WO2015113527A1 - Motor vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock which comprises a locking mechanism which consists essentially of a rotary latch and pawl, also comprising a lever arrangement (2, 3, 4) and several spring elements (5, 6, 7) for using different levers (2, 3, 4) of the lever arrangement (2, 3, 4). According to the invention, the spring elements (5, 6, 7) are designed as spring legs (5, 6, 7) connected to a common base body (8), said spring elements having control contours (9, 10, 11), which are formed thereon, for the associated and for the adjacent levers (2, 3, 4). As a result, the spring element is defined as a multi-spring element (5, 6, 7, 8).

Description

 Kraftfah rzeugtü rsch loss Description:

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of catch and pawl, further comprising a lever arrangement, for example a locking lever chain and / or operating lever arrangement, and with a plurality of spring elements for acting on different levers of the lever arrangement.

In motor vehicle door locks typically several spring elements are used. These usually work on an associated lever of the actuating lever assembly. It is conceivable in this context bias springs, tilt springs, etc. Thus, the generic state of the art according to DE 20 2011 004 426 U1 deals with a lever arrangement of a motor vehicle door lock. In this context, a lever element is realized from a resiliently deformable sheet metal. The lever element has at least one resiliently deflectable spring section. In addition, two return spring sections are realized. The respective return spring sections are supported on counter bearings.

In addition, the further prior art according to DE 101 96 572 T1 deals with a linear pressure lock for doors. In this context, a trigger made entirely of spring steel is also used. This is equipped with individual spring legs.

The state of the art has proven itself in principle. However, in practice, the individual spring elements for acting on different levers of the lever arrangement are typically separated and mounted separately in a lock housing or motor vehicle door lock housing. This results in cost disadvantages in the production. So requires the attachment and alignment of the individual spring elements compared to each acted upon lever touch and is therefore consuming. In addition, the spring elements are consistently designed differently and must be placed at various locations in the lock housing. This results in problems in manufacturing, storage and commissioning. This is disadvantageous against the background of a particularly high cost pressure in the production of motor vehicle door locks. Here, the invention aims to provide a total remedy.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door lock so that the assembly is simplified and requires a smaller number of required components. In addition, this should be a total of cheaper production than previously possible. To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle door lock in the invention is characterized in that the spring elements are formed as connected to a common body spring leg with each trained thereon control contour for the associated and adjacent thereto lever under composite definition of a multiple spring element.

In the context of the invention, therefore, two or more spring elements are initially combined to form the multiple spring element. This multiple spring element is usually a combined bending / stamping part. That is, the multiple spring element ultimately represents a (single) component, which is equipped with several (usually two or more) connected spring legs for associated levers. As a result, the assembly is greatly facilitated because separate spring elements are combined to form the multiple spring element. The production is simplified because, according to the invention, only one combined bending / stamping part is produced and not different spring elements are produced and assembled.

For this purpose, the multiple spring element is equipped with a base body. At this body, the individual spring legs are connected, which replace the previously separate spring elements. Each spring leg has a corresponding control contour for the associated and adjacent thereto lever. In the simplest case, this control contour can be a section of the spring leg without special design and design, which, however, can basically build up a spring force or pretensioning force. In addition, the invention of course also includes control contours such that the associated spring leg in the control contour, for example, a bend, a nose, a kink, a recess, a recess, etc., so long with the help of the control contour of each acted lever in the desired manner and Manner is acted upon and can also be acted upon.

The main body is usually equipped with at least one fastener or completely or partially formed itself as such. The fastening element is generally used for mounting and fixing the multiple spring element in and / or on the motor vehicle door lock housing. In fact, for example, it is possible to proceed in such a way that the fastening element is designed as a fastening tongue which is inserted into an associated tongue receptacle, a gap, etc. of the motor vehicle door lock housing. As a result, the multiple spring element can be set particularly easily in the motor vehicle door lock housing. Since the individual spring legs are connected to the main body, the spring legs automatically have their correct position after installation of the multiple spring element in comparison to the respective levers to be acted upon the actuating lever assembly. The spring legs can be designed differently. Thus, it is conceivable that at least one spring leg is formed as a biasing spring leg to produce a predetermined bias voltage. With the help of this spring leg so for example, a blocking lever is acted as part of a locking lever chain in the direction of a blocking position. For this purpose, the spring leg or preload spring leg generates the required predetermined bias.

In addition, the invention recommends that at least one spring leg is designed as Kippfederschenkel for securing the position. Such a Kippfederschenkel is regularly used in conjunction with a lever which has bistable functional positions. That is, the Kippfederschenkel generally acts on a lever which can take two stable functional positions. The lever may be a locking lever and the associated functional positions may be "locked" and "unlocked", for example. In any case, the Kippfederschenkel in this context ensures that the question lever or locking lever occupies the aforementioned at least two functional positions and is held in each case resiliently in these two functional positions.

In addition, at least one spring leg can be designed as an actuating spring leg generating a predetermined actuating force. Such a Betätigungsfederschenkel is used for example in conjunction with a clutch lever or an external operating lever. In this context, the Betätigungsfederschenkel with its built-up actuation force ensures that the associated and acted upon by it lever is operated, for example, in the sense of "clutch on" or "external actuating lever operated". The above-described functionalities of the individual spring legs can, of course, be realized combinatorially in the multiple spring element. Yes, it is even conceivable that one and the same spring leg is equipped with two control contours and, for example, functions both as a spring bias leg and as a tipping leg or performs a corresponding function. As a rule, however, each individual spring leg is equipped with only one (single) control contour and also interacts only with one (single) lever of the actuating lever arrangement. When implementing the multiple spring element according to the invention, for example, three spring legs can be used, each act as a tilt lever leg, a blocking lever as Vorspannfederschenkel and finally an external operating lever or clutch lever as Betätigungsfederschenkel or interact with the respective lever. As a result, advantageously the previously separately designed spring elements can be summarized and functionally unite.

In order to realize the different interpretations and desired effects of the individual spring legs, the individual spring legs are usually designed differently. Variations are recommended, for example with regard to a leg cross-section, and / or a leg length and / or a material design. That is, the spring legs may be formed different from each other in view of the above exemplary and non-exhaustive properties. Thus, the different leg cross section of the single spring leg can be easily implemented in the production by working in the combined bending / punching process, for example, with an additional process for material compression and / or material bulging. The divergent leg lengths can also be integrated into the combined bending / punching process. The same applies to the different ones Interpretations of the respective control contours, as already described in the introduction.

A different design of the material design is in the simplest case so possible and conceivable that a spring leg, for example, by selectively introduced punched holes or the like is weakened and consequently has a lower spring constant compared to other (solid) spring legs. In principle, of course, different materials (for example brass and spring steel) can also be used in the production of the entire multiple spring element according to the invention.

As a rule, however, one will start as a starting point of a sheet metal blank, for example, spring steel, which is subjected to the described multiple bending / punching processes to define the differently shaped spring legs on the common body. Thereby, it is also possible that the respective spring legs are connected differently in direction to the main body. The different direction of the individual spring legs is adapted to the topology of the motor vehicle door lock or the arrangement of the levers, which interact with the respective spring leg. In this context, the respective spring legs can also be arranged in different planes or describe different levels. In most cases, the respective spring legs are radiantly connected to the base body, which in this context practically acts as a center for the spring legs emanating therefrom in a radiating manner.

As a result, a multiple spring element is provided in a motor vehicle door lock, which can be produced inexpensively by usually a combined bending / punching process. By combining individual spring elements to the multiple spring element accounts for separate manufacturing, transport and storage and assembly processes, which in total to a particularly cost-effective design leads. In addition, instead of, for example, three spring elements only a single multiple spring element has to be manufactured, assembled and handled, so that the storage is simplified and the loss of, for example, spring elements during assembly can be minimized.

Nevertheless, the individual spring legs as described can be precisely adapted to their respective purpose. Because of the different interpretation, for example, in terms of length, spring constant and effect, the respective spring legs can be adjusted to their exact location and the associated lever for interaction. Here are the main benefits. In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

Fig. 1 shows an inventive motor vehicle door lock with built-in

 Multiple spring element in an overview and

Fig. 2, the multiple spring element in a single view.

In the figures, a motor vehicle door lock is shown, which is equipped with a not explicitly shown ratchet of substantially rotary latch and pawl. In fact, the locking mechanism in question may be accommodated in a lock case, which is arranged predominantly at right angles in comparison to a motor vehicle door lock housing or lock housing 1 to be recognized in FIG. In the lock housing 1, inter alia, a lever assembly 2, 3, 4 is received and stored. In the context of the simplified embodiment of FIG. 1, the lever assembly 2, 3, 4 is composed of an external operating lever 2, a Locking lever and in particular central locking lever 3 and finally a clutch lever 4 together.

The locking lever 3 and the clutch lever 4 are typically components of a locking lever chain 3, 4. In contrast, the external operating lever 2 represents an operating lever assembly 2. As usual, the clutch lever 4 in the "unlocked" position of the locking lever

3 that the operating lever assembly 2 has a continuous mechanical connection to the locking mechanism. This includes that the clutch lever 4 is operated or "engaged", as shown in FIG. 1 represents.

In the functional position of Fig. 1 "unlocked" the locking lever 3 and "engaged" of the clutch lever 4 now causes an action on the outer actuating lever 2 about its axis A in the counterclockwise direction indicated that the pawl is lifted as part of the locking mechanism of the catch , As a result, the catch opens spring-assisted and a previously captured locking pin is released. This is the usual functionality in the functional position "unlocked" shown in Fig. 1 of the locking lever 3 and "engaged" of the clutch lever 4. On the other hand, there is no continuous mechanical connection in located in the locked position locking lever 3, because then the clutch lever

4 assumes its position "disengaged".

The position "locked" of the locking lever 3 corresponds to the fact that the locking lever 3 is pivoted about its associated axis B in the counterclockwise direction with the aid of a drive indicated in FIG. 1, and in this case the clutch lever 4 with a boom 3 'with respect to the position according to FIG .1 "down" to the "disengaged" position. The position "disengaged" of the clutch lever 4 corresponds to the fact that operations of the external actuating lever 2 in the illustrated counterclockwise direction of FIG. 1 and corresponding pivoting movements about its axis A go empty and the locking mechanism can not be opened. This is the usual and desired functionality in the "locked" position of the locking lever 3 and consequently also "disengaged" the clutch lever 4. With reference to FIG. 1 it can be seen further that a plurality of spring elements 5, 6, 7 for acting on the previously described lever 2, 3, 4 of the lever assembly 2, 3, 4 are realized. The respective spring elements 5, 6, 7 can also be seen and in particular in the detailed illustration according to FIG. 2. Actually, the spring elements 5, 6, 7 are spring legs 5, 6, 7, which are connected to a common main body 8 , Each spring leg 5, 6, 7 is equipped with an associated control contour 9, 10, 11 formed thereon. The control contour 9, 10, 11 interacts with each of the associated spring leg 5, 6, 7 and associated levers 2, 3, 4. The individual spring legs 5, 6, 7 define together with the common base 8 a multiple spring element 5, 6th , 7, 8.

For fixing, mounting and anchoring of the multiple spring element 5, 6, 7, 8 in the lock housing 1, the base body 8 has at least one fastening element 8 or is itself (completely or partially) designed as such a fastening element 8. In the context of the illustration according to FIG. 2, the fastening element 8 is a fastening tongue 8 which is designed to mount and fix the multiple spring element 5, 6, 7, 8 in and / or on the lock housing 1. For this purpose, the fastening element or the fastening tongue 8 engage in an associated tongue receptacle or a slot 12, which can be seen in FIG.

The individual spring legs 5, 6, 7 are formed differently in the embodiment. In fact, it is in the spring leg 5 to a biasing spring leg 5, which generates a predetermined bias. Of the In the exemplary embodiment, pretensioning spring leg 5 interacts with the external actuating lever 2. Actually, the pretensioning spring leg 5 ensures that the external actuating lever 2 is pretensioned in the direction of its position "not actuated" as shown in FIG. Upon application of the external actuating lever 2, consequently, the prestressing built up by the pretensioning spring leg 5 must be overcome. For this purpose, the biasing spring leg 5 rests with its control contour 9 on the external actuating lever 2. The control contour 9 slides upon actuation of the external actuating lever 2 along an associated edge. For this purpose, the control contour 9 is formed as curved in the direction of the external actuating lever 2 bend on the biasing spring leg 5.

The further spring leg 6 is formed in the embodiment as Kippfederschenkel 6 for securing the position. In fact, in the exemplary embodiment, the tilt spring leg 6 interacts with a nose 13 on the locking lever 3. The tilt spring leg 6 likewise has a control contour 10, which in the present case is designed as a roof-like projection and interacts with the nose 13.

In fact, the nose 13 can occupy substantially two stable position compared to the control contour 10 of the Kippfederschenkels 6, and in each case on the opposite flank or slope of the roof-like projection or the control contour 10. The two stable positions of the nose 13 and consequently of the Locking lever 3 correspond on the one hand to the "unlocked" position shown in FIG. 1 and on the other hand the position "not locked""locked", in which the nose 13 of the locking lever 3 rests against the other slope. As a result, the locking lever 3 is able to assume two stable positions, namely "unlocked" and "locked". The Kippfederschenkel 6 thus acts as storage for the extent bistable designed locking lever. 3 Finally, the remaining spring leg 7 of the multiple spring element 6, 7, 8 is finally designed as a Betätigungsfederschenkel 7 and generates a predetermined actuation force. The actuating spring leg 7 interacts in the embodiment with the clutch lever 4. The actuating spring leg 7 also has a control contour 11, which is shown in FIG. 2 as a section on the Betätigungsfederschenkel 7, as a section with compared to the rest of the spring leg 7 reduced cross-section. This reduced cross-section will become apparent upon consideration of FIG.

Actually, the operating spring leg 7 has a width or a cross section si throughout, which is reduced in the region of the control contour 11 and here assumes values in the range of S2 with S2 <si. This can be implemented in the course of the combined bending / punching process for producing the multiple spring element 5, 6, 7, 8 such that the control contour 11 is defined by bilateral notches of the spring leg 7 with the width si, so that the width in the region Control contour 11 reduced to S2. The actuating spring leg 7 acts on the clutch lever 4, in an arrow direction indicated in FIG. 1, such that the clutch lever 4 is acted upon in the direction of its "engaged" position. If the locking lever 3 is in its "locked" position, the boom 3 'pushes the clutch lever 4 against the force of the actuating spring leg 7 into its "disengaged" position.

It can be seen that the individual spring legs 5, 6, 7 are formed differently and, for example, have a divergent leg cross-section or a divergent width S2 compared to the continuous width si of the other spring legs 5, 6, 7. The leg length is designed differently. Basically, too, with a different material design of the respective legs 5, 6, 7, to be worked.

2, it is clear that the respective spring legs 5, 6, 7 are connected differently in direction to the main body 8. In fact, the actuating spring leg 7 and the Kippfederschenkel 6 are diametrically opposite to the opposite central base body 8 connected. The biasing spring leg 5 is arranged below a plane ultimately spanned by the actuating spring leg 7 and Kippfederschenkel 6 common plane. That is, the respective spring legs 5, 6, 7 are not only different direction connected to the main body 8, but also describe different levels. In addition, it can be seen with reference to FIG. 2 that the respective spring legs 5, 6, 7 radiate from the base body 8. The multiple spring element 5, 6, 7, 8 shown in FIG. 2 is typically produced in a combined bending / punching process and in most cases even a combined production step. As a result, the production costs can be kept very low.

Claims

claims: 1. Motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of catch and pawl, further comprising a lever arrangement (2, 3, 4), for example locking lever chain (3, 4) and / or Betätigungshebelan- order (2), and with a plurality of spring elements (5, 6, 7) for acting on different levers (2, 3, 4) of the lever arrangement (2, 3, 4), characterized in that the spring elements (5, 6, 7) are connected to spring legs (5, 6) connected to a common main body (8) , 7) each formed thereon control contour (9, 10, 11) for the associated and adjacent thereto lever (2, 3, 4) under composite definition of a multiple spring element (5, 6, 7, 8) are formed. 2. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body (8) has at least one fastening element (8) or is designed as such, namely for mounting and fixing the multiple spring element (5, 6, 7, 8) in and / or on a motor vehicle door lock housing (1). 3. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one spring leg (5, 6, 7) as Biasing spring leg (5) is formed to generate a predetermined bias voltage. 4. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one spring leg (5, 6, 7) as Tilting leg (6) is designed to secure the position. 5. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one spring leg (5, 6, 7) as a Betätigungsfederschenkel (7) is designed to generate a predetermined operating force. 6. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the individual spring legs (5, 6, 7) are designed differently and differ, for example, with respect to a leg cross-section and / or a leg length and / or their material design. 7. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the respective spring legs (5, 6, 7) are connected differently in direction to the base body (8). 8. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the respective spring legs (5, 6, 7) describe different levels. 9. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the respective spring legs (5, 6, 7) are connected in a radiating manner to the base body (8). 10. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the multiple spring element (5, 6, 7, 8) is designed as a combined bending / stamping part.