Motor vehicle lock with a bowden cable connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a motor vehicle lock housing (14), a Bowden cable (1) and a Bowden cable connection (3), wherein the Bowden cable connection (3) can be received in the motor vehicle lock housing (14) and fastened to the motor vehicle lock housing (14), and wherein the Bowden cable connection (3) can be inserted into the lock housing (14).

Description

[0001] Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0002] Description

[0003] CAR LOCK WITH A BOWDEN CABLE ATTACHMENT

[0004] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a motor vehicle lock housing, a Bowden cable and a Bowden cable connection, wherein the Bowden cable connection is receptacleable in the motor vehicle lock housing and attachable to the motor vehicle lock housing.

[0005] The use of Bowden cables to transmit tensile and / or compressive forces in motor vehicles is well known. A Bowden cable consists of a Bowden cable core and a Bowden cable sheath. The Bowden cable core is usually made of steel wire or wire rope. The Bowden cable sheath is generally a flexible but pressure-resistant covering that serves as a mechanical guide for the Bowden cable core and as a counter-bearing for the tensile and / or compressive forces transmitted by the Bowden cable core. Due to the flexibility of the Bowden cable, forces can be transmitted even when the Bowden cable is bent.

[0006] The flexibility of the Bowden cable, which allows it to redirect tensile and / or compressive forces and transmit these forces over long distances and into hard-to-reach areas, offers advantages that are particularly well-suited for use in motor vehicles. For example, Bowden cables are used to operate vehicle locks in doors, hatches, hoods, sliding doors, and / or covers. Applications include actuation, such as unlocking a lock and / or closing a door or hatch.

[0007] Bowden cables are used, for example, where external drives interact with the vehicle lock, as in Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft motor vehicles.

[0008] The installation space is always limited. Advantageously, a Bowden cable can be used to position, for example, the side door lock within the area of ​​a lock holder, while the closing mechanism, used to engage the lock, can be located away from the side door lock. Due to the high flexibility of the Bowden cable, it is possible to position the closing mechanism in remote and even difficult-to-access areas of the vehicle door. Furthermore, Bowden cables can also be used to operate the lock for locking, unlocking, and / or disengaging the vehicle door.

[0009] A connection of a Bowden cable to a release chain is known, for example, from DE 10 2005 004 432 A1. A connecting part, pivotally attached to an actuating lever, is connected to a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable core has an end piece that is fixed to the core. The end piece itself has sawtooth-like grooves that connect to the connecting part. The connecting part has end faces from which claws protrude. These claws are initially angled slightly outwards and then extend with their free ends into a central area of ​​the connecting part, so that the ends can engage with the sawtooth profile of the end piece. This greatly simplifies the installation of the Bowden cable core, as the end piece can be directly locked into the claws of the connecting part.

[0010] An adjustable Bowden cable connection for a motor vehicle lock is known from DE 102013203 166 A1. A motor vehicle lock housing has a receptacle into which a means for adjusting a Bowden cable can be inserted. The Bowden cable sheath has a connecting part which, in one exemplary embodiment, has a cylindrical pin-like extension that extends through the receptacle. The cylindrical pin-like extension interacts with a locking element, which in turn has a detent. The locking element engages Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0011] The cable engages with a guide rail on the housing and simultaneously interacts with a locking profile formed on the housing. Once inserted into the housing, the Bowden cable can be adjusted via the locking mechanism. This allows the distance between the Bowden cable's insertion point in the housing and, for example, an operating lever inside the lock, to be adjusted.

[0012] A method for connecting a Bowden cable and a Bowden cable connection for a motor vehicle lock are disclosed in DE 10 2018 100 181 A1. The Bowden cable connection includes a means for fixing the Bowden cable in the Bowden cable receptacle, wherein the fixing means can be connected to the housing and the Bowden cable as a separate component. In this way, a simple connection of a Bowden cable to a motor vehicle lock can be achieved.

[0013] The object of the invention is to provide an improved Bowden cable connection to a motor vehicle lock and a corresponding motor vehicle lock. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a Bowden cable connection that allows for easy and simple assembly of the Bowden cable. Finally, the invention aims to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective method for connecting a Bowden cable to a motor vehicle lock.

[0014] 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. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are limiting; rather, any number of variations of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0015] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a motor vehicle lock housing, a Bowden cable, and a Bowden cable connection, wherein the Bowden cable connection is receptacleable in the motor vehicle lock housing and attachable to the motor vehicle lock housing, and wherein the Bowden cable connection is slidable into the motor vehicle lock housing. By designing the Bowden cable connection in such a way that the lock housing has an opening suitable for receiving the Bowden cable connection and into which the Bowden cable connection can be slid, simple and secure installation of the Bowden cable can be achieved. The lock housing thus serves, on the one hand, to receive the Bowden cable connection and, on the other hand, to secure the Bowden cable connection.The Bowden cable and the lock housing interact in such a way that the Bowden cable connection automatically attaches to the vehicle lock housing. This allows for easy installation—the Bowden cable connection is simply inserted into the lock housing—while simultaneously ensuring secure mounting of the Bowden cable to the vehicle lock. Insertion and fastening occur simultaneously. The Bowden cable connection is designed so that, upon insertion, it automatically secures itself to the vehicle lock.

[0016] Any locking systems for motor vehicles according to the invention are suitable as automotive locks, provided they are equipped with a locking mechanism for closing a hood, lid, door, flap, or compartment. To actuate or unlock the locking mechanism, the Bowden cable core can interact with an actuating lever, a linkage, a sliding element, or a comparable actuating device within the vehicle lock, thus enabling remote operation or manual control of the vehicle lock. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0017] The Bowden cable is hooked into the housing of the motor vehicle lock, whereby a Bowden cable sheath or a guide attached to the Bowden cable can be fastened to the housing.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the lock housing has a guide for the Bowden cable connection. The Bowden cable connection is inserted into the lock housing, for which purpose the lock housing has an opening that interacts with an outer circumferential surface of the Bowden cable connection. In other words, the Bowden cable connection can be positively inserted into the opening. For this purpose, the opening can be designed, at least partially, as a guide, meaning that it extends, at least partially, into the lock housing along its longitudinal axis. Thus, the opening can not only serve as a receptacle for the Bowden cable connection but also simultaneously provide a guide for it. The guide and the opening have a matching geometric cross-sectional shape that corresponds, at least partially, to the geometric cross-sectional shape of the Bowden cable connection.Ultimately, it is crucial that at least a portion of the Bowden cable connection, namely the section that ultimately contacts the lock housing, matches the geometric cross-sectional shape of the opening. This ensures both guidance and a secure, tight hold of the Bowden cable connection to the lock housing. Along its length, the Bowden cable connection may have a cross-sectional shape that differs from that of the opening, or it may only partially match the cross-sectional shape of the opening. A stop on the Bowden cable connection can serve as an insertion aid to limit the insertion depth of the Bowden cable connection into the opening and simultaneously provide a continuous seal. A sealant or gasket can be applied to the stop and / or the lock housing for this purpose. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0019] If a Bowden cable core is slidably mounted within the Bowden cable connection, a further embodiment of the invention arises. The Bowden cable connection can form a slidable bearing for the Bowden cable core beyond the guide area. For this purpose, the Bowden cable core is received in the Bowden cable connection in such a way that linear displacement of the Bowden cable core, and in particular of a Bowden cable nipple within the Bowden cable connection, is possible. The Bowden cable core is thus held in a position in which secure attachment of the Bowden cable core inside the vehicle lock by an actuating device can be ensured.

[0020] It can be particularly advantageous if the Bowden cable connection is designed with a guide for the Bowden cable core. To ensure secure attachment of the Bowden cable core inside the vehicle lock, the Bowden cable connection incorporates a guide. This ensures that the Bowden cable core, and especially the section of the core to be attached, can be securely engaged with the actuator. The guide can be integrally formed with the Bowden cable core or the Bowden cable nipple. The guide thus serves as a locking mechanism for attaching the Bowden cable core to the actuator inside the vehicle lock.

[0021] In this embodiment, it has proven advantageous if the means for guiding the Bowden cable liner enables linear guidance of the Bowden cable liner. For this purpose, an extension can be formed or attached to the Bowden cable liner, and in particular to the Bowden cable nipple, which engages with the Bowden cable connection in such a way that linear guidance for the Bowden cable liner within the Bowden cable connection, and thus inside the vehicle lock, is ensured. The guiding means can extend beyond the Bowden cable nipple.

[0022] The cable can be stretched and, for example, securely locked in a groove of the Bowden cable connection. This positive locking connection to the Bowden cable connection then allows the Bowden cable core to move linearly.

[0023] ...is manageable. It has proven advantageous that the guide element can be positively inserted into an opening groove or guide groove of the Bowden cable connection and is positively locked along the linear displacement. The guide element is therefore positively locked in the linear guide of the Bowden cable connection.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the Bowden cable connection has a guide ramp, wherein the guide ramp interacts with an actuating element, in particular a mounting point for the actuating element. The Bowden cable connection thus comprises a Bowden cable end piece on one side, into which the Bowden cable sheath is inserted and to which the stop for limiting insertion into the housing is attached. The Bowden cable end piece extends beyond the stop into the lock housing and forms the guide for insertion into the opening of the lock housing. Simultaneously, the Bowden cable end piece guides the Bowden cable core into the interior of the vehicle lock and guides the Bowden cable nipple with the guide element. For this purpose, the guide element engages in the extension or guide of the Bowden cable end piece and, together with the guide element, the longitudinal groove, and the Bowden cable end piece, forms the linear guide for the Bowden cable core.The guide chamfer is attached to the end of the extension or guide of the Bowden cable end piece. The guide chamfer forms an end section of the Bowden cable end piece and is integrally formed with it. The guide chamfer is designed such that a slope relative to the actuating element, for example, a slider or linkage, meets the chamfer. In other words, the Bow-Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0025] When the Bowden cable end piece or connection is inserted into the vehicle lock housing, the guide ramp engages with the actuating element. Inserting the Bowden cable end piece or connection into the opening of the lock housing then causes the guide ramp to engage with the actuating element. The actuating element is preferably arranged in the vehicle lock such that it exerts a force F in the direction of the guide ramp. The guide ramp thus enables the Bowden cable to interact and engage with the actuating element.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, the guide ramp is deflectable by means of the actuating means. The preload force exerted on the guide ramp at the Bowden cable connection via the actuating means is such that the guide ramp, and thus the end of the Bowden cable connection or the Bowden cable end piece, is deflectable or elastically pivotable. In other words, when the Bowden cable connection is inserted into the opening of the vehicle lock, the guide ramp engages with the actuating means and is deflected by the interaction between the actuating means and the guide ramp. This deflection causes the actuating means to slide beyond the guide ramp as the Bowden cable connection is further inserted, creating an overlap between the actuating means and the Bowden cable end piece.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the guide ramp can be fitted into the actuating means. The guide ramp is designed with a longitudinal extension such that it can engage in a recess of the actuating means. When the Bowden cable end piece is inserted into the opening, the guide ramp engages with the actuating means first, whereby the end of the Bowden cable end piece is deflected by the guide ramp and passes under the actuating means. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0028] If the actuating element contains a recess, the guide element can engage in the recess. Simultaneously, the engagement of the guide element can also secure the Bowden cable core. For this purpose, the guide element molded onto the Bowden cable core has a connecting piece that is designed to engage in the recess of the actuating element, in particular by positive locking, and can lock into the recess.

[0029] It can be further advantageous, or constitute a further embodiment of the invention, if a locking device is formed from the lock housing, wherein the locking device can be engaged with the actuating device and the Bowden cable connection. The locking device can be attached to the lock housing and extends from the insertion area, i.e., the opening in the lock housing, towards the interior and consequently towards the actuating device, for the insertion of the Bowden cable end piece. The locking device is oriented longitudinally such that, when the Bowden cable end piece is fully inserted, the locking device can engage in the guide ramp. After engaging in the guide ramp or the end region of the Bowden cable end piece, the locking device serves to securely lock the Bowden cable end piece or the Bowden cable connection in the vehicle lock.For this purpose, the locking device is made in one piece and preferably of a plastic and is spring-loaded in the direction of the guide slope or is designed in such a way that the locking device rusts itself into the guide slope.

[0030] To further develop the invention, the actuating element can have a rust-prevention aid, in particular a guide stop.

[0031] If the Bowden cable connection is fully inserted into the vehicle lock housing, the extension of the Bowden cable end piece goes under the operating element and rusts into the Aus-Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft by means of the guide slope.

[0032] The actuating element is inserted. To ensure that the guide chamfer engages fully and correctly in the recess and the locking mechanism, the actuating element has a locking aid that pushes the guide chamfer, or the axial end of the Bowden cable end piece, inside the vehicle lock towards the recess. For this purpose, the actuating element has a guide stop that pushes the guide chamfer towards the recess of the actuating element. The locking aid also has a guide stop in the form of a chamfer that pushes the guide chamfer towards the recess. When the Bowden cable end piece is fully inserted, the axial end, i.e., the guide chamfer, comes into contact with the locking aid, with the guide stop pushing the guide chamfer towards the recess.This ensures that, on the one hand, the locking device is correctly and securely set in the guide slope, and on the other hand, the connecting piece on the Bowden cable core is completely and correctly rusted into the actuating device.

[0033] The inventive design of the Bowden cable connection ensures simple yet secure attachment of a Bowden cable end piece to a vehicle lock. It is also possible, of course, for the Bowden cable end piece or connection according to the invention to be connected to, for example, a closing aid, so that a closing aid or a drive for the Bowden cable or the Bowden cable core is also equipped with the Bowden cable end piece according to the invention. Consequently, the Bowden cable can be inserted and connected from one or both sides using the Bowden cable end piece according to the invention.

[0034] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment. However, it is important to note that the embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely represent advantageous configurations. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0035] The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description as well as the patent claims, individually or in combination.

[0036] It shows:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a top view of a Bowden cable end piece or a Bowden cable connection as part of a Bowden cable in the unassembled state,

[0038] Figure 2 shows a view of the reverse side of the Bowden cable connection according to Figure 1 in the also unactuated state, showing a guide groove and the positive locking connection of the Bowden cable core to the Bowden cable end piece.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a view of a partially inserted Bowden cable end piece in a motor vehicle lock housing with an operating element and a locking device.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a side view of the Bowden cable end piece partially inserted into the motor vehicle lock housing, i.e. a view according to arrow IV from Figure 3.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a Bowden cable end piece fully inserted into the vehicle lock, with the confirmation element already engaged in the guide ramp, but with the connecting piece and the locking device shown before final engagement. (Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft)

[0042] Figure 5a shows the locking of the connector into the actuating device,

[0043] Figure 6 shows the function of the guide stop on the actuating device for the complete engagement of the locking aid.

[0044] Figure 6a shows a view of Figure 6 in the area of ​​the guide slope with partially transparent components, and

[0045] Figure 7 shows the complete connection of the Bowden cable to the vehicle lock, i.e., the installed state.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a section of a Bowden cable 1 in a top view of a Bowden cable sheath 2 with a Bowden cable end piece 3 attached to the Bowden cable sheath 2, a Bowden cable core 4, and a guide element 5 attached to the Bowden cable core 4. Figure 1 shows the top view of the Bowden cable end piece 3, consisting of the stop 6, the guide section 7, and the guide ramp 8. A Bowden cable nipple 9 is attached to the Bowden cable core 4 and is formed integrally with the guide element 5. The guide groove 10, in which the guide element 5 is positively engaged and linearly guided, is also visible. Overall, the Bowden cable end piece 3, and thus the depicted section of the Bowden cable 1, is symmetrical with respect to a central axis M.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a rear view of the Bowden cable end piece 3 or the Bowden cable connection 3, relative to the illustration in Figure 1. The guide groove 10 and a sliding element 11, which extends through the guide groove 11 and enables a positive-locking connection of the guide element 5 to the Bowden cable end piece, are visible. The overlap 12 and the sliding element 11, which Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0048] Since they are arranged mutually in relation to the guide groove 10, a safe and linear guidance of the Bowden cable core 4 along the central axis M of the Bowden cable 1 in the area of ​​the Bowden cable end piece 3 can be achieved.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a recess 13 in a lock housing 14, allowing the stop 6 to be inserted into the vehicle lock housing 14. The vehicle lock housing 14 also has an opening 15 into which the Bowden cable end piece 3 can be inserted. Guides 16, 17 are also formed on the vehicle lock housing 14, which enable and secure the straight insertion of the Bowden cable end piece 3 into the vehicle lock housing 14. In the illustration according to Figure 3, an end section 18 of the Bowden cable end piece 3 is already inserted into the vehicle lock housing 14 to such an extent that the end section 18 engages with an actuating element 19. The actuating element 19 has a recess 20, through which the detent 21 is visible.In this embodiment, the locking device 21 is formed as part of the vehicle lock housing 14 and extends from the guide 16, 17 on the lock housing 14. As shown, the actuating device 19 passes between the Bowden cable end piece and the locking device 21.

[0050] Figure 4 shows the side view of the Bowden cable connection on the vehicle lock, as indicated by arrow IV from Figure 3. As can be clearly seen, the actuating element 9 rests against the guide ramp 8, enabling interaction between the actuating element and the guide ramp 8 when the Bowden cable end piece 3 is further inserted in the direction of arrow P. This interaction, or the insertion of the Bowden cable end piece 3 in the direction of arrow P, generates a relative force F on the guide ramp 8, causing the end section 18 of the Bowden cable end piece 3 to deflect in the direction of arrow P1, as shown in Figure 5. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0051] After further insertion of the Bowden cable end piece 3 into the motor vehicle lock housing 14, the stop 6 enters the recess 13 of the motor vehicle lock housing 14 and comes to rest in the recess 13.

[0052] To ensure a secure connection between the Bowden cable core 4 and the actuating element 9, the Bowden cable core 4 is moved forward in the direction of arrow P2, allowing the guide element, and in particular a connecting piece 22, to move into the guide groove 8. This ensures a secure connection between the actuating element 9 and the Bowden cable core 4, as shown in Figure 5a. To fully engage and connect the Bowden cable end piece, and thus the Bowden cable to the vehicle lock, the Bowden cable core is moved in the direction of arrow P3, as shown in Figure 6. By moving the Bowden cable core 4 in the direction of arrow P3, the end section 18 engages with the guide stop 23 on the actuating element.Actuating the Bowden cable pulls the actuating element 9 in the direction of arrow P4, and simultaneously engages the end section 18 with the guide stop 23, so that a relative force FR acts on the Bowden cable end piece or the end section 18 of the Bowden cable end piece 3. This relative force FR causes the guide ramp 8 to be pushed through the recess 20, allowing the locking mechanism to engage with the guide ramp 8. Figure 6a shows the fully engaged state.

[0053] Figure 7 shows the fully assembled position of the Bowden cable 1 in the vehicle lock 14. After resetting the guide 5 or moving the Bowden cable core 4 back, the connector 22 returns to a starting position A, from which the Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0054] The Bowden cable can be operated during the operation of the vehicle lock. Therefore, the complete installation of the Bowden cable on the vehicle lock 14 can be carried out without further assembly steps and / or an additional fastening device. This enables a structurally simple yet secure installation of the Bowden cable on the vehicle lock 14. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0055] Reference symbol list

[0056] 1 Bowden cable

[0057] 2 Bowden cable sheath 3 Bowden cable end piece 4 Bowden cable core 5 Guide device 6 Stop

[0058] 7 Guide section 8 Guide bevel 9 Bowden cable nipple 10 Guide groove

[0059] 11 Sliding element

[0060] 12 Coverage

[0061] 13. Further Study

[0062] 14 Lock housing 15 Opening

[0063] 16, 17 Leadership

[0064] 18 End range

[0065] 19 Actuating elements 20 Recess

[0066] 21 Rest aids

[0067] 22 Connector

[0068] 23 Guide attack

[0069] M Center line

[0070] P, P1, P2, P3, P4 Arrow

[0071] F, FR Force

Claims

Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a motor vehicle lock housing (14), a Bowden cable (1) and a Bowden cable connection (3), wherein the Bowden cable connection (3) is receptible in the motor vehicle lock housing (14) and attachable to the motor vehicle lock housing (14), characterized in that the Bowden cable connection (3) is slid into the lock housing (14).

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that an opening (15) in the lock housing (14) has a guide for the Bowden cable connection.

3. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a Bowden cable core (4) is slidably held in the Bowden cable connection (3).

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the Bowden cable connection (3) is designed with a means for guiding (5) the Bowden cable core (4).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that linear guidance of the Bowden cable core (4) is made possible by means of the means for guiding (5) the Bowden cable core (4).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the Bowden cable connection (3) has a guide ramp (8), wherein the guide ramp (8) interacts with an actuating means (9), in particular a mounting (20) of the actuating means (9). Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft 7. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide ramp (8) can be deflected by means of the actuating means (9).

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the guide ramp (8) is designed to engage in the actuating means (9).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a locking aid (21) is formed on the lock housing (14), wherein the locking aid (21) can be engaged with the actuating means (9) and the Bowden cable connection (3).

10. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuating means (9) has a locking aid, in particular a guide stop (23).

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