EP2326781B1 - Lock unit having a multi-part pawl and a spring-loaded blocking pawl - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lock unit comprising at least one rotary latch, in which the rotary latch has a main catch and a preliminary catch. An additional main pawl with a Haupttrastklinkendrehachse and a blocking pawl are also provided, wherein the blocking pawl fixes the main latch when engaged with the catch. Furthermore, such a lock unit has a pre-latching pawl which is rotatably mounted on the main latching axis of rotation and can be brought into engagement with the rotary latch.

Such lock units are used in particular to lock doors and / or flaps in motor vehicles.

Such a lock unit is for example from the WO 2008/061491 A1 out. In the described there catch of catch, release lever, pawl and locking lever, the positions of the catch and the main catch of the catch are on different levels and are served by two separate levers, namely the release lever (for the pre-rest) and the pawl (for the main catch) , The locking has proven itself, but can be further improved.

With regard to the improvement of such lock units is to be noted that in this context, in particular, a reduction in the triggering forces and an increase in the operating comfort are in the foreground. In addition, it must also be taken into account that these are components which are made available in large quantities as part of series production, so that manufacturing and cost-specific aspects must also be taken into account are. The integration of such lock units in motor vehicles must also take into account the limited space available and the maintenance of the function over a long period of time and a variety of actuation actions. In addition, the noise of the lock unit or the locking mechanism plays an important role in its operation.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution for at least a part of the above-mentioned problems. In particular, a lock unit to be proposed, in which a safe operation and low noise is guaranteed. In addition, the locking components should be moved to each other by simple means and be operable.

These objects are achieved with a lock unit according to the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent formulated claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in any technologically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the invention. The description, in particular in conjunction with the figures, explains the invention and provides additional embodiments.

Accordingly, a lock unit is proposed, which has at least one rotary latch in which the catch has a main catch and a pre-rest, a main pawl with a Hauptastastklinkendrehachse, a blocking pawl which fixes the main pawl in engagement with the rotary latch, and a Vorrastklinke on the Main locking ratchet axis of rotation rotatably mounted and can be brought into engagement with the rotary latch. In addition, the lock unit has at least one elastic element which, at least at times, the blocking pawl and the pre-locking pawl clamped against each other, wherein the bias in the open position is preferably greatest.

Such a lock unit is usually arranged in a (at least partially) sealed lock housing, which is arranged on the body, in particular the door, of the motor vehicle. Such a lock unit has a locking mechanism, wherein the rotary latch is a central component. The catch serves to fix a lock holder arranged on the body (also called a locking bolt or striker). The catch partly encloses the lock holder in its closed position. In this closed position, the main pawl abuts the main catch of the catch. The main catch is in particular a recess or projection formed on the circumference or the side surface of the rotating surface. The main pawl is rotatably supported on a main catch pawl rotational axis which is remote from the rotation axis of the catch. The catch has in addition to its open position and its closed position still an intermediate position, the so-called pre-rest position. In this pre-locking position of the closing operation of the lock unit or the vehicle door, not completely completed, however, the rotary latch is already blocked motion to prevent the lock holder is released. In this pre-locking position, the pre-locking pawl engages the catch, namely by contacting the catch of the catch. Also, the pre-catch can be formed as a projection or recess on the circumference or a side surface of the rotary latch. The main latch and the Vorrastklinke are mounted on a common Haupttrastklinkendrehachse and can, in particular due to their temporally offset engagement with the catch against each other are relatively pivoted. The arrangement of the main pawl and the Vorrastklinke on one axis leads to a particularly compact design of the locking mechanism. Incidentally, it should be noted that it is in the catch, the main pawl, the Blocking pawl and / or the Vorrastklinke is a metal component, which is designed in particular in the manner of a punching component.

There are known locking in which the main pawl automatically holds the catch in the closed position. However, there are also locking mechanisms in which the catch and the pawl form a "self-opening mechanism". In such a locking mechanism, the rotary latch is spring-biased, with a force additionally acting on the rotary latch in the closed state via the door seals and the lock holder. Due to this introduction of force causes the catch a moment on the main pawl when the contact in the region of the main catch between the catch and the main pawl is designed accordingly. This now leads to the fact that the main pawl has to be secured or blocked in order not to be pushed away from the rotary latch. Just for this purpose, a blocking pawl is provided here, which fixes the main pawl when engaged with the catch. The blocking pawl, which blocks the self-opening mechanism, is now in particular positioned so that it rests against the main catch on the side opposite the catch. Thus, it counteracts the pivotal moment generated by the rotary latch with respect to the main latch. This blocking pawl is preferably also arranged pivotably.

In addition, it is also proposed here that an elastic element is provided which acts between the blocking pawl and the pre-locking pawl in such a way that these components are braced against one another, a movement of the one component can thus be transmitted via the elastic element in the other component. This interaction of the elastic element with the blocking pawl and the pre-locking pawl need not be present for all positions of the lock unit, however, such an embodiment is preferred. The elastic element is in particular designed or arranged such that by a movement of the blocking pawl and / or the Vorrastklinke a changed spring force between these components is generated. Most preferably, the greatest spring force is provided when the lock unit is in the open position. Nevertheless, in a preferred embodiment, a positive spring force should also be provided in the closed position. Thus, not only the blocking pawl acts on the main pawl in the closed position, so that it is positioned in front of the main catch of the rotary latch, but additionally the pre-catch is biased via the elastic element towards the rotary latch, so that it is in particular in a predetermined, defined position is fixed and is stored quietly in the operation of the motor vehicle and the vibrations occurring. In principle, the elastic element can also be designed in several parts, but a one-part design is preferred. In principle, a plurality of elastic elements can also act between the blocking pawl and the pre-locking pawl, but with a view to a reduced number of parts, the provision of a single elastic element is likewise preferred here. The elastic element is most preferably made with a metallic material.

In this respect, it is also preferred that the at least one elastic element induces a torque both in the blocking pawl and in the pre-locking pawl, at least during the closing operation of the lock unit. Thus, the elastic element acts in particular in the manner of a return spring for these components, which should thus take their preferred detent positions. Especially in this case, the restoring force by means of the elastic element in the arrangement of blocking pawl and Vorrastklinke in the open position of the catch to the position Vorrast be greatest, then be partially degraded, the remaining spring force is sufficiently large, the locking pawl upon reaching the position of the main catch in front of the main pawl to pivot. For a safe installation of the components, a (residual) spring force acting between blocking pawl and pre-latching pawl is also preferred in this phase.

In such an embodiment of the elastic element, the safety during operation of the lock unit is additionally increased. In known locks, often single-acting return springs are used, but nevertheless allow a closing operation when one of the return springs, e.g. is broken. This does not reveal to the user that there is a malfunction. In contrast, now lacks the drive for the Vorrastklinke to come into engagement with the catch when the elastic element is faulty, and since at the same time the spring force is missing to secure the main pawl against the catch, the lock unit can not be closed , Thus, a sensory monitoring of the components can be made easier.

According to a development of the lock unit is also proposed that the elastic element comprises a spring, wherein the spring is preferably stored together with the blocking pawl. The elastic element may basically comprise further components, but the embodiment with a single spring is preferred. The spring is most preferably provided with a wire-shaped element. For a space-saving arrangement is also proposed here that this spring is mounted on the axis of rotation of the locking pawl. In principle, it is possible that a part of the spring is positioned stationary, but it is also possible that the spring can rotate about the axis of rotation of the locking pawl, namely, depending on the different positions of locking pawl and / or Vorrastklinke. In any case, it must be ensured that the position of the spring between the two elements, the locking pawl and the pawl, is securely retained. In principle, it is possible that the elastic element, or the spring, cooperates with an outer contour of the blocking pawl and / or the pre-locking pawl, but it is also possible for the elastic element or the spring to fit in a corresponding recess (for example the spring) side surface) the locking pawl and / or the Vorrastklinke engages (for example in the manner of a bore).

In addition, an embodiment of the lock unit is preferred in which the blocking pawl and / or the Vorrastklinke is connected to an actuating element. The actuating element may in particular be designed in the manner of a lever and serves e.g. for initiating the opening process, wherein it is connected by means of a lever mechanism and / or Bowden cables with a handle of the door. With the actuating element, the blocking pawl and the pre-latching pawl, e.g. be moved simultaneously or at different times. Even a single operation is possible.

Moreover, it is also considered advantageous if only the catch moves the main pawl out of the closed position when the pawl releases the main pawl. This means in particular a so-called "self-opening mechanism", as has already been described above.

According to a further development of the lock unit, the main latch can be brought into engagement with the main latch and the latch can be brought into engagement with the latch, the main latch and the main latch being arranged in a first plane and the latching latch and the latching device being in a second plane. In other words, this means that in this locking a blocking of the rotary latch takes place in two planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary latch. The pre-restraint is e.g. formed in the manner of a projection laterally on the rotary latch. It is very particularly preferred that the blocking pawl is also arranged in the first plane.

Especially in this context, it is preferred that a first leg of the elastic element with a first link of Vorrastklinke at least temporarily is present and that a second leg of the elastic member at least temporarily abuts with a second link of the blocking pawl, wherein the first leg of the elastic member in the second plane and the second leg of the elastic member in the first plane is arranged. The first leg and the second leg of the elastic element are preferably L-shaped, while the region of the elastic element connecting the legs, in particular a wire-shaped one, is arranged spirally around the bearing of the blocking pawl. The legs contact with the short, bent end portion of the first gate of Vorrastklinke, or the second gate of the blocking pawl on the peripheral region. It is preferred that the first leg during the movement of the pre-locking latch can run relatively freely on the first link of Vorrastklinke or is guided along this first link of Vorrastklinke. For this purpose, the first link of the pre-locking pawl preferably forms a guide section of several millimeters, for example up to 5 mm or up to 10 mm. In addition, it is also preferred that such a free fixation of the second leg is not realized on the blocking pawl, but rather a fixed position is realized to the blocking pawl. This is particularly favored by the fact that the contact point of the second leg rotates at the blocking pawl in a joint attachment and thus the distance to the storage is not changed.

In a further embodiment of the lock unit, the pre-locking pawl on a Drehwinkelbegrenzungsarm, which rests temporarily on a Drehwinkelbegrenzer. The Vorrastklinke so not only has an arm, which is ultimately brought before the pre-rest of the catch to the plant, but also a, in particular laterally projecting, smaller running Drehwinkelbegrenzungsarm. In addition, a Drehwinkelbegrenzer is provided in this lock unit, in particular in a position between the Vorrastklinke and the blocking pawl. This Drehwinkelbegrenzer may be designed pin-shaped and optionally be surrounded by a damping material. If the catch has reached a position which lies between the pre-locking position and the main-locking position, the pre-locking pawl is pressed by means of the elastic element in a position that the Drehwinkelbegrenzungsarm rests against the Drehwinkelbegrenzer. In other positions of the rotary latch toward the open position, the pre-latching pawl bears against the rotary latch itself and is therefore fixed in a predetermined position by means of the elastic element and the rotary latch itself.

The invention finds particular application in a motor vehicle having at least one lock unit described here according to the invention.

Fig. 1:

eine Ausführungsvariante der Schlosseinheit in einer geschlossenen Position, und

Fig. 2:

die Schlosseinheit aus Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung.

The invention and the technical environment will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. The figures show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention to which, however, it is not limited. They show schematically:

Fig. 1:

a variant of the lock unit in a closed position, and

Fig. 2:

the lock unit off Fig. 1 in perspective view.

By way of introduction, it should be pointed out that the same components in the figures are given the same reference numerals.

From the Fig. 1 schematically shows a lock unit 1 of a simplified only indicated here motor vehicle 11. The locking mechanism, consisting of a rotary latch 2, a main latching pawl 3, a blocking pawl 5 and a pre-latching pawl 6, is arranged in a housing 20 which is positioned, for example, in or on a motor vehicle door. The lock unit 1 has the task, for example fixed to the vehicle body lock holder 21 to fix in the closed position.

The rotary latch 2, which is usually rotatably mounted on a rotary latch axis 23, has a lock holder recess 22, a main catch 8 and a preliminary catch 9. In the closed state shown here, the lock holder 21 is securely received in the lock holder recess 22 of the rotary latch 2. The rotation (clockwise here) of the catch 2 due to the spring bias is hindered by the fact that the main pawl 3 rests against the main catch 8 of the catch 2. In this contact area, a force is introduced from the catch 2 into the main pawl 3, which is not directed to the Haupttrastklinkendrehachse 4 ("self-opening mechanism"). From the introduced through the catch 2 to the main pawl 3 force results in the main latch 3, a torque 24 in the clockwise direction.

In order to prevent a rotational movement of the main pawl 3 as a result of the torque 24 and concomitantly opening the lock unit 1 by releasing the catch 2, the main pawl 3 is locked against pivoting in a clockwise direction by a blocking pawl 5 which is rotatably mounted on the blocking pawl rotational axis 26. In other words, the blocking pawl 5 forms a stop 25 in the closed position of the lock unit 1 for the main catch pawl 3, wherein the contact force applied thereto passes through the blocking pawl rotational axis 26. In this way, the main pawl 3 is securely fixed to the main catch 8 of the catch 2. Consequently, a secure positioning of the main pawl 3 by the blocking pawl 5 can be ensured even in a further, counterclockwise rotation of the rotary latch 2 (for example, when squeezing the door seal).

On the blocking pawl 5 there is an elastic element 7 rotatably mounted about the blocking pawl rotational axis 26. This elastic element 7 is designed in the manner of a (return) spring 10 and has a first leg 14 and a second leg 15. The first leg 14 is engaged with a first link 16 of the pre-latching pawl 6 and the second leg 15 is engaged with a second link 17 of the blocking pawl 5 in engagement. The first link 16 and the second link 17 are provided so as to allow sliding of the end portions 28 of the first leg 14 and the second leg 15 on the respective surface (guide portion 29).

Mutual torques can be introduced into the blocking pawl 5 and the pre-latching pawl 6 via the elastic element 7 - it is preferred that the current spring force is changed or set only by the position of the two pre-rejecting pawls 5 and pre-catching pawl 6. In order to limit the resulting rotational movement of the pre-locking pawl 6 counterclockwise, the pre-locking pawl 6 a Drehwinkelbegrenzungsarm 12, which abuts in the closed position of the lock unit 1 to a hollow cylindrical Drehwinkelbegrenzer 13.

In a second plane 19 located higher up with respect to the observer plane (cf. Fig. 2 ) is located on the catch 2, the pre-catch 9, which is in the so-called pre-locking position (not shown here) with the pre-catch 6 in contact.

The Fig. 2 now shows the just described lock unit 1, which is installed in or on a motor vehicle 11 shown schematically here, in a perspective view. In this illustration, the spatial arrangement of the individual elements of the lock unit 1 is particularly clear. So lets the Fig. 2 , recognize that the pre-catch 9 of the rotary latch 2, the Vorrastklinke 6 and the elastic member 7 are at least substantially in the second plane 19, whereas The remaining elements of the lock unit 1: rotary latch 2, main latch 3 and blocking pawl 5 are at least substantially in the first plane 18.

For the initiation of the opening operation, an actuating element 27 is provided here, that simultaneously actuates the blocking pawl 5 and the pre-latching pawl 6, wherein the actuating element 27 is designed, for example, as a rotatably mounted lever plate.

The in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated device can be carried out in different ways, in particular with regard to the shape and the number of individual elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lock unit

2

catch

3

Main catch pawl

4

Main catch pawl rotational axis

5

latch

6

preliminary catch pawl

7

elastic element

8th

primary position

9

first position

10

feather

11

motor vehicle

12

Drehwinkelbegrenzungsarm

13

end limits

14

first leg

15

second leg

16

first backdrop

17

second backdrop

18

first floor

19

second level

20

casing

21

Castle holder

22

Castle holder book Tung

23

Rotary latch axis

24

torque

25

attack

26

Latch axis of rotation

27

actuator

28

end

29

guide section

Claims (9)

1. Lock unit (1) comprising at least one rotary catch (2), in which the rotary catch (2) has a main catch (8) and a preliminary catch (9), a main catch pawl (3) with a main catch pawl rotational axis (4), a blocking pawl (5), which fixes the main catch pawl (3) during engagement with the rotary catch (2) and a preliminary catch pawl (6) that is rotatably mounted on the main catch pawl rotational axis (4) and can be engaged with the rotary catch (2), in which the lock unit (1) comprises at least one elastic element (7) that at least temporarily braces the blocking pawl (5) and the preliminary catch pawl (6) against each other, wherein the tensioning is preferably the highest in the opened position.
2. Lock unit (1) according to claim 1 in which at least one elastic element (7) introduces a torsional moment in the blocking pawl (5) and the preliminary catch pawl (6) at least during the closing operation of the lock unit.
3. Lock unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the elastic element (7) contains a spring (10), with the spring (10) being preferably mounted together with the blocking pawl (5).
4. Lock unit (1) according to one of the above claims, in which the blocking pawl (5) and/or the preliminary catch pawl (6) are connected to an actuating element (27).
5. Lock unit (1) according to one of the above claims, in which the rotary catch (2) moves the main catch pawl (3) out of the closed position, when the blocking pawl (5) releases the main catch pawl (3).
6. Lock unit (1) according to one of the above claims, in which the main catch pawl (3) can be brought into engagement with the main catch (8) and the preliminary catch pawl (6) can be brought into engagement with the preliminary catch (9), in which the main catch pawl (3) and the main catch (8) are arranged on a first plane (18) and the preliminary catch pawl (6) and the preliminary catch (9) are arranged on a second plane (19).
7. Lock unit (1) according to one of the above claims, in which a first leg (14) of the elastic element (7) rests at least temporarily against the first connecting link (16) of the preliminary catch pawl (6) and in which a second leg (15) of the elastic (7) rests at least temporarily against the second connecting link (17) of the blocking pawl (5) with the first leg (14) of the elastic element (7) being arranged in the second plane (19) and the second leg (15) of the elastic element (7) being arranged in the first plane (18).
8. Lock unit (1) according to one of the above claims in which the preliminary catch pawl (6) contains a rotation angle limiting arm (12), which at time rests against an angle of rotation limiter (13).
9. Motor vehicle (11) containing at least one lock unit (1) according to one of the above claims.

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