Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having a locking pin (5) and a locking pawl (7), the locking pin (5) being able to be brought out of an open position into at least one locking position for retaining a retaining engagement of a closure element (3) with a locking part, the locking pawl (7) being able to be brought into a locking state, a release state and an abutment state, the invention relates to a locking device (1) comprising a locking pawl (7) which, in the locking position, holds a locking pin (5) in the locking position and which, in the release position, releases the locking pin (5), the locking pawl (7), in the rest position, abuts against the locking pin (5) in the open position and can be brought into the locking position thereof in order to be able to hold the locking pin (5) in the locking position, the invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1) having an opening device (8) with an electric opening drive (9) for motor-driven setting of a release state, the motor vehicle lock (1) having a lock control (10) for controlling the opening drive (9). According to the invention, the lock control (10) is coupled or can be coupled to the sensor (11) and is designed to detect, depending on the sensor (11), whether the closure element (3) is mounted on the motor vehicle (4) or detached from the motor vehicle (4), and to transfer the motor vehicle lock (1) into an open mode if a detached state is detected, as a result, the locking pawl (7) is brought into its release state and in particular held in this release state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 , a motor vehicle lock assembly according to claim 12 , and a closure element assembly according to claim 13 . Background Art

[0002] The motor vehicle lock mentioned can be associated with any closure element of the motor vehicle. In this context, the term "closure element" can be interpreted in a broad sense. Such closure elements include, for example, side doors, in particular rear side doors, rear doors, luggage compartment lids, rear lids, front hoods, engine hoods, etc. The closure element can be hinged to the body of the motor vehicle in the manner of a pivoting door or in the manner of a sliding door.

[0003] The known prior art (DE 10 2013 110 201 A1) on which the present invention is based relates to a motor vehicle lock for a closure element of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle lock having a locking member, a locking pin and a locking pawl, wherein the locking pin can be pivoted into an open position and a main locked position. The locking pawl can be brought into a locked state, in which the locking pawl holds the locking pin in the locked position, a raised state, and a resting state, in which the locking pawl is disengaged from the locking pin in the raised state, and in which the locking pawl rests against the locking pin in the open position. The motor vehicle lock has an opening device with an opening drive, by means of which the locking pawl can be brought into its raised state in a motor-driven manner, and a lock control for controlling the opening drive. Such a motor vehicle lock can be used as a so-called "electric lock", which can only realize a motor-driven transfer of the locking pawl into its raised state.

[0004] The challenge here is to ensure that the locking pin is not locked in its locked position by the pawl when the closure element is removed from the motor vehicle and / or when it is subsequently installed on the motor vehicle. A corresponding undesired locking of the motor vehicle lock, in particular when the closure element is closed, can result in the pawl no longer being able to be raised by motor drive, for example because the opening device is not connected to a current source and / or voltage source. The pawl can then not be moved into its raised state or can only be moved with great effort. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to design and improve a known motor vehicle lock in such a way that the convenience when removing the closure element is improved.

[0006] The following basic idea is important: when removing the closure element, an opening mode of the motor vehicle lock is provided, in which the locking pawl is in its raised state and / or is brought into this raised mode before leaving the opening mode. In this way, it is possible to prevent the locking pin from being locked in its locked position by the locking pawl and the closure element from being locked unintentionally, thereby improving the comfort when removing the closure element.

[0007] It is proposed in detail that the lock control unit is coupled or can be coupled to a sensor on the vehicle side, the closing element side or the lock side, and the lock control unit is configured to detect whether the closing element is installed on the motor vehicle or removed from the motor vehicle based on the sensor, and when the removed state of the closing element is detected, the lock control unit transfers the motor vehicle lock to the open mode, resulting in that the locking pawl is brought into its released state and in particular subsequently maintained in this released state.

[0008] According to a further embodiment of claim 2 , the lock control is electrically connected to a motor vehicle lock energy source in order to be able to operate the opening drive independently of the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle and to be able to detect the sensor.

[0009] Claim 3 relates to a preferred embodiment of the sensor. A particularly simple and reliable sensor can be realized if the sensor is formed by a resistor.

[0010] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of claim 4 , the motor vehicle lock can be brought into the open mode only when an additional activation criterion is present, whereby an unintentional transfer of the motor vehicle lock into the open mode can be avoided.

[0011] According to claim 5 , the activation criterion can advantageously be suppressed in such a way that the motor vehicle lock cannot be switched into the open mode.

[0012] Claim 6 defines an activation criterion which, in a particularly preferred embodiment, is formed by the locking pin being in its open position.

[0013] According to claim 7 , the motor vehicle lock can be moved from the open mode into a use mode, in which the locking pawl can also be moved back into its resting state and its locked state.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of claim 8, the motor vehicle lock can be brought from the open mode into a test mode, in which at least one predetermined functional condition is checked by the lock control unit. In the case of a positive result, the motor vehicle lock is automatically transferred to its use mode, whereas in the case of a negative result, the motor vehicle remains in its open mode.

[0015] Claim 9 relates to the embodiment of the functional condition, for example as a signal of a functional condition sensor, as a transfer of the locking pawl into its abutment state or as an electrical connection of the lock control to an energy source.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment according to claim 10, the motor vehicle lock has a holding unit for holding the locking pawl in its raised state. If the opening drive cannot be driven in the reverse direction, the opening drive can form the holding unit in a particularly advantageous manner. Alternatively, it is also possible that the holding unit is a functional unit that is designed separately from the opening drive. In the last-mentioned case, a reverse-drivable opening drive can also be used.

[0017] According to a further embodiment according to claim 11, the motor vehicle lock can be brought into a factory mode. In this factory mode, the locking pin is prevented from being transferred from its open position to its locked position. In this case, in particular a mechanical installation safety device can be provided, which mechanically prevents a corresponding adjustment of the locking pin, thereby achieving a double protection against adjustment of the locking pin into its locked position.

[0018] According to the further teaching according to the independently significant claim 12, a motor vehicle lock assembly is claimed, which has the proposed motor vehicle lock and a locking element, in particular a locking clip, with which a locking pin of the motor vehicle lock can enter and retain engagement. In this regard, reference can be made to all embodiments relating to the proposed motor vehicle lock.

[0019] According to the further teaching according to claim 13, which also has independent significance, a closure element arrangement is claimed, which has a closure element and the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement assigned to it. In this regard, reference is made to all the embodiments concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show only exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 A closure element of a motor vehicle in the form of a front door is shown, which has the proposed motor vehicle lock in a) a state installed on the motor vehicle and in b) a state removed from the motor vehicle; and

[0022] Figure 2 Shows the Figure 1 The invention relates to an important part of a motor vehicle lock, which has a locking pin in a) which is held in its locked position by a locking pawl in its locked state, a locking pin in its open position and a locking pawl in its abutment state in b), and a locking pin in its open position and a locking pawl in its raised state in c). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the proposed motor vehicle lock 1 is a component of a motor vehicle lock assembly 2. The motor vehicle lock assembly 2 is assigned to a closing element 3 which is coupled to the motor vehicle body of a motor vehicle 4. The term "closing element" 3 is to be understood in this context in a broad sense. Such closing elements include, in particular, side doors, rear doors, luggage compartment lids, tailgates, engine hoods, etc. In this sense, the closing element 3 can also be designed in principle in the manner of a sliding door.

[0024] The closing element 3 is here and preferably a side door of a motor vehicle 4. All the statements made in this connection apply correspondingly to all other types of closing elements 3.

[0025] The motor vehicle lock 1 associated with the motor vehicle lock assembly 2 is arranged on the closure element 3 in the installed state of the motor vehicle lock 1. Alternatively and not shown here, the motor vehicle lock 1 can also be assigned to a motor vehicle 4 in the installed state.

[0026] In order to produce a retaining effect between the closure element 3 and the motor vehicle body of the motor vehicle 4, the motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with a locking pin 5 which can be adjusted into an open position ( Figure 2 b) and Figure 2 c)); adjusted to at least one locking position, in particular Figure 2 a); and adjusted to a pre-locking position between the open position and the main locking position. The locking pin 5 cooperates in a conventional manner with a locking element 6, which is preferably in the form of a locking clip, in order to hold the closure element 3 in its respective locking position. The locking pin 5 is preferably preloaded, in particular spring-loaded, in its open position.

[0027] To achieve the above-mentioned retaining effect, the motor vehicle lock 1 has at least one locking pawl 7, here just one locking pawl 7. However, the proposed solution can also be used without problems in a multi-pawl system. However, in the sense of clear display, the following embodiments relate to an arrangement with only a single locking pawl 7.

[0028] The locking claw 7 can be moved from the locking state ( Figure 2 a)) Adjust to the lifted state ( Figure 2 c)), the locking pawl in the locked state locks the locking pin 5 in at least one locked position in the opening direction, and the locking pawl in the lifted state releases the locking pin 5 in the opening direction. In addition, the locking pawl 7 can be brought into a resting state ( Figure 2b)), in which the locking pawl 7 is in contact with the locking pin 5 in the open position, so as to be able to fall into its latching position and thus to hold the locking pin 5 in the locked position when the locking pin 5 is transferred into its locked position. In the embodiment shown in the drawings and preferred in this respect, the contact state of the locking pawl 7 is between the raised state and the locked state. Here and preferably, the locking pawl 7 is preloaded, in particular spring-preloaded, in its locked state.

[0029] The locking pawl 7 is here and preferably only lifted by motor drive, so that a purely "electric lock" is realized. For the motor-driven lifting of the locking pawl 7, the motor vehicle lock 1 has an opening device 8 with a motor-driven opening drive 9. By means of the opening device 8, the locking pawl 7 can be brought about by motor drive into its released state.

[0030] Furthermore, the motor vehicle lock 1 has a lock control 10 , by means of which the opening device 8 can be actuated and the locking pawl 7 can be transferred into its released state.

[0031] It is now important that the lock control unit 10 is able to be coupled or can be coupled to a sensor 11 on the vehicle side, on the closing element side or on the lock side, so that the lock control unit 10 is designed to detect whether the closing element 3 is installed on the motor vehicle 4 or removed from the motor vehicle 4 based on the sensor 11, and when the removed state of the closing element 3 is detected, for example as soon as the closing element cable harness 14 is disconnected from the on-board power supply of the motor vehicle 4, the lock control unit 10 transfers the motor vehicle lock 1 to the open mode, as a result of which the locking pawl 7 is brought into its released state and in particular is subsequently maintained in this released state.

[0032] If the closure element 3 is removed from the motor vehicle 4, for example within the scope of repair, it is prevented in this way that the locking pin 5 can be locked in its locked position by the pawl 7. The motor vehicle lock 1 is then prevented from being transferred into its locked state, thereby preventing the closure element 3 from being locked unintentionally after reinstallation on the motor vehicle 4 or during removal. In this way, a defined open locking state can be achieved, which is established in a reliable manner when the closure element 3 is removed and is maintained at least during the removal.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the motor vehicle lock 1 has a motor vehicle lock energy source 12 which is electrically connected to the lock control 10, or that the lock control 10 is electrically connected to a motor vehicle lock energy source 12 which is designed separately from the motor vehicle lock 1. The motor vehicle lock energy source 12 is here and preferably a separate energy source which is independent of the energy source for the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle 4.

[0034] By means of the motor vehicle lock energy source 12, the opening drive 9 can then be driven independently of the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle 4 and thus independently of the energy source of the onboard electrical system. On the other hand, the motor vehicle lock energy source 12 ensures that the lock control unit 10 can detect at any time based on the sensor 11 whether the closure element 3 is installed on the motor vehicle 4 or removed from the motor vehicle 4.

[0035] It can be advantageous if the motor vehicle lock energy source 12 falls below a limit value for voltage, current intensity and / or energy, the locking pawl 7 is moved into its raised state by motor drive within the scope of the so-called “final opening”. In this way, it can be prevented that the closure element 3 remains in the locked state when the motor vehicle lock energy source 12 is discharged, thereby preventing access to the motor vehicle 4.

[0036] Here and preferably, the sensor 11 is designed as a capacitive sensor 11, an Ajar sensor, a resistance sensor 13 and / or an optical sensor 11. The sensor 11 can then be designed, for example, as a camera which detects whether the closure element 3 is mounted on the motor vehicle 4.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in the drawings and preferred in this respect, it is provided that the sensor 11 is formed by a resistor 13 which is preferably electrically connected to the lock control 10 only in the installed state of the closure element 3. Figure 2 b), the lock control unit 10 can be electrically connected to the sensor 11 designed as a resistor 13 in the installed state of the closure element 3 and can be electrically decoupled from the closure element 3 in the removed state. The lock control unit 10 can be connected to the sensor 11 via a closure element cable harness 14, so that the separation of the closure element cable harness 12 from the onboard power supply of the motor vehicle 4 leads to an electrical decoupling between the sensor 11 and the lock control unit 10. The closure element cable harness 14 is connected to the onboard power supply via a closure element disconnect plug 15 in this case.

[0038] A sensor 11 designed as a resistor 13 is particularly advantageous and reliable. At the same time, a corresponding sensor 11 makes it possible to monitor particularly easily whether the closure element 3 is mounted on the motor vehicle 4 . This can be achieved particularly easily by applying a voltage to the sensor 11 .

[0039] If the motor vehicle lock 1 is assigned to the closing element 3 as shown in the figure, the sensor 11 designed as a resistor 13 is preferably assigned to the motor vehicle 4. The reverse arrangement is also possible. When the motor vehicle door is disassembled, all electrical connections between the closing element 3 and the motor vehicle 4 via the closing element cable harness 14 are interrupted, thereby also interrupting the electrical connection between the sensor 11 designed as a resistor 13 and the lock control unit 10.

[0040] In order to prevent the motor vehicle lock 1 from being accidentally transferred into the open mode, for example when the electrical connection to the sensor 11 is unexpectedly interrupted or the sensor 11 fails, it is provided in the embodiment shown in the drawings and preferred in this respect that the motor vehicle lock 1 can only be brought into the open mode when at least one additional activation criterion is present. In this way, it is ensured that the motor vehicle lock 1 can only be brought into the open mode when at least one activation criterion is present and at the same time the removal of the closure element 3 from the motor vehicle 4 is detected by the sensor 11.

[0041] In order to prevent the motor vehicle lock 1 from switching to the open mode under defined conditions, in which the open mode of the motor vehicle lock 1 is undesirable, it is provided here and preferably that in the event of a crash, when a predetermined vehicle speed is exceeded, in particular greater than 0 km / h or greater than or equal to 3 km / h, when the engine is switched on and / or the ignition is actuated, the activation criterion is suppressed in such a way that the motor vehicle lock 1 is prevented from switching to the open mode. Thus, for example, in the event of a crash or when the motor vehicle 4 is moving, the motor vehicle lock 1 can be prevented from switching to the open mode and the locking pawl 7 can thus be switched to its raised state and / or remain in this raised state.

[0042] Here and preferably, it is possible that an additional activation criterion is formed by manual and / or automatic transfer to the activated state by the lock control 10. The lock control can then be transferred to the activated state, for example, by a user, for example by actuating an activation element, such as, for example, a button, a lever, etc. The removal of the closure element 3 then automatically causes the motor vehicle lock 1 to be transferred to the open mode.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in the drawings and preferred in this respect, it is provided alternatively or additionally that the activation criterion is formed by the locking pin 5 in its open position. The activation criterion is therefore always present when the locking pin 5 is in its open position. The motor vehicle lock 1 can then only be transferred to the open mode when the locking pin 5 is open, i.e. when the locking pawl 7 has previously been transferred to its raised state. This then excludes in a particularly effective manner that the motor vehicle lock 1 can be transferred to the open mode when the locking pin 5 is in its locked position, thereby making it possible to additionally increase the safety of the motor vehicle lock 1.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to assign an activation sensor 16 to the motor vehicle lock 1 and to form the activation criterion by a signal generated by the activation sensor 16. For example, the activation sensor 16 can then be assigned to the hinge 17 of the closure element 3. The activation sensor 16 is then preferably designed to detect whether the closure element 3 is mechanically connected to the motor vehicle 4 via the hinge 17. If the sensor 11 detects that the closure element 3 is not connected to the motor vehicle 4 via the hinge 17, a corresponding signal can form the activation criterion. In this way, it can be ensured that the open mode is only assumed when the closure element 3 is disassembled.

[0045] It is important that the motor vehicle lock 1 functions properly in the installed state in which the closing element 3 is installed on the motor vehicle 4. It is therefore preferably provided that the motor vehicle lock 1 can be brought from the open mode into a use mode by means of the lock control 10, in which the locking pawl 7 can be brought into its locked state and its contact state in addition to the released state. This is done in particular after the closing element 3 has been installed. When the closing element 3 is reinstalled on the motor vehicle 4, the use mode is then activated, in particular automatically. In this way, reinstallation can be carried out in a particularly easy manner. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in b), the installation of the closure element 3 on the motor vehicle 4 is detected as soon as the closure element cable harness 14 is connected to the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle 4 .

[0046] The pawl 7 can then be brought into its three states, namely the contact state, the locked state and the released state, whereby the intended use of the motor vehicle lock 1 and in particular the locking of the locking pin 5 in its locked position by the pawl 7 can be achieved again.

[0047] If the sensor 11 detects that the closure element 3 has been removed and an additional activation criterion is present, the motor vehicle lock 1 can be automatically transferred back to the open state from the use state.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the motor vehicle lock 1 can be brought from an open mode into a check mode by means of a lock control unit, in which check mode the lock control unit 10 autonomously checks at least one predetermined functional condition of the motor vehicle lock 1, a positive check of the functional condition of the motor vehicle lock 1 causing the motor vehicle lock 1 to transfer to its usage mode, and a negative check of the functional condition of the motor vehicle lock 1 causing the motor vehicle lock 1 to remain in the open state.

[0049] The term "functional condition" is to be understood in this context as any property, such as a mechanical position of individual lock components or an electrical signal, which can be checked by the lock control 10. The lock control 10 then ensures that when the closure element 3 is installed on the motor vehicle lock 1 and when predetermined functional conditions exist, the motor vehicle lock 1 can be brought autonomously from the opening mode into the use mode, thereby achieving a high level of user comfort during reinstallation.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in the drawings and preferred in this respect, it is provided that the motor vehicle lock 1 can be automatically switched to the test mode if the sensor 11 detects that the closure element 3 is mounted on the motor vehicle 4 after the closure element 3 has been removed. In this way, the test mode is automatically activated when the closure element 3 is mounted again on the motor vehicle 4. In this way, reinstallation can be carried out in a particularly easy manner. Figure 2In the embodiment shown in b), the installation of the closure element 3 on the motor vehicle 4 is detected as soon as the closure element cable harness 14 is connected to the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle 4 .

[0051] The term "functional condition" can be understood in this context in a broad sense as already described above. It is preferably provided here that the functional condition is formed by an electrical connection of the lock control 10 to an energy source and / or a vehicle control, a signal of a functional condition sensor 18 and / or a transfer of the locking pawl 7 to its abutment state. The energy source can be a current source and / or a voltage source. The energy source is preferably a motor vehicle lock energy source 12 here. It can then be provided, for example, that the functional condition is met when the lock control 10 is electrically connected to the motor vehicle lock energy source 12. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that the functional condition is met when the locking pawl 7 is in its abutment state. By way of example, the functional condition can also be met by a corresponding signal of the functional condition sensor 18 which is recognized by the lock control 10. The functional condition sensor 18 can then, for example, detect the individual positions of the motor vehicle lock components and in this way recognize the adjustability of these components, in particular the motor drive. In Figure 2 c) shows by way of example a functional condition sensor 18 which is Figure 2 In c), the position of the locking pawl 7 is detected. Other functional conditions are also possible.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in the drawings and preferred in this respect, it is provided that the motor vehicle lock 1 has a holding unit 19 for holding the locking pawl 7 in its raised state, the opening drive 9 is designed so as not to be drivable in the reverse direction, and the holding unit 19 for holding the locking pawl 7 in its raised state is formed by the opening drive 9. The opening drive 9 is then coupled or can be coupled to the locking pawl 7 in particular in such a way that the locking pawl 7 can be held in its raised state by the opening drive 9 and at the same time ensures that the opening drive 9 can transfer the locking pawl 7 from its contact state into the locked state without hindrance.

[0053] Alternatively, it is also possible that the motor vehicle lock 1 has a holding unit 19 for holding the locking pawl 7 in its raised state, and that the holding unit 19 is a functional unit, in particular a mechanical unit, which is designed separately from the opening drive 9. The holding unit 19 can, for example, have a locking lever which holds the locking pawl 7 in its raised state in the opening mode of the motor vehicle lock 1. It is then possible that the opening drive 9 is designed to be drivable in reverse.

[0054] The first installation of the closure element 3 in the motor vehicle 4 within the scope of vehicle production usually takes place before all vehicle functions are available. In order to prevent the motor vehicle lock 1 from being locked unintentionally during the first installation, it is preferably provided that the motor vehicle lock 1 can be brought into a factory mode by means of the lock control 10, in which the locking pin 5 is prevented from being transferred from its open position to its locked position, thereby simplifying installation. It is particularly advantageous here that the motor vehicle lock 1 can only be transferred from the factory mode to the use mode, for example, by a user, in particular by manual actuation.

[0055] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a mechanical installation securing device is provided, which can be introduced into the motor vehicle lock 1 in such a way that in the introduced state the locking pin 5 is mechanically prevented from being adjusted out of the open position and / or the locking pawl 7 from being adjusted out of the raised state. This then doubles the guarantee that the locking pawl 7 cannot be transferred into the contact state and / or the locked state.

[0056] Finally, it should be pointed out that there are a large number of advantageous variants for the design of the lock control 10. The lock control 10 can be equipped, for example, with a computing unit, in particular a microprocessor, in order to perform the proposed functions. However, it is also conceivable that the lock control 10 is a simple wiring structure with one or more switching elements, which is adopted so as to perform the proposed functions.

[0057] According to the further teaching, a motor vehicle lock assembly 2 is provided, which has the proposed motor vehicle lock 1 and a locking element 6, in particular a locking clip, with which a locking pin 5 of the motor vehicle lock 1 can enter into retaining engagement. In this regard, reference can be made to all embodiments concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock 1.

[0058] According to further teachings, a closure element arrangement 20 is also claimed, which has a closure element 3 and the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement 2 assigned to the closure element 3. In this regard, reference is made to all the embodiments concerning the proposed motor vehicle lock arrangement 2.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock, in particular for a closure element (3) of a motor vehicle (4), comprising a locking pin (5) and a locking pawl (7), wherein: The locking pin (5) can be brought from the open position into at least one locking position, in particular a main locking position and a pre-locking position, in order to maintain the locking element (3) in engagement with the locking member, in particular a locking bow, wherein the locking pawl (7) can be brought into a stopped state, a released state and an abutment state, in which the locking pawl holds the locking pin (5) in the locked position, in which the locking pawl releases the locking pin (5) in the released state, and in which the locking pawl (7) abuts against the locking pin (5) in the open position and can be brought into its stopped state, in order to achieve the locking pin (5) being held in the locked position. The motor vehicle lock (1) has an opening device (8) having an electric opening drive (9) for motor-driven setting of the release state. The motor vehicle lock (1) has a lock control unit (10) for controlling the opening drive (9). It is characterized in that The lock control unit (10) is coupled or can be coupled to a sensor (11) on the vehicle side, the closing element side or the lock side, and is designed to detect whether the closing element (3) is installed on the motor vehicle (4) or removed from the motor vehicle (4) based on the sensor (11), and when the removed state of the closing element (3) is detected, the lock control unit (10) switches the motor vehicle lock (1) to an open mode, whereby the locking pawl (7) is brought into its released state and in particular subsequently maintained in this released state.

2. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor vehicle lock (1) has a motor vehicle lock energy source (12) electrically connected to the lock control unit (10), or the lock control unit (10) is electrically connected to a motor vehicle lock energy source (12) that is constructed separately from the motor vehicle lock (1).

3. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sensor (11) is constructed as a capacitive sensor (11), an Ajar sensor, a resistance sensor (13) and / or an optical sensor (11). In particular, the sensor (11) is constructed by a resistor (13), which is preferably electrically connected to the lock control unit (10) only when the closure element (3) is installed.

4. A motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The motor vehicle lock (1) can only be brought into the open mode if an additional activation criterion is present.

5. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the event of a crash, when the vehicle speed is exceeded, in particular greater than 0 km / h or greater than or equal to 3 km / h, when the engine is switched on and / or the ignition is actuated, the activation criterion is suppressed in such a way that a transfer of the motor vehicle lock (1) into the open mode is prevented.

6. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The additional activation criterion is formed by the lock control (10) being manually and / or automatically transferred to the activated state and / or the activation criterion is formed by the locking pin (5) being in its open position and / or an activation sensor (16) is assigned to the motor vehicle lock (1) and the activation criterion is formed by a signal generated by the activation sensor (16).

7. A motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The motor vehicle lock (1) can be brought from the opening mode into a use mode by means of the lock control (10), in which the locking pawl (7) can be brought into its locking state and its contact state in addition to the released state.

8. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized in that: The motor vehicle lock (1) can be brought from the open mode into a check mode by means of the lock control unit, in which the lock control unit (10) autonomously checks at least one predetermined functional condition of the motor vehicle lock (1), a positive check of the functional condition of the motor vehicle lock (1) causes the motor vehicle lock (1) to transfer to its use mode, and a negative check of the functional condition of the motor vehicle lock (1) causes the motor vehicle lock (1) to remain in the open state, preferably, when the sensor (11) recognizes that the closure element (3) is installed on the motor vehicle (4) from the removed state of the closure element (3), the motor vehicle lock (1) can be automatically brought into the check mode.

9. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, characterized in that: The functional condition is formed by an electrical connection of the lock control (10) to an energy source and / or a vehicle control, a signal of a functional condition sensor (18) and / or a transfer of the locking pawl (7) into its abutment state.

10. A motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The motor vehicle lock (1) has a holding unit (19) for holding the locking pawl (7) in its raised state, the opening drive (9) is designed to be non-reverse drivable, and the holding unit (19) for holding the locking pawl (7) in its raised state is formed by the opening drive (9), or the holding unit (19) is a functional unit that is constructed separately from the opening drive (9), in particular a mechanical functional unit.

11. A motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The motor vehicle lock (1) can be brought into a factory mode by means of the lock control unit (10), in which the locking pin (5) is prevented from being transferred from its open position to its locked position. Preferably, a mechanical installation safety device is provided, which can be introduced into the motor vehicle lock (1) in such a way that in the introduced state the locking pin (5) is mechanically prevented from being adjusted out of the open position and / or the locking pawl (7) is mechanically prevented from being adjusted out of the raised state.

12. A motor vehicle lock assembly comprising a motor vehicle lock (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a locking element (6), in particular a locking clip, with which a locking pin (5) of the motor vehicle lock (1) can enter into retaining engagement.

13. A closure element arrangement comprising a closure element (3) and a motor vehicle lock arrangement (2) according to claim 12 which is assigned to the closure element (3).

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