EP2960410A1 - Locking cylinder device for a motor vehicle with a coupling unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking cylinder device (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a movable rotor (12) which is operatively connected to a bearing (20) in which is held a coupling unit (40) having at least one fastening interface (41). which can be brought into contact with a lock (1) of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the coupling unit (40) and the bearing (20) are designed such that the coupling unit (40) is pivotally mounted on the bearing (20) and the coupling unit (40) moves from the bearing (20) in the direction of the fastening interface (FIG. 41) reaching longitudinal extent, which is adjustable in length.

Description

The invention relates to a lock cylinder device for a motor vehicle, having a movable rotor, which is operatively connected to a bearing in which a coupling unit is held, which has at least one attachment interface, which is engageable with a lock of the motor vehicle.

From the prior art, a lock cylinder device for a motor vehicle is known, which is installed for example in a vehicle door and having a housing with a rotor. The rotor can be turned by a key. A coupling unit is connected to one end of the rotor and can be rotated together with the rotor. Thus, the rotation of the rotor caused by a key can be transmitted to the coupling unit. In addition, the coupling unit with a lock, in particular with a lock mechanism of the motor vehicle in operative connection, so over a Rotation of the rotor an action in the lock of the motor vehicle can be triggered. Such a lock cylinder device is for example in the DE 2003 21 500 U1 described.

A disadvantage of this lock cylinder device is that the installation of the above-mentioned device on the motor vehicle, in particular on the motor vehicle door proves to be very expensive. This is partly due to the fact that only a narrow and narrow space for the above device is available within the motor vehicle. In addition, due to the abundance of motor vehicle models result in different geometric requirements, which are also to be met by the above-mentioned device. Often it is necessary to provide different models of the above device to meet the requirements within the motor vehicle.

Object of the present invention is to simplify the above-mentioned device to reduce the assembly effort, while it is possible to provide a device with a lock cylinder device and coupling unit, which can be used in different vehicle geometries, even if only triggered by manufacturing tolerances.

The object of the invention is achieved by all features of claim 1. In the dependent claims, possible embodiments are described.

According to the invention it is provided that the coupling unit and the bearing are designed such that the coupling unit is pivotally mounted on the bearing and the coupling unit has a longitudinal extent extending from the bearing in the direction of the fastening interface, which is adjustable in length. An advantage of the invention is that due to the often cramped installation situation within the motor vehicle, the coupling unit is pivotally mounted on the bearing, so z. B. different geometries within the vehicle and / or manufacturing tolerances can be compensated. In addition, it has proven to be very advantageous that the distance between the attachment interface of the coupling unit and the bearing, with which the rotor is in operative connection, can be adjusted and / or changed individually according to the geometry requirements of the motor vehicle. Thus, manufacturing tolerances but also geometry requirements can be compensated or overcome with the help of the coupling unit, which go far beyond the level of the usual manufacturing tolerances, for example, when it comes to different motor vehicle models in which the device according to the invention is installed. The attachment interface can bring the coupling unit with the lock directly or indirectly in operative connection form and / or force and / or cohesively.

Advantageously, the distance between the attachment interface of the coupling unit and the bearing is adjustable. An advantage of the invention may be that the coupling unit has an adjustment mechanism that allows individual adjustment of a distance between the mounting interface and the bearing. Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism is integrated within the coupling unit, whereby a compact overall arrangement can be created. A movement of the rotor, a movement can be transmitted to the coupling unit, which in turn is transmitted to the lock of the motor vehicle. The lock can be brought about the coupling unit, for example, between a locking position and an unlocked position, so that the vehicle door by the user z. B. can be opened. In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism may have a thread, whereby the distance between the mounting interface and the bearing of the housing can be adjusted continuously. The invention also includes that the adjustment mechanism may comprise telescopic elements which serve to adjust the distance between the attachment interface of the coupling unit and the bearing.

It may also be advantageous that the adjustment mechanism is designed such that a plurality of latching positions is made possible, whereby the distance between the mounting interface and the bearing is adjustable. Such an embodiment of the invention is in its construction a compact unit, wherein at the same time the distance adjustment can be done via the locking positions by the fitter without much effort. About the locking positions ensures that the distance between the mounting interface of the coupling unit and the bearing is reliably held.

In a measure improving the invention, the bearing has a cavity in which the coupling unit is held. Advantageously, the coupling unit can have a head part, which is held in the warehouse. The geometry of the cavity allows the coupling unit to be pivotally mounted on the bearing. In addition, the invention can mitumfassen that the bearing has an outlet opening through which the coupling unit extends outwardly from the cavity. Also, the outlet opening of the bearing may have such a shape and / or geometry, so that the coupling unit can be pivoted at the bearing by defined angular ranges. Advantageously, the head part of the coupling unit is made larger in its geometry than the outlet opening of the bearing, so that effectively prevents the head part from the camp is moved or moved unintentionally.

It is advantageous that the coupling unit is rotatably mounted in the camp. This ensures that both its housing and the bearing are moved during a rotational movement of the rotor, whereby the movement is transmitted directly to the coupling unit.

In addition, the invention can provide that the coupling unit has a rod which has the head part, wherein the rod is movable within a receptacle of the coupling unit, in particular within a coupling housing of the coupling unit. The rod can z. B. rigid, so that the movement of the rotor can be reliably transferred to the lock of the motor vehicle. For example, the coupling housing having the attachment interface, which is engageable with the lock of the motor vehicle in operative connection. The coupling housing can serve as protection for the rod, which is at least partially displaced within the receptacle of the coupling unit.

Advantageously, the rod can be axially movable within the coupling housing. Since the coupling unit is pivotally mounted on the bearing, it is conceivable that in the installed state within the motor vehicle, the coupling unit has an angle and / or an angle to the longitudinal extension of the rotor. This depends on the installation geometry inside the vehicle door. Advantageously, the rod is linearly displaceable within the receptacle of the coupling unit, whereby the distance between the attachment interface of the coupling unit and the bearing can be reliably adjusted. Advantageously, the rod and the head part form a common component, which is preferably made of plastic, particularly preferably a molded plastic part.

It may also be advantageous that the rod has at least one bearing body, which is adapted to the geometry of the receptacle, in particular that the bearing body is formed at the opposite end of the rod of the rod. In this case, the rod may have at least one latching element and / or at least one sliding element. The slider causes a reliable adjustment of the distance between the Befestigungsschnittelle the coupling unit and the bearing, without causing large friction losses. In addition, it may be particularly advantageous that the coupling housing has a means to which or in which the locking element can be brought, so that the adjustment mechanism allows the locking positions. The means may for example be openings, in which the locking element is brought and thus locking positions of the adjustment mechanism can be achieved.

The invention may include that the latching element is spring-loaded. During the movement of the rod of the bearing body moves within the recording of the coupling unit, wherein upon reaching a locking position, the locking element is moved via a spring element in a locking position. During the movement of the rod, however, the latching element is pushed out of the latching position into a release position, wherein the spring element in the coupling housing attempts to move the latching element in the latching position. This embodiment represents a simple and effective construction, so that the rod is reliably held on the coupling unit in the respective locking position.

In a further measure improving the invention, the coupling housing can be held in stock. The rod can be moved axially within the coupling housing as in the other embodiments, wherein the rod can be formed with a head part, which is designed as a mounting interface, to create an operative connection with the lock of the motor vehicle. In this embodiment, the coupling unit may have an adjustment mechanism which is both individually and steplessly adjustable, as already described above. Advantageously, the coupling housing can be received in the cavity of the bearing, wherein at least a part of the coupling housing exits through the outlet opening of the bearing. Advantageously, the coupling housing is rotatably mounted in the camp. In addition, the coupling unit may comprise a rod according to the above-mentioned embodiments, which is formed, inter alia, with a bearing body and / or a latching element and / or a sliding element. The head part of the rod is in operative connection as a fastening interface with the lock of the motor vehicle.

Advantageously, the rotor may be rotatably mounted about an axis, whereby the coupling unit is adapted to transmit a movement of the rotor to the lock, in particular to a lock mechanism. Conveniently, the rotor has a receptacle into which a key is inserted, wherein about a rotation of the key, the rotor is rotated about its axis and thus also the coupling unit, which transmits a corresponding movement to the lock to trigger a defined action of the castle , The invention also relates to a system with a locking cylinder device for a motor vehicle with a movable rotor, which is operatively connected to a bearing in which a coupling unit is held, which has at least one fastening interface, which communicates with a lock of the motor vehicle, wherein the coupling unit and the bearing are formed such that the coupling unit is pivotally mounted on the bearing and the coupling unit has a bearing extending from the bearing in the direction of attachment longitudinal extent, which is adjustable in length. The system according to the invention can likewise be equipped with a lock cylinder device according to the invention of the abovementioned description.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer Schließzylindervorrichtung, die über eine Koppeleinheit mit einem Schloss eines Kraftfahrzeuges verbunden ist,

Fig. 2

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Schließzylindervorrichtung gemäß Figur 1,

Fig. 3

eine mögliche Ausführungsvariante einer Schließzylindervorrichtung mit einer Koppeleinheit, die in Wirkverbindung mit einem Kraftfahrzeugschloss steht,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht auf einen Teilbereich der Koppeleinheit gemäß Ansicht A-A aus Figur 3,

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Koppeleinheit, die in Figur 1 bzw. Figur 2 einsetzbar ist und

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Koppeleinheit, die in Figur 1 oder Figur 2 einsetzbar ist.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of a lock cylinder device which is connected via a coupling unit with a lock of a motor vehicle,

Fig. 2

a further embodiment of a lock cylinder device according to FIG. 1 .

Fig. 3

a possible embodiment of a lock cylinder device with a coupling unit, which is in operative connection with a motor vehicle lock,

Fig. 4

a side view of a portion of the coupling unit according to view AA FIG. 3 .

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of a coupling unit according to the invention, which in FIG. 1 respectively. FIG. 2 can be used and

Fig. 6

a further embodiment of a coupling unit, the in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 can be used.

In FIG. 1 a lock cylinder device 10 for a motor vehicle is shown, wherein a movable rotor 12 is schematically shown, which is in mechanical engagement with a bearing 20. For example, the lock cylinder device 10 may include a housing 11 within which the rotor 12 is movably supported. In the present case, the rotor 12 is rotatable about an axis 13, namely, when a key, not shown, is guided in a receptacle 14 of the rotor 12 and this key is then moved about the axis 13. However, the rotor 12 can only rotate about the axis 13 when the "right" key is inserted into the receptacle 14. For this purpose, the rotor 12 or the lock cylinder device 10 has a corresponding safety mechanism, which will not be discussed below.

In the bearing 20, a coupling unit 40 is held, wherein the coupling unit 40 is also equipped with a mounting interface 41, which is in communication with a lock 1 of the motor vehicle. In the present embodiment, the coupling unit 40 is connected to a lock mechanism 2, wherein the lock mechanism 2 in turn is in operative connection with the lock 1. It is also conceivable that according to all embodiments, the attachment interface 41 of the coupling unit 40 is connected directly to the lock 1, which is not explicitly shown.

According to the embodiment shown, the locking cylinder device 10 is disposed directly on a door handle 4 of a motor vehicle, wherein the door handle 4 by the user actuated, in particular can be moved to trigger corresponding actions in the motor vehicle, in particular on the door 3. In general, the door handle 4 can influence the lock 1 in its function via a corresponding movement, for example, the lock 1 can be brought into a state, whereby an opening operation of the door 3 can be completed. About the lock cylinder device 10, in particular via the rotor 12, an unlocked state or a locked state of the lock 1 can be achieved.

Due to the very small installation space within a door 3, assembly problems often arise in order to expertly secure the lock cylinder device within the door 3, while at the same time ensuring that a mechanical operative connection is to be established between the movable rotor 12 and the lock 1. Alone from manufacturing tolerances, it may already be apparent that the coupling unit 40 during assembly to the lock mechanism 2, for example, must be easily pivoted (s. FIG. 2 ). It is also conceivable that, due to the possible geometries within the door 3, the distance between the bearing 20 and the attachment point on the lock mechanism 2 or on the lock 1 can vary. This problem can be solved by the coupling unit 40 according to the invention, which can be changed from the bearing 20 in the direction of fastening interface 41 in length, with possible embodiments in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are shown. This means that the distance between the attachment interface 41 of the coupling unit 40 and the bearing 20 can be adjusted. In addition, it is conceivable that the coupling unit 40 is pivoted by defined angular degrees from the flight to the axis 13, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 2 is shown.

In the FIGS. 3 to 6 different adjustment mechanisms 50 are shown, which are integrated in the coupling unit 40. In all embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 50 of the coupling unit 40 allows an individual adjustment of the distance between the fastening section 41 and the bearing 20, or the adjustment mechanism ensures that the length of the coupling unit 40 from the bearing 20 in the direction of fastening interface 41 is adjustable.

According to FIG. 3 the coupling unit 40 has a head part 42, which is held in the bearing 20. The bearing 20 has a cavity 21, in which the coupling unit 40, in particular the head part 42 is received. Here, the bearing 20 is formed with an outlet opening 22 through which the coupling unit 40 extends outwardly. The outlet opening 22 is designed funnel-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the diameter of the outlet opening 22 in the direction of mounting interface 41 of the coupling unit 40 increases. This causes the coupling unit 40 can be reliably pivoted within the bearing 20 of the axis 13, which by the arrow representations in FIG. 3 is indicated.

Furthermore, the coupling unit 40 has a rod 43, which has the head part 42, wherein the rod 43 within a receptacle 44 of the coupling unit 40, in particular within a coupling housing 45 of the coupling unit 40 is movable. The rod 43 is further axially within the coupling housing 45 movable. As a result, the longitudinal extent of the coupling unit 40 can be changed. In FIG. 3 the smallest longitudinal extension of the coupling unit 40 is shown. Now, if the rod 43 would be moved upwards, a greater distance between the mounting interface 41 of the coupling unit 40 and the bearing 20 could be adjusted. In addition, the embodiment according to FIG. 3 in that the coupling housing 45 has an opening 54 through which the rod 43 extends in the direction of the bearing 20. The coupling housing 45 has in the region of the opening 54 shoulder portions 55 which serve as a stop for the rod 43, so that they can not be moved out of the receptacle 44 unintentionally.

Thus, the coupling unit 20 can be reliably pivoted in all directions on the bearing 20, the head part 42 is tapered towards the free end 56, whereby a tilting movement within the bearing 20 is made possible. In addition, the head part 42 has shoulder elements 53 which increase the diameter of the head part 42 in such a way that an exit from the opening 22 is no longer possible. In FIG. 4 FIG. 12 shows a top view of the head part 42, which has a cross-sectional view in cross-section, which allows reliable pivotal movement within the bearing 20 in any direction. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the head part 42 at least partially form a spherical shape.

In order for a reliable transmission of force to the lock 1 is made possible on a rotation of the rotor 12 about the axis 13, the coupling unit 40 is rotatably disposed in the bearing 20. According to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 the rod 43 has at least one bearing body 46, which is adapted to the geometry of the receptacle 44 of the coupling unit 40. The bearing body 46 is made larger in diameter to the opening 54, so that the rod 43 can not be moved out of the receptacle 44. The bearing body 46 is formed in the present embodiment at the opposite end of the head part 42 of the rod 43. The bearing body 46 has according to FIG. 5 a locking element 47, wherein the coupling housing 45 is designed with means 49 to which or in which the locking element 47 can be introduced. That means that according to FIG. 5 an adjusting mechanism 50 is integrated in the coupling unit 40, which allows a plurality of locking positions 52, whereby the distance between the mounting interface 41 and the bearing 20 is adjustable. In addition, it is conceivable to arrange a sliding element 48 on the bearing body 46, whereby an improved and almost friction-free displacement of the rod 43 within the coupling housing 45 can be achieved. The means 49 are executed in the present embodiment as openings or receptacles that correspond to the geometry of the locking element 47. The locking element 47 is in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 spring-loaded, which means that when a shift from one locking position to another locking position, the locking element 47 according to the in FIG. 5 shown arrow direction is pressed into the bearing body 46. Upon reaching the next or the desired locking point 52, the spring-loaded locking element 47 moves back out into the opening 49. Thus, a reliable locking position is achieved. It is also conceivable that locking elements 47 are arranged on the inside of the coupling housing 45 and means, in particular at least one opening or receptacle on the bearing body 46 is provided, whereby a similar adjustment mechanism with a plurality of detent positions can be achieved.

It is conceivable that the adjustment mechanism 50 is designed such that a stepless adjustment of the distance between the fastening section 41 and the bearing 20 is made possible. This will be in FIG. 6 shown in which the adjustment mechanism has a thread 51. For example, a change in the longitudinal extent of the coupling unit 40 can be achieved via a rotation of one of the components 43 or 45.

According to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 can the coupling unit 40 according to the embodiments according to FIG. 3 be executed. This means that the rod 43 according to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 with a corresponding head part 42 FIG. 3 is executed, whereby a pivoting movement from the axis 13 is conceivable.

All embodiments of the invention represent a compact system with a lock cylinder device 10 for a motor vehicle, with a movable rotor 12, which is in operative connection with a bearing 20 in which a coupling unit 40 is held, which has at least one attachment interface 41, which with a Lock 1 of the motor vehicle is in communication, wherein the coupling unit 40 and the bearing 20 are formed such that the coupling unit 40 is pivotally mounted on the bearing 20 and the coupling unit 40 has a bearing 20 in the direction of mounting interface 41 extending longitudinal extent, in its length is adjustable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lock

2

lock mechanism

3

door

4

door handle

10

Closing cylinder device

11

casing

12

rotor

13

axis

20

camp

21

cavity

22

outlet opening

40

coupling unit

41

Mounting interface

42

headboard

43

pole

44

admission

45

coupling housing

46

bearing body

47

locking element

48

Slide

49

Medium, opening

50

adjustment

51

thread

52

detent position

53

shoulder elements

54

opening

55

shoulder elements

56

free end

Claims (15)

Locking cylinder device (10) for a motor vehicle, with
a movable rotor (12), which is in operative connection with a bearing (20) in which a coupling unit (40) is held, which has at least one attachment interface (41), which is connectable to a lock (1) of the motor vehicle .
characterized,
that the coupling unit (40) and the bearing (20) are formed such that the coupling unit (40) pivotally mounted on the bearing is mounted (20) and the coupling unit (40) from the bearing (20) in the direction of mounting interface (41) reaching the longitudinal extension has, which is adjustable in length. Locking cylinder device (10) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the distance between the attachment interface (41) of the coupling unit (40) and the bearing (20) is adjustable. Locking cylinder device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that the coupling unit (40) has an adjustment mechanism (50) which allows an individual adjustment of a distance between the attachment interface (41) and the bearing (20). Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the adjusting mechanism (50) is designed in such a way that a stepless adjustment of the distance between the fastening interface (41) and the bearing (20) is made possible and / or that the adjusting mechanism (50) has a thread (51). Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the adjustment mechanism (50) is designed such that a plurality of latching positions (52) are made possible, whereby the distance between the attachment interface (41) and the bearing (20) is adjustable. Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the coupling unit (40) has a head part (42) which is held in the bearing (20) and / or that the bearing (20) has a cavity (21) in which the coupling unit (40) is held, in particular the head part (42) is recorded. Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the bearing (20) has an outlet opening (22) through the coupling unit (40) from the cavity (21) extends to the outside, and / or that the coupling unit (40) rotationally fixed in the bearing (20) is arranged. Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the coupling unit (40) comprises a rod (43) having the head part (42), said rod (43) within a receptacle (44) of the coupling unit (40), in particular within a coupling housing (45) of the coupling unit (40 ) is movable. Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the rod (43) is movable axially within the coupling housing (45). Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the rod (43) has at least one bearing body (46) which is adapted to the geometry of the receptacle (44), in particular that the bearing body (46) is formed at the end of the rod (43) opposite the head part (42). Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the rod (43) has at least one latching element (47) and / or at least one sliding element (48). Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the coupling housing (45) has means (49) to which or in which the latching element (47) can be brought, so that the adjustment mechanism (50) enables the latching positions (52), and / or that the latching element (47) is spring-loaded , Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the coupling housing (45) is held in the bearing (20). Locking cylinder device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the rotor (12) is mounted rotatably about an axis (13), whereby the coupling unit (40) is suitable for transmitting a movement of the rotor (12) to the lock (1), in particular to a lock mechanism (2). System with a lock cylinder device (10) for a motor vehicle, in particular with a lock cylinder device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17, with a movable rotor (12) which is in operative connection with a bearing (20) in which a coupling unit ( 40) which has at least one fastening interface (41) which is connected to a lock (1) of the motor vehicle,
characterized,
that the coupling unit (40) and the bearing (20) are formed such that the coupling unit (40) pivotally mounted on the bearing is mounted (20) and the coupling unit (40) from the bearing (20) in the direction of mounting interface (41) reaching the longitudinal extension has, which is adjustable in length.

Images