EP3844359B1 - Lock for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl and a lock case, the locking mechanism being pivotably mounted in the lock case and the lock case having areas of different material thicknesses, in particular over its extent.

A large number of requirements are placed on locking systems in today's motor vehicles. On the one hand, in extreme situations, such as an accident, the locking system must securely fix the component that is movably held on the motor vehicle and then ensure easy opening again. On the other hand, the automotive industry is striving to make vehicles lighter, for example in order to meet the increased demands on the consumption and emissions of motor vehicles.

In order to securely close a motor vehicle lock, it is preferably equipped with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, the pawl enabling the rotary latch to be latched in a closed or latched position. To close the motor vehicle lock, the lock preferably interacts with a lock holder fixed in a stationary manner to the body, with the rotary latch pivoting as a result of the relative movement between the lock holder and the rotary latch. The pawl is preferably spring-loaded in the direction of the rotary latch, so that the locking mechanism engages when the rotary latch is pivoted by the lock holder. Locking systems with a first catch and a main catch, as well as locking systems with one, two or more locking or blocking pawls have become known.

To be fair, especially in the extreme situations in which the motor vehicle lock is exposed to great stress, it is from the DE 10 2009 029 025 A1 become known to additionally equip the locking mechanism with at least one means of power transmission. This means is a bolt that is mounted on the lock case and arranged in such a way that the bolt absorbs the corresponding high force and transmits it to the lock case. Rotary latch and pawl are preferably pivotably mounted in the lock case, where a lock case made of a steel material is preferably used. The lock case not only assumes the function of storing the rotary latch and pawl, but also serves to absorb or distribute force in the event of an accident.

In order to further increase operational safety in the event of an accident, EP 2 687 656 A2 taught to provide a motor vehicle door lock with a lock case, a locking mechanism and an actuating device, in which at least one component of the actuating device, in particular a core of a Bowden cable, is stretched through an opening in the lock housing. The opening is provided with a reinforcement insert to ensure good operational safety. The reinforcement insert is part of the lock case. Starting from the lock case, an additional reinforcement plate can support the bearing axles of the locking mechanism parts and thus serve to increase the operational safety of the motor vehicle lock.

the DE 10 2014 115 704 A1 also discloses as generic prior art a lock for a motor vehicle having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl and a lock case, the locking mechanism being pivotably accommodated in the lock case and the lock case being able to have areas of different material thicknesses. On the one hand, the requirements for maximum stability and operational safety, especially in the area of the locking mechanism, can be met and, on the other hand, the weight of the lock case can be kept to a minimum, since only the areas that are subject to heavy use are equipped with greater material thicknesses. For example, it can be seen from the document that the heavily stressed areas have material thicknesses of between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, whereas material thicknesses of 1 mm can be sufficient in areas with less severe stresses to meet the requirements.

DE 198 13 677 C1 describes a structural component on a body opening of a motor vehicle body, with a supporting, hollow profile element and a compact, preferably electrically controllable motor vehicle lock with locking elements such as a rotary latch and pawl, which operatively interact with a holder on an associated further structural component of the motor vehicle body.

FR 2 980 506 A3 describes a lock having a faceplate defining an aperture and a through hole. A bolt defines a housing and extends through the opening of the faceplate.

In addition to taking operational safety into account, there are increasing demands, as shown in the introduction, for a reduction in manufacturing costs and the use of materials. At the same time, however, this also means that the lock cases constructed according to the state of the art are in need of improvement. This is where the invention aims to remedy the situation overall.

The invention is based on the technical problem of at least partially solving the problems arising from the prior art and thus specifying a lock case which is particularly light and can be manufactured inexpensively and at the same time has improved mechanical properties which ensure good operational reliability.

The object is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It is pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described below are not restrictive; instead, any number of possible variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

The object of the invention is achieved in that a lock for a motor vehicle is provided, having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl and a lock case, the locking mechanism being pivotally mounted in the lock case and the lock case, in particular over its extent away, having areas of different material thicknesses and wherein the lock case is produced by means of an extrusion process. The construction of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention with a lock case made from an extruded workpiece makes it possible on the one hand to design the lock case with high wall thicknesses in the areas of high stress and at the same time there is the possibility of providing a light and inexpensive component for the production of a motor vehicle lock. The extrusion process makes it possible to produce any cross-sectional areas and in particular a profile adapted to the requirements in the motor vehicle, so that areas with high stresses have large material thicknesses and areas with lower stresses smaller material thicknesses are formed. The extrusion process also offers the advantage that a very inexpensive semi-finished product can be provided for achieving a motor vehicle lock. In particular, the extruded workpiece as a semi-finished product can already have a shape adapted to the lock case, into which only the necessary recesses and/or openings and/or folds have to be formed in order to complete the lock case for use in the motor vehicle lock.

When speaking of a motor vehicle lock within the meaning of the invention, this includes motor vehicle locks that are used, for example, in side doors, sliding doors, flaps, hoods and/or covers, precisely where pivotally or displaceably mounted components are arranged on the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable to arrange the motor vehicle lock in a backrest of a seat. The motor vehicle lock has a locking mechanism that has a rotary latch and at least one pawl. At least one pawl is preferably arranged in one plane with the rotary latch and is able, in cooperation with a lock holder, to lock the rotary latch in one position. When the locking mechanism is open, an inlet mouth of the rotary latch points in the direction of a lock holder, with the rotary latch pivoting as a result of a relative movement between the lock holder and the rotary latch. The pawl is generally biased in the direction of the rotary latch, so that the pawl engages with the rotary latch when a latching position is reached. Here, a pre-locking position and a main locking position of the locking mechanism can be ingestible. However, it is also conceivable for a pawl to interact with another pawl, a so-called blocking lever, which, when the pawl is opened, introduces a supporting force into the pawl and blocks an unintentional opening process.

The locking system or motor vehicle lock generally has a lock housing in which the locking mechanism, a locking unit, an actuating unit, an electric drive and/or gear parts are arranged. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but only describes components of the motor vehicle lock that can be used depending on the area of application and functionalities. In the case of a side door lock, the lock housing can preferably be designed as a plastic injection molded part and can consist of at least one lock housing cover and a lock housing shell. The lock housing primarily serves to protect the functional components from, for example, penetration of moisture and/or dirt. The lock housing components are included preferably sealingly connected to each other. Depending on how the lock housing is equipped, it is also conceivable that electrical lines are inserted and/or injected into the lock housing, for example to supply an electric drive or a switching means with an operating voltage.

The lock case encloses the lock housing at least on one, two or three sides and at least in certain areas. The lock case can enclose an inlet opening for the lock holder and thus serve to further stabilize the lock. The motor vehicle lock is preferably connected directly to the motor vehicle body via the lock case and is preferably screwed on. Means for mounting, preferably as a thread and/or a through hole, are provided in the lock case.

The lock case has different material thicknesses, with the areas that are exposed to high loads preferably being able to be reinforced. These loads vary depending on the area of use of the lock case and/or the arrangement of the motor vehicle lock in the motor vehicle. Different requirements are placed on locking systems in side doors or tailgates than on locking systems that are used, for example, in backrests or covers or bonnet locks. Depending on the area of application, the design of the lock case can vary and be adapted to the requirements. In one embodiment variant of the invention, the lock case is made from an aluminum material. Aluminum materials can preferably be produced by means of an extrusion process, with the dies used for extrusion ensuring a high level of design freedom in the design of the lock case. In addition to the high degree of design freedom for the developer of the motor vehicle lock, the selection of an aluminum material offers the advantage of low weight, which in turn benefits the requirements of the automotive industry. Extruded profiles made of aluminum are easy to produce and offer an easy and inexpensive option when used as a lock case for a motor vehicle lock.

The low weight of the aluminum materials is advantageous since the weight of the motor vehicle lock can be reduced. With regard to the motor vehicle lock, the lock case is usually the component with the highest weight, since the lock case is used on the one hand to accommodate the locking mechanism parts and on the other hand at least to fasten the motor vehicle lock in the motor vehicle or the body of the motor vehicle. through the The weight of the lock can thus be reduced by using an aluminum material. However, an aluminum material can also provide sufficient stability, since nowadays high-strength aluminum alloys are available whose material properties are those of

Steel materials are comparable. In this way, the requirements for sufficient stability of the motor vehicle lock can also be met. If the lock case has a greater material thickness in the areas that support the locking mechanism parts than in other areas, this results in a variant embodiment of the invention. A main load takes place in the lock in the area of the locking mechanism. Especially in the case of extreme loads, such as in an accident, the locking mechanism must meet the highest requirements. Before being used in a motor vehicle lock, the locking systems are subjected to a tensile test in which a lock holder is pulled out of a locked locking mechanism. The locking systems must be able to withstand a load of 20 kN, for example, without the locking mechanism opening. In order to cope with these extreme loads and at the same time to achieve an optimized design of the motor vehicle lock or the highly stressed area of the motor vehicle lock, the locking parts are stored according to the invention in areas which, in contrast to the overall structure of the lock case, have a greater material thickness. If, for example, the lock case is designed with a material thickness of 1 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.25 to 2 mm, the areas with a greater material thickness can have thicknesses of 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm and even more preferably 2.5 mm to 4 mm in thickness. Of course, these material thicknesses are only examples and can vary depending on the area of application. However, the greatest stress occurs in the area of the ratchet, so that a relatively thicker material can be used here.

The lock case can advantageously have a symmetrical cross-sectional area. A symmetrical design of the cross-sectional area of the lock case offers the advantage of a uniform force distribution on the lock case when the motor vehicle lock is in continuous use. In particular, a cost-effective production of the lock case can thus be made available. Here, too, the symmetrical design of the cross-sectional area is merely an exemplary embodiment, since the lock case can vary depending on the stress and area of use and/or functionalities in the motor vehicle lock.

It can also be advantageous if it has at least one recess and at least one opening, with the opening in particular serving to accommodate a bearing axis of a locking mechanism part. An opening in the extruded profile can be inserted into the lock case or the semi-finished product to form the lock case, for example by means of drilling, punching and/or deep-drawing. A recess can be used, for example, to attach the lock case to the body. A recess can have a square or round shape. An opening can preferably be made as a bearing point in the lock case or can contain a thread, for example, by means of which the lock case can be fastened to the vehicle. An opening and preferably an opening having a uniform diameter can serve to accommodate a bearing axle for a locking part. The recesses or openings made in the lock case by drilling, stamping or deep-drawing can also serve as latching means, for example to connect the lock case to a housing. Advantageously, the at least one opening can be inserted in the area of greater material thickness, so that stable mounting, for example, for a locking part, can be provided. At least two openings, for example bores, are preferably introduced in the area of the greater material thickness in order to form a bearing point for the locking mechanism. As described above, the locking mechanism absorbs the greatest loads and ensures that the motor vehicle lock is securely closed and kept closed, even under extreme loads.

In an embodiment variant of the invention, the areas of greater material thickness extend in a direction of a possible maximum load. If the lock case is designed as a lock case for a tailgate lock, for example, a main load direction, i.e. a direction in which the lock can experience a maximum load, is aligned in the direction of the relative movement of the lock holder in relation to the lock case. A longitudinal extent of the lock case for a tailgate lock is preferably defined in the direction of the insertion of the lock holder into the lock and in particular into a recess in the lock case. The main load direction is then directed in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the lock case. Advantageously, the areas of greater material thickness can then also extend in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the lock case. Thus, additional stabilization in the lock case can be achieved by means of the areas of greater material thickness. In this case, preferably three areas of greater material thickness can extend in the direction of the maximum load. A first area larger Material thickness accommodates the rotary latch, for example, while a second area serves as a support for the recess in the lock holder. A third area of greater material thickness can then be used to store the pawl. The three areas of greater material thickness are preferably aligned parallel in the lock case and in the direction of a maximum load. The three areas of greater material thickness can have the same but also different material thicknesses or material thicknesses.

A further embodiment variant results when the lock case has an essentially U-shaped form with lateral extensions. A U-shaped design or at least a U-shaped design of a middle area of the lock case advantageously offers the possibility of arranging the locking mechanism at the bottom of the U-shape. As a result, the locking mechanism and thus the area of the lock that can be subjected to a maximum load can be secured. The lateral extensions preferably run parallel to the U-shaped base of the lock case and are preferably used to attach the lock case to the motor vehicle or a body part of the motor vehicle. Such forms of a lock case are preferably easy and inexpensive to produce as extruded profiles and offer maximum design freedom, while at the same time meeting the requirements for low weight and sufficient stability for the motor vehicle can also be guaranteed by the lock case.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using an exemplary embodiment. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an embodiment. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description as well as the patent claims individually or in combination.

• Fig. 1 eine Draufsicht auf einen erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Schlosskasten als Einzelteil ohne die weiteren Bestandteile des Kraftfahrzeugschlosses, und
• Fig. 2 eine Ansicht auf den Schlosskasten gemäß der
• Fig. 1 in einem Schnitt entlang der Linie II-II, wobei lediglich eine prinzipielle Skizze wiedergegeben ist, die zur Erläuterung des Ausführungsbeispiels dient.

It shows:

• 1 a plan view of a lock case designed according to the invention as an individual part without the other components of the motor vehicle lock, and
• 2 a view of the lock case according to FIG
• 1 in a section along the line II-II, wherein only a basic sketch is shown, which serves to explain the embodiment.

In the figure 1 is a top view of a lock case 1 as an extruded profile. The lock case has an entry area 2 for a lock holder 3 shown in dashed lines. In the lock case 1, recesses 4, 5, 6, 7 and openings 8, 9, 10 are also formed. The openings 8, 9, 10 are made in the lock case 1, for example, by means of drilling, whereas the recesses 4, 5, 6, 7 can be produced, for example, by means of stamping. The lock case 1 is an extruded profile made from an aluminum material, with the outer contours of the lock case 1 meeting different requirements. For example, a slope 11 is arranged in the inlet area 2, which can serve to introduce the lock holder 3. Extensions 12 on the lock case 11 are used, for example, to attach a lock housing (not shown) or a spring element. The openings 8, 9, 10 are made in areas of greater material thickness 13, 14, 15 and are used, for example, to accommodate locking part axles or, for example, a release lever. However, the openings 8, 9, 10 can also be used to fasten the lock case 1 to the lock case, with hot pressing of the lock case made of plastic to the lock case 1 being conceivable, for example.

In this exemplary embodiment, the areas of greater material thickness 13, 14, 15 are formed in the lock case 1 along an axis of extension A and parallel. The lock case 1 is preferably a lock case for a tailgate or hood lock. Depending on the load on the lock case 1, it is of course also conceivable for the areas of greater material thickness to extend transversely to a direction A of the main extension of the lock case 1.

In the figure 2 is a section along the line II-II from the figure 1 reproduced in principle. The U-shaped structure of the lock case 1 with the lateral extensions 16, 17 can be clearly seen. In the base area 18 of the U-shaped lock case 1 are the areas of greater material thickness 13, 14, 15 with the openings 8, 9, 10 contained therein played back. The embodiment shows a symmetrical structure of a lock case 1, wherein the base has 18 areas of lower material thicknesses 19, wherein the Material thickness 19 corresponds to the basic thickness range of the lock case 1. Only the areas 13, 14, 15 with an extreme load or a higher load are equipped with greater material thicknesses, so that it is also possible to safely absorb extreme loads. At the same time, a thickening of the material can also be used to position components, such as arranging the pawl and rotary latch in one plane. Due to the structure according to the invention, a lock case 1 can be provided that is light in weight, has a favorable structural design and is sufficiently stable.

Reference List

• 1 lock case
• 2 inlet area
• 3 lock holders
• 4, 5, 6, 7 recesses
• 8, 9, 10 openings
• 11 slant
• 12 extensions
• 13, 14, 15 Area of greater material thickness
• 16, 17 extensions
• 18 footprint
• 19 Area of lower material thickness
• A axis of extension

Claims (11)

1. Lock for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl and a lock case (1), wherein

   the locking mechanism is accommodated in the lock case (1) in a pivotably mounted manner,

   the lock case (1) comprises, in particular over its entire extension, areas of different material thicknesses (13, 14, 15, 19), and

   the lock case (1) is produced by means of an extrusion process.
2. Lock according to the preceding claim, wherein the lock case (1) is formed from an aluminum material.
3. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock case (1) has a greater material thickness in the areas (13, 14, 15) supporting the lock mechanism parts than in other areas (19).
4. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock case (1) comprises a symmetrical cross-sectional area.
5. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock case (1) comprises at least one recess (4, 5, 6, 7) and at least one opening (8, 9, 10), wherein in particular the opening (8, 9, 10) serves to receive a bearing axis of a locking mechanism part.
6. Lock according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening (8, 9, 10) is inserted in the area of the greater material thickness (13, 14, 15).
7. Lock according to any one of the four preceding claims, wherein the areas of greater material thickness (13, 14, 15) extend in a direction (A) of possible maximum load.
8. Lock according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein three areas of greater material thicknesses (13, 14, 15) extend in the direction (A) of maximum load.
9. Lock according to any one of the four preceding claims, wherein the three areas of greater material thicknesses (13, 14, 15) are designed parallel to each other.
10. Lock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock case (1) has substantially a U-shaped form with lateral extensions (16, 17).
11. Method for producing a lock case (1) of a lock for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl and the lock case (1), wherein

    the locking mechanism is accommodated in the lock case (1) in a pivotably mounted manner, and

    the lock case (1) comprises, in particular over its entire extension, areas of different material thicknesses (13, 14, 15, 19), and including the step of:
    producing the lock case (1) by means of an extrusion process.

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