Lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock holder (1) for a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock holder plate (11) and a lock holder bracket (1) which is secured to the lock holder plate (11), wherein the lock holder bracket (1) is formed with a locking pin (2), a central piece (6, 3') and a connecting pin (4), and wherein the lock holder plate (11) has a reduced material thickness (S) relative to the thickness of the central piece (3).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock

[0003] The invention relates to a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock comprising a lock holder plate and a lock holder bracket attached to the lock holder plate, wherein the lock holder bracket is designed with a locking bolt, a central piece and a connecting bolt.

[0004] The lock holder typically interacts with the locking mechanism of a corresponding vehicle door lock. The lock holder and the vehicle door lock generally define the vehicle door locking mechanism. In conjunction with the locking mechanism in the vehicle door lock, the lock holder ensures a secure and reliable closure of the corresponding vehicle door. For this purpose, the lock holder is usually attached to a vehicle body, for example, a B- or C-pillar. The vehicle door lock, on the other hand, is located in the vehicle door itself. The reverse is also possible, however.

[0005] Due to the primary locking function of the door lock retainer in conjunction with the locking mechanism in the vehicle door lock, it is, on the one hand, a particularly safety-relevant component, which, on the other hand, is subjected to particular stresses, especially in an accident. In fact, the protection of vehicle occupants in a side impact depends significantly on how reliably the door lock retainer and the interacting locking mechanism are able to absorb the impact forces. This is because the primary concern is that the vehicle door remains closed, so that safety devices installed in or on the vehicle door, such as side airbags, side impact protection, etc., can function as intended.

[0006] The increasing forces resulting from the interaction between the vehicle door lock and the lock holder act directly between the locking mechanism contained in the vehicle door lock and the locking bolt of the lock holder bracket, which engages with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism consists of a rotary latch and at least one locking pawl. After the rotary latch engages, when the door element closes, the locking pawl engages in the locking bolt of the lock holder, preventing the door element from opening. The locking mechanism can have a pre-latch and a main latch, which may be present in the door lock depending on the door element. Depending on the design of the locking mechanism, the respective latch position, i.e., main latch or pre-latch, can be equipped with an opening or closing moment, so that a blocking lever can be used to secure the latch position.In order to withstand the high forces that occur in the event of an accident, the locking components are at least partially made of a metallic material, mounted in metallic axles and held on a metallic lock plate in the vehicle door lock.

[0007] Various approaches have already been pursued in the prior art to further develop such lock holders so that they can withstand significantly greater forces in a crash than before, without breaking or sustaining any mechanical damage. In practice, material deformation and breakage are frequently observed in lock holders, particularly at the transition between the lock holder bracket and the lock holder plate.

[0008] To increase the load-bearing capacity of the lock holder under increasing forces, various approaches have been developed. These include equipping the lock holder or its bracket with different cross-sectional thicknesses, as described, for example, in EP 2 031 158 A2, or using a recess to create an elongation of the lock holder, as described, for example, in DE 10 2010 021 677 Al of fenbart. However, these approaches inadequately address the actual loads encountered in practice and the associated cracking behavior of the lock holder during a crash or under extreme forces. This is because it has been found that the connection between the lock holder bracket and the lock holder plate is a particularly important factor.

[0009] From DE 10 2014 006 857 A1, a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock is known, comprising a lock holder plate and a lock holder bracket attached thereto, wherein the lock holder bracket is formed with a locking bolt, a central piece, and a connecting bolt. To reinforce the connection between the lock holder bracket and the lock holder plate, the patent proposes that the lock holder bracket be positively connected to the lock holder plate over at least one material-thickened area. For this positive connection, the part of the lock holder bracket, or of the locking bolt and / or the connecting bolt, that projects beyond the lock holder plate is compressed.Through the compression process, the lock holder plate is simultaneously equipped with a bulge, which ensures that compression caps formed on the underside of the lock holder plate as a result of the compression process can be spaced apart from the bodywork on the one hand by the locking bolt and on the other hand by the connecting bolt.

[0010] While existing solutions have generally proven effective, they reach their limits with newer developments in the automotive industry. The use of batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles increases the stresses generated in an accident. The batteries present in the vehicle significantly increase its overall weight, thus also increasing the stresses on the locking mechanism and the lock holder in an accident. Consequently, approaches must be found to increase the stability of the lock holder. This is where the invention comes in.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide an improved lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock. In particular, the object of the invention is to improve the load-bearing capacity of the lock holder and to increase the tensile strength of the lock and lock holder system.

[0012] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. However, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any number of variations of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible.

[0013] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a lock holder plate and a lock holder bracket attached to the lock holder plate. The lock holder bracket is designed with a locking bolt, a central piece, and a connecting bolt, and the lock holder plate has a reduced material thickness compared to the material thickness of the central piece. The design of the lock holder according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the lock holder bracket individually, i.e., with regard to its material thickness, to the loads and, in particular, the extreme loads in an accident. By adjusting the ratio of the lock holder plate to the central piece, individual adaptation to the tensile forces can be achieved.The material thickness can play a crucial role in this process, as the deformability of the components of the lock holder can be adapted to the loads, in addition to the load itself.

[0014] The individual stresses during an accident are particularly relevant to safety, as it is essential to ensure that doors, hatches, or hoods remain closed, especially in an accident. Side doors are of paramount importance in this regard, as they are crucial for protecting the vehicle's occupants. Only when the door is securely closed can other safety systems, such as seat belts and airbags, function effectively. To simulate the stresses of an accident, the lock holder is subjected to a tensile test until it breaks. This serves two purposes: firstly, to determine whether the specified requirements are met, and secondly, to identify any weaknesses. The invention addresses this issue by providing a method for improving the load-bearing capacity of the lock holder and, in particular, its deformation behavior under extreme loads.

[0015] As already indicated above, the lock holder according to the invention does not only apply to a side door, but can also be used in the area of ​​a hood, tailgate, sliding door, cover, folding seats, etc. – in short, anywhere where pivotable or sliding components installed on the motor vehicle need to be securely held in their position. Therefore, the term "motor vehicle door lock" is not to be understood restrictively, but refers to all movable components on the motor vehicle that need to be securely held in their position.

[0016] Basically, the lock holder comprises a lock plate that serves as the base for the lock holder bracket and preferably has at least two bores by means of which the lock holder can be attached to the motor vehicle or the moving component. The openings in the lock holder plate preferably have a conical countersink, so that a flush surface with the lock holder plate can be achieved by means of suitable screws or suitable screw heads with a conical head.

[0017] It can be advantageous if the central piece has a cross-sectional shape that can be described as essentially rectangular, in particular a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a flattened wire. The central piece extends between the locking bolt and the connecting bolt and is manufactured in one piece from a wire. To provide the lock holder shackle and for assembly with the lock holder plate, the wire is flattened in the area of ​​the central piece and bent essentially into a U-shape. The wire thus formed is then connected to the lock holder plate, preferably with free ends of the lock holder shackle being inserted into the lock holder plate and again connected to the lock holder by means of a forming process, in particular riveting.

[0018] If the central piece has parallel surfaces, wherein the distance between the parallel surfaces is less than or equal to 7 mm, preferably less than or equal to 6.5 mm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 6 mm, this results in another advantageous embodiment of the invention. As described above, the lock shackle is formed from a wire, with only the central piece undergoing a change in cross-section. The central piece is formed such that parallel surfaces are formed on the central piece, which have a cross-sectional shape that can be described as essentially rectangular. Since the central piece is formed from a wire, rounded edges or radii are created on the sides connecting the parallel surfaces, so that the cross-sectional shape can be described as a flattened wire, which can only be described as rectangular in a figurative sense.

[0019] The parallel surfaces are spaced 7 mm apart, preferably 6.5 mm apart, and even more preferably 6 mm apart. A decisive advantage was achieved, particularly in selecting the thickness of the central piece, namely that the deformability of the lock holder, and especially the lock holder bracket, proved to be adjustable. Not only the holding of the movable component, especially the vehicle lock and the locking mechanism, but also the interaction between the lock and the lock holder bracket can have a decisive influence on the tensile forces. If the deformability of the bracket is adjusted, particularly by selecting the thickness of the central piece, then the deformability in the tensile test, and thus under extreme load, can be specifically controlled.

[0020] The tests showed that it was particularly advantageous when the lock holder plate had a material thickness of less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4.5 mm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, that a favorable ratio of lock holder plate to center piece could be achieved. The lock holder plate-to-center piece ratio plays a crucial role in the deformability of the lock holder. By adjusting the material thickness of the lock holder plate in combination with the adjusted distance of the parallel surfaces of the center piece, the deformability of the lock holder can be precisely controlled.

[0021] The deformability results from the stress distribution within the lock holder. The lock holder is preferably mounted on the B- or C-pillar of the vehicle. In the event of an accident, and especially in the case of a side impact, the vehicle lock, and in particular the vehicle door lock, experiences a load in the transverse direction (Y-direction) and in a vertical direction (Z-direction) with respect to a flat surface on which the vehicle is standing. The vehicle door lock is therefore subjected to loads in both the transverse and vertical directions. A load in the longitudinal direction (X-direction) plays a subordinate role in a side impact. By adjusting the ratio of the lock holder plate to the center piece, a uniform stress distribution in the Y- and Z-directions can be achieved within the lock holder.A uniform stress distribution also results in uniform deformability of the lock holder. In conjunction with the vehicle lock, the deformability of the lock holder can thus be specifically used to absorb crash forces and secure the moving component on the vehicle.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking bolt and the connecting bolt are formed from a round wire, wherein the wire diameter is less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 9.5 mm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 9 mm. The use of a drawn round wire for manufacturing the lock shackle has proven advantageous, with the one-piece construction of the lock shackle, in particular, preventing any notch effect along its length. The cross-sectional shape formed from this diameter in the central section can have a particularly beneficial effect on the stress distribution in the lock shackle.

[0023] In another design variant, the area where the lock retainer bracket connects to the lock retainer plate is compressed. If the lock retainer bracket is also reshaped in the connection area, in addition to the reshaping of the central section, and especially above the lock retainer plate, the stability of the lock retainer can be further increased. The compression of the lock retainer bracket results in material compaction, thus increasing the overall load-bearing capacity of the lock retainer bracket and consequently improving vehicle safety. The lock retainer bracket, i.e., the locking bolt, the central section, and the connecting bolt, are connected to the lock retainer plate as a bracket. A thickening or compression of the wire of the lock retainer bracket in the area of ​​the lock retainer plate allows for a further increase in the load-bearing capacity of the lock retainer bracket.By thickening the base area of ​​the locking bolt and, if applicable, the connecting piece, the contact surface on the mounting plate or lock holder plate can be maximized. Maximizing the contact surface increases resistance to bending stress. Bending stress can act on the locking bolt, particularly in the transverse or vertical direction of the vehicle. In the longitudinal direction (x-direction), the lock holder is primarily subjected to a tensile load.

[0024] It can also be advantageous, and constitute a further embodiment of the invention, if the connecting bolt is bent in an S-shape. A bent, and preferably an S-shaped, design of the connecting bolt allows, on the one hand, a larger engagement area of ​​the rotary latch in the opening of the lock holder bracket, and on the other hand, the S-shape can influence the deformability of the lock holder bracket and thus of the lock holder as a whole.

[0025] If the lock holder plate has a recess designed to receive a rivet head of the lock holder bracket, a further embodiment of the invention can be achieved. By forming a recess in the lock holder plate, it is possible to attach the lock holder bracket to the lock holder plate in such a way that only the area of ​​the lock holder plate containing the openings for the mounting points of the lock holder rests against the vehicle. The rivet heads can be held away from the vehicle body by the recess in the lock holder plate. Thus, the rivet heads are positioned at a distance from the vehicle body when the lock holder is mounted on the vehicle. Preferably, the recess in the lock holder plate is formed by means of a deep-drawing process or a stamping process.Deep drawing of the lock plate leads to further stiffening of the material of the lock plate, which in turn increases the strength of the lock plate. Deep drawing of the lock plate leads to an increase in the dislocation density in the base material, especially a steel material, so that work hardening of the material occurs, resulting in an overall higher strength of the lock plate.

[0026] It has also proven advantageous that the rivet head has a thickness of less than 4 mm, preferably 3.7 mm. Overall, it has been found that a rivet head height of less than 4 mm provides sufficient strength between the lock keeper shackle and the lock keeper plate. Sufficient strength of the riveted joint was also achieved in the range below 3.7 mm. It must always be taken into account that optimal stress distribution in the lock keeper can be achieved, particularly through the interaction between the material thickness of the lock keeper plate and the distance of the parallel surfaces from the lock keeper shackle. It has proven particularly advantageous if the ratio of lock keeper plate to center piece is between 0.71 and 0.66.Particularly good stress distribution and, at the same time, favorable deformability with sufficient security in the lock holder are achieved when the ratio of lock holder plate to center piece lies between 0.71 and 0.66. This ratio allows for stress distribution across the individual components of the lock holder, with the material thickness of the lock holder plate playing a particularly important role in the deformation of the lock holder. Overall, this results in increased strength and thus improved tensile strength of the locking system.

[0027] It can be concluded that the individual design of the lock holder bracket and the adapted material thickness of the lock holder plate allow for adjustment to the interaction between the rotary latch and the locking bolt, thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity in the event of an accident. The individual design of the lock holder bracket and the selected material thickness of the lock holder plate enable stress distribution and thus increase the tensile strength of the lock holder bracket.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and an exemplary embodiment. However, it is important to note that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features described in the description and the claims.

[0029] It shows:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a lock holder bracket as a separate component in a side view,

[0031] Figure 2 shows a separately depicted lock holder plate in a top view,

[0032] Figure 3 shows a view of the lock holder plate according to Figure 2 from the direction of arrow III, and

[0033] Figure 4 shows a section through the central part of the lock holder bracket according to Figure 1 from the direction of arrows IV-IV.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a side view of a lock retainer 1. The lock retainer comprises a locking bolt 2, a central section 3, and a connecting bolt 4. The locking bolt 2 has a cylindrical shape and primarily serves to interact with a rotary latch. The central section 3, which in this embodiment according to the invention has two parallel surfaces 5 and 6, adjoins the locking bolt 2. The central section 3 is formed in such a way that the entire lock retainer is made from a single piece of wire. The connecting bolt 4, which in this embodiment is S-shaped, adjoins the central section 3.

[0035] The locking bolt 2 and the connecting bolt 4 each have crimps 7, 8, which can also be described as thickenings. Each crimp 7, 8 has an enlarged contact surface 9, 10, which engages with the lock holder plate 11 in the assembled state. Figure 8 shows, on the one hand, the finished ends 12, 13 of the lock holder bracket 1 and, on the other hand, the rivet heads 14, 15, which are also shown in Figure 1. These rivet heads are positioned on the lock holder bracket 1 after the ends 12, 13 have been formed and connected to the lock holder plate 11. In this respect, Figure 1 shows two different assembly states of the lock holder bracket 1. Namely, on the one hand, the state in which the ends 12, 13 can be connected to openings 16, 17 of the lock holder plate 11 for assembly, and on the other hand, the state in which the ends 12, 13 are formed and are present as rivet heads 14, 15.

[0036] It should also be noted that the wire from which the lock holder bracket 1 is made has a diameter D of 9.5 mm in this embodiment, so that the locking bolt 2 and the connecting bolt 4 also have a diameter of approximately 9.5 mm. The swages 7, 8 and the corresponding rivet heads 14, 15, therefore, have a larger diameter.

[0037] The lock holder plate 11 has through-holes 16, 17 for receiving the lock holder bracket 1 and, in particular, its ends 12, 13. Additionally, bores 18, 19 are incorporated into the lock holder plate 11, each of which is further provided with a countersink 20, 21. The lock holder plate 11 has a recess 22 that is raised from the base surface 23 of the lock holder plate 11 in such a way that the rivet heads 14, 15 can be positioned and held at a distance from a mounting surface of the lock holder. The lock holder is constructed symmetrically with respect to a center line M.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a view of the lock holder plate 11 from the perspective of arrow III in Figure 2. The base 23, which lies flush against the body 24 of a motor vehicle, is clearly visible, whereas the recess 22 in the lock holder plate 11 is spaced apart from the body 24. The lock holder plate 11 has a material thickness S of 4.5 mm, with the lock holder plate 11 having a uniform material thickness S in the area of ​​the base 23 and the recess 22.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the central section 3 of the lock keeper 1, as indicated by arrows IV-IV in Figure 1. The parallel surfaces 5, 6 of the central section 3 are clearly visible; in this embodiment, they have a distance A of 6.5 mm. The lateral connections 25, 26 of the parallel surfaces 5, 6 form radii resulting from the shaping of the central section 3, such as that of a roller. The central section 3 abuts the locking bolt 2. In this embodiment, the ratio of the lock keeper plate to the central section is set to 0.69.

[0040] In this advantageous and preferred embodiment, a beneficial and, according to the invention, surprising design variant can be implemented, characterized by a uniform stress distribution throughout the lock holder. Particularly in the case of extreme loads on the lock holder, an advantageous stress distribution occurs throughout the lock holder, whereby the deformation between lock holder bracket 1 and lock holder plate 11 remains as consistent as possible under extreme loads.

[0041] Reference symbol list

[0042] 1 lock holder bracket

[0043] 2 locking bolts

[0044] 3 Middle section

[0045] 4 connecting bolts

[0046] 5, 6 surface

[0047] 7, 8 compression

[0048] 9, 10 Plant area

[0049] 11 Lock holder plate

[0050] 12, 13 ends

[0051] 14, 15 rivet head

[0052] 16, 17 Opening

[0053] 18, 19 bore

[0054] 20, 21 reduction

[0055] 22 In-depth study

[0056] Base area

[0057] 24 Bodywork

[0058] 25, 26 connection

[0059] Diameter

[0060] M Center line

[0061] S Material thickness

[0062] A distance

Claims

Patent claims 1. Lock holder for a motor vehicle door lock with a lock holder plate (11) , a lock holder bracket (1) attached to the lock holder plate (11) , wherein the lock holder bracket (1) is formed with a locking bolt (2) , a central piece (3) and a connecting bolt (4) , characterized in that the lock holder plate (11) has a reduced material thickness (S) in relation to the thickness of the central piece (3).

2. Lock holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the central piece (3) has a cross-sectional shape that can be described as substantially rectangular, in particular a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a flattened wire.

3. Lock holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central piece (3) has parallel surfaces (5, 6), wherein the distance (A) of the surfaces (5, 6) is less than or equal to 7 mm, preferably 6.5 mm and more preferably less than or equal to 6.0 mm.

4. Lock holder according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lock holder plate (11) has a material thickness (S) of less than or equal to 5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 4.5 mm and more preferably less than or equal to 4 mm.

5. Lock holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking bolt (2) and the connecting bolt (4) are made of a round wire, wherein the diameter (D) of the wire is less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 9.5 mm and more preferably less than or equal to 9 mm.

6. Lock holder according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the area of ​​a connection of the lock holder bracket (1) with the lock holder plate (11) a compression (20, 21) has.

7. Lock holder according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting bolt (4) is bent in an S-shape.

8. Lock holder according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lock holder plate (11) has a recess (22), wherein the recess (22) is designed to receive a rivet head (14, 15) of the lock holder bracket (1).

9. Lock holder according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rivet head (14, 15) has a thickness of less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3.5 mm.

10. Lock holder according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the ratio of lock holder plate and middle piece is between 0.71 and 0.66.

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