LOCKING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE BONNET

Abstract

A locking device for a motor vehicle bonnet, wherein the locking device comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and a pawl for locking the rotary latch in a main latching position. Said locking device also comprises a catch hook which can define an opening movement of a lock retainer in a secure position which is between an intended closed position and an intended open position after opening the locking mechanism, wherein the catch hook comprises a load dependent barrier, and the locking device is designed such that a locking movement of the lock retainer is defined by the barrier in the intended closed position such that the lock retainer only goes in further than the intended closed position when there is an overload. A further developed locking device with pedestrian protection can also be provided.

Claims

1. A locking device for a motor vehicle bonnet, the locking device comprising: a locking mechanism with a catch and a pawl for locking the catch in a main latching position; a striker that is moveable between an intended closed position and an intended open position; and a catch hook which defines an opening movement and a closure movement of the striker, to a secure position which is between the intended closed position and the intended open position, wherein the catch hook has a barrier, wherein during a closure process at excessive closure speed, the closure movement of the striker is defined by the barrier when the striker moves into the intended closed position of the striker, and wherein the striker is configured to move to a submerged position that is past the intended closed position in a direction of the closure movement in response to an overload force.

2. (canceled)

3. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein a limitation of the closure movement of the striker occurs with during the excessive closure speed by stoppage against the barrier, wherein the striker is located in the intended closed position of the striker during stoppage against the barrier.

4. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein during stoppage of the striker against the barrier, the locking device is in an end position and the locking mechanism is located in the main ratchet position.

5. The locking device according to claim 4, wherein the catch hook has a catch hook spring which pre-tensions the catch hook in a direction of the end position.

6. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the catch hook has an inlet slot to accommodate the striker.

7. The locking device according to claim 6, wherein the barrier is a superficial section of the inlet slot or the barrier is connected to the inlet slot in a firmly bonded or immobile manner.

8. The locking device according to claim 6, wherein the inlet slot comprises a depression for submersion of the striker and/or the depression for submersion of the striker is a contour section of the inlet slot.

9. The locking device according to claim 8, wherein the barrier and the depression are arranged adjacent to one another and/or are directly adjacent to one another.

10. The locking device according to one claim 6, wherein in the end position of the locking device, the striker lies adjacent on a lateral wall of the inlet slot and the locking mechanism is located in the main ratchet position.

11. The locking device according to claim 6, wherein the inlet slot has a constriction for custom-fit passage of the striker.

12. The locking device according to claim 11, wherein the closure movement of the striker occurs along a defined movement track, and wherein the movement track intersects the barrier and/or an catch hook axis of the catch hook, if the striker is located in the constriction.

13. The locking device according to claim 11, wherein after the striker has passed the constriction during the closure process, the catch hook spring pivots the catch hook in the direction of the end position.

14. The locking device according to claim 11, wherein during the closure process, after passing of the constriction, the striker reaches the barrier more quickly with excessive closure speed than the catch hook can pivot into the end position, and therefore overcomes a path between the constriction and the barrier.

15. The locking device according to claim 11, wherein during the closure process after passing the constriction, the striker, at a normal closure speed, stops by pivoting of the catch hook into the end position before reaching the intended closed position of the striker against the lateral wall of the inlet slot, and the closure movement is defined above a depression by a force of an opening spring and/or a catch spring.

16. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the barrier is at least as long as the striker is wide.

17. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the barrier is rigid and non-deformable.

18. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the securing position has a distance from the intended closed position in a direction of the intended open position.

19. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the catch is configured to deflect past the main ratchet position in response to movement of the striker into the submerged position.

20. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the catch hook has an upper bevel that is configured to pivot in response to the striker during the closure movement.

Description

[0043] The following are shown:

[0044] FIG. 1: Locking device at the start of a closure process

[0045] FIG. 2: Locking device during insertion of the striker into the inlet slot

[0046] FIG. 3: Locking device by passing of the constriction by the striker

[0047] FIG. 4: Locking device during stoppage of a striker with excessive closure speed on the barrier

[0048] FIG. 5: Locking device in the end position

[0049] FIG. 6: Locking device with striker submersed by overload

[0050] FIG. 7: Locking device in end position with superimposed locking mechanism

[0051] The reference signs in FIG. 1 also apply to all remaining figures and were only superimposed there for the purpose of clarity.

[0052] FIGS. 1 to 7 show an exemplary embodiment of a locking device according to the invention. In FIGS. 1 to 6 the catch 1 and the pawl 2 and the lock plate 14 are superimposed. FIG. 7 shows FIG. 5 with a superimposed catch 1 and pawl 2 in the main ratchet position and the lock plate 14, i.e. a plate to attach the catch 1 and the pawl 2, preferably with a lock plate inlet slot for the striker, which is also apparent in FIG. 3.

[0053] The catch 1 is pivotably accommodated around the catch axis 15. The catch 1 is pre-tensioned in the clockwise direction in particular by a catch spring which is not illustrated.

[0054] The pawl 2 is pivotably accommodated around the pawl axis 16. The pawl 2 is pre-tensioned in the clockwise direction in particular by a pawl spring which is not illustrated.

[0055] The catch hook 3 is pivotably accommodated around the catch hook axis 17. The catch hook 3 is pre-tensioned in particular by a catch hook spring which is not illustrated in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0056] An opening spring which is also not shown in the figures presses the motor bonnet and thus the striker starting from the closed position in the direction of the open position.

[0057] In particular, the catch hook 3 has a hook shape, preferably in the shape of a 1. The upper bevel 13 acts as a pivot as a result of an impacting and gliding striker during a closure movement, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0058] On the opposite side of the bevel 13 the v-shaped depression acts as a securing stop and/or securing ratchet point for the striker after leaving the locking mechanism.

[0059] In particular, the hook shape constitutes one of two legs connected in a U-shape, wherein the inlet slot 19 of the catch hook 3 runs between both legs. Preferably, the trough of the inlet slot 19, i.e. in the area of the base of the legs connected in a U-shape forms a depression 12 for submersion. The submersion is preferably limited by a submersion stop, in particular at the base of the depression.

[0060] In one embodiment, the closure movement of the striker 4 is limited with excessive closure speed by stoppage against the barrier 6 and/or the striker 4 is located during stoppage against the barrier 6 in the intended closed position of the striker 4.

[0061] The intended closed position is, in the same way as the submersion position, the securing position and the open position a position on the movement track 5 of the striker.

[0062] Due to the fact that the striker 4 opens against the barrier 6, the striker 4 is simultaneously brought into the position for ratcheting of the locking mechanism and held there. Damage to the locking mechanism can thus be prevented. Furthermore, only by pivoting of the catch hook 3 can the depression 12 be provided to enable submersion during overload for the striker 4.

[0063] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is located against the barrier 6 during stoppage of the striker 4 and/or in the end position of the locking device in the main ratchet position.

[0064] An especially reliable accommodation and holding of the striker 4 can also thus be enabled at an excessive closure speed.

[0065] In one embodiment, the catch hook 3 has a catch hook spring which pre-tensions the catch hook 3 in the direction of the end position.

[0066] Pre-tensioning in the direction of the end position means that the catch hook spring transmits a torque around the catch hook axis 17 on the catch hook 3 in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0067] By adjusting the spring force the threshold speed can thus be impacted in which a striker stops against the barrier. By means of the catch hook spring the depression 12 can also be moved below a striker 4 stopped against the barrier especially quickly and reliably so that the striker 4 can submerge in the case of overload.

[0068] In one embodiment, the catch hook 3 has an inlet slot 19 to accommodate the striker 4.

[0069] The inlet slot 19 of the catch hook 3 enables implementation of a very compact mechanism to prevent motor bonnet damage as a result of misuse with simultaneous pedestrian safeguarding by means of a submersion option for the striker in the case of overload.

[0070] In one embodiment the barrier 6 is a superficial section of the inlet slot 19 or the barrier 6 is connected with the inlet slot 19 in a firmly bonded and/or immobile manner.

[0071] A superficial section is generally of a single component design with the inlet slot 19 and/or the catch hook 3, i.e. made from a material piece, i.e. stamped out of a single piece of sheet metal together as a coherent component.

[0072] A firmly bonded barrier can be welded, soldered or affixed.

[0073] A barrier 6 which is connected in an immobile manner with the inlet slot 19 has no degree of freedom of movement relative to the inlet slot 19. An immobile connection can be produced by an interlocking and/or force-fitting connection, such as a clip connection, for example.

[0074] All alternatives to this embodiment have the advantage that a reliable, load-dependent limitation of the closure movement of the striker in the intended closed position can be attained at an excessive closure speed.

[0075] In one embodiment, the inlet slot 19 has a depression 12 for submersion of the striker 4 and/or the depression 12 for submersion of the striker 4 is a contour section of the inlet slot 19.

[0076] A depression is a means which is especially easy to produce to enable submersion, especially if it is executed as a contour section of the inlet slot 19.

[0077] Contour section means a limited surface section of the contour of the inlet slot which was generally made of a single component, e.g. by stamping.

[0078] In particular, the depression 12 is U-shaped, wherein one lateral wall forms an edge with the barrier 6 or its surface section, in particular with an angle of at least 80 and/or a maximum of 90. The other lateral wall is oriented parallel to the movement track 5 in the end position and preferably corresponds to the second lateral wall 9 of the inlet slot 19, so that the striker can submerge in a straight line.

[0079] In one embodiment, the barrier 6 and the depression 12 are arranged adjacent to one another and/or are directly adjacent to one another.

[0080] This enables a reduced pivoting path of the catch hook 3 to provide the depression for a striker 4 stopped against the barrier.

[0081] In one embodiment, the striker 4 lies adjacent on a lateral wall of the inlet slot 19 in the end position of the locking device, in particular on a second lateral wall 9, and the locking mechanism is located in the main ratchet position.

[0082] The end position can thus be defined by a striker 4 which is ratcheted by the locking mechanism located in the main ratchet and is depressed against the lateral wall by the catch hook spring.

[0083] A barrier-free submersion in the case of overload can thus be guaranteed.

[0084] In one embodiment, the inlet slot 19 has a constriction 7 for a custom-fit opening of the striker 4.

[0085] Custom-fit opening means that the constriction 7 provides a passage for the striker 4, the size of which corresponds to the size of the striker plus a clearance fit so that the striker 4 passes through the passage with an allowance.

[0086] By means of the constriction 7 the catch hook 3 is pivoted into a defined rotational position during passage of the striker 4.

[0087] This enables the threshold speed to be determined by setting the force of the catch hook spring, of the distance between the constriction 7 and the barrier 6 and/or the breadth of the barrier 6 transversely to the movement track 5 in this position of the catch hook 3.

[0088] In one embodiment, the closure movement of the striker 4 occurs along a defined movement track 5, wherein the movement track 5 intersects the barrier 6 and/or a catch hook axis 17 of the catch hook 3 if the striker 4 is located in the constriction 7.

[0089] Intersecting the movement track 5 means intersecting a straight line along the movement track 5 or a movement track 5 without any barriers or stops.

[0090] As the movement track 5 intersects the barrier 6 and/or an catch hook axis 17 of the catch hook 3, if the striker 4 is located in the constriction 7, the energy of the stoppage of the striker 4 can be accommodated in the case of excessive closure speed against the barrier 6 by the catch hook spring 17 without inducing a torque into the catch hook 3 and thus to pivot this.

[0091] In one embodiment, the locking device is designed such that after the striker 4 has passed the constriction 7 during a closure process, the catch hook spring pivots the catch hook 3 in the direction of the end position.

[0092] This enables both provision of the depression 12 to submerge below a striker stopping against the barrier 6 and also limitation of the closure movement of a striker below the speed threshold by the locking mechanism.

[0093] In one embodiment, the locking device is designed such that during a closure process, in particular after passing of the constriction 7 a striker 4 quickly reaches the barrier 6 with excessive closure speed, in particular therefore overcomes a path between the constriction 7 and the barrier 6 than the catch hook 3 can pivot into the end position.

[0094] Effective protection of the motor bonnet can thus be enabled before damage as a result of misuse during the closure process.

[0095] In one embodiment, the locking device is designed such that during a closure process, in particular after passing the constriction 7, a striker 4 at normal closure speed stops by means of pivoting of the catch hook 3 into the end position before reaching the intended closed position of the striker 4 against the lateral wall of the inlet slot, in particular the second lateral wall 9 and/or the closure movement on the closed position is limited above the depression 12 in particular by means of a force of an opening spring and/or a catch spring.

[0096] The opening spring lifts the striker 4 in an opposite direction to the submersion movement.

[0097] A locking device which is designed such that during a closure process only at excessive closure speed the closure movement of the striker 4 is limited by the barrier 6 in the intended closed position of the striker 4 can thus be enabled.

[0098] In one embodiment, the barrier 6 is designed such that the barrier 6 does not plastically deform systematically.

[0099] In one embodiment, the locking device is designed such that the closure movement of the striker 4 is defined in the case of overload on a submersion position by a submersion stop 10 of the catch hook 3.

[0100] Additional components can be saved by means of the submersion stop 10 integrated in the catch hook. In addition, the submersion stop 10 enables a reproducible submersion with a defined submersion path. Damage to the motor bonnet by collision with the adjacent vehicle chassis can thus be prevented.

[0101] In a further embodiment, the barrier is integrated in the catch hook in order to attain the aforementioned advantages.

[0102] The submersion path, i.e. the distance between the submersion position and the intended closed position is at least 10 mm, preferably 14 mm, and/or a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 16 mm. Effective pedestrian protection can thus be attained.

[0103] In principle, the inlet of the inlet slot 19 is on the opposite side from the submersion stop 10 and/or the catch hook rotational axis 17. Because the striker can reach into the inlet slot 19 during the closure movement by pivoting of the catch hook 3 which is described in greater detail hereafter.

[0104] In one embodiment, a first lateral wall 8 and/or a second lateral wall 9 of the inlet slot 19 are intended. The inlet of the inlet slot 19 preferably runs in a triangular shape, preferably with an accommodation bevel 18, wherein only one of the two lateral walls, in particular the first lateral wall 8, extends at an angle in the direction of the barrier 6 to produce the triangular shape.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first lateral wall 8 in an area adjacent to the barrier 6 forms an L-shape together with the barrier 6.

[0106] In particular, the barrier is at least as long as the striker 4 is wide and/or a maximum of twice as long as the striker 4 is wide.

[0107] In one embodiment, only one barrier 6 is intended, wherein an especially simple mechanism can be attained.

[0108] In particular, the locking mechanism is designed such that the pawl 2 during overload and submersion of the striker 4 despite pivoting of the catch 1 remains or is held in its position, e.g. by a holding means so that the catch 1 ratchets again with the pawl 2 during pivoting back.

[0109] Alternatively, joint rotation of the pawl 2 with the catch 1 pivoting as a result of submersion of the striker 4 can be intended with maintenance of the ratcheting.

[0110] Hereafter, an opening process and a closure process and submersion during a pedestrian accident is described as an example hereafter.

[0111] Normally, a triggering lever is provided for on the motor vehicle chassis which can be triggered by means of a Bowden cable or similar which is covered by the motor bonnet, which can detach the pawl from the ratcheted position with the catch located in the main ratchet position.

[0112] During operation of the triggering lever for opening of the locking device and thus the motor bonnet the striker 4 which is preferably attached on the underside of the motor bonnet is released. In addition, the motor bonnet or the striker is displaced by an opening spring from the triggered locking mechanism in the direction of the open position. This opening movement is initially limited by the securing stop 11 of the catch hook 3.

[0113] The user can now reach under the motor bonnet with the flat hand in order to operate a pivoting lever for the catch hook 3 which pivots the catch hook 3 against the catch hook spring force in a clockwise direction so that the striker 4 is no longer limited by the securing stop 11 in the movement track 5, at least as long as the catch hook 3 remains pivoted against the catch hook spring force.

[0114] The opening spring presses the striker 4 only slightly in the direction of the intended open position, straight enough so that after release of the catch hook 3 the striker 4 is hindered by the external bevel 13 of the catch hook 3 back into the securing position defined by the securing stop 11.

[0115] The user can now lift the motor bonnet automatically to the intended open position or the lifting occurs automatically. In particular, the intended open position is defined by a stopper or holding mechanism which enables the user sufficient space for convenient access and simple inspection of the motor.

[0116] To close, the user will detach the holding mechanism in the intended open position and the motor bonnet will either fall itself due to gravity in the direction of the motor vehicle chassis and/or also regain a commutated force by the user.

[0117] As FIG. 1 shows, the striker 4 impacts on the upper bevel 13 during falling or pivoting of the motor bonnet and continues its closure movement along the movement track 5 with displacement of the catch hook 3 in the clockwise direction.

[0118] As FIG. 2 shows, the striker 4 impacts on the accommodation bevel 18 by means of the pivoted position of the catch hook 3 and continues its closure movement along the movement track 5 with displacement of the catch hook 3 in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0119] As FIG. 3 shows, the catch hook 3 assumes a defined position when it passes the constriction 7 by means of the striker 4.

[0120] FIG. 4 shows the case of a striker 4 with an excessive closure speed. Because the striker 4 reaches the barrier 6 before the catch hook 3 could pivot into the end position by the catch hook spring in an anti-clockwise direction.

[0121] With the stoppage against the barrier 6 the locking mechanism ratchets analogously to FIG. 7. The catch hook 3 can thus continue its pivoting movement into the end position until the striker stops laterally against the second lateral wall 9 of the inlet slot, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0122] However, FIG. 5 also relates to the embodiment in which a striker 4 at normal closure speed, i.e. no excessive closure speed, reaches the locking mechanism more slowly or simultaneously with the pivoting of the catch hook 3 into the end position and ratchets in the intended closure position by the locking mechanism there.

[0123] In both cases, i.e. with and without excessive closure speed, the locking device is thus located in the end position which enables submersion in the case of overload.

[0124] In the case of a pedestrian collision, therefore, in both cases equally the striker will overcome and submerge the force of the opening spring and catch spring as a result of overload. The submersion can occur as a maximum to the submersion stop on the stop position. However, this submersion path is generally sufficient to reduce the severity of injury of the pedestrian as a result of the accident by submersion of the striker 4.

[0125] In particular, the depression 12 is molded in parallel or mirror-symmetrically to the movement track 5 in the end position of the locking device or a path between the catch hook axis 17 and the securing stop 11 during stoppage of the striker 4 against the barrier 6.

[0126] In particular, a straight line formed by the movement track 5 runs in the end position by the catch hook axis 17.