DE102007055412A1 - Motor vehicle lock has a shock absorber at the release unit, working against a cam, to give a low operating noise level - Google Patents

Abstract

The motor vehicle lock has at least one rotating spring bolt (3) and a locking pawl (4), which engage with each other at least at times. A release (5) moves with the bolt or the pawl when they are disengaged, working together with a limit cam (9) and a shock absorber (19).

Description

The The present invention relates to a locking device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one rotary latch and a pawl, the temporary engageable with each other. Such closing devices find particular use as a lock in a motor vehicle Locking doors, Flaps etc. above In addition, the present invention also relates to a method of operation at least one locking device for a motor vehicle.

Such closing devices or their locking mechanisms regularly comprise a spring-loaded rotary latch, which is rotatable about a rotation axis. The catch has a receptacle for one Locking bolt (also Lock holder called). When closing the vehicle door is the closing device towards the locking pin guided, then engages the receptacle, wherein a substantially horizontal Relative movement takes place. To a Wideraustritt of the locking bolt To prevent the catch is rotated so that the locking pin no longer (horizontally) movable. Do the locking bolts and the catch reaches its locked position becomes a rotation the catch by a so-called pawl, at least in the opening direction blocked. The circumference of the rotary latch has corresponding projections for this, the with corresponding form elements of the pawl to the plant can be brought. in the Essentially, in such a rotary latch between a pre-rest and a main branch. The pawl is included regularly by actuators or spring elements pivotally.

at such closing devices has now been found that the interaction of catch and pawl shock and / or jerks during the opening or closing operation can train.

Of these, It is an object of the present invention, with reference At least partially attributed to the prior art problems to solve. In particular, a locking device is specified which can be operated quieter, wherein possibly also lower forces for operation the locking device required are. For this purpose, a suitable method for actuating the closing device be specified.

These Tasks are solved with a locking device according to the characteristics of claim 1 and a method for actuating at least a locking device according to the characteristics of claim 7. Further advantageous embodiments of Invention are dependent on the formulated claims specified. It should also be noted that the individual in the claims listed Features in any, technologically meaningful way with each other can be combined and show further embodiments of the invention. The invention is also specified and explained in the description as well as the explanations to the attached figures.

The Locking device according to the invention for a motor vehicle includes at least one rotary latch and a pawl, the temporary engageable with each other, wherein at least one relief element is provided, with the movement of at least the catch or the pawl at least during of loosening the intervention is controllable, wherein at least the at least one Relief element or a cooperating with the relief element Stop cam with a shock absorber accomplished is.

at the locking device it is in particular a motor vehicle lock, in particular one of a side door or a tailgate of the motor vehicle. Of course you can such a closing device fall next to the rotation trap and the pawl have other components, for example Electric actuators, Sensors, Locking levers, Bowden cables, Microprocessors, etc. Of particular importance in the context of this invention, however the interplay of rotary latch, pawl (together also as Locking mechanism known) and relief element. As already mentioned, be the catch and the pawl temporarily engaged with each other brought, in particular in the field of pre-rest and / or the main branch. Then by the pawl is a blockage of the rotational movement the rotary latch in the direction of the position "open" given.

The at least one relief element is advantageously a separate component, in particular of metal and / or plastic. In particular, the relief element has the function of reducing or even avoiding a snap-action which can occur when releasing the catch and the pawl. Rotary latch and pawl are regularly biased against each other, so that when notching the pawl from the main catch shortly before loosening the contact regularly very small radii of curvature occur each other. This now causes the spring force of the rotary latch initiates a radially outwardly directed force component in the pawl, so that it is thrown to the outside. This abrupt release of the contact of the catch and pawl and / or the striking of the pawl on a stop and / or the sudden relaxation of the spring of the catch can cause unwanted noise. This will now be here with the relief element prevented in such a way that an immediate acceleration of the rotary latch or the pawl upon release of the engagement is reduced. The control of the acceleration, in particular of the rotary latch, can be force-controlled (providing a holding force which temporarily counteracts the acceleration) and / or (preferably) path-controlled or path-controlled.

Furthermore is that at least one relief element and / or one with the Relief element of cooperating stop cams with a shock-absorbing means executed. This means in particular that at least one of these during the opening process in contact with parts in the contact area with a damping layer or the like is provided. In particular, here comes a material to use that one opposite metal softer, possibly even partially compressible, surface forms. This damping material can be one piece be formed with the relief element and / or the stop cam, but it is also possible to provide a coating or a (removable) layer here. It is particularly preferred that the relief element and the stop cam made of metal and integral with the pawl or the catch are formed, and the relief element and / or the stop cam with the respective basic body (pawl, rotary latch) a common damping layer exhibit. In this case, the damping layer have been applied by a spraying process, as already is known.

in this connection In particular, it is also proposed that the at least one relief element and the catch form a drain contour. This means in particular the relief element itself has an outer contour to which a component of the rotary latch or the catch itself runs or slides along (path-controlled or path-controlled). This drain contour may represent a plane and / or a spherical curved contour, wherein this drain contour from the predetermined relative movements of relief element and rotary latch results. Lead the here cooperating Components predominantly Pivoting movements, the Ablauflkontur is corresponding to the swivel radii an arcuate Have shape. The drain contour is designed so that the relief element and the catch at the time of release or

Closing the Engaging the catch and pawl the movement of both elements track to each other.

According to one Further development of the locking device reach the at least one relief element and the catch in a first level as well as the pawl and the catch in a second level in operative engagement with each other. It is preferred that catch and pawl itself essentially in the second level or there are aligned with each other, so that these over the Scope can interact with each other. The catch can now (about that and / or below) a survey, a cam, a projection or The like, so that an investment opportunity or an active intervention the relief element is made possible at a different location of the rotary latch. Thus it can be realized that a contact between relief element and catch before and / or after the engagement of pawl and Rotary latch is realized. In addition, known locking devices can be easy to retrofit in this way, so that too with a low noise Operating mode operable are.

Furthermore is also considered advantageous that the at least one relief element connected to the pawl. This means in particular that the relief element in one piece, in one piece and / or rigid with the Pawl is connected. This can be a space-saving arrangement ensured the relief element become. So now the transition the catch from the position "main load" in the position "open" as quiet as possible (gentle) is the pawl with a relief element equipped, which is positioned, for example, in the first level while the Pawl itself is positioned in a second level. The Relief element now has an edge or contour, the so This is designed to be just before leaving the pawl from the position "main rest" with one on the positioned first level and connected to the catch, cams cooperates, wherein the realized there arcuate run of the cam the contour or edge of the "gentle" sliding of the catch or the slow acceleration of the rotary latch in the opening direction allows. In this way, the Shock and / or jerks be largely avoided in the locking. A similar effect can be alike when the pawl engages the main catch (or the pre-rest) be achieved, so that a gentle intervene by pawl and catch is realized.

Furthermore, a closing device is specified, in which at least the at least one relief element or the stop cam cooperating with the relief element is made of plastic. In special cases, even both parts can be made entirely of plastic. These plastic parts can in particular be positively and / or non-positively connected to the eg metallic basic bodies (rotary latch, pawl). In this way, optionally known locking device with the inventions According to the advantages to be equipped later. In addition, if necessary, it is also possible to reduce the number of parts in the production of different locking device.

In addition, will also considered advantageous that the at least one shock-absorbing means with at least one surface depression the at least one relief element or one with the relief element co-operating stop cam is fixed. This is in particular meant that for the shock absorber, which acts between the relief element and the stop cam, in which the surface the relief element or stop cam-forming material (e.g., metal, hard plastic, etc.) a local indentation, groove, blind hole, Recording is provided, which is filled with the shock absorbing means. The shock absorber in the area of the one or more surface depressions (s) can so be reinforced - e.g. to Type of foundation, so that also projections, elevations, outward pimples or the like may be provided. Only the completeness It should be noted that this feature is self-contained as well be realized in other places or components of the closing device can - in particular in the area of restricted areas of catch and pawl.

According to one Another aspect of the invention is a method for actuating at least one closing device comprising at least one rotary latch and a pawl proposed, wherein the catch and the pawl intermittently with each other in Are engaged. In this method, the contact between the catch and pawl at least during contacting or releasing by means of relieves at least one relief element that the movement at least the rotary latch or the pawl controls.

This Procedure leaves especially with the device described herein according to the invention Realize, so on the explanations to this locking device equally is referenced.

Prefers is the procedure to perform so that the interaction of catch, pawl and relief element done mechanically. In particular, the arrangements are the individual parts of the locking device so to choose that a force-controlled motion kinematics is realized in succession, the movement of the rotary latch first through the pawl is determined, then at least partially of the Relief element adopted before, essentially one of actions of the relief element and / or the pawl free movement of the catch to release of the striker is enabled.

Especially preferred is a method in which the at least one relief element interacts with the catch when the pawl and the catch are separated. This means in particular that the movement the rotary latch in a rotary motion section, in particular directly following the release from pawl and rotary latch, over the relief element is controlled. In addition, will continue as advantageous that the point of contact between relief element and catch in dependence varies from the position of the pawl to the catch. That means, for example, that with further removal of the pawl from the catch also the opposite, the rotational movement of the catch by the relief element, Holding power is reduced. This reduction is advantageously carried out continuous, giving a particularly gentle acceleration of the Rotary latch inserts.

The Invention finds particular application in a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is also proposed to provide a motor vehicle with at least such a closing device to provide or there existing locking device in the manner according to the invention here to operate.

The Invention and the technical environment are based on the figures further explained. It should be noted that the illustrated in the figures variants do not limit the invention itself. They show schematically:

1 : a variant of the closure device in the position "main load",

2 FIG. 2: a side view of a closing device, wherein the catch, the pawl and the relief element are positioned in different planes, FIG.

3 a locking device in which the catch and the pawl are released,

4 : a locking device in the "open" position,

5 a sectional view through a relief element and a stop cam, and

6 : A detailed view of a relief element with a surface depression for the damping means.

1 shows a variant of a closure device 1 for a motor vehicle 2 (only hinted here). The locking device 1 includes a locking mechanism from a catch 3 and pawl 4 , there serves the catch 3 to, a (here centrally indicated) locking bolt 16 during the locked state of the locking device 1 safe to pick up and hold. For receiving or fixing the locking bolt 16 is the catch 3 basically rotatable, but here by the pawl 4 blocked. This is the pawl 4 at the extent 12 the catch 3 in the so-called main branch 13 Another possibility for intervention is the so-called pre-rest 14 , To release the locking bolt 16 is now required that the pawl 4 is pivoted (indicated by the white arrow). The pivoting of the pawl 4 can be done mechanically by actuation of the inner or outer actuating lever of a lock actuation system, not shown here, or (initiated by such an operation) (electric) to be caused by a motor. To here mm a quiet separation of pawl 4 and catch 3 to allow is on the pawl 4 another relief element 5 provided with a corresponding cam 9 , on one side 10 the catch 3 is positioned during this movement section over a drain contour 6 interacts.

2 shows in a circumferential view of another embodiment of the locking device, wherein schematically the position of the pawl 4 , Catch 3 , Relief element 5 and cams 9 is shown. In this case are pawl 4 and catch 3 in a second level 8th positioned so that they are particularly over the circumference 12 the catch 3 can interact. On top of the pawl 4 (in an approximately parallel, spaced first level 7 ) is now a relief element 5 intended. This can be done with the pawl 4 be formed integrally, this is an additionally applied component, which was characterized by different hatching. To now during the relative movement of pawl 4 and catch 3 Being able to influence is the relief element 5 designed to make it the catch 3 at least partially surmounted or covered. This forms the relief element 5 a drain contour 6 (see also 1 ), on which the cam 9 can be guided along, so that an operative intervention (at least temporarily only) in the first level 7 takes place. This will be explained below with reference to 3 explained in more detail.

From the 3 can be seen that the pawl 4 at a time during the opening of the locking mechanism no longer contact with the catch 3 has, but still the relief element thereon 5 with the cam 9 the catch 3 interacts. To now a gentle acceleration of the catch 3 to allow one is the drain contour 6 forming, edge 11 arcuate executed spherical, the course is in the direction of the opening movement of the rotary latch 3 adapts. In other words, that means the edge 11 is formed, for example, with an arcuate portion which substantially corresponds to a constant radius towards the pivot point of the pawl. This will ensure that the position of the catch 3 while releasing the contact of pawl 4 and catch 3 remains essentially unchanged. Only after the pawl 4 the contact to the catch of the catch 3 has solved, points the edge 11 in the contact area with the cam 9 a slowly decreasing radius of curvature, so that the cam 9 slowly in the direction of the position "open" (clockwise here) can move., This is a particularly gentle opening movement of the pawl 4 and catch 3 realized.

4 now shows a closing device just before the "open" position 17 preloaded rotary latch 3 will after the relief element 5 the cam 9 has released, moved to the open position (which is illustrated by the black arrow). This leads the catch 3 a turning motion around her fulcrum 15 out. In the "open" position can then also the locking pin 16 be removed. At this time, the pawl is located 4 for example, at a corresponding stop 18 at.

In 5 is now a sectional view through a relief element 5 and a stop cam 9 above pawl 4 and catch 3 shown. This is the stop cam 9 completely made of plastic and forms, for example, a portion of a plastic encapsulation of the catch 3 , Such a plastic encapsulation is here also in the pawl 4 provided, wherein this the (here metallic) relief element 5 with encloses. This forms this plastic encapsulation in the edge 11 or in the region of the drainage contour 6 a shock absorber 19 or a damping layer. Thus, the noise during contact of relief element 5 and stop cam 9 further reduced and at the same time a cost-effective production of the locking mechanism can be achieved. Of course, the shock absorber must 19 not the entire surface of the relief element 5 cover, if necessary, the presence in the environment of the drainage contour 6 sufficient.

6 now schematically illustrate an alternative embodiment of the relief element 5 , wherein for the shock absorber 19 a surface depression 20 is provided, which is the material of the shock absorbing means 19 absorbs and thus cooperates with this, that an improved fixation of the shock absorbing means 19 (For example, an elastic plastic) is given. The surface chenvertiefung 20 (For example, in basic material comprising metallic or other plastic) is formed here in the manner of a local (eg embossed) indentation, with the shock absorbing means 19 is filled. The shock absorber 19 is in the opposite area of the surface depression 20 reinforced executed - here with an increase 21 , which is formed in the manner of an outwardly directed web and a braked, low-noise contact with the cam 9 allows.

Of course, these individual interactions of relief element, pawl and / or rotary latch can also be realized in the closing operation of the locking device in the same way, so that, for example, the intervention of the pawl takes place in the main load relieved. In principle, although embodiments are preferred that have only a single relief element, nevertheless, in some cases, several (eg 2 or 3 ) may be provided in order to gently separate gate-controlled different action interventions of pawl and rotary latch (or other components of the locking device).

1

closing device

2

motor vehicle

3

catch

4

pawl

5

relief element

6

flow contour

7

first level

8th

second level

9

cam

10

page

11

edge

12

scope

13

primary position

14

first position

15

axis of rotation

16

locking pin

17

spring element

18

attack

19

Shock absorbing means

20

surface depression

21

increase

Claims (9)

Closing device ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle ( 2 ) comprising at least one rotary latch ( 3 ) and a pawl ( 4 ) which are temporarily engageable with each other, wherein at least one relief element ( 5 ) is provided, with which the movement of at least the rotary latch ( 3 ) or the pawl ( 4 ) is controllable at least during the release of the engagement, wherein at least the at least one relief element ( 5 ) or one with the relief element ( 5 ) cooperating stop cams ( 9 ) with a shock-absorbing means ( 19 ) is executed. Closing device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one relief element ( 5 ) and the catch ( 3 ) a drain contour ( 6 ) form. Closing device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one relief element ( 5 ) and the catch ( 3 ) in a first level ( 7 ) as well as the pawl ( 4 ) and the catch ( 3 ) in a second level ( 8th ) come into operative engagement with each other. Closing device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one relief element ( 5 ) with the pawl ( 4 ) connected is. Closing device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the at least one relief element ( 5 ) or with the relief element ( 5 ) cooperating stop cams ( 9 ) is made of plastic. Closing device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one shock-absorbing means ( 19 ) with at least one surface depression ( 20 ) of the at least one relief element ( 5 ) or one with the relief element ( 5 ) cooperating stop cam ( 9 ) is fixed. Method for actuating at least one locking device ( 1 ) comprising at least one rotary latch ( 3 ) and a pawl ( 4 ), which are intermittently engaged, in which the contact between the catch ( 3 ) and pawl ( 4 ) at least during the contacting or the release by means of at least one relief element ( 5 ) is relieved, the movement of at least the rotary latch ( 3 ) or the pawl ( 4 ) controls. Method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one relief element ( 5 ) with the catch ( 4 ) cooperates when the pawl ( 4 ) and the catch ( 3 ) are separated. Motor vehicle ( 2 ) comprising at least one locking device ( 1 ) according to one of the claims 1 to 6 or a closing device ( 1 ) operated by the method according to claim 7 or 8.