EP1143093A1 - Motor vehicle door lock with elastic movable coupling element - Google Patents

Abstract

A manually operated control (5) can operate a release (7) in the form of a detent pawl by means of a coupling (6) which is coupled and uncoupled by an adjustment (8) operated by hand or by motor. The coupling has a spring (9) which is tensioned into an accumulated position. The spring is integrated in the coupling, especially as a springy elastic part. The adjustment is in the form of a child-security lever operated by a motor-driven child security drive and or a child-security plate (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock with a spring elastic deflectable coupling element with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The well-known motor vehicle door lock from which the invention is based (DE 43 13 248 A1) has locking elements such as a lock latch and one Lock latch in the closed position locking pawl and a lock mechanism with several interacting and the closing elements any actuating elements. The lock mechanism points among other things one that can be actuated against spring force, under spring force into its rest position returning inner operating lever and an inner locking lever on. The inner locking lever is on the inner operating lever coupled in such a way that an actuation of the inner actuation lever when in the securing position the inner safety lever first the inner safety lever brings into the unlocking position and then the pawl to release the lock latch.

When the inner locking lever is in the locked position, the inner operating lever is disengaged from the pawl. The interior control lever thus leads when the internal locking lever is still in the locked position an idle stroke and initially only brings the interior locking lever in the unlocked position. After releasing the interior control lever and return of the inner operating lever to its rest position becomes by means of a clutch element engaging under spring force the inner actuating lever coupled with the pawl. When pressed again the inner operating lever is then lifted out of the pawl.

As the clutch of the interior control lever with a pawl actuator coupling element is provided, a coupling rod is provided, which are biased in the direction of the engaged position by spring force, but can be deflected against the spring force. The spring force is from a separate return spring engaging at the end of the coupling rod.

With this state of the art, the unlocking position is activated after the first time Actuating the inner operating lever practically saved by the Coupling element reaches the storage position, from which it is then in effect the spring force when the inner operating lever is released Position reached. By the previously explained, from the state of the Technology known construction is achieved that accidental opening a motor vehicle door is safely avoided. This is known as the "double stroke function".

In the case of the one explained above, the starting point for teaching Motor vehicle door lock is also another control in the same way Problem solved. It is namely achieved that this motor vehicle door lock can also unlock from the inside, if at the same time an opening operation takes place from the outside, that is to say the external operating lever has been pulled. It is achieved that even then the unlocking is possible because the unlocked position is mechanically under spring force is saved. After releasing the outer door handle and with it Release of the external operating lever reaches the corresponding coupling element under the spring force of a likewise separate spring element engaged position, from when pulling the outer door handle again the door is opened easily. This is known as the "comfort function".

The teaching is now based on the problem, the previously explained concept upon reaching a spring-loaded, upstream of the engaged position Storage position of the coupling element with structurally simpler Means to achieve.

The task outlined above is in a motor vehicle door lock with the Features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing Part of claim 1 solved.

According to the invention, the spring element is an integral part of the coupling element in particular in that it is in the form of a resilient Section of the coupling element is formed. Even the coupling element overall can be designed as a resilient element, so that it on the one hand the power transmission between the actuator and Tripping element, in particular the pawl actuator, on the other hand but realizes the resilient function. So you save an additional movable mounting of the coupling element, an additional Spring and the assembly effort to install these components.

The teaching of the invention can be used for the "double stroke function" explained above as well as for the above on the state of the Technology "comfort function" already explained. Special importance comes the teaching, however, in a further context, the following is explained.

On the rear side doors and on the rear doors of some estate cars there is regularly a child lock. Parental controls are in Various embodiments are known, be it mechanical or more recent Time already operated by a motor (electromotive). More recently it has also become known to implement a child lock so that the Childproof lock actuation always in the same direction against a return spring force can be operated on the child safety lever (DE 195 12 573 A1). At This purely mechanical child safety device is therefore the same in every sense Pressing the child lock actuation changes the position of the Child lock lever reached in the other position. Such Two-way locking is a convenient and easy option.

In the case of the state of the art explained above, which reveals a child lock Technology, the teaching of the invention is particularly useful. To it is then provided that the actuating element is an internal door handle Actuatable inner operating lever, the release element is a pawl actuator and the adjustment element from a child lock actuator and / or, in particular, a motorized child safety drive actuatable child safety lever is. Especially with a motor Child safety drive brings the teaching of the invention control technology a special advantage. You can lock everyone to everyone Actuate time without depending on the position of the interior control lever to pay attention to. An additional control that drives the drive motor for the Motor child lock can only start when the Internal control lever has reached its home position is electronic control technology associated with effort, but would go beyond also the query of the position of the inner operating lever, for example require via a microswitch. The latter is expensive, however, and can be used the teaching of the invention can be avoided. Especially when implementing the Teaching of the invention in connection with a motorized child lock So there are special advantages.

Finally, it should be noted that it is the same from an earlier patent application Applicant is already known for a motor vehicle door lock to use combined electrical and mechanical child lock as well to integrate an opening aid in a special version. On this parallel application 199 63 910.8 should be referenced.

Fig. 1

in einer Prinzipdarstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeug-Türschlosses mit einer sowohl mechanischen als auch motorischen Betätigung einer Kindersicherung, Innenbetätigungshebel nicht betätigt, Kindersicherung eingeschaltet,

Fig. 2

in einer Fig. 1 ähnlichen Darstellung das Ausführungsbeispiel mit Innenbetätigungshebel gezogen, Kindersicherung eingeschaltet,

Fig. 3

das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 2 mit dem gezogenen Innenbetätigungshebel, jetzt allerdings Kindersicherung ausgeschaltet,

Fig. 4

das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 3 nach Rückkehr des Innenbetätigungshebels in die Grundstellung.

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

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a motor vehicle door lock according to the invention with a mechanical as well as motorized operation of a child lock, the inner operating lever is not actuated, the child lock is switched on,

Fig. 2

In a representation similar to FIG. 1, the exemplary embodiment is pulled with the inner operating lever, childproof lock switched on,

Fig. 3

the embodiment of FIG. 2 with the pulled inner operating lever, but now childproof lock switched off,

Fig. 4

the embodiment of Fig. 3 after return of the inner operating lever in the basic position.

The teaching of the invention is basically applicable for various application examples in the mechanics of a motor vehicle door lock. In Fig. 1 can be seen for such a motor vehicle door lock according to the preferred Embodiment initially indicated closing elements such as a lock latch 1 and a pawl 2, the lock latch 1 in one Holds the closed position, and a base bracket 3 of the motor vehicle door lock.

Generally speaking, such a motor vehicle door lock has a lock mechanism 4 with several interacting elements, wherein a manually operated actuator 5 via a coupling element 6 can actuate a trigger element 7 in the engaged position, the coupling element 6 being operated manually or by a motor Adjustment element 8 when the actuating element 5 is not actuated an engaged position in an uncoupled position and vice versa is displaceable, the coupling element being in the disengaged position 6 when actuating element 5 is actuated of the adjusting element 8 in an upstream of the engaged position Storage position is adjustable, the coupling element 6 a spring element 9 is assigned, which when the coupling element 6 is moved in the storage position is tensioned and the coupling element 6 then when the actuation of the actuating element 5 ceases to apply of the spring element 9 from the storage position into the engaged position shifted.

In the general part of the description it was pointed out that it there are various areas of application for the teaching according to the invention. So can as already realized in the prior art, provide that the actuating element 5 an external operating lever which can be actuated by an external door handle, the trigger element 7 a pawl actuator and the adjusting element 8 one of an inner door handle, an inner safety button and / or an internal locking lever which can be actuated by a central locking drive is.

This is then a realization of the "comfort function".

The teaching of the invention can also be implemented in such a way that the actuating element 5 an inner operating lever which can be actuated by an inner door handle, the trigger element 7 a pawl actuator and the adjusting element 8, in turn, the inner operating lever which can be actuated by the inner door handle is. In this case you would have a motor vehicle door lock with a "double stroke function" and realized the teaching there.

The preferred application example explained in the illustrated embodiment the invention shows that the actuating element 5 one of a Inner door handle that can be operated, the trigger element 7 a ratchet actuator and the adjusting element 8 a from a child lock actuator 10 and / or, in particular, from a motorized child safety drive 11 operable child safety lever.

It is essential for the invention in all cases that the spring element 9 is integral Is part of the coupling element 6. An integral part means that the spring element 9 is not a separate one with the coupling element 6 cooperating component, but that the spring element 9 by shape and choice of material for the coupling element 6 itself is realized. The illustrated and in this respect preferred embodiment shows that the spring element 9 of a resilient section of the coupling element 6 is formed.

1 that the coupling element 6 is preferred Spring lever made of plastic is designed with a fixed articulation point 12 and one spaced therefrom, against the articulation point 12 resiliently deflectable coupling pin 13 or the like, which in coupled Position cooperates with the trigger element 7. From the section of the Coupling element 6 between the fixed pivot point 12 and the coupling pin 13, the spring element 9 is formed. By dimensioning and The choice of material in this section allows the spring characteristics to be determined. In the illustrated embodiment, this section of the Coupling element 6 made of plastic, possibly by fibers or other additives reinforced, executed.

Fig. 1 shows a special embodiment in which the adjusting element 8 child lock levers from both a mechanical child lock actuator 10 via a rotatable nut 14 as well as an electromotive Child lock drive 11 is actuated. This is on the adjustment element 8 a ratchet 15 spring-loaded in one direction, the in the actuation path of a cam 16 on a worm wheel 17 of Child safety drive 11 protrudes. The adjusting element 8 acts with a heart-shaped curve Set 18 of a ballpoint pen mechanism together in such a way that by each actuation of the adjusting element 8 a switch from the Position "on" in the position "off" or vice versa.

Fig. 1 shows the position of the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention with actuation element 5 not actuated (here interior actuation lever) and Coupling element 6 in the disengaged position. The actuating element 5 carries an elongated hole in which the coupling pin 13 of the coupling element 6 in Fig. 1 stands so that it from a driving surface on Trigger element 7 is free. Between the release element 7, here the pawl actuator, and the pawl 2 is still another transmission lever 19, which may be present due to the design, but not must be present.

Fig. 2 shows how the inner operating lever 5 shifts when the here illustrated embodiment pulled on the door handle, not shown becomes. The coupling pin 13 is taken along without that Spring element 9 is tensioned.

Fig. 3 shows how the adjusting element 8, in the illustrated embodiment the child lock lever is shifted when in the position of Fig. 2 a child lock actuation, i.e. switching on the child lock he follows. The child safety lever (adjusting element 8) is shown in FIG. 2 Fig. 3 has been pivoted counterclockwise, in this Case by mechanical actuation of the nut 14, which is not further explained here must become. Accordingly, this could also be done by starting the electromotive Child safety drive 11 be done.

Since the actuating element 5, here the inner actuating lever, but still is in its actuated position because the inside door handle in the present Embodiment is still pulled, the coupling pin 13th the coupling element 6 maintain its position, although the fixed Articulation point 12 of the coupling element 6 is shifted from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3 Has. The distance has increased, which is due to a bend in the arcuate section between pivot point 12 and coupling pin 13 caught. The spring element 9, which is formed by this section, is biased. The coupling pin 13 is pretensioned on the arcuate Contact surface of the trigger element 7.

If the actuating element 5 (here: inner actuating lever) is now released, the actuating element 5 snaps under its own spring force from FIG. 3 in Fig. 4 clockwise back. The coupling pin 13 runs with an increase the bias of the spring element 9 on the contact surface 20 of the Release element 7 upwards, crosses the edge and then jumps by the action of the spring force of the spring element 9 in the backdrop 18 below in the position shown in Fig. 4. Here is the clutch Position of the coupling element 6 reached what in the local embodiment switching off the child lock means.

In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, the coupling pin is used 13 slidably guided in the backdrop 18 of the actuating element 5 and thereby by the actuator 5 when pivoted about its Pivot axis taken. From the design theory for motor vehicle door locks but are also other coupling systems with the corresponding Result known. In the illustrated embodiment is still special expedient that the actuating element 5 and the trigger element 7 one and the same pivot axis 21 are pivotally mounted.

Especially with the motor-driven child safety lever as an adjustment element 8 has the teaching of the invention explained here in the general part the description explained particular advantages. But also with the others explained variants can be saved in particular microswitches.

Claims (6)

Motor vehicle door lock, with a lock mechanism (4) with several interacting elements, an actuating element (5) which can be actuated manually can actuate a trigger element (7) in the engaged position via a coupling element (6), wherein the coupling element (6) can be shifted from an engaged position to an uncoupled position and vice versa by an adjusting element (8) to be actuated by hand or by motor when the actuating element (5) is not actuated, the coupling element (6) being in the disengaged position being adjustable when the actuating element (5) is actuated by actuating the adjusting element (8) into a storage position upstream of the coupled position, wherein the coupling element (6) is assigned a spring element (9) which is tensioned when the coupling element (6) is displaced into the storage position and the coupling element (6) then being displaced from the storage position to the engaged position when the actuation element (5) is no longer actuated under the action of the spring element (9), characterized in that the spring element (9) is an integral part of the coupling element (6), in particular in the form of a resilient section of the coupling element (6). Motor vehicle door lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (5) is an outer actuating lever which can be actuated by an outer door handle, the triggering element (7) is a pawl actuator and the adjusting element (8) is an inner securing lever which can be actuated by an inner door handle, an inner securing button and / or a central locking drive is. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (5) is an inner actuating lever which can be actuated by an inner door handle, the release element (7) is a pawl actuator and the adjusting element (8) is in turn the inner actuating lever which can be actuated by the inner door handle. Motor vehicle door lock according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (5) is an inner actuating lever which can be actuated by an inner door handle, the triggering element (7) is a pawl actuator and the adjusting element (8) is a by a child safety lock (10) and / or, in particular, by a motorized child lock drive (11) actuatable child lock lever. Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling element (6) is designed as a spring lever, preferably made of plastic, with a fixed articulation point (12) and a spaced apart, resiliently deflectable coupling pin (12) against the articulation point (12). 13) or the like, which cooperates with the release element (7) in the engaged position. Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling pin (13) or the like is guided displaceably in a link (18) in the actuating element (5).

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