position. The Bowden cable sleeve must be inserted completely into the first component for latching in order to create a connection between the connecting piece and the connecting socket.

[0009] The prior art solutions for mounting a Bowden cable to a motor vehicle lock have generally proven successful. The disadvantages are, on the one hand, that additional fastening means are required, and, on the other hand, that a secure connection can not be established through the snap-in connection. This is where the invention comes in.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an improved coupling arrangement for a Bowden cable and motor vehicle lock with a Bowden cable connection. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide an easy and secure connection of a Bowden cable inside a housing. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to demonstrate a cost-effective and structurally simple way to prevent noise emissions.

[0011] The problem is solved by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description, the subclaims, and the figures are possible.The object of the invention is achieved in that a coupling arrangement for a Bowden cable consisting of a casing and a core is provided, having a connecting sleeve assigned to the casing for locking attachment to a first component and a connecting piece assigned to the core for fastening to a second component which is movable relative to the first component, wherein the connecting piece is designed as a locking element which can be inserted into a connecting socket and wherein the connecting piece can be received in the connecting socket in a form-fitting manner. The design of the coupling arrangement according to the invention enables an easy but also secure connection between the connecting piece and the connecting socket. In particular, an acoustic safety feature can be provided by the connecting piece locking into the connecting socket.Particularly if a locking noise is heard when inserting the connector into the connector socket, the operator or installer can receive feedback that the Bowden cable has been securely connected to the first or second component. The positive engagement provides a secure locking mechanism, which can also be perceived haptically during assembly. The haptic and acoustic feedback thus provides a way to securely install the Bowden cable.

[0012] A Bowden cable according to the invention usually has a Bowden cable sheath in which the Bowden cable core is guided. For this purpose, the Bowden cable sheath can consist of a flexible wire mesh or a wound wire or have a plastic sheath. Depending on the design of the sheath, the inner guide of the Bowden cable core can also be made of plastic. The Bowden cable sheath serves to guide the Bowden cable core and is flexible in its overall structure, so that a deflection of the forces that can be transmitted via the Bowden cable core is possible. The Bowden cable core is preferably designed as a wire, in particular wound flat wire.

[0013] A connecting sleeve is provided on the casing and can be brought into locking engagement with the first component. The first component can, for example, be a housing for a component in a motor vehicle. The housing can, for example, be a housing for a closing aid, a motor vehicle lock, an additional lock, a locking device, an electrical opening module, or something similar. The first component is preferably a housing for a motor vehicle door lock. By means of the coupling arrangement, the Bowden cable can be brought into locking engagement with the motor vehicle lock housing.

[0014] A connecting piece is mounted on the Bowden cable core, which serves for fastening to a second component. The second component can, for example, represent a drive for a closing aid or serve to unlock a locking system. The movable second component is preferably a functional part inside a motor vehicle lock.

[0015] Functions in the motor vehicle lock can include various functions that can be set manually or with electrical assistance. Electrically assisted functions can include, for example, electrical opening of the motor vehicle lock or, for example, a closing function. The engagement of safety-relevant functions, such as locking or child safety, can also be initiated using the second component in the motor vehicle lock. The coupling arrangement is not to be understood as limiting in this regard, but rather represents an advantageous connection of a Bowden cable to a component, wherein, according to the invention, an easy and secure connection is enabled by means of the coupling arrangement.

[0016] The connecting piece mounted on the Bowden cable core engages with the connecting socket of the second component. To do this, the connecting piece only needs to be brought into engagement with the connecting socket, for which purpose advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown below. In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting socket is constructed to be elastic, at least in some areas. The elastic structure of the connecting socket enables the connecting piece to snap into the connecting socket, with areas of the connecting socket deforming and thus enabling positive locking. In principle, the connecting socket is dimensionally stable, for example made from an injection-molded plastic, and thus enables a locking connection on the one hand and elastic behavior at least in some areas on the other.The elastic behavior of the connection socket can also only be present in certain areas, i.e. it can be elastic only in the area in which the locking connection between the connecting piece and the movable second component, i.e. the connection socket, takes place. In this case, there can also be one-sided elasticity in the connection socket, for example, so that only areas of the connection socket are elastically deformed to achieve the positive connection and locking. Furthermore, it can also be advantageous and represent an embodiment of the invention if the connection socket has an insertion aid for the connection piece. An insertion aid can make it easier for the socket and connecting piece to lock into place and, in particular, make coupling more secure.If the Bowden cable with the connecting sleeve and the connecting piece connected to it is inserted into the first component, it must be ensured that the connecting piece can easily engage to click into the connecting socket. For this purpose, the connecting socket can, for example, have a geometric shape that cooperates with the connecting piece. If, for example, the connecting socket has a conical shape and the connecting piece has a cooperating shape, for example a point, then easy and secure locking of the Bowden cable with the second component can be guaranteed. In addition to the point and conical shape, it is of course also conceivable for the connecting piece to, for example, have a partially spherical shape that can be inserted into an insertion aid on the connecting socket that is at least partially spherical.

[0017] Accordingly, the insertion aid can enable the connecting piece to be guided on at least two sides. If, for example, the connecting socket is fork-shaped, so that the connecting piece can be inserted between the two prongs of the fork, the connecting piece can be shaped on both sides, i.e. a bevel can be formed on both prongs or ends of the fork, into which bevel the connecting piece can be inserted. If, for example, one of the two ends of the fork is designed to be elastic, the insertion aid can ensure a secure connection and the elasticity of the connecting socket can enable easy locking. The design of the connecting socket according to the invention is not restricted to a two-sided design of the insertion aid; depending on the design and geometry of the connecting piece, three, four or more ends of the connecting socket can also enable positive locking.By engaging the connector at the end of the Bowden cable core with the second component, and in particular with the connector socket of the second component, a secure and simple connection is possible, which the technician can detect acoustically and haptically through the snap-in connection. The snap-in can be perceived acoustically, for example, as a clicking sound.

[0018] As already explained above, the connecting piece can have a shape corresponding to the insertion aid. The connecting piece is connected to the Bowden cable core and is preferably permanently connected to the Bowden cable core. This can be done, for example, via a force-locking connection and / or by overmolding the Bowden cable core. The connecting piece is therefore firmly connected to the Bowden cable core and enables force to be transmitted from the Bowden cable to the second component. If the connecting socket with the connecting piece is inserted into the housing and locked into the housing there, the connecting piece engages with the connecting socket of the second component.A corresponding shape between the connecting piece and the connecting socket makes it possible to compensate for tolerances and mobility between the connecting piece and the connecting sleeve in order to ultimately enable easy and secure interaction between the connecting piece and the connecting socket. Even if the insertion of the connecting piece into the connecting socket is preferably described here, it is also conceivable for the connecting piece to be fork-shaped, for example, and to be insertable into an extension of the connecting socket. What is essential to the invention here is that a locking positive connection is created between the connecting piece and the second component. In other words, coupling in the opposite direction is also possible, i.e. a reverse function.The locking and in particular the one-time clipping between the connecting piece and the connecting socket makes it possible to achieve an easy and secure connection using the coupling arrangement with the simplest of constructional means.

[0019] As already mentioned above, the connecting piece is designed so that it can be snapped into the connecting socket. The interacting components of the coupling, namely the connecting piece and the connecting socket, are advantageously designed in such a way that a snap-in connection can be achieved without any further technical aids. In particular, the Bowden cable can be snapped into place with the second component directly by inserting the connecting sleeve onto the Bowden cable and snapping the connecting sleeve into a housing in parallel. The positive fit between the connecting piece and the connecting socket offers a structurally advantageous means of establishing the connection between the Bowden cable and the second component. The second component is preferably arranged so that it can be moved in the housing, so that movement can be introduced into the second component by means of the Bowden cable.Preferably, a pulling movement is transmitted by means of the Bowden cable, which can be reset again, for example, via spring elements acting on the second component. It is conceivable that the second component is slidably accommodated in a housing, so that the Bowden cable enables the second component to be moved. If the Bowden cable or the Bowden cable core is relieved of load again, the second component can be returned to its starting position, for example, by spring force, manually, or by an electric motor.

[0020] For the aforementioned embodiments, it can be advantageous if the connection socket can be held in a stable position in the first component. In order to enable secure and easy connection of the connection piece or the Bowden cable to the first component, the connection socket is arranged in a stable position, i.e. in a fixed position, in the first component. The stationary or fixed position of the second component with the connection socket can ensure that the Bowden cable can be securely connected to the connection socket or the second component. For this purpose, it can also be advantageous if the connection socket can be moved into an assembly position. Assembly position here means that the second movable component is moved, for example, from an initial position into an assembly position in order to engage with the connection piece.The mounting position can simultaneously be a functional position of the second component. For example, the locking and unlocking of a motor vehicle lock can be adjustable by means of the second component, so that, for example, a locking position corresponds to a mounting position of the Bowden cable and the second component is only moved back into the unlocked position after mounting. As a further example, the second component could also be part of an unlocking device, for example a release lever, so that manual unlocking of a locking mechanism in the first component is possible by means of the Bowden cable. If the connecting piece can be guided by means of the connecting sleeve, in particular can be guided linearly, this results in a further variant of the invention. The connecting sleeve is inserted into the first component and locked to the housing of the first component.If the connecting sleeve is designed in such a way that the connecting piece can be guided linearly by means of the connecting sleeve, the connection between the connecting piece and the second component can be made even more secure. The connecting sleeve then enables the connecting piece to be inserted in a positionally stable manner, so that tolerances in the interacting components consisting of the first component, connecting sleeve, connecting piece and second component, or the alignment of the second component in the first component, can be eliminated. In particular, the interaction between the position-optimized position of the second component and the guidance of the connecting piece in the connecting sleeve can ensure secure locking of the coupling arrangement.

[0021] If the connecting piece can be guided in the first component with a form-fitting fit, a linear guide can be provided for the connecting piece. If the connecting piece is, for example, round or rectangular and the connecting sleeve has a corresponding form-fitting receptacle for the connecting piece, a linear guide for the connecting piece can be provided by means of the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve therefore fulfils a dual function. On the one hand, the Bowden cable can be connected to the first component, preferably a housing, by means of the connecting sleeve, and on the other hand, the connecting sleeve serves as a linear guide for the connecting piece. The connecting sleeve therefore stabilizes the position of the connecting piece, which enables the Bowden cable to be connected or bound to the first component and in particular the Bowden cable core to the second component with little play.

[0022] The object of the invention is achieved by a motor vehicle lock with a coupling arrangement according to one of the patent claims, in which the connecting piece is part of a functional unit, in particular a locking device, an unlocking device, or an emergency actuation. As already explained above in the exemplary embodiments, the second component can represent a locking device in the motor vehicle lock that can be actuated by means of the Bowden cable. However, it is also conceivable for the Bowden cable to be part of a closing device that can be actuated via the Bowden cable and, in particular, an external drive. The Bowden cable can be actuated manually, by an electric motor, or mechanically. It is also conceivable for the functional unit to represent a child safety lock, a function that can be adjusted in the motor vehicle by moving a component.

[0023] When the term “motor vehicle lock” is used in the context of the invention, this refers to all locking systems that are used where components arranged on the motor vehicle so as to be pivotable or movable must be held securely in position. This can be sliding doors, tailgates, hoods or even covers, to name just a few examples of areas of application for a motor vehicle lock. The lock comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the locking mechanism interacting with a lock holder, and a main locking position or a pre-locking and a main locking position can be assumed by means of the motor vehicle lock.

[0024] The locking mechanism can consist of a rotary latch and a pawl, or a rotary latch and a pawl and, for example, a blocking lever. The locking components are mounted on a lock plate, which is primarily made of a metallic material and at least partially encloses the plastic housing of the motor vehicle lock. The plastic housing can be constructed in two, three, or more parts, preferably comprising a housing shell and a housing cover.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0026] It shows :

[0027] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a coupling arrangement according to the invention in a motor vehicle lock, the coupling arrangement being shown in the assembled state; and

[0028] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a coupling arrangement, detached from the first component, in a plan view of the connecting sleeve, the connecting piece and the connecting socket. In Figure 1, a motor vehicle lock housing 1 as part of a motor vehicle lock 2 is shown as an example as a first component. The coupling arrangement 3 is shown in the assembled state and connects a Bowden cable 4 to a functional unit 5 inside the motor vehicle lock 1. A Bowden cable core 6 is arranged in a Bowden cable casing 7 and is integrally connected to a Bowden cable sleeve 8. The Bowden cable sleeve 8 projects into the housing 1, with the Bowden cable sleeve 8 simultaneously receiving and guiding the connecting piece 9. The connecting piece 9 is shown in a locked position with a connecting socket 10, with the connecting socket 10 in turn being made integrally with the functional unit 5.In other words, the functional unit 5 forms a one-piece component with the connection socket 10.

[0029] Figure 1 also shows a further functional unit 11, which can be actuated via a cable pull and can, for example, represent an emergency release or a manual unlocking device. The functional unit 5 is slidably received in the direction of arrow P in the motor vehicle lock 2, so that the functional unit 5 can be moved along a path S in the motor vehicle lock housing 1.

[0030] If a force F, in particular a tensile force, is consequently introduced into the motor vehicle lock 2 via the Bowden cable core 6, the connecting piece 9 moves in the direction of the arrow P1 and takes the connecting socket 10 with it. The movement of the connecting socket 10 causes the functional unit 5 to be adjusted linearly by the distance S, as a result of which, for example, locking in the motor vehicle lock can be set. The motor vehicle lock 2 is, for example, a side door lock, with only one motor vehicle lock housing half 1 being shown. The housing 1 can be connected to another housing part via a seal 13, so that a closed construction of the motor vehicle lock 2 is possible. The Bowden cable sleeve 8 can be inserted into an opening in the housing 1 and projects into the interior 16 of the housing 1 by means of a guide 15 formed on the Bowden cable sleeve 8.

[0031] In Figure 2, the coupling arrangement 3 is detached from the housing 1 and shown in an enlarged form. The Bowden cable sleeve 8 can be seen with a stop 17 which limits the insertion of the sleeve 8 into the housing 1. A shoulder 18 can be inserted into the opening 14 of the housing in a form-fitting manner, so that a secure and precise seat of the Bowden cable sleeve 8 in the housing is possible. The guide 15 for the connecting piece 9 is connected to the shoulder 18. The guide 15 is rectangular in this embodiment and accommodates a rectangular connecting piece 9.

[0032] The cooperating shapes of guide 15 and connecting piece 9 make it possible to provide a linear guide for the connecting piece 9. The guide 15 has recesses 19, 20 in which a locking element 21 is arranged. The locking element 21 interacts with the housing 1 and, together with the shoulder 18 and the stop 17, ensures that the Bowden cable sleeve 8 is securely held in the housing 1. In other words, the Bowden cable sleeve is inserted into the housing and the locking elements 21, which are preferably formed on both sides of the guide 15, are inserted into the housing 1. As an assembly safeguard, the shoulder 18 is provided on the side with flattened areas 22 which prevent incorrect assembly of the Bowden cable 4 on the housing 1. In addition to the shoulder 18, the guide 15 can also be form-fittingly received in the opening 14 of the housing 1. For this purpose, the guide 15 also has flattened portions 23 .

[0033] In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting socket 10 is fork-shaped and has two extensions 24, 25. At least one of the extensions 24, 25 is designed to be elastically flexible, so that the connecting piece 9 can be inserted into the connecting socket 10. The connecting socket 10 has an insertion aid 26, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a conically tapered opening 27. The connecting piece 9 has a corresponding bevel 28, which can also be described as an arrowhead. The arrowhead or the two bevels 28 on the connecting piece have positive-locking barbs 29 that engage in the rear of the conical opening 27. To further ensure easy insertion of the connecting piece, the arrow-shaped tip of the connecting piece 9 can have flattened portions 31.In this way, tolerances resulting from the shape of the plastic components of the clutch arrangement 3 and / or the first component and / or the functional unit 5 can be compensated.

[0034] As can be clearly seen in Figures 1 and 2, by inserting the Bowden cable sleeve 8 and securely receiving it in the housing 1, a precise arrangement of the Bowden cable 4 in the housing can be achieved. At the same time, by guiding the connecting piece and the interlocking of the connecting socket 10 and the connecting piece 9, an easy assembly of the Bowden cable 4 can be achieved. List of reference symbols 1 Motor vehicle lock housing

[0035] 2 motor vehicle locks

[0036] 3 Clutch arrangement 4 Bowden cable

[0037] 5 , 11 functional unit

[0038] 6 Bowden cable core

[0039] 7 Bowden cable sheath

[0040] 8 Bowden cable sleeve 9 Connection piece

[0041] 10 connection socket

[0042] 12 rope pull

[0043] 13 Seal

[0044] 14 Opening 15 Guide

[0045] 16 Interior

[0046] 17 stop

[0047] 18 paragraph

[0048] 19 , 20 Recess 21 Locking element

[0049] 22 , 23 , 31 flattening

[0050] 24 , 25 Extension

[0051] 26 Insertion aid

[0052] 27 conical opening 28 bevel

[0053] 29 barbs

[0054] 30 Back

[0055] 31 Page P, Pl Arrow

[0056] S Way

[0057] F Force

Claims

Patent claims 1. Coupling arrangement (3) of a Bowden cable (4) consisting of a casing (7) and a core (6), having a connecting sleeve (8) assigned to the casing (7) for latching attachment to a first component (1) and a connecting piece (9) assigned to the core (6) for attachment to a second component (5, 10) which is movable relative to the first component (1), wherein the connecting piece (9) is designed as a latching element which can be inserted into a connecting socket (10), characterized in that the connecting piece (9) can be received in a form-fitting manner in the connecting socket (10).

2. Coupling arrangement (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting socket (10) can be constructed elastically at least in some areas.

3. Coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection socket (10) has an insertion aid (26) for the connection piece (9).

4. Coupling arrangement (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that by means of the insertion aid (26) it is possible to guide the connecting piece (9) on at least two sides.

5. Coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) has a shape corresponding to the insertion aid (26).

6. Coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) can be designed to be snap-fitted into the connecting socket (10).

7. Coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connection socket (10) is held in a stable position in the first component (1).

8. Coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) can be guided, in particular linearly guided, by means of the connecting sleeve (8).

9. Coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting piece (9) can be guided in a form-fitting manner in the first component (1), so that a linear guide for the connecting piece (9) can be formed.

10. Motor vehicle lock with a coupling arrangement (3) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the coupling arrangement (3) is part of a functional unit (5, 11), in particular a locking unit, an unlocking unit, a child safety unit.

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