DE102004027028A1 - lock assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking arrangement, in particular for locks in motor vehicles, with a by external force (F¶1¶, F¶2¶) between a self-holding open position and a self-retaining closed position adjustable locking member (3), wherein the locking member (3) in the Locking position by a spring-loaded latching element (6) which cooperates with a latching recess (14) on the locking member (3) is latched and wherein the latching element (6) or a part coupled therewith (5) in the latching position with a permanent magnet (4 ) interacts magnetically, which is associated with an electrical coil (7), in the energization of which a magnetic opposing field is generated.

Description

The The present invention relates to a locking arrangement, in particular for locks in motor vehicles, according to the claim 1.

in the Modern motor vehicle found in many places locking arrangements today Use, which is to take or hold a closing and / or Open position of a magnet, for example a permanent or a Electromagnet, operate. Such locking arrangements exist For example, from pivoting locking members, which when energized Electromagnets are pulled against the poles and non-current from a return spring withdrawn become. When using a permanent magnet, an open position the locking arrangement can be achieved in that a temporarily energized Electromagnet picks up the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, so that the return spring the adjusting member retracts and the latch assembly opens. Such locking arrangements find, for example, at a distance unlockable tailgates or trunk lids application, wherein the Production relatively expensive and this is expensive.

The present invention employs dealing with the problem, for a locking arrangement of the type mentioned improved embodiment specify, which in particular designed structurally simple is and a lock without external energy allowed.

According to the invention this Problem solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent Claims.

The Invention is based on the general idea, in a locking arrangement, especially for Castles in motor vehicles, one by an external force between one self-holding open position and a self-retaining closed position adjustable Locking device to provide, which in the closed position by a spring force acted upon latching element is locked. The locking element acts in his closed position the locking member associated detent position on the one hand with a recess on Locking member and on the other hand directly or indirectly with a solenoid assembly together.

At the Locking is first the blocking member adjusted such that a arranged on this Detent recess occupies a position in which the spring-loaded Locking element engages in the recess. When intervening the Locking element in the recess is arranged on the locking element or coupled to the locking element or the movement of the locking element following part in the effective range of the solenoid assembly adjusted. Thus, the locking element or a so coupled Part thus on the one hand of the optionally effective magnetic forces the electromagnet assembly and on the other hand held by the spring force, so that a self-retaining closing position is achieved.

The Electromagnet assembly can be designed as a pure electromagnet be, which is magnetically effective in electric current and at Disconnection of the energization is magnetically ineffective, i. the locking arrangement is unlocked by switching off the electrical current supply.

According to one alternative embodiment may the electromagnet assembly substantially a permanent magnet having assigned electrical coil, in whose electrical Current supply to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet opposite Magnetic field is generated. Here is the electromagnet assembly without electrical energization is magnetically effective, namely by the permanent magnet, while is achieved by energizing the magnetically inoperative state, by the magnetic field of the coil generated during energization the magnetic field the permanent magnet substantially completely compensated.

To open the Locking arrangement so the electric coil is energized, whereby a magnetic opposing field with respect to the permanent magnet is generated and the magnetic attraction of the permanent magnet is neutralized to the locking element or the coupled thereto part.

By the cancellation of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet can by Applying an external force the locking member in its open position be adjusted, the adjustment of the coupled with the locking element Part in its open position at the same time a removal of the same from the permanent magnet means.

By the solution according to the invention can thus a self-sustained in both the open and in the closed position Locking arrangement can be created, which structurally simple is built, that is is in particular made of structurally simple components, whereby assembly costs and later Maintenance costs can be reduced.

Furthermore can be an adjustment of the locking assembly in its closed position as well a hold in the closed position without external energy supply, merely due to mechanical interaction or due to the spring force and the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. To open the Locking device, only a short current pulse is required, whereby a very low energy consumption can be realized.

The solution according to the invention is suitable thus in particular for remotely unlockable locks, such as for example trunk locks, but also for many other locks, such as steering wheel locks, Door locks, Tank lid locks and glove box locks are used.

Is appropriate the latching element is part of a toggle joint arrangement in the area of its Knee joint is biased by a spring in its closed position. A Such toggle lever assembly includes, for example, two toggle, one on the knee joint, one condyle and the other one on it complementary having trained socket. Such toggle can be Nowadays realize as simple stamped or bent parts and thereby economical produce. In particular, offers such a toggle lever assembly the big advantage that at almost complete stretched toggle levers very large forces are necessary to alone by acting almost axially in the toggle forces Knee joint to bend and thus move the locking assembly in their open position to adjust. It is true, the more elongated the Knee lever assembly is, the larger it is the force required to bend the knee joint, which is clear using a parallelogram of forces make clear.

At the If necessary, a handle can be coupled to the knee joint, with the toggle lever assembly is independent of the magnetic state bring the magnet assembly in its bent position and thus the locking member unlocks.

According to one preferred embodiment the toggle lever assembly loosely and captively received in a chamber, wherein the chamber on the one hand in the closed position of the locking member of the Knee lever assembly occupied extended position and on the other hand the in the open position of the locking member occupied by the toggle lever assembly Bended position limited. The chamber is preferably in a housing of Integrated latch assembly and forms a receiving space for the Knee lever assembly and the locking element and a coupled thereto Part. By the spatial Limitation, the assembly of the locking arrangement clearly be simplified because the toggle lever assembly only loose in the chamber must be inserted without additional installation effort would be necessary. Furthermore guaranteed the chamber the correct insertion of the toggle lever assembly, as a correct recording of the same is only possible with correct installation, whereby in particular the manufacturing quality can be increased.

Appropriately, the touches Knee lever assembly at one end the locking member or the locking element and a magnetically arranged in the chamber first sliding plane and at the other two orthogonal to each other in the chamber Glide planes, one of which is aligned with the first glide plane is. The slip planes represent contact surfaces, on which the toggle lever arrangement when adjusting between the open and the closed position along slides and guided by it becomes. Preferably, at least one of the slip planes is off Steel formed, which makes a particularly light and low-friction Along the sliding of the toggle lever assembly and thus a special smooth Adjustment of the locking arrangement between the closing and the Disclosure can be achieved. By training the slip planes out Steel can very high longitudinal and shear forces absorbed And at the same time can be a cost-saving plastic housing for Use, since this is exposed to any direct force is. In general, however, other materials in question, by which is a particularly light, because low-friction, adjustment the toggle assembly along the slip planes can be achieved.

Is appropriate the latching recess part of a locking gate arranged on the blocking gate, which the self-holding position in the closed position or in the open position supported. It is conceivable that the open position due to friction between the locking element and the Rastkulisse is self-holding. The self-preserving stay in the closing or the open position guaranteed doing that, for example, when the boot lid open the Locking arrangement does not close automatically and then undesirable lock in or locking the boot lid is no longer possible, because the lock assembly is already locked and thereby an interaction of a arranged for example on the boot lid Gegensperrorgans arranged with the on the locking arrangement Barrier is prevented.

Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the Dependent claims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures the drawings.

It is understood that the abovementioned and those still to be explained below Characteristics can be used not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

preferred embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawings and in the following description explains where like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally same or similar Refer to components.

there show, each schematically:

1 a locking arrangement according to the invention in its open position,

2 a representation like in 1 , but in a closed position.

Corresponding 1 has a locking arrangement according to the invention 1 a housing 2 and an adjustable on the housing, here drehhubverstellbares, locking member 3 on. It is also conceivable that the locking member 3 According to another embodiment, not shown, is formed translationally adjustable. In the case 2 are further a permanent magnet 4 , a toggle assembly 5 , a catch element 6 as well as a coil 7 integrated.

The permanent magnet 4 is according to 1 as part of a horseshoe-shaped magnetic yoke 8th arranged, wherein on one leg of the horseshoe-shaped magnetic yoke 8th the sink 7 is positioned. On a magnetic yoke 8th opposite end of the permanent magnet 4 are on the two legs of the magnetic yoke 8th sliding planes 9 and 9 ' arranged, which are preferably formed of steel and both lie in one plane. Orthogonal to the slip plane 9 ' is on a wall of the housing 2 another sliding plane 9 '' arranged.

Limited from the slip planes 9 . 9 ' and 9 '' on the one hand, the locking element 6 on the other hand and a spring 10 , is the toggle assembly 5 in a chamber 11 taken loose and captive. The chamber 11 limited on the one hand in the closed position of the locking member 3 from the toggle lever assembly 5 assumed extended position (cf. 2 ) And on the other hand, in the open position of the obturator 3 from the toggle lever assembly 5 assumed kink position (cf. 1 ).

According to the 1 and 2 touches the toggle lever assembly 5 at one end the locking element 6 as well as those in the chamber 11 Magnetically arranged first sliding plane 9 and at the other end, the two gliding planes orthogonal to each other in the chamber 9 ' and 9 '' ,

The toggle lever arrangement 5 is in the area of her knee joint 12 from the spring 10 biased in its closed position and points in the area of the knee joint 12 two toggle levers 13 and 13 ' one of which has a condyle and the other has a complementary socket.

According to the 1 and 2 is between the toggle lever assembly 5 that is between the toggle lever 13 and the gate 3 the locking element 6 arranged, which is designed here as a blocking ball. It is also conceivable that the locking element 6 on the toggle lever 13 is formed. The barrier organ 3 has a latching recess 14 on, which in the closed position of the locking arrangement 1 that is, with the toggle lever assembly extended 5 (see. 2 ) with the locking element 6 latched by this in the recess 14 intervenes.

On a detent element 6 opposite side has the locking member 3 a molded backdrop 15 on, which with a counter-locking device 16 interacts that the locking organ 3 in its movement stroke, here in a pivoting stroke, between the open and the closed position relative to the counter-locking member 16 , also performs a movement orthogonal to the aforementioned stroke.

Generally, the locking arrangement 1 by an external force F ₁ , F ₂ between a self-holding open position ( 1 ) and a self-retaining closing position ( 2 ) adjustable. In the closed position is the locking member 3 by the acted upon by spring latching element 6 locked.

In the following, the mode of operation of the locking arrangement 1 according to the invention during adjustment between the open and the closed position will be briefly explained:
When transferring the locking arrangement 1 in the closed position, the external force F ₁ acts according to 1 over the counter-obstruction 16 to the backdrop 15 of the gate 3 such that it is rotated counterclockwise. The rotation takes place about an axis 17 , which according to the in 1 and 2 embodiments shown preferably parallel to an unspecified knee joint axis of the toggle lever assembly 5 runs. The twisting of the locking organ 3 turns the catch recess 14 in the direction of the chamber 11 so that the locking element 6 , driven by the toggle lever assembly biased in its closed position 5 , in the recess 14 engages ( 2 ). Attacks the locking element 6 in the recess 14 a, so can the toggle lever assembly 5 stretch, with the two toggle levers 13 and 13 ' the thighs of the magnetic yoke 8th approach and from a certain distance additionally be attracted by these. The recess 14 is shaped so that the toggle lever assembly 5 not fully extended, but remains at a slightly bent angle ( 2 ). During towing, the toggle assembly slides 5 with their knee levers 13 and 13 ' at each of these touching glide planes 9 . 9 ' and 9 '' along.

Attacks the locking element 6 , here the locking ball, completely in the recess 14 a, so is the closed position according to 2 achieved, with the toggle lever assembly 5 on the one hand by the spring 10 and on the other hand from the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 4 is held in its extended position. The permanent magnet 4 it exerts a magnetic force directed to the spring force equal to the knee joint side portions of the toggle 13 and 13 ' out. A twisting of the locking organ 3 and thus opening the locking arrangement 1 is not possible or only with relatively high forces, with the forces to be overcome from the angle of attack of the toggle lever assembly 5 on the toggle 13 and 13 ' acting magnetic force as well as the knee joint 12 acting spring force depends. In the closed position according to 2 is also that through the permanent magnet 4 generated magnetic field closed because the toggle lever assembly 5 with her two toggle levers 13 and 13 ' the two poles, that is, the two legs of the permanent magnet 4 or the magnetic yoke 8th magnetically interconnected. In general, holding the closed position without external energy supply takes place solely by the above-mentioned forces.

For transferring the locking arrangement 1 in its open position is now the coil 7 energized, creating a magnetic opposing field to the permanent magnet 4 generated.

For this purpose, only a short current pulse is necessary. By appropriate design of the coil 7 are the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 and the magnetic field of the coil 7 the same size, but opposite, so that they cancel each other out. The previously the toggle lever assembly 5 in the closed position holding magnetic force is neutralized.

Now, by applying the external force F _2, a rotation of the locking member 3 be effected, whereby the locking element 6 from the recess 14 in the direction of the toggle lever arrangement 5 is displaced and at the same time the toggle lever assembly 5 in her knee joint 12 in the direction of the spring 10 is bent. The omission of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 4 by energizing the coil 7 It suffices to open the locking arrangement 1 reduce the necessary force F ₂ so far that a trouble-free and damage-free opening of the locking arrangement 1 is possible.

Upon further rotation of the obturator 3 , which is designed here as a pawl, is the latching recess 14 out of the chamber 11 turned out, so that the locking element 6 along a stop scenery 18 along slides or runs. It is conceivable that in the course of the Rastkulisse 18 further, not shown recessed recesses are arranged so that the locking element 6 engages upon reaching the open position in a further latching recess and thereby the latching open position of the latch assembly 1 guaranteed. In general, it can be the recess 14 Part of the barrier organ 3 arranged Rastkulisse 18 be. It is also conceivable that the disclosure of the Verriege lungsanordnung 1 by friction between the locking element 6 and the Rastkulisse 18 is self-holding.

In summary, the essential features of the solution described above can be characterized as follows:
The locking arrangement 1 has an adjustable locking device 3 ago, which by an external force F ₁ , F ₂ between a self-holding open position (see. 1 ) and a self-retaining closed position (see. 2 ) is adjustable, and being at the locking member 3 a recess 14 is arranged, in which a spring-loaded locking element 6 in the closed position of the locking arrangement 1 engages and locked with it. In the closed position is the toggle lever assembly 5 stretched and is determined by the spring force and the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 4 held. To open the locking arrangement 1 becomes a coil 7 , which on one leg of the magnetic yoke 8th is arranged, energized and thereby a to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 generates oppositely directed magnetic field, so that on the toggle lever assembly 5 acting magnetic force is canceled. This allows the locking member 3 adjust, making this the locking element 6 from the on the gate 3 arranged latching recess 14 pushes out and the toggle assembly 5 in the knee joint 12 prevented.

The solution described above provides a locking arrangement 1 in which an energy-free locking and holding is ensured both in the closed position and in the open position. To open the locking arrangement 1 is just a short current pulse to energize the coil 7 and thereby a very low energy supply needed. In addition, the described locking arrangement 1 structurally simple design and includes components which on the one hand by means of known punching and / or bending process easy ago let set. In addition, by setting a kink angle of the toggle lever assembly 5 , a magnetic force of the permanent magnet or a pressing force of the spring 10 simply influence on the locking behavior or an opening resistance are taken.

Notwithstanding the illustrated embodiment, the permanent magnet 4 possibly omitted, so that from the coil 7 a pure electromagnet arrangement is formed. In this case, the coil must be energized to the approximate extended position of the toggle lever assembly 5 against big, on the barrier organ 3 acting forces and thus the blocking state of the blocking member 3 to be able to hold.

At the knee joint of the knee lever assembly 5 If appropriate, a handle, for example in the form of a tension element, can be arranged around the toggle lever arrangement 5 at any time manually put in their kinked position and thus the locking member 3 to be able to unlock.

Instead of the illustrated magnet arrangement in the drawing above the toggle lever assembly 5 can also be below the toggle lever assembly 5 a Hubmagnetanordnung be provided which actuates a stroke-adjustable armature or the like, which is coupled to the knee joint of the toggle lever assembly in the thrust direction and optionally also in the pulling direction.

In this case, the Hubmagnetanordnung may have a permanent magnet, the armature in the extended position of the toggle lever assembly 5 assigned position biases while an electromagnet sets the armature against the force of the permanent magnet in the opposite direction.

If the knee joint in the latter direction of movement is positively coupled to the armature, the toggle lever assembly 5 even take an over-center position in its extended position, which then in current direction of the electromagnet in the direction of the buckling position of the toggle lever assembly 5 will leave.

Basically the Hubmagnetanordnung also designed as a pure solenoid assembly be, which brings the knee lever in the extended position when energized and / or in this situation. Optionally, there is also an electromagnet arrangement with two coils conceivable, wherein the one coil when energized the anchor in the one End position sets, while the other coil when energized an adjustment in the other end position causes.

The invention can be used in many ways:
As far as the locking of the blocking position of the blocking member, the solenoid assembly must be energized, the locking arrangement can be used, for example, for locking of closing applied fire doors in their open position. In a dangerous situation then only the energization of the solenoid assembly needs to be turned off, so that the open position of the fire door is unlocked and constantly acting on the fire door closing force brings the fire door in its closed position. In this arrangement, it is also ensured that in the event of a power failure close the fire doors and thus in the safe location, ie in the intended for the danger or fire situation.

The locking arrangements in which the locking position of the locking member 3 is secured solely by a permanent magnet assembly in powerless condition of the electromagnetic elements are particularly suitable in motor vehicles for locking of security elements of a power storage or the like constantly (at least when driving) in the direction of a security situation are stretched and by means of the locking device in a remote normal position to be held against the force of the energy storage.

For example can headrests stand in an upright normal position during normal driving and held in this position by means of the locking device become. As soon as an accident-prone driving situation occurs, will then the locking arrangement by energizing the coil of the solenoid assembly unlocked, and the headrest can by the force of the energy storage or the like in a Accident position are adjusted in which the occupant's head especially well supported.

In basically similar Way you can front vehicle hoods during normal driving in a normal position be locked. As soon as a sensor system reports a possible accident with a pedestrian, it will the hood unlocks, allowing it through a power storage or The like is moved to a raised position in which the Dome a great deformation path is available on impact of the pedestrian or the hood of the impacting pedestrian to mitigate the impact shock against the Energy storage are pushed back can.

Claims (14)

Locking arrangement ( 1 ), in particular for locks in motor vehicles, - with a by external force (F ₁ , F ₂ ) between a self-holding open position and a self-retaining closed position adjustable locking member ( 3 ) - wherein the locking member ( 3 ) in the closed position by a spring-loaded locking element ( 6 ), which with a recess ( 14 ) on the locking member ( 3 ) cooperates, is latched and - wherein the locking element ( 6 ) or an associated part ( 5 ) in the latching position with an electromagnet arrangement ( 4 . 7 ) interacts magnetically, which is switchable between a magnetically active and a magnetically inactive state. Locking arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnet arrangement comprises a permanent magnet ( 4 ) with associated electrical coil ( 7 ), in the energization of which a magnetic field of the permanent magnet counteracting magnetic field is generated. Locking arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latching element ( 6 ) Part of a knee lever assembly ( 5 ) is that their relatively stretched position only in the recess ( 14 ) inserted latching element ( 6 ) can take. Locking arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the articulated lever arrangement ( 5 ) in the region of her knee joint ( 12 ) of a spring ( 10 ) is biased in the direction of the extended position of the toggle lever assembly and the magnet assembly ( 4 . 7 ) in the magnetically active state a magnetic force rectified to the spring force on the knee joint side portions of the toggle ( 13 . 13 ' ) exercises. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking member ( 3 ) is a rotatably mounted pawl. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking member ( 3 ) via a molded backdrop ( 15 ) with a counter-obstruction ( 16 ) cooperates such that the locking member ( 3 ) in its movement stroke between the open and the closed position, relative to the counter-locking member ( 16 ), also performs a movement orthogonal to the aforementioned stroke. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the toggle lever arrangement ( 5 ) in a chamber ( 11 ) is received loosely and captively, on the one hand the closing position of the locking member ( 3 ) of the knee lever assembly ( 5 ) and on the other hand, in the open position of the obturator ( 3 ) of the knee lever assembly ( 5 ) occupied Knicklage limited. Locking arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the toggle lever arrangement ( 5 ) at one end the blocking element ( 3 ) or the latching element ( 6 ) and one in the chamber ( 11 ) Magnetically arranged first slip plane ( 9 ) and at the other end two mutually orthogonal sliding planes in the chamber ( 9 ' . 9 '' ), one of which is aligned with the first sliding plane ( 9 ) is arranged. Locking arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one sliding plane ( 9 . 9 ' . 9 '' ) is formed of steel. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that at the knee joint ( 12 ) of a knee lever ( 13 ) Has a condyle and the other has a complementarily shaped socket. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the latching recess ( 14 ) Part of the barrier ( 3 ) arranged Rastkulisse ( 18 ). Locking arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the open position by friction between the latching element ( 6 ) and the Rastkulisse ( 18 ) is self-holding. Locking arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 4 ) and / or the coil ( 7 ) as part of a horseshoe-shaped magnetic yoke ( 8th ) or on a horseshoe-shaped magnetic yoke ( 8th ) is arranged and the knee lever assembly ( 5 ) the two poles of the permanent magnet ( 4 ) magnetically interconnects. Locking arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that the coil ( 7 ) in the region of a leg of the magnetic yoke ( 8th ) is arranged.