DE102007060915B4 - Locking device with end position protection - Google Patents

Abstract

Locking device (1) comprising at least one rotary latch (2), a pawl (3), a release lever (4), a drive cam disk (5), end position securing means (6), and release means (7), wherein: - the release lever (4) with the Pawl (3) can be pivoted, - the drive cam disk (5) has a first cam (9) which can be contacted in a first rotation section (8) with the release lever (4) so that it is pivoted, - the drive cam disk (5) a second cam (11), which can be contacted in a second rotation section (10) with the end position securing means (6) in such a way that they lock at least the release lever (4) or the pawl (3), and - the release means (7) in a first rotation region (12) of the rotary latch (2) lift the end position securing means (6) from the release lever (4) or the pawl (3), characterized in that the end position securing means (6) have at least one locking lever (13), a spring element (14 ) and a spring element receptacle (15), wherein the locking lever (13) is pivotable and connected to the spring element (14), and the spring element receptacle (15) has at least two holders (16, 17) for the spring element (14).

Description

The present invention relates to a locking device comprising at least one rotary latch, a pawl, a release lever, a drive cam disk, end position securing means and release means according to the preamble of claim 1. Such locking devices can be used in particular for locking doors or flaps in motor vehicles.

Especially when using such locking devices in motor vehicle tailgate locks, the pawl is preferably lifted out using an electric motor drive based on the principle of electrical opening. For this purpose, a corresponding drive motor is provided, for example with an output worm that interacts with a drive cam disk. Additional components of the locking device are now actuated in a controlled manner one after the other or in parallel via the drive cam disk, so that safe and quiet opening or lifting of the locking components (rotary latch and pawl) is guaranteed. This applies in particular to the movement sequences of the elements of the locking device when the pawl is lifted from the closed position, the so-called main catch.

A generic locking device is shown here DE 10312 093 A1 .

The known locking systems have already proven themselves very well for some applications, but there is still interest in a locking device that is easier to manufacture, integrates more functions, works even more reliably and saves space, especially for the purpose mentioned above.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a locking device is to be specified in which a safe and quiet lifting of the pawl from the rotary latch is achieved when the locking device is actuated by an electric motor.

These tasks are achieved with a locking device according to the features of patent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependently formulated patent claims. The task is also solved by a motor vehicle with the features of patent claim 8.

• - der Auslösehebel mit der Sperrklinke verschwenkbar ist,
• - die Antriebsnockenscheibe einen ersten Nocken aufweist, der in einem ersten Drehabschnitt mit dem Auslösehebel so kontaktierbar ist, dass dieser verschwenkt wird,
• - die Antriebsnockenscheibe einen zweiten Nocken aufweist, der in einem zweiten Drehabschnitt mit dem Endlagensicherungsmittel so kontaktierbar ist, dass dieser wenigstens den Auslösehebel oder die Sperrklinke arretiert, und
• - die Freigabemittel in einem ersten Rotationsbereich der Drehfalle die Endlagensicherungsmittel von dem Auslösehebel oder der Sperrklinke abheben,

wobei die Endlagensicherungsmittel wenigstens einen Arretierhebel, ein Federelement und eine Federelementaufnahme umfassen, wobei der Arretierhebel schwenkbar und mit dem Federelement verbunden ist, und die Federelementaufnahme zumindest zwei Halterungen für das Federelement hat.The locking device according to the invention comprises at least one rotary latch, a pawl, a release lever, a drive cam disk, end position securing means and release means. It is further provided that

• - the release lever can be pivoted with the pawl,
• - the drive cam disk has a first cam which can be contacted in a first rotational section with the release lever in such a way that it is pivoted,
• - the drive cam disk has a second cam which can be contacted in a second rotational section with the end position securing means in such a way that it locks at least the release lever or the pawl, and
• - the release means lift the end position securing means from the release lever or the pawl in a first rotation range of the rotary latch,

wherein the end position securing means comprise at least one locking lever, a spring element and a spring element receptacle, the locking lever being pivotable and connected to the spring element, and the spring element receptacle having at least two holders for the spring element.

The locking device is in particular part of a motor vehicle lock, in particular for doors or loading flaps provided there. The rotary latch and the pawl are also regularly referred to as a locking mechanism, whereby the rotary latch can regularly accommodate a locking bolt attached to the body and the pawl interacts with the rotary latch in the closed position in such a way that opening, i.e. rotating or rotating, the Rotary trap is prevented. To operate the pawl, the pawl can be acted upon directly, but it is also possible to actuate the pawl inside the locking device via an intermediary, such as a release lever. For this purpose, the release lever can be pivoted together with the pawl. Particularly preferred is the embodiment variant according to which the release lever can be pivoted with the pawl on a common axis, in particular because they are (captively) connected to one another (e.g. as a material composite or the like).

The actuation signal is regularly emitted or implemented by an electric motor drive, the movements of which act on the individual elements of the locking device via the drive cam disk in the manner described here. The end position securing means are used to (temporarily or temporarily) fix the release lever or the pawl when no contact with the rotary latch is desired, for example after release Bent the pawl out of the main catch. The release means have the function of deactivating the end position securing means again, so that in particular the release lever or the pawl can be brought into contact with the rotary latch again. It is preferred that the release means simultaneously convert the end position securing means back into a state that directly enables the end position securing means to be reactivated again.

The drive cam disk has a first cam with which it converts its own rotational movement into a pivoting movement of the release lever. For this purpose, the first cam contacts the release lever in a first rotation section (or first angular range) and exerts a force on it, which ultimately causes the pivoting movement of the release lever. In addition, the drive cam disk has a second cam, which is brought into contact with the end position securing means in a second rotation section (or second angular range). The end position securing means are now positioned so that the previously pivoted or disengaged release lever (or pawl) is now held or locked in the position away from the rotary latch. In the vast majority of cases it will be expedient for the first rotation section to be at least partially preceded by the second rotation section. It is particularly preferred that the drive cam disk is made of plastic, in particular using an injection molding process.

In this pivoted position of the release lever or the pawl, the usually spring-loaded rotary latch now begins to rotate in the opening direction. In particular, the area of the so-called main detent and/or pre-detent moves past the locking surface of the pawl. During this first rotation range, which can extend, for example, from a period of time from the start of rotation to complete opening, the end position securing means are (partially) simultaneously lifted off the release lever or the pawl by the release means. This releases the pawl or release lever and is ready for the closing process again.

According to the invention, it is therefore proposed that the end position securing device comprise at least one locking lever, a spring element and a spring element receptacle, the locking lever being pivotable and connected to the spring element, and the spring element receptacle having at least two holders for the spring element. It is particularly preferred that the locking lever has a locking lever rotation axis about which the locking lever and the spring element are designed to be pivotable. The spring element is preferably metallic and attached to the locking lever, for example with an appropriate adhesive or the like. The spring receiving element is preferably fixed in position and arranged in such a way that it does not represent an obstacle to the pivoting range of the locking lever, but is nevertheless accessible to the spring element. The spring element holder has two holders, which are incorporated into a kind of backdrop, for example. The holders or the link represent, for example, a type of engagement for the spring element. The spring element receptacle is preferably designed as an injection-molded part and/or in one piece.

In addition, it is particularly proposed that the second cam of the drive cam disk acts on the spring element in the second rotation section and causes a displacement of a spring element contact area from a first holder to a second holder. In other words, this means in particular that the second cam acts or presses on the spring element in a predetermined second rotational section of the drive cam disk, so that when changing the spring element contact area provided (usually near the end of the spring element) from a first holder (e.g. first locking position of a link) into a second holder (e.g. second locking position of the link) at the same time a defined pivoting takes place over a predetermined angular range of the locking lever. This allows the locking lever to be positioned precisely, while at the same time ensuring that the position of the locking lever is secured even after the second cam comes into contact with the spring element. As a result of the action of the second cam on the spring element, there is also a relatively quiet operation of the locking lever.

As a result of a further development of the locking device, the release means include a driver on the rotary latch. It is particularly preferred that the driver is also designed in the manner of a cam. This ensures a safe operating sequence of rotation of the rotary latch and the release of the end position lock and also meets the requirements for a cost-effective and space-saving arrangement of the locking device. At the same time, it is also ensured that if the rotary latch z. B. if the door seal is iced up due to the lack of door opening, it cannot be pivoted into the “open” position and consequently the pawl fixation via the driver cannot be removed, the pawl of course cannot fall in and can get caught somewhere in the main lock/pre-lock area or afterwards and/or a note. closure is faked. The pawl remains securely fixed until the latch is fully opened.

In addition, it is also considered advantageous that the rotary latch forms a support for at least the release lever or the pawl in a second rotation range. This means in particular that the pawl rests on the circumferential area of the rotary latch after its locking has been released and is thus guided. When closing the rotary latch, this allows the pawl to snap directly into the pre-lock or main lock provided for this purpose.

According to a further development of the invention, the first cam and the second cam are positioned so that the first rotating section and the second rotating section connect to one another. It is particularly preferred that there is at least one short-term overlap rotation section in which the first cam and the second cam are in use. For this purpose, it is also proposed that both cams are provided on one side of the drive cam disk.

According to a further development, it is also proposed that the drive cam disk is connected with its circumference to a drive motor. In particular, it is provided that the circumference of the drive cam disk is designed in the manner of a gear or the like, into which, for example, a worm wheel that is driven by the drive motor can engage. This provides a controlled and precise, low-noise, low-wear and space-saving drive option for the drive cam disk.

Finally, it is also considered advantageous that a position detection means is provided for the release lever. This is intended to allow conclusions to be drawn in particular about the current position of the pawl connected to it. The position detection means are in particular designed with at least one microswitch or similar touch sensors.

The invention is preferably used in a motor vehicle that has at least one lock that can be operated by an electric motor, in particular a tailgate lock.

• 1: eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsvariante der erfindungsgemäßen Schließvorrichtung in geschlossener Position,
• 2: die Ausführungsvariante aus 1, wobei der Auslösehebel nur schematisch angedeutet ist,
• 3: die Schließvorrichtung aus den vorhergehenden Figuren beim Öffnungsvorgang als Draufsicht,
• 4: die Darstellung aus 3 unter Weglassung des Auslösehebels,
• 5: eine spätere Betätigungsphase der Schließvorrichtung nach Ablösen der Sperrklinke von der Drehfalle,
• 6: im Wesentlichen die Position der Schließvorrichtung aus 5, wobei wiederum der Auslösehebel weggelassen wurde,
• 7: die obige Schließvorrichtung bei der Aktivierung der Endlagensicherung,
• 8: eine Ansicht der obigen Schließvorrichtung von unten,
• 9: die Schließvorrichtung aus 8, wobei die Endlagensicherung hier aktiviert wird,
• 10: wieder eine Draufsicht der Schließvorrichtung, wobei die Drehfalle nun bei abgehobener Sperrklinke öffnet, und
• 11: eine Ansicht von unten zur Veranschaulichung der Aktionen bei der Freigabe des Auslösehebels bzw. der Sperrklinke.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail using the figures. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures are not intended to limit the invention. It shows schematically:

• 1 : a top view of an embodiment variant of the locking device according to the invention in the closed position,
• 2 : the design variant 1 , whereby the release lever is only indicated schematically,
• 3 : the locking device from the previous figures during the opening process as a top view,
• 4 : the display 3 omitting the release lever,
• 5 : a later actuation phase of the locking device after the pawl has been detached from the rotary latch,
• 6 : essentially the position of the locking device 5 , whereby the release lever was again omitted,
• 7 : the above locking device when activating the end position safety device,
• 8th : a view of the above locking device from below,
• 9 : the locking device off 8th , whereby the end position protection is activated here,
• 10 : again a top view of the locking device, with the rotary latch now opening when the pawl is lifted, and
• 11 : a view from below to illustrate the actions of releasing the release lever or pawl.

1 schematically illustrates the field of application of the present invention, namely a locking device 1, which is part of a lock 26 for a motor vehicle 25. It is obvious that not all components of a lock 26 are shown here. The 1 focuses here on the components (at least partially) relevant to the invention.

Shown in the left area is a carrier 27, which fixes a drive motor 23. Below, the carrier 27 is designed so that position detection means 24 can be integrated or formed there. In the case shown, a microswitch is provided which detects the closed position of the release lever 4.

The drive motor 23 has an output shaft 28, via which a movement can be initiated into the drive cam disk 5. The centrally shown release lever 4 can be actuated via the drive cam disk 5, under which (only indicated here) the pawl 3 is arranged at the level of the rotary latch 2. The position 29 of the locking device 1 illustrated here represents the closed position in which the rotary latch 2 and the pawl 3 rest against each other in the so-called main catch 29. The end position securing means 6, which will be explained in detail below, are not in engagement with the release lever 4 or pawl 3.

2 shows almost the same components (which are provided with the same reference numbers) in essentially the same position as in 1 are shown. In contrast to 1 Here, the release lever 4 is only indicated by dashed lines, so that the position of the components underneath can be seen. In this respect, the pawl 3 can be seen here in particular, which rests on the main catch 29 of the rotary latch 2 and thus prevents opening, i.e. rotation in the clockwise direction.

Outside the pivoting range of the pawl 3, the end position securing means 6 can now also be seen. In the embodiment variant illustrated here, the end position securing means 6 are designed with three essential components that interact with one another. On the one hand, the locking lever 13 is provided, which can be pivoted about an axis. A spring element 14 is attached to its outer area, which can therefore also be pivoted about the axis of the locking lever 13. While one end of the spring element 14 (which is designed in the manner of a metallic flat wire) is attached to the locking lever 13, the other end protrudes and forms a contour that is curved several times. A spring element contact area 18 designed in the manner of a bulge interacts with a spring element receptacle 15, which is already positioned outside the pivoting range of the locking lever 13. The spring element receptacle 15 has a first holder 16 and a second holder 17, which are incorporated here as locking positions in a common link. In the position shown, the spring element contact area 18 engages in the first holder 16, so that in particular the position of the locking lever 13 is fixed.

3 now shows another plan view of the locking device 1, with a rotational movement of the drive cam disk 5 being initiated over the circumference 22 of the drive cam disk 5 via the drive motor 23, the output shaft 28 and the worm wheel 30. At the beginning of this rotation 8 - or shortly afterwards - the first cam 9 of the drive cam disk 5 comes into engagement with the release lever 4. The first cam 9 forms a kind of sequence gate, so that the release lever 4 is pivoted clockwise here. During this first rotation section 8, as the release lever 4 is pivoted, the pawl 3 is also pivoted out of the main catch 29, like the one below 4 can be removed.

5 now illustrates the situation when the end of the first rotation section 8 is soon reached, with the first cam 9 still in contact with the release lever 4. However, it can already be seen here that the main catch 29 of the rotary latch 2 is already released.

6 now illustrates that (at this point in time and in a second rotation section 10) the drive cam disk 5 acts via its second cam 11 on the end position securing means 6, here namely on the spring element 14. When the drive cam disk 5 rotates, a force is caused in the Spring element 14 is introduced, which causes a change in the bearing of the spring element 14. This is now particularly true in comparison with 7 clearly. It can be seen that as a result of the action of the second cam 11 on the spring element 14, the spring element contact area 18 is moved or jumps from the first holder 16 into the second holder 17. With this gradual transition and thus rotation of the spring element 14, the locking lever 13 is also gradually turned over. The position of the locking lever 13, for example with respect to the release lever 4, is defined and can be exactly repeated.

In order to now illustrate the effect or function of the locking lever 13 on the pawl 3 or the release lever 4, show 8th and 9 two situations following one another in a relatively short period of time when the end position securing means 6 are activated. 8th shows (in contrast to the previous figures) from below that the pawl 3 is just fixed outside the area of influence of the rotary latch 2, namely via the first cam 9, not shown here, of the drive cam disk 5 and the release lever 4. This now offers the possibility that when changing the position of the spring element contact area 18 from the first holder 16 to the second holder 17 of the spring element holder 15, the locking lever 13 is positioned under a stop 31 of the release lever 4. While 8th a game or a gap between the stop 31 and the locking lever 13 is also illustrated 9 shown in the state that the contact between the first cam 9 of the drive cam disk 5 and the release lever 4 has been realized and consequently the (in 9 clockwise) spring-loaded release lever 4 hits the locking lever 13 and is blocked in movement.

In this position, the pawl 3 or the release lever 4 is fixed by means of the end position securing means 6 and allows an opening movement of the rotary latch 2, as shown, for example, in a top view in 10 is shown. This reliably prevents the pawl 3 from interacting with the main catch 29 or the preliminary catch 32 and thus hindering the opening process.

11 illustrates mm how the rotary latch 2 itself the end position securing means 6 again deactivated so that the pawl 3 is ready to lock for the subsequent locking process. For this purpose, a release means 7 acts in the manner of a driver 19 on the locking lever 13 during a first rotation range 12 of the rotary latch 2 and pivots it in the opposite direction as previously described. The locking lever 13 is removed from the stop 31 and at the same time - on the opposite side of the locking device 1, which is hidden here - the spring element contact area 18 is moved back from the second holder 17 into the first holder 16.

Reference symbol list

1

Locking device

2

Turning heads

3

pawl

4

Trigger lever

5

Drive cam disc

6

End position securing means

7

release agent

8th

first part of filming

9

first cam

10

second filming section

11

second cam

12

first rotation area

13

Locking lever

14

Spring element

15

Spring element holder

16

first bracket

17

second bracket

18

Spring element contact area

19

taker

20

second rotation area

21

edition

22

Scope

23

drive motor

24

Position detection means

25

motor vehicle

26

Lock

27

carrier

28

output shaft

29

Main rest

30

worm wheel

31

attack

32

Vorrast

Claims (8)

Locking device (1) comprising at least one rotary latch (2), a pawl (3), a release lever (4), a drive cam disk (5), end position securing means (6), and release means (7), wherein: - the release lever (4) with the Pawl (3) can be pivoted, - the drive cam disk (5) has a first cam (9) which can be contacted in a first rotation section (8) with the release lever (4) so that it is pivoted, - the drive cam disk (5) a second cam (11), which can be contacted in a second rotation section (10) with the end position securing means (6) in such a way that they lock at least the release lever (4) or the pawl (3), and - the release means (7) in a first rotation region (12) of the rotary latch (2) lift the end position securing means (6) from the release lever (4) or the pawl (3), characterized in that the end position securing means (6) have at least one locking lever (13), a spring element (14 ) and a spring element receptacle (15), wherein the locking lever (13) is pivotable and connected to the spring element (14), and the spring element receptacle (15) has at least two holders (16, 17) for the spring element (14). Locking device (1). Patent claim 1 , wherein the second cam (11) of the drive cam disk (5) acts on the spring element (14) in the second rotation section (10) and causes a spring contact area (18) to be displaced from a first holder (16) into a second holder (17). . Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release means (7) comprise a driver (19) on the rotary latch (2). Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary latch (2) forms a support (21) for at least the release lever (4) or the pawl (3) in a second rotation region (20). Closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cam (9) and the second cam (11) of the drive cam disk (5) are positioned so that the first rotating section (8) and the second rotating section (10) connect to one another. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive cam disk (5) is connected with its circumference (22) to a drive motor (23). Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein position detection means (24) are provided for the release lever (4). Motor vehicle (25) having an electric motor-operated lock (26) with a locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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