EP1629166B1 - Motor vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Abstract

Theft protection mechanisms (16,17) and child safety mechanisms operate safety catches through an externally operating coupling component (11) and an internally operating coupling component. The externally and internally operating coupling components optionally connect the safety catches with the internally operating levers (4a,4b) and externally operating lever (10).

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism, further comprising at least one internal operating lever and an external actuating lever, and with an anti-theft and a child safety device. - The locking mechanism has, as usual, a catch and a pawl, wherein the pawl can be lifted example with the help of a release lever.

Motor vehicle door locks of the embodiment described above are known. Such devices have been proven, but are structurally complicated and rely on a vielheblige mechanics. The US-A-6116664 or the DE-C-4433994 show examples of such a mechanism. However, this prior art does not show an antitheft member rotatably mounted on an axis of the inside operating lever drives up the cost. This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing a motor vehicle door lock of the design described at the outset such that the construction is simplified as a whole and thus associated with reduced production costs.

The solution of this technical problem is given by the feature combination of claim (1).

Usually, with the help of the coupling unit, the three basic positions "anti-theft lock, parental lock off", "anti-theft lock, parental lock on" and "theft lock on, parental lock on" represent. In this case, the first-mentioned functional position "anti-theft device, child-proof off" corresponds to the fact that both the internal operating lever and the external actuating lever are able to open the locking mechanism individually with the aid of the common coupling unit. An associated motor vehicle door can thus be opened both from the inside and from the outside.

The coupling unit is usually composed of an external actuating coupling element and an internal actuating coupling element. The inside operation coupling element interacts with the inside operation lever, while the outside operation coupling element interacts with the outside operation lever. In either case, the two coupling elements optionally provide that the ratchet is coupled to the inside operating lever, the outside operating lever or both levers. In principle, this function can also be taken over by a common coupling unit, although preferred a quasi two-part coupling unit with external actuation coupling element and internal actuation coupling element is realized.

In the position "anti-theft lock, child-proof on", only the outside operating lever is in operation, thus can open the ratchet while, on the other hand, the inside operating lever is locked or idle relative to the ratchet. In other words, the associated motor vehicle door can not be opened from the inside. An external opening is possible. This corresponds to the usual parental control function.

1. i) der Innenbetätigungshebel und der Außenbetätigungshebel mechanisch mit dem Gesperre gekoppelt sind ("Diebstahlsicherung aus, Kindersicherung aus");
2. ii) lediglich der Außenbetätigungshebel auf das Gesperre arbeitet, während der Innenbetätigungshebel einen Leerhub vollführt ("Diebstahlsicherung aus, Kindersicherung ein") oder schließlich
3. iii) sowohl der Innenbetätigungshebel als auch der Außenbetätigungshebel mechanisch nach vorherigem Verriegeln von dem Gesperre entkoppelt sind und beide jeweils einen Leerhub vollführen ("Diebstahlsicherung ein, Kindersicherung ein"). Das heißt ein Verriegelungshebel nimmt durch die vorherige Verriegelung gleichzeitig seine Verriegelungsstellung ein.

Finally, the position "anti-theft lock on, child lock on" means that both the inside handle lever and the outside handle lever both occupy their "locked" position, thus making one idle stroke with respect to the ratchet. The associated motor vehicle door can therefore be opened neither from the inside nor from the outside, so that the anti-theft function (and thus simultaneously the parental control function) is guaranteed. A manipulative intervention of an unauthorized person through a window opening or door gap thus allows no opening of the associated motor vehicle door. The anti-theft device thus prevents, as usual, a fundamental opening of the motor vehicle door, while the child safety device allows the door to be opened only from the outside but not from the inside. If the anti-theft device is inserted, the child safety lock ultimately has no function because the anti-theft device - such as described - excludes the opening both from the outside and from the inside.
As a result, the common coupling unit according to the invention thus ensures that

1. i) the inside operating lever and the outside operating lever are mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism ("anti-theft device, child safety off");
2. ii) only the external operating lever works on the locking mechanism, while the inside operating lever performs an idle stroke ("theft protection off, childproof lock on") or finally
3. iii) both the inside operating lever and the outside operating lever are mechanically decoupled from the ratchet after prior locking and both perform one idle stroke each ("Anti-theft on, parental control on"). That is, a locking lever at the same time assumes its locking position by the previous locking.

All three functional positions i), ii) and iii) can optionally be represented by means of the common coupling unit. This is possible with the least structural means and a reduced number of parts, because just the functions of child safety and anti-theft device are combined. In addition, the installation space can be kept to a minimum.

Specifically, the clutch unit typically includes an inner-clutch member and an outer-clutch member. That is, the coupling unit is largely constructed in two parts, with the two components inner clutch element and external clutch element.

Also, the inside operating lever largely has a two-piece structure with an inside operating handle lever and an inside operating trigger. Both of the aforementioned levers, that is, the internal operating handle lever and the internal actuating release lever, can be coupled or connected to one another with the aid of the internal actuating coupling element. In this case, the inside handle lever is regularly connected to an inside door handle or inside door handle, while the inside operation release lever works on the already mentioned release lever for the locking mechanism. In principle, however, the internal actuating release lever can also directly lift the pawl without an intermediary release lever.

Thus, the internal actuating coupling element is able to mechanically connect the internal operating handle lever with the internal actuating release lever, so that a continuous mechanical connection is realized from the inner door handle or inside door handle to the release lever for the locking mechanism. Pulling movements on the inner door handle thus lead in this case directly to the fact that the locking mechanism and consequently a connected motor vehicle door can be opened. In this case, the inside operating lever is located in its entirety "unlocked" and consequently the motor vehicle door lock in the position "anti-theft device, child safety off".

On the other hand, when the inner operation clutch member releases the mechanical connection between the inner operation handle lever and the inner operation release lever, the inner operation lever as a whole assumes its "locked" operative position because the inner operation handle lever, and hence the inner door handle, makes one idle stroke. The locking mechanism can not be opened accordingly from the inside. If in this case the external operating lever is still mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism, then the motor vehicle door lock as a whole has reached the position "anti-theft device, childproof lock on".

In both cases (that is, coupled with the ratchet or free outdoor operating lever), the internal actuating coupling element can be operated to display the described child safety function using the child safety device. In the "Child safety on" position, the inside operating handle lever performs the described idle stroke with respect to the inside operating release lever and thus with the locking mechanism. In principle, of course, the anti-theft device provide for the described operation of the internal actuating coupling element.

The external operating lever operates by selectively interposing the external actuating coupling element on the release lever of the locking mechanism. In this case, the external actuating coupling element usually has a contour for interaction with an anti-theft element. The contour may not be limited to a recess in which the anti-theft element engages. The anti-theft element can be acted upon by a motor or mechanically. Likewise, it is of course also possible, the external actuating coupling element z. B. via a motor or mechanically via a driver on the outer locking lever or inner locking lever to operate.

The external actuation coupling element is a thrust lever preferably linearly displaceable in a guide of a housing insert or lock case insert of the associated housing for the motor vehicle door lock. For the operation of the external actuation coupling element usually provides a locking lever. At the same time, once the theft deterrent is moved to the anti-theft position, it will cause the internal actuation coupling to be moved to the Child Lock On position.

The external actuation coupling element thus ensures, like the internal actuation coupling element, that the associated actuation lever is selectively coupled to the locking mechanism or not. For this purpose, the external actuating coupling element or the linearly displaceable thrust lever is actuated correspondingly with the aid of the locking lever. In the position "anti-theft on" is located the external actuating coupling element or the push lever in a position corresponding to a Leerhub the external actuating lever compared to the locking mechanism. In other words, the associated motor vehicle door can not be opened from the outside.

Since in this functional position "anti-theft device on" at the same time the anti-theft element ensures that the cooperating with the internal operating lever interior actuating coupling element assumes its position "child safety on", a total of the position "anti-theft, parental control on" of the motor vehicle door lock is reached. Because the anti-theft element ensures that the internal actuating coupling element in the position "child safety on" picks up the mechanical coupling between the inside handle lever and the inside operation release lever.

Thus, when the position "anti-theft on" is taken by the locking lever transfers the external actuation coupling element or the push lever in the Leerhubposition for the external actuating lever, then with the contour of the external actuating coupling element or thrust lever interacting anti-theft element ensures that simultaneously Internal actuation coupling element eliminates the mechanical connection between the inside handle lever and the inside operation release lever. Consequently, the position "anti-theft on" simultaneously corresponds to the functional position "parental control on", so that overall the position "anti-theft device on, parental control on" is established. All in all the child safety lock or the child safety lever is not affected by the theft deterrent.

If the anti-theft function is switched off from this functional position "anti-theft device, child safety on", for example, by applying the internal locking lever counter to its usual direction of actuation and preventing theft, e.g. is designed to be motorized, the external actuating coupling element is released from the anti-theft element. At the same time, the internal actuating coupling element moves back into a position coupling the two components of the internal actuating lever (by spring force). The motor vehicle door lock is thus then in the position "anti-theft device, child safety off".

Fig. 1a, 1b

den erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss in verschiedenen Ansichten in der Stellung "Diebstahlsicherung aus, Kindersicherung aus";

Fig. 2a, 2b

den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss nach den Fig. 1a, 1b in der Position "Diebstahlsicherung aus, Kindersicherung ein" und

Fig. 3a, 3b

den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss in der Funktionsstellung "Diebstahlsicherung ein, Kindersicherung ein".

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

Fig. 1a, 1b

the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention in different views in the position "anti-theft from, child safety lock off";

Fig. 2a, 2b

the motor vehicle door lock after the Fig. 1a, 1b in the position "anti-theft device, parental control on" and

Fig. 3a, 3b

the motor vehicle door lock in the functional position "anti-theft device on, child safety lock on".

In the figures, a motor vehicle door lock is shown, which has a locking mechanism 1, 2 of rotary latch 1 and pawl 2, which is best in the Fig. 1b recognizes. Both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 are rotatably mounted in a lock box 3 designed in cross-section U-shaped. The lock case 3 forms together with a lock cover, not shown, the housing or lock housing for the motor vehicle door lock.

In addition to the locking mechanism 1, 2, an internal operating lever 4 a, 4 b is realized, which is a purely in the Fig. 1b indicated connecting element can be acted upon by an inner door handle 5. Pulling movements on the inner door handle 5 cause the inner operating lever 4a, 4b in the Fig. 1b shown rotating movements in the counterclockwise direction about its axis 6 performs to open the locking mechanism 1, 2.

For this purpose, the inner operating lever 4a, 4b is equipped with a nose 7, which cooperates with a fold 8 on a release lever 9 for the locking mechanism 1, 2 (see. Fig. 3b ). The interaction of the nose 7 of the inner actuating lever 4a, 4b with the fold 8 of the release lever 9 ensures that the counterclockwise movements of the inner actuating lever 4a, 4b in a vertical plane compared to the release lever 9 and the locking mechanism 1, 2 in a lifting of the pawl 2 and consequently an opening of the rotary latch 1 and thus the motor vehicle door closure are implemented.

In addition to the inner operating lever 4a, 4b, there is an Außbetätigungshebel 10, which is arranged substantially parallel to the release lever 9 and thus perpendicular to the inner operating lever 4a, 4b. Also, the trigger lever 10 is able to open the locking mechanism 1, 2 with the interposition of the trigger lever 9. For this purpose, an external actuating coupling element 11 in the form of a linearly displaceable thrust lever 11 is provided.

The thrust lever 11 is guided in a guide 12 of a housing insert or lock case insert E. This housing insert or inlet insert E is a plastic component which defines an inlet opening for the motor vehicle door lock. In this inlet mouth cooperating with the catch 1 and not shown locking pin is guided.

The external actuating coupling element or the push lever 11 has an engaging in the guide 12 and merely indicated guide pin 13 and a coupling pin 14 (see. Fig. 1a, 3a ). The coupling pin 14 of the external actuating coupling element or push lever 11 ensures in the position "theft protection off" and unlocked (see. Fig. 1 and 2 ) for being in Fig. 1a indicated rotational movements of the outer actuating lever 10 are received by the release lever and result in an opening of the locking mechanism 1, 2. These rotational movements of the external actuating lever 10 counterclockwise by a purely in Fig. 1a indicated outer door handle 15 which works by means of a connecting rod, a Bowden cable or the like on the external operating lever 10 as shown.

Furthermore, one can see in the figures, the anti-theft device 16, 17, which has a (anti-theft) motor 16 and an anti-theft element 17. The anti-theft element 17 is an anti-theft lever 17, which is rotatably mounted on the axis 6 of the inner operating lever 4a, 4b. The anti-theft element or the anti-theft lever 17 has a two-armed design with blocking arm 17a and pivot arm 17b. The blocking arm 17a is capable of cooperating with a contour 18 of the external actuating coupling element 11 to lock the external actuating coupling element 11 in the "locked" position after the Fig. 3a to keep. In the exemplary embodiment, the contour 18 is designed as a recess 18 for engagement with the blocking arm 17a, which is not mandatory.

When taking the position after Fig. 3a the pivot arm 17b of the anti-theft element 17 ensures that an internal actuating coupling element 19a in the Fig. 3a, 3b shown position "anti-theft on", which will be discussed later.

In addition to the anti-theft device 16, 17 is still a child safety device 20, 21 realized. The child safety device 20, 21 has, for example via a child safety nut 20, which can be rotated counterclockwise with the help of a wrench, a screwdriver, etc., like an arrow in the Fig. 1b indicates and at the transition from the Fig. 1b to Fig. 2b becomes clear. The illustrated counterclockwise pivotal movements of the child safety nut 20 cause a child safety lever 21 connected to the child safety nut 20 to have its in the Fig. 2b illustrated extended position occupies.

By the described adjustment of the child safety lever 21, the internal actuation coupling element 19a counterclockwise against the spring force of a leg 22 positioned on the leg spring 19c, which with its one leg to a stop 19b of the female actuation coupling element 19a and with its other leg on a projection 4c the inner operating lever 4 b finds its support, pivoted about the axis 22. Due to this fact, the inner operation clutch element 19a is no longer capable of mechanically coupling the two levers 4a, 4b of the inner operating lever 4a, 4b with each other. This position can also be achieved with the help of the anti-theft device 16, 17, as previously described. For when the blocking arm 17a engages in the recess 18 of the external actuating coupling element 11, the pivoting arm 17b of the anti-theft element 17 ensures pivoting of the internal actuating coupling element 19a in question.

Namely, the inner operation lever 4a, 4b is composed of an inner operation handle lever 4a and an inner operation release lever 4b. The inside operation grip lever 4a is connected to the inside door handle 5, while the inside operation release lever 4b has the already mentioned nose 7, which cooperates with the fold 8 on the release lever 9.

Is the internal actuating coupling element 19a in the pivoted position after the Fig. 1a, 1b ("Child safety off"), the inside operation grip lever 4a and the inside operation release lever 4b are mechanically coupled with each other. Thus, there is a continuous mechanical chain of action from the inner door handle 5 to the release lever 9 and finally the locking mechanism 1, 2 available, so that on the inner door handle 5 and the inner operating lever 4a, 4b, the locking mechanism 1, 2 and consequently a connected vehicle door can be opened , The child safety device is switched off, therefore not effective.

The pivoted position of the inner actuating coupling element 19a after the Fig. 2a, 2b and 3a, 3b correspond, on the other hand, that the inside operation grip lever 4a is mechanically separated from the inside operation release lever 4b. Pulling movements on the inner door handle 5 thus result in an idle stroke of the inner operating handle lever 4a in comparison to the inner operating release lever 4b and thus the locking mechanism 1, 2. The child safety lock device 20, 21 is then in the "on" position because the associated motor vehicle door is inside not be opened can. The same is achieved with the help of the anti-theft device 16, 17 in the "on" position.

Depending on whether the external operating lever 10 effect on the ratchet 1, 2 unfolds or not, when the child lock in the Fig. 2 and 3 positions shown "Anti-theft device off, parental control on" ( Fig. 2a, 2b ) or "anti-theft device on, parental control on" ( Fig. 3a, 3b ) reached.

Does the push lever or the external actuating coupling element 11, the position after the Fig. 1 and 2 a, so the blocking arm 17 a of the anti-theft element 17 is not able to retract into the recess 18 of the push lever 11. The anti-theft device assumes the functional position "off", because the push lever 11 ensures in this end position with its coupling pin 14 upon actuation of the external actuating lever 10, a mechanical connection between the external actuating lever 10 and the trigger lever 9. The locking mechanism 1, 2 can therefore be opened from outside with the aid of the outer door handle 15.

In contrast, when the external actuating coupling element or the push lever 11, the position after the Fig. 3a, 3b takes, the coupling pin 14 is brought out of engagement with the external actuating lever 10, which consequently performs an idle stroke with respect to the ratchet 1, 2 in its operation. In this case, the motor vehicle door lock from the outside so not be opened.

In this position, the anti-theft element 17 is in the "on" position, so that its pivotal arm 17b swings out the inner-clutch element 19a. In this way, the internal operating handle lever 4a performs a free stroke when pulling on the inner door handle 5. Both the inner operating lever 4a, 4b and the external operating lever 10 are therefore not able to open the motor vehicle door lock in this position. This corresponds to the position "anti-theft device on". At the same time, of course, the child safety device is turned on, although the anti-theft element 17 and the child safety lever 21 are operated completely independently of each other.

In order to move the external actuating coupling element or the push lever 11 with its pin 13 within the guide 12, a locking lever 23 is actuated accordingly. This can happen by motor, as in the Fig. 1b and 2 B is shown or purely mechanically according to the Fig. 1a . 3a , In any case, provide rotational movements of the locking lever 23 in the Fig. 3a clockwise for the push lever 11 performs the described linear movement. For this purpose, the locking lever 23 has a stop 24.

The inside operation handle lever 4a is capable of transferring the lock lever 23 to its "unlocked" position by means of a boom 26. For this purpose, the arm 26 of the inner operating lever 4a, 4b or of the inner operating handle lever 4a abuts against an associated stop 25 of the locking lever 23. This process is going through in the Fig. 1b indicated counterclockwise movements of the inner handle lever 4a about its axis 6 causes.

By virtue of the fact that the internal operating lever 4a, 4b is capable of transferring the locking lever 23 into its "unlocked" position by the interaction between the arm 26 and the stop 25 during its actuation, a so-called "override" function can be represented. It is thus possible, in this way, to transfer the motor vehicle door lock from the inside to the "unlocked" position.

Thus, both the anti-theft device 16, 17 and the child-safety device 20, 21 operate on the ratchet 1, 2 by means of the inner-clutch element 19a and the outer-clutch element 11, by optionally the Innenbetätigungshebel 4a, 4b, the outer actuating lever 10 or both levers 4a, 4b, 10 are coupled to the locking mechanism 1, 2. In this case, the child-safety function or the child-safety device 20, 21 can be mechanically represented by a corresponding manipulation tool engages the child safety nut 20 and the parental control lever 21 adjusted. But it is also possible to provide for a motorized operation of the child safety device 20, 21. Likewise, the parental control lever 21 can be equipped with a corresponding contour to allow a mechanical adjustment from the outside.

The same applies to the anti-theft device 16, 17, which can be inserted in principle mechanically or by motor. In the context of the embodiment, the anti-theft motor 16 in conjunction with the anti-theft element 17 assumes a dual function as it were. First of all, the anti-theft element 17 blocks the external actuating coupling element or the push lever 11, in that the blocking arm 17a interacts with the contour 18 of the push lever 11. At the same time, in this operation, the swinging arm 17b causes the inside operation coupling member 19a to swing out so that the inside operation handle lever 4a and the inside operation release lever 4b do not make any mechanical connection.

This state can be canceled again by the anti-theft element 17 is designed mechanically or by motor and in addition mechanically or motorically the locking lever 23 is transferred to the "unlocked" position. The unlocking of the locking lever 23 can also be done by a so-called "override" by the internal operating handle lever 4a in the context of a stroke on the boom 26 in interaction with the stop 25 on the locking lever 23, the locking lever in the "unlocked" transferred. Within the scope of a further stroke, the internal actuating coupling element 19a thus ensures that a continuous mechanical connection to the locking mechanism 1, 2 is present, which can then be opened as part of the stroke. In principle, it is also possible to open the locking mechanism 1, 2 in a hub.

Not explicitly shown is a stop for the anti-theft element 17 on or on the push lever 11 or external actuation coupling element 11. This stop ensures that the motor 16 moves in the "anti-theft off" position to block. The thrust lever 11 is in this case in the "unlocked" position. Only when the push lever 11, the position after the Fig. 3a, 3b takes the anti-theft element 17 is able to engage in the recess 18 with its Blockadearm 17 a. Otherwise, the push lever or the external actuating coupling element 11 (spring-loaded) always moves in the direction of theft protection / child safety lock according to the Fig. 1a, 1b ,

Claims (10)

1. Motor vehicle door lock comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2)and at least one internal operating lever (4a, 4b) and an external operating lever (10), and a double locking system (16, 17) as well as a child safety system (20, 21), and a coupling unit (11, 19a), in which both of the said safety devices(16, 17; 20, 21) act on the locking mechanism (1, 2) via a coupling unit (11, 19a) in which the coupling unit (11, 19a) couples the locking mechanism (1, 2) either with the internal operating lever (4a, 4b), the external operating lever (10) or both levers (4a, 4b; 10), characterized in that the double locking system (16, 17) contains a motor (16) as well as a double locking element (17) acted upon by said motor (16) and rotatably arranged on an axis (6) of the internal operating lever (4a, 4b).
2. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling unit (11, 19a) contains an external operation coupling element (11) and an internal operating coupling element (19a).
3. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the internal operating lever (4a, 4b) is made up of two parts, the internal operating handle lever (4a) and the internal operating release lever (4b), with both said levers(4a, 4b) being optionally coupled with each other by means of the internal operating coupling element (19a).
4. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal operating handle lever (4a) is connected to an internal door handle (5), whilst the internal operating release lever (4b) acts on a release lever(9) for the locking mechanism (1, 2).
5. Motor vehicle door lock according one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the internal operating coupling element (19a) is activated with the aid of the child safety system (20, 21) in order to demonstrate the child safety function, so that in the position "child safety on", the internal operating handle lever (4a) carries out an idling stroke compared to the internal operating release lever (4b).
6. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the external operating lever (10) acts on the release lever(9) of the locking mechanisms (1, 2) with optional interposition of the external operation coupling element (11).
7. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the external operation coupling element (11) contains a shape (18) allowing reciprocal action with the double locking element (17).
8. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the external operation coupling element (11) is designed as a sliding lever (11), linearly displaceable within a guide (12).
9. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the external operation coupling element (11) is activated with the aid of a locking lever (23).
10. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the double locking element (17) carries along the internal operating coupling element (19a) when in the position "double lock on".

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