EP2291569A2

EP2291569A2 - Closing device comprising a locking mechanism having two pawls

Info

Publication number: EP2291569A2
Application number: EP09761307A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thorsten Torkowski
Original assignee: Kiekert AG
Current assignee: Kiekert AG
Priority date: 2008-06-13
Filing date: 2009-05-28
Publication date: 2011-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-28
Also published as: WO2009149685A2; DE102008028255B4; EP2291569B1; DE102008028255A1; WO2009149685A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a closing device (1) comprising at least one locking mechanism (2) having a rotary latch (3), a swivelable first pawl (4) and a second pawl (5) with which the first pawl (4) can be blocked from being swiveled. The closing device (1) further comprises an actuating mechanism (6) which swivels the second pawl (5) in a direction in such a manner that it first releases and then actively swivels the first pawl (4). The closing device is used to lock or unlock seat backs of motor vehicles.

Description

Kiekert AG

Locking device with a locking mechanism comprising two pawls

The present invention relates to a locking system with a, preferably electrically actuated, catch of the catch and at least two pawls, preferably for locking and unlocking seat backrests in motor vehicles, especially of folding backrests of rear seats.

As is known, in castles for motor vehicle doors with a locking mechanism of a catch and a pawl also often used such locking in which the pawl is supported or blocked via a (often also second pawl) said blocking lever. The blocking lever usually has the purpose of increasing the lock security against unintentional opening (burglary). In other locks with two pawls is a quiet opening in the foreground (avoiding a so-called Öffhungsknalls).

Moreover, it is known from the field of motor vehicle locks to dig the pawl with motor, usually electromotive force to open the locking mechanism, a lock, which is also called servo lock. It therefore requires the motor vehicle user only a small Öffhungskraft on the inside or outside operating lever to then motor-assisted to initiate the opening of the locking mechanism.

In addition, it is also to be regarded as known that generally closing systems with locking mechanisms have also been proposed for use at other locations of motor vehicle flaps, for example for tailgates, tank flaps and the like. Kiekert AG

Even though the development of locking systems with respect to the motor vehicle door has already progressed very far, in particular because a number of electrical consumers and functions are integrated in the motor vehicle door, so far the shape of closing devices for other motor vehicle flaps has been kept as simple as possible, so that in particular due to the mostly difficult accessibility a long life with frequent use is achieved.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention, at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a simple design locking device is to be specified, which is suitable for use for locking of backrests in motor vehicles. In particular, the Bedienungskomfortabiltiät and the noise is to be improved upon actuation of the locking device.

These objects are achieved with a locking device according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the locking device are given in the dependent formulated claims. It should be pointed out that the features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the invention. The description, in particular in conjunction with the figures, further explains the invention and provides additional embodiments.

The inventive device has at least one locking mechanism with a rotary latch, a pivotable first pawl and a second pawl, with the pivoting of the first pawl is blockable. The locking device further has an actuator, the second pawl in Kiekert AG

a direction pivoted so that it releases the first pawl successively and actively pivots.

In this case, in particular, the goal is pursued that the two pawls are each approached quietly targeted for safe lifting or lifting of the catch.

The locking mechanism is preferably carried out at least three parts. The rotary latch is (spring-loaded) rotatable about an axis of rotation and has an opening mouth in which the rotary latch can receive a retaining bolt. By pivoting the catch the position of the retaining bolt is fixed in the locking device. In order to prevent now that the catch pivots back into the open position, this is motion-locked with the first pawl. For this purpose, the first pawl is mounted around another pivot point and comes into abutment in a peripheral region of the rotary latch. Thus, this exerts a force on the catch, which prevents rotation toward the open position. This contact between the first pawl and the rotary latch is preferably such that the force does not pass through the pivot point of the first pawl, but rather a moment is provided with which the rotary latch pushes the first pawl in the spring-loaded rotation in the direction of the open position , In order to ensure nevertheless a secure locking of the catch, the first pawl is blocked with a second pawl. This second pawl is also rotatably mounted, wherein the pivot points of the catch, the first pawl and the second pawl substantially spanning a triangle and the first pawl extends between a connecting line between the fulcrums of the catch and the second pawl and is blocked there. Kiekert AG

The actuator can be initiated manually and / or electrically. Thus, it is possible that the actuator, for example via a linkage, Bowden cables and an actuator (knob, sensor, handle) acts on the second pawl, but it is preferred that here a motor-driven actuator is used. This motorized actuator is connected, for example, with a controller that puts an electric motor into operation as needed and thus, optionally via a transmission, the second pawl is acted upon. This means in particular that the movement of the actuator acts directly on the second pawl, so in particular no pivoting He- are provided between the actuator and the pawl.

The connection of the actuator to the second pawl is now in such a way that the pawl during the Öffhungsvorgangs the closure device in (only) one direction is pivoted, initially the contact is released towards the first pawl, so that then the first pawl, at least temporarily regardless of the movement of the second pawl is movable or is moved, and the second pawl in a continuation of the pivoting movement in the same direction in time subsequently again interacts with the first pawl, so that the second pawl, the first pawl in the Öffhungs- direction continue to actively swivel. "Active" is intended to express here that the first pawl is preferably pivoted in this subsequent period alone of the second pawl, wherein it is particularly preferred that the second pawl on the first pawl runs in a controlled manner and thus the Verschwenkwege during contact of the In addition, it is considered advantageous that the second pawl securely fixes the first pawl in the open position.

- A - Kiekert AG

With the solution proposed here, it is achieved, in particular, that the catch and the first pawl are separated from one another with little noise and, moreover, that a defined position of the first pawl is assumed during the opening process. For a safe operation of the locking device is achieved as well as a simple and compact design. Similarly, high closing forces can be absorbed, for example, in the event that due to a sudden deceleration of the motor vehicle particularly high loads on the back of a seat, which is designed with such a closing device act.

According to a development of the closing device of the actuator is designed with an electric motor with an output shaft and a cooperating with the output shaft drive wheel. The electric motor is contacted with a suitable control and power supply, so that it can be set in motion as needed. The torque generated in the electric motor is transmitted via an output shaft, for example in the manner of a worm wheel, to a driven wheel, for example with an external toothing. The output gear, which is rotatably mounted, now has means that interact with the second pawl and put them in the desired movement. It is preferred that the output shaft and the drive wheel are made of plastic and / or noise insulating materials.

In addition, it is proposed here that the drive wheel has a slotted guide for a driving pin of the second pawl. In this case, the drive wheel is advantageously arranged in the closing device such that it at least partially covers the position of the second locking pawl. On the second pawl side facing the link guide is now formed. The slotted guide is designed in particular as a recess in the drive wheel and designed so that a driving pin of the second pawl in Kiekert AG

this recess protrudes and rests laterally on the slide guide. The slotted guide has a closed, but deviating from a circular course, so that in particular varies the distance of the slotted guide from the axis of rotation of the drive wheel in the course of one revolution of the drive wheel. As a result of the rotation of the drive wheel of the driver pin runs frictionally on the slotted guide, so that a stroke is generated selectively from the periphery of the drive wheel to the axis of rotation. On the basis of the course of the slide guide, in particular the pivoting speed and / or the Verschwenkweg the second pawl can be directly influenced.

According to a development, it is also proposed that the actuator is designed to be unidirectional. In other words, this means in particular that the actuator is always moved only in one direction of travel, that is dispensed with an opposite return movement. In the event that an electric motor is used for the actuator, this means in particular that this electric motor is always driven or moved with only one direction of rotation. In this case, the electric motor is activated during the Öffhungsvorgangs and stopped after the end of the Öffhungsvorgangs. Exactly this starting position can now be used for the next opening process. This has the particular advantage that noise during the return of the actuator is avoided.

Furthermore, it is considered advantageous that the second pawl has a blocking leg for the first pawl, a stop leg for a Verschwenkungsbegrenzer and a Mitnehmerschenkel for the second pawl. It is preferred that the second pawl has a metallic base body and at least the blocking leg in the contact area towards the first pawl also has a metallic surface. On the other hand, it is preferred to provide damping material in the stop leg, so Kiekert AG

that the lowest possible possible contact of this leg is realized with the Verschwen- kungsbegrenzer. It is also preferable that the abutment leg and the dog leg are substantially opposite to the fulcrum of the second detent pawl, while the blockage leg is disposed therebetween on the side toward the first detent pawl. The Verschwenkungsbegren- zer, for example, be connected stationarily with the housing of such a closure device and optionally also for supporting a return spring, for example, for the second pawl, serve.

Following a further embodiment, in which the second pawl has a driving leg for the second pawl, the Mitnehmerschenkel is executed with a damping material. It is very particularly preferred that also the first pawl, in the section in which it interacts during the active opening process, is designed with a damping material. As Dämpfüngsmaterial in particular Kunststoffumspritzungen, elastic materials and coatings and the like come into consideration. Due to the frictional contact, it is equally important to ensure that the damping material is resistant to abrasion. The two pawls are usually made of a metallic base body, for example a stamped component. In order to minimize the noise here, this contact of the two pawls (but not for the blocking contact) is performed with the damping materials.

In addition, it may be advantageous for the locking mechanism to be arranged in a first plane and the positioning drive to be in a second plane, the components of adjacent planes interacting by means of at least one driving pin. Such a compact embodiment of the locking device makes it possible, for example, to integrate the locking device into a single housing or in a common housing cover. Starting from a housing base plate Kiekert AG

For example, first the locking mechanism is arranged in the first plane. The locking mechanism comprises the catch and the two pawls. One level above, in the second level, the actuator is provided. Thus, the actuator covers at least partially the locking mechanism in the first plane. The actuator has one or more driving pins, which extends down into the first plane and in particular so contacted the second pawl or vice versa. Of course, the second pawl also have a plurality of driving pins. It is also possible that the drive wheel of the actuator has a driving pin, which interacts with a peripheral edge of the second pawl.

In addition, it can be provided that the second pawl is designed with a return spring. With the return spring, for example, a secure frictional connection can be achieved towards the sliding guide of the drive wheel. In addition, it is therefore also possible for the second pawl, which is guided on the sliding guide during the opening process, to spring back into a desired starting position due to the spring preload and thereby rests equally (at a different location) on the slotted guide.

Finally, it is also considered advantageous that the catch has a projection and the first pawl has a recess suitable for receiving the projection. Conventionally, the rotary latch is formed with a catch which (on one side) serves to bear the first pawl. Here, however, it is suggested that a kind of (two-sided) enclosure of the projection of the catch (with some play) is achieved. For this purpose, the pawl is designed with a relatively large indentation, wherein the indentation is formed in particular with a U-shaped portion of the first pawl. In this case, a particularly secure recording of the catch in the first pawl is realized, so Kiekert AG

that in particular the movement of the rotary latch in both directions of rotation is blocked by the first pawl.

The invention finds particular use in a motor vehicle having a seat with a folding backrest, wherein the backrest can be locked in a position with a locking device according to one of the embodiments presented here. The seat is in particular a rear seat, the backrest of which is foldable, so that access to the trunk or the rear area is made possible. For this purpose, the locking device may be mounted on the backrest itself, the seat or a fastening component of the body and interact with a retaining bolt which is attached to another of the aforementioned components.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show, but are not limited to, preferred embodiments of the invention. They show schematically:

FIG. 1 shows a variant of the closing device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a variant of a drive wheel for an actuator,

FIG. 3 shows a view of the closing device from FIG. 1 without the actuating drive in the locked position,

4 shows the locking device from FIG. 3, wherein the second locking pawl releases the first locking pawl, FIG. Kiekert AG

FIG. 5: the closing device from FIG. 4, wherein now the second pawl actively pivots the first pawl,

Figure 6: a position of the closing device between the positions shown in Figures 4 and 5 and

Figure 7: a motor vehicle with a folding seat.

Figure 1 shows a locking device 1, wherein a locking mechanism 2 consisting of a rotary latch 3 and two pivotable pawls, namely the first pawl 4 and the second pawl 5. In the embodiment illustrated here, these three locking components on a base plate of the housing 27 in a common, first plane 36 rotatably mounted. Shown here is a plan view of such a closure device 1, wherein the housing cover has been omitted. In the housing 27, an inlet 25 can be seen on the left, in which a retaining bolt 26 can run. In the locked position, the retaining bolt 26 is enclosed by the rotatably mounted rotary latch 3, so that it can no longer leave the inlet 25. The rotary latch 3 is biased by the spring element and therefore endeavors to pivot again (here in a clockwise direction) into the open position. It should also be noted that most seat cushions, seals and the like exist between the locking device and the component to be locked, so that the retaining pin 26 exerts a restoring force on the rotary latch 3.

Above the ratchet 2, ie in a second plane 37, a motor-driven actuator 6 is arranged. The actuator 6 includes an electric motor 8, which is preferably operated unidirectionally only with one direction of rotation 18. On the output side, the electric motor 8 is designed with an output shaft 9, Kiekert AG

for example, in the manner of a worm wheel. This output shaft 9 now acts on a drive wheel 10, which optionally has an external toothing.

With the drive wheel 10 is directly the second pawl 5, which is here partially covered by the drive wheel 10, driven or moved. For this purpose, a driving pin 20 between the drive wheel 10 and the second pawl 5 is formed. About this driving pin 20, the movement of the second pawl 5 is selectively carried out, as will be explained in detail with reference to the following figures.

Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of a drive wheel 10, which cooperates with the driving pin 20 of the second pawl, not shown here. The illustrated drive wheel 10 has outside on the circumference of a sprocket 33, via which the motor torque is transmitted to the drive wheel 10, so that the drive wheel 10 about an axis of rotation 34, for example in the direction indicated 18, is rotated. On the driving pin 20 side facing the drive wheel 10, a gap or groove-like recess 35 is formed - wherein the width of the recess 35 is preferably significantly larger than the diameter of the driving pin 20. Basically, it is possible that the inner and / or the outer border (partially or temporarily) serve as a slide guide 7 for the driving pin 20. If now the drive wheel 10 is moved in the direction of rotation 18, the outer slotted guide 7 runs under the driving pin 20, wherein due to the course of the outer slotted guide 7, the driving pin 20 is moved further towards the axis of rotation 34. For this purpose, the outer slide guide 7 approaches in the course against the direction of rotation 18 of the axis of rotation 34. In this way, a targeted stroke 32 for the driving pin 20 in the direction of rotation 18 of the drive wheel 10 can be realized. The course may in particular be designed so that the driving pin 20 at the end of the opening process or at the beginning of Öffhungsvor- Kiekert AG

gangs in the desired starting position is repositioned without restoring movements are required.

FIG. 3 again shows essentially the closing device according to FIG. 1, the representation of the actuating drive 6 having been dispensed with here. In particular, it can be seen once again that the rotary latch 3 is designed with a projection 21 which engages in a U-shaped indentation 22 of the first pawl 4. In order to block the opening rotation of the rotary latch 3 or the first pawl 4, the second pawl 5 bears with a blocking leg 13 against the first pawl 4 opposite to the rotary latch 3. This is the

Position of the catch 3 and the first pawl 4 secured.

The second pawl 5 now has two more legs. The stop leg 14, which abuts here on a pivoting limiter 15, defines the exact position of the blockage leg 13 relative to the first detent pawl 4. As can be seen, the stop leg 14 has a damping material 19 on the outside in order to provide a low-noise stop on the pivoting limiter 15 realize. Opposite to the stop leg 14, a driver leg 16 is formed, which is likewise partially encased by a damping material. This Mitnehmerschenkel 16 interacts - as will be explained later - with the second pawl 4. Here, a driver pin 20 is formed on the Mitnehmerschenkel 16 for the drive wheel arranged above it.

Figure 4 now illustrates the situation in which the catch 3 is released. For this purpose, the second pawl 5 is moved by the actuator with the indicated direction of rotation (white arrow), wherein the blocking leg 13 of the second pawl 5 is removed from the first pawl 4. Thus, the restoring torque of the rotary latch 3 can now act and so abut the Öffhungsbewegung the first pawl 4. Kiekert AG

With this restoring moment the first pawl is pivoted by a certain loading, this amount may possibly vary, since here are also the restoring moments to be observed, which are generated from the retaining bolt. FIG. 5 now shows the phase of the opening process in which the second pawl 5 actively pivots the first pawl 4 into the finally desired open position. For this purpose, the second pawl 5 is still moved by the actuator, so that the Mitnehmerschenkel 16 of the second pawl 5 comes into contact with a contour leg 17 of the first pawl 4 in contact. With the pivoting movement of the second pawl 5 of the Mitnehmerschenkel 16 runs on the surface of the contour leg 17 of the first pawl 4, so that the pivoting movement of the first pawl 4 is actively continued by the second pawl 5. In order to minimize the noise of this frictional contact between the contour leg 17 and the driver leg 16, a damping material 19 is provided on the contour leg 17 (and the driver leg 16).

In particular, in the case when relatively high restoring moments are exerted by the rotary latch 3 on the first pawl 4, the second pawl 5 first performs an idle rotation before it reaches the contour leg 17 with the Mitnehmerschenkel 16. This situation is illustrated in FIG. At this stage, the processes a) releasing the first pawl 4 and b) active movement of the first pawl 4 are temporally separated from each other or spaced.

As already stated, the locking device is preferably used as a locking system for locking and unlocking seat backrests in motor vehicles, especially of folding backrests in rear seats. This is now illustrated in FIG. Shown schematically is a force Kiekert AG

Vehicle 23 with a seat 29. The backrest 24 of the seat 29 is pivotable or foldable (dashed position), so that, for example, access to a storage space 31 is made possible. So that this takes place only at desired times, the backrest 24 is fixed by means of the closing device 1 according to the invention described here to one (or more) fastening component (s) 30, for example a component of the body of the vehicle 23. The retaining bolt can be arranged as well as the locking device either on the backrest 24 or on the fastening member 30. It is also possible to provide a plurality of such closing devices 1 with respect to such a seat 29.

Kiekert AG

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 locking device

2 locking

3 catch

4 first pawl

5 second pawl

6 actuator

7 slide guide

8 electric motor

9 output shaft

10 drive wheel

11 Storage

12 return spring

13 blockage thighs

14 stop legs

15 swing limiter

16 driver legs

17 contour legs

18 direction of rotation

19 damping material

20 driving pin

21 lead

22 indentation

23 motor vehicle

24 backrest

25 enema Kiekert AG

26 retaining bolts

27 housing

28 base plate

29 seat 30 fastening component

31 storage space

32 stroke

33 sprocket

34 axis of rotation 35 recess

36 first level

37 second level

Claims

Kiekert AGPatentansprüche

1. closing device (1) comprising at least one locking mechanism (2) with a rotary trap (3), a pivotable first pawl (4) and a second

Pawl (5), with the pivoting of the first pawl (4) is blockable, and the locking device (1) further has an actuator (6) which pivots the second pawl (5) in one direction, that this the first pawl (4) successively releases and actively pivots.

2. Closing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (6) with an electric motor (8) with an output shaft (9) and one with the output shaft (9) cooperating drive wheel (10) is executed.

3. Closing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the drive wheel (10) has a slotted guide (7) for a driving pin (20) of the second pawl (5).

4. Closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (6) is designed to be unidirectional.

5. Closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pawl (5) has a blocking leg (13) for the first pawl (4), a stop leg (14) for a Verschwenkungs- delimiter (15) and a Mitnehmerschenkel (16) for the second pawl (5).

6. Locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pawl (5) has a Mitnehmerschenkel (16) for the second Kiekert AG

Pawl (5), and the Mitnehmerschenkel (16) with a damping material (19) is executed.

7. Closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism (2) in a first plane (36) and the actuator (6) in a second plane (37) are arranged, wherein the components of adjacent E-benen means interact at least one entrainment pin (20).

8. closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pawl (5) with a return spring (12) is executed.

9. Closing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary latch (3) has a projection (21) and the first pawl (4) for receiving the projection (22) suitable indentation (22).

10. motor vehicle (23) comprising a seat with a folding backrest (24), wherein the backrest (24) with a locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in one position can be locked.