EP2108770B1 - Motor vehicle lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1.

The known motor vehicle lock ( DE 10 2005 049 304 A1 ), from which the invention proceeds, is equipped with the closing elements latch and pawl and with a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism has a number of functional elements such as a central locking lever, an anti-theft lever or the like. on. By an adjustment of the functional elements, the lock mechanism can be in different functional states such as "unlocked", "locked", "theft-proof" or the like. bring.

Overall, the motor vehicle lock can bring in different lock states. The current lock state depends on the current functional state of the lock mechanism, ie the current position of the functional elements and of the current position of latch and pawl.

In order to ensure the correct functioning of the motor vehicle lock, the motor vehicle lock is regularly assigned sensors in the form of microswitches. A microswitch, for example, monitor the position of the latch in the sense of an Ajar switch.

The use of additional sensors, in particular of micro-switches, allows a reliable determination of the current lock state. In the following, the arrangement for determining the current lock state will be referred to as a "detection device".

Moreover, the known motor vehicle lock is configured in a conventional manner. For example, the closing elements are each assigned a return spring in the form of a leg spring.

A disadvantage of the known motor vehicle lock is the fact that the realization of the detection device with additional micro-switches accordingly associated with additional material costs and with additional assembly costs. Furthermore, only limited space is available for the arrangement of micro-switches, which often leads to complex constructive solutions and thus again at high cost.

Another known from the prior art motor vehicle lock ( DE 103 30 194 A1 ) shows an arrangement for determining the closing state. There, a bending element is provided specifically for determining the closing state, ie in addition, which actuates a microswitch in dependence on the current lock state. This additional arrangement of a bending element is correspondingly associated with undesirable additional costs.

The invention is based on the problem, the known motor vehicle lock in such a way and further develop that the cost of the realization of the detection device can be reduced. A similar use of bending elements, each associated with a microswitch, show the DE 10 2004 030 902 A1 and the DE 196 32 995 A1 ,

The above problem is solved in a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

It is essential to first realize that in a motor vehicle lock already available resiliently bendable wires or strips - bending elements - can be used to determine the current lock state. Such bending elements are for example return springs o. The like .. It has therefore been recognized that the determination of the current deflection of such a bending element allows conclusions about the current lock state.

The example of a latch, which is biased by a leg spring in the open position, this means that the coupled with the lock latch leg of the leg spring follows the movement of the latch. This in turn means that the position of this leg of the leg spring provides information about whether the lock state "lock latch in the open position" is reached or not.

Accordingly, an arrangement is proposed in which a deflection of the bending element can be determined with the detection device. The state of the lock is thus determined to a certain extent indirectly via the bending element or the bending elements.

For the sake of clarity, it may be pointed out that the determination of the current state of the lock in the above sense is not linked to the detection of the position of each individual element of the motor vehicle lock. Rather, it is about the position of the essential elements to capture, such as the position of the lock trap o. The like ..

Of particular advantage is the fact that the detection device is used to determine the position of such bending elements, which already has a function in the context of the mechanical functional structure of the motor vehicle lock. The bending element is therefore not additionally provided, only to serve the determination of the lock state. It is a - cost-saving - double use of the bending element provided.

A particularly cost-effective variant results according to claim 5, characterized in that the bending element is an integral part of the detection device. By this is meant that the bending element not only spatially at least partially coincides with the detection device, but that the bending element provides at least a part of the function of the detection device. In this case, a deflection of the bending element leads to a change in the electrical or magnetic state of the detection device. This extension of the double use of the bending element of course leads to a reduction in the number of parts and thus to a reduction in costs.

The claims 7 to 10 relate to embodiments in which the bending element is preferably an integral part of a switch of the detection device. This means, in correspondence with the above statements, that the bending element not only spatially coincides at least in part with the switch, but that the bending element provides at least part of the function of the electrical switch.

Fig. 1

die zur Erläuterung der Erfindung wesentlichen Komponenten eines vorschlagsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugschlosses in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

die für die Erläuterung der Erfindung wesentlichen Komponenten eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugschlosses in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 3

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 2 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

die Detektionseinrichtung eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugschlosses a) in einer ersten Schaltstellung, b) in einer zweiten Schaltstellung, c) in einer dritten Schaltstellung und

Fig. 5

die Kontaktierung des Biegeelements des Kraftfahrzeugschlosses gemäß Fig. 1 a) in einer perspektivischen, einen Schenkel des Biegeelements betreffenden Ansicht und b) in einer perspektivischen, den anderen Schenkel des Biegeelements betreffenden Ansicht.

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

the essential components for explaining the invention of a proposed motor vehicle lock in a plan view,

Fig. 2

the components essential for the explanation of the invention of a further motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 3

the arrangement according to Fig. 2 in a side view,

Fig. 4

the detection device of a further motor vehicle lock according to the invention a) in a first switching position, b) in a second switching position, c) in a third switching position and

Fig. 5

the contacting of the bending element of the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 1 a) in a perspective, one leg of the bending element relevant view and b) in a perspective, the other leg of the bending element relevant view.

It may be noted in advance that only the components of the proposed motor vehicle lock or the proposed control drive are shown in the drawing, which are necessary for the explanation of the teaching.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a proposed motor vehicle lock, which has the closing elements latch 1 and pawl 2. There is also provided a lock mechanism, not shown, which can be brought into different functional states such as "unlocked", "locked", "theft-proof" or "child-proof". In general, the lock mechanism ensures that the pawl 2 depending on the functional state by an operation of the outside door handle and / or the door inner handle or just not be lifted. In a pure electric lock is in the lock mechanism, for example, only a drive that serves the motorized lifting of the pawl 2. Basically, the lock mechanism can also serve an emergency operation to couple with the pawl 2. The term "lock mechanism" is thus to be understood in a broad sense.

Depending on the functional state of the lock mechanism and depending on the position of latch 1 and pawl 2 takes the motor vehicle lock a total of different lock states. To determine the current lock state, a detection device 3 is provided, which will be explained in detail below.

Of particular importance in the present case is the fact that the closing elements 1, 2 and / or the lock mechanism is associated with a resilient bendable wire or strip, which is referred to below as a "bending element". At the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the bending element is a return spring for the latch 1. In the in the FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment, the bending element 4 is part of a clutch assembly.

It is essential in all the illustrated embodiments that the bending element 4 has a function within the framework of the mechanical functional structure of the motor vehicle lock. The bending element 4 is thus present anyway in the motor vehicle lock and not exclusively assigned to the detection device 3.

It is also essential in all illustrated embodiments that the arrangement is made such that with the detection device 3, a deflection of the bending element 4 can be determined. This will be explained later.

Constructively, numerous embodiments of the bending element 4 are conceivable. Preferably, the bending element 4 is configured as a leg spring, as a spiral spring, as a helical compression spring, as a leaf spring or as a tilt spring.

The assignment of the bending element 4 to elements of the motor vehicle lock can be different depending on the application. Here and preferably, the bending element in question 4 is the return spring of the latch 1. Basically, the bending element 4, the return spring of the pawl 2 be.

In the in the FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrated preferred embodiment, a bending element 4 is also provided in the above sense. In the FIGS. 2 and 3 shown is a pawl 2, which cooperates with a lock latch, not shown, as it basically Fig. 1 can be seen. It is also a part of a lock mechanism to recognize, which can be brought into different functional states such as "unlocked" and "locked". For this purpose, the lock mechanism is the adjustable in corresponding functional positions bending element 4, which can also be referred to as a bending functional element assigned.

With regard to individual characteristics and with regard to the basic functioning of the FIGS. 2 and 3 arrangement shown may be applied to the German patent application 10 2007 054 440.7 referred to by the Applicant, the content of which is hereby incorporated in full by this application.

The bending functional element 4 is here and preferably a coupling function. In detail, the bending functional element 4 couples or decouples an external operating lever 5 with and from the pawl 2. For this purpose, the external operating lever 5 is equipped with an external operating cam contour 5a and the pawl 2 with a pawl driving cam 2a. In Fig. 3 is the functional position "unlocked" in solid line, and the functional position "locked" shown in dash-dotted line.

In the in the Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated and preferred embodiments, the bending element 4 is an integral part of the detection device 3, wherein a deflection of the bending element 4 leads to a change in the electrical or magnetic state of the detection device 3. This change in the electrical or magnetic state of the detection device 3, the closing or opening of a circuit, the disturbing or shielding a magnetic field or the like. be.

Here and preferably, the bending element 4 is designed to be electrically conductive. Depending on the operating principle of the detection device 3, a magnetic conductivity may alternatively or additionally be provided.

In the illustrated and in so far preferred exemplary embodiments, the detection device 3 has an electrical switch 6 for determining the deflection of the bending element 4. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bending element 4 is an integral part of the switch 6. What is meant by this has been explained above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical switch 6, a movable switching element, which comes in a switching operation with at least one associated switching contact 7 in or out of engagement, wherein the bending element 4, the switching element of the switch 6 provides. Here, the double use of the bending element 4 is particularly clear. On the one hand, the bending element 4 performs a function within the framework of the functional structure of the motor vehicle lock (return spring, coupling element). On the other hand, the bending element 4 provides the switching element of the electrical switch 6 of the detection device 3.

At the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, the bending element 4 is configured as a leg spring, which as explained, the function of a return spring of the latch 1 belongs. In this case, a first leg 4a of the leg spring 4 is fixed by means of a bearing assembly 8. The second leg 4b of the bending element 4 is coupled to the latch 1 via a pin 1a arranged on the latch 1. When lifting the pawl 2 from the in Fig. 1 Lock state shown presses the bending element 4 via the second leg 4b the latch 1 in its open position. In this case, the second leg 4b follows the movement of the latch 1 and finally comes into engagement with a switching contact. 7

The bearing arrangement 8 here and preferably comprises an electrical, stationary contact 10 of the second leg 4b of the bending element 4. Both the switching contact 7 and the stationary contact 10 are preferably connected via a line arrangement 11 to an evaluation unit 12.

The optional evaluation unit 12 may include control electronics. The evaluation unit 12 can also be part of a higher-level, central control unit of the respective motor vehicle. Other embodiments are conceivable.

An evaluation unit 12 can also be dispensed with. It is preferably such that the electrical switch 6 of the detection device 3 is connected directly in the load circuit of an associated electric drive, an associated electric lamp o. The like. Then the electric switch 6 switches according to load current. But it may also be advantageous that the electrical switch 6 is not connected directly, but indirectly, namely via a relay or an amplifier stage in the load circuit of a corresponding consumer.

In the in the FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrated embodiment, a switch 6 is realized with a similar structure. Here, the switch 6 is used to determine whether the functional state "locked" or "unlocked" is present. Im not deflected, in Fig. 2 shown functional state is the bending element 4, which again provides the movable switching element of the switch 6, in engagement with the switching contact 7. Further, the bending element 4 via a stationary contact 10 is electrically connected to the detection device 3 in the rest. Both the switching contact 7 and the stationary contact 10 are preferably connected via a conductor arrangement 11 to an evaluation unit 12.

From the illustration in Fig. 2 It is clear that a deflection of the bending element 4, which causes unlocking of the motor vehicle lock, the contacting of the bending element 4 with the switching contact 7 cancels. Thus, a deflection of the bending element 4 and thus the current functional state of the lock mechanism can be determined in a simple manner.

In certain applications, it may be advantageous if two or more positions of the bending element 4 can be determined. An example of this shows the further preferred embodiment according to Fig. 4 , Here, a control element 13 is provided in a very schematic representation, which is bidirectionally adjustable and by means of a bending element 4, which is again designed as a leg spring, in an initial position ( Fig. 4a ) is recoverable. Here and preferably, this control element 13 is associated with the lock mechanism.

In a first deflection of the actuating element 13 from the starting position out ( Fig. 4a ) there is a corresponding first deflection of the bending element 4, namely its first leg 4a (FIG. Fig. 4b ). In this case, the bending element 4, namely the first leg 4a, comes into contact with a first switching contact 7a. In a second deflection of the adjusting element 13, a corresponding second deflection of the bending element 4, namely its second leg 4b (FIG. Fig. 4c ). In this case, the bending element 4, namely the second leg 4b, comes into contact with a second switching contact 7b. In this case, the arrangement is preferably made such that always one of the two legs 4a, 4b of the bending element 4 is in contact with a third switching contact 7c. About the three switch contacts 7a, 7b, 7c can be easily determined in which of the deflection positions, the actuator 13 is located.

In particular, in the case of adjusting elements, it may be advantageous to determine not only the achievement of discrete positions by the detection device 3. Rather, in some applications, the absolute position of the control element is interesting. Then, instead of the switch 6 is preferably a proximity sensor or the like. Application.

In the illustrated and insofar preferred embodiments, the bending element 4 runs before block against the respective switching contact 7. In principle, it can also be provided that a contact with sliding contacts is realized.

The secure contact between the flexure 4 and the respective switching contact 7 is of particular importance in the present case. Against this background, it is preferably provided that a switching contact 7 is designed to be redundant in such a way that when contacted by the bending element 4 always two parallel contact elements 14, 15 come into contact with the bending element 4. This is in Fig. 5 shown, and individually for the legs 4a, 4b of designed as a leg spring and in Fig. 1 illustrated bending element. 4

Here and preferably, not only the switching contact 7, but also the stationary contact 10 in the above sense is configured redundantly. Accordingly, the stationary contact 10 two parallel contact elements 16, 17 are assigned. These contact elements 16, 17 simultaneously ensure the mounting of the first leg 4a of the bending element 4th

A particularly advantageous in terms of production engineering embodiment provides that a preferably integrated into the lock housing, in particular injected stamped grid is provided. Such punched grid is used in motor vehicle locks regularly for contacting drives and sensors. In the present case, the switching contact 7 is at least partially provided by the stamped grid. The assembly work for the switching contact 7 is thus reduced to a minimum. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is such that the switching contact 7 is at least partially provided by projecting from the lock housing punched lattice tongues. This has the particular advantage that a high mechanical stability of the punched metal tongues is ensured in a simple manner. In the same way, preferably the stationary contact 10 can be formed.

Interesting is in the Fig. 5a arrangement shown still the fact that the stationary contact 10, in particular the stationary contact elements 16, 17, as part of the bearing assembly 8 for the first leg 4a of the bending element 4 are configured. For this purpose, the contact elements 16, 17 are initially equipped with corresponding indentations.

In order to prevent jumping out of the first leg 4a of the bending element 4, this leg is additionally fixed by means of a plastic catch 18. Finally, the anvil is formed from the ribs 19, 20. For mounting, the leg 4a of the flexure 4 can be easily clipped in the direction of arrow in the bearing assembly 8.

Interesting in the Fig. 5b shown switching contact 7 is finally the fact that the contact elements 14, 15 are resiliently mounted. This is necessary in view of the above-mentioned redundant contacting in order to avoid a mechanical overdetermination.

It can be summarized that with the proposed solution, a simple and thus robust design of the detection device 3 can be realized. In the embodiment of the bending element 4 as an integral part of a switch 6, a significant cost savings can be realized.

With a suitable design of the bending element 4, large spring forces can be realized, which lead to an increase in safety during the contacting.

Bonding of contacts, which is well known in the application of micro-switches, can be prevented again by an appropriate interpretation of the respective forces acting.

By a suitable design can further be ensured that the bending element 4 in the non-contacted state maintains a considerable distance from the respective switching contact 7. Accordingly, it may, for example, in a water breakage or the like. hardly come to false signals. The robustness against moisture can be further increased by the fact that it comes to a certain friction between the bending element 4 and the respective switching contact 7 with each switching operation. The resulting friction has a sort of self-cleaning effect for the respective contact surfaces. On an encapsulation of the lock housing can be dispensed with.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the suitable design of the contact surfaces of the bending element 4, switching contact 7 and stationary contact 10 is of particular importance. Preferably, a corresponding galvanic surface treatment is provided.

Claims (11)

1. Motor vehicle lock having a lock latch (1) and pawl (2) as locking elements and having a lock mechanism, wherein the motor vehicle lock can be brought into different lock states and wherein a detection device (3) for determining the current lock state is provided, wherein the clocking elements and/or the lock mechanism are/is assigned a resiliently bendable wire or strip - bending element (4) -, wherein the bending element (4) is assigned a function within the mechanical function structure of the motor vehicle lock, for example the function of a return spring, wherein the current deflection of the bending element (4) allows conclusions to be drawn on the current lock state,
   characterized in that
   the arrangement is such that a deflection of the bending element (4) can be determined by the detection device (3) to determine the current lock state, with the result that the bending element (4) is doubly used, namely on the one hand within the mechanical function structure of the motor vehicle lock and on the other hand within the determination of the lock state.
2. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bending element (4) is designed as a leg spring, as a spiral spring, as a helical compression spring, as a leaf spring or as a tilting spring.
3. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bending element (4) is a return spring of the lock latch (1) or of the pawl (2).
4. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lock mechanism can be brought into different function states such as "unlocked", "locked", "antitheft-locked" or "child-locked", and in that, for this purpose, the lock mechanism is assigned the bending element (4), which can be adjusted into corresponding function settings.
5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending element (4) is an integral constituent part of the detection device (3), and in that a deflection of the bending element (4) leads to a change in the electrical or magnetic state of the detection device (3).
6. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending element (4) is designed to be electrically conducting.
7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (3) has an electrical switch (6) for determining the deflection of the bending element (4), preferably in that the bending element (4) is an integral constituent part of the switch (6).
8. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 7, characterized in that the electrical switch (6) has a movable switching element which, during a switching operation, comes into or out of engagement with at least one associated switching contact (7), and in that the bending element (4) provides the switching element of the switch (6).
9. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 8, characterized in that the bending element (4) comes into contact with a first switching contact (7a) during a first deflection, and in that the bending element (4) comes into contact with a second switching contact (7b) during a second deflection.
10. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the switching contact (7) is redundantly designed such that, during contacting by the bending element (4), two contact elements (14, 15) connected in parallel come into contact with the bending element (4).
11. Motor vehicle lock according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that a lead frame, which is preferably integrated into the lock housing, is provided, and in that the switching contact (7) is at least partially provided by the lead frame, preferably by lead frame tongues projecting out of the lock housing.

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