EP2888425B1 - Motor vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, with a lock case, further comprising a lock mounted in the lock case of substantially rotary latch and pawl, and with an additional reinforcing element. Motor vehicle door locks of the construction described above are usually arranged and fastened on or in the interior of an associated motor vehicle door. The relevant motor vehicle door lock interacts with a locking bolt, which is usually located on a B-pillar of an associated vehicle body. As a result, a total of a motor vehicle door lock is provided.

The lock case is usually made of metal, because the stored in the lock case elements of the locking mechanism, namely the catch and the pawl, especially in an accident are exposed to considerable forces and must accommodate them. Because it is important that in such an accident equipped with the motor vehicle door lock doors and especially side doors remain closed at least during the accident in any case. Only then can it be prevented that, for example, people are thrown out of the vehicle. In addition, it is ensured only when the vehicle doors are closed that arranged there safety devices such as side airbags, side impact protection, etc. can develop effect to protect the vehicle occupants.

In the crash situations described, it is therefore imperative that the locking mechanism in conjunction with the lock case can accommodate in total the deceleration forces occurring in this case and especially one unplanned opening operation of the associated motor vehicle door is prevented. For this purpose, in the generic state of the art according to the DE 10 2009 029 025 A1 a motor vehicle door lock of the structure described above, in which the locking additionally comprises at least one means for transmitting power to the lock case. This means is a latch, which is attached to the lock case and / or arranged so that it extends from a side wall of the lock case in the main latching position to the catch. The bolt is arranged adjacent to the inlet slot of the lock case, so that the rotary latch is pressed against the bolt in the described sudden stresses. The bolt then absorbs the corresponding force and forwards it to the lock case.

The prior art has proven itself in principle, however, requires an additional movable element in the motor vehicle door lock in the form of the bolt ahead. This is not only structurally relatively expensive, but can also lead to malfunction. Because the operation of the bolt depends on the fact that the catch is actually pressed in the main rest position against the bar in question due to the stresses described. However, should this not be the case due to, for example, deformations of the lock case or because the catch is not in the main catch position, the latch can naturally have no effect. Here, the invention aims to provide a total remedy.

The two writings US Pat. No. 6,349,983 B1 and US Pat. No. 6,554,329 B1 disclose a motor vehicle door latch consisting of a ratchet with a catch and a pawl. However, it is not provided the rotation axes of the locking coupling coupling plate.

In the EP 0 103 904 A2 a motor vehicle door lock is also described with a locking mechanism rotatably mounted on a lock case, wherein axes of rotation of the locking mechanism are reinforced by means of a reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate has a planar shape.

The DE 103 61 445 A1 discloses a motor vehicle door lock comprising a lock case, a locking mechanism mounted in the lock case and a reinforcement plate for reinforcing the bearing axes of the rotary latch and the locking pawl.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door lock so that the crash safety is improved and, in particular, malfunctions in a structurally simple construction can be reliably avoided.

To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle door lock is characterized in that the obligatory reinforcing element as both axes of rotation on the one hand the catch and on the other hand the pawl spaced from the lock box coupling reinforcing plate is formed, wherein the arms are arranged substantially parallel to each other and predominantly run perpendicular to the reinforcing plate, wherein the boom are connected to one another by a respective transverse web, wherein the arms in comparison to the U-shaped lock case in cross-section L-shaped.
In the context of the invention, the respective axis of rotation of one hand, the rotary latch and on the other hand, the pawl is defined by a respectively anchored in the lock case bearing pin. Consequently, the catch has its own rotary latch bolt as well as the pawl, which with a associated pawl bearing bolt is equipped. As a rule, the respective bearing pin reaches through the lock case with its one end. In addition, the interpretation is usually made so that the respective bearing pin passes through the reinforcing plate with its other end.

The reinforcement plate is arranged most coplanar to a storage plane of the locking mechanism. As a result, the reinforcing plate is spaced and level, that is coplanar, to said storage level of the locking mechanism. In this way, the components of the locking mechanism, that is essentially the catch and the pawl, are received between on the one hand the bearing plane and on the other hand, the reinforcing plate. In most cases, the design is such that the reinforcing plate and the bearing plane in conjunction with the bearing pins define a rectangular structure in cross-section. With the help of this structure, in the event of a crash, the forces acting on the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention and here in particular the lock case are taken up in a particularly effective manner and optionally forwarded to the associated motor vehicle door or motor vehicle body. The design is usually made so that the two bearing pins are each arranged at the edge of the rectangular structure. That is, the two bearing pins define generally the narrow sides of the rectangular structure, whereas the long sides of the structure in question are defined on the one hand by the reinforcing plate and on the other hand by the bearing plane.

As a rule, forces and, in particular, deformation forces on the lock case engage in the vehicle transverse direction in the event of a crash. Since the bearing bolts are additionally connected to each other by the reinforcing plate according to the invention, large forces can be absorbed. That is, the invention formed and rectangular in cross-section Structure is able to absorb such forces in the Y direction easily. The supporting structure according to the invention serves to receive the locking mechanism and the external actuating mechanism and to protect it in the event of a crash in the Y direction.

If the catch is in its main catch position with a sunken pawl, then the right-hand support structure, acting on forces in this vehicle transverse or Y direction, ensures that the bearing bolts are deformed together relative to the lock case, this deformation being due to the connection of the two bearing bolts with one another is observed with the aid of the reinforcing plate to about the same extent for both bearing bolts. As a result, in general, the relative position of one hand, the pawl and on the other hand, the catch does not change or only slightly, in particular prevents the pawl is lifted from the catch and thereby released the previously captured locking pin and with him the vehicle door unexpectedly undergoes an opening.
The lock case is generally U-shaped in cross-section. It has proven useful if the already mentioned storage level of the locking mechanism is formed by the middle part of the lock case. The one leg of the lock case and a support plane spanned by the structure are arranged generally parallel to each other. In this leg of the lock case is also provided as a rule, the mandatory inlet slot for the locking pin. Since the legs of the U-shaped lock case are arranged substantially perpendicular to the vehicle transverse direction or Y-direction, the invention achieves this expression that the support plane and with it the already described rectangular support structure is arranged perpendicular to this Y-direction. As a result, any forces in this vehicle transverse direction are optimally recorded as described by the locking mechanism or the structure and introduced into the lock case.

According to the invention, the reinforcing plate has additional arms. In general, two arms are present, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In addition, according to the invention, the two arms are substantially perpendicular in comparison to the reinforcing plate. The booms are connected to one another at the ends by a respective transverse web. In addition, the expression is usually chosen so that the respective arm reaches one end on one side on a leg of the lock case and on the other hand to the middle part of the U-shaped lock case and the second leg. As a result, the respective boom additionally ensures that the parts of the lock case experience a mechanical connection with one another, namely by the one or the two arms. In this way, the two legs and the middle part of the lock case are additionally stiffened with each other.

According to the mechanical coupling and stiffening of the two legs of the U-shaped lock case is further improved by the fact that the respective arm or the two arms are formed in cross-section L-shaped in comparison to the U-shaped lock case. That is, the long L-leg of the boom reaches up to the one leg of the lock box. In contrast, the short L-leg of the arm rests on the middle part of the lock case and extends to the second leg of the lock case zoom. In this way, define the reinforcing plate and the respective boom in conjunction with the lock case as a whole a bearing cage for the locking mechanism. This bearing cage is capable of primarily acting on the locking forces in Y or vehicle transverse direction but also to be able to absorb forces in the X or vehicle longitudinal direction advantageous. In addition, this design also ensures that not so often occurring forces in vehicle vertical axis or Z direction are also controlled.

As a result, a motor vehicle door lock is provided, which has a particularly robust built lock case and a corresponding locking mechanism. Because the provided at this point reinforcing plate primarily ensures that the bearing bolts for one hand, the catch and on the other hand, the pawl are mechanically connected to each other not only through the lock case, but also experience a gain by the complementary reinforcing element. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, one or two further arms are provided.

By resorting to these cantilevers, the reinforcing plate, in conjunction with the cantilevers and the lock case, defines a total of a bearing cage for the locking mechanism. As a result, in particular, previously barely controllable deformation forces can be absorbed in the event of a crash, namely without the ratchet experiencing an unplanned opening and consequently releasing a previously caught locking bolt and thus a motor vehicle door. The vehicle occupants are thus optimally protected in the event of a crash. Here are the main benefits.

Fig.1 und 2

unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugtürschlosses.

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

Fig.1 and 2

different embodiments of a motor vehicle door lock according to the invention.

That in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated motor vehicle door lock is equipped with a lock case 1 made of metal and steel in particular. Furthermore, one recognizes a locking mechanism 2, 3 from essentially a rotary latch 2 and a pawl 3. With the help of the catch 2, an unillustrated and attached to, for example, a B-pillar of a motor vehicle body locking bolt is caught in the locking mechanism 2, 3 via a Inlet slot or an inlet mouth 4 dips and also released when the locking mechanism 2, 3. This is the usual functionality that need not be discussed in this context.

The rotary latch 2 and the pawl 3 are each mounted in the lock case 1. For this purpose, the lock case 1 with bearing bolts 5, 6 anchored therein equipped, which associated rotary axes for one hand, the rotary latch 2 and on the other hand define the pawl 3.
In fact, it is in the bearing pin 5 is a rotary latch bearing pin 5, on which the rotary latch 2 is rotatably mounted. The bolt 6 is designed and provided as a pawl bearing pin 6 for rotatably supporting the pawl 3. Both bearing pins 5, 6 are anchored in the lock case 1 and pass through the lock case 1 with its one end. The two bearing pins 5, 6 pass through a reinforcing plate 7 with their other end.

The reinforcing plate 7 is a reinforcing element 7, which couples the two axes of rotation on the one hand of the rotary latch 2 and on the other hand, the pawl 3, and spaced from the lock box 1. In fact, both bearing pins 5, 6 via a groove 8 at its head end, with whose assistance the reinforcing element or the reinforcing plate 7 is placed relative to the bearing pin 5, 6 and spaced from the lock case 1 to the respective bearing pin 5, 6 is fixed. The reinforcing plate 7 is coplanar, that is, the same level, arranged to a bearing plane 9. In Fig. 1 is for better visibility of underlying components of the motor vehicle door lock, the reinforcing plate 7 hidden and only their location is indicated by the reference numeral 7.
It can be seen that in the context of the two embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and 2 the lock case 1 is U-shaped in cross-section. In fact, the lock case 1 has a middle part 1a, a leg 1b and a leg 1c. The bearing plane 9 is formed by the central part 1a of the U-shaped lock case 1. As already explained, the reinforcing plate 7 is coplanar, that is, the same plane, to the respective bearing plane 9 and consequently the middle part 1 a of the U-shaped lock case 1 is arranged.

The reinforcing plate 7 and the bearing plane 9 define in connection with the two bearing pins 5, 6 a rectangular cross section in rectangular structure 5, 7, 6, 9. This rectangular structure 5, 7, 6, 9 spans a supporting plane, which runs substantially parallel to the leg 1 b of the lock case 1. In addition, the two bearing pins 5, 6 each edge of the respective rectangular support structure 5, 7, 6, 9 are arranged, thus defining the narrow sides of the respective rectangle. On the other hand, the long sides are formed by the reinforcing plate 7 and the bearing plane 9 or the middle part 1a and the leg 1c. The already mentioned support plane and the legs 1b of the lock case are arranged substantially parallel to each other. As a result, a particularly favorable kinematics is achieved.

Because any acting in Fahrzeugquer- or Y-direction on the lock box deformation forces can be absorbed more or less easily. If, when such deformation forces occur, for example in the event of a crash, the locking mechanism 2, 3 is in its main locking position shown in the figures, this position is essentially maintained because the respective bearing bolts 5, 6 undergo additional alignment and anchoring to one another by the reinforcement plate 7.
In a side impact with associated deformation forces in Fahrzeugquer- or Y-direction does not lead to unscheduled openings of the locking mechanism 2, 3. For such forces are absorbed by the mentioned structure 5, 7, 6, 9 such that the associated bearing pin. 5 , 6 rectified deformations experienced in this Y-direction, which in turn usually do not correspond to an unscheduled opening of the locking mechanism 2, 3. Also any forces in the vehicle longitudinal direction or in vehicle vertical axis or Z direction are reliably absorbed and controlled by the rectangular structure 5, 7, 6, 9 in question.

To Fig. 2 is the reinforcing plate 7 according to the invention equipped with additional arms 10. These additional arms 10 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In addition, the respective arms 10 are substantially perpendicular in comparison to the two arms 10 interconnecting reinforcing plate 7. Based on Fig. 2 one recognizes further that the two arms 10 are connected to each other at the ends by a respective transverse web 11.

The two arms 10 extend to one side to the leg 1b and on the other hand to the middle part 1a and the leg 1c of the U-shaped lock case 1 zoom. The arms 10 are L-shaped in cross-section compared to the U-shaped lock case 1. In this way, the long L-leg 10a of the boom concerned 10 on the leg 1b of the lock case 1 comes to rest, whereas the short L-leg 10b of the L-shaped cantilever 10 rests on the central part 1a of the L-shaped lock case 1 and on the Leg 1c is applied.

The length of the respective legs 1a, 10b on the one hand and the middle part 1b and the leg 10a on the other hand is adapted to each other, so that the reinforcing plate 7 in combination with the arms 10 and the lock case 1 a total of a bearing cage 1, 7, 10 for the locking mechanism 2, 3 defined. This bearing cage 1, 7, 10 is able to record on the ratchet 2, 3 and the associated bearing pin 5, 6 attacking deceleration forces in each (three-dimensional) direction, without the relative position of one hand, the rotary latch 2 and the other Pawl 1 to each other is changed significantly, so that unintentional openings of the locking mechanism 2, 3 practically do not occur. As a result, the crash safety is increased enormously and at the same time significantly increases the stability of the lock case 1 over previous interpretations.

Claims (10)

1. Motor vehicle door latch, having a lock case (1), furthermore having a locking mechanism (2, 3) mounted in the lock case (1) consisting essentially of a catch (2) and a pawl (3), and having an additional reinforcing element (7), the reinforcing element (7) being designed as a reinforcing plate (7) which couples both axes of rotation of, on the one hand, the catch (2) and, on the other hand, the pawl (1) at a distance from the lock case (1), characterized in that the reinforcing plate (7) has additional jibs (10), the jibs (10) being arranged mainly parallel to one another and extending predominantly perpendicularly in comparison with the reinforcing plate (7), the jibs(10) being connected to one another at the ends by a respective transverse support (11), the jibs (10) being L-shaped in cross-section in comparison with the egg-shaped lock case (1).
2. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective axis of rotation is defined by a bearing bolt (5, 6) anchored in the lock case (1).
3. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 2, characterized in that the respective bearing bolt (5, 6) engages with its one end through the lock case (1) and with its other end through the reinforcing plate (7).
4. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reinforcing plate (7) is arranged coplanar with a bearing plane (9) of the locking mechanism (2, 3).
5. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinforcing plate (7) and the bearing plane (9) in conjunction with the bearing bolts (5, 6) define a supporting structure (5, 7, 9) which is rectangular in cross-section.
6. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two bearing bolts (5, 6) are each arranged at the edge of the rectangular supporting structure (5, 7, 6, 9), preferably its narrow sides.
7. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the bearing plane (9) of the locking mechanism (2, 3) is formed by a middle part (1a) of the U-shaped lock case (1).
8. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that a leg (1b) of the lock case (1) and a supporting structure plane spanned by the supporting structure (5, 7, 6, 9) are arranged mainly parallel to one another.
9. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jibs (10) extend at the end to one leg (1b) of the U-shaped lock case (1) on the one hand, and to a middle part (1a) and another leg (1c) of the U-shaped lock case (1) on the other hand.
10. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing plate (7), in conjunction with the jibs (10) and the lock case (1), define a bearing cage (1, 7, 10) for the locking mechanism (2, 3).

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