EP2925945B1 - Vehicle lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

A lock for a motor vehicle includes a locking mechanism with a rotatably mounted rotary latch for receiving a locking bolt, which is also called lock holder. The locking mechanism further has a pawl with which the catch can be latched for holding the locking bolt.

The catch of a motor vehicle lock usually has a fork-shaped inlet slot formed by load arm and catching arm (also called infeed mouth) into which the locking bolt of a vehicle door or flap, for example bonnet or boot lid, arrives when the door or flap is closed. The locking pin or lock holder then rotates the catch from an open position towards the closed position until the pawl locks the catch. This position is called detent position. The locking bolt can then not leave the inlet slot of the rotary latch.

There are motor vehicle locks with two detent positions, namely a pre-detent position and a main detent position. The pre-detent position serves to intercept the corresponding door or flap if it does not reach the main detent position when closing. If the rotary latch is rotated further starting from the pre-latching position, this finally reaches the main latching position.

In a motor vehicle lock, among other things, for reasons of user-friendliness, it is desirable to be able to open it with little force. The force to be used for opening depends, among other things, on a lever ratio between the pivot point of the rotary latch and the main catch (first lever) and between the pivot point of the rotary latch and contact area or contact point between the latch bolt and the load arm (second lever) in the main latching position , The first lever starts at the midpoint of the Rotary latch and opens vertically in the direction of the force along which presses the load arm of the catch in the main latching position against the pawl. The second lever starts at the center of the rotary latch axis. If the locking mechanism is in the main locking position, then the locking bolt exerts a force whose direction encloses a right angle with the second lever, as described with reference to FIGS FIG. 1 of the DE 10 2009 029 016 A1 is illustrated. The second lever ends at the level of this power arrow.

The aspect ratio between the first lever and the second lever is called a locking part ratio. The larger this blocking part ratio is, the lower is the force required for unlocking a locking mechanism.

The DE 10 2009 029 016 A1 FIG. 1 discloses a ratchet secured to a metal plate of a lock case in which the ratchet ratio is 3. The load arm of the catch is significantly wider than its tentacle is executed. The tentacle tapers towards its open end as this end is least strained. This saves material and weight. In contrast, the load arm is thicker towards its open end to be able to arrange both a latching surface for the pre-locking position and a locking surface for the main detent position on the load arm.

The pawl of the locking mechanism is arranged adjacent to a side lock case wall, so that the pawl can be supported against this lock case wall, if it should be exposed to a strong force in the event of a crash.

In order to achieve a favorable blocking part ratio, according to the publication DE 10 2009 029 014 A1 proposed to minimize the distance between the locking pin and the axis of the rotary latch in the main latching position. For stability reasons, however, the possibilities are limited.

At the from the pamphlets DE 10 2009 029 014 A1 such as DE 10 2009 029 016 A1 known locks with locking the axis of the catch is in an area that connects the load arm with the tentacle and seen from the side with the outer end of the inlet mouth along the second lever from behind the inner end of the inlet mouth. Such an arrangement of the axis of a rotary latch is further from the documents DE 10 2009 026 921 A1 such as DE 10 2010 003 483 A1 known.

The inner end or the inner end of the inlet mouth means from the said contact area or contact point between the locking pin and the load arm from the end, which lies at the bottom of the rotary latch inlet slot. The outer end of said contact point between the locking pin and load arm from the end, which lies in the direction of opening of the inlet slot of the rotary latch.
The pamphlets DE 10 2007 585 A1 such as DE 10 2010 036 924 A1 show in comparison, a laterally offset arrangement of the rotary latch axis relative to the inner end of the inlet mouth and as seen along the second lever from the side with the outer inlet mouth end. In addition, rotary latch axis and inner inlet mouth are still arranged one behind the other in the aforementioned sense.

DE 101 56 200 A1 . FR 2 714 415 A1 and FR 1 039 871 A each describe a lock according to the preamble of claim 1.

DE 101 56 200 A1 describes a lock in which the complete axis of the catch is disposed laterally offset from the outer end of the inlet mouth adjacent the inner end of the inlet mouth, a first portion of the axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth as seen from the inner end of the catch Einlaufmauls is arranged and a second portion of the axis of the rotary latch is seen from the outer end of the inlet mouth from behind the inner end of the inlet mouth. DE 101 56 200 A1 also describes a lock in which no area of the axis of the rotary latch is seen laterally offset from the outer end of the inlet mouth arranged next to the inner end of the inlet mouth and the complete axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth seen from behind the inner end of the Einlaufmauls is arranged.

FR 2 714 415 A1 describes a lock in which the complete axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth is arranged laterally offset from the inner end of the inlet mouth and arranged the complete axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth from behind the inner end of the inlet mouth is. FR 2 714 415 A1 also describes a lock in which the complete axis of the catch is arranged laterally offset from the outer end of the inlet mouth adjacent to the inner end of the inlet mouth, a first portion of the axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth as seen from the inner end the inlet mouth is arranged and a second region of the axis of the rotary latch is arranged from the outer end of the inlet mouth from behind the inner end of the inlet mouth.

FR 1 039 871 A describes a lock in which the complete axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth is arranged laterally offset from the inner end of the inlet mouth and arranged the complete axis of the catch from the outer end of the inlet mouth from behind the inner end of the inlet mouth is.

It is an object of the present invention to be able to open a lock for a motor vehicle with little effort.

The object of the invention is achieved by a lock with the features of first claim solved. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

To achieve the object, according to claim 1, a lock is provided with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch with a load arm and a catching arm which is rotatably mounted on a rotary latch axle and which can receive a locking bolt. Seen from the side with the outer end of the inlet mouth along the second lever from the rotary latch axis in accordance with that of the publications DE 10 2007 585 A1 such as DE 10 2010 036 924 A1 known prior art arranged laterally offset next to the inner end of the inlet mouth. In contrast, however, there are areas of rotary latch axis and inner end of the inlet mouth, which are arranged side by side. In addition, there is a portion of the rotary latch axis, which is arranged in front of the inner end of the inlet mouth. In this latter inventive feature, the axis of the catch reaches into the tentacle area.

It is thus possible to dimension the length of the second lever almost arbitrarily small, without endangering the mechanical stability. It can be so cheap locking part ratios, for example, achieve at least 4, without having to provide an excessively large space for the locking mechanism. There is no problem in providing a blocking part ratio of five or more in order to unlock the locking mechanism with little force.

According to the invention, a portion of the inlet mouth to the inner end extends arcuately about the axis of the rotary latch and optionally extends a portion of the inlet mouth toward the outer end in comparison to the other arcuate.

In one embodiment, therefore, the portion of the inlet mouth, which comprises the outer end of the inlet mouth, arc-shaped and vice versa arcuate compared to the inventively provided Section which extends arcuately around the rotary latch axis. This embodiment further enables a mechanically stable, yet small design of the rotary latch. Next is improved allows to pivot the catch by less than 90 ° in order to move from its open position to the main detent position and vice versa.

In one embodiment of the invention, the center of the rotary latch axis in the aforementioned sense is behind the inner end of the inlet mouth of the rotary latch or at the level of the inner end. It is thus ensured that the length of the second lever is suitably different from zero in order to be able to rotate the catch in the opening direction with the aid of the striker.

Since a low blocking ratio of four, five and more of the pressure exerted on the pawl pressure in the main detent position is low, it is mechanically stressed little. In an advantageous embodiment, it is therefore possible to manufacture these from plastic, without endangering the stability of the locking mechanism. However, the axis of the pawl is preferably made of metal for stability reasons. However, this can be made with a smaller diameter than usual. As a result, material and space is saved. By manufacturing the pawl made of plastic advantageously the weight and the manufacturing cost is reduced. In addition, a production of plastic has an advantageous effect on a noise, since it is reduced and in particular a so-called Öffnungsplopp. If the weight of the pawl is reduced, then an optionally provided biased spring for the pawl may be made weaker, which advantageously reduces mechanical stress. An optionally provided prestressed spring for the pawl is able to move the pawl into its detent position, in particular.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inlet mouth extends in sections arcuately around the rotary latch axis and in particular the portion which comprises the inner end of the inlet mouth. The The axis of rotation of the pawl can thereby be arranged sufficiently remote from the central axis of the lock holder or the lock pin. This embodiment further enables a mechanically stable, yet small design of the rotary latch. It is also possible to pivot the catch by less than 90 ° in order to move from its open position to the main catch position and vice versa. Small swivel movements are advantageous, among others, to open and close quickly and quietly with low energy consumption and to keep the space small.

It has further been found that by the guidance of the locking bolt, which is accompanied by the arcuate course, the noise during opening or closing is reduced. By such a guide, a noise advantage is achieved, regardless of the arrangement of the axis of rotation of the rotary latch. The guide is therefore an independent technical teaching, with the noise can be advantageously reduced. A guide according to the present invention means a parallel course of two opposing boundaries, so the corresponding opposite side contours of load arm and tentacle. In particular, the width of a guide is only slightly larger than the diameter of a locking bolt in order to achieve noise advantages and to be able to keep the installation space small. Starting with a guide that extends over at least 5 mm, noticeable noise advantages can be achieved. It has also been found that in combination with large blocking part ratios the acoustics can be further improved.

In one embodiment, the lock is installed in such a way in particular in a door, that in the main latching position, the inner end of the inlet mouth is located below the upper end of the inlet mouth. The axis of the catch is then below the lock holder in the main latch position when the lock is installed in a door. It is avoided in this embodiment that due to the weight of the door, a force is transmitted to the pawl, which would disadvantageously lead to mechanical loads. In addition, the risk of contamination is reduced.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an advantageous embodiment shown in a figure.

The pawl can lock for locking the catch on the load or on the tentacle.

The outer end of the inlet mouth of the rotary latch can be in the installed state above the inner end or, for example, below. In particular, this alignment is matched to the available space.

The blocking part ratio of the article according to the invention is preferably above three, more preferably above five. It has been found that with the present invention, in particular blocking sub-ratios of 5.5 to 6.5 can be implemented in a practical manner. Barrier ratios of up to 7 are usually possible. Blocking ratios of more than 7 can indeed
be realized, but in principle lead to undesirably large space enlargements.

By large blocking sub-ratios can be used particularly advantageously a Zuziehhilfe with low power.

The lock holder is preferably held by a clamp.

FIG. 1 shows ratchets in the main rearing position.

The FIG. 1 shows a rotary latch 1, which is locked by a pawl 2. The rotary latch comprises a catching arm 3 and a load arm 4, through which an inlet slot 5 is formed. The inlet slot 5 holds a lock holder or latch bolt 6. For example, due to a door seal pressure, the lock holder 6 is pulled with a force F in the direction of the arrow shown. The load arm 4, however, prevents the lock holder 6 is moved by the force F from the locking out.

The rotary latch 1 is rotatably supported by an axis 7. This axis 7 of the catch 1 extends partially into the region of the tentacle 3 and is therefore partially adjacent to or in front of the inner end 8 of the inlet mouth 5 and seen as seen along a direction perpendicular to the force F and from the outer end 9 of the inlet mouth 5 ,

The in the FIG. 1 shown alignment of the rotary latch 1 corresponds to the installed in a door state, so that the outer end 9 of the inlet mouth 5 is above the inner end 8.

In the FIG. 1 a stop 10 is shown, through which an excessive pivotal movement of the rotary latch 1 counterclockwise and thus, starting from the open position of the rotary latch 1 in the direction of the closed position is prevented.

If the pawl 2 is rotated about its axis 11 in a clockwise direction, it leaves its locking position. The catch 1 can then be rotated or pivoted clockwise in the direction of the open position. If the catch 1 has reached its open position, the lock holder 6 can leave the locking mechanism. The stop 10 also limits this pivotal or rotary movement of the rotary latch 1 in the clockwise direction, that is, a rotation for opening the locking mechanism.

By arranging a region of the axis 7 next to the inner end 8 of the inlet mouth 5, a direction perpendicular to the force F direction very small distance a between the center of the rotary latch axis and contact area between lock holder 6 and load arm 4 can be provided. The thus provided small second lever a begins at the center of the rotary latch axis 7, opens in the main locking position shown perpendicular to the force arrow F and ends here. In the FIG. 1 the case is shown that the center of the rotary latch axis is at the level of the inner end 8 of the inlet mouth, as is illustrated by a drawn line.

The distance of the axis 7 to the inner end 8 is similar to the distance of the rotary latch axis 7 to the edge shown on the left of the rotary latch or the tentacle 3. The axis 7 is thus at least approximately centrally between the inner end 8 of the inlet mouth 5 and the opposite arranged outside edge of the tentacle. This ensures the mechanical stability and load capacity of the tentacle with optimized material usage.

In order to optimize the use of material further improved, the tentacle 3 is as shown at the level of the inner end, in the rotary latch axis. 7 Preferably, the tentacle in this area is 1.5 to 2.5 times as wide as the load arm 4. At the free ends adjacent to the open, outer end 9 of the inlet mouth 5 tentacle and load arm, however, are like shown advantageously similar wide to minimize the use of materials and thus weight and space. The width of the tentacle 3 here corresponds to the width of the load arm. 4

The first lever extends according to the illustrated distance 5a, so that in the FIG. 1 Lock shown has a blocking division ratio of 5.

The inlet mouth 5 extends starting from the inner end 8 initially arcuately around the rotary latch axis 7 around and in about half of the total length of the inlet mouth 5. The adjoining portion of the inlet mouth is inverted arcuate to approximately the outer end 9 of the inlet mouth. This course contributes to an optimized use of materials, with which the mechanical stability can be achieved. Through these arcuate courses, which are formed by parallel lateral boundaries or contours of load arm 4 and tentacle 3, the locking pin 6 is guided over more than 5 mm. With such a guide, noticeable noise advantages can be achieved.

1:

Drehfalle

2:

Sperrklinke

3:

Fangarm der Drehfalle

4:

Lastarm der Drehfalle

5:

Einlaufmaul, Einlaufschlitz der Drehfalle

6:

Schließbolzen, Schlosshalter

7:

Achse der Drehfalle

8:

inneres Ende des Einlaufmauls

9:

äußeres Ende des Einlaufmauls

10:

Anschlag

11:

Achse der Sperrklinke

12:

Halteelement

F:

Kraftpfeil

The following symbols are used in the figures:

1:

catch

2:

pawl

3:

Catch arm of the catch

4:

Load arm of the rotary latch

5:

Inlet mouth, inlet slot of the catch

6:

Locking pin, lock holder

7:

Axle of the rotary latch

8th:

inner end of the inlet mouth

9:

outer end of the inlet mouth

10:

attack

11:

Axle of the pawl

12:

retaining element

F:

force arrow

Claims (9)

1. Latch for a motor vehicle with a locking mechanism comprising a pivotable catch (1) with a load arm (4) and a catch arm (3) of an infeed section (5), wherein

   • the axis (7) of the catch (1) is arranged, viewed from the external end (9) of the infeed section (5), laterally offset adjacent to the internal end (8) of the infeed section (5),

   • at least an area of the axis (7) of the catch (1) is arranged, viewed from the external end (9) of the infeed section (5), in front of the internal end (8) of the infeed section (5),

   characterized in that

   • a section of the infeed section (5) runs around the axis (7) of the catch (1) in an arch shape towards the internal end (8)

   • and, if applicable, a section of the infeed section (5) runs in a reverse arch shape to the external end (9) in contrast.
2. Latch according to claim 1, characterized in that the central point of the catch axis (7) is arranged behind the internal end (8) of the infeed section (5) or at the level of the inner end (8), viewed from the external end (9) of the infeed section (5).
3. Latch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the pawl (2) is made of plastic, wherein the pawl axis is preferably made of metal.
4. Latch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the infeed section (5) comprises a guide for a locking bolt (6) or the infeed section (5) has a guide for a locking bolt (6) which is at least 5 mm long.
5. Latch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it is installed in such a way that the internal end (8) of the infeed section (5) is below the upper end (9) of the infeed section, when located in the main ratchet position.
6. Latch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the width of the catch arm (3) is larger in the area of the catch axis (7) than the width of the load arm (4) or that the width of the catch arm (3) in the area of the catch axis (7) is at least 1.5 times as wide as the width of the load arm (4).
7. Latch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the width of the catch arm (3) corresponds to the width of the load arm (4) at the external end (9) of the infeed section (5) of the catch.
8. Latch according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the locking component ratio is 3 to 7 or 5.5 to 6.5.
9. Motor vehicle with a latch according to one of the previous claims.

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