Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (10), in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism (11) having a rotary latch (12) and in particular a unique locking claw (13), wherein the rotary latch (12) can be locked in at least one locking position (I) by means of the locking claw (13); a rotatable release lever (15), wherein the locking mechanism (11) can be transferred from the at least one locking position (I) to an open position (II) by means of the release lever (15); an electric drive unit (16) for actuating the release lever (15), wherein the drive unit (16) is formed at least by an electric motor (17) and a transmission stage (18), the transmission stage (18) having an actuating lever (19), wherein the locking claw (13) and the release lever (15) as well as the actuating lever (19) are received in the motor vehicle lock (10) in a manner that they can be pivoted about a common axis of rotation (R), wherein at least the actuating lever (19) and the release lever (15) engage with one another by means of a complementary formed connection geometry (20), so that a movement of the actuating lever (19) can be transmitted to the release lever (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle closing systems and a motor vehicle lock, particularly a motor vehicle door lock, comprising: a locking mechanism having a rotating locking fork and, particularly, a single locking pawl, wherein the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl; a rotatable release lever, wherein the locking mechanism can be transferred from at least one locked position to an open position by means of the release lever; and an electrically driven unit for actuating the release lever, wherein the drive unit is formed by at least a motor and a transmission stage having an actuating lever for loading the release lever. Background Technology

[0002] The challenge in the field of motor vehicle locks is to further reduce the structural space requirements of motor vehicle locks within vehicles. Furthermore, the weight of motor vehicle locks should be continuously reduced.

[0003] Motor vehicle locks are known from the prior art. These locks can be electrically opened / unlocked by manipulating the locking pawl from the locked position using an electromechanical device. The required opening mechanism, consisting of an electric drive unit comprising a motor and a release lever, typically requires a significant structural space within the motor vehicle lock, allowing the necessary operating force to be transmitted from the motor to the release lever and then from the release lever to the locking pawl. The release lever and the remaining operating mechanism are typically equipped with large levers, enabling sufficient operating force to be generated via the lever arm. Furthermore, the components for the locking pawl, release lever, and the remaining operating mechanism interact and connect within the lock, which is achieved through multiple lever assemblies or a rope drive mechanism.

[0004] A vehicle lock is known from DE 10 2015 110 639 A1, wherein the vehicle lock includes a locking mechanism having a rotating locking fork, at least one locking pawl, and an electrically operated opening drive. Here, the drive unit consists of a motor and a release lever, which acts on the locking pawl via a lever motion mechanism, thereby allowing the locking pawl to be moved out of the locked position by the release lever and the lever motion mechanism. A disadvantage of the assembly disclosed herein is that the entire opening motion mechanism and therefore the assembly of the release lever and drive unit occupy a large structural space in the vehicle lock. For this reason, the electrically operated drive is constructed with a motor and a transmission stage, wherein in the first stage, the lever is arranged about a first rotation axis, the release lever is arranged about a second axis, and the locking pawl is rotatably arranged about a third axis. This assembly via multiple axes requires corresponding structural space and complicates installation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide a vehicle lock that is particularly compact in construction while still providing sufficient operating force to allow the locking mechanism to be opened simply and easily.

[0006] The objective is achieved according to the present invention by the motor vehicle lock, particularly the motor vehicle door lock, according to claim 1.

[0007] Other advantageous design options are given particularly in the dependent claims and the specification. It should be noted that the features listed in the claims can be combined with each other in any technically meaningful manner and elucidate other design options of the invention.

[0008] The vehicle lock according to claim 1 includes a locking mechanism having a rotating locking fork and, in particular, a single locking pawl, wherein the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl. Furthermore, the vehicle lock includes a release lever, wherein the locking mechanism can be transferred from at least one locked position to an open position by means of the release lever. Additionally, an electric drive unit for operating the release lever is provided, wherein the drive unit is formed by at least a motor and a transmission stage having an operating lever.

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objective, according to the invention, the locking pawl, release lever, and operating lever are incorporated in a vehicle lock in a manner that allows them to swing about a common, unique axis of rotation. At least the operating lever and release lever engage with each other via complementary connection geometry, thereby transmitting movement of the operating lever to the release lever. Therefore, according to the invention, the locking pawl, release lever, and operating lever have a common axis of rotation and are incorporated in the vehicle lock in a manner that allows them to swing / rotate about this axis of rotation. Specifically, the locking pawl, release lever, and / or operating lever are at least fixed to the lock housing. The operating lever and at least the release lever have complementary connection geometry that enables force-locking and / or form-locking connections of at least two of the aforementioned components. This complementary connection geometry allows them to engage with each other and transmits, in particular, rotational movement from the drive unit to the operating lever to the release lever, thereby allowing the release lever to move the locking pawl out of at least one locked position, particularly a main locked position and / or a pre-locked position. The connection geometry according to the invention can also be understood as a plug-in device (e.g., a plug-in shaft connection). Therefore, at least the operating lever and release lever can be plugged together / plugged into each other. This allows for a compact structure and ensures force transmission, especially for opening locking mechanisms.

[0010] The connecting geometry, complementary to the invention, is preferably designed as a toothed structure, wherein the toothed portion may have one or more teeth or a tooth-like geometry. Therefore, preferably, the lever or release lever may have external teeth, and the corresponding other components may have internal teeth, or vice versa. According to the invention, the die of one of the connecting geometries of the lever or release lever corresponds to the geometry thus complementary to it. Figuratively speaking, it can be configured such that the die on the side of the external tooth of one of the connecting geometries corresponds in principle to the side shape of the component with internal teeth of the other component, and therefore the side shape of the connecting geometry. Therefore, it is conceivable that the release lever has external teeth, the lever has internal teeth, or vice versa, and these teeth engage with each other, particularly by interlocking.

[0011] The advantage of the common support structure and complementary connection geometry of the locking pawl, release lever, and operating lever around a common axis of rotation is that at least three components, namely the locking pawl, release lever, and operating lever, can be arranged particularly compactly in the vehicle lock. Therefore, according to the invention, the locking pawl, release lever, and operating lever are at least partially engaged with each other, and in particular, the three components are arranged in some form of nesting within the region of the common axis of rotation. This significantly reduces the required structural space depth in the vehicle lock. Therefore, the operating mechanism for releasing the locking pawl and rotating the locking fork, which is arranged at an angle relative to each other, is not necessary. According to the invention, the rope structure, which negatively impacts the structural space, can also be omitted. More precisely, the drive unit and the operating mechanism consisting of the operating lever and release lever, as well as the connection on the locking mechanism, particularly the locking pawl, can be configured particularly compactly.

[0012] Advantageously, at least one connecting geometry may be fully / around toothed in the region of the axis, wherein the tooth has 1 to 10 teeth, preferably 14 to 18 teeth, particularly preferably 16 teeth, wherein the teeth interact with correspondingly substantially complementary notches. Thus, internal or external teeth are provided on the operating lever and / or release lever. It is particularly advantageous to provide a so-called error-proof connection, thereby enabling particularly simple and reliable installation. Accordingly, at least one tooth geometry / tooth may be configured differently from the remaining tooth / tooth geometries, wherein the notches in the components to be connected, which are complementary to the corresponding tooth / geometry, are also configured differently. Therefore, it is conceivable that, in particular, the connecting geometry / tooth is configured differently from the remaining teeth, and the notches on the components to be connected are also configured differently and complementary to the different tooth / geometry.

[0013] Therefore, for example, one could consider a release lever with teeth that have a wider toothed surface, and a control lever with a single, larger, and wider notch, into which the single, wider tooth could be positioned. This would virtually eliminate the possibility of incorrect installation.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be specified that the joystick or release lever has at least a partially surrounding flange in the region of the rotation axis. Particularly preferably, the flange is designed such that the connecting geometry, particularly the teeth, is at least partially covered when the joystick and release lever are engaged. This surrounding flange further optimizes the compact structure, and furthermore, the flange can form a support structure for the spring, so that the joystick and / or release lever can be preloaded by the spring. Therefore, the spring can also be arranged in a compact manner on the release lever and / or joystick without requiring unnecessary additional structural space.

[0015] Furthermore, the flange can cover the connecting geometry, particularly the teeth, in such a way that it can reduce the intrusion of dirt and / or moisture. Additionally, it is conceivable that the release lever has external teeth extending along a first direction from a first side of the substantially disc-shaped connecting section, wherein a support portion for a support pin for a locking pawl is constructed on the other (opposite) side of the connecting section, wherein, in particular, the support portion is designed as a receiving portion in the release lever.

[0016] Advantageously, the release lever has external teeth that interact with the internal teeth of the control lever. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the release lever has internal teeth and the control lever has correspondingly complementary external teeth. Accordingly, the release lever can also be configured as previously described for the control lever.

[0017] The release lever advantageously has a generally disc-shaped connecting section, particularly in the support area, from which teeth, especially external teeth, extend. On the opposite side of the teeth, especially the external teeth, a connection position / support portion for a support pin for the locking pawl is formed on the release lever. This support pin is used to support the locking pawl on the lock housing of the motor vehicle lock. The support portion is also specifically designed as a receiving portion within the release lever. Therefore, the locking pawl and the release lever can be arranged together on the support pin of the locking pawl. This further improves the compact structural type.

[0018] Accordingly, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support pin receives the locking pawl and the release lever, which engage with each other in a manner according to the invention. This allows for a common, compact support structure for these three components.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the release lever has a particularly unique release arm that engages or can engage with the locking pawl. This release arm extends particularly from the substantially disc-shaped connecting section, thereby forming a lever arm for actuating the locking pawl. Therefore, it can be advantageously specified that, particularly, the unique release arm extends radially from the connecting section.

[0020] The terms "axial and radial" are specifically based on the axis of rotation of the locking pawl, release lever, and operating lever; thus, the term "axial" specifically refers to a direction extending parallel to or coaxial with the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the term "radial" specifically refers to a direction extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Radial extension should be understood in particular as extension along or parallel to the radial direction, and axial extension should be understood in particular as extension along or parallel to the axial direction.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous to specify that the release lever has a locking pawl receiving portion. Here, the locking pawl receiving portion can be a notch into which at least a portion of the locking pawl can be arranged. Particularly preferred is that the locking pawl receiving portion is arranged in the region of the release arm of the release lever. The locking pawl receiving portion can be designed, for example, as a groove, into which at least the locking pawl can be partially arranged. Thus, force can be transmitted from the release lever to the locking pawl particularly reliably. Furthermore, this further optimizes the compact geometry, so that the locking pawl is at least partially arranged or can be arranged in the release lever.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the locking claw receiving portion can be configured such that the locking claw is arranged in the locking claw receiving portion at least partially in a topographically locking and / or force-locking manner.

[0023] Advantageously, the locking pawl receiving portion can have a clamping connection, locking connection, pressing connection, or latching connection for the locking pawl, particularly the locking pawl arm. This not only simplifies installation but also allows for reliable reception of the locking pawl in the release lever, without negatively impacting the compact structure.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the locking pawl has at least two locking pawl arms, wherein at least the first locking pawl arm has a locking surface for locking with the rotary locking fork, wherein the second locking pawl arm is at least partially arranged in or on the release lever, and wherein, in particular, the two locking pawl arms extend radially from the axis of rotation in substantially opposite directions. The following is sufficient for a compact structure and simple and easy operation of the locking mechanism, i.e., easy opening: the locking pawl has only two locking pawl arms, wherein the first locking pawl arm is configured for locking with the rotary locking fork, and the second locking pawl arm is at least partially arranged in the release lever as previously described, thereby achieving a compact design of the locking pawl.

[0025] Specifically, the geometry of the second locking pawl arm, the operating arm of the lever, and the release arm are arranged in an overlapping manner within the vehicle lock. Therefore, according to the invention, only the locking pawl arm used for locking with the rotary locking fork can extend in the opposite direction to the second locking pawl arm. The second locking pawl arm, the release arm, and the operating arm of the lever each extend in a common, opposite direction.

[0026] To further optimize the compact structure, according to the invention, the joystick, particularly the control arm of the joystick, can at least partially surround and / or cover the transmission stage, particularly the gear of the transmission stage. This can be specified by designing the joystick as substantially U-shaped or curved, and the joystick surrounding the transmission stage, particularly the gear of the transmission stage. This means that the control arm or joystick essentially has a shape in which the two ends of the lever or arm are respectively arranged on one side of the gear. Accordingly, this design allows the joystick and transmission stage to be constructed particularly compactly, because at least partial overlap ensures that no unnecessary structural space is wasted.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous to specify that at least one seal is arranged between the control lever and the release lever and / or between the release lever and the locking pawl, wherein the seal is particularly designed as a sealing ring. Therefore, the intrusion of environmental influences, particularly dust and / or water, into the areas of the control lever, release lever, or locking pawl can be reduced.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous to stipulate that the lever and drive unit, i.e., together with the transmission stage, are arranged in a first component of the vehicle lock housing, while the release lever, locking pawl, and the remaining locking mechanism are arranged in a separate component of the vehicle lock housing. Therefore, it is conceivable that the drive unit with the transmission stage and lever, preferably the lock electronics and / or power supply, are at least partially arranged in the dry cavity of the vehicle lock housing, and the locking mechanism and at least partially the release lever are arranged in the wet cavity of the vehicle lock. It is particularly preferred that the aforementioned sealing portion is provided between the various components, i.e., the release lever, the lever, and the locking pawl. This allows for a sealed / sealed connection between the different lock housing components, as well as a connection between the components, i.e., the locking pawl, the release lever, and the lever.

[0029] To ensure the most compact possible structure of the vehicle lock, it is particularly advantageous that the locking mechanism, which has at least a locking pawl and a rotating fork, is configured to be particularly easy to unlock, i.e., easy to open or effortless to open. According to the invention, the rotating fork may have a locking element movably supported on the rotating fork, wherein the locking element is at least partially rotatably arranged in the rotating fork and / or on the lock housing or lock case. Here, the locking element may be particularly at least partially rolled on the rotating fork and / or the locking pawl. This particularly advantageously configured locking mechanism enables the operation force for removing the locking pawl from at least one locked position, i.e., the main locked position and / or the pre-locked position, to be achieved with particularly lightness. Here, a release force is applied to the locking pawl by the release lever, causing the locking element to first move or roll in the rotating fork in such a way that a particularly small opening force is required. Therefore, the lever of the operating mechanism can also be designed to be small and thus compactly configured.

[0030] If a lock for a motor vehicle is mentioned within the scope of this invention, then all of the following closing systems are included, which secure movable parts in a position within the motor vehicle. Here, the lock may be arranged, for example, in a side door, sliding door, hatch, cover, and also, for example, in the rear seat. The movable parts can be used anywhere by means of a closing system consisting of a locking mechanism having at least one locking pawl and a rotating locking fork. Here, the lock according to the invention may be arranged in the movable parts (side door, sliding door, hatch, cover, rear seat) or in / on the vehicle / vehicle body.

[0031] Other improvements to the invention can be derived from the following description of some embodiments of the invention schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. All features and / or advantages, together with structural details, spatial arrangements, and method steps, as known from the claims, description, or drawings, can be important to the invention not only in themselves but also in different combinations. It should be noted that the drawings are merely descriptive and do not limit the invention in any way. Attached Figure Description

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical parts.

[0033] The diagram shows:

[0034] Figure 1A This schematically illustrates a portion of a vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the invention in the locked position.

[0035] Figure 1B This schematically illustrates a portion of a vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the invention in the open position.

[0036] Figure 2AA portion of a vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically shown from a second perspective.

[0037] Figure 2B A portion of a vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically shown from a third-person perspective.

[0038] Figure 3A The schematic diagram illustrates the lever of a vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3B The diagram schematically illustrates a release lever of a vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3C The locking claw of a motor vehicle lock according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0041] Figure 4 The illustration schematically depicts a motor vehicle lock with a wet cavity and a dry cavity according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1A A possible embodiment of a vehicle lock 10 according to the invention is shown, comprising: a lock housing 30, shown only partially here; and a locking mechanism 11 having locking pawls 13 for locking a rotating lock fork 12 in at least one locking position I, particularly a main locking position I and / or a pre-locking position. In the locking position I, the lock retainer 40 is secured by the rotating lock fork 12 in such a way that movable parts of the vehicle, such as vehicle doors, are held in a closed position and locked to prevent unintentional opening. For this purpose, the locking pawl 13 has a locking surface 13.3 that engages with the locking element 14 of the rotating lock fork 12 in the locking position I and thus locks the rotating lock fork 12 to prevent movement in the opening direction. The locking element 14 is movably, particularly pivotally, supported in the rotating lock fork 12 and / or the lock plate / lock housing (as in the combined...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B (As explained). Furthermore, the locking pawl 13, particularly the locking surface 13.3, is structurally designed, or rather has the following geometry, such that the locking pawl 13 has a closing tendency. A neutral design can also be provided according to the invention. In the closing tendency, the geometry of the locking pawl 13, particularly the locking surface 13.3, is designed such that the locking pawl 13 cannot deflect / unlock independently, particularly due to the pressure of the rotating fork 12, in the opening direction. Therefore, the force applied to the locking pawl 13 by the rotating fork 12 passes through the locking pawl axis in such a way that no opening torque is generated, but rather the locking pawl 13 is pressed towards the rotating fork 12.

[0043] The locking pawl 13 is rotatably rotatable about the axis of rotation R, wherein the locking pawl 13 is arranged / supported on the support pin 27 for this purpose. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking pawl 13 has a first locking pawl arm 13.1 and a second locking pawl arm 13.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking pawl arm 13.1 and the second locking pawl arm 13.2 extend in opposite radial directions from the axis of rotation R or the support pin 27. A locking surface 13.3 for locking with the locking element 14 and thus with the rotary locking fork 12 is arranged on the first locking pawl arm 13.1. On the second locking pawl arm 13.2, the locking pawl 13 is arranged on the release lever 15. For this purpose, a locking pawl receiving portion 15.2 is constructed in the release lever 15, in which the second locking pawl arm 13.2 is arranged, and the second locking pawl arm is held in the locking pawl receiving portion, particularly in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner.

[0044] The release lever 15 is also rotatably supported on the same axis of rotation R as the locking pawl 13. The same applies to the lever 19, which is also rotatably arranged about the axis of rotation R. The release lever 15 and the lever 19 have a connection geometry 20 according to the invention.

[0045] The vehicle lock 10 also has an electric drive unit 16, which includes a motor 17 and at least one transmission stage 18. The electric drive unit 16 is used to open the locking mechanism 11, particularly to remove the locking pawl 13 by means of a release lever 15 when an operating lever 19 is connected in the middle.

[0046] To electrically open the locking mechanism 11, a motor 17 drives a worm gear on its output shaft, wherein the worm gear acts on and drives a gear / worm wheel 18.1 to rotate via its teeth. The gear 18.1 is depicted in the drawings as a worm wheel 18.1 with cylindrical gear meshing. Involute teeth are also conceivable according to the invention. A substantially ramp-shaped (worm) forming portion 18.3 is constructed on the worm wheel 18.1 around its axis of rotation, and the contact surface 19.2 of the operating lever 19 contacts this forming portion, causing the operating lever to rotate about the axis of rotation R. Therefore, when the worm wheel 18.1 rotates, the contact surface 19.2 of the operating lever 19 travels along the forming portion 18.3, thereby rotating the operating lever 19 about the axis of rotation R. According to the invention, the operating lever 19 and the release lever 15 have a complementary connection geometry 20, such that the movement of the operating lever 19 is transmitted to the release lever 15. Therefore, the electrically generated rotational motion of the lever 19 is transmitted to the release lever, thereby causing the release lever 15 to move about the common rotational axis R of the lever 19, the release lever 15, and the locking pawl 13.

[0047] In order to open the locking mechanism 11, and particularly to remove the locking pawl 13, the rotational movement of the release lever 15 is transmitted to the locking pawl 13 because the locking pawl 13 is arranged in / on the release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15, so that the locking pawl can be disengaged from the rotating locking fork 12. The release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15 has a locking pawl receiving portion 15.2, in which a second locking pawl arm 13.2 is arranged, so that the locking pawl 13 can rotate about the rotation axis R / support pin 27.

[0048] Figure 1B The diagram shows a vehicle lock in the open position II, in which the locking pawl 13 disengages from the rotating fork 12 and therefore the locking surface 13.3 of the locking pawl 13 is no longer locked into the locking element 14 of the rotating fork 12. Assuming the locking pawl 13 is in... Figure 1A As shown, with a closing tendency, the locking pawl 13 disengages from the rotary fork 12 via the operating mechanism consisting of the drive unit 16, the lever 19, and the release lever 15. Here, the locking element 14 moves at least partially together with the rotary fork 12 due to its support structure and thus also disengages from the rotary fork 12 at least in the region of the locking surface of the rotary fork 12. This movement transforms the closing tendency into an opening tendency, thereby further pressing the locking pawl 13 towards the open position II due to the force exerted on it by the rotary fork 12, and facilitating / simplifying the opening / unlocking of the locking mechanism 11. Therefore, the release force for opening / unlocking the locking mechanism 11 is also reduced overall.

[0049] Figure 1B The offset locking element 14 is shown here. Here, the locking element 14 is supported in the rotating locking fork 12 and preferably additionally supported on the lock housing. For this purpose, it can be provided with... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The pin shown can also be supported in the lock box.

[0050] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The compact structure of the vehicle lock achieved by the present invention is clearly shown. For this purpose, the locking pawl 13, the release lever 15, and the operating lever 19 are received in the vehicle lock 10 in a manner that allows them to swing about a common axis of rotation R, wherein at least the operating lever 19 and the release lever 15 engage with each other by means of a complementary connection geometry 20, so that the movement of the operating lever 19 can be transmitted to the release lever 15 for opening / unlocking the locking mechanism 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the release lever 15 is arranged on the axis of rotation R between the locking pawl 13 and the operating lever 19. The locking pawl 13, the release lever 15, and the operating lever 19 are nested together or at least partially inserted together in a broader sense.

[0051] In other words, the locking pawl 13, the release lever 15, and the operating lever 19 are connected to each other by means of at least one, preferably multiple, plug-in devices or connecting geometries 20. Particularly advantageously, the locking pawl 13 is plugged into the release lever 15 in the manner described herein by means of a plug-in device consisting of a locking pawl arm 13.2 and a locking pawl receiving portion 15.2, and the release lever 15 is plugged into each other by means of the connecting geometry 20, which will be further described below. In particular, this design enables a compact structure.

[0052] Other improvements can be achieved through a support portion 26 on the release lever 15 for the locking pawl 13, and particularly the support pin 27 of the locking pawl 13. The support portion 26 can be designed as a notch or recess, so that the support pin 27 and / or at least partially the locking pawl 13 can be arranged in / on the release lever 15. Figure 1B In this context, a flange 23 is formed on the release lever 15, which can also help protect the locking pawl 13 from the external environment by the support portion 26 and / or support structure on the support pin 27, or give the release lever 15 greater overall mechanical stability.

[0053] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The control mechanism and locking pawl 13 are shown from another perspective. Figure 2A The connection geometry 20 between the release lever 15 and the control lever 19 can be clearly seen. Overall, in Figure 2A The design shows that components 13, 15, and 19 are nested / interlocked on a common axis of rotation R. It can also be seen that the compact structure can be further improved by arranging the gear / worm gear 18.1 at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation R, thereby further reducing the required structural space in the direction of the axis of rotation R.

[0054] exist Figure 2A The connecting geometry 20 has teeth 21 on the release lever 15, which are arranged / inserted into correspondingly complementary notches on the operating lever 19. According to the invention, the teeth may also be constructed on the operating lever 19, and the notches may be constructed in the release lever. In any case, the release lever 15 and the operating lever 19 can engage with each other due to the complementary connecting geometry 20, so that movement of the operating lever 19 can be transmitted to the release lever 15. According to the illustrated embodiment, the support pin 27, locking pawl 13, release lever 15, release lever spring 15.3, and operating lever 19 are arranged along the axis of rotation R. Here, components 27, 13, 15, 15.3, and 19 are at least partially nested or inserted into each other, thereby achieving a compact structure.

[0055] The release lever spring 15.3 can elastically preload the release lever in either the opening or closing direction. Therefore, the spring force can be applied to the release lever 15 towards the rotating fork 12 / locked position I or away from the rotating fork towards the open position due to the connection between the release lever 15 and the locking pawl 13. Preferably, the release lever 15 is applied towards the locked position, thus loading the locking pawl 13, and thus making it easier for the locking pawl 13 to fall into the locked position of the rotating fork 12. For this purpose, the release lever spring 15.3 can have one leg resting against the release lever 15 on one side and against the lock housing or lock case on the other. The release lever spring 15.3 and the release lever 15 are configured such that the release lever spring 15.3 is supported on the release lever, and the legs of the double-legged release lever spring 15.3 can be supported on the release lever and also on the lock housing or lock case. Here, one leg of the spring 15.3 engages in a receiving portion on the release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15. Therefore, the coil of the release lever spring 15.3 is arranged on the release lever 15 in such a way that the structural space can be kept compact. Preferably, the release lever 15 may have a spring seat on which the release lever spring 15.3, in particular the coil, is supported.

[0056] As in Figure 2A As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the release lever 15 is configured with a release arm 15.1, wherein the release arm 15.1 is angled. Figure 2A In this configuration, the release arm 15.1 is arranged at a right angle to the remaining release levers 15. A locking pawl receiving portion 15.2 is constructed on the angled release arm 15.1, into which the second locking arm 13.2 of the locking pawl 13 is arranged / inserted. Correspondingly, movement of the release levers 15 can be transmitted to the locking pawl 13, thus achieving a compact structure. This movement then allows the first locking pawl arm 13.1 to disengage from the rotating fork or locking element.

[0057] Figure 2BThe operating mechanisms 18.1, 19, 15 and the locking pawl 13 are shown from another perspective. The compact structure is also visible here. This structure, as described above, is achieved particularly through the engagement of the connecting geometry and the locking pawl 13, the release lever 15, and the operating lever 19 along a common axis of rotation R. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking pawl 13 is arranged in the locking pawl receiving portion 15.2 of the release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15 using a second locking pawl arm 13.2. Here, the locking pawl arm 13.2 is held in the locking pawl receiving portion 15.2 at least partially by force-locking and / or form-locking. For this purpose, a clamping rib is provided in the locking pawl receiving portion 15.2 of the release lever 15, which secures the protrusion of the locking pawl arm 13.2. Therefore, the locking pawl 13 is arranged in the locking pawl receiving portion 15.2 without clearance, and the movement of the release lever 15 causes the movement of the locking pawl 13.

[0058] The release lever 15 is preloaded by a release lever spring 15.3, wherein, preferably, the spring 15.3 preloads the release lever 15 and thus preloads the locking pawl 13 in the direction of the rotating lock fork. For this purpose, the release lever spring 15.3 is designed as a double-legged spring, with one leg supported on the release lever arm 15.1 and the other leg supported on the lock housing or lock box.

[0059] also, Figure 2B A support pin receiving portion 13.4 is shown, in which the support pin 27 is received, allowing the locking pawl 13 to rotate about the support pin. Furthermore, the locking pawl 13 has a buffer groove 13.5. The buffer groove 13.5 serves as a stop and buffer for contact with the rotating locking fork and / or the lock housing or lock case.

[0060] Figure 3A The control lever 19 is shown in detail. This control lever has a U-shaped structure. This U-shaped structure allows the control lever 19 to at least partially surround the worm gear 18.1 with its control arm 19.1, thereby further optimizing the compact structure. Correspondingly, a notch 22 can be arranged on one side of the worm gear, while a contact surface 19.2 is arranged on the other side of the worm gear, where a sloping shaped portion is constructed.

[0061] A notch 22 for the teeth of the release lever and a receiving portion are arranged at one end of the control arm 19.1, while a contact surface 19.2 for cooperating with the worm gear 18.1, particularly the shaped portion of the worm gear 18.1, is arranged at the other end of the control arm 19.1. Here, the notch 22 is designed as a receiving portion geometry for the outer teeth of the release lever. Therefore, the notch 22 has multiple recesses for a multi-tooth geometry. Thus, in this case, the cavity on the side of the outer teeth of one of the connecting geometries on the release lever corresponds to the side shape of the connecting geometry of the control lever 19 with internal teeth, and therefore the connecting geometry of the other components. Therefore, the control lever 19 and the release lever 15 can engage with each other due to the complementary connecting geometry 20, so that the movement of the control lever 19 can be transmitted to the release lever 15. Furthermore, it can be seen that an error-proof notch 22.1 is provided to prevent incorrect installation / incorrect insertion of the release lever 15 and the control lever 19. The error-proof notch 22.1 is generally larger / wider than the rest of the notches / recesses of the notch forming portion 22. The wider teeth and anti-misalignment teeth on the release lever can only be inserted into the anti-misalignment notch 22.1. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect installation. Furthermore, the lever has material notches, thereby reducing the weight of lever 19. To provide sufficient mechanical stability at the same time, lever 19 has reinforcing ribs / reinforcement ribs 19.4 in the area of ​​the control arm 19.1.

[0062] Figure 3B A release lever 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Here, the release lever 15 has a release arm 15.1, which is arranged substantially at an angle, preferably a right angle, to the rest of the release lever 15. The release arm 15.1 has a locking pawl receiving portion 15.2, in which the locking pawl is preferably arranged / received without gaps. In the region along the axis of the release lever 15, external teeth 24 are designed for a common connection geometry for at least the operating lever and the release lever 15. The external teeth are designed with a multi-tooth geometry and have anti-misalignment teeth 24.1 in the illustrated embodiment. The teeth 24 can be referred to herein as a plug shaft and can be inserted into a corresponding notch in the operating lever. Thus, the operating lever 19 and the release lever 15 engage with each other by means of a complementary connection geometry 20, so that movement of the operating lever 19 can be transmitted to the release lever 15.

[0063] A flange 23 is formed around the external toothed portion 24 or the resulting insertion shaft, which can serve, for example, as a spring seat for the release lever spring. The release lever 15 also has a generally disc-shaped connecting section 25. The external toothed portion 24 / insertion shaft extends on one side of the connecting section 25, where a support portion 26 is constructed on the other side. A support pin for the locking pawl can be received, for example, at least partially, on this support portion 26. This also positively impacts the compact construction. The flange 23 surrounds the connection geometry of the release lever 15 and the operating lever 19 in the inserted state. Therefore, bending / tilting of the two levers 15, 19 can be prevented, for example, and intrusion from disturbing environmental influences can be made difficult. Thus, the cylindrical flange 23 of the release lever particularly surrounds or covers the similarly cylindrical section of the notch 22 on the operating lever 19. Therefore, the overall engagement geometry of the release lever and the operating lever is surrounded / enclosed, and thus made more stable and protected from external environmental influences.

[0064] Figure 3C The locking pawl 13 is shown in detail. The locking pawl 13 has two locking pawl arms 13.1 and 13.2, wherein the first locking pawl arm 13.1 has a locking surface 13.3 for locking with the rotating locking fork 12, and the second locking pawl arm 13.2 may be at least partially arranged in the release lever 15. The two locking pawl arms 13.1 and 13.2 extend radially from the support device receiving portion 13.4 in substantially opposite directions. In addition to the buffer groove 13.5 already described, the locking pawl 13 also has at least one actuating form 13.6 for switching or sensing. A protrusion is visible at the end of the second locking pawl arm 13.2, which can be inserted into the locking pawl receiving portion of the release lever.

[0065] Figure 4 An embodiment of the invention, illustrating a motor vehicle lock 10, is shown, comprising a lock housing 30 having a wet chamber 32 and a dry chamber 31 as shown. The wet and dry chambers are arranged substantially at right angles to each other. The dry chamber 31 surrounds most of the operating mechanism. Specifically, an electric drive unit 16 having a motor 17 and a transmission stage 18, comprising a worm gear 18.2 and a worm wheel 18.1, is received in the dry chamber 31. Furthermore, an operating lever 19 is arranged in the dry chamber 31 and has an interface to the wet chamber 32. A sealing portion 19.5 is arranged on the operating lever 19 for sealing the dry chamber 31 relative to the wet chamber 32 in the region of the passage for the release lever or operating lever 19. The axis of rotation extends through the passage from the dry chamber to the wet chamber 32. The connection geometry according to the invention is preferably also arranged in the region of the passage and sealed tightly by means of the sealing portion 19.5.

[0066] Therefore, only the locking mechanism 11 and a portion of the release lever are arranged in the wet chamber 32. The other components of the operating mechanism are located in the dry chamber 31 and are thus protected from the disruptive environment. Figure 4 The compact structure can be clearly seen at least in the figure, which is achieved by the connection geometry according to the invention and the interlocking of the lever 19 and the release lever 15, wherein the locking pawl, the release lever and the lever are arranged on a common axis of rotation R.

[0067] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0068] 10 Motor vehicle locks

[0069] 11 Locking Mechanisms

[0070] 12 Rotating locking fork

[0071] 13 locking claws

[0072] 13.1 First locking claw arm

[0073] 13.2 Second locking claw arm

[0074] 13.3 Locking surface

[0075] 13.4 Support pin receiving part

[0076] 13.5 buffer slot

[0077] 13.6 Manipulating the forming section

[0078] 14 Locking Elements

[0079] 15 Release lever

[0080] 15.1 Release Arm

[0081] 15.2 Locking claw receiving part

[0082] 15.3 Release lever spring

[0083] 16 electric drive units

[0084] 17 motors

[0085] 18 transmission stages

[0086] 18.1 Gear / Worm Gear

[0087] 18.2 worm gear

[0088] 18.3 Molding Section

[0089] 19 joysticks

[0090] 19.1 Control arm

[0091] 19.2 Contact Surface

[0092] 19.3 Notch in the joystick

[0093] 19.4 Reinforcing ribs in the joystick

[0094] 19.5 Sealing section

[0095] 20 Connection Geometry

[0096] 21 teeth

[0097] 22 gaps

[0098] 22.1 Error-proofing gap

[0099] 23 flanges

[0100] 24 External teeth

[0101] 24.1 Preventing misalignment

[0102] 25 Connecting Section

[0103] 26 Support section

[0104] 27 support pins

[0105] 30 Lock Housing

[0106] 31 Dry cavity

[0107] 32 wet chamber

[0108] 40 Locking Retainer

[0109] I lock position

[0110] II Open Location

[0111] R rotation axis

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock (10), the motor vehicle lock comprising: A locking mechanism (11) having a rotating locking fork (12) and a locking pawl (13), wherein the rotating locking fork (12) can be locked in at least one locked position (I) by means of the locking pawl (13); a rotatable release lever (15), wherein the locking mechanism (11) can be transferred from the at least one locked position (I) to an open position (II) by means of the release lever (15); an electric drive unit (16) for actuating the release lever (15), wherein the drive unit (16) is formed by at least a motor (17) and a transmission stage (18) having a lever (19). Its features are, The locking pawl (13), the release lever (15), and the control lever (19) are received in the vehicle lock (10) in such a way that they can swing about a common axis of rotation (R), wherein at least the control lever (19) and the release lever (15) are engaged with each other by means of a complementary connection geometry (20), so that the motion energy of the control lever (19) can be transmitted to the release lever (15). The release lever (15) has an external tooth (24) that extends in a first direction from a first side of a generally disc-shaped connecting section (25), wherein a support (26) for a support pin (27) for a locking pawl (13) is constructed on the other side of the connecting section (25), the support (26) being designed as a receiving portion in the release lever (15).

2. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting geometry (20) is designed as a toothed section (21) having 1 to 10 teeth that work together with correspondingly substantially complementary notches (22).

3. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The toothed part (21) has 4 to 8 teeth.

4. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The toothed part (21) has 6 teeth.

5. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lever (19) or release lever (15) has a flange (23) that is at least partially surrounding the region of the axis of rotation (R), such that the teeth (21) are at least partially covered when the lever (19) and release lever (15) are engaged.

6. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release lever (15) has a release arm (15.1) that engages or can engage with the locking pawl (13).

7. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The release arm (15.1) extends radially from the connecting section (25), and the release arm (15.1) is the only release arm.

8. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The release lever (15) has a locking claw receiving portion (15.2), in which the locking claw (13) is arranged at least partially.

9. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking claw (13) is arranged in the locking claw receiving part (15.2) at least partially in a topographically locked and / or force-locked manner.

10. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The locking pawl (13) has at least two locking pawl arms (13.1, 13.2), wherein at least the first locking pawl arm (13.1) has a locking surface (13.3) for locking with the rotating locking fork (12), wherein the second locking pawl arm (13.2) is at least partially arranged in the release lever (15), and the two locking pawl arms (13.1, 13.2) extend radially from the axis of rotation (R) in substantially opposite directions.

11. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking pawl (13) has at least two locking pawl arms (13.1, 13.2), wherein at least the first locking pawl arm (13.1) has a locking surface (13.3) for locking with the rotating locking fork (12), wherein the second locking pawl arm (13.2) is at least partially arranged in the release lever (15), and the two locking pawl arms (13.1, 13.2) extend radially from the axis of rotation (R) in substantially opposite directions.

12. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking claw receiving part (15.2) has a clamping connection, a locking connection, a pressing connection or a snap-on connection for the locking claw (13).

13. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The locking claw receiving part (15.2) has a clamping connection, a locking connection, a pressing connection or a snap-fit ​​connection for the second locking claw arm (13.2).

14. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The joystick (19) at least partially surrounds and / or covers the drive stage (18).

15. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The control arm (19.1) of the joystick (19) at least partially surrounds and / or covers the gear (18.1) of the transmission stage (18).

16. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor vehicle lock (10) is a motor vehicle door lock, and the motor vehicle lock (10) includes a single locking claw (13).

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