Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1, 23), comprising: a locking mechanism (2, 24) having a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 25), wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch (3) can be locked in at least one latching position by means of the pawl (4, 25); a closing device (11, 29), wherein the locking mechanism (2, 24) can be transferred from a pre-latching position to a main latching position by means of the closing device (11, 29); an opening device, wherein a door element can be transferred from a closed position to an open position by means of the opening device; and a drive unit, wherein unlocking of the locking mechanism (2, 24) can be enabled by means of the drive unit, and wherein selective closing or opening of the door element can be enabled by means of at least one movement of part of the locking mechanism (2, 24).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Power vehicle lock

[0003] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch can be locked by means of the pawl in at least one locking position, a closing device, wherein by means of the closing device the locking mechanism can be transferred from a pre-locking position into a main locking position, an opening device, wherein by means of the setting device a door element can be transferred from a closed position into an open position, and a drive unit, wherein by means of the drive unit an unlocking of the locking mechanism is possible.

[0004] In order to increase comfort in a motor vehicle and to make it as easy to operate as possible, more and more convenience functions are being integrated into motor vehicles. For example, it is common for motor vehicle doors, tailgates or hoods to be closed by means of a closing device and / or opened by means of an actuating device. This can be justified on the one hand by the fact that the door should be easy to close and / or open, and on the other hand, an outside door handle can be dispensed with in order to achieve a corresponding design on the vehicle. Closing devices are often used, preferably in fully automatic tailgates. These tailgates can then be operated, for example, without manual operation of the tailgate itself, for example using just a radio remote control.Locking systems equipped with a closing device are generally used on all conceivable doors, flaps, etc. on a motor vehicle. Thus, not only side doors, but also trunk lids, tailgates, or hoods are conceivable and are encompassed within the scope of the invention. With the aid of the closing device, the affected door or vehicle door can be moved from the aforementioned pre-locking position to a main locking position against the resistance primarily of a seal.

[0005] In DE 20 2008 015 089 U1, a transmission lever is provided that is mounted on the same axis as the axis of a rotary latch of the locking mechanism. Additionally, a drive pawl is mounted on a transmission element. The drive pawl, in turn, is connected to the drive via a Bowden cable or other connecting means.

[0006] In addition to the aid of a closing drive for locking systems in motor vehicles, actuating devices have become known. Actuating devices, also called exhibitors, presenters or dividers, are preferably used to move the component movably arranged on the motor vehicle into an open position so that the operator is able to grasp the movable component and open it completely. The actuating devices work together with electrically unlockable locking systems so that after the locking mechanism has been electrically unlocked or opened, the movable component can be raised. If the locking mechanism is open, a motor vehicle door, for example, can be moved into an open position without the manual operation of an external operating handle.From DE 10 2011 015 669 A1 an opener for motor vehicle doors or flaps is known, with which a door, flap or hood can be moved from a closed position to an open position. If the opener device relates to a motor vehicle side door, for example, the door can be opened, for example, by means of an electrical impulse. To do this, the locking mechanism of the door lock must first be unlocked, preferably electrically, so that the door can be opened. If, for example, the pressure on the door seal is not sufficient to move the door from the closed position to an open position, the door can be moved into an open position by means of the opener device. An open position is defined in such a way that the operator of the motor vehicle is able to grasp the door in such a way that he can open the door completely.The opening device is an electric drive which acts mechanically on the vehicle door via a drive pawl and an inside and outside lever in the form of a pivoting movement of the levers.

[0007] From DE 10 2015 003 918 A1 a motor vehicle lock has become known, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein a rotational movement of the rotary latch can be blocked by means of the pawl, a drive device with which the pawl can be transferred from a blocked position into the release position for the locking mechanism, and an opening device, wherein by means of the opening device a vehicle part receiving the motor vehicle lock can be moved from a closed position into an open position. In one embodiment the drive device forms a drive for the opening device. The drive device for electrically opening the motor vehicle lock is preferably an electric motor, which acts for example with a gear on an adjusting device so that the pawl can be released from the rotary latch.If the electric motor in the vehicle lock is used as the drive device for the opening device, an additional drive for the opening device can be dispensed with.

[0008] From DE 10 2021 10 2021 132 120 . 4 a motor vehicle lock has become known, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein by means of the pawl a rotational movement of the rotary latch can be blocked in at least one detent position, a closing device, wherein by means of the closing device the locking mechanism can be transferred from a pre-locking position to a main detent position, and an opening device, wherein by means of the opening device a door element can be transferred from a closed position to an open position, and wherein by means of a drive unit a coupling element can be controlled in such a way that by means of the closing device the door element can be raised and closed. Through this combined use of the closing drive for closing and setting, the components present in the motor vehicle lock can be used for several functions.

[0009] The closing devices known from the state of the art and widely used, as well as the opening devices, have generally proven their worth. A problem that automobile manufacturers and suppliers are constantly addressing is how to reduce the weight of vehicles and the installation space of components to a minimum. The weight of the individual components can minimize the weight of the vehicle and thus reduce its fuel consumption. This is where the invention comes in.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle lock with the described convenience functions, such as a closing aid and an opening mechanism. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to implement the convenience functions in a minimal installation space and with the smallest possible number of components, and to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0011] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0012] According to patent claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a motor vehicle lock is provided, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch can be locked by means of the pawl in at least one latching position, a closing device, wherein by means of the closing device the locking mechanism can be transferred from a pre-latching position into a main latching position, an opening device, wherein by means of the opening device a door element can be transferred from a closed position into an open position, a drive unit, wherein by means of the drive unit an unlocking of the locking mechanism is possible, and wherein by means of at least one movement of a part of the locking mechanism an optional closing or opening of the door element is possible.The inventive design of the motor vehicle lock now makes it possible to implement the convenient functions of "closing" and "opening" with the smallest possible number of components, which are present in the motor vehicle lock alone due to the basic design of a motor vehicle lock. In this case, the door element can be selectively closed or opened. The selection is made by the position of the locking mechanism, so that closing or opening is possible depending on the closed state of the locking mechanism and the door element.

[0013] When referring to a motor vehicle lock according to the invention, synonyms such as locking device, lock, or door lock are used interchangeably. The term "motor vehicle lock" also encompasses locks used in doors, sliding doors, flaps, and / or covers in motor vehicles, in other words, wherever pivoting or sliding components attached to the motor vehicle must be held securely in place. The motor vehicle lock according to the invention preferably relates to a side door lock. Such motor vehicle locks comprise a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and pawl.

[0014] The locking mechanism can also be equipped with two or more pawls or, for example, a locking or blocking lever. Such pawls are known from the prior art. The pawl engages directly with the rotary latch, and the locking or blocking lever secures the pawl in the locking position, preferably the main locking position.

[0015] A distinction is made between a pre-locking position and a main locking position. Two-locking locking mechanisms are used, particularly for side doors. In a pre-locking position, the door element can be securely held in the open position, and in a main locking position, the door element is fully positioned and ready for operation. The pawl holds the rotary latch in the pre-locking and main locking positions, blocking the rotary latch's rotation.

[0016] When the door element is closed, the rotary latch first moves into the pre-locking position and can then be automatically transferred from the pre-locking position to a main locking position by means of the closing device. This transfer of the locking mechanism from the pre-locking position to the main locking position is carried out by means of the closing device. The closing device acts directly or indirectly on the rotary latch and moves the door element from the open position to the closed position. The closing takes place starting from the pre-locking position and beyond the main locking position into an over-travel position of the rotary latch, so that reliable engagement of the pawl in the rotary latch is guaranteed. Closing devices are known in many different forms and can be arranged in the vehicle lock, on the vehicle lock or as external closing devices at a distance from the vehicle lock in the vehicle.

[0017] If the locking mechanism is released from the main detent position, i.e. the fully closed position of the door element, the rotary latch is released. The engagement of the pawl from the detent position causes the rotary latch to be moved or pivoted out of the main detent position by means of a rotary latch spring and the force of the door seal. The opening actuating device ensures that the door element can be moved into an open position, in addition to the rotary latch spring and the pressure of the door seal. The opening actuating device can act on the rotary latch or, as a separate element, interact directly with a lock holder.

[0018] The motor vehicle lock according to the invention is equipped with an electrically unlockable locking mechanism. For this purpose, the motor vehicle lock has a drive unit that can at least enable the locking mechanism to be unlocked. The drive unit acts directly or indirectly on the pawl and can, for example, actuate a release lever that moves the pawl out of engagement with the rotary latch. Such motor vehicle locks are also referred to as electrically operated motor vehicle locks or E-locks.

[0019] Advantageously and in one embodiment variant of the invention, an advantage arises when a guide for the closing device can be controlled by means of at least one of the locking parts. A guide for the closing device is provided in the motor vehicle lock and can be controlled by at least one locking part. Depending on the position of the locking mechanism in a detent position or in the open position of the locking mechanism, the controlling locking part can direct the closing device or the guide for the closing device in such a way that the door element can be closed or opened. The guide can, for example, consist of a linear guide which is arranged in the motor vehicle lock. In this guide, in turn, a switch is then provided, for example, which enables the closing device to be deflected so that the respective function can be set in the motor vehicle lock.In every case, the guide is designed in such a way that the locking part allows the closing mechanism to be deflected in a particular functional direction. The closing mechanism moves along the guide and can follow different paths depending on the selected function, i.e. closing or opening. This means that the door element can be closed or opened as desired. However, the closing mechanism remains engaged with the guide at all times, so that switching is not necessary and the optional closing or opening can be achieved simply by deflecting the closing mechanism in the guide.

[0020] If a drive of the closing device interacts indirectly, in particular by means of a Bowden cable, with the locking mechanism, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention can be achieved.

[0021] Advantageously, a drive connected to the closing device by means of a Bowden cable can be arranged in the motor vehicle at a distance from the motor vehicle lock. This offers the advantage that a compact design of the motor vehicle lock can be realized. In particular, the design of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention and the optional closing and opening functionality realized therein make it possible to provide a motor vehicle lock with high functionality with minimal construction resources. Thus, the design according to the invention makes it possible to realize an E-lock with a closing and opening device which can be equipped with extended functionality solely by means of the components already included, i.e. pawl and rotary latch, and which can be controlled via the locking mechanism.

[0022] It can also be advantageous and represent a variant of the invention if the Bowden cable can be guided in a guide track in the motor vehicle lock. The guide in the motor vehicle lock can serve as a guide for the Bowden cable or the Bowden cable core and the Bowden cable nipple arranged on the Bowden cable core. The Bowden cable can then be moved in the guide and along the guide, with only the movement path being selectable by the controlling locking part. The Bowden cable of the closing device can then interact optionally with the opening actuating device or the closing device. However, it is also conceivable for the Bowden cable to be permanently connected to an actuating element which can be controlled by means of the locking part.

[0023] For example, when the locking mechanism is opened and the pawl is moved by the electric drive, the pawl can engage in the path of movement and / or guideway of the closing device and thus cause a deflection, which makes it possible to open the door element.

[0024] If, however, the pawl is moved from the release position, for example, into contact with the rotary latch, allowing the locking mechanism to engage, the pawl releases the guideway and the locking mechanism can be closed. It is not necessary for the closing mechanism to be deactivated during the opening process; instead, the closing mechanism can be selectively engaged with the opening mechanism.

[0025] If a deflection of the Bowden cable in the guide track can be made possible by means of at least one of the locking parts, preferably the pawl, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. The pawl is preferably used to select the "close" or "open" function. The pawl can block a movement path or serve as a guide means. For example, the closing device or the drive can be continuously engaged with the closing device and the opening device, only the guide track is optionally released or blocked. The pawl can preferably be used for this purpose, since the pawl performs a pivoting movement in order to engage with the rotary latch or to release the rotary latch. This pivoting movement can be used to apply control action to the guide track.However, it is also conceivable that the rotary latch is used directly or indirectly for control purposes as part of its pivoting movement, by using the pivoting movement of the rotary latch as an actuating means.

[0026] If an adjusting means, in particular an adjusting lever, can be actuated by means of the locking part, this again results in a variant of the invention. An adjusting lever can be used to deflect the closing drive, so that the guide track can be used in different directions via the adjusting means. The adjusting lever can, for example, be pivotally mounted in the motor vehicle lock and, for example, actuate the closing aid or the opening actuating device through different actuation directions. If the locking part has a means for deflecting the Bowden cable, this can result in a further advantageous variant of the invention. If, for example, a guide track is provided with different movement paths, a guide part arranged on the locking part, preferably connected to the locking part in one piece, can engage in the guide track and thus enable deflection into the respectively selected guide track.

[0027] It can also be advantageous, and form a further embodiment of the invention, if the deflection means is formed integrally with the locking part. The locking part serves as a selection aid and can serve as a blocking element, guide element, or steering element. Depending on requirements, the deflection means can be formed from the metallic core of the pawl or be part of a plastic casing of the locking parts. Depending on the embodiment, an extension can be formed on the pawl or the rotary latch, so that an optional deflection of the closing device into the respectively selected function in the motor vehicle can be realized.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features illustrated can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0029] It shows: Figure 1 a basic representation of a motor vehicle lock with a locking mechanism and a closing device, which allows a door element to be closed or opened optionally; and

[0030] Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a motor vehicle lock in a basic representation, which also allows the door element to be optionally closed or raised using a closing device.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock 1 in a basic representation with a locking mechanism 2 in a side view and a top view of the locking mechanism. A main detent position of the locking mechanism 2 is shown, wherein a rotary latch 3 is in engagement with a pawl 4. The locking parts 3, 4 can, for example, be pivotally mounted with their axes 5, 6 on a lock plate 7. In the main detent position, a lock holder 8 is held by means of the locking mechanism 2, so that a door element is in an operating position, i.e. a closed position. The locking mechanism 2 is equipped with a preliminary detent 9 and a main detent 10, wherein a rotary latch spring 11 is also shown as an example.

[0032] Also shown is a closing device 11 with a Bowden cable 12, a Bowden cable core 13 and an external drive 14. The Bowden cable 12 or the Bowden cable core 13 is connected to a deflection means, wherein the deflection means 15 is accommodated as a pivoting lever in the motor vehicle lock 1. The deflection means 15 can be moved clockwise and counterclockwise in the direction of arrow P via a guide track 16. Depending on the direction of movement of the deflection means 15, the locking mechanism or the door element can be closed or opened. For this purpose, battery modules 17, 18, for example, are directly connected to the deflection means 15.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the main detent position of the locking mechanism 2. The pawl 3 is in engagement with the main detent 10, so that the guide track and in particular a first part 19 of the guide track 16 is exposed. The deflection lever 15 can thus be pivoted counterclockwise about the axis 20. This makes it possible, for example, to close the locking mechanism 2. If the locking mechanism 2 is now electrically unlocked, with the pawl 4 moving into the position shown as a dashed line 21, the rotary latch 3 is released and the door element can be moved. In this case, the pawl 4 blocks the first part 19 of the guide track 16, so that pivoting of the deflection means 15 in the counterclockwise direction can be blocked.In this case, upon actuation of the drive and thus actuation of the Bowden cable core 13, the deflection means 15 can pivot into the second part 22 of the guide track 16, so that the door element can be raised via the battery module 17, 18. Consequently, the door element or the locking mechanism can be selectively raised or closed by moving the locking mechanism 2.

[0034] Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a motor vehicle lock 23, again in a plan view of the locking mechanism 24. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. The locking mechanism 23 is also shown in a main locking position, wherein the pawl 25 is engaged with the rotary latch 3 and, in the main locking position 10, with the rotary latch 3. In this respect, Figure 2 shows a closed position of the door element. In this embodiment, the guide track 26 is fork-shaped and has a first, essentially straight part 27 and a second part 28 branching off therefrom. The closing device

[0035] 29 thus enables a redirection of the Bowden cable 12 or the Bowden cable core 13 within the motor vehicle lock.

[0036] The selective actuation of the opening function or the closing function is also controlled in this embodiment via the pawl 25. For this purpose, the pawl 25 has a guide section 30, which is here and preferably integrally connected to the pawl 25. By means of the guide section 30, the Bowden cable 12 can be directed in different directions, that is to say into different parts 27, 28 of the guide track 26. For this purpose, the guide section

[0037] 30 into the guide track 26 and thus controls the course of the movement of the Bowden cable nipple 31 connected to the Bowden cable core 13. The Bowden cable nipple 31 can in turn press on a lever mechanism that is connected to the opening and closing devices. The connection of the Bowden cable 12 is, of course, not tied to a lever mechanism; a gear, a toothing, and / or a linearly guided element can also be connected here, which, again, is to be understood merely as an example.

[0038] If, for example, the locking mechanism 24 has been closed via the second part 28 of the guide track 26, it is now possible to release the first part 27 of the guide track 26 by electrically actuating the pawl 25. The pawl then pivots into the position 32 shown in dashed lines, so that the first part 27 of the guide track 26 is released and the Bowden cable can move towards the first part 27 of the guide track. Thus, the lock holder or the door element could be set up via the guide track and in particular the first part 27 of the guide track.

[0039] List of reference symbols

[0040] 1, 23 Motor vehicle lock

[0041] 2, 24 locking

[0042] 3 rotary latch

[0043] 4.25 pawl

[0044] 5, 6, 20 axis

[0045] 7 Lock plate

[0046] 8 lock holders

[0047] 9 Pre-rest

[0048] 10 Main rest stop

[0049] 11, 29 Pulling device

[0050] 12 Bowden cable

[0051] 13 Bowden cable core

[0052] 14 Drive

[0053] 15 deflection devices

[0054] 16, 26 guideway

[0055] 17, 18 Actuating means

[0056] 19, 27 first part

[0057] 21, 32 dashed line

[0058] 22, 28 second part

[0059] 30 guide section

[0060] 31 Bowden cable nipples

[0061] P Arrow

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) comprising a locking mechanism (2, 24) with a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4, 25), wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch (3) can be locked by means of the pawl (4, 25) in at least one locking position, a closing device (11, 29), wherein by means of the closing device (11, 29) the locking mechanism (2, 24) can be transferred from a pre-locking position to a main locking position, a setting device, wherein by means of the setting device a door element can be transferred from a closed position to an open position, a drive unit, wherein by means of the drive unit an unlocking of the locking mechanism (2, 24) is possible, characterized in that by means of at least one movement of a part of the locking mechanism (2, 24) an optional closing or setting of the door element is possible.

2. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to claim 1, characterized in that a guide of the closing device (11, 29) is controllable 3. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a drive (14) of the closing device (11, 29) interacts indirectly, in particular by means of a Bowden cable (12), with the locking mechanism (2, 24).

4. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the Bowden cable (12) can be guided in a guide track (16, 26) in the motor vehicle lock (1, 23).

5. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that by means of at least one of the locking parts (3, 4, 25), preferably the pawl (4, 25), a deflection of the Bowden cable (12) in the guide track (16, 26) is possible.

6. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide track (16, 26) can be blocked by means of the locking part (3, 4, 25).

7. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an adjusting means, in particular an adjusting lever, can be actuated by means of the locking part (3, 4, 25).

8. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking part (3, 4, 25) has a means for deflecting (15) the Bowden cable (12).

9. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the deflection means (15) is formed integrally with the locking part (3, 4, 25).

10. Motor vehicle lock (1, 23) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking part (3, 4, 25) is an electrically actuated pawl (4, 25).

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