EP2920388B1 - Motor vehicle door lock and method for selectively operating a motor vehicle door lock with or without a security device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 15.

EP 2 093 357 A1 and EP 1 350 913 A2 each describe such a motor vehicle door lock and a deratiges method.

DE 20 2007 001 974 U1 describes a motor vehicle door lock, in which a controlled by the securing device or theft-proof unit coupling element is provided. This coupling element ensures that an actuating lever is optionally coupled as part of the actuating lever chain with the locking unit or a local locking element or decoupled from this. In this way, a so-called "override" function can be realized easily and reliably.

In fact, the aforementioned "override" function means that the locking unit does not first have to assume its "unlocked" position prior to actuation of the operating lever chain to open the associated motor vehicle door latch. But the process of unlocking and subsequent triggering or the opening of the locking done practically in one go, as in the DE 103 20 439 A1 will be described in detail. This has proven itself in principle.

However, such motor vehicle door locks or associated motor vehicle door locks structurally designed relatively expensive and therefore associated with significant costs in their implementation. This applies in particular with regard to the security device or theft prevention device, which typically includes its own motor and at least one actuator. In addition, the mentioned engine causes noises in its operation, which are sometimes perceived as disturbing. Incidentally, the relative complexity of the structure increases the risk of malfunctions and makes the known motor vehicle door lock possibly additionally vulnerable, which concerns in a housing penetrating dirt, moisture, etc.

In the prior art according to the EP 1 590 547 B1 a lock of a vehicle door is described, which is optionally constructed differently in different embodiments depending on the vehicle type to be equipped. Thus, in particular, use cases can be covered, in which one of two alternative available versions is required in comparison to other versions only in relatively small numbers. For this purpose, the alternative embodiments are shown in an unchanged same housing with the same design and arranged drive motors and only different power transmission means in the common housing. The interchangeable force transmission means is a translation gear rotatably mounted in the housing for a door opening and / or closing aid. In this way, although alternative embodiments can be realized, however, savings in terms of the resulting costs are low.

The additionally to be considered prior art after DE 10 2006 017 830 A1 teaches a device for a motor vehicle door lock comprising at least a first and a second component carrier. The component carriers each fix at least one component from the group of electrical component, electromechanical component and electronic component with respect to the motor vehicle door lock. In addition, the two component carriers can be interconnected. In this way, a flexible use and possibly necessary extension possible be.

Against this background, the invention proposes the subject matters of the independent claims.

In the context of the invention, therefore, at least two modules are used, namely a mandatory base module and an optional retrofit module, which is connected to the base module if necessary or not. In this case, the base module essentially comprises the locking mechanism, the actuating lever chain and the locking unit. In contrast, the security device is designed as a retrofit module and therefore optional.

As a result, a motor vehicle door lock in the context of the invention and as needed to be equipped with the backup device or the retrofit module or not. In this case, the invention is based on the recognition that such safety devices do not necessarily have to be implemented always and in every motor vehicle or motor vehicle door lock. Typically, the security device is designed as an anti-theft device and, in general, prevents a motor vehicle door equipped with a corresponding motor vehicle door lock from being inadvertently opened from the inside after damage or destruction of a pane. That is, the security device or anti-theft device usually ensures that a door inner handle or generally an internal operating element with no activated or inserted safety device is without function. This usually also applies to an interior locking element.

However, if a motor vehicle is equipped with a door without an inner locking element or without an inner operating element (for example, a tailgate), the respective securing device or theft prevention device is unnecessary. This allows the invention, for example, the complete equipment of a motor vehicle with five doors with recourse on one and the same basic module. This basic module is additionally upgraded on the four side doors with the safety device designed as a retrofit module. In contrast, the tailgate or a slanted flap only the base module, because for the tailgate in the example no anti-theft function and thus the backup device or the retrofit module are not required. As a result, significant cost savings are observed. For typically nowadays, the motor vehicle door locks are designed and constructed differently for the side door on the one hand and the tailgate on the other hand.

In the context of the invention, however, it is now possible to equip all motor vehicle doors with the respective matching base module, which is additionally equipped with the securing device or the retrofit module, depending on the respective door to be equipped and its design (side door or tailgate). As a result, synergy effects and cost advantages are observed. In addition, a customer is given the opportunity to decide on the retrofit of the security device or the retrofit module individually. Because of course, cases in practice are conceivable where individual side doors can be designed without safety device or retrofit module.

So it is conceivable to work on the rear side doors exclusively with a child safety lock as an alternative, which - when it is inserted - makes the theft protection unnecessary. In any case, the flexibility is increased. In addition, advantages in terms of acoustics are observed, because in fact only the vehicle door closures requiring the securing device are equipped with the retrofit module. Finally, this also contributes to the increase in functional reliability because unnecessary elements according to the invention are eliminated. Here are the main benefits.

The invention therefore makes it possible that in a motor vehicle door lock different equipment variants depending on actual needs Realization of significant cost advantages can be provided.

In detail, the procedure is usually that the retrofit module is equipped with a retrofit module housing. Since the securing device generally has a securing element and a securing motor acting on the securing element, the design is usually made such that the retrofit module housing accommodates or carries the relevant securing element and the securing motor.

The basic module also has its own housing, the basic module housing. This base module housing accommodates at least the ratchet, the operating lever chain and the locking unit. In order to implement the attachment and upgrade of the retrofit module to the base module as simple as possible, the retrofit module housing is regularly plugged onto the base module housing. In both cases, plastic injection molded parts are advantageously used to realize the respective module housing.

To facilitate the union of the retrofit module with the base module, the retrofit module housing and the base module housing are regularly equipped with corresponding centering. These centering elements may be pins and / or recesses and / or projections. Individual or all centering elements can also take over latching function if required. In general, however, it is sufficient to unite the retrofit module or retrofit module housing relative to the base module or its base module housing by means of the centering aligned by plugging.

For the base module housing typically includes a base module housing cover, which closes the base module housing open per se and overall ensures against dirt or moisture penetrating. As soon as the base module housing cover is mounted, this experiences the base module plugged retrofit module an additional support and determination, namely with the help of the base module housing cover. As a result, the housing thus formed is optimally protected against dirt, moisture, etc. Depending on the need for the correspondingly equipped motor vehicle door has the housing in question as described inside the retrofit module or not.

The centering elements explained in detail above are generally formed on the respective module housing and / or on mounting elements in or on the module housing. In fact, the module housing has, for example, a mounting structure in connection with a socket, which in this context has the required centering or the. Also, a journal for a coupling element to be described in more detail below can act as a centering element for the retrofit module housing in this context.

The securing element is generally equipped with at least one actuating pin. This actuating pin interacts in the assembled state of the retrofit module to the base module with the above-mentioned coupling element. The coupling element has an edge for the actuation pin engaging thereon. In fact, in general and depending on the position of the securing device, the coupling element ensures that the actuating lever chain is coupled to the locking unit or that both aforementioned elements are decoupled from one another. The coupling of the actuating lever chain with the locking unit corresponds to the "off" position of the securing device. In contrast, the decoupling of the operating lever chain from the locking unit to the functional position "one" of the securing device.

In order to be able to realize these different positions when mounted on the base module retrofit module, the actuating pin generally projects beyond the retrofit module housing side. The actuating pin is in turn connected to the securing element. With the help of the safety motor can the securing element and thus also the actuating pin are acted upon, so that the securing device is able to occupy the previously outlined functional positions "on" and "off" in a position.

In contrast to the actuating pin, the securing element and the securing motor are generally arranged in overlap with and supported by the securing module housing. As already explained, the securing device is advantageously an anti-theft device. Finally, the subject matter of the invention is a method for selectively operating a motor vehicle door lock with or without a safety device, as explained in more detail in claim 15.

As a result, a motor vehicle door lock and an associated operating method are presented which, depending on the customer's request or requirement and, if necessary, equipment with the safety device or not. As a result, significant synergy effects can be realized by, for example, as described a five-door motor vehicle is equipped on all five motor vehicle doors with the base module. This basic module can implement the essential functional states of the relevant motor vehicle door in the sense of "closed", "open", "unlocked" or "locked". If, in addition, a fuse in the sense of, for example, an anti-theft device with the further functional positions "anti-theft device" or "anti-theft device" is desired, the invention opens up the possibility of additionally upgrading the base module with a retrofit module as required. As a result, the base module has the securing device or anti-theft device already described in detail in the form of the retrofit module. Here are the main benefits.

• Fig. 1 den erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss mit angebrachtem Nachrüstmodul und
• Fig. 2 das Basismodul und das Nachrüstmodul im Zuge eines Aufrüstvorganges in einer Explosionsdarstellung.

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 the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention with attached retrofit module and
• Fig. 2 the base module and the retrofit module in the course of an upgrade process in an exploded view.

In the figures, a motor vehicle door lock is shown, which has in its basic structure via a locking mechanism 1, 2 of essentially rotary latch 1 and pawl 2. The ratchet 1, 2 interacts in a known manner with a locking pin, not shown on, for example, a B-pillar of a motor vehicle body. In this process, the locking pin dips into an inlet slot or an inlet mouth 3 or can be removed from this again. Because that in the Fig. 1 and 2 illustrated motor vehicle door lock is installed in an associated vehicle door.

In addition to the ratchet 1, 2 of rotary latch 1 and pawl 2, the motor vehicle door lock still has an operating lever chain 4 and a locking unit 5, 6. From the operating lever chain 4, for reasons of clarity, only an internal operating lever 4 is shown, which, for example, by means of an internal door handle in the in Fig. 1 can be acted upon manner shown.

Is with such and in Fig. 1 shown impingement of the internal operating lever 4, the locking unit 5, 6 "unlocked" in its functional position, so the internal operating lever 4 ensures that the pawl 2 is lifted from the catch 1. The previously caught locking bolt comes free. Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the opening action on the inner actuating lever 4 in the sense of the "override" function already described at the same time ensures that the locking unit 5, 6 leaves its previously assumed position "locked" and is transferred to the "unlocked" position. This assumes that the internal operating lever 4 is mechanically coupled to the locking unit 5, 6.

At this point, a clutch lever 7 and generally a coupling element 7 is provided which, depending on its position, the actuating lever chain or the inner operating lever 4 with the locking unit 5, 6 coupled or decoupled from each other. In the mechanically coupled functional position of the inner operating lever or the operating lever chain 4 with the locking unit 5, 6, the operating lever chain 4 is able to transfer the locking unit from its "locked" position to the "unlocked" position and at the same time the locking mechanism 1, 2 as described to open. In contrast, the mechanically decoupled functional position of the actuating lever chain 4 of the locking unit 5, 6 corresponds to that corresponding actuations of the inner door handle and thus the inner operating lever respectively the operating lever chain 4 go empty in this context.

Consequently, the coupling element 7 essentially assumes two functional positions, with the coupling element 7 interacting with the aid of a securing device 8, 9, 10 to be described in more detail below for this purpose. In fact, the securing device 8, 9, 10 controls the coupling element 7, on the one hand, into the position mechanically linking the operating lever chain 4 and the locking unit 5, 6. On the other hand belongs to the functional position "a" of the securing device 8, 9, 10, the position of the coupling element 7, wherein the operating lever chain 4 and the locking unit 5, 6 mechanically decoupled from each other are. The securing device 8, 9, 10 is therefore able to set the operating lever chain 4 and the locking unit 5, 6 either functionless / functioning.

In principle, however, the securing device 8, 9, 10 can also be designed in such a way that either the actuating lever chain 4 or the locking unit 5, 6 are set to functionlessly / functionally. In the exemplary embodiment, however, the securing device 8, 9, 10 ensures that both the Operating lever chain 4 and the locking unit 5, 6 either either are functionless or both work.

On the basis of a comparative analysis of the Fig. 1 and 2 it can be seen that the securing device 8, 9, 10 is configured as a retrofittable module 8, 9, 10, which can be connected to a base module 1 to 6 and 11 as needed. In fact, the base module 1 to 6 and 11 comprises at least the already mentioned locking mechanism 1, 2, the operating lever chain 4 and the locking unit 5, 6. In contrast, the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 to the already described securing device 8, 9, 10th , Which in the present case in the illustrated example and not restrictive as anti-theft device 8, 9, 10 is formed.

The retrofit module 8, 9, 10 has a retrofit module housing 10. In addition, the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 and the securing device 8, 9, 10, a securing element 9 and the fuse element 9 acting on backup motor 8. When the fuse element 9 is a circular disc segment, which can be pivoted by means of a plugged onto an output shaft of the safety motor 8 screw clockwise or counterclockwise. In addition, it can be seen that an actuating pin 9a is provided, which is connected to the securing element 9.

Also, the base module 1 to 6 and 11 has its own housing, the base module housing 11. This base module housing 11 receives at least the locking mechanism 1, 2, the operating lever chain 4 and the locking unit 5, 6. Both the retrofit module housing 10 and the base module housing 11 are designed here as plastic injection molded parts. In addition, the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 can be plugged onto the base module 1 to 6 and 11. For this purpose, the retrofit module housing 10 is plugged onto the base module housing 11 is formed.

It can be seen that the retrofit module housing 10 and the base module housing 11 are equipped with corresponding centering elements 12, 13, 14. In the illustrated example, the centering elements 12, 13, 14 are pins 12, a recess 14 and a projection 13. The centering elements 12, 13, 14 are on the respective module housing 10, 11 or on mounting elements in or on the module. Housing 10, 11 is formed.

In fact, it can be seen that in the example shown, the retrofit module housing 10 is equipped with a recess 14. In contrast, the pins 12 are located on a mounting structure 15 for the base module housing 11, which also carries a socket 16. Finally, another pin 12 is realized in the form of a coupling element 7 receiving axis of rotation. This pin 12 interacts with a corresponding circular recess 14 on or in the retrofit module housing 10. The projection 13 is finally found on the already mentioned mounting structure 15th

Once the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 or the securing device 8, 9, 10 is combined with the base module 1 to 6 and 11, that is in the assembled state of the retrofit module 8, 9, 10, the actuating pin 9a interacts with the previously discussed coupling element 7. For this purpose, the coupling element 7 has an in Fig. 2 to be recognized edge 17 for the actuating pin 9a engaging thereon. As a result, the securing device or the retrofit element 8, 9, 10 is capable of the coupling element 7 as described with respect to its axis of rotation or the pin 12 in a the actuating lever chain 4 with the locking unit 5, 6 coupling position and in one of these two elements. 4 and 5, 6 decoupling position to transfer. The first-mentioned functional position corresponds to the fact that the securing device 8, 9, 10 is in its "off" position. By contrast, the latter functional position corresponds to the state "on" of the securing device 8, 9, 10.

One recognizes by means of the Fig. 2 in that the securing element 9 as well as the Safety motor 8 are arranged in overlap with the fuse module housing 10 and are supported by this. In contrast, the actuating pin 9a projects laterally beyond the retrofit module housing 10 laterally. This is necessary so that the actuating pin 9a can interact with the coupling element 7 in the assembled state of the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 on the base module 1 to 6 and 11 as described ,

As already described, the base module 1 to 6 and 11 can optionally be equipped with the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 or not. As soon as the base module 1 to 6 and 11 has been upgraded with the retrofit module 8, 9, 10, the motor vehicle door closure realized in this way has the anti-theft function described. Without retrofit module 8, 9, 10 no anti-theft function is given or may need to be otherwise realized. Typically, tailgates in motor vehicles do not require such an anti-theft function, so that the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 is dispensable for such motor vehicle door closures.

In all cases, the base module housing 11 is closed by means of a base module housing cover 18. At the same time, the base module housing cover 18 ensures that the retrofit module 8, 9, 10 plugged onto the base module 1 to 6 and 11 is held in the plugged-on position.

Claims (15)

1. Motor vehicle door latch, with a locking mechanism (1, 2) fundamentally comprising a catch (1) and a pawl (2), furthermore with an operating lever chain (4) and a bolting unit (5, 6), and with an optional securing device (8, 9, 10) optionally enabling/disabling the operating lever chain (4) and/or the bolting unit (5, 6), whereby

   - the securing device (8, 9, 10) is formed where necessary as a retrofittable module (8, 9, 10) which can be connected to the basic module (1 to 6 and 11) which largely comprises the locking mechanism (1, 2), the operating lever chain (4) and the bolting unit (5, 6);

   characterized in that

   - the securing device (8, 9, 10) has a securing element (9) and a securing motor (10) which acts on the securing element (9);

   - the securing element (9) is equipped with at least an operating pin (9a) which interacts with a coupling element (7) in the mounted state;

   - the coupling element (7) has an edge (17) for the attacking operating pin (9a).
2. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 1, characterized in that

   - the retrofittable module (8, 9, 10) is equipped with a retrofittable module housing (10).
3. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

   - the basic module (1 to 6 and 11) has a basic module housing (11) which accommodates at least the locking mechanism (1, 2), the operating lever chain (4) and the bolting unit (5, 6).
4. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 2 and 3, characterized in that

   - the retrofittable module housing (10) can be plugged in to the basic module housing (11).
5. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that

   - the retrofittable module housing (10) and the basic module housing (11) are respectively formed as plastic injection-molded components.
6. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that

   - the retrofittable module housing (10) and the basic module housing (11) are equipped with corresponding centering elements (12, 13, 14).
7. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 6, characterized in that

   - the centering elements (12, 13, 14) are formed as pins (12) and/or recesses (14) and/or protrusions (13).
8. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that

   - the centering elements (12, 13, 14) are formed on the respective module housing (10, 11) and/or on installation elements (12) in or on the module housing (10, 11).
9. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that

   - one of the centering elements is executed as a pin (12) in the form of a pivot axis accommodating the coupling element (7).
10. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 9, characterized in that

    - another of the centering elements is executed as a circular recess (14) corresponding to the pin (12) on or in the retrofittable module housing (10);

    - the pin (12) interacts with the circular recess (14).
11. Motor vehicle door latch according to claim 10, characterized in that

    - the operating pin (9a) laterally protrudes over the retrofittable module housing (10).
12. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that

    - the securing element (9) and the securing motor (10) covered by the securing module housing (10) are borne by this.
13. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 10 to 12, characterized in that

    - the coupling element (7) couples / uncouples the operating lever chain (4) to / from the bolting unit (5, 6) according to the position of the securing device (8, 9, 10).
14. Motor vehicle door latch according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that

    - the securing device (8, 9, 10) is formed as an anti-theft device (8, 9, 10).
15. Process for optional operation of a motor vehicle door latch with or without a securing device (8, 9, 10), whereby

    - a basic module (1 to 6 and 11) has at least a locking mechanism (1, 2) fundamentally comprising a catch (1) and a pawl (2), an operating lever chain (4) and a bolting unit (5, 6),

    - the securing device (8, 9, 10) which optionally disables / enables the operating lever chain (4) and/or the bolting unit (5, 6) is formed as a retrofittable module (8, 9, 10), which is connected to the basic module (1 to 6 and 11) if necessary;

    characterized in that

    - the motor vehicle door latch is formed according to one of the previous claims.

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