EP0854962B1 - Door lock or hood lock for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock or -klappenschloß with the features of the preamble of claim 1. In the following, only the term motor vehicle lock is used.

The well-known motor vehicle lock from which the invention proceeds (US-A-4,679,836), has a housing which is formed substantially symmetrically to its median plane and is provided at both parallel to the median plane flat sides with an inlet slot for the Schließkloben. The lock mechanism and a possible electric drive is arranged outside of this provided with the inlet slots mechanical unit. On the flat side of the housing of this motor vehicle lock is located in a recess, an actuating arm of a pawl, which can be actuated by an actuating lever of an externally attached to the flat side lock mechanism assembly. A conversion from left entry to right entry in this motor vehicle lock requires a conversion of the lock mechanism assembly relative to the outer housing of the motor vehicle lock.

Automotive locks are also known, which are constructed asymmetrically and have an electric drive for the pawl, which allows a motorized opening of the pawl (EP-A-0 589 158).

Finally, a motor vehicle lock with an outer housing with an inlet slot for a locking block is known (DE-A-19 64 260), in which instead of a combination of rotary latch and pawl in the inlet slot moving, arranged in the housing latch is provided which interacts directly with a corresponding detent on the locking bolt to lock or unlock the locking pin.

The teaching is based on the problem of improving the theft protection and to protect the lock against moisture while reducing the number of required lock types.

The aforementioned object is achieved in a motor vehicle lock with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims.

The known from the prior art, from which the invention proceeds, known concept of minimizing mechanical components of a motor vehicle lock and replacement of the usual locking mechanism with the various levers by a corresponding electronic control is optimized according to the teachings of the invention in that now the outer housing as far as possible is encapsulated. As a result, a comprehensive theft protection is achieved because the interior of the housing, in particular so the pawl, is theft-proof. The complete sealing of the interior of the housing provides comprehensive protection against moisture. This is made possible by exploiting the fact that electrical conductors can be easily sealed to electrical connection devices by the housing wall to be stirred. So what remains is only the inlet slot of the locking bolt, but which can also be sealed with known from the prior art measures, if that is necessary.

The symmetry of the housing with two inlet slots for the Schließkloben allows to use the motor vehicle lock either for left entry or right inlet (or center inlet at tailgate, rear door). This also smaller series are economically produced, since the total number of pieces of motor vehicle door lock of the required type doubles or multiplies.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Türschließanlage eines Kraftfahrzeugs nach Konzept der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

das Kraftfahrzeug-Türschloß der Schließanlage aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

in einer Ansicht von einer Flachseite her ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Kraftfahrzeug-Türschlosses,

Fig. 4

das Kraftfahrzeug-Türschloß aus Fig. 3 in einer Ansicht von einer Schmalseite her,

Fig. 5

in einer Ansicht in Einlaufrichtung eine Schließkloben-Führung für ein Kraftfahrzeug-Türschloß gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

die Schließkloben-Führung aus Fig. 5 in einer Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 7

schematisch zwei Alternativen (a; b) einer Kombination aus Rastklinke und Schließkloben, die die Kombination aus Drehfalle, Sperrklinke und Schließkloben ersetzt.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating only embodiments. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a door locking system of a motor vehicle according to the concept of the invention,

Fig. 2

the motor vehicle door lock of the locking system of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

in a view from a flat side forth another embodiment of a motor vehicle door lock,

Fig. 4

the motor vehicle door lock of FIG. 3 in a view from a narrow side,

Fig. 5

in a view in the inlet direction a locking pin guide for a motor vehicle door lock according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 6

5 shows the locking block guide from FIG. 5 in a top view,

Fig. 7

schematically two alternatives (a; b) of a combination of latch and locking pin, which replaces the combination of rotary latch, pawl and locking bolt.

Fig. 1 shows a largely electronically controlled locking and central locking system for a motor vehicle. This is shown in fragmentary form.

The central control electronics 1, which is supplied to the motor vehicle battery, not shown, is provided in the illustrated embodiment with an additional reserve battery 2 or other electrical energy storage for an emergency, so that it remains functional even in case of failure of the rest of the vehicle electrical system, for example in an accident , From a portable, carried by the driver transmission module 3 (electronic key / smart card) control signals are emitted, which meet a receiver 4 on the outside door handle 5 on the vehicle body. The receiver 4 is connected to the control electronics 1 in connection. The outside door handle 5 with its recessed grip 6 transmits only an electrical control signal to the control electronics 1. Mechanical connections are no longer provided. In the same way, only electronic signals generated by the internal door handle 7 corresponding microswitches are transmitted to the control electronics 1, in the illustrated embodiment of the recessed handle 8 an opening signal and possibly also a Entsicherungssignal and the fuse button 9 a backup signal.

The actual motor vehicle door lock 10, which may also be a lock of a tailgate or tailgate, in the following always only motor vehicle lock, has only very few mechanical parts. First of all, it points everyone closed outer housing 11, which will probably usually consist of plastic, for example, two half-shells, which are joined together sealingly. The outer housing 11 has an inlet slot 12 for the locking pin 50, not shown (see FIG. 3). For this and the further explanation, reference is simultaneously made to FIG. 2 of the drawing. In the inlet slot 12, a arranged in the housing 11 rotary latch 13 moves. This is held by a arranged in the housing 11 pawl 14 in the closed position, as is absolutely customary in the door lock construction. In Au-βengehäuse 11 is also an electric drive 15 for the pawl 14, which thus causes the lifting of the pawl 14 from the detent of the rotary latch 13 for the purpose of opening the door lock 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 15 is an electric drive motor which cooperates via a gear transmission 16 with a threaded spindle 17 and threaded rod 18 to actuate the pawl 14. Many other alternatives, for example with an electromagnet (solenoid) are known from the prior art. It may be referred to.

Outside the housing 11, an electrical connection device 19 for the electrical connections from the drive 15 and micro-switches 20, which are arranged in the housing 11, is arranged. The microswitch 20 can detect, for example, the position of the pawl 14 and the position of the catch 13 directly, but can also record other functions, such as overheating of the motor of the drive 15 determine od. Like. Micro switch 20 may be electromechanical microswitch. Nowadays, however, non-contact actuated microswitch 20, for example, according to the Hall principle or capacitive or inductive working or opto-electronic microswitches are known.

It can be provided that all tracks are cast into the plastic material of the housing 11 to the electrical connection device 19, as is known per se for corresponding housing parts from the prior art. In any case, the electrical connection device 19 via a corresponding electrical connection cable 21 and a corresponding Bus system connected to the control electronics 1. The same applies to the other modules of the locking system.

It is provided that the housing 11 to the outside with the exception of the inlet slot 12 for the locking block 50 is completely closed (fully enclosed). This improves the theft protection and moisture protection and fully exploits the possibilities of the known concept of the electronically controlled motor vehicle door lock.

For the electronic-control function of a motor vehicle door lock of the type in question may otherwise be pointed to the disclosure of EP - A - 0 589 158, which is also made to the full extent of the disclosure content of the present patent application.

The embodiment in Fig. 3 shows a motor vehicle lock 10 for a driver's door, which is upgraded by an additional mechanical actuation option (master lock, controls slave locks). It is provided in the illustrated embodiment that on the housing 11 insertion for a first Bowden cable 24 to the outer opening and a second Bowden cable 25 for internal operation (secure, unlock, open) are provided. These Bowden cable insertion nozzles change in principle nothing on the concept of complete encapsulation by means of the outer housing 11, since these insertion can be made completely sealing.

Due to the above-described additional mechanical operability of the motor vehicle lock 10, the production engineering effort, of course, again considerably larger. This contradicts in principle the concept of fully electronic design of the motor vehicle lock 10, but is sometimes unavoidable for reasons of national regulations. But interesting is the modular design of this construction. From a basic lock with the uniform outer housing 11, all conceivable variants can be upgraded by adding standard components.

Fig. 3 and 4 of the drawing show a motor vehicle lock 10, which is characterized in that it is either for left entry, right entry or Center entry (tailgate, tailgate) can be used. The conception of this motor vehicle lock 10 thus allows a universal use of this motor vehicle lock, so that this motor vehicle lock 10 can be used inexpensively even with smaller series of motor vehicles. The components of this motor vehicle lock, which have already been explained several times, have been provided, as far as can be seen, with the previously used reference numbers.

The vehicle lock described above, shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is characterized in that the housing 11 is formed substantially symmetrically to its lying in or parallel to the plane of the rotary latch 13 and pawl 14 center plane 51 and at both to the center plane 51st parallel flat sides with an inlet slot 12 is provided. It can be seen in Fig. 4, the center plane 51 shown therefore particularly good, because here too the housing 11 consists of two half-shells, which are made of plastic, provided with metal reinforcing plates and clipped together.

The above-described construction of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention with an inlet slot 12 on each flat side of the housing 11 allows easy installation of the door lock for left inlet of the locking block 50 or right inlet of the locking block 50 or middle entrance of the locking block 50, for example, on a tailgate or tailgate. One and the same motor vehicle lock can thus ultimately be used for all door and flap locks, even for a lock on the hood. Even smaller series of motor vehicles can be inexpensively equipped with this motor vehicle lock, since the number of pieces is at least doubled compared to previously known concepts.

Previously, it has already been indicated that the fact that the motor vehicle lock can be built or built very flat when the levers are arranged correctly inside the housing 11 is of particular importance. This is shown by the illustrated embodiment according to FIG. 3 and in particular FIG. 4. For the integration of the previously mentioned Bowden cables 24, 25 it is provided here that these emerge with their insertion nozzles on a narrow side of the housing 11. At the location of the Bowden cables 24, 25 changes So when using the motor vehicle door lock for left entry or right entry in principle nothing. They always exit from the housing 11 in the direction of the center plane 51.

In Fig. 3 is additionally indicated below as a separate part that adapted to the shape of the inlet slot 12 cap 52 'may be provided as a separate component. This closure cap 52 'is attachable to the housing 11 for closing the inlet slot 12, which is currently not used, in which therefore does not occur in the intended installation position of the housing 11 of the locking block 50. In particular, this closure cap 52 'can be inserted into the inlet slot 12 and locked therein on the housing 11. The cap 52 'is supplied with the delivery of the motor vehicle lock and mounted on the housing 11 at the corresponding inlet slot 12, which is not used when installed in the motor vehicle door. As a result, the housing 11 is also completely closed in this respect, with the exception of the inlet slot 12 serving for the entry of the locking pin 50.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the dot-dash line also indicates how a component, which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, can be attached to the housing 11 of the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention. Sometimes it is necessary to provide an additional closing cam guide 52 for the locking block 50. Such locking block guides are known from the prior art for a long time, one knows here arcuate or wedge-shaped guides, guides with support arm, etc. The state of the art is extensive. In most cases, such locking pin guides made of plastic and are integrated as a built-in part in the housing 11.

As a rule, a closing block guide 52 is intended to guide the locking block 50 on three sides, not only upwards and downwards (in the case of vertical installation of the motor vehicle lock, as is usual on a side door). In particular, under this aspect, but also for technical reasons, it is provided in the concept presented here, that the inlet slot 12 associated locking pin guide 52 is provided as a separate component, mirror-symmetrical to a plane and the housing 11 is selectively attachable to one of the two flat sides , As an alternative (this is shown in Figs. 5 and 6), it can be provided that the inlet slots 12th associated closing block guides 52 are provided as separate components, one designed for attachment to a flat side and the other for attachment to the other flat side, and that ultimately one of the two locking pin guides 52 is attached to the associated flat side of the housing 11. FIGS. 5 and 6 show this version of the locking pin guide 52 to be produced separately for the left inlet and the right inlet respectively. FIGS. 3 and 4 show this locking pin guide 52 in an alternative dot-dash line in the position attached to the housing 11.

The illustrated embodiment is characterized in that the locking pin guide 52 on the housing 11 can be latched. As is common in the prior art for other locking pin guides, the locking pin guide 52 is also made of thermoplastic material in the illustrated embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is further provided that the housing 11 is provided with latching receptacles 53 for latching moldings 54, 55, 56 on the locking pin guide 52. It is provided here that the locking receptacles 53 are arranged on a narrow side of the housing 11 and can be used for both positions.

It can be seen on the lower narrow side of the housing 11 in Fig. 3 right a groove-shaped locking receptacle 53 for the hook-shaped detent member 54 on the locking pin guide 52, approximately in the middle above the locking block 50, a further locking receptacle 53 for the likewise hook-shaped detent member 55 in the middle the locking pin guide 52 and not shown in Fig. 3, but readily conceivable a further locking receptacle for the designed as a slot pin locking molding 56 on the locking pin guide 52nd

It is possible with the locking pin guide 52, which is subsequently clipped onto the housing 11, also realize an excellent seal of the inlet slot 12 against ingress of moisture. Where and how the locking pin guide 52 is connected to the housing 11, the respective production division is left. One can realize that both the lock manufacturer and the vehicle manufacturer during assembly on tape.

In addition to motor vehicle locks, in which a rotary latch 13 is held by a pawl 14 in its closed position, also motor vehicle locks are known in which instead of the combination of rotary latch 13 and pawl 14 only a single latch 61 is provided which with a corresponding detent having locking bolt 50 interacts directly. The teaching of the invention is also applicable to such a designed motor vehicle lock, as indicated in claim 2. Instead of a corresponding blocking or actuation of the pawl 14 then takes place a corresponding blocking or actuation of the sole latch 61. Fig. 7 shows this constructive alternative to a rotary latch lock in two variants. Fig. 7a shows such a Wipfallenschloß with locking pin 50 and a latch 61, which supports from below, so claimed pressurized locks. In contrast, Fig. 7b shows the variant of a Wippfallenschlosses with locking pin 50 and a latch 61 which hooks from above, so claimed to train locks.

Claims (11)

1. Door lock or hood lock for motor vehicles,
   with an outer housing (11) having an inlet slot (12) for a locking hook (50),
   with a rotary latch (13) which is arranged in the outer housing (11), moves in the inlet slot (12) and with which the locking hook (50) can come into engagement, and with a detent pawl (14) which is likewise arranged in the outer housing (11) and keeps the rotary latch (13) in the locking position, or
   with a latching pawl (61) which is arranged in the outer housing (11), moves in the inlet slot (12) and directly interacts with a corresponding latching position on the locking hook (50) in order to block or release the locking hook (50),
   the outer housing (11) being formed essentially symmetrically with respect to its central plane (51) situated in the or parallel to the plane of the rotary latch (13) and detent pawl (14) or the latching pawl (61), and
   the outer housing (11) being provided with an inlet slot (12) on both flat sides, which are parallel to the central plane (51),
   characterized
   in that the outer housing (11) is very substantially encapsulated to the outside with the exception of the inlet slot (12) for the locking hook (50) and, if appropriate, insertion nipples (23) for one or two Bowden cables (24; 25), and
   in that an electric drive (15) for the detent pawl (14) or the latching pawl (61) is arranged in the outer housing (11) and an electric connecting device (19) for the electrical connections of the drive (15) and of optionally present micro switches (20) in the outer housing (11) is arranged on the outside of the outer housing (11).
2. Lock for motor vehicles according to Claim 1, characterized in that the external connection or the external connections (19; 24; 25) is or are arranged on narrow sides of the housing (11).
3. Lock for motor vehicles according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that lever elements for actuating and blocking the detent pawl (14) or latching pawl (61) are arranged in the interior of the outer housing (11) on the right-hand side and left-hand side or above and below the rotary latch (13) and detent pawl (14) or the latching pawl (61).
4. Lock for motor vehicles according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a closure cap (52') which is matched to the shape of the inlet slot (12) is provided as a separate component and can be fastened to the outer housing (11) in order to close the respectively unused opening of the inlet slot (12), in particular can be pushed into the inlet slot (12) and/or can be latched into place on the outer housing (11).
5. Lock for motor vehicles according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a locking hook guide (52) assigned to the inlet slot (12) is provided as a separate component, is formed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane and can be fitted according to choice on one of the two flat sides on the outer housing (11).
6. Lock for motor vehicles according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that locking hook guides (52) assigned to the inlet slot (12) are provided as separate components, one designed for fitting on one flat side and the other for fitting on the other flat side, and in that, finally, one of the two locking hook guides (52) can be fitted on the associated flat side of the outer housing (11).
7. Lock for motor vehicles according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the locking hook guide (52) can be latched into place on the outer housing (11).
8. Lock for motor vehicles according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the locking hook guide (52) is composed of thermoplastic.
9. Lock for motor vehicles according to Claim 7 and, if appropriate, Claim 8, characterized in that the outer housing (11) is provided with latching receptacles (53) for moulded latching parts (54, 55, 56) on the locking hook guide (52).
10. Lock for motor vehicles according to Claim 9, characterized in that the latching receptacles (53) are arranged on a narrow side of the outer housing (11) and can be used for both positions.
11. Lock for motor vehicles according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer housing (11) comprises two half shells which are realized in plastic and are provided with metallic reinforcing plates.

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