Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock with a latch (4) and at least one locking pawl (5), wherein a release arrangement (11) is provided by which the locking pawl (5) can be moved into the lifted position in a release movement, wherein a locking aid arrangement (12) with a latch lever (13) is provided, which can be brought into engagement with the latch (4) starting from a rest position of the locking aid arrangement (12), wherein the latch (4) can be adjusted in its closing direction, in particular from a pre-locking position to the main locking position, via the engaged latch lever (13) in a locking aid operation, wherein the locking aid arrangement (12) has a release element (16) which releases the engagement between the locking aid arrangement (12) and the latch (4) with a release movement effected by the release movement.It is proposed that the release element (16) in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement (12) is decoupled from the release movement of the release arrangement (11) and that the effecting of the release movement via the release movement is only made possible in the closing aid process.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] The motor vehicle lock in question is used for all types of locking elements on a motor vehicle. This includes, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, and the like. These locking elements can generally be designed as hinged or sliding doors.

[0003] The known prior art (DE 38 36 771 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a motor vehicle lock as a component of a motor vehicle lock assembly, which, in addition to the motor vehicle lock, also includes a locking element with which the latch of the motor vehicle lock can be engaged in a holding position. The motor vehicle lock assembly is associated with a motor vehicle door, which is adjustably coupled to a motor vehicle body. For the purpose of increasing convenience, the known motor vehicle lock is equipped with a locking aid assembly comprising a latch lever by means of which the latch can be adjusted in its closing direction during a locking aid operation.For example, the closing assistance process moves from a pre-closing position to a main closing position of the lock latch, so that the final section of a closing movement of the motor vehicle door, which has to be accomplished against the inner door seal pressure, is motor-assisted.

[0004] In the prior art (DE 38 36 771 A1), the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch can be released via a manually operated lever, so that even if the auxiliary locking drive is blocked, the vehicle lock can still be opened. Furthermore, if an object becomes trapped in the door gap during the auxiliary locking process, the force exerted by the auxiliary locking drive can be quickly neutralized by manual operation. For this purpose, the auxiliary locking device includes a release element which, with a release movement effected by the operating lever, releases the engagement between the lock latch lever and the lock latch. The release element is always coupled to the operating lever.

[0005] One challenge is that interrupting the closing assist process by releasing the engagement between the latch lever and the latch can require considerable force. At the same time, the operating forces and noise generated when disengaging the locking pawl should be reduced to improve ease of use and minimize the demands placed on the opening mechanism.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing the known motor vehicle lock in such a way that further optimization is achieved with regard to the aforementioned challenge.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] The fundamental insight is that moving the locking aid assembly, and in particular the release element, during the manual release movement (e.g., via an operating lever) to disengage the locking pawl can lead to increased operating forces and additional noise. The invention is based on the idea of ​​allowing the release element to move only when a locking aid operation is taking place. Therefore, disengaging the locking pawl can occur without moving the release element when the locking aid assembly is inactive.

[0009] Specifically, it is proposed that the release element in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement is decoupled from the release movement of the release arrangement and that the effecting of the release movement via the release movement is only made possible during the closing aid process.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the release element is in a free-running position in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement, thereby achieving a particularly simple decoupling between the release arrangement and the release element and preventing unwanted activation of the release element.

[0011] According to claim 4, an actuating lever for manual lifting and / or an electric opening drive for motorized lifting of the locking pawl is provided. In the further embodiment according to claim 5, both actuation paths for lifting can be connected to the locking pawl by means of a release lever, which can also act on the release element. Thus, interrupting the closing assist process is implemented in a safe and structurally simple manner for both actuation paths.

[0012] Claim 6 relates to a preferred embodiment of the locking aid arrangement with a locking aid lever coupled to the latch lever, whereby the application of the locking aid force to the latch can be effected, in particular, via a toggle lever mechanism. The curve of the locking aid force can thus be adapted to the requirements of the locking movement of the latch.

[0013] Preferably, a connecting lever of the locking aid assembly can be provided, which is arranged between the locking aid lever and the latch lever (claims 7 to 10). The actuating forces for releasing the engagement can therefore be adjusted via the design of the connecting lever and the prevailing leverage ratios. This also makes it possible to ensure that the release element initially pivots against a release direction towards the latch during the release movement, so that the engagement is released in a rolling motion along the latch. Consequently, a further measure for reducing the actuating forces is enabled.

[0014] Claims 11 and 12 specify advantageous embodiments relating to guiding the locking aid arrangement via a housing-side guide contour or via a cam that is formed over the release element, whereby the movement sequence of the lock latch lever during initiation and release of the engagement with the lock latch is ensured in a particularly safe manner.

[0015] Also of interest is the embodiment according to claim 13, wherein the release element in the rest position of the locking aid arrangement is held in the free-running position by means of the lock latch lever and thus outside the range of motion of the release movement. The proposed functionality of the locking aid arrangement can be implemented via an additional action of the lock latch lever. In particular, the cam of the release element according to claim 14 serves, on the one hand, to guide the lock latch lever during the locking aid process and, on the other hand, to hold the free-running position via the lock latch lever.

[0016] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 15, which has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock is claimed. It is essential that the release element in the rest position of the locking aid is decoupled from the release movement of the release mechanism and that the release movement is only initiated via the release movement during the locking aid process. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed motor vehicle lock.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1. A motor vehicle door with a), b) a proposed motor vehicle lock in perspective drawings, Fig. 2. the vehicle lock Fig. 1 in side views a) in an open state, b) in a partially closed state, Fig. 3. The motor vehicle lock in side views: a) upon reaching the main locking state during the assisted locking process; b) upon interruption of the assisted locking process. Fig. 4 the motor vehicle lock in the main locked state in a side view and Fig. 5. A further embodiment of the motor vehicle lock in side views a) in the open state, b) in the pre-closing state, c) in the main closing state and d) when the closing assistance process is interrupted.

[0018] The embodiment shown in the figures, and thus the preferred embodiment, relates to a motor vehicle lock 1 for a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle 3. With regard to the design of the locking element 2, reference may be made to the introductory descriptions, whereby in the present case in Fig. 1. The operating principle of the motor vehicle lock 1 for a locking element 2 designed as a side door is shown. However, all explanations also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 3. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows a first design of the motor vehicle lock 1 as well as Fig. 5. A further embodiment of the motor vehicle lock 1 in respective side views in various states, which will be explained later, whereby not all of the in Fig. The components of the motor vehicle lock shown in section 1 are shown.

[0019] The motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with a latch 4 and at least one locking pawl 5. The latch 4 is in at least one locked position, here and preferably a main locked position ( Fig. 3a), Fig. 4; Fig. 5c)) and, if necessary, a preliminary closing position ( Fig. 2b); Fig. 5b)), for the holding intervention with a locking part 6 and into an open position ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2a); Fig. 5a)) adjustable for releasing the locking element 6, here and preferably by pivoting about a geometric lock latch axis 7. The locking element 6 can be a locking bar, a locking bolt or the like. As in particular in Fig. 2a) As can be seen, when the lock latch 4 is in the open position, the locking element 6 can be inserted into a locking element receptacle 8 of the lock latch 4. Here, and preferably, the vehicle lock 1 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking element 6 is fixed to the vehicle body 3, although a reverse arrangement is conceivable.

[0020] The locking pawl 5, which interacts with the lock latch 4, is in an inset state ( Fig. 2b), Fig. 3a), Fig. 4; Fig. 5b), Fig. 5c), 5d)) and a lifting state ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2a), Fig. 3b); Fig. 5a)) can be brought into position. In its engaged state, the locking pawl 5 locks the latch 4, which is in the closed position, against movement in its opening direction. The closed positions can be reached from the open position by pivoting the latch 4 in a closing direction, allowing the locking pawl 5 to engage in a locking action at a main detent 9 (main closed position) or a pre-detent 10 (pre-locked position) of the latch 4. In its disengaged state, the locking pawl 5 releases the latch 4 in its opening direction, so that the latch 4 can, for example, be spring-loaded and / or moved into the open position by extending the locking element 6.

[0021] A release mechanism 11 is provided, by which the locking pawl 5 can be moved into the lifted position in a release movement. The release mechanism 11 comprises components whose adjustment during the release movement causes the locking pawl 5 to lift. The release movement of the components causes the locking pawl 5 to move into the lifted position, preferably by pivoting it. The release of the latch 4 when the locking pawl 5 is lifted is, for example, Fig. 3b) shown. In principle, the locking pawl 5 can also be part of a locking pawl system consisting of two or more sequentially arranged locking pawls and assigned to the lock latch 4, wherein the release arrangement 11 acts on the locking pawl system to release the lock latch 4.

[0022] A locking aid 12 with a lock latch lever 13 is provided, which, starting from a rest position of the locking aid 12, can be brought into engagement with the lock latch 4. Fig. 2a), Fig. 4; Fig. 5a) show the locking aid assembly 12 in the rest position, with the latch lever 13 disengaged from the latch 4. By initiating a locking aid process, in which the locking aid assembly 12 is moved from the rest position by a motor, the latch lever 13 is brought into engagement with the latch 4, thereby causing direct mechanical contact between the latch lever 13 and an engagement surface 14 of the latch 4 ( Fig. 3a); Fig. 5b), Fig. 5c)). The engagement surface 14 is provided here, and preferably circumferentially, on the lock latch 4. The lock latch 4 is adjustable in its closing direction via the engaged lock latch lever 13 during the assisted closing process, here and preferably from the pre-locking position to the main locking position.

[0023] In particular, to perform the assisted locking process, the vehicle lock 1 can be coupled to an assisted locking drive 15, which is preferably designed separately from the vehicle lock 1. The assisted locking drive 15 can form a vehicle lock assembly 1 with the vehicle lock 1. Alternatively, the assisted locking drive 15 can be integrated into the vehicle lock 1.

[0024] The auxiliary locking drive 15 provides a drive movement and is preferably designed as an electromechanical auxiliary locking drive 15. In its mounted state, the vehicle lock 1 can be coupled to the auxiliary locking drive 15 via a Bowden cable. The drive movement of the auxiliary locking drive 15 causes an adjustment of the auxiliary locking assembly 12 of the vehicle lock 1, thereby transmitting an auxiliary locking force to the lock latch 4 via the latch lever 13. The lock latch 4 is thus moved in its closing direction, which in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 a pivoting of the lock latch 4 clockwise and in Fig. 5 corresponds to a pivoting of the lock latch 4 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0025] The locking aid 12 has a release element 16 which, by means of a release movement effected by the triggering movement, disengages the engagement between the lock latch lever 13 and the lock latch 4. In this context, the release movement means that the release element 16 performs a movement due to the triggering movement, which is directed towards disengaging the engagement between the lock latch lever 13 and the lock latch 4. A component moved during the triggering movement is preferably brought into mechanical contact with the release element 16, so that the release element is moved along with the triggering movement.

[0026] Accordingly, an actuation that serves to move the locking pawl 5 into the lifted position can additionally release the closing aid assembly 12 from the lock latch 4. Consequently, the closing aid process can be interrupted by the actuation, which is particularly useful in the following situations: Fig. 3b) and Fig. 5d). Furthermore, when the lock latch lever 13 is engaged, the lock latch 4 may be prevented from pivoting into the open position by the lock latch lever 13 (see Figure 5d). Fig. 3a)). In particular, in the event of a malfunction of the locking auxiliary drive 15, there is a risk of the lock latch 4 becoming jammed, so that in order to open the motor vehicle lock 1 the lock latch 4 can be released by means of the release element 16 from the lock latch lever 13.

[0027] It is essential that the release element 16 is decoupled from the release movement of the release movement 11 in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement 12 and that the effecting of the release movement via the release movement is only made possible in the closing aid process.

[0028] By decoupling the release element 16 from the release movement, the release movement preferably does not cause any adjustment of the release element 16, so that the locking aid assembly 12 remains unaffected by the release movement in its rest position. Accordingly, it is not necessary for an actuation for the release movement to also move parts of the locking aid assembly 12, and in particular the release element 16. However, during the locking aid operation, preferably when the engagement between the lock latch lever 13 and the lock latch 4 is generated, the release movement can still be triggered by the release movement, thus providing the aforementioned functionality for releasing the engagement and, in particular, for interrupting the locking aid operation.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that the release element 16 is in a free-running position in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement 12, in which the release movement of the release arrangement 11 represents an idle stroke relative to the release element 16, and that the release element 16 assumes an active position in the closing aid process, in which the release element 16 is located in the movement range of at least one component moved with the release movement in order to execute the release movement.

[0030] In the drawing and according to a preferred embodiment, a component of the release arrangement 11 has a drive contour 17 which is moved during the release movement and can be brought into direct mechanical contact with the release element 16 to translate the release movement into the release movement. In the free-running position of the release element 16, for example in Fig. 4, however, the triggering movement results in an idle stroke of the drive contour 17. With the triggering movement, in Fig. 4. The drive contour 17 pivots, here counterclockwise, about the geometric release lever axis 18 and passes the release element 16. Only with the closing assistance process does the release element 16 assume the active position and is located in the movement range of the drive contour 17, so that the drive contour 17, under the release movement, adjusts the release element 16 to execute the release movement, which, for example, corresponds to the sequence of Fig. 3a) on Fig. 3b) can be seen.

[0031] In its design Fig. In Figure 5, the drive contour 17 is shown only schematically and, by way of example, undergoes a linear or rotational movement in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the drawing during the release movement. Here, too, the release element 16 is in the free-running position with the rest position of the closing aid arrangement 12, so that the release movement does not result in the release element 16 being driven along the drive contour 17. Fig. 5a)). The Fig. 5b), c) show, on the other hand, the active position of the release element 16, whereby the release movement brings the drive contour 17 into contact with the release element 16, so that the engagement between lock latch lever 13 and lock latch 4 is released ( Fig. 5d)).

[0032] The release element 16 is here equipped according to an embodiment with a release lever 19 and a transmission lever 20 pivotably arranged on the release lever 19, wherein the release lever 19 interacts with the lock latch lever 13 and the transmission lever 20 interacts with the drive contour 17.

[0033] Here, and preferably, the release element 16 is pivotably mounted about a geometric release element axis 21, in particular pivotably between the free-running position and the active position. The free-running position and the active position are accordingly implemented via different angular positions relative to the release element axis 21. In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the release lever 19 is provided to be pivotable about the release element axis 21.

[0034] The release movement can be executed in various ways. Here, and preferably, an actuating lever 22 is provided, which causes the release movement with an actuating stroke. The actuating lever 22 is designed for coupling with a control element such as a door handle 23 and serves for the manual actuation of the vehicle lock 1. In the mounted state of the vehicle lock 1, the actuating lever 22 is mechanically connected, for example, to an interior door handle, an exterior door handle, and / or an emergency release element via a connecting element, such as a Bowden cable or a linkage. An actuating force manually applied to the control element can be transmitted to the actuating lever 22, causing the actuating lever 22 to execute an actuating stroke. During the actuating stroke, the actuating lever 22 can be manually pivoted from an unactuated position to an actuated position about a geometric actuating lever axis 24.The actuation stroke can trigger the release movement, so that the locking pawl 5 is manually lifted.

[0035] Here, and preferably, an electric opening drive 25 is provided ( Fig. 1b)), which causes the release movement by means of a drive process. For example, a door handle 23 of the locking element 2 is equipped with a sensor such as a push button, which detects when the door handle 23 is actuated. The opening drive 25 can then be controlled to cause the locking latch 5 to be motorized and lifted. In the drive process, the output movement of an electric drive motor 26 of the opening drive 25 is converted into the release movement. A control arrangement 27 is provided for controlling the opening drive 25, which is located in Fig. 1 is configured as a door control unit according to a preferred embodiment. The control arrangement 27 can also be integrated into a lock housing 28 of the motor vehicle lock 1. The control arrangement 27 can further control the auxiliary locking drive 15.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the actuating lever 22 and / or the electric opening drive 25 act(s) on the locking pawl 5 by means of a release lever 29 during the release movement, and that the release lever 29 adjusts the release element 16 to perform the release movement during the closing assistance process.

[0037] Here, and preferably, the actuating lever 22 has an actuating element 30 which can be brought into contact with the release lever 29 during the actuating stroke in order to pivot the release lever 29. The release lever 29 is designed to pivot about the geometric release lever axis 18.

[0038] The release lever 29 is preferably rotationally fixed to a gear element of a gearbox 31 of the opening drive 25. The gearbox 31 preferably provides a transmission ratio from a rotary output movement of the drive motor 26 to an output movement of the gearbox 31, which is provided here via the rotationally fixed connection to the release lever 29. The gearbox 31 can be single-stage or multi-stage. Preferably, the gearbox 31 is designed to be non-self-locking, so that movement of the release lever 29 via the actuating lever 22 can occur with a return action of the drive motor 26.

[0039] Adjusting the release element 16 by means of the release lever 29 ensures that the interruption of the closing assistance process can occur regardless of the type of actuation, and in particular both with motorized and manual actuation. The aforementioned engagement contour 17 can be formed by the release lever 29. In alternative embodiments, the engagement contour 17 can be provided on another component of the release assembly 11 or on the locking pawl 5.

[0040] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the closing aid arrangement 12 has a closing aid lever 32 with which the lock latch lever 13 is coupled, and that the closing aid lever 32 brings the lock latch lever 13 into engagement with the lock latch 4 during the closing aid process, preferably that the release element 16 acts with the release movement during the closing aid process to release the engagement with the lock latch lever 13.

[0041] The locking lever 32 is pivotably designed about a locking lever axis 33 and preferably has a Bowden cable connection for the locking drive 15. Preferably, the locking arrangement 12 has a toggle lever mechanism formed by the locking lever 32 and the latch lever 13. In particular, the pivot axis of the latch lever 13 forms a toggle joint. In an embodiment not shown, the locking lever 32 can also be mounted on the same axis as the latch 4.

[0042] Preferably, the release element 16, in conjunction with the triggering movement during the assisted closing process, releases the engagement on the lock latch lever 13. This allows the release of the engagement to occur, in particular, without influencing the assisted closing lever 32 and consequently independently of the assisted closing drive 15. Most preferably, the release element 16 adjusts the lock latch lever 13 via direct mechanical contact.

[0043] The lock latch lever 13 can be pivotally coupled to the locking aid lever 32. Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the lock latch lever 13 is mounted on the auxiliary locking lever 32 via a pivot joint 34. In the embodiment from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 The lock latch lever 13 is mounted on a connecting lever 36 via a pivot joint 35, which is pivotally connected to the locking auxiliary lever 32, here and preferably via a mounting on the locking auxiliary lever 32 via a pivot joint 37. The mounting of the lock latch lever 13 defines a geometric lock latch lever axis for the lock latch lever 13.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the release element 16 pivots the lock latch lever 13 about the pivot joint 35 in the direction of engagement with the lock latch 4 during the release movement in the closing assistance process, and that the lock latch lever 13 adjusts the connecting lever 36 in such a way that the engagement with the lock latch 4 is released.

[0045] Accordingly, the lock latch lever 13 is initially pivoted (contrary to a release direction) about the lock latch lever axis 4 in the direction of engagement with the lock latch 4. The initial direction corresponds to the direction of rotation in which the lock latch lever 13 is pivoted when the locking assistance process is initiated, and which is clockwise. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 corresponds. The engagement can nevertheless be released by adjusting the connecting lever 36, here by pivoting the connecting lever 36 about the swivel joint 37, since this also involves adjusting the lock latch lever axis 4 relative to the lock latch 4 (see the sequence of Fig. 3a) on Fig. 3b)).

[0046] The connecting lever 36 can reduce the actuating forces required to release the engagement. Preferably, the connecting lever 36 provides a transmission ratio i between the adjustment of the release element 16 and the adjustment of the lock latch lever 13 of i > 1, in particular i > 1.5, and more preferably i > 2.0. The transmission ratio i preferably corresponds to the ratio between the force exerted on the lock latch lever 13 by means of the release element 16 during the release movement and the force thereby exerted on the connecting lever 36 via the lock latch lever 13 in at least one, preferably all, positions during the locking operation.

[0047] Preferably, the locking latch lever 13, when pivoting, adjusts the connecting lever 36 via a driver 38. The point of application of the release element 16 on the locking latch lever 13 is further away from the locking latch lever axis than the point of application on the driver 38, so that the above transmission ratio is achieved.

[0048] The driver 38 can, in a preferred dual function, further be designed as a spring suspension. The lock latch lever 13 is thereby, for example, spring-loaded relative to the connecting lever 36 in the opposite direction to the engagement with the lock latch 4. In the illustration from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Furthermore, the release element 16 is spring-loaded towards the lock latch lever 13. The release element 16 can be mounted coaxially with the locking auxiliary lever 32.

[0049] In particular, the described configuration of the locking aid arrangement 12 with a connecting lever 36 can cause the lock latch lever 13 to undergo a rolling movement during the release movement at the engagement with the lock latch 4. It is particularly preferred that the release movement transforms the engagement between the lock latch lever 13 and the lock latch 4 into a pushing motion in the release direction or increases an existing pushing motion in the release direction.

[0050] The engagement between the latch lever 13 and the latch 4 can be designed during the locking process such that the latch lever 13 is self-locking against the engagement surface 14. This can be achieved by the latch lever 13 being forced against the engagement surface 14 in the opposite direction to the release direction by the force transmission, for example, by providing an undercut on the engagement surface 14. Converting the engagement between the latch lever 13 and the latch 4 into a force in the release direction means that the release movement of the release element 16 transforms the engagement between the latch lever 13 and the latch 4 such that the release element 16 is forced out of engagement, which is preferably implemented via the aforementioned rolling movement.

[0051] The lock latch lever 13 can also remain essentially without torque at the engagement surface 14 due to the force transmission during the closing assistance process, or it can experience a push in the release direction which, due to friction effects, does not lead to the lock latch lever 13 pivoting outwards. This push in the release direction can be increased with the release movement in order to further reduce the actuating forces.

[0052] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the closing aid arrangement 12, in particular the lock latch lever 13, can be brought from its rest position into engagement with the lock latch 4 during the closing aid process by means of contact with a guide contour 39. It is particularly preferred that the guide contour 39 is arranged on the housing side, which in the embodiment according to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 is shown.

[0053] Via the guide contour 39, when the locking aid lever 32 is pivoted about the locking aid lever axis 33, the lock latch lever 13 is pivoted about the pivot joint 35 in the opposite direction to the release direction and brought into engagement with the lock latch 4. In the embodiment from the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 The closing aid lever 32, driven by the closing aid drive 15, presses the lock latch lever 13 against the guide contour 39.

[0054] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the closing aid arrangement 12, in particular the lock latch lever 13, is guided in the closing aid process via a cam 40, which in particular forms the guide contour 39, preferably that the cam 40 is formed by the release element 16.

[0055] The cam 40 can be used to implement a double-sided guide for the lock latch lever 13, as exemplified in Fig. Figure 5 shows the cam 40 and the guide contour 39, which is part of the cam 40, are formed by a recess in the release element 16, in which a pin 41 of the lock latch lever 13 is guided. Here, the lock latch lever 13 is spring-loaded in the opposite direction to the release. Upon leaving the rest position from Fig. 5a) the lock latch lever 13 engages the lock latch 4 according to Fig. 5b). The cam 40 then has a concentric profile around the lock latch axis 7 in the active position, so that when the locking aid lever 32 is pivoted, the lock latch lever 13 remains engaged with the lock latch 4 until the main detent position 9 of the lock latch 4 is reached ( Fig. 5c)). The cam 40 also serves to release the engagement, whereby the release movement of the release element 16 pivots the lock latch lever 13 out of engagement ( Fig. 5d)).

[0056] Here, it is preferably provided that the release element 16 is spring-loaded in the direction of the active position. However, the lock latch lever 13 holds the release element 16 in the rest position of the locking aid arrangement 12 against the spring load in the free-running position. In the illustration from Fig. 5a) The lock latch lever 13 applies a counterclockwise force to the release element 16, so that the release element 16 remains in the free-running position. The lock latch lever 13 releases the release element 16 to assume the active position during the closing assistance process. Fig. 5b) the active position is assumed by the release element 16 due to the spring load.

[0057] Preferably, the lock latch lever 13, when the locking aid assembly 12 is in its rest position, can be pivoted by contact with a housing-side stop 42 in order to hold the release element 16 in the free-running position. The stop 42 pivots when the rest position is reached, approximately from Fig. 5d) on Fig. 5a), the lock latch lever 13 clockwise. Through the interaction between the lock latch lever 13 and the release element 16, the release element 16 is moved into the Fig. 5a) shown freewheel position brought.

[0058] Preferably, this interaction is based on the aforementioned cam 40. The lock latch lever 13 can hold the release element 16 in the free-running position in the rest position of the locking aid arrangement 12 via the cam 40.

[0059] The release mechanism 11 can include the release lever 29 mentioned above, which can act directly on the pawl 5 via direct mechanical contact or indirectly via other elements. In a preferred embodiment, the pawl 5 is pivotably mounted on a pivotable pawl lever 43, which can be moved from a normal position ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3a), Fig. 4; Fig. 5a), Fig. 5b), Fig. 5c)), in which the locking pawl 5 can be moved into the inset position, by means of the release lever 29 into a deflected position ( Fig. 3b); Fig. 5d)), in which the pawl 5 is moved into the lifted position. The pawl lever 43 is designed to pivot about a geometric pawl lever axis 44.

[0060] Preferably, the pawl lever 43 and the pawl 5 are provided to form a toggle lever mechanism, which is described in more detail in Fig. 4 is marked above the lines. The pivotable mounting of the locking pawl 5 on the locking pawl lever 43 constitutes the first toggle joint of the toggle lever mechanism. The release lever 29, with its opening movement, causes the toggle lever mechanism to buckle, moving the locking pawl 5 into the lifted position.

[0061] The release lever 29, or an intermediate lever 45 adjusted by means of the release lever 29, preferably engages the toggle joint of the toggle lever mechanism during the opening movement. The intermediate lever 45 can form a second toggle lever mechanism with a pivotally mounted coupling lever 46, which folds during the opening movement (see Figure 1). Fig. 3b)). The coupling lever 46 and the intermediate lever 45 are connected to each other via a second knee joint, wherein a coupling arrangement is preferably arranged at the second knee joint, which interacts with the release lever 29.

[0062] The release lever 29 can be used to not only lift the locking pawl 5, but also to lock the locking pawl 5 against buckling of the toggle lever mechanism caused by a load on the lock latch 4.

[0063] Intermediate lever 45, coupling lever 46 and release lever 29 are in Fig. 5 not shown, but can be implemented in the same way for this design.

[0064] The toggle lever mechanism achieves particularly low operating forces, since the toggle lever mechanism can be used to disengage the locking pawl 5, especially with the support of a load on the latch 4. At the same time, low operating forces are required to release the engagement of the latch lever 13, so the proposed solution is optimally complemented by the design of the release arrangement 11.

[0065] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock 1 with a latch 4 and at least one pawl 5 is proposed, wherein the latch 4 is adjustable to at least a main closed position for holding engagement with a locking element 6 and to an open position for releasing the locking element 6, wherein the pawl 5, in an engaged state, locks the latch 4 in the closed position against movement in its opening direction and, in a lifted state, releases it, wherein a release mechanism 11 is provided by which the pawl 5 can be moved into the lifted state in a release movement, wherein a locking aid 12 with a latch lever 13 is provided, which, starting from a rest position of the locking aid 12, can be brought into engagement with the latch 4.wherein the latch 4 is adjustable in its closing direction, in particular from a pre-locking position to the main locking position, via the engaged latch lever 13 in a closing assistance operation, wherein the closing assistance arrangement 12 has a release element 16 which releases the engagement between the closing assistance arrangement 12 and the latch 4 with a release movement effected by the trigger movement.

[0066] Essential to this further teaching is that the release element 16 is decoupled from the release movement of the release movement 11 in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement 12 and that the effecting of the release movement via the release movement is only made possible in the closing aid process. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 38 36 771 A1 [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle lock with a latch (4) and at least one locking pawl (5), wherein the latch (4) is adjustable to at least a main locking position for holding engagement with a locking part (6) and to an open position for releasing the locking part (6), wherein the locking pawl (5) in an engaged position locks the latch (4) in the locked position against being moved in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted position, wherein a release mechanism (11) is provided by which the locking pawl (5) can be moved into the lifted position in a release movement, wherein a locking aid mechanism (12) with a lock latch lever (13) is provided which, starting from a rest position of the locking aid mechanism (12), can be brought into engagement with the lock latch (4), wherein the lock latch (4) can be adjusted in its closing direction, in particular from a pre-locking position to the main locking position, via the engaged lock latch lever (13) in a locking aid operation, wherein the locking aid arrangement (12) has a release element (16) which releases the engagement between the lock latch lever (13) and the lock latch (4) by means of a release movement effected by the release movement, characterized by , that the release element (16) is decoupled from the release movement of the release movement (11) in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement (12) and that the effecting of the release movement via the release movement is only made possible in the closing aid process. [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized by , that the release element (16) is in a free-running position in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement (12), in which the release movement of the release arrangement (11) represents an idle stroke relative to the release element (16), and that the release element (16) assumes an active position in the closing aid process, in which the release element (16) is located in the movement range of at least one component moved with the release movement in order to execute the release movement. [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the release element (16) is pivotable about a geometric release element axis (21), in particular pivotable between the free-running position and the active position. [4] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an actuating lever (22) is provided which causes the release movement with an actuating stroke, and / or that an electric opening drive (25) is provided which causes the release movement with a drive operation. [5] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized by , that the actuating lever (22) and / or the electric opening drive (25) act(s) on the locking pawl (5) by means of a release lever (29) during the release movement, and that the release lever (29) adjusts the release element (16) to perform the release movement during the closing assistance process. [6] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the closing aid arrangement (12) has a closing aid lever (32) with which the lock latch lever (13) is coupled, and that the closing aid lever (32) brings the lock latch lever (13) into engagement with the lock latch (4) during the closing aid process, preferably that the release element (16) acts with the release movement during the closing aid process to release the engagement with the lock latch lever (13). [7] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 6, characterized by , that the lock latch lever (13) is pivotally coupled to the locking aid lever (32), preferably that the lock latch lever (13) is mounted via a pivot joint (35) on a connecting lever (36) which is pivotally connected to the locking aid lever (32). [8] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized by, that the release element (16) pivots the lock latch lever (13) around the pivot joint (35) against a release direction into engagement with the lock latch (4) during the release movement in the closing aid process, and that the lock latch lever (13) adjusts the connecting lever (36) in such a way that the engagement with the lock latch (4) is released. [9] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the connecting lever (36) effects a transmission ratio i between the adjustment of the release element (16) and the adjustment of the lock latch lever (13) of i > 1, in particular / > 1.5, preferably that the lock latch lever (13) adjusts the connecting lever (36) via a driver (38) when pivoting, which is further preferably designed as a spring suspension. [10] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by, that the release movement transforms the engagement between lock latch lever (13) and lock latch (4) into a pushing in the release direction or increases a pushing in the release direction. [11] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the closing aid arrangement (12), in particular the lock latch lever (13), can be brought into engagement with the lock latch (4) from the rest position via contact with a guide contour (39) during the closing aid process, preferably that the guide contour (39) is arranged on the housing side. [12] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the closing aid arrangement (12), in particular the lock latch lever (13), is guided in the closing aid process via a cam (40) which in particular forms the guide contour (39), preferably that the cam (40) is formed by the release element (16). [13] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized by , that the release element (16) is spring-loaded in the direction of the active position, that the lock latch lever (13) holds the release element (16) in the free-running position in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement (12), and that the lock latch lever (13) releases the release element (16) from entering the active position during the closing aid process, preferably that the lock latch lever (13) is pivotable by contact with a housing-side stop (42) when the closing aid arrangement (12) enters the rest position in order to hold the release element (16) in the free-running position. [14] Motor vehicle lock according to claims 12 and 13, characterized by , that the lock latch lever (13) holds the release element (16) in the rest position of the locking aid arrangement (12) via the cam (40) in the free-running position. [15] Method for operating a motor vehicle lock (1) with a lock latch (4) and at least one locking pawl (5), wherein the lock latch (4) is adjustable at least into a main locking position for holding engagement with a locking part (6) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (6), wherein the locking pawl (5) in an engaged position locks the lock latch (4) in the locked position against being moved in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted position, wherein a release mechanism (11) is provided by which the locking pawl (5) can be moved into the lifted position in a release movement, wherein a locking aid mechanism (12) with a lock latch lever (13) is provided which, starting from a rest position of the locking aid mechanism (12), can be brought into engagement with the lock latch (4), wherein the lock latch (4) can be adjusted in its closing direction, in particular from a pre-locking position to the main locking position, via the engaged lock latch lever (13) in a locking aid operation, wherein the locking aid arrangement (12) has a release element (16) which releases the engagement between the lock latch lever (13) and the lock latch (4) by means of a release movement effected by the release movement, characterized by , that the release element (16) is decoupled from the release movement of the release movement (11) in the rest position of the closing aid arrangement (12) and that the effecting of the release movement via the release movement is only made possible in the closing aid process.

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