Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door (3), having a latch (6) and a pawl assembly (7) for holding the motor vehicle door (3) in engagement with a locking element (8), wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) has a push-open assembly (9) via which the motor vehicle door (4) can be pushed open in a push-open process in the assembled state and by which an engagement gap can be produced between the motor vehicle door (4) and the motor vehicle body (4), and has a tensioning aid assembly (12) via which the latch (6) can be displaced in a tensioning aid process in the assembled state towards its locking direction, wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) is coupled or couplable in the assembled state in a drive-technical manner with a drive assembly (14), wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) has a coupling assembly (15) with two coupling states, which can be switched in such a way that a drive movement of the drive assembly (14) is transmitted to the push-open assembly (9) for carrying out the push-open process or to the tensioning aid assembly (12) for carrying out the tensioning aid process. It is proposed that the coupling assembly (15) is coupled or couplable in such a way with the pawl assembly (7) that the coupling assembly (15) can be transferred into one of the coupling states associated with the state of the pawl assembly (7) depending on the state of the pawl assembly (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a motor vehicle door according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle lock assembly according to claim 14, a motor vehicle lock system according to claim 15, a motor vehicle door assembly according to claim 16, and a sensor assembly according to the preamble of claim 17. Background Technology

[0002] The aforementioned vehicle locks can be applied to all types of vehicle doors. The term "vehicle door" should currently be interpreted broadly. Vehicle doors specifically include side doors, tailgates, rear-hinged doors, rear covers, or engine hoods. In principle, vehicle doors in this sense can also be designed as sliding doors.

[0003] A known vehicle lock (DE 10 2018 126 968 A1) (from which this invention is derived) has a locking mechanism consisting of a latch and a pawl assembly with a single pawl (or locking pawl, Sperrklinke). The latch is capable of retaining engagement with a locking latch. For improved comfort, the known vehicle lock is equipped with a push-open assembly, which allows the vehicle door to move from a closed-door position to a push-open-door position during the opening process. To further enhance comfort, the known vehicle lock is equipped with a tensioning assist assembly (or automatic closing assist assembly, Zuhiehhilfsanordnung), which moves the latch from a pre-locked position to a main locked position. These two comfort functions can be coupled to the same actuator to perform either the push-open or tensioning assist process. To this end, the coupling assembly is provided with a coupling lever that can be shifted to two coupling states, the coupling lever being shifted via a separate actuator.

[0004] Because both comfort functions are operated via the same actuator, the known structural design of vehicle locks is generally space-saving. However, the challenge lies in reliably preventing the opening process when the latch is in the locked position to avoid damage to the vehicle lock. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention is based on the following problem: how to design and improve known vehicle locks to enhance operational safety.

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is solved in the motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the feature portion of claim 1.

[0007] The key consideration is to connect the coupling assembly to the pawl assembly—directly or indirectly—so that the coupling assembly can be switched to its engaged state based on the state of the pawl assembly. This ensures that the coupling assembly only transmits the drive motion of the drive assembly to the push-open assembly to perform the push-open process when the pawl assembly is in its released state. In the released state, the pawl assembly releases the latch, thereby moving the latch to its open position. This ensures that the latch is open when the drive motion of the drive assembly is transmitted to the push-open assembly to perform the push-open process, thus improving operational safety.

[0008] In detail, and very generally, it is proposed that the connecting component is connected or can be connected to the pawl component in such a way that the connecting component can transition to a connecting state corresponding to the state of the pawl component.

[0009] According to the design scheme of claim 2, the transmission of the driving motion of the drive component to the push-open component requires mechanically transferring the pawl component to its released state, and / or, the transmission of the driving motion of the drive component to the tensioning auxiliary component requires mechanically transferring the pawl component to its locked state. Therefore, it is ensured that the push-open process can only be performed when the latch is in the open position, or the tensioning auxiliary process can only be performed when the latch is in the locked position, especially the pre-locked position.

[0010] According to the design of claim 3, the vehicle lock has an opening device configured to transfer the pawl assembly to a released state via a motor. Therefore, the vehicle lock has additional comfort features.

[0011] According to another design according to claim 4, the connecting assembly is connected to the opening device. This provides an indirect connection between the connecting assembly and the pawl assembly. The opening device is connected to or can be connected to both the connecting assembly and the pawl assembly. The state of the pawl assembly can be indirectly determined by the state of the opening device.

[0012] According to the design of claim 5, the pawl assembly has at least two, and particularly three, pawls that interact with each other to block the latch in the respective locked positions. Therefore, only a small force is required to move the pawl assembly to its released state, thus providing a quiet locking mechanism.

[0013] According to another design according to claim 6, the pawl (especially the third pawl) and the lifting lever are arranged coaxially. The swinging of the lifting lever causes the pawl to be lifted. This allows for a safe and space-saving construction.

[0014] According to the design of claim 7, the connecting assembly has at least a connecting element that can be displaced substantially linearly, the connecting element being displaced by means of an opening device. In this way, a simple and robust switching mechanism for the connecting assembly can be achieved.

[0015] According to another design according to claim 8, the vehicle lock has an operating lever connected to a separate drive assembly. A tensioning assist lever is pivotally arranged on the operating lever and can be moved to two positions, in which the pivoting of the operating lever triggers a tensioning assist process or triggers an opening assist process (claim 9). At least substantially linear displacement of the connecting element here causes the pivoting of the tensioning assist lever (claim 10).

[0016] According to the design of claim 11, the tensioning auxiliary lever, in its open auxiliary position, can be connected to the transmission lever, which is operatively connected to the push-open lever. The swinging of the transmission lever initiates the open auxiliary process. Therefore, the tensioning auxiliary lever serves as the connecting element to initiate the push-open process.

[0017] According to another design according to claim 12, the vehicle lock has a sensor assembly for identifying at least one latch position. In this way, individual drive components can only be operated or manipulated when the latch is in its open position to perform a push-open assist process or in its pre-locked position to perform an open assist process, thereby improving operational safety. The sensor assembly preferably has three sensors to detect the positions of the latch, the first pawl, and another pawl, particularly the third pawl (claim 13). This arrangement of the three sensors enables accurate and reliable detection of all relevant locking states of the locking mechanism consisting of the latch and pawl assembly.

[0018] According to the further teachings of claim 14 (which are of independent significance), a motor vehicle lock assembly is claimed, which has a motor vehicle lock according to the present proposal and has a locking element, in particular a locking latch, the latch of the motor vehicle lock being capable of retaining engagement with said locking element. In this regard, reference may be made to all the descriptions of the motor vehicle lock according to the present proposal.

[0019] According to the further teachings of claim 15 (which are of independent significance), a vehicle lock system is claimed, the vehicle lock system having a vehicle lock or a vehicle lock assembly according to the present claim, having a drive assembly designed separately from the vehicle lock or vehicle lock assembly, and having a Bowden cable that technically connects the vehicle lock or vehicle lock assembly to the drive assembly. In this regard, reference may be made to all the descriptions of the vehicle lock and the vehicle lock assembly according to the present claim.

[0020] According to the further teachings of claim 16, a vehicle door assembly is claimed, having a vehicle door and a vehicle lock assembly according to the present claim associated with the vehicle door. In this regard, reference may be made to all the descriptions of the vehicle lock assembly according to the present claim.

[0021] According to the further teachings of claim 17 (which are of independent significance), a sensor assembly for detecting the locked state of a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle lock is claimed, particularly the motor vehicle lock according to the present claim, wherein the locking mechanism includes a latch and a pawl assembly having a first pawl acting on the latch in the locked state, a second pawl acting in conjunction with the first pawl in the locked state, and a third pawl acting in conjunction with the second pawl in the locked state. In this regard, reference can be made to all the descriptions of the motor vehicle lock according to the present claim.

[0022] Important considerations include monitoring the positions of the latch, the first pawl, and the other pawls (especially the third pawl). This allows for reliable detection of all relevant locking states of the locking mechanism. Using such a sensor assembly, common comfort functions such as the push-open mechanism, the pull-up auxiliary mechanism, or the opening device can be reliably operated, preventing accidental manipulation of these functions. Simultaneously, other locking functions, such as anti-theft devices or central locking systems, can be effectively operated and / or switched.

[0023] In detail, and very generally, the sensor assembly comprises three sensors: a first sensor associated with the latch for detecting the latch position; a second sensor associated with the first pawl for detecting the pawl position of the first pawl; and a third sensor associated with another pawl, particularly the third pawl, for detecting the pawl position of the other pawl, particularly the third pawl. Thus, using, in particular, two-stage sensors, it is possible to reliably detect and distinguish from each other the open position of the latch (in which the pawl assembly is in its released state), the open position of the latch (in which the pawl assembly is in its locked state), the pre-locked position (in which the pawl assembly, in its locked state, blocks the latch in its pre-locked position), and / or the main locking position (in which the pawl assembly, in its locked state, blocks the latch in its main locking position). The corresponding sensors are cost-effective. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments only. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1A perspective view shows a vehicle lock according to the proposed scheme, which is used to lock a vehicle door at that location. The vehicle lock has a push-open component, a tensioning auxiliary component, and an opening device for opening the vehicle lock by means of a motor.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram shows a) the latch in the main locking position and b) during the opening process. Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic front view of a vehicle lock, with the unlocking device in its open position.

[0027] Figure 3 The diagram shows a) the latch in the main locking position and b) during the opening process. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic rear view of the vehicle lock shown;

[0028] Figure 4 The diagram shows a) at the beginning of the pushing process and b) during the further continuing pushing process. Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the vehicle lock shown;

[0029] Figure 5 The diagram shows a) the latch in its open position at the start of the locking process and b) the latch in its pre-locked position during the further continuing locking process. Figure 1 A schematic rear view of the vehicle lock shown; and

[0030] Figure 6 The diagram shows a) during the further locking process when the auxiliary lever engages with the latch and b) at the end of the locking process with the latch in its locked position. Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic rear view of a vehicle lock. Detailed Implementation

[0031] According to the proposed solution, the vehicle lock 1 is a component of the vehicle lock assembly 2, such as in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the vehicle lock assembly 2 is associated with the vehicle door 3, which is connected to the vehicle body 4 of the vehicle 5. The term "vehicle door" should currently be interpreted broadly. Vehicle doors specifically include side doors, tailgates, rear-hinged doors, rear covers, or engine hoods. In principle, the vehicle door 3 in this sense can also be designed as a sliding door.

[0032] Here, and preferably, vehicle door 4 is a side door of vehicle 5. All statements in this regard apply accordingly to all other types of vehicle doors.

[0033] The vehicle lock 1 associated with the vehicle lock assembly 2 is arranged at the vehicle door 3 in the assembled state shown. Alternatively, and not shown here, it is possible for the vehicle lock 1 to be arranged at the vehicle body 4 in the assembled state.

[0034] The vehicle lock 1 typically includes a locking component, a latch 6, and a pawl assembly 7, wherein the latch 6 is capable of retaining engagement with a locking element 8 (here, and preferably, a locking latch) to retain the vehicle door 3. Figure 1 In the case shown, the locking element 8 is located at the vehicle body 4. If the vehicle lock 1 (not shown) is located at the vehicle body 4, the locking element 8 is located at the vehicle door 3.

[0035] Here, and preferably, the latch 6 can be moved from the open position to the pre-lock position and the main lock position (also known as the pre-lock position and the main lock position).

[0036] The vehicle lock 1 according to the proposed solution has a push-open component 9 for applying a driving force to the vehicle door 3 in the opening direction 10 of the vehicle door. Figure 4 The push-open assembly 9 has a push-open lever 11 designed separately from the latch 6. This lever allows the vehicle door 3 to be pushed open from the closed-door position to the open-door position during the push-open process in the assembled state. This creates an engagement gap between the vehicle door 3 and the vehicle body 4, which the user can manually engage to fully open the vehicle door 3. Before the push-open assembly 9 begins this push-open process, the pawl assembly 7 disengages from its... Figure 3 The locking state shown in a) (in which the pawl assembly prevents the latch 6, which is in its main locked position, from opening) is lifted out, which is here and preferably done by a motor.

[0037] The vehicle lock 1 has a tensioning assist assembly 12 with a tensioning assist lever 13, via which the latch 5 can be moved in the locking direction of the latch during tensioning assistance in the assembled state, particularly from the pre-locked position to the main locking position. Here, and preferably, the latch 5 can be moved from its... Figure 5 The pre-locking position shown in b) is shifted to its Figure 6 In the main locking position shown in ).

[0038] The vehicle lock 1 in its assembled state is coupled with the drive assembly 14, which is designed here and preferably separately from the vehicle lock 1. Figure 1 It is connected to the drive technology or can be connected to the drive component.

[0039] The vehicle lock 1 also has a coupling assembly 15, which in any case has two coupling states. The coupling assembly 15 can be switched such that, depending on the coupling state, the driving motion of the drive assembly 14 is either transmitted to the push-open assembly 9 to perform a push-open process or transmitted to the tensioning auxiliary assembly 11 to perform a tensioning auxiliary process. The coupling assembly can be switched so that the drive assembly 14 induces either a push-open process or a tensioning auxiliary process.

[0040] The important point now is that the connecting component 15 is connected or can be connected to the pawl component 7 in such a way that the connecting component 15 can transition to the corresponding connecting state associated with the state of the pawl component 7.

[0041] The connection between the pawl assembly 7 and the coupling assembly 15 can be achieved through control technology or purely mechanical means. Therefore, it can be ensured that the coupling assembly 15 only transmits the drive motion of the drive assembly 14 to the push-open assembly 9 to perform the push-open process when the pawl assembly 7 is in the corresponding state (here, and preferably in its released state). In the released state, the pawl assembly 7 releases the latch 5, thereby moving the latch to its open position. In this way, it is ensured that the latch 5 is open when the drive motion of the drive assembly 14 is transmitted to the push-open assembly 9 to perform the push-open process, thereby improving the operational safety of the vehicle lock 1.

[0042] Here, and preferably, the coupling assembly 15 is mechanically or potentially coupled to the pawl assembly 7 such that the pawl assembly 7 moves to its released state, causing the coupling assembly 7 to switch, thus transmitting the drive motion of the drive assembly 14 to the push-open assembly 9 to perform the push-open process; and / or, the pawl assembly 7 moves to its locked state, causing the coupling assembly 15 to switch, thus transmitting the drive motion of the drive assembly 14 to the tensioning assist assembly 12 to perform the tensioning assist process. This ensures that the push-open process can only be performed when the latch 5 is open, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle lock 1 due to improperly performed push-opening. High operational safety is achieved purely mechanically in this way.

[0043] The vehicle lock 1 here preferably has an opening device 16 with a motor-driven opening actuator 17, which is operatively connected to an opening lever 18 that can be manipulated during the opening process.

[0044] Here, and preferably, the opening lever 18 is constructed on a worm gear, which engages in a meshing manner with a worm arranged on the motor shaft of the opening actuator 17. During the opening process, the opening device 16 can be opened from its basic state ( Figure 2 a) and Figure 3a)) is brought to the open state, in which the opening device 16 does not act on the pawl assembly 7 (the pawl assembly is not lifted in any way), and the pawl assembly 7 is in its locked state; in the open state, the opening device 16 acts on the lifting lever 19 via the opening device element 18, thereby transferring the pawl assembly 7 to its released state. If the opening lever 18 swings, this causes the lifting lever 19 to swing, thereby transferring the pawl assembly 7 to its released state, as... Figure 2 a) to Figure 2 The transformation shown in b) is illustrated.

[0045] Furthermore, the connecting assembly 15 is here, and preferably, connected to the opening device 16 such that, when the opening device 16 is in its basic state, the connecting assembly 15 transmits the drive motion of the drive assembly 14 to the tensioning auxiliary assembly 12, and / or, when the opening device 16 is in its open state, the connecting assembly 15 transmits the drive motion of the drive assembly 14 to the pushing assembly 9 to perform the pushing-opening process. That is, the displacement of the opening device 16, achieved by a motor, mechanically causes the displacement of the connecting assembly 15, thereby realizing the mechanical connection between the opening device 10 and the connecting assembly 15.

[0046] The pawl assembly 7 here, and preferably, has a first pawl 20 that is swayable between a lowered position and a raised position about a first pawl axis 20a. When the latch 6 is in the locked position, the first pawl 20 is in blocking engagement with the latch 6 in its lowered position. Furthermore, a component of the pawl assembly 7 is a second pawl 21 that is swayable between a lowered position and a raised position about a second pawl axis 21a. Here, and preferably, the first pawl 20 is swayably arranged on the second pawl 21. When the latch 6 is in the locked position, the second pawl 21 in its lowered position causes the first pawl 20 to engage with the latch 6 in a blocking engagement. Furthermore, the pawl assembly 7 here, and preferably, has a third pawl 22 that is swayable between a lowered position and a raised position about a third pawl axis 22a. In the locked position of the latch 6, the third pawl 22 in its lowered position is in blocking engagement with the second pawl 21. The state described herein... Figure 2 As shown in a). In the corresponding extended position, the third pawl 22 releases the second pawl 21, thereby allowing the second pawl 21, and therefore the first pawl 20, to also reach their respective extended positions. This releases the latch 6. Thus, the vehicle lock 1 has three pawls 20, 21, and 22, thereby enabling the pawl assembly 7 to be extended with minimal force, thus providing a particularly quiet locking mechanism.

[0047] Here, and preferably, the lifting lever 19 is oscillatingly arranged about the third pawl axis 22a of the third pawl 22, and is connected or can be connected to the opening device 16 such that when the opening device 16 changes from the basic state to the open state, the lifting lever 19 is oscillated, thereby lifting the third pawl 22 and transferring the pawl assembly 7 to the released state. Here, and preferably, the lifting lever 19 is connected to the opening lever 18. By causing the opening lever 18 to... Figure 2 Rotate counterclockwise along the middle to lift lever 19. Figure 2 The middle pawl swings clockwise. The third pawl 22, together with the lifting lever 19, swings counter-clockwise, thereby disengaging the third pawl 22 from the second pawl 21, thus releasing the latch 6. Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 b) is shown in the overview.

[0048] Preferably, the connecting assembly 15 has a connecting element 23, and the connecting element 23 can be displaced at least substantially linearly by means of the opening device 16 such that the transition of the opening device 16 from the basic state to the open state and vice versa causes the displacement of the connecting element 23. Preferably, the opening device has a control profile 24, with which the connecting element 23 acts. Preferably, the control profile 24 is rotationally resistantly connected to the opening lever 18. "Connection" refers to a mechanical connection and includes connections involving force fit, form fit, and / or material fit, or a one-piece design comprising the unit consisting of the opening lever 18 and the control profile 24. Preferably, the opening lever 18, the control profile 24, and the worm gear form a one-piece unit. Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 From the overview in b), it can be concluded that when the worm gear rotates clockwise, the control profile 24 and the connecting element 23 work together to make... Figure 3 The connecting element 23 in b) is linearly shifted downwards.

[0049] Therefore, the connecting element 18 is mechanically connected here and preferably to the opening device 16. Simultaneously, the connecting element 18 is also mechanically connected here and preferably to the pawl assembly 7 via the opening device 16. Thus, the connecting element 18 and the pawl assembly 7 are displaced together.

[0050] Preferably, the drive assembly 14 is technically connected to the operating lever 25 of the vehicle lock 1. Preferably, the operating lever 25 is technically connected to the drive assembly 14 via a Bowden cable 26. The drive motion can be reversed by means of the Bowden cable 26, thereby enabling flexible arrangement of the drive assembly 14 relative to the vehicle lock 1.

[0051] The tensioning auxiliary lever 13 is here, and preferably, pivotally arranged on the operating lever 25, and can pivot from a tensioning auxiliary position (in which the pivoting of the operating lever 25 triggers the tensioning auxiliary process) to an opening auxiliary position (in which the pivoting of the operating lever 25 triggers the opening auxiliary process). Figure 3 As shown in a), when the drive assembly 14 has not yet swung the operating lever 25 via the Bowden cable 26, the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 is here, and preferably, against the connecting element 23 via the guide pin 27. Figure 2 The middle is pre-tensioned counterclockwise by means of spring 28. Figure 3 In a), the guide pin 27 abuts against the connecting element 23 to prevent further swinging of the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0052] Here, and preferably, the displacement of the connecting element 23 causes the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 to move from its tensioning auxiliary position (where it is in...) Figure 3 (as shown in a)) to its open auxiliary position (which is in Figure 3 The swing is shown in b).

[0053] exist Figure 2 In a), the opening device 16 is in its basic state, and the pawl assembly 7 is in its locked state. Figure 2 In a), the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 is in its tensioning auxiliary position.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In step b), the opening device 16 is in its open position. The pawl assembly 7 is then in its released state. Because... Figure 2 b) The connecting element 23, which is linearly shifted downward, tightens the auxiliary lever 13 into its open auxiliary position.

[0055] Preferably, the tensioning auxiliary lever 13, in its open auxiliary position, can engage with the transmission lever 29, which is operatively connected to the push-open lever 11 such that the swinging of the transmission lever 29 causes the opening auxiliary process. Preferably, the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 has a transmission pin 30 that can enter the hook-shaped recess 31 of the transmission lever 29 and create a mechanical connection between the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 and the transmission lever 29. Figure 3 b) and Figure 4 As shown in a). The swing of the control lever 25 by means of the Bowden pull line 26 then causes the swing of the push lever 11 to be swung through the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 and the transmission lever 29.

[0056] In order to perform the push-opening process, the opening device 16 must first be moved from its basic state ( Figure 3 a)) Transfer to its open state ( Figure 3 In b)). Here, at the same time, the pawl assembly 7 also exits its locked state ( Figure 3 a)) Transferred to its released state ( Figure 3 b)). By changing the opening device 16 to its open state, the tightening auxiliary lever 13 is transferred to its open auxiliary position via the connecting element 23. Figure 3 b)) In. If now with the help of Figure 3 In b), the Bowden cable 26 causes the control lever 25 to swing clockwise around its control lever axis 25a, thus engaging the transmission pin 30 of the tightening auxiliary lever 13 with the hook-shaped opening 31 of the transmission lever 29. Figure 3 b) to Figure 4 The transformation shown in a) indicates that the transmission lever 29 is here and preferably designed as a double-arm type and is thus connected to the push lever 11, so that the operation lever 25 is in Figure 4 The clockwise swing of the lever 11 causes it to swing counterclockwise. Here, the lever 11 engages with the locking element 8. Figure 4 b) and press the locking element 8 toward the opening direction 10 of the vehicle door, thereby creating the aforementioned engagement gap between the vehicle door 3 and the vehicle body 4. Here, and preferably, the operating lever 25 and the push lever 11 are arranged coaxially.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to perform the tensioning auxiliary process, the opening device 16 must be in its basic state. If the latch 6 is engaged with the locking element 8 in the opposite opening direction 10, the latch 6 is pulled from its position... Figure 5 The opening position shown in a) is moved to Figure 5 In the pre-locked position shown in b), the drive assembly 14 can initiate a tensioning auxiliary process via the Bowden pull line 26. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 is in its tensioning auxiliary position here. If it is now in its pre-locked position ( Figure 5 Starting from the latch 6 in b), the operating lever 25 is moved around its operating lever axis 25a. Figure 6 If the spring 28 swings clockwise, it will cause the tensioning auxiliary lever 13 to swing counterclockwise around the axis 13a of the tensioning auxiliary lever. Figure 5 b) to Figure 6 The transformation shown in a) indicates that the tightening auxiliary lever 13 engages with the protrusion 32 of the latch 6 when the operating lever 25 swings further, thereby causing the latch 6 to... Figure 6 The clockwise rotation of the middle section moves the latch 5 to its main locking position, as in... Figure 6 As shown in b).

[0058] To perform either the tensioning or pushing-opening process, the individual drive components 14 are here, and preferably, driven in the same direction, to induce the swing of the control lever 25 by means of a pulling force introduced into it. Then, depending on the state of the connecting component 15, either the pushing-opening process or the tensioning process is initiated or executed. The pushing-opening process is performed in the opening direction 10, while the tensioning process is performed substantially in the opposite direction. That is, the driving motion of the individual drive component 14 in one direction is converted into the opposite pushing-opening or closing motion depending on the state of the connecting component 15. Therefore, the individual drive components 14 can be operated in a simple manner because each individual drive component is driven in only one direction.

[0059] Advantageously, the vehicle lock 1 has a sensor assembly 33 configured to identify the open position, pre-locked position, and main lock position of the latch 6. Figure 2 ).

[0060] Here, and preferably, the sensor assembly 33 preferably includes: a first sensor 34 for detecting at least one latch position of the latch 6, particularly the open position, pre-lock position, and / or main lock position; a second sensor 35 for detecting at least one pawl position of the first pawl 20, particularly the dropped position and / or raised position; and a third sensor 36 for detecting at least one pawl position of the third pawl 22, particularly the dropped position and / or raised position. With the aid of the sensor assembly 33, the open position of the latch 6, as well as the pre-lock and main lock positions of the latch 6, can be reliably determined when the third pawl 22 is raised or dropped. Additionally, the sensor assembly 33 can also effectively identify erroneous locking positions of the locking mechanism consisting of the latch 6 and the pawl assembly 7. Thus, the connecting assembly 15 and / or the connecting element 23 can be displaced by a separate drive assembly or a separate actuator, thereby transferring the connecting assembly 15 to its corresponding connected state. This is particularly advantageous if the vehicle lock 1 does not have a motor-operated opening device 16. Simultaneously, a reliable circuitry safety device can be incorporated to prevent the actuation of the drive assembly 14 when the vehicle lock 1 is not in a suitable position for initiating the tightening or loosening process. Therefore, high operational safety is ensured even when there is a control-based connection between the coupling assembly 15 and the pawl assembly 7.

[0061] Here, and preferably, sensors 34, 35, and 36 are sensors 34, 35, and 36 that can be affected by magnetism; more preferably, they are Hall sensors. Figure 2Preferably, permanent magnets are respectively placed on the latch 6, the first pawl 20, and the third pawl 22. The magnetic fields of the permanent magnets influence the Hall sensors respectively, causing the corresponding Hall sensors to generate sensor signals. Preferably, the Hall sensors are arranged on or on the vehicle lock housing of the vehicle lock 1. It is feasible to accurately determine the locked position of the vehicle lock 1 from the individual sensor signals.

[0062] According to another teaching of independent significance, a vehicle lock assembly 2 is provided, which has a vehicle lock 1 according to the present proposal and has a locking element 8, in particular a locking latch, through which the latch 6 of the vehicle lock 1 can be retainedly engaged. In this regard, reference can be made to all the descriptions of the vehicle lock 1 according to the present proposal.

[0063] According to another teaching of independent significance, a vehicle lock system is provided, comprising a vehicle lock 1 or a vehicle lock assembly 2 according to the present invention, a drive assembly 14 designed separately from the vehicle lock 1 or the vehicle lock assembly 2, and a Bowden cable 29 that connects the vehicle lock 1 or the vehicle lock assembly 2 to the drive assembly 14 in an actuating manner. In this regard, reference can be made to all descriptions of the vehicle lock 1 and the vehicle lock assembly 2 according to the present invention.

[0064] According to another teaching of independent significance, a vehicle door assembly is provided, which has a vehicle door 3 and a vehicle lock assembly 2 associated with the vehicle door 3 according to the present proposal. In this regard, reference may be made to all the descriptions of the vehicle lock assembly 2 according to the present proposal.

[0065] According to another teaching of independent significance, a sensor assembly 33 is provided for detecting the locking state of the locking mechanism of a vehicle lock 1 (especially the vehicle lock 1 according to the present proposal), wherein the locking mechanism includes a latch 6 and a pawl assembly 7, the pawl assembly having: a first pawl 20 oscillating about a first pawl axis 20a between a lowered position and an extended position, the first pawl being in a blocking engagement with the latch 6 in the locked position and in the lowered position; a second pawl 21 oscillating about a second pawl axis 21a between a lowered position and an extended position, the second pawl holding the first pawl 20 in a blocking engagement with the latch 6 in the locked position and in the lowered position; and, in particular, a third pawl 22 oscillating about a third pawl axis 22a between a lowered position and an extended position, the third pawl being in a blocking engagement with the second pawl 21 in the locked position and in the lowered position. In this regard, reference can be made to all the descriptions of the vehicle lock 1 according to the present proposal.

[0066] Importantly, the sensor assembly 33 has three sensors 34, 35, and 36, wherein the first sensor 34 is associated with the latch 6 for detecting at least one latch position, particularly an open position, a pre-locked position, and / or a master lock position; the second sensor 35 is associated with the first pawl 20 for detecting at least one pawl position of the first pawl 20; and the third sensor 36 is associated with another pawl 22, particularly the third pawl 22, for detecting at least one pawl position of the other pawl, particularly the third pawl 22.

[0067] As already described, and preferably, the corresponding sensors 34, 35, and 36 are magnetically influenced sensors 34, 35, and 36, which generate sensor signals based on the magnetic influence caused by the magnetic field of the corresponding permanent magnet. In this case, and preferably, the permanent magnets are associated with the latch 6, the first pawl 20, and the third pawl 22, respectively, and the permanent magnets work together with the associated magnetically influenced sensors 34, 35, and 36. And preferably, the magnetically influenced sensors 34, 35, and 36 are located in the vehicle lock housing of the vehicle lock 1.

Claims

1. A vehicle lock for a vehicle door (3), the vehicle lock having a latch (6) and a pawl assembly (7), wherein, The latch (6) is movable from the open position to at least one locked position for retaining the vehicle door (3) in a retaining engagement with the locking element (8), wherein the pawl assembly (7) is movable to a locked state and a released state, wherein in the locked state the pawl assembly holds the latch (6) in the locked position, and in the released state the pawl assembly releases the latch (6). The vehicle lock (1) has a push-open assembly (9) with a push-open lever (11) designed separately from the latch (6). The vehicle door (4) can be pushed open from the closed-door position to the open-door position during the push-open process in the assembled state via the push-open lever, thereby creating an engagement gap between the vehicle door (4) and the vehicle body (4). The push-open lever (11) is designed and arranged such that it acts directly on the locking element (8) in the assembled state to push open the vehicle door (3). The vehicle lock (1) has a tensioning auxiliary assembly (12) with a tensioning auxiliary lever (13), and the latch (6) can be moved from the pre-locking position to the main locking position in the locking direction during the tensioning process in the assembled state via the tensioning auxiliary lever. In this configuration, the vehicle lock (1) is connected or can be connected to the drive assembly (14) in terms of drive technology during the assembly state. The vehicle lock (1) has a connecting component (15) with two connecting states, which can switch such that, depending on the connecting state, the driving motion of the driving component (14) is transmitted to the push-open component (9) to perform the push-open process or to the tensioning auxiliary component (12) to perform the tensioning auxiliary process. Its features are, The connecting component (15) is connected or can be connected to the pawl component (7) in such a way that the connecting component (15) can be transferred to a connecting state corresponding to the state of the pawl component (7).

2. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking positions are the main locking position and the pre-locking position.

3. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element (8) is a locking latch.

4. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (14) is designed separately from the vehicle lock.

5. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component (15) is mechanically or can be connected to the pawl component (7) such that a transition of the pawl component (7) to its released state causes a switch of the connecting component (15) to transmit the driving motion of the drive component (14) to the push-open component (9) for performing a push-open process, and / or, a transition of the pawl component (7) to its locked state causes a switch of the connecting component (15) to transmit the driving motion of the drive component (15) to the tensioning assist component (12) for performing a tensioning assist process.

6. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has an opening device (16) with a motor-driven opening actuator (17) operatively connected to an opening lever (18) that can be manipulated during the opening process to cause the pawl assembly (7) to transition from a locked state to a released state. In the locked state, the opening device (16) can be brought into the released state from a basic state in which the opening device (16) does not act on the pawl assembly (7) and does not cause the pawl assembly (7) to be lifted in any way, and the pawl assembly (7) is in its locked state. In the released state, the opening device (16) causes the pawl assembly (7) to be lifted. When the opening device (16) transitions from the basic state to the released state, the opening lever (18) acts on the lifting lever (19) to cause the pawl assembly (7) to transition into its released state.

7. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting component (15) is connected to the opening device (16) such that when the opening device (16) is in its basic state, the connecting component (15) transmits the driving motion of the driving component (14) to the tensioning auxiliary component (12), and / or, when the opening device (16) is in its open state, the connecting component (15) transmits the driving motion of the driving component (14) to the pushing component (9) to perform the pushing process.

8. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The pawl assembly (7) has a first pawl (20) that is swayable between a dropped position and a raised position about a first pawl axis (20a), the first pawl being in a blocking engagement with the latch (6) in the locked position and in the dropped position. A second pawl (21) that is oscillating between a lowered position and a raised position about a second pawl axis (21a) holds the first pawl (20) in a blocking engagement with the latch (6) in the locked position and in the lowered position; A third pawl (22) that is swayable between a drop-in position and a lift-out position around a third pawl axis (22a), wherein the third pawl is in a blocking engagement with the second pawl (21) in the drop-in position of the latch (6) in the locked position, and the first pawl (21) is swayably arranged on the second pawl (22).

9. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lifting lever (19) is oscillatingly arranged about the third pawl axis (22a) of the third pawl (22) and is connected or can be connected to the opening device (16) such that when the opening device (16) changes from the basic state to the open state, the lifting lever (19) is oscillated, thereby lifting the third pawl (22) and transferring the pawl assembly (7) to its released state.

10. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (15) has a connecting element (23), and the connecting element (23) can be displaced at least substantially linearly by means of the opening device (16) such that the transition of the opening device (16) from the basic state to the open state and, in turn, from the open state to the basic state causes the displacement of the connecting element (23).

11. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The drive assembly (14) and the operating lever (25) of the vehicle lock (1) are connected in drive technology via Bowden cable (6).

12. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 11, characterized in that, The tensioning auxiliary lever (13) is oscillatingly arranged on the operating lever (25), and the tensioning auxiliary lever (13) is oscillating from the tensioning auxiliary position to the opening auxiliary position, in which the oscillation of the operating lever (25) causes the tensioning auxiliary process, and in the opening auxiliary position, the oscillation of the operating lever (25) causes the opening auxiliary process.

13. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 12, characterized in that, The at least substantially linear displacement of the connecting element (23) causes the tensioning auxiliary lever (13) to swing from its tensioning auxiliary position to its opening auxiliary position.

14. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The tensioning auxiliary lever (13) in its open auxiliary position can be connected to the transmission lever (29) of the push-open component (9), the transmission lever and the push-open lever (11) being connected in such an action that the swing of the transmission lever (29) causes the opening auxiliary process.

15. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has a sensor assembly (33) configured to identify the open position, pre-lock position and main lock position of the latch (6).

16. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has a sensor assembly (33) configured to identify the open position, pre-lock position and main lock position of the latch (6), and the sensor assembly (33) has: a first sensor (34) for detecting at least one latch position of the latch (6); a second sensor (35) for detecting at least one pawl position of the first pawl (20); and a third sensor (36) for detecting at least one pawl position of the third pawl (22).

17. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 16, characterized in that, The latch position is the open position, the pre-locked position, and / or the main lock position.

18. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 16, characterized in that, The pawl position is the drop-in position and / or the lift-out position.

19. A motor vehicle lock assembly having a motor vehicle lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and having a locking element (8), wherein the latch (6) of the motor vehicle lock (1) is capable of retaining engagement with the locking element.

20. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 19, characterized in that, The locking element (8) is a locking latch.

21. A vehicle lock system having a vehicle lock (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or a vehicle lock assembly (2) according to claim 19 or 20, having a drive assembly (14) designed separately from the vehicle lock (1) or the vehicle lock assembly (2), and having a Bowden cable (26) that connects the vehicle lock (1) or the vehicle lock assembly (2) to the drive assembly (14) in a drive technology.

22. A vehicle door assembly having a vehicle door (3) and a vehicle lock assembly (2) according to claim 19 or 20 associated with the vehicle door (3).

23. A sensor assembly for detecting the locking state of a locking mechanism of a motor vehicle lock (1), said motor vehicle lock being a motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The locking mechanism includes a latch (6) and a pawl assembly (7), the pawl assembly having a first pawl (20) pivotable about a first pawl axis (20a) between a lowered position and a raised position, the first pawl being in a blocking engagement with the latch (6) in the locked position and in the lowered position. A second pawl (21) that is oscillating between a lowered position and a raised position about a second pawl axis (21a) holds the first pawl (20) in a blocking engagement with the latch (6) in the locked position and in the lowered position; A third pawl (22) that is oscillating between a lowered position and a raised position around a third pawl axis (22a), wherein the third pawl is in blocking engagement with the second pawl (21) in the lowered position of the latch (6) in the locked position. Its features are, The sensor assembly (33) has three sensors (34, 35, 36), wherein the first sensor (34) is associated with the latch (6) for detecting at least one latch position of the latch (6); the second sensor (35) is associated with the first pawl (20) for detecting at least one pawl position of the first pawl (20); and the third sensor (36) is associated with the third pawl (22) for detecting at least one pawl position of the third pawl (22).

24. The sensor assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that, The latch position is the open position, the pre-locked position, and / or the main lock position.

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