Lock for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, the lock comprising a locking mechanism (3) having: a rotary latch (3); at least one pawl; a lock case (2), wherein the locking mechanism parts (3) can each be pivotably mounted in the lock case (2) by means of a locking mechanism part pivot axis (4, 5); and a lock housing (16), wherein the lock housing (16) surrounds at least the locking mechanism part pivot axes (4, 5), and wherein the lock housing (16) can be mounted into at least one locking mechanism part pivot axis (4, 5).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lock for a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a lock case, wherein the locking parts can be received in the lock case in a pivotable manner by means of a locking part axis, and a lock housing, wherein the lock housing encloses at least the locking part axes.

[0004] The basic design of a locking system is such that a lock holder, which can be brought into engagement with the locking system, is encompassed by the locking system and the movable component is secured in its position. For this purpose, a rotary latch preferably engages with the lock holder, with the rotary latch being held in the locked or locked position by a pawl. Especially for side doors, two locking positions in the lock are required. There is a pre-locking position and a main locking position in which the side door is completely closed.

[0005] Motor vehicles are exposed to environmental influences. Rain, snow, heat, cold, or dust can affect the functionality of the components operated by the operator. In particular, to protect the functional elements in motor vehicle locking systems, the functional elements of the locking device are equipped with covers.

[0006] Cover devices are usually made of plastic and form a housing that is usually made up of at least two parts. In order to seal the functional elements of the locking device, for example against the ingress of moisture, the housing parts usually have a sealing contour around their entire circumference, which forms a seal when the housing parts are assembled or brought together to form the housing. On the one hand, the seal is intended to prevent the ingress of moisture and / or dirt, for example, and on the other hand, the seal can be used to influence the sound emissions of the functional elements of the locking device. The seal therefore serves to ensure that nothing could impede or restrict the functionality of the locking device, and on the other hand, it ensures that the locking device has optimal noise characteristics.

[0007] The multi-part design of the cover device or the housing of the locking device may be due to design considerations, i.e., the installation position of the locking device and / or the fact that the manufacturing of the locking device requires a multi-part design. It has proven effective for the housing components to have opposing, corresponding sealing contours, which form a seal when joined.

[0008] From DE 20 2008 004 332 U1 a motor vehicle door lock is known, having a lock housing with at least one seal, wherein the seal is fixed in an associated receiving chamber in the lock housing by means of at least one chamber element. In addition to the chamber element, the seal has at least one contact element which engages above and / or below the receiving chamber. The housing of the motor vehicle lock has a lock cover and a cover which engage with one another with a sealing contour arranged at least in some areas. The lock cover has a receptacle into which a projection of the cover engages, so that a meandering sealing contour is formed.

[0009] DE 10 2015 108 733 A1 discloses a housing comprising at least two parts, consisting of a first housing part, in which the locking mechanism is accommodated, and a further housing part, which closes off the first housing part as a housing cover. To fix, align, and connect the two housing parts, it is proposed to equip a second sealing area with a projection that can be inserted into a pointed notch. This allows, on the one hand, a sealed connection between the two housing parts to be achieved, and, on the other hand, easy and precisely positioned assembly to be enabled.

[0010] While on the one hand the housing parts can be fixed via the housing or the different housing parts, solutions have also become known in which a lock case which at least partially encloses the lock housing is used to fix the housing. For example, it is known from DE 10 2017 128 735 A1 to design the lock case with an extension which engages in a projection on the housing, so that the housing can be fixed to the lock case in a way which can be described as a clip connection. The printed document also discloses a means for mounting the motor vehicle lock, wherein the means for mounting can be designed as a threaded bushing, for example, and can be brought into positive engagement with the lock housing.

[0011] If solutions are known in which the lock housing parts can be directly connected to one another or a lock case can be used to fix the lock housing, these solutions have generally proven themselves.

[0012] A problem that developers of motor vehicle locks are always concerned with is keeping tolerances so small that precise alignment of the components is possible while simultaneously ensuring easy assembly. Precise components, i.e., components with tight tolerances, are costly to manufacture. The goal is therefore to achieve precise alignment of the components of the motor vehicle lock with the least possible design effort. This is where the invention comes in.

[0013] In accordance with the aforementioned problem, the object of the invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle lock. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle lock that provides a high degree of precision while maintaining consistent component quality and simultaneously introduces an additional stabilizing component into the motor vehicle lock.

[0014] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. However, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the embodiments described in the description, the claims, and the drawings may be made.

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved in that a lock for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a lock case, wherein the locking parts can each be pivotally received in the lock case by means of a locking mechanism part axis, a lock housing, wherein the lock housing encloses at least the locking mechanism part axes and wherein the lock housing can be received in at least one locking mechanism part axis. The design of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention has a number of advantages. The interaction of the lock housing and the locking mechanism part axis can achieve an additional stabilizing effect in the motor vehicle lock. The housing is given additional support by being in contact with the locking mechanism part axis, which in turn means that tolerances can be maintained. The locking mechanism part axis is usually in the lock case orFirmly mounted in the lock plate and preferably riveted. The locking mechanism axis is thus firmly connected to the metal lock case, providing a very precisely aligned contact surface for the lock housing.

[0016] Motor vehicle locksmiths are dimensioned and toleranced with regard to the position of the lock holder in a main detent position. The motor vehicle lock accommodates the lock holder with the locking mechanism in the main detent position, i.e. in a position where the locking mechanism is fully closed. The position of the lock holder is then such that the lock holder rests under preload, primarily on a door or flap seal, on the load arm of the rotary latch. Starting from the central axis of the lock holder, the position of the locking mechanism sub-axes and in particular the tolerance of the locking mechanism sub-axes are tolerated starting from the central axis of the lock holder. The locking mechanism sub-axes therefore each offer a fixed point, which is subject to only small tolerances, as they are tolerated directly from the lock holder.If the lock housing is now brought into contact with the locking mechanism part axis, a very precisely definable contact surface can be provided due to the small tolerance of the locking mechanism part axis.

[0017] In order to illustrate the small dimensional tolerance deviation of the locking mechanism part axis, it can be shown that components which interact with the locking mechanism are subject to a number of tolerances. If, for example, a separately mounted release lever is arranged in the motor vehicle lock, the interaction between the release lever and, for example, the pawl results in a tolerance from the distance of the center of the lock holder to the locking mechanism part axis plus the tolerance from the distance of the center of the lock holder to the bearing point of the release lever. The bearing point of the release lever in relation to the locking mechanism part axis of the pawl is therefore subject to at least two tolerances. The contact surface on the locking mechanism part axis therefore forms a fixed point in the motor vehicle lock, which is only subject to the positional tolerance of the locking mechanism part axis to the center of the lock holder.

[0018] The locking parts, rotary latch and pawl, are mounted on metal axles in the vehicle lock. For this purpose, the locking part axles are usually designed as stepped mandrels and are guided into the lock case or a lock case and a first housing part and then joined using a forming process, for example, cold riveting.

[0019] The locking mechanism part axes are, as already explained above, preferably designed as stepped mandrels. In this case, a stepped mandrel means that the locking mechanism part axis serves as a bearing point for the locking mechanism parts, such as the rotary latch and pawl and / or other lock components, and at the same time the steps or shoulders on the stepped mandrel can serve as a support for other lock components. For example, one diameter of the stepped mandrel can serve as a bearing axis for the rotary latch, and a shoulder can be present at the bearing point of the rotary latch, which shoulder has a smaller diameter, for example. This smaller diameter can then be passed through a lock case and / or a lock housing, for example, so that a support surface for the rotary latch can be provided through the lock case or the lock housing.The thinner end of the stepped mandrel which is passed through the opening in the housing or lock case can then be formed, for example, on a side of the lock case or housing opposite the rotary latch in order to create a permanent connection with the lock case and thus enable secure mounting of the locking mechanism part. In addition, on a side of the rotary latch bearing point opposite the thinner diameter, there can be a larger diameter on the stepped mandrel, which then in turn forms a bearing surface or a contact surface for the rotary latch. The larger diameter can support other components of the locking mechanism, or there can be a smaller diameter behind the larger diameter which then serves to accommodate a leg spring, for example. The stepped mandrel therefore enables secure and stable mounting of the locking mechanism components and can perform several functions in the vehicle lock.

[0020] The motor vehicle lock according to the invention has a lock housing which, at least in the area of ​​the locking mechanism, at least partially covers the locking components. The lock housing can be received in at least one locking mechanism part axis. Receivable here means that a connection can be established between the lock housing and the locking mechanism part axis in such a way that a fixing of the lock housing on, at or in the locking mechanism part axis is possible. In any case, the lock housing can be positioned by means of the locking mechanism part axis and thus aligned with respect to the lock holder bolt and the central axis arranged in the lock holder bolt.

[0021] The lock housing can advantageously be connected to the locking mechanism part axis in a form-fitting manner. A form-fitting connection between the housing part and the locking mechanism part axis forms an advantageous embodiment of the invention, since the form-fitting connection enables secure positioning and also fastening of the lock housing to the locking mechanism part axis. It is conceivable in this case, for example, that the lock housing overlaps the locking mechanism part axis in regions and engages, for example, in a groove in the locking mechanism part axis. This allows the housing to be held securely and, at the same time, the housing to be positioned in relation to the locking mechanism part axis. In addition, the lock housing is additionally stabilized by the form-fitting connection between the housing and the locking mechanism part axis.

[0022] It can also be advantageous if the locking mechanism part axis has a recess and the lock housing can be inserted into the recess at least in part. Inserting or introducing the lock housing into the locking mechanism part axis enables the lock housing to be joined easily, particularly if a joining aid in the form of a chamfer is provided on the lock housing, for example. The recess in the locking mechanism part axis can accommodate the lock housing, for example in a form-fitting manner. It is conceivable, for example, for the lock housing to have an extension which is rectangular or square, for example, so that the lock housing can be inserted into the motor axis and fixed in place. Central insertion makes assembly simple and can also be implemented cost-effectively on the lock housing.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the recess has a cylindrical shape, so that the locking mechanism part axis is designed as a hollow cylinder at least in some areas. The partial design of the locking mechanism part axis as a hollow cylinder offers the advantage that the weight of the stepped mandrel or of the locking mechanism part axis is reduced. At the same time, the hollow cylindrical area of ​​the locking mechanism part axis can serve as a receptacle for the lock housing. The lock housing can thus be partially or completely inserted into the recess in the locking mechanism part axis, so that the depth of the hollow cylindrical recess can simultaneously serve as an aid for positioning the lock housing in relation to the locking mechanism part axis.It is of course also conceivable that, in addition to the cylindrical design, a positive connection can be formed between the recess and the extension on the lock housing in order to achieve, on the one hand, easy and secure positioning and, on the other hand, locking of the lock housing with the locking mechanism part axis.

[0024] If a reinforcement plate is additionally provided, whereby the locking mechanism axes can be connected by means of the reinforcement plate, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. A reinforcement plate is used where additional stability is required in the motor vehicle lock. If the locking mechanism axes are fastened on one side in the lock case or in the lock plate, the locking mechanism axes can be additionally fixed via the reinforcement plate and serve to increase the stability of the motor vehicle lock. The reinforcement plate is preferably received and fastened in the locking mechanism axes, which is designed as a stepped mandrel. The reinforcement plate can be fastened to the locking mechanism axes by means of positive locking, frictional locking or as a permanent connection by means of forming.Depending on the application and the required stabilization of the locking mechanism, different fastening methods for the reinforcement plate can be provided. The reinforcement plate can also be held in the lock case and / or serve as a bearing or holding point for other functional elements or components of the vehicle lock. For example, it is conceivable that a stop buffer can be arranged in an opening of the reinforcement plate, so that, for example, a locking mechanism part, a release lever, or a closing lever interacts with the damping element.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement plate can be connected permanently, in particular by means of forming, to the locking mechanism part axis. The at least one locking mechanism part axis, which is permanently connected to the reinforcement plate, extends through the reinforcement plate and can be connected to the reinforcement plate, for example, by riveting, i.e. cold forming. For example, the stepped mandrel can extend through the lock case and be cold-formed there, serve as a rotation axis for the pawl, for example, and extend through the reinforcement plate and be permanently connected to the reinforcement plate there. This makes it possible to provide a stable and secure mounting for the locking mechanism part. In a manner according to the invention, the lock housing can then be connectable, for example, to a recess in the stepped mandrel.This allows a stable motor vehicle lock to be provided on the one hand and, on the other hand, precise positioning with simultaneous support of the housing to be achieved.

[0026] As already explained above, the locking mechanism part axis can be designed as a stepped mandrel, with at least one functional element being mountable on the locking mechanism part axis. A functional element can be, for example, a leg spring, a damper, a lever or actuating element or a guide which has to be accommodated or mounted in the motor vehicle lock. In this case, it is conceivable and usual, for example, to fasten a release lever to a locking mechanism part axis. This list is of course not restrictive; rather, the locking mechanism part axis can also simply serve as a stop, for example for a spring element. Depending on the area of ​​application of the stepped mandrel, different diameters, grooves or elevations can be provided on the stepped mandrel.

[0027] As already introduced in the introduction, it is an embodiment of the invention if an extension on the lock housing can be inserted into a recess in the locking mechanism part axis. Even if only one extension is referred to here, it is of course also conceivable for both locking mechanism part axes to have a recess or to be form-fittingly connected to the housing. The lock housing is preferably made of plastic and encloses at least one area of ​​the locking mechanism part axes. Depending on the design of the motor vehicle lock, there may only be one housing cover, as is used for example in tailgate locks, or the lock housing can be designed in several parts and consist of a lock housing and a housing cover.Depending on the vehicle's layout and the lock case, the housing cover or the housing itself can have one or more extensions that interact with the locking mechanism's axes. This allows for easy installation of the housing, and the housing can be mounted precisely aligned with the locking mechanism.

[0028] The lock housing is preferably made of plastic and more preferably of a thermoplastic, such as a PDA, as an injection-molded component. It can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively and the extension on the lock housing can be molded integrally onto the lock housing. It is also conceivable according to the invention for the extension itself to be designed as a hollow cylinder. A hollow cylindrical design of the locking mechanism part axes and a hollow cylindrical design of the extension can have a positive influence on the weight of the motor vehicle lock. This allows a maximum degree of stability to be introduced into the lock housing, allows easy assembly and at the same time allows these advantages to be achieved with low weight.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features illustrated can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0030] It shows :

[0031] Figure 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle lock designed according to the invention, showing a plan view of the reinforcement plate, the locking mechanism and the lock case, and

[0032] Figure 2 is a view along the line I I- II as a section through the motor vehicle lock according to Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock 1 with the components essential to the invention. A locking mechanism 3 is arranged in a lock case 2, wherein two locking mechanism part axes 4, 5 are provided, which additionally carry a reinforcing plate 6. A holding element 7 is additionally mounted on the reinforcing plate 6, wherein the holding element 7 accommodates a rotary latch buffer 8. The reinforcing plate 6 in turn has an extension 9 which projects into the lock case 2. The lock case 2 can be mounted by means of screw openings 10, for example on a tailgate of a motor vehicle. For clarity, only one screw opening 10 is provided with a reference symbol in Figure 1.

[0034] The motor vehicle lock 1 is shown in a main locking position in which a lock holder (shown hatched) can be fixed by means of the rotary latch 3 and thus the component pivotally attached to the motor vehicle can be positioned and held securely while driving. It can be clearly seen that the locking mechanism part axis 5 of the pawl is designed as a stepped mandrel. Individual steps 11 can be clearly seen in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 6 is held by a shoulder 12 and by means of the stepped mandrel 5. A part of a release lever 13 of the motor vehicle lock 1 can also be seen on the stepped mandrel 5 or the locking mechanism part axis 5. The locking mechanism part axis 4 extends through the reinforcing plate 6 and has a recess 14.The locking part axis 4 also projects beyond the reinforcement plate 6 and was firmly connected to the reinforcement plate 6 by means of a forming process, resulting in a circumferential collar 15 which, on the one hand, forms the border for the opening 14 and, on the other hand, firmly connects the reinforcement plate 6 to the locking part axis 4.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a section through the motor vehicle lock 1 along the line II-II. The motor vehicle lock 1 according to Figure 1 is shown with a mounted lock housing 16. In this exemplary embodiment, the lock housing 16 covers the entire locking mechanism 3 and is constructed in one piece with an extension 17 and is connected to the locking mechanism part axis 4 via the opening 14 or recess 14.

[0036] Also visible are the reinforcement plate 6, the locking mechanism part axis 4, the rotary latch 3 and the lock case 2. The locking mechanism part axis 4 is designed as a stepped mandrel and extends from the lock case 2 to the reinforcement plate 6. Starting from a lower area of ​​the drawing in Figure 2, a rivet head 18 can be seen on the locking mechanism part axis 4, which connects the stepped mandrel 4 to the lock case 2. A smaller diameter is connected to the rivet head 18 and projects through the lock case 2. A larger diameter 20 adjoining the smaller diameter 19 forms the rotary latch bearing point 20. A further shoulder 21 on the stepped mandrel 4 forms a lateral stop for the rotary latch 3 next to the lock case 2. The upper area of ​​the stepped mandrel 4 is designed as a hollow cylinder 22. In this embodiment, a leg spring 23 is mounted around the hollow cylinder 22.The leg spring 23 can serve, for example, as a return spring for the rotary latch 3. Finally, the stepped mandrel 4 extends through the reinforcement plate 6 and forms a collar 15 above the reinforcement plate 6.

[0037] The extension 17 of the lock housing 16 projects into the opening 14 of the hollow cylindrical extension 22 of the stepped mandrel 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the stepped mandrel is hollow cylindrical, and the extension 17 also has a cylindrical shape. The extension is also hollow cylindrical, thus achieving a low weight. Other cooperating shapes such as rectangular, square, oval, etc. are also conceivable.

[0038] As can also be clearly seen in Figure 2, by fixing the lock housing 16 on the stepped mandrel 4 and inserting the extension 17 into the hollow cylinder 22 of the stepped mandrel 4, a very precise alignment of the lock housing 16 with respect to a center axis M of the locking mechanism 3 can be achieved. Starting from a reference line B, from which the motor vehicle lock 1 is dimensioned, a very precise alignment of the lock housing 16 with respect to the reference line B can thus be achieved. There are only small tolerances between the reference line B and the center line M of the locking mechanism part axis 4, so that a very precise positioning of the lock housing 16 is possible. List of reference symbols

[0039] 1 vehicle lock

[0040] 2 lock cases

[0041] 3 locking mechanism, rotary latch

[0042] 4 , 5 Locking part axis , stepped mandrel

[0043] 6 Reinforcement plate

[0044] 7 Holding element

[0045] 8 rotary latch buffers

[0046] 9 Extension

[0047] 10 screw opening

[0048] 11 steps

[0049] 12 paragraph

[0050] 13 release lever

[0051] 14 Recess

[0052] 15 collars

[0053] 16 lock housings

[0054] 17 Extension

[0055] 18 rivet head

[0056] 19 large diameter

[0057] 20 rotary joint bearing point

[0058] 21 paragraph

[0059] 22 hollow cylinders

[0060] 23 Leg spring

[0061] M central axis

[0062] B Reference line, zero line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism (3) with a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl, a lock case (2), wherein the locking parts (3) can be received in the lock case (2) in a pivotable manner by means of a locking part axis (4, 5), a lock housing (16), wherein the lock housing (16) encloses at least the locking part axes (4, 5), characterized in that the lock housing (16) can be received in at least one locking part axis (4, 5).

2. Lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lock housing (16) can be connected in a form-fitting manner to the locking mechanism part axis (4, 5).

3. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism part axes (4, 5) have a recess (14) and that the lock housing (16) can be inserted at least partially into the recess (14).

4. Lock (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the recess (14) has a cylindrical shape, wherein the locking mechanism part axis (4, 5) is designed at least in regions as a hollow cylinder (22).

5. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a reinforcing plate (6) is provided, wherein the locking part axes (4, 5) can be connected by means of the reinforcing plate (6).

6. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reinforcing plate (6) can be connected non-detachably, in particular by means of a forming, to the locking part axis (4, 5).

7. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking mechanism part axis (4, 5) can be designed as a stepped mandrel, wherein at least one functional element (23) can be mounted on the locking mechanism part axis (4, 5).

8. Lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an extension (17) on the lock housing (16) can be inserted into the recess (14).

9. Lock (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the extension one piece with the lock housing can be trained.

10. Lock (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the extension (17) can be designed as a hollow cylinder.

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