Lock for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a side door lock, having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a lock housing (1) with an integrally formed connection region (5) for inserting a plug, and a printed circuit board (3) positioned in the interior of the lock housing (1), wherein the printed circuit board (3) comprises plug contacts (4), and the plug contacts (4) can be inserted into the connection region (5) when the printed circuit board (3) is installed.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lock for a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pawl, a lock housing with an integrally formed connection area for inserting a plug and a printed circuit board arranged inside the lock housing.

[0004] Motor vehicle locks are locks for a motor vehicle that can be located in different parts of the vehicle. Examples include a tailgate, a sliding door, a side door, in fact anywhere where pivoting or movable components on the motor vehicle must be held securely in place. The motor vehicle lock, and in particular the locking mechanism arranged in the motor vehicle lock, interacts with a locking bolt. A relative movement between the motor vehicle lock and the locking bolt rotates the rotary latch arranged in the locking mechanism and engages with a pawl.

[0005] Holding the rotary latch in place by the pawl is also referred to as the detent position. There are locks with both single-detent and double-detent designs. For example, if a motor vehicle lock is located in a side door of a vehicle, a lock holder can be fixed to the body, for example the B or C pillar, so that the detent position and thus the closed position can be reached through relative movement between the motor vehicle lock and the lock holder. The locking bolt can also be referred to as a lock holder or lock holder bracket.

[0006] In addition to the primary function of securing the vehicle with a locking mechanism, today's automotive locks incorporate a multitude of other functions. These include, for example, central locking, child safety locks, anti-theft devices, and crash protection, which either perform safety-relevant functions or increase comfort in the vehicle. These functions can be driven, engaged, or adjusted directly or indirectly by an electric motor, or can be engaged manually by the operator.

[0007] Modern vehicle locksmiths incorporate electronic control units to control vehicle locks. An electronic control unit for controlling a vehicle lock typically consists of a circuit board integrated into the vehicle lock, as well as electronic components and / or energy storage devices arranged on the circuit board. This enables the vehicle lock to interact directly with, for example, a central control unit of the vehicle. For example, the main locking position of the vehicle lock can be queried via a microswitch, with this position query being forwarded to the central control unit via the integrated control unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the integrated control unit can also be used to implement emergency actuation using capacitors, for example. In order for the integrated control unit or the integrated circuit board of the motor vehicle lock to interact with another control unit located in the vehicle or with a central control unit, electrical contact must be established. Various prior art solutions have been developed for establishing electrical contact with a control unit located in the motor vehicle lock.

[0009] DE 10 2021 101 502 A1 discloses a motor vehicle lock housing arrangement, with at least one lock housing and a carrier housing, wherein the lock housing is designed to accommodate at least one locking mechanism, an actuator and an electronics carrier. The control unit arranged in the motor vehicle lock housing is formed from a base carrier for receiving sensors and an electronics carrier. In order to connect the base carrier to the electronics carrier, plug pins are arranged on the base carrier and can be inserted into a plug socket on the electronics carrier. In this way, electrical contact can be established between the base carrier and the electronics carrier, wherein the plug socket on the electronics carrier is simultaneously designed to contact the motor vehicle lock with a plug.

[0010] Another possibility for making contact or forming a plug contact on a motor vehicle lock is disclosed in DE 20 2006 009 247 Ul. For electrically contacting the electronic components of the motor vehicle lock, a connection adapter is provided, wherein the connection adapter has contact lines that protrude from the connection adapter and can be connected to conductor tracks in the motor vehicle lock by means of suitable bends. To connect the connection adapter to the housing of the door lock, the connection adapter has molded projections that engage in corresponding grooves in the housing and thus form a holder for the connection adapter.

[0011] The solutions known from the prior art have generally proven themselves, but reach their limits when a simple modular design of a motor vehicle lock is required. It should be noted that the production of a composite body consisting of conductor tracks and housing is associated with high costs, which are both undesirable and require complex, multi-stage production. This is where the invention comes in.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle lock housing with electrical contact to a circuit board inside the motor vehicle lock. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide the most efficient possible production of a motor vehicle lock, which is structurally simple and cost-effective.

[0013] The object of the invention is provided by a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pawl, a lock housing with a one-piece connection area for inserting a plug and a printed circuit board arranged inside the lock housing, wherein the printed circuit board comprises plug contacts and the plug contacts can be plugged into the connection area of ​​the housing when the printed circuit board is assembled. The design of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention now makes it possible to produce the printed circuit board independently of the lock housing and at the same time to form the electrical contact between the printed circuit board and thus the motor vehicle lock directly on the circuit board.The arrangement of the plug contacts on the circuit board makes it possible to use a cost-effective lock housing, whereby the plug contacts can be inserted into the lock housing after the lock housing has been manufactured and during assembly of the circuit board, so that a plug socket can be formed from the lock housing or the connection area and the plug contacts on the circuit board. The combination of the plug contacts with the connection area takes place inside a plug socket or inside the connection area, so that at the same time a tight electrical contact is possible that is independent of external influences. The connection area formed in one piece on the lock housing, in combination with the plug contacts, forms the connection plug or the connection socket of the motor vehicle lock.

[0014] When referring to a motor vehicle lock in the context of the invention, this encompasses motor vehicle locks that are used, for example, in side doors, sliding doors, hatches, hoods, and / or covers, precisely where pivoting or displaceably mounted components are located on the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable to arrange the motor vehicle lock in the backrest of a seat.

[0015] The motor vehicle lock has a locking mechanism which has a rotary latch and at least one pawl. Preferably, at least one pawl is arranged in the same plane as the rotary latch and is able, in interaction with the lock holder, to lock or latch the rotary latch in one position. When the locking mechanism is open, an inlet mouth of the rotary latch points in the direction of a lock holder, wherein a relative movement between the lock holder and the rotary latch causes the rotary latch to pivot. The pawl is generally pre-tensioned in the direction of the rotary latch so that the pawl engages with the rotary latch when a latching position is reached.

[0016] To unlock the locking mechanism, a release lever is used, whereby the release lever interacts with the locking mechanism and preferably with the pawl in such a way that the locked locking mechanism can be unlocked by moving the release lever. The release lever is, for example, pivotally mounted in the vehicle lock and is able to move at least one pawl out of the engagement area with the rotary latch. Systems with one, two or even three pawls are used. For example, it is conceivable that the pre-locking position is provided with a separate pawl, whereby in the main locking position the pawl interacts with another pawl, whereby the second pawl is held in engagement with the rotary latch by means of a third pawl, which can also be referred to as a blocking or locking lever.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection area is part of a housing cover. A motor vehicle lock usually consists of at least two housing parts. A first lock housing part in which the locking mechanism and other functional elements, such as a release lever, a locking mechanism, a child safety lock, an electric motor and / or microswitch are accommodated. The second housing part of the motor vehicle lock consists of at least one housing cover which covers the first housing part. There are various design variants with additional housing parts which, for example, form an inlet mouth for the lock housing as a separate component or, for example, form an intermediate layer so that the moisture-sensitive circuit board can be sealed in the motor vehicle lock. There are also variants in which, for example, the locking mechanism can be covered by means of a lock plate or a lock case.The lock case generally and preferably accommodates the locking mechanism and supports at least the locking mechanism in such a way that even high tensile forces can be absorbed by the motor vehicle lock. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection region is part of the housing cover. The housing cover can thereby and preferably form at least part of the sealing region for the circuit board. Even more preferably, the housing cover forms a full-surface cover for the circuit board. The lock housing and thus the circuit board can be sealed by means of the housing cover.

[0018] It can also be advantageous if the connection area extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing cover. The connection area, together with the plug contacts, forms a socket that connects the vehicle lock to a control system, preferably a central control unit. The vehicle lock is controlled via the connection plug, and the circuit board in the vehicle lock can also contain a microcontroller and other electronic components such as capacitors, resistors, microswitches, etc. The circuit board in the vehicle lock is therefore also able to monitor, regulate, and control controls in the vehicle lock.The connection plug formed by the connection area and the plug contacts can therefore be used to supply power to the circuit board, an electric motor or other electronic components, and at the same time the circuit board can communicate as a controller with the control system of the vehicle lock via the connection plug or the connection socket. If the connection area is aligned in the direction of a plane of extension of the housing cover, it is possible to lead the plug contacts into the connection area parallel to the plane of extension of the housing cover. This can be done in a particularly simple way and thus makes assembly of the circuit board easier. The housing cover preferably extends in the direction of the circuit board and covers the circuit board in a plane that can be described as almost parallel.

[0019] If two or more plug contacts are permanently connected to the circuit board, in particular by soldering, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. The plug contacts are firmly connected to the circuit board and form a unit with the circuit board. When reference is made here to a circuit board, this also means a circuit board which can be equipped with further electronic components, such as a microprocessor, capacitors and / or microswitches and / or contacts for an electric motor. The circuit board itself can also be connected inside the motor vehicle lock to an electrical component carrier, i.e. to a lock housing component with integrated conductor tracks. The plug contacts are permanently attached to the circuit board and can be plugged into the connection area together with the circuit board.For this purpose, the connection area has openings which correspond to the plug contacts. Preferably, there are exactly as many openings, feedthroughs and / or slots provided in the connection area as there are plug contacts protruding from the circuit board or fastened to the circuit board. For this purpose, the plug contacts extend from the circuit board to the connection area far enough that, in combination and in the assembled state, a plug socket or a connection plug can be formed together with the connection area. Even if different terms are used here for the combination of plug contacts in the connection area, it is always understood to mean a connection socket into which a plug can be inserted and via which the motor vehicle lock can be connected to the central control unit of the motor vehicle lock.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the plug contacts are angled. The angled design of the plug contacts makes it possible to arrange the connection area parallel to the extension of the housing cover, but to arrange the connection area offset, i.e. in a parallel plane. In other words, the arrangement of the connection area can be offset to the extension of the housing cover on the housing cover. According to the invention, the plug contacts are firmly connected to the control circuit board and can extend in the direction of the circuit board. With a simple fold, an arrangement of the connection area offset in one plane is possible. If two or more angles are provided on the plug contacts, it is also conceivable to design the connection area on the lock housing at an angle with respect to a longitudinal extension of the circuit board and / or the housing.This allows a great deal of freedom in the design and arrangement of the plug connection on the motor vehicle lock. If the circuit board can be firmly connected to the lock housing, in particular the housing cover, after the plug contacts have been inserted into the connection area, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. On the one hand, a secure connection with a plug contact can be created by inserting the plug contacts into the connection area, and on the other hand, the circuit board can be securely fixed by directly fastening the circuit board in the inner housing of the lock. It can also be advantageous if the circuit board can be inserted directly into the housing cover and connected to the housing cover.The circuit board can be connected to the housing, for example, by forming pins. The pins protrude from the housing and extend into and through openings in the circuit board, for example. By inserting the pins into the pins and subsequently forming the pins, a permanent connection to the housing can be created.

[0021] It is also conceivable, however, for the circuit board to be positively engaged with the housing, and for the circuit board to be secured only after the housing cover has been installed. Screw connections can, of course, also represent an advantageous design option.

[0022] To ensure that the circuit board is securely held in the vehicle lock, the housing cover and / or the connection area can include a seal. The circuit board is equipped with electronic or electrical components and must be held in the vehicle lock so that it is protected from environmental influences. To achieve this, it can be advantageous if the circuit board, for example, fits positively into the housing cover and is electrically connected and fixed. To create a tight connection between the housing cover and the other part of the lock housing, it can be advantageous if the housing cover has a circumferential seal. The seal can then ensure that the circuit board is securely held in the lock housing. Secure holding here means that the circuit board is protected from environmental influences in the vehicle lock when the vehicle lock is in use.The connection area itself can, in turn, have a separate seal, which, for example, corresponds to a plug that can be inserted into the connection area and thus protects the plug contacts from environmental influences. It is also conceivable for the connection area to have guide aids, such as slots, and / or be equipped with clip connections, so that both a sealed and secure connection of the plug to the connection area is possible.

[0023] 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.

[0024] It shows: Figure 1 a three-dimensional view of a housing cover with a connection area, a circuit board and the angled plug contacts; and

[0025] Figure 2 is a view of the housing cover from Figure 1 in a rear view and with a transparent housing cover.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of part of a lock housing 1. Shown are a housing cover 2, a printed circuit board 3, a plurality of plug contacts 4, a connection area 5, and a circumferential seal 6. The printed circuit board 3 is firmly connected to the housing cover 2 by means of a formed housing pin 7. A number of electronic components 8, 9 can be seen on the printed circuit board 3.

[0027] The plug contacts 4 are inserted into openings in the connection area 5 and extend to a recess 11 into which, for example, an external connector can be inserted. In this exemplary embodiment, the plug contacts 4 are provided with contact webs that serve as mounting aids for the plug contacts 4 on the printed circuit board 3. Extensions 13 of the contact webs 12 extend through the printed circuit board 3 and are firmly connected to the printed circuit board 3 on the rear side by soldering.

[0028] As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the printed circuit board 3 has been inserted into the housing cover 2 in a form-fitting manner and fastened in the housing cover 2 by means of the housing pin 7. To insert the printed circuit board 3 into the housing cover 2, the plug contacts 4 are inserted into the openings 10 and then the printed circuit board is inserted into the housing cover in a form-fitting manner. This type of assembly enables parallel assembly with regard to the housing cover. In other words, the printed circuit board 3 can be inserted or mounted in the connection area 5 in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the housing cover.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the housing cover 2 from the rear. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing cover is transparent, so that the printed circuit board 3 is visible at the same time. The connection of the plug contacts 12 or the extensions 13 and their contact with the printed circuit board 3 can also be seen through the transparent area of ​​the housing cover 2.

[0030] A connector (not shown) can be connected to the connection area 5. Lateral guides 14 and a snap-in connection 15 can be seen. The housing cover 2 can be mounted, for example, using a screw connection 15. Thus, the housing cover 2 can be connected to the lock housing part 1 via the screw connection 15. The printed circuit board 3 is then located between the housing cover 2 and the lock housing part 1, with the circumferential seal 6 protecting the printed circuit board 3 from environmental influences.

[0031] Reference symbol list

[0032] Lock housing

[0033] Housing cover

[0034] circuit board

[0035] Plug contacts

[0036] Connection area

[0037] seal

[0038] Housing pin for electrical components

[0039] Openings

[0040] recesses

[0041] Contact bridges

[0042] Extensions

[0043] Guided tours

[0044] screw connection

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a lock housing (1) with a one-piece connection area (5) for inserting a plug and a printed circuit board (3) arranged inside the lock housing (1), characterized in that the printed circuit board (3) comprises plug contacts (4), wherein the plug contacts (4) can be inserted into the connection area (5) when the printed circuit board (3) is mounted.

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection area (5) is part of a housing cover (2).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection area (5) extends in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the housing cover (2).

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that two or more plug contacts (4) are permanently connected to the circuit board (3), in particular by means of soldering.

5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plug contacts (4) extend from the circuit board (3) in the direction of the connection area (5) and together with the connection area (5) form a socket on the motor vehicle lock.

6. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plug contacts (4) are at least slightly angled.

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the printed circuit board (3) can be firmly connected to the housing (1, 2), in particular the housing cover (2), after the insertion of the plug contacts (4) into the connection area (5).

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the circuit board (3) can be permanently connected to the housing (1, 2).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the housing cover (2) and / or the connection area (5) comprises a seal (6).

10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the circuit board (3) can be inserted into the housing (1, 2) in a form-fitting manner.

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