EP2845975A2 - Detent pawl in a motor vehicle lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pawl for a motor vehicle lock, wherein the motor vehicle lock has a latch (1), which is pivotally mounted about a geometric latch axis (4) by means of a latch latch bearing (3), wherein the pawl (2) in the installed state by means of a pawl bearing ( 5) pivotally mounted about a geometric pawl axis (6) and in locking engagement with the latch (1) can be brought, whereby the latch (1) in at least one closed position against an adjustment in the opening direction can be blocked. It is proposed that the pawl (2) has a locking insert (7) which provides an engagement surface (8) for locking engagement with a mating engagement surface (9) of the latch (1) such that the force flow of the blocking force between latch (1) and pawl (2) at least over a portion (10) of the pawl (2) substantially over the locking insert (7) and in that the pawl (2) has a plastic support structure (11) for the locking insert (7).

Description

The invention relates to a pawl for a motor vehicle lock with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a motor vehicle lock with the features of the preamble of claim 15.

The motor vehicle lock in question may be associated with any closure element of a motor vehicle. Examples include a motor vehicle door, in particular a side door, which may optionally be configured as a sliding door, a tailgate, a trunk lid, a hood, o. The like .. It is also conceivable that the motor vehicle lock in question a seat latch o. The like. assigned.

The function of the motor vehicle lock in question is to keep the associated motor vehicle door o. The like. In its closed position and release at a predetermined user operation in the opening direction. For this purpose, the motor vehicle lock is equipped with the closing elements lock latch and pawl. When installed, the lock latch interacts with a striker. The latch is in at least one closed position, regularly in a main closing position and in a Vorschließstellung, pivotally, in which it is in holding engagement with the striker. The latch is also pivotable in an open position in which it releases the striker.

Of particular importance in the present case is the design of the pawl, which can be regularly adjusted in an excavated state in which the latch is free of the pawl. Furthermore, the pawl is regularly brought into a collapsed state in which it holds the latch in one of the two closed positions. The well-known pawl ( DE 103 58 139 A1 ), from which the invention proceeds, has a metal core, which is sheathed with a plastic material for noise damping. The pawl is designed as a support pawl, so that the blocking force tapers in a first approximation to the pawl axis.

In the present case, the blocking engagement between the latch and the pawl is in the foreground. First, it is required that this intervention can be produced with a particularly high degree of operational reliability. This applies above all to a high degree of operational reliability in the event of a crash with the high blocking forces occurring there between the latch and the pawl. In terms of an unproblematic opening process is also important that the opening force required to lift the pawl is kept low, if possible over the entire life of the motor vehicle. In terms of a high degree of user comfort is to ensure that the adjustment of the pawl is accompanied by a low noise, which is taken into account in the known pawl through the sheath with plastic material.

The known pawl with a metal core can meet the above requirements with appropriate design within certain limits. However, this is connected by the associated with the metal core, high production costs with correspondingly high costs.

The invention is based on the problem, the known pawl in such a way and further develop that can increase the reliability and ease of use at reduced cost.

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

Essential is the fundamental consideration, to let the power flow of the blocking force between the latch bolt and pawl extend at least over a portion of the pawl substantially via a locking insert. This makes it possible to interpret the pawl precisely to the respective mechanical boundary conditions.

Specifically, it is proposed that the pawl has a locking pad which provides an engagement surface for locking engagement with a mating engagement surface of the latch. The arrangement is according to the proposal made so that the power flow of the blocking force extends at least over a portion of the pawl substantially over the locking pad. The power flow of Blocking force is thus concentrated as it were over the locking pad. Incidentally, the pawl has a plastic support structure for the locking insert.

With the proposed solution, it is possible to hang as small as possible the part of the pawl provided by the locking insert, since the locking insert preferably high strength, in particular steel or the like., Designed and thus is correspondingly expensive.

In the preferred embodiments according to claims 4 to 10 of the locking insert is easily interpretable to an optimal power flow in the pawl. In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 6, the locking insert on a mushroom-like portion, wherein the head provides the engagement surface for the locking engagement with the lock latch. Such a mushroom-like configuration can be produced particularly easily by turning or the like, as proposed according to claim 8.

According to claim 7, the engagement surface of the pawl is outwardly curved, which counteracts a "seizure" of the engagement surface with respect to the counter-engagement surface. This leads to a reduction of wear and thus to a longer life of the motor vehicle lock as a whole.

Due to the high structural flexibility in the design of the locking insert, the engagement surface of the pawl for the locking engagement with the latch can be made extremely large, which prevents slippage of the engagement surface of the counter-engagement surface in the event of a crash.

The function of the plastic support structure is not limited in the most preferred embodiments according to claims 12 and 13 on the wearing of the barrier insert. Rather, the plastic support structure according to claim 12 forms a part of the pawl bearing, while the plastic support structure according to claim 13 relates to a coupling portion for the coupling of the pawl with an actuating arrangement. This double use of the plastic support structure leads to an overall particularly cost-effective arrangement.

Numerous advantageous variants are conceivable for the connection between the barrier insert and the plastic support structure. In addition to the encapsulation of the barrier insert with the plastic support structure has been found to be particularly advantageous according to claim 14, the realization of a snap connection between the locking insert and the plastic support structure.

According to another teaching according to claim 15, which also belongs independent significance, a motor vehicle lock with the closing elements lock latch and pawl is claimed as such. On all versions of the proposed pawl, which are suitable to explain the motor vehicle lock, may be referenced.

Fig. 1

die für die Lehre wesentlichen Komponenten eines vorschlagsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugschlosses mit einer vorschlagsgemäßen Sperrklinke, die im sperrenden Eingriff mit der Schlossfalle steht,

Fig. 2

die vorschlagsgemäße Sperrklinke im ausgebauten Zustand in einer perspektivischen Darstellung und in einer Schnittdarstellung, und

Fig. 3

den Sperreinleger der Sperrklinke gemäß Fig. 2 im ausgebauten Zustand in einer Seitenansicht und in einer Draufsicht.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

the essential for the teaching components of a proposed motor vehicle lock with a proposed pawl, which is in locking engagement with the latch,

Fig. 2

the proposed pawl in the disassembled state in a perspective view and in a sectional view, and

Fig. 3

the locking insert of the pawl according to Fig. 2 when removed in a side view and in a plan view.

The proposed motor vehicle lock can be used for all types of closure elements of a motor vehicle. In that regard, reference may be made to the exemplary list in the introductory part of the description.

The proposed motor vehicle lock is equipped with a latch 1, which cooperates in a conventional manner with a pawl 2. For this purpose, the lock latch 1 is pivotally mounted about a geometric latch axis 4 by means of a lock catch bearing 3. In its installed state ( Fig.1 ) is the pawl 2 by means of a pawl bearing 5 to a geometric Pawl axis 6 pivotally mounted and engageable in locking engagement with the latch 1. This locking engagement, by which the latch bolt 1 can be locked against an adjustment in the opening direction in at least one closed position, is likewise in FIG Fig. 1 shown.

In the Fig. 1 illustrated latch 1 is in a main closed position. It is also one of the main closed position seen in the closing direction upstream Vorschließstellung provided. However, this does not matter for the proposed teaching, so that in the following reference will be made exclusively to the main closing position. All relevant explanations apply analogously to the prelocking of the latch 1.

Essential for the proposed teaching is that the pawl 2 has a locking insert 7, which provides an engagement surface 8 for the locking engagement with a counter-engagement surface 9 of the latch 1. The counter-engagement surface 9 is, as mentioned above, associated with the main closing position of the latch 1. Here and preferably, the latch 1 is further equipped with a further counter-engagement surface 9 a, which is assigned to the prelocking of the latch 1.

During the locking engagement between the latch 1 and the pawl 1, a locking force is generated whose power flow from the latch 1 extends over the engagement surfaces 8, 9, the pawl 2 and the pawl bearing 5.

In the main closed position and the prelocking position, the latch 1 is in holding engagement with a in Fig. 1 indicated closing wedge 1a. In this case, the motor vehicle lock is preferably arranged on a motor vehicle door or the like, while the closing wedge 1a is arranged on the body of the vehicle, in particular on a B pillar of the motor vehicle.

Interesting in the proposed pawl 2 is the fact that the power flow of the locking force between the latch 1 and pawl 2 extends at least over a first portion 10 of the pawl 2 substantially over the locking insert 7. This means that over this first section 10 of the Pawl 2, most of the power flow of the blocking force on the locking pad 7 runs.

It is also essential that the pawl 2 has a plastic support structure 11 for the locking insert 7. The barrier insert 7 is proposed by the plastic support structure 11 is supported.

A synopsis of Fig. 1 and 2 shows that the locking insert 7 is supported in the illustrated and so far preferred embodiment with respect to the latch 1 exclusively on the plastic support structure 11. This is particularly advantageous in terms of the achievable noise attenuation in the adjustment of the pawl 2, since a plastic support structure 11 can regularly interpret at low cost by a suitable choice of material and construction to an optimal noise attenuation.

Accordingly, the illustration according to Fig. 2 It can be seen that the power flow of the locking force between the latch 1 and pawl 2 on the above first portion 10 of the pawl 2 substantially, so for the most part, via the locking pad 7 and then over a second portion 12 of the pawl 2 on the plastic support structure 11 , It should be noted that on the second portion 12 of the pawl 2, a further support structure may be provided over which a part of the power flow of the blocking force.

In principle, however, it can also be provided that the power flow of the blocking force between the latch 1 and pawl 2 extends exclusively via the locking insert 7. In such an arrangement, the locking pad 7 extends from the engagement surface 8 to the pawl bearing fifth

When the pawl 2 is here and preferably a support pawl, in which the locking force between the latch 1 and pawl 2 with a pressure load of the locking insert 7 substantially to the pawl axis 6 is accompanied. In this case, the line of action 13, as in Fig. 1 , slightly past the pawl axis 6, so that the pawl 2 during the locking engagement with the latch 1 further in the direction of Engaged position, in Fig. 1 counterclockwise, pushing. The pawl 2 has a so-called closing tendency.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the pawl 2 during the locking engagement with the latch 1 in the direction of a release position in which the pawl 2 releases the latch 1 urges. This is the clockwise direction. The pawl 2 then has a so-called opening tendency. In this case, an auxiliary pawl is preferably provided, which holds the pawl 2 in the engaged position.

The locking insert 7 is preferably designed such that it substantially absorbs the force flow of the blocking force as mentioned above. Accordingly, the locking insert 7 is designed here and preferably elongated. It has a longitudinal axis 14, which is aligned substantially along the line of action 13 of the blocking force between the latch 1 and pawl 2.

In a particularly preferred embodiment that is easy to manufacture, at least the basic shape of the locking insert 7 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis 15. In this case, the axis of rotation 15 is preferably also about the longitudinal axis 14 of the locking insert 7, as far as the locking insert 7 is designed to be elongated.

In detail, the locking insert 7 is here designed a total of mushroom-like. In principle, it is conceivable that the locking insert 7 also has only one mushroom-like section and otherwise has a different design. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking pad 7 has a mushroom head 17 and a subsequent to the mushroom head 17 mushroom shaft 18, wherein the mushroom head 17 provides the engagement surface 8 for the locking engagement with the latch 1. Here and preferably, the diameter D of the mushroom head 17 by a value between about 25% and about 35% greater than the diameter d of the mushroom shaft 18. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the diameter D of the mushroom head 17 is greater than the diameter d by about 30% of the mushroom shaft 18.

In general, it has been found to be advantageous that the engagement surface 8 of the pawl 2 is configured arched outward. It is further preferably such that the engagement surface 8 is circular section in cross-section and in particular that the engagement surface 8 is a spherical segment surface. These preferred variants are easy to implement, especially in the mushroom-like configuration of at least one section of the locking insert 7.

As an alternative to the mushroom-shaped configuration of the locking insert 7, it may be advantageous to make the locking insert 7 pin-like, with one end side of the pin providing the above, in particular curved, engagement surface 8.

With the above-mentioned, curved embodiment of the engagement surface 8 of the pawl 2 can, as mentioned above, avoid a "seizure" between the two engagement surfaces 8.9 largely. In this case, the counter-engagement surface 9 of the latch 1 is preferably designed just flat. It is also conceivable that the counter-engagement surface 9 is configured slightly curved, in such a way complementary to the curvature of the engagement surface 8 of the pawl 2, that both engagement surfaces 8.9 form a positive fit in the first approximation.

In particular, by the above rotational symmetry of the locking insert 7 of the locking insert 7 can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking insert 7 has been produced at least in part, preferably completely, by turning. A likewise preferred and at the same time cost-effective variant is the production of the locking insert 7 by cold heading. With the preferred cold upsetting, an engagement surface 8 with a low surface roughness can be produced in a cost-effective manner, which leads to a low opening force, that is to say to a small force required to lift the pawl 2 out of engagement with the latch 1.

In the above-described embodiment of the locking insert 7, there is the possibility of a particularly large-area configuration of the engagement surface 8 of the pawl 2. This basically prevents slippage of the engagement surfaces 8,9 against each other. The sectional view according to Fig. 2 shows that the width of the engagement surface 8 of the pawl 2 in the direction of the pawl axis 6 is even greater than the width of the lock latch 1, in particular as the Width of the counter-engagement surface 9 of the latch 1, in the direction of the lock latch axis. 4

Interesting in the presentation according to Fig. 2 is further that the mushroom head 17 of the locking insert 7 is only partially used as an engagement surface 8. In detail, even less than 70% of the surface of the mushroom head 17 is used as an engagement surface. However, the realization of a so far superfluous surface of the mushroom head 17 is tolerable in view of the particularly cost-effective feasibility of the locking insert 7.

For the interpretation of the material of the locking insert 7 numerous advantageous variants are conceivable. Here and preferably, the locking insert 7 is made of a metal, in particular made of steel.

The design of the material of the plastic support structure 11 is also possible in many ways. In this context, it may be advantageous that the plastic support structure 11 is not only made of a plastic material, but that the plastic support structure 11 is formed from at least two different plastic materials. In this case, different material layers may be provided in the plastic support structure 11. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic support structure 11 may be composed of different sections, each consisting of a different material or of a different material composition.

An interesting feature of the illustrated preferred embodiment is the fact that the plastic support structure 11 performs several functions. Accordingly, the plastic support structure 11 is preferably a component of the pawl bearing 5. In the illustrated, structurally particularly simple design, the pawl bearing 5 has a bearing pin 19 and a bearing pin 19 in engagement with the bearing bush 20, as in Fig. 2 with an explosive partial representation is indicated. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plastic support structure 11, the bearing bush 20 for the bearing mandrel 19 ready. Here and preferably, the plastic support structure 11 provides a receptacle for the bearing bush 20.

Another function of the plastic support structure 11 here and preferably consists in that the plastic support structure 11 has a coupling portion 21 for coupling the pawl 2 with an actuating arrangement 22 for lifting the pawl 2. Such an actuator assembly 22 is shown in FIG Fig. 1 merely hinted. This may be, for example, an OBW drive (open-by-wire drive) or a manual actuation arrangement that can be actuated via a manually connected door handle. The coupling portion 21 protrudes here and preferably in the manner of a lever from the pawl 2 in the rest.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, it is such that the pawl 2 consists essentially of the plastic support structure 11 and the locking insert 7. With a suitable manufacturing methodology, this can lead to a particularly cost-effective arrangement.

In a mechanically particularly robust embodiment of the locking insert 7 is encapsulated in the plastic injection molding of a plastic material, wherein the plastic support structure 11 is formed by the plastic material. This is a particularly elegant way of connection between the locking insert 7 on the one hand and the plastic support structure 11 on the other.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that between the locking insert 7 and the plastic support structure 11 is provided a snap connection. Also in this case, a production of the plastic support structure 11 in the plastic injection molding method is preferred. An encapsulation of the locking insert 7 is not required in this preferred variant.

Fig. 2 shows that the locking insert 7 is substantially surrounded by the plastic support structure 11 except for the engagement surface 8, here and preferably except for the mushroom head 17. This is especially advantageous with regard to possible noise damping.

According to another teaching, which also has independent significance, the motor vehicle lock with the closing elements lock latch 1 and Pawl 2 as explained above claimed as such. Reference may be made to all versions of the proposed motor vehicle lock.

Claims (15)

Pawl for a motor vehicle lock, wherein the motor vehicle lock has a latch (1) which is pivotally mounted about a geometric latch axis (4) by means of a Schlossfallenlagers (3), wherein the pawl (2) in the installed state by means of a pawl bearing (5) to a geometric pawl axis (6) pivotally mounted and in locking engagement with the latch (1) can be brought, whereby the latch (1) is lockable in at least one closed position against an adjustment in the opening direction,
characterized,
in that the pawl (2) has a locking insert (7) which provides an engagement surface (8) for locking engagement with a mating engagement surface (9) of the latch (1) such that the force flow of the blocking force between latch (1) and pawl (2 ) extends at least over a portion (10) of the pawl (2) substantially over the locking insert (7) and that the pawl (2) has a plastic support structure (11) for the locking insert (7). Pawl according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking insert (7) against the lock latch (1) exclusively on the plastic support structure (11) is supported. Pawl according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power flow of the locking force between the latch bolt (1) and pawl (2) via a first portion (10) of the pawl (2) substantially over the locking insert (7) and subsequently via a second portion (12) of the pawl (2) via the plastic support structure (11). Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking insert (7) is elongated and with its longitudinal axis (14) substantially along the line of action (13) of the blocking force between the latch (1) and the pawl (2) is aligned , Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the basic shape of the locking insert (7), preferably the locking insert (7) in total, based on a rotation axis (15), in particular on its longitudinal axis (14), is configured rotationally symmetrical. Locking pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking insert (7) has a mushroom-like section (16), in particular a total mushroom-like design, and a mushroom head (17) and a mushroom shaft (17) adjoining the mushroom head (17) and that the mushroom head (17) provides the engagement surface (8) for locking engagement with the latch (1), preferably, that the diameter (D) of the mushroom head (17) is greater by a value between about 25% and about 35% is the diameter (d) of the mushroom shaft (18). Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement surface (8) of the pawl (2) is designed arched outward, preferably, that the engagement surface (8) is circular section in cross-section, more preferably that the engagement surface (8) is a spherical section surface. Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking insert (7) is made at least partly by turning or cold heading. Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width of the engagement surface (8) in the direction of the pawl axis (6) is greater than the width of the latch (1), in particular as the width of the counter-engagement surface (9) of the latch (1) , in the direction of the Schlossfallenachse (4). Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking insert (7) made of a metal, in particular of steel, is configured. Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic support structure (11) consists of at least one plastic material is formed, preferably, that the plastic support structure (11) is formed of at least two different plastic materials. Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic support structure (11) is a part of the pawl bearing (5), preferably in that the pawl bearing (5) a bearing pin (19) and one with the bearing pin (19) into engagement standing bearing bush (20), preferably, that the plastic support structure (11), the bearing bush (20) or a receptacle for the bearing bush (20) provides. Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic support structure (11) has a coupling portion (21) for the coupling of the pawl (2) with an actuating arrangement (22) for lifting the pawl (2), preferably that the Coupling section (21) lever-like protrudes from the pawl (2) in the rest. Pawl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrier insert (7) is encapsulated in the plastic injection molding of a plastic material which forms the plastic support structure (11), or that between the locking insert (7) and the plastic support structure (11) a snap connection is provided. Motor vehicle lock with the closing elements lock latch (1) and pawl (2), wherein the lock latch (1) by means of a Schlossfallenlagers (3) about a geometric latch axis (4) is pivotally mounted, wherein the pawl (2) by means of a pawl bearing (5) to a geometric pawl axis (6) is pivotally mounted and in lockable engagement with the latch (1) can be brought, whereby the latch (1) is lockable in at least one closed position against an adjustment in the opening direction, characterized
in that the pawl (2) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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