WO2015090274A1

WO2015090274A1 - Motor vehicle door lock

Info

Publication number: WO2015090274A1
Application number: PCT/DE2014/100436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Sturm; Michael OCHTROP; Mathias KELLERSOHN; Thorsten Bendel; Armin Handke
Original assignee: Kiekert Ag
Priority date: 2013-12-18
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2015-06-25
Also published as: DE102013114301A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock which is equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting of essentially a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), in addition to at least one spring element (3, 4). Said spring element (3, 4) interacts with the rotary latch (1) for damping the movement thereof. According to the invention, two spring elements (3, 4) are provided, one in the form of a rubber buffer (3) and the other in the form of a leaf spring (4).

Description

Power vehicle door lock Description:

The invention relates to a Kraftfah rzeugtü rlock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a catch and pawl, and with at least one spring element which interacts with the catch to their motion damping.

Spring elements in motor vehicle door locks are typically used to dampen the movement of the locking mechanism, in particular in the course of a Schüeß- movement of the associated motor vehicle door. In this way, noise associated with such a closing movement should be suppressed as effectively as possible or at least reduced in volume. This serves to increase the comfort especially in such motor vehicle doors that are not equipped with an electric closing aid.

In the context of the generic motor vehicle door lock according to DE 44 20 185 A1 a leaf spring is provided, which acts in conjunction with a cam on the rotary latch just before reaching the closed position of the rotary latch as the pivotal movement of the rotary latch retarding friction brake. The leaf spring is arranged above the catch in a lock housing. In addition, the leaf spring is held in the not yet assembled door lock by a catch outside the path of movement of the cam on the catch. Such an embodiment is structurally relatively complex. In addition, in the prior art, the problem arises that in particular the so-called main rest position or main closed position of the locking mechanism and consequently the associated motor vehicle door is not always taken safely.

The safe taking of the main rest position or Hauptschließsteliung is particularly important for motor vehicle door locks, the on a use so-called two-ratchet mechanism, as described for example in DE 20 2008 012 706 U1 of the Applicant. Such two-ratchet gear are increasingly being used in practice, in particular to reduce the noise when closing the vehicle door. Two-ratchet mechanism regularly use the counter-pressure generated by a circumferential door rubber seal when closing the associated motor vehicle door. In fact, this sealing pressure is used to open the locking mechanism. Because with the help of the sealing pressure is regularly exerted a positive, ie opening torque on the catch in the main rest position. This is expressly not the case in the conventional prior art according to the previously already referenced DE 44 20 185 A1, because here the realized leaf spring acts on the rotary latch shortly before reaching the closed position in a closing sense.

In any case, this opening moment in the main position ensures that the pawl is held in the engagement area of the main catch with the help of a locking or blocking lever in the mentioned two-pawl locking. The pawl is released only when the locking lever in question is actuated. Because then opens the locking mechanism due to the opening moment generated by the door rubber seal. The sealing pressure or the opening moment generated by the door rubber seal is consequently of essential importance for the function of the described two-ratchet mechanism.

Now, it is true that such door rubber seals are of course subject to an aging process and in this case possibly become brittle, in particular can lose their elasticity and spring force partially or completely. In addition, door rubber seals are developed in practice, which work with different counter pressure. All this leads to that opening moment required by the door rubber gasket is not as back pressure, at least not permanently available. This is where the invention starts. The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door lock in such a way that reproducible closed states are observed and, particularly when a two-ratchet locking mechanism is realized, the main latching position is defined. To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle door lock in the invention is characterized in that at least two spring elements in the form of a rubber buffer and on the other hand, a leaf spring are provided. In the context of the invention, therefore, the two typically arranged in the interior of a lock housing spring elements assume the function of a stop for the locking mechanism and that of the rotating door rubber seal of the associated motor vehicle door, at least partially. As usual, the lock housing is regularly composed of a lock case and a lock lid closing the lock case. The two spring elements are usually arranged on or on the lock case due to their interaction with the locking mechanism or the catch. Because the associated locking mechanism from the catch and the pawl is regularly stored on or in the lock case.

The rubber buffer generally has a block-like design. In addition, a central mounting hole is provided regularly. This mounting hole is used for attaching and placing the rubber buffer inside the Schiossgehäuses. For this purpose, a bridge on the lock housing regularly passes through the fastening hole in question. Mostly the jetty is on Schiosskasten provided or stands on the lock case, although of course also embodiments are within the scope of the invention, in which the web can be arranged on the lock cover. In contrast, the leaf spring is designed elongated. Most of the leaf spring has a C-shaped design in supervision. It has been proven that the leaf spring is anchored with a C-end in the lock housing. In contrast, the other free C-end interacts with the catch. As a rule, the C-shaped leaf spring is anchored with one C-end in or on the lock case.

The rubber buffer is regularly made of an elastomeric plastic and has this choice of material over the desired rubber-elastic properties. In contrast, the invention recommends for the production of the leaf spring materials such as plastic, steel or comparable resilient materials. Combinations of the aforementioned materials are possible and are included.

As a rule, the leaf spring as well as the rubber buffer interacts with a contact surface of the rotary latch. In fact, both spring elements are advantageously associated with the respective common contact surface of the rotary latch. The design is usually made so that the leaf spring generates a force acting in the opening direction of the rotary latch force on the contact surface. In principle, however, the leaf spring can also generate a force acting in the closing direction of the rotary latch on the said contact surface. For the rubber buffer, this generally also produces a force acting on the contact surface in the direction of opening of the rotary latch, although an embodiment is also possible in which a force acting in the closing direction of the rotary latch is provided by the rubber buffer. In most cases, the design is such that the rotary latch in its closing direction initially acts on the leaf spring and then the rubber buffer. In this way, the leaf spring can complement the function of the rubber buffer respectively completely or partially even replace. This is especially true in the event that the rubber buffer from the elastomeric plastic becomes brittle over long time scales, at least partially or completely loses its rubber-elastic properties.

In this way, a particularly high level of operational reliability is achieved and ensured that the catch in particular assumes its Haupastaststelfung respectively main closed position safely and defined. This is of particular importance for the operation of an optionally used two-ratchet mechanism as described. In addition, even under extreme operating conditions, for example at particularly high or very low temperatures, the leaf spring reliably generates the desired counterforce or acts on the rotary latch with the generally desired opening moment so that the pawl is held securely in the main catch. In addition, the two spring elements can basically act as Hauptrast- and / or Überhub attacks. D. h., In addition to the already described function of the two spring elements as a main rest stop or main rest stops, it is alternatively or additionally also conceivable that the two spring elements fulfill the function of the already mentioned overstroke bill. Such an overstroke stop serves to limit any movement of the catch beyond the main stop position or main closing position. Since the two spring elements generally exert a torque acting in the opening direction of the rotary latch on the rotary latch, the rotary latch, upon reaching an associated overstroke range, is acted upon, as it were, in the main latching position with the aid of the two spring elements.

In any case, the invention ensures that the catch and the pawl are securely engaged and held in this engagement. For this purpose, according to the invention, the two spring elements which, as a rule, produce each for themselves, but at least jointly, a torque or torque acting on the rotary latch in the opening direction of the rotary latch. This is particularly important for the already mentioned and explained two-ratchet system of particular importance. In principle, the obligatory door rubber seal can also be used for the described force or moment generation. However, this is unnecessary in the context of the invention, because the spring elements alone provide the desired opening moment. Yes, even the rubber buffer can partially or completely fail in this context due to age or operational reasons, without the described operation suffers. In this case, the longitudinally extended leaf spring alone assumes the desired function, namely the rotary latch upon reaching the main latching position or main closing position and / or in Überhubbe rich with an opening torque respectively a torque in the opening direction of the rotary catch to beauf beat. This results in a permanent and reliable operation.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; FIG. 1 shows the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention in a first embodiment. FIG

configuration

Fig. 2A and 2B, the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention in a variant in two different functional positions and Fig. 3A and 3B, the respective motor vehicle door lock in two functional positions in a further modified embodiment.

In the figures, a motor vehicle door lock is shown, which is composed in its basic structure with a locking mechanism 1, 2 of essentially rotary latch 1 and pawl 2. The pawl 2 is indicated only in FIG. 2A. Instead of a reproduced there pawl 2 and two pawls can be realized, namely a main latch and a Vorrastklinke. In addition, a locking or blocking lever may be realized, which fixes the main pawl upon engagement with the rotary latch, as soon as the main pawl has reached the indicated in Fig. 2A Haupastast H. The mode of operation may in this case be exactly as explained in detail in the applicant's DE 20 2008 012 706 U1, which has already been described in the introduction and referred to in the introduction. For the following considerations and for simplicity, however, it is assumed that a conventional locking mechanism with the rotary latch 1 shown in all figures and the (single) pawl 2 according to FIG. 2A.

In addition to the ratchet 1, 2, the motor vehicle door lock shown is still equipped with at least one spring element 3, 4. The spring element 3, 4 interacts with the rotary latch 1 to the movement damping. For this purpose, two spring elements 3, 4 in the form of a block-like rubber buffer 3 and on the other hand, a longitudinally extended leaf spring 4 are provided according to the invention. It can be seen that both spring elements 3, 4 are arranged on a lock case 5. In the exemplary embodiment, both spring elements 3, 4 are anchored in the relevant lock case 5. The lock case 5 also rotatably receives the rotary latch 1 and also the pawl 2. For this purpose, a rotary bolt 1 by cross and connected to the lock case 5 bolt B is provided, against which the catch 1 can be rotated. A closing movement of the rotary latch 1 corresponds to a clockwise movement. The opening movement of the rotary latch 1, on the other hand, corresponds to a counterclockwise rotation of the rotary latch 1 about the hinge pin B defining the respective axis of rotation B.

In addition to the lock case 5 may still be an unillustrated lock cover realized. The lock cover and the lock case 5 together define a lock housing, in the interior of which in the embodiment at least the locking mechanism 1, 2 and the two spring elements 3, 4 are arranged. It can be seen that both spring elements 3, 4 are associated with a common contact surface 6 of the rotary latch 1. This contact surface 6 is located on a nose-shaped extension of the rotary latch. 1

In addition, the design is such that the rotary latch 1 acts in its closing direction, first the leaf spring 4 and then thereafter the rubber buffer 3. This can be seen in particular in the transition from Fig. 2A to Fig. 2B and also in the transition from Fig. 3A to Fig. 3B, each of which represent the closing process pictorially. For this purpose, the closing movement of the rotary catch 1 in the cited figures corresponds to an arrow in the clockwise direction.

The leaf spring 4 is in Ausführungsbeispie! each formed C-shaped. The design is made such that a C-end 4a is anchored in each case in the lock housing. According to the embodiment, the relevant C-end 4a is connected to the lock case 5. The other free C-end 4b of the C-shaped leaf spring 4, however, abuts against the contact surface 6 of the rotary latch 1. In this way, the respective free C-end 4b of the leaf spring 4 interact with the rotary latch 1.

Also, the rubber buffer 3 is arranged in the lock housing respectively anchored. For this purpose, the rubber buffer 3 has a central mounting hole 3a. In the mounting hole 3a, a web 7 engages the lock housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the web 7 is connected to the lock case 5 respectively is predominantly perpendicular to a plane defined by the lock case 5 level and passes through the rubber buffer 3 and the mounting hole 3a. The leaf spring 4 generates on the contact surface 6 of the rotary latch 1 in the opening direction of the rotary latch 1 acting force F, as indicated in FIGS. 2A and 3A, respectively. This force F acts on the rotary fins 1 in such a way that an opening torque is generated with respect to its axis of rotation B, ie such a torque which acts on the rotary latch 1 counterclockwise.

In addition, the rubber buffer 3 generates a comparable opening moment as soon as the contact surface 6 on the rotary latch 1 reaches the rubber buffer 3 in the course of the closing movement of the rotary latch 1. For this purpose, the rubber buffer 3 is made of an elastomeric plastic. Such plastics are rubber-elastic and generate corresponding counter-forces during compression. Such a compression of the rubber buffer 3 takes place in the event that the contact surface 6 bears against the rubber buffer 3 and compresses it. This is shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B.

The leaf spring 4 is typically made of plastic, steel or combinations. Such elastic materials are characterized by a virtually fatigue-free spring action over a plurality of cycles, so that is expected to be particularly functional reliability over the entire service life of the described motor vehicle door lock. Contributes to this In addition, the fact that the leaf spring 4 and the force generated by it F respectively the associated torque about the axis B in the opening sense alone sufficient to keep the pawl 2 safe against the main catch H of the catch 1. D. h., Even if eliminated by the door rubber seal generated counter forces and elimination of adverse forces from the rubber buffer 3, the leaf spring 4 is alone capable of the pawl 2 safely in the main branch H of the catch 1 with befindlichem in the main position locking mechanism 1, 2 to hold. In the context of the figures, it is clear that the two spring elements 3, 4 can act or act as main rest stops 3, 4 for the locking mechanism 1, 2. Alternatively or additionally, the two spring elements 3, 4 can also be used as overstroke stops. Combinations are also conceivable. In addition to a pure C-shaped design of the leaf spring 4, as shown in principle in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2A and 2B, it is also within the scope of the invention, the leaf spring 4 lambda-like interpreted, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is reproduced Then, the spring 4 works as it works with an inverted C-shaped leg on the contact surface 6 on the rotary latch. 1

The two spring elements 3, 4 are arranged in the exemplary embodiment in a corner region of the lock case 5. In this corner region of the lock case 5, equipped with the contact surface 6 extension of the catch 1 dips in its closing direction or moves towards this corner. That is, a particularly compact construction is observed.

In FIG. 1, a further spring 9 can be seen, which is connected at one end to the rotary latch 1 and at its other end to the lock case 5 or the rubber buffer 3 fixedly connected thereto is applied. When the spring 9 in question is an opening spring for the rotary latch 1, ie such a spring, which biases the rotary latch 1 in its opening direction, ie in the embodiment with respect to rotational movements in the counterclockwise direction relative to the axis of rotation B.

Claims

claims:

A motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), and having at least one spring element (3, 4) which interacts with the rotary latch (1) to dampen its motion, characterized in that at least two spring elements (3, 4) in the form of a rubber buffer (3) on the one hand and a leaf spring (4) on the other hand are provided.

2. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the two spring elements (3, 4) of a common bearing surface (6) of the rotary latch (1) are associated.

3. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary latch (1) in its closing direction, first the leaf spring (4) and then the rubber buffer (3) acted upon.

4. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) C-shaped and with a C-end (4a) is anchored in a lock housing, while the other C-end (4b) with the Rotary latch (1) interacts.

5. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rubber buffer (3) is block-shaped with a central mounting hole (3a) is formed.

6. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 5, characterized in that a web (7) on the lock housing, the mounting hole (3a) in the rubber buffer (3) passes through.

7. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) on the contact surface (6) generates in the opening direction of the rotary latch (1) acting force (F).

8. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rubber buffer (3) is made of an elastomeric plastic.

9. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) made of plastic, steel or similar resilient materials and optionally combinations.

10. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the two spring elements (3, 4) as Haupttrast- and / or Überhup stops (3, 4) act.