EP2803796B1 - Motor vehicle lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1.

The motor vehicle lock in question finds application in all types of closure elements of a motor vehicle. These include, for example, side doors, in particular sliding doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, load compartment floors o. The like. Of a motor vehicle.

The known motor vehicle lock ( US 3,386,761 A. ), from which the invention proceeds, is equipped with a latch and a pawl arrangement, wherein the latch is pivotable in an open position, a Vorschließstellung and in a main closed position. The latch located in one of the two closed positions is in a holding engagement with a usually body-mounted closing wedge.

The latch is associated with a pawl arrangement which locks the latch in the pre-closed position in a pre-closed state of the motor vehicle lock and locks the latch in the main closed position in a main closed state. The pawl assembly has a pivotable primary pawl which is pivotable in two closed positions for engagement with the latch in the pre-closed state and in the main closed state and in an open position for the release of the latch.

The pivoting direction of pivotable components such as latch and primary pawl from an open position to a closed position is always referred to herein as "closing pivoting direction" and the pivoting direction from a closed position to an open position is always referred to herein as "opening-pivoting direction".

The engagement between the latch and the primary pawl is made in the known motor vehicle lock so that the primary pawl always urged in the closed state in its opening pivoting direction. A secondary pawl ensures that the primary pawl is locked in the closed states against pivoting in its opening direction.

The urging of the primary pawl, which is based on the engagement with the latch bolt, in its opening-pivoting direction is referred to below as the "opening tendency" of the primary pawl for short. A corresponding urging in the closing-pivoting direction is referred to below as "closing tendency" of the primary pawl.
The pawl assembly in the known motor vehicle lock, with a suitable design allows a considerable reduction in the associated with the opening of the motor vehicle lock actuating forces and operating noise. A disadvantage, however, is the fact that, especially in the course of the adjustment of the latch in the closing direction, an undesired obstruction of the adjustment of the primary pawl by the secondary pawl is recorded. Already in Vorschließzustand the secondary pawl does not allow movement of the primary pawl in its opening pivoting direction. This inevitably means that the primary pawl must be in the main-closing state further in the closing-pivoting direction, as in the pre-closed state. The necessary constructive consequence is the equipment of the secondary pawl with two notches for the primary pawl, which leads to increased costs and increased space requirements.

In another known motor vehicle lock ( DE 10 2009 029 041 A1 , which discloses a motor vehicle lock with the features of the preamble of claim 1), a pawl arrangement is provided, the primary pawl in the main closed state has a Schließtendenz and in Vorscliließzustand an opening tendency.
The invention is based on the problem, the known motor vehicle lock in such a way and further develop that simplifies the structural design and the space requirements are reduced.

The above problem is solved in a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.
It is essential first of all to realize that the opening tendency of a primary pawl in the pre-closed state with regard to the achievement of the main state of closure is accompanied by considerable design restrictions. It is also essential to realize that the holding forces prevailing in the pre-closing state are regularly low, so that there also the operating forces and operating noises associated with the opening process are correspondingly low.

Based on the above two findings, the proposed teaching is based on the fundamental consideration that the primary pawl only in one of the two closed states by engaging with the latch bolt in the opening-pivoting direction of the primary pawl pushes, that is equipped with a tendency to open. The respective closed state is preferably the main closing state, since the reduction of actuating forces and operating noise is particularly important in the main closing state.

The solution according to the proposal, the design flexibility in the design of the motor vehicle lock is increased by the fact that required for the Vorschließzustand engagement between the latch and primary pawl can be freely designed without having to implement an opening tendency of the primary pawl.

According to the proposal, it is further provided that the main ratchet has an engagement surface which forms a run-on slope for the primary pawl and that urges the secondary pawl in its closed pivoting direction in a closed state by engagement with the primary pawl urging in its opening pivoting direction.

In the proposed solution, it is further such that a pivotable secondary pawl is provided with which the primary pawl is lockable against an adjustment in its opening-pivoting direction.

In the further preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the primary pawl is provided in the main closed state with an opening tendency and in the pre-closed state with a Schließtendenz. With such a design, the secondary pawl is not required in the pre-closed for locking the primary pawl, since the primary pawl urges anyway in its closing pivoting direction. As a result, the obstruction of the reaching of the main closing state caused by the secondary pawl mentioned in the introductory part of the description can not occur. The locking of the lock latch in the main closed state can be designed largely independently of the lock of the latch in the pre-closed state.

The further preferred embodiment according to claim 7 takes into account the fact that in the two closed states proposed different locking mechanisms act. In particular, in the event that the primary pawl is equipped in the pre-closed with a Schließtendenz, it may be advantageous that the opening provided for the motor vehicle lock operating lever is engageable with the primary pawl for pivoting the primary pawl in its opening pivoting direction. For the opening of the motor vehicle lock from the Hauptschließzustand out the operating lever is correspondingly engageable with the secondary pawl into engagement.

Another interesting aspect of the proposed solution is the possibility of a particularly cost-effective query the respective lock state, if, as proposed in claim 10, a first sensor element for determining the position of the primary pawl or a second sensor element for determining the position of the secondary pawl are provided. Due to the fact that both the primary pawl and the secondary pawl can assume different positions in the main closed state and in the pre-closed state, all relevant states can be detected with simple means by the use of simple sensor switches.

Fig. 1

ein vorschlagsgemäßes Kraftfahrzeugschloss in seinen für die Erläuterung der Erfindung wesentlichen Komponenten im Offenzustand,

Fig. 2

das Kraftfahrzeugschloss gemäß Fig. 1 im Vorschließzustand a) ohne Betätigung des Betätigungshebels und b) während der Betätigung des Betätigungshebels und

Fig. 3

das Kraftfahrzeugschloss gemäß Fig. 1 im Hauptschließzustand a) ohne Betätigung des Betätigungshebels und b) während der Betätigung des Betätigungshebels.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

a proposed motor vehicle lock in its essential for the explanation of the invention components in the open state,

Fig. 2

the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 1 in Vorschließzustand a) without actuation of the operating lever and b) during actuation of the actuating lever and

Fig. 3

the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 1 in the main closed state a) without operating the operating lever and b) during operation of the operating lever.

It may be noted in advance that only the components of the proposed motor vehicle lock are shown in the drawing, which are necessary for the explanation of the teaching. For example, an optionally provided lock mechanism for the realization of functional states such as "locked", "unlocked", "theft-proof" o. The like. Not shown.

The illustrated motor vehicle lock can be applied to almost all closure elements of a motor vehicle. In that regard, reference may be made to the introductory part of the description.

The illustrated motor vehicle lock is equipped as usual with a latch 1 and a pawl arrangement 2. The latch 1 is in the in Fig. 1 illustrated open position, in the in Fig. 2a ) and in the in Fig. 3a ) shown pivotable main lock position. It is preferably spring-biased in its opening pivoting direction 4. The latch 1 located in one of the two closed positions is in mounted motor vehicle lock with a striker 3 o. The like. In holding engagement. Preferably, the motor vehicle lock on the relevant motor vehicle door o. The like. And the locking wedge 3 is arranged on the vehicle body.

The pawl arrangement 2 has a pivotable primary pawl 2a, which in at least one closed position ( Fig. 2 . 3 ) is pivotally and preferably spring-biased in its closing pivot direction 5a. Here and preferably, the primary pawl 2 a can be brought into slightly different closed positions as a function of the position of the latch 1. In detail, the primary pawl 2a is located in the main closed position lock latch 1 ( Fig. 3a )) sunken deeper than in the prelocking located latch 1 ( Fig. 2a )). This results from a synopsis of Fig. 3 with the Fig. 2 , In principle, however, it may also be provided that the primary pawl 2 a is pivotable only in a single closed position, which is independent of the position of the lock latch 1.

By the pivoting of the primary pawl 2a in one of its closed positions, the latch 1 in the prelocking position ( Fig. 2a )) and the main closing position ( Fig. 3a )) against pivoting in the opening-pivoting direction 4 of the latch 1 lockable. The locking of the latch 1 does not have to necessarily due to the engagement between the primary pawl 2a and the latch 1 itself. The actual locking of the latch bolt 1 can basically be done elsewhere, for example by a secondary pawl 2b, as will be explained.

The primary pawl 2 a is further pivotable in at least one open position in which it releases the latch 1 in terms of pivoting in its opening-pivoting direction 4. An open position of the primary pawl 2a is in Fig. 1 shown.

In an open state, in Fig. 1 is shown, the pawl assembly 2 releases the latch 1 in its opening-pivoting direction 4, so that as a result there is no holding engagement between the latch 1 and the striker 3 o. The like. In a pre-closed state, the latch 1 is as in FIG Fig. 2 shown locked by means of the primary pawl 2a in the Vorschließstellung. In a main closing state, on the other hand, the latch 1 is as in FIG Fig. 3 shown locked by the primary pawl 2a in the main closed position.

In both closing states mentioned above, the latch 1 urges in its opening-pivoting direction 4, which in the drawing, the pivoting direction is clockwise. This opening tendency of the latch 1 results primarily by the holding engagement with the striker 3, which exerts a corresponding torque in the opening-pivoting direction 4 of the latch 1.

It is essential that the primary pawl 2a only in one of the two closing states, here and preferably in the main closed state ( Fig. 3a )), by the engagement with the latch 1 in the opening-pivoting direction 4 of the primary pawl 2a urges.

In order to ensure the retention of the latch 1 in the main closed position, it is further preferred that the motor vehicle lock is equipped with a pivotable secondary pawl 2b with which the primary pawl 2a is lockable against an adjustment in its opening pivot direction 5. The secondary pawl 2b is spring-biased here in its closing pivoting direction 16a. The locking of the primary pawl 2a by the secondary pawl 2b is in Fig. 3a ). The secondary pawl 2b is for this purpose with a catch. 6 equipped, which can be brought into engagement with a mating catch 7 on the primary pawl 2a.

In the illustrated and so far preferred embodiment, the primary pawl 2a is in the main closing state as already explained with an opening tendency and in Vorschließzustand equipped with a Schließtendenz. In Fig. 3a ) urges the primary pawl 2a, driven by the opening tendency of the lock latch 1, in a clockwise direction, while the primary pawl 2a in Fig. 2a ), driven in turn by the opening tendency of the latch 1, urges counterclockwise. In Vorschließzustand the engagement between the primary pawl 2a and the pre-catch 10 of the latch 1 is thus self-locking.

In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the primary pawl 2 a urges in its closing pivot direction 5 a by engagement with the latch 1 in the main closing state and accordingly pushes in its opening-pivoting direction 5 in the pre-closed state.

The lock latch 1 is designed disk-like in the illustrated and so far preferred embodiment. It is pivotable about the pivot axis 8 and has an inlet mouth 9 for the striker 3 o. The like. On.

The lock latch 1 is further provided at its periphery with a pre-catch 10 and a main catch 11, each for engagement with the primary pawl 2a. The term "catch" is to be understood in the present case. This is quite generally an engagement section on the latch 1 for holding engagement with the primary pawl 2a. A locking in the strict sense is not necessarily associated with this intervention.

The pre-catch 10 and the main catch 11 form, as can be seen from the drawing, in each case an end stop for the adjustability of the primary pawl 2a in the closing pivot direction 5a.

As in Fig. 2a ), the primary pawl 2a is in the pre-closed with the pre-catch 10 in locking engagement. Fig. 3a ) shows, however, that the primary pawl 2a in the main closing state with the main catch 11 in locking engagement stands. Here, and preferably, the primary pawl 2a for engagement with the pre-catch 10 and the main catch 11 on an engagement portion 12. Depending on the configuration, the engagement section 12 may have a subsection associated with the pre-catch 10 and, separated therefrom, a subsection associated with the main catch 11.
Of interest in the illustrated embodiment is the structural design of pre-catch 10 and main catch 11 of the lock latch 1. The pre-detent 10 here has an engagement surface 10a, which extends relative to the pivot axis 8 of the lock latch 1 substantially radially or even with respect to a radial orientation forms an undercut. Thus, the engagement surface 10a forms a snap fit for the primary pawl 2a. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the main catch 11 has an engagement surface 11a which is set in relation to a radial extent. Thus, the engagement surface 11a forms a run-on slope for the primary pawl 2a. The term "run-on slope" is here related to an adjustment of the lock catch 1 in the closing pivot direction 4a.
In general, the engagement between the latch 1 and the primary pawl 2a is made so that the lines of force 13, 14 of the resulting engagement forces between the latch 1 and primary pawl 2a on opposite sides of the pivot axis 15 of the primary pawl 2a pass. Fig. 2a ) shows for the Vorschließzustand that the line of action 13 passes right to the pivot axis 15 of the primary pawl 2a. Fig. 3a ) shows for the main closing state that the force line of action 14 passes by the left on the pivot axis 15 of the primary pawl 2a.
Like the primary pawl 2a and the secondary pawl 2b is in at least one closed position ( Fig. 3a )), in which it locks the primary pawl 2a against an adjustment in its opening-pivoting direction 5 and in at least one open position ( Fig. 3b )), in which it releases the primary pawl 2a, pivotable. In a closed state, here in the main closed state ( Fig. 3a )), urges the secondary pawl 2b by engaging with the urging into its opening pivoting direction 5 primary pawl 2a in the closing pivot direction 16. Thus, the secondary pawl 2b is a Schließtendenz, so that the engagement between the primary pawl 2a and the secondary pawl 2b so far is self-locking. Particularly interesting in the illustrated embodiment is the opening of the motor vehicle lock, so the release of the latch 1 in its opening pivoting direction 4, by means of an actuating lever 17. First of all, it is noteworthy that despite the proposed different locking mechanisms for the latch 1, one and the same operating lever 17th , which may also be designed in several parts, is provided.

The operating lever 17 is engageable with the primary pawl 2 a for swinging the primary pawl 2 in its opening-pivoting direction 5. This is in the illustrated embodiment for the in Fig. 2 illustrated Vorschließzustand relevant. Fig. 2b ) shows that a pivoting of the actuating lever 17 about the pivot axis 18 of the actuating lever 17, in Fig. 2 in the clockwise direction, for engagement of an actuating contour 19 on the actuating lever 17 with an actuating mating contour 20 leads to the primary pawl 2a. Since the primary pawl 2a is largely free to move in the pre-closed state of the secondary pawl 2b, the primary pawl 2a is lifted directly by engagement with the actuating lever 17. A synopsis of Fig. 2a) and 2b ) show the beginning of the actuation of the actuating lever 17. The further actuation of the actuating lever 17 then leads, as explained above, to a lifting of the primary pawl 2a on the engagement between the actuating contour 19 and the actuating mating contour 20th

However, the actuating lever 17 is also engageable with the secondary pawl 2b for pivoting the secondary pawl 2b in its opening pivoting direction 16 can be brought. Fig. 3b ) shows how a second actuating contour 21 on the actuating lever 17 with a second actuating mating contour 22 on the secondary pawl 2b is engageable to pivot the secondary pawl 2b in its opening pivoting direction 16. This is how in Fig. 3 shown relevant for opening the motor vehicle lock in the main lock state.

It can be summarized that by actuating the operating lever 17 from the Hauptschließzustand out the secondary pawl 2b and from the Vorschließzustand out the primary pawl 2a in the respective opening pivoting direction 5, 16 is pivotable.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the primary pawl 2a assumes a different position in the pre-closed state than in the main closed state. As explained above, the closed position of the primary pawl 2a in the main closing state may be further in the closing pivot direction 5a than the closed position in the pre-closed state. Then, it is preferably such that the peripheral portion 23 of the lock catch 1 between the pre-catch 10 and the main catch 11 follows a circular segment-shaped course with respect to the pivot axis 8 of the lock catch 1.
The proposed arrangement of lock latch 1 and pawl assembly 2 with different locking mechanisms allows the sensory detection of the lock states relevant here, ie the open state, the Vorschließzustands and the main state of closure, in a particularly simple manner. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, a first sensor element 24, here and preferably a first sensor switch 24, for determining the position of the primary pawl 2a and a second sensor element 25, here and preferably a second sensor switch 25, provided for determining the position of the secondary pawl 2b , In the drawing, the respective current states "0" and "1" next to the respective sensor switches 24, 25 are shown. For the pre-closed state ( Fig. 2a )), the sensor values "1" and "0" for the sensor switches 24, 25, for the main closing state ( Fig. 3a )), the sensor values "1" and "1" for the sensor switches 24, 25 and for the open state ( Fig. 1 ), the sensor values "0" and "0" result for the sensor switches 24, 25.
It should also be pointed out that all possible types of sensor elements 24, 25 are applicable for detecting the condition of the motor vehicle lock. Here and preferably, however, the sensor elements 24, 25 are simple sensor switches, in particular microswitches. Also conceivable is the use of Hall sensors, inductive sensors o. The like ..

It may also be pointed out that the actuation of the actuating lever 17 can basically be done manually. Then, the actuating lever 17 is preferably coupled via a Bowden cable with an outside door handle or with a door inside handle. Here and preferably, however, the actuating lever 17 is provided by motor means of a drive motor M, which is coupled via a cable drive S with the actuating lever 17. Here, the proposed solution, with only low actuation forces are required to be particularly advantageous.

Finally, it should be pointed out by way of explanation that the primary pawl 2a can be brought into a total of three positions, namely into a position corresponding to the open state (FIG. Fig. 1 ), in a Vorschließzustand corresponding position ( Fig. 2 a) ) and in a position corresponding to the main closing state ( Fig. 3a )). Because the secondary pawl 2b assumes a different position in the pre-closed state than in the main closed state, all positions of the primary pawl 2a can be detected with the two above sensor elements 24, 25, without resulting in so-called "blind spots" in the query of the respective lock state. Particularly advantageous is the fact that the two sensor elements 24, 25 need only have two states, namely the above-mentioned states "0" and "1". In the event that the sensor elements 24, 25 are sensor switches addressed above, the state "0" preferably corresponds to the switching state "switch closed" and the state "1" preferably corresponds to the switching state "switch open" or vice versa.

Claims (13)

1. Motor vehicle lock with a lock latch (1) and a catch arrangement (2), wherein the lock latch (1) is pivotable into pre-locking position and into a main locking position, wherein the lock latch (1) which is in one of the two locking positions is in holding engagement with a key collar (3) or the like when the motor vehicle lock is fitted,
   wherein the catch arrangement (2) has a pivotable primary catch (2a) which is pivotable into at least one locking position, as a result of which, in the pre-locking position and the main locking position, the lock latch (1) can be blocked against pivoting in its opening pivoting direction (4), and which primary catch (2a) is pivotable into at least one open position, in which it releases the lock latch (1),
   wherein the lock latch (1) is blocked in a pre-locking state by means of the primary catch (2a) in the pre-locking position and is blocked in a main locking state by means of the primary catch (2a) in the main locking position, wherein the lock latch (1) is urged in the opening pivoting direction (4) of the lock latch (1) in both locking states, wherein the primary catch (2a) is urged in the opening pivoting direction of the primary catch (2a) only in one of the two locking states, in particular in the main locking state, by engagement with the lock latch (1),
   wherein a pivotable secondary catch (2b) is provided, with which the primary catch (2a) can be blocked against an adjustment in its opening pivoting direction (5),
   wherein the lock latch (1) has, on its circumference, a preliminary latch (10) and a main latch (11), and wherein the primary catch (2a) is in blocking engagement with the preliminary latch (10) in the pre-locking state and with the main latch (11) in the main locking state,
   characterized
   in that the main latch (11) has an engagement surface (11a) which forms a run-on slope for the primary catch (2a), and in that, in a locking state, by engagement with the primary catch (2a) which is being urged in its opening pivoting direction (5), the secondary catch (2b) is urged in its locking pivoting direction (16a).
2. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the primary catch (2a), by engagement with the lock latch (1), is urged in its opening pivoting direction (5) in the main locking state and is urged in its blocking pivoting direction (5a) in the pre-locking state, or in that the primary catch (2a), by engagement with the lock latch (1), is urged in its locking pivoting direction (5a) in the main locking state and is urged in its opening pivoting direction (5) in the pre-locking state.
3. Motor vehicle lock according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary catch (2a) has an engagement portion (12) for engagement with the preliminary latch (10) and the main latch (11).
4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the preliminary latch (10) has an engagement surface (10a) which forms a latching seat for the primary catch (2a).
5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary catch (2a, 2b) is pivotable into at least one blocking position, in which it blocks the primary catch (2a) against an adjustment in its opening pivoting direction (5), and into at least one opening position, in which it releases the primary catch (2a).
6. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating lever (17) is provided which can be brought out of the pre-locking state and/or the main locking state for release of the lock latch (1) in engagement with the catch arrangement (2).
7. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 6, characterized in that the actuating lever (17) can be brought into engagement with the primary catch (2a) for pivoting the primary catch (2a) in its opening pivoting direction (5) and into engagement with the secondary catch (2b) for pivoting the secondary catch (2b) in its opening pivoting direction (16).
8. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, by actuation of the actuating lever (17), the secondary catch (2b) is pivotable out of the main locking state, and the primary catch (2a) out of the pre-locking state, in their respective opening pivoting direction (16, 5).
9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary catch (2a) takes up a different position in the pre-locking state than in the main locking state, and/or in that the secondary catch (2b) takes up a different position in the pre-locking state than in the main locking state.
10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first sensor element (24), in particular a first sensor switch (24), is provided for determining the position of the primary catch (2a), and a second sensor element (25), in particular a second sensor switch (25), is provided for determining the position of the secondary catch (2b).
11. Motor vehicle lock according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (25) are configured as sensor switches which, for the sensory sensing of the lock states, can each be brought into two different states.
12. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking position of the primary catch (2a) in the main locking state lies further in the locking pivoting direction (5a) than the locking position of the primary catch (2a) in the pre-locking state.
13. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circumferential portion (23) of the lock latch (1) between the preliminary latch (10) and the main latch (11) follows a profile in the form of a section of a circle with respect to the pivot axis (8) of the lock latch (1).

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