Motor vehicle lock for closure element of motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a closure element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), the motor vehicle lock (1) having a locking mechanism (4) and an actuating lever (7), by means of which the locking mechanism (4) can be unlocked, the motor vehicle lock (1) having a coupler (9) with a coupling element (10) and an adjusting mechanism (11), by means of which the coupling element (10) can be adjusted, the adjusting mechanism (11) can be adjusted to an unlocked state, in which the coupling element (10) is adjusted to the coupled state, to a locked state, in which the coupling element (10) is adjusted to the decoupled state, and to a secured state, in which the coupling element (10) is adjusted to the coupled state during an actuating movement of the actuating lever (7). According to the state of the adjusting mechanism (11), the adjusting mechanism (11) is adjusted from a locking state to an unlocking state or is kept in a safety state. According to the invention, the motor vehicle lock (1) has an adjusting drive (12), by means of which the adjusting mechanism (11) can be adjusted by a motor, and during a drive movement of the adjusting drive (12), the adjusting mechanism (11) is optionally adjusted from an unlocked state to a locked state or a secured state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock for a closure element of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The motor vehicle lock can be associated with completely different closure elements of a motor vehicle. In this case, the motor vehicle lock can hold the closure element closed or release the closure element, so that the closure element can be held in the closed position or adjusted to the open position by the motor vehicle lock, respectively. In this case, the term "closure element" is to be understood broadly, in particular including side doors, tailgates, tailgates, hoods, cargo covers, window panes, lift roofs, etc. of a motor vehicle.

[0003] The known prior art on which the invention is based (EP 2 799 648 A2) relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1. The known motor vehicle lock firstly has a locking mechanism with a latch and a pawl. The latch is locked or released by the pawl depending on the position. The latch can receive or release a closing part, for example a closing bracket, provided on a closure element or a body of the motor vehicle lock, so as to hold the closure element in the closed position or release it to the open position, respectively. In order to unlock the locking mechanism, the motor vehicle lock has an actuation lever. When the actuation lever is actuated, the pawl is lifted and the latch releases the closing part. As shown here, the actuation lever can be coupled to an interior handle, for example, whereby the actuation lever can be actuated by pulling the interior handle and the motor vehicle lock can be opened accordingly.

[0004] In order to be able to implement functions such as locking the closure element, the known motor vehicle lock has a coupling with a coupling element, by means of which the actuation lever and the locking mechanism can be operatively coupled to and decoupled from one another. Thus, depending on the position of the coupling element, the locking mechanism can be actuated or not actuated by the actuation lever. In order to adjust the coupling, in particular the coupling element, the known motor vehicle lock has an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can be adjusted to different states, wherein, depending on the state of the adjustment mechanism, the coupling element is adjusted to a coupled state or a decoupled state. In the unlocked state of the adjustment mechanism, the coupling element is adjusted to the coupled state. Thus, the locking mechanism can be unlocked during an actuation movement, as a result of which the closure element can be opened. In the locked state and the armed state, the coupling element is adjusted to the decoupled state in each case, so that the locking mechanism remains locked during an actuation movement. In this case, the difference between the locked state and the armed state of the adjustment mechanism is that, in the locked state, the adjustment mechanism is adjusted to the unlocked state during an actuation movement of the actuation lever, while in the armed state the adjustment mechanism remains in the armed state during an actuation movement of the actuation lever.

[0005] For known vehicle locks, the actuation of the actuator lever triggers different actions of the vehicle lock depending on the state of the adjusting mechanism. As a result, in addition to the usual unlocking and locking, other functions, such as child safety or anti-theft functions, can be implemented in a proven manner. While known vehicle locks have proven well-suited for a wide range of applications in this context, a drawback of known vehicle locks is their rather complex structure. In known vehicle locks, the adjusting mechanism includes two distinct adjusting profiles, each adjustable by a motor via an adjusting actuator. The first adjusting profile allows the adjusting mechanism to move from a decoupled state to a locked state, and the second adjusting profile allows the adjusting mechanism to move to a secured state.

[0006] The present invention is based on the problem of designing and improving known motor vehicle locks in such a way that it provides motor vehicle locks with a relatively less complex structure.

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

[0008] A fundamental consideration is essential: the regulating mechanism can be adjusted to a locked state and a safety state via a regulating actuator. Therefore, several regulating actuators, such as those provided in the prior art, can be omitted to provide these states.

[0009] The adjustment mechanism is moved to the unlocked state primarily via the actuating lever, as the lever is actuated and undergoes a corresponding actuation motion. The vehicle lock can be unlocked by subsequent repeated actuation of the lever. Therefore, for example, it is possible to unlock the vehicle lock only after the lever has been actuated twice, i.e., through a two-stroke operation, thereby ultimately improving operational security. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the adjustment mechanism automatically transitions to the locked state from a certain speed of the vehicle by adjusting the actuator. Accidental unlocking of the locking mechanism from the locked state is prevented, because simply actuating the lever, for example by pulling the internal handle, is insufficient for this purpose.

[0010] For example, child insurance and / or theft insurance can be implemented by adjusting the regulating mechanism to the locked state. Therefore, it is conceivable that the regulating mechanism is adjusted to the locked state via, for example, a control signal initiated by the user. In the locked state, actuation of the lever will not cause the locking mechanism to unlock, thus generally preventing accidental unlocking of the locking mechanism, especially via the internal handle. To adjust the regulating mechanism from the locked state, this can be achieved, for example, by another control signal initiated by the user, which adjusts the regulating mechanism from the locked state to the locked state. From this point, as described above, actuation of the lever can first move the regulating mechanism to the unlocked state, and subsequent re-application of the lever can unlock the locking mechanism.

[0011] Specifically, a motor vehicle lock is proposed to have an adjustment actuator, which can be adjusted by a motor through its adjustment mechanism, and during the driving movement of the adjustment actuator, the adjustment mechanism can optionally adjust from an unlocked state to a locked state or a secure state.

[0012] Claim 2 describes the adjustment mechanism in detail. In particular, the design having an adjustment lever and a control lever that are movable in two lever positions respectively allows the adjustment mechanism to be adjusted to three states by adjusting the actuator, while maintaining the simple structure of the adjustment mechanism.

[0013] According to the advantageous design of claim 3, the coupler is adjustable via a control lever. This is structurally easy to implement. Particularly high functional reliability can be achieved by moving the control lever at least in segments, independent of it. In this way, coupling of the coupler can be ensured only after the adjustment mechanism has been adjusted to achieve the two-stroke principle.

[0014] In claim 4, when the adjustment mechanism is in the safety position, the adjustment lever will control the lever in its safety position. Therefore, in addition to its adjustment function, the adjustment lever also performs a safety function. If the adjustment lever is adjusted to the stop position while the adjustment mechanism is in the safety position, the safety of the control lever can be ensured even when the adjustment driver is not energized, thereby maintaining the safety position of the adjustment mechanism.

[0015] Other advantageous designs according to claims 5 and 6 provide a retaining rod. The retaining rod holds the adjusting mechanism in its locked state and releases it as needed (claim 5), thereby enabling the basic functions of the vehicle lock to be implemented with a relatively simple structure. The retaining rod and the actuating rod can be coupled or coupled to each other, such that the retaining rod can move on the actuating rod (claim 6). Therefore, the actuating rod has at least one dual function, because depending on the state of the adjusting mechanism, the locking mechanism can be decoupled and / or the retaining rod can be moved, thereby ultimately leading to the adjustment of the adjusting mechanism.

[0016] Claim 7 relates to an advantageous design in which the free-spinning stroke of the actuating lever occurs in the safety position. In this way, operational comfort can be increased because, for example, the internal handle connected to the actuating lever can also be pulled in the safety position, in which case the adjustment mechanism remains in the safety position.

[0017] If the actuation motion causes the coupling element to move, the locking mechanism can be unlocked with a relatively simple structure by the actuation motion of the actuating rod (claim 8). The coupling element can be arranged directly on the actuating rod in a particularly compact manner and move together with the actuating rod.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of claim 9, the vehicle lock has an actuation actuator. The actuation actuator enables the electric opening of the vehicle lock, resulting in increased operational comfort. Preferably, the actuation lever and the actuation actuator are independent of each other, such that, for example, an opening can be made from the outside of the vehicle via the actuation actuator, and an opening can be made from the inside of the vehicle via the actuation lever, for example, by connecting an internal handle.

[0019] Claim 10 advantageously provides another actuating rod decoupled from the actuating rod. The actuating rod can be connected to actuating elements, such as door handles, located in different positions within and on the motor vehicle. Another actuating rod can also be provided as an emergency actuating rod, by which the closing element can be opened, for example, after a motor vehicle collision.

[0020] According to claim 11, a motor vehicle lock is provided with another coupler. Through this other coupler, another actuating rod can be operatively coupled and decoupled, particularly independently of the coupler and the actuating rod. Particularly advantageously, the other coupler can be adjusted by an actuation actuator, thus eliminating the need for a separate adjustment component.

[0021] Another preferred design according to claim 12 provides a trigger lever that unlocks the locking mechanism during a triggering motion. As a “node lever,” different actuation options, such as actuating levers, another actuating lever, and / or actuation drivers, can be connected to the trigger lever. Therefore, substantially independent actuation chains can be provided with a simple structure.

[0022] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments only. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 The vehicle lock according to the invention is shown in perspective views from two different sides, which is associated with the locking element of the vehicle, in a) and b).

[0024] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 a) Figure 1 b) is a reduced top view of a vehicle lock, which has an adjustment mechanism in the unlocked state, wherein in a), the actuating lever is not actuated, and in b), the actuating lever is actuated.

[0025] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 a) Figure 1 b) is a reduced top view of a vehicle lock, which has an adjustment mechanism in the locked state, wherein in a), the actuating lever is not actuated, and in b), the actuating lever is actuated.

[0026] Figure 4It shows according to Figure 1 a) Figure 1 b) is a reduced top view of a vehicle lock, which in a) has an adjustment mechanism in the locked state, wherein the actuating lever is not actuated, and b) has an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the actuating lever from the locked state to the unlocked state during the actuation movement of the actuating lever.

[0027] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 1 a) Figure 1 b) is a reduced top view of a vehicle lock, showing that it is actuated by an actuator, wherein in a), the trigger lever is not actuated by the actuator, and in b), the trigger lever is actuated by the actuator.

[0028] The embodiment shown in the figure, and preferred in this respect, relates to a motor vehicle lock 1 for a closing element 2 of a motor vehicle 3. According to... Figure 1 a) The vehicle lock 1 is associated with the closure element 2, which is the side door of the vehicle 3. As stated in the introduction, the term "closure element" is broadly understood in the context of this application.

[0029] The vehicle lock 1 has a locking mechanism 4 with a latch 5 and a pawl 6. The latch 5 can be adjusted to an open position and at least one closed position. In the installed state of the vehicle lock 1, the latch 5 can engage with the closed portion in the closed position. The pawl 6 can lock the latch in the closed position or release the latch, resulting in the latch 5 being adjustable from the locked position to the open position. Figure 1 a) Figure 1 In b), the latch 5 is adjusted to the open position.

[0030] The vehicle lock 1 has an actuating lever 7 by which the locking mechanism 4 can be unlocked. During unlocking, for example, the pawl 6 can be lifted, the latch 5 can be released, and the latch 5 can be adjusted to the open position. In this case, and preferably, the actuating lever 7 is supported so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, for example from... Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 As can be seen from the combination in b). Here, and preferably, the actuating rod 7 is configured as an internal actuating rod. For example, as Figure 1 As shown in b), an internal handle 8 that can be manually actuated by the user can be connected to the actuator 7. As shown here, the actuation movement of the actuator 7 can be a pivoting movement.

[0031] To prevent each actuation of the actuating lever 7 from unlocking the locking mechanism 4, the vehicle lock 1 includes a coupler 9 with a coupling element 10. By means of the coupler 9, the actuating lever 7 can be operatively connected to or disconnected from the locking mechanism 4, such that during the actuation movement of the actuating lever 7, i.e., when the actuating lever 7 is actuated, the locking mechanism 4 is unlocked, or the locking mechanism 4 remains in its state, particularly its locked state. Thus, for example, the actuating lever 7 can be operatively coupled to the locking mechanism 4, the actuating lever 7 undergoing an actuation movement, and during the actuation movement, the locking mechanism 4 is unlocked, as... Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 As shown in combination b). Even when the actuating rod 7 is operatively decoupled from the locking mechanism 4, the actuating rod 7 can still undergo an actuating motion, but this will not cause the locking mechanism 4 to unlock, as... Figure 3 a) Figure 3 b) and Figure 4 a) Figure 4 The combination shown in b) is shown.

[0032] In the coupled state of the coupling element 10, the coupler 9 operatively couples the actuating rod 7 to the locking mechanism 4. Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 b)). In this coupled state, the locking mechanism 4 can be unlocked by the actuating rod 7. In the decoupled state of the coupling element 10, the coupler 9 operatively decouples the actuating rod 7 from the locking mechanism 4. Figure 3 a) Figure 3 b) and Figure 4 a) Figure 4 b)). In this decoupled state, the locking mechanism 4 cannot be unlocked by the actuating rod 7. In this case, preferably, the coupling element 10 is pivotable about a rotation axis, in this case about the pivot axis of the actuating rod 7, and is supported relative to the pivot axis, particularly in a direction orthogonal to the pivot axis. Other designs are conceivable, for example, in which the coupling element 10 is supported in a purely linear movement. Here and preferably, the coupling element 10 in the coupled state ( Figure 2 a) Figure 2 b) and decoupling state ( Figure 3 a) Figure 3 b) Figure 4 a) Figure 4 The adjustment between (b) and (c) is achieved by the displacement movement of the coupling element 10, particularly by at least a proportional linear displacement movement. Furthermore, and preferably, the coupling element 10 is pre-tightened to the coupling state.

[0033] In order to control the coupling and decoupling of the actuating rod 7 and the locking mechanism 4 as needed, the vehicle lock 1 has an adjustment mechanism 11. The coupling element 10 can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 11. Herein, and preferably, the adjustment mechanism 11 is provided so that the coupling element 10 can be adjusted from a coupled state to a decoupled state by acting on the coupling element 10.

[0034] The adjusting mechanism 11 itself can be in different states, and the actuation of the actuating rod 7 can cause different reactions depending on the corresponding state of the adjusting mechanism 11. Therefore, the adjusting mechanism 11 can be adjusted to the unlocked state, such as... Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 As shown in embodiment b), in the unlocked state, the coupling element 10 is adjusted to the coupling state. During the actuation movement of the actuating rod 7, the locking mechanism 4 can be unlocked in the unlocked state, and the vehicle lock 1 can be opened. The adjusting mechanism 11 can also be adjusted to... Figure 4 a) The locked state shown in the figure and as follows Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b) shows the safety state. In the locked and safety states, the coupling element 10 is adjusted to the decoupled state. During the actuation movement of the actuating lever 7, in these states of the adjusting mechanism 11, the locking mechanism 4 cannot be unlocked and the vehicle lock 1 cannot be opened.

[0035] Although the locked and locked states of the adjustment mechanism 11 are not different in terms of the state of the coupling element 10, the state of the adjustment mechanism 11 is different in that, during the actuation movement of the actuating lever 7, the adjustment mechanism 11 adjusts from the locked state to the unlocked state, or remains in the locked state, depending on the state of the adjustment mechanism 11.

[0036] Therefore, if the adjusting mechanism 11 is adjusted to the locked state ( Figure 4 a)), then during the actuation motion of actuator 7 ( Figure 4 b), the adjusting mechanism 11 is adjusted to the unlocked state ( Figure 2 a) Figure 2 b)). In this way, the vehicle lock 1 can be opened from the locked state by a double stroke, i.e., two consecutive actuation movements, of the actuating lever 7. If the adjusting mechanism 11 is adjusted to the safe state ( Figure 3 a, Figure 3 (b)) then during the actuation movement of the actuator 7, the adjusting mechanism 11 remains in a safe state ( Figure 3 (b)). In this case, the actuator 7 can perform an idle stroke, that is, a stroke without the corresponding unlocking action of the vehicle lock 1.

[0037] In summary, for the embodiments, the result is that the coupling element 10 can be adjusted from the coupled position to the decoupled position via the adjusting mechanism 11, wherein the adjusting mechanism 11 itself performs the adjustment. Furthermore, during the actuation movement of the actuating rod 7, the coupling element 10 can be adjusted from the decoupled position to the coupled position, wherein the adjustment is achieved, for example, by a preload acting on the coupling element 10. Therefore, at least in the embodiments, the adjustment to the coupled position is not (directly) performed via the adjusting mechanism 11.

[0038] In the vehicle lock 1 according to the invention, it is important that the vehicle lock 1 has an adjustment actuator 12, which can be adjusted by a motor via its adjustment mechanism 11, and during the driving movement of the adjustment actuator 12, the adjustment mechanism 11 can optionally be adjusted from an unlocked state to a locked state or a secure state.

[0039] The adjustment actuator 12 allows the adjustment mechanism 11 to be optionally adjusted from an unlocked state to a locked state or a safety state. In this case, and preferably, the adjustment mechanism 11 is adjusted from the unlocked state via the adjustment actuator 12. Figure 2 Starting with (a)), via the insurance status ( Figure 3 a)) proceed sequentially to the locked state ( Figure 4 a)). During the actuation movement, the regulating mechanism 11 is initially switched to the safety state, regardless of its target state.

[0040] Driven motion is initiated through control technology, such as in response to user signals or when a specific speed of the vehicle 3 is reached. For example, if the adjustment mechanism 11 is to be adjusted to a locked state, it is first adjusted to a safety state and then adjusted to the locked state. If the adjustment mechanism 11 is to be put into a safety state, the drive motion only includes the adjustment to put into the safety state.

[0041] As provided in the embodiments, and preferably, the adjustment driver 12 has a motor 13 and / or a worm gear transmission 14 having a worm shaft 15 and a worm wheel 16. The motor 13 can operate in both directions of motion. The motor 13 can be a motor with an indeterminate adjustment angle. For example, unlike a stepper motor, such a motor does not detect any adjustment angle during operation, but rather, for example, is “locked” in drive. The worm wheel 16 may have teeth that preferably extend beyond a portion of the angular region of the worm wheel 16, as shown here.

[0042] Although the adjustment mechanism 11 is adjusted from the unlocked state to the locked state and the safety state, especially by the motor only through the adjustment driver 12, the adjustment mechanism 11 is also adjusted from the safety state ( Figure 3 a)) The adjustment is first achieved by adjusting the driver 12, which is then adjusted by the motor to the locked state. Figure 4 a)). Adjustment mechanism 11 changes from locked state to unlocked state ( Figure 2The adjustment of a)) occurs, especially only in the actuator 7 ( Figure 4 b)) occurs during the actuation movement, which can be manually actuated by the user, for example, via the internal handle 8.

[0043] Particularly preferred is that if the adjusting mechanism 11 has an adjusting lever 17, it can be moved, particularly precisely, between two lever positions by adjusting the actuator 12. As shown here, the adjusting lever 17 can be pivotally supported about a pivot axis. A lever position is a defined position of the adjusting lever 17, to which the adjusting lever 17 can be repeatedly adjusted, and to which the adjusting lever 17 is held at least temporarily, for example, in the unlocked, locked, and secured states of the adjusting mechanism 11. The adjusting lever 17 can be adjusted back and forth between lever positions, but in particular, it cannot be moved outside of these lever positions.

[0044] In this configuration, preferably, the adjusting rod 17 can only be moved via the adjusting actuator 12. The adjusting rod 17 can be kinematically coupled to the adjusting actuator 12, particularly the worm gear 16. Here, preferably, the adjusting rod 17 is positioned on the worm gear 16. In the embodiment, the first position of the adjusting rod 17 is... Figure 2 a) Figure 2 b) Figure 4 a) Figure 4 As shown in b), the second lever position of the adjusting lever 17 is... Figure 3 a) Figure 3 As shown in b). The adjusting rod 17 can be configured with an adjusting profile. The adjusting rod 17, configured with an adjusting profile, can be generally arranged on the worm gear 16.

[0045] As an alternative to or supplement to the adjusting lever 17, the adjusting mechanism 11 is preferably provided with a control lever 18, which is movable in at least two, and particularly exactly three, lever positions. As shown here, the control lever 18 can be pivotally supported about a pivot axis. The lever position is a defined position of the control lever 18, which can be repeatedly adjusted to, and which the control lever 18 is at least temporarily held in, for example, in the unlocked, locked, and secured states of the adjusting mechanism 11. Figure 2 a) Figure 2 b) shows the first lever position of control lever 18. Figure 3 a) Figure 3 b) shows the second lever position of control lever 18. Figure 4 a) shows the third lever position of control lever 18. Control lever 18 can also be configured to adjust its profile.

[0046] The control lever 18 can be preloaded to the lever position. In this case, and preferably, the control lever 18 is subjected to a preload force, such as a preload force from a spring element, particularly in such a way that the control lever 18 is preloaded to the lever position where the adjusting mechanism 11 is in the unlocked state. Figure 2a)). Due to the preload, according to Figure 4 During the actuation movement of the actuator 7 (b), the adjustment mechanism 11 can be adjusted according to... Figure 4 a) Adjustment of the locked state.

[0047] Typically, preferably, the drive movement from the unlocked state of the adjustment mechanism 11 to the locked state of the adjustment mechanism 11 comprises two parts of drive movement. During the first part of the drive movement, the adjustment mechanism 11 moves from the unlocked state (…) Figure 2 a) Adjust to safe state ( Figure 3 a)). During the second part of the driving motion, the adjusting mechanism 11 is in a safe state ( Figure 3 a) Adjust to the locked state ( Figure 4 a)). The partial drive movement relative to the actuating lever 17 occurs, particularly in the opposite direction of movement. In the first partial drive movement, the adjusting lever 17 can be moved by the adjusting actuator 12 in the first direction of movement, in this case, counterclockwise, and in this case, preferably, the control lever 18 can move together with the adjusting lever 17. In the second partial drive movement, the adjusting lever 17 can be moved by the adjusting actuator 12 in a second, particularly opposite direction of movement, here clockwise.

[0048] It can be provided that the control lever 18 is coupled and decoupled from the adjusting lever 17 in such a way that during the driving motion, the control lever 18 moves together with the adjusting lever 17 to the safety state of the adjusting mechanism 11, and during the driving motion, the adjusting lever 17 moves only to the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11 by means of a portion of the driving motion of the adjusting lever 17. From according to Figure 2 a) Upon unlocking, the adjusting lever 17 is moved by the adjusting actuator 12, here counterclockwise. During the driving motion, the actuating lever 17 engages with the control lever 18, and the control lever 18 moves together with the actuating lever 17 until it reaches the position according to... Figure 3 a) Insurance status. If the regulating mechanism 11 is adjusted according to... Figure 4 a) When the vehicle is locked and the drive continues to that position, the adjusting lever 17 is adjusted by the adjusting actuator 12 in the opposite direction of movement, which is clockwise. In this case, the control lever 18 engages with another component of the vehicle lock 1 (in this case, the retaining lever 19), and the control lever 18 is decoupled from the adjusting lever 17.

[0049] Furthermore, preferably, starting from the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11, the control lever 18 moves independently of the adjusting lever 17 during the actuation movement. The adjusting lever 17 is preferably in the unlocked state (…). Figure 2 a) and locked state ( Figure 4a)) are in the same lever position. During the actuation movement, here and preferably, the adjusting mechanism 11 can be released by holding lever 19 to release control lever 18. Figure 4 b)). Then, the pre-tensioned control lever 18 can be moved in such a way that the adjusting mechanism 11 is adjusted to the unlocked state (b). Figure 2 a)).

[0050] Regarding the control lever 18, preferably, during the driving motion, the control lever 18 is coupled or coupled to the coupler 9 in such a way that the movement of the control lever 18 causes the coupling element 10 to adjust from a coupled state to a decoupled state. From according to... Figure 2 a) Starting from the unlocked state of the adjustment component, the control lever 18 pivots during the drive movement, here clockwise. During the drive movement, the control lever 18 engages with the coupling element 10, resulting in the coupling element 10 moving together with the control lever 18. Figure 2 a) and Figure 3 In step a), the coupling element 10 moves downward. As a result, the coupling element 10 is shifted and moves from the coupled state to the decoupled state.

[0051] Preferably, during the actuation movement of the actuating lever 7, starting from the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11, the control lever 18 is decoupled or partially decoupled from the coupling element 10 such that, during the adjustment from the decoupled state to the coupled state, the coupling element 10 moves at least partially independently of the control lever 18. In this case, "segmentation" refers to the moving portion of the corresponding movement, in this case, the actuation movement. Figure 4 a) The locked state begins, and the following occurs. Figure 4 b) Actuation movement of the actuating lever 7. Once the actuation movement of the actuating lever 7 occurs, the control lever 18 is released, for example by the holding lever 19. In this case, the control lever 18 is preferably preloaded to the lever position. Once released, the control lever 18 is adjusted, particularly... Figure 4 b) Rotate counterclockwise. This adjustment releases the coupling element 10. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown in b), the coupling element 10 is then temporarily blocked, for example, by the trigger lever 20. As a result, the coupling element 10 initially remains in the decoupled state and is only adjusted to the coupled state during further actuation, as... Figure 4 b) and Figure 2 The combination shown in a) is illustrated.

[0052] Preferably, during the actuation motion, the movement of the control lever 18 is completed before the adjustment of the coupling element 10. To this extent, the adjustment of the coupling element 10 from a decoupled state to a coupled state occurs after the adjustment mechanism 11 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0053] More generally, therefore, in conjunction with the actuation movement, the actuation movement can also include two parts of actuation movement. In the first part of the actuation movement, the actuating rod 7 moves in a first direction of movement, and in the second part of the actuation movement, the actuating rod 7 moves in a second direction of movement. The first direction of movement can be opposite to the second direction of movement, for example, from the embodiment, from Figure 2 a) Figure 2 b) or Figure 3 a) Figure 3 b) or Figure 4 a) Figure 4 As can be seen from the combination in b). Preferably, starting from the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11, the adjustment of the adjusting mechanism 11 to the unlocked state is realized during the first part of the actuation movement, and the adjustment of the coupling element 10 to the coupling state is realized during the second part of the actuation movement.

[0054] In addition to the coupling and decoupling capabilities of the control lever 18 and the coupling element 10, or alternatively, regarding the control lever 18, preferably, in the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11, the adjusting lever 17 and the control lever 18 are coupled to each other in such a way that the adjusting lever 17 locks the control lever 18 in its lever position. Therefore, the control lever 18 can be moved to lock it in its lever position. Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 As shown in b), the movement of the control lever 18 is blocked by the adjusting lever 17. Here, and preferably, the adjusting lever 17 secures the control lever 18 in a form-locking manner, particularly through the end face contact surface of the adjusting lever 17.

[0055] Particularly preferably, with the adjusting mechanism 11 in the safe state, the adjusting lever 17 is adjusted to a suppressed lever position, as shown here. In this respect, one of the lever positions represents the suppressed lever position. In the suppressed lever position of the adjusting lever 17, the control lever 18 can remain stationary in its lever position solely due to the friction between the adjusting mechanism 11 and the adjusting actuator 12. Therefore, for example, due to the preload of the control lever 18, the force introduced into the adjusting lever 17 by the control lever 18 will not cause any adjustment to the adjusting mechanism 11, especially when there is no current flowing into the adjusting actuator 12 or the motor 13. To adjust the adjusting mechanism 11 from the safe state, it is necessary to operate the adjusting actuator 12.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, preferably, in the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11, the adjusting lever 17 and the control lever 18 are decoupled from each other in such a way that the control lever 18 is not secured by the adjusting lever 17. This makes it possible to... Figure 4 a) begins the locked state, based on Figure 4 During the actuation motion of b), the adjusting mechanism 11 can be adjusted unimpeded via the adjusting rod 17 according to... Figure 2a) The unlocked state. It can be imagined that the control lever 18 is not secured by the adjusting lever 17, but rather by another component of the vehicle lock 1, such as the retaining lever 19, as... Figure 4 As shown in a).

[0057] As mentioned above in conjunction with the preferred features, the vehicle lock 1 may also typically have a retaining rod 19, which can be held in the locked state via its adjusting mechanism 11. Figure 4 a)), and releases the regulating mechanism 11 during the actuation movement ( Figure 4 b)). Here, and preferably for this purpose, the retaining lever 19 and the control lever 18 are provided to be coupled and decoupled from each other. Through coupling, the adjusting mechanism 11 is kept in a locked state, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the embodiment of a). By decoupling ( Figure 4 (b)) This allows the adjusting mechanism 11 to be adjusted from a locked state to an unlocked state. To enable coupling and decoupling, as in this embodiment, the retaining lever 19 and the control lever 18 can engage with each other, and particularly disengage from each other during actuation. (Refer to...) Figure 3 a) In this embodiment, the retaining lever 19 and the control lever 18 are decoupled from each other in a locked state. Here, the control lever 18 is locked in its lever position by the adjusting lever 17. However, alternatively, it is also conceivable that the retaining lever 19 and the control lever 18 are coupled in a locked state, and the control lever 18 is held in its lever position substantially by the adjusting lever 17 and the retaining lever 19.

[0058] The retaining rod 19 can be pivotally supported about the pivot axis. The retaining rod 19 can be preloaded to the rod position.

[0059] Regarding the retaining rod 19, preferably, the retaining rod 19 and the actuating rod 7 are coupled or coupled to each other in such a way that the actuating movement of the actuating rod 7, particularly independent of the state of the adjusting mechanism 11, affects the movement of the retaining rod 19. During the actuating movement, as provided in the embodiments, the retaining rod 19 preferably moves together with the actuating rod 7. This can be achieved from... Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 b) Figure 3 a) and Figure 3 b) and Figure 4 a) and Figure 4 Obtained from the combination of b).

[0060] Basically, various designs for the retaining lever 19 are conceivable. However, it has proven particularly advantageous for the retaining lever 19 to have at least two functional lever arms. In this case, each functional lever arm of the retaining lever 19 is assigned a function. The first functional lever arm can be constructed such that it engages with the actuating lever 7 during the actuation movement. The second functional lever arm can be constructed such that, in the locked state of the adjusting mechanism 11, it holds the control lever 18 in its lever position, particularly engaging with the control lever 18, and releases it during the actuation movement. The retaining lever 19 can be preloaded generally in the direction of movement via the third functional lever arm, particularly by applying a preload force to it. The retaining lever 19 can be Y-shaped, as in the embodiment. It is conceivable that the retaining lever 19 is constructed as a single unit.

[0061] Regarding the actuator 7, it is worth noting that the actuation movement of the actuator 7 can preferably be achieved independently of the state of the adjusting mechanism 11, and the actuation movement of the actuator 7 preferably adjusts the coupling element 10 from a decoupled state to a coupled state according to the state of the adjusting mechanism 11, or keeps the coupling element 10 in a decoupled state without adjustment. The actuation movement of the actuator 7 can be particularly manual, i.e., performed by the user, for example, according to... Figure 1 b) Via internal handle 8. From according to Figure 4 a) begins the locked state, based on Figure 4 During the actuation of b, the regulating mechanism 11 is adjusted according to... Figure 2 a) The unlocked state. As a result, coupling element 10 is adjusted from the decoupled state to the coupled state. According to Figure 2 b) The subsequent repetitive actuation motion causes the locking mechanism 4 to unlock. From according to Figure 3 a) begins the insurance status, based on Figure 3 During the actuation movement of b), the adjusting mechanism 11 does not adjust, and therefore the coupling element 10 does not adjust either. In this case, preferably, the idle stroke of the actuating rod 7 occurs via the internal handle 8. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the actuating rod 7 and / or the internal handle 8 are blocked in the safety state of the adjusting mechanism 11.

[0062] Regarding the actuating rod 7, it is also possible to provide that the actuating rod 7 and the coupling element 10 are coupled or coupled to each other in such a way that the actuating movement of the actuating rod 7 affects the movement of the coupling element 10. In this case, preferably, the coupling element 10 moves together with the actuating rod 7 during the actuating movement. This can be achieved independently of the state of the adjusting mechanism 11. Preferably, the coupling element 10 is arranged on the actuating rod 7. In an embodiment, and preferably, the coupling element 10 moves relative to the actuating rod 7 to adjust between a decoupled state and a coupled state. This can be generally seen from... Figure 2 a) and Figure 3 This is derived from the combination of a).

[0063] As stated in the introduction, the vehicle lock 1 is generally suitable for association with various types of locking elements 2. For many applications, it is desirable to have the possibility of electrically opening the locking element 2 in addition to manually opening it (e.g., via the actuating lever 7). Therefore, in this context, it is particularly preferred that the vehicle lock 1 has an actuation actuator 21, which can be unlocked by a motor via its locking mechanism 4. Although in this case, the adjustment actuator 12 is specifically used for adjusting the adjustment mechanism 11, the locking mechanism 4 can be unlocked by the actuation actuator 21. Figure 1 a) Figure 1 The actuation drive 21, as seen in b), may include another electric motor 22 and / or another worm gear transmission 23 having another worm shaft 24 and another worm wheel 25. In this case, the actuation drive 21 preferably has an actuation profile.

[0064] In this regard, the actuator 21 and the actuator rod 7 are preferably decoupled in such a way that the actuator 21 and the actuator rod 7 can be actuated independently of each other. Therefore, the locking mechanism 4 can be selectively unlocked manually via the actuator rod 7, for example by pulling the internal handle 8 connected to the actuator rod 7, or automatically unlocked via the actuator 21. Specifically, the actuator 21 is provided to decouple the locking mechanism 4 independently of the state of the adjusting mechanism 11 and / or independently of the state of the coupling element 10 of the coupler 9.

[0065] Basically, it can be imagined that different functions of the vehicle lock 1, such as child safety and / or anti-theft insurance, can be implemented by the actuator 21 and the actuator lever 7. This can preferably be implemented by control technology. For example, by adjusting the adjustment mechanism 11 to the safe state, and the actuator 21 unlocking the locking mechanism 4 in response to the control signal, the vehicle lock 1 can enter the child safety state. Therefore, the vehicle lock 1 can also be brought into the anti-theft insurance state, because the adjustment mechanism 11 is also adjusted to the safe state, and the actuator 21 does not respond to the control signal, thus not causing the locking mechanism 4 to unlock. The control signal can be output, for example, by the control unit of the vehicle 3 or the control unit of the vehicle lock 1. The control unit in Figure 1 As shown in b) as an example, and can be connected to the regulating driver 12 and / or the actuating driver 21 via control technology.

[0066] Basically, it may be advantageous if the closing element 2 can be opened from different positions or locations within the vehicle 3. The closing element 2 can be opened from inside the vehicle 3 via the actuating rod 7, because when the adjusting mechanism 11 is in the unlocked state ( Figure 2 a)), the latter unlocks the locking mechanism 4 during the actuation movement ( Figure 2(b)). For example, a button or the like can be provided from outside the vehicle 3, coupled to the actuator 21, and its actuation can cause the actuator 21 to actuate. For example, it is conceivable that the button or the like is coupled to an external handle 26 of the vehicle 3 in such a way that pulling the handle actuates the button. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 21 can be remotely controlled. Figure 1 In embodiment b), the button is not shown separately because it is located within the external handle 26. Actuation of the external handle 26, such as pulling, triggers the button. The button may, for example, be connected to... Figure 1 b) shows the control unit. The adjustment driver 12 and / or actuation driver 21 can be operated by the control unit. The control unit can operate the actuation driver 21 in response to a signal from a button.

[0067] As an alternative to or supplement to the actuation actuator 21, it may be advantageous for the vehicle lock 1 to have another actuation lever 27 decoupled from the actuation lever 7 in such a way that the actuation lever 7 and the other actuation lever 27 can be actuated independently of each other. The other actuation lever 27 can represent another unlocking possibility for the locking mechanism 4. In the embodiment, the other actuation lever 27... Figure 1 It is particularly visible in b), and Figure 5 a) and Figure 5 b) is indicated by a dashed line.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown in b), and preferably, the actuating lever 7 is designed as an internal actuating lever, and in particular, an internal handle 8 for actuating the internal actuating lever can be coupled to the internal actuating lever, and another actuating lever 27 is designed as an external actuating lever, and in particular, an external handle 26 for actuating the external actuating lever can be coupled to the external actuating lever. Especially when the vehicle lock 1 has an actuation driver 21, the external handle 26 can be used to actuate the external actuating lever and the actuation button, etc., and is therefore particularly useful for actuating the actuation driver 21.

[0069] Typically, in this configuration, the actuating actuator 21 and the other actuating lever 27 can be provided as equivalent opening possibilities for the closing element 2. Therefore, ultimately, a user outside the vehicle 3 can determine whether they unlock the locking mechanism 4 via the actuating actuator 21 or the other actuating lever 27. However, it has proven particularly useful when the other actuating lever 27 is configured as an emergency actuating lever. Even in the event of a failure of the actuating actuator 21, the closing element 2 can be opened via the emergency actuating lever.

[0070] In this context, it is particularly advantageous that the vehicle lock 1 has another coupler 28, which has another coupling element 29, such as Figure 1 b、 Figure 5 a) Figure 5As shown in b), it operatively couples or decouples the other actuating rod 27 from the locking mechanism 4 depending on the state of the other coupling element 29. Therefore, the locking mechanism 4 can be unlocked by the other actuating rod 27 depending on the state of the other coupling element 29.

[0071] The other coupler 28 is preferably operatively decoupled from the adjustment driver 12 and is specifically adjustable only by the actuation driver 21. Thus, the actuation driver 21 can perform a dual function: on the one hand, it automatically unlocks the locking mechanism 4 during normal operation, thereby automatically opening the closing element 2; on the other hand, during emergency operation, the adjustment of the other coupling element 29, for example as a result of an accident, in such a way that the other actuation rod 27 is operatively coupled to the locking mechanism 4.

[0072] Preferably, the other motor 22 of the actuator 21 can unlock the locking mechanism 4 in the actuation direction and adjust the other coupling element 29 in the opposite actuation direction. The actuation direction of the other motor 22 determines the rotation direction of the other worm shaft 24 and the rotation direction of the other worm wheel 25. Here, and preferably, the other worm wheel 25 has a coupling profile 30 for adjusting the other coupling element 29. The coupling profile 30 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in b). The coupling profile 30 is disposed on the end side of the other worm gear 25. Here, and preferably, the coupling profile 30 can act on the adjusting rod 31, which also... Figure 1 As shown in b), it can also act on another coupling element 29. Figure 1 b) Figure 5 a) and Figure 5 b) shows another coupling element 29.

[0073] In consideration of the various unlocking possibilities of the locking mechanism 4, the vehicle lock 1 is particularly preferably provided to have multiple actuation chains. The first actuation chain includes an actuating lever 7, an adjusting mechanism 11, an adjusting actuator 12, and a coupler 9 with a coupling element 10. The second actuation chain includes an actuation actuator 21. The third actuation chain includes another actuating lever 27 and another coupler 28 with another coupling element 29. Preferably, the first actuation chain can be actuated independently of the other actuation chains. Furthermore, preferably, the second and / or third actuation chains can be actuated independently of the first actuation chain.

[0074] As already mentioned above in conjunction with other advantageous features, the vehicle lock 1 is generally preferably equipped with a trigger lever 20, which is coupled or interleaved with the locking mechanism 4, and which unlocks the locking mechanism 4 during a triggering motion. Figure 2 a) and Figure 2 b) and Figure 5 a) and Figure 5The triggering motion can be seen in combination b). In this case, and preferably, the trigger lever 20 is supported so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis. During the triggering motion, the trigger lever 20 can... Figure 2 a) Figure 2 b) Rotate clockwise.

[0075] More generally, regarding the pivot axes of the adjusting lever 17, the control lever 18, the holding lever 19, the actuating lever 7, and / or the trigger lever 20, at least some of the pivot axes of the protruding levers, preferably all of them, can be oriented substantially parallel to each other.

[0076] The trigger rod 20 can be particularly used as a node rod to which any number of actuating rods 7 and actuation drivers 21 can be connected. Therefore, it is preferably provided that, in the coupled state of the coupling element 10, the trigger rod 20 and the actuating rod 7 are coupled or coupled to each other via the coupler 9 in such a way that the triggering movement of the actuating rod 7 affects the actuating movement of the trigger rod 20. The coupling element 10 can engage with the trigger rod 20 in the coupled state, particularly during the actuating movement of the actuating rod 7, such as... Figure 2 The example in b) is shown.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the trigger lever 20 and the other actuating lever 27 are coupled or coupled to each other via another coupler 28 in such a way that another actuating movement of the other actuating lever 27 affects the triggering movement of the trigger lever 20.

[0078] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the trigger lever 20 and the actuation actuator 21 are provided to be coupled or coupled to each other in such a way that the triggering movement of the trigger lever 20 can be achieved by the actuation actuator 21. Here and preferably, the actuation actuator 21, in particular the worm gear 16, has a trigger profile 32, which is particularly effective from... Figure 5 a) and Figure 5 As seen in b), the trigger profile 32 can be arranged on the worm gear 16, particularly on the end side opposite to the coupling profile 30. Here, and preferably, the trigger profile 32 acts directly on the trigger rod 20. Alternatively, an additional lever may be provided, on which the trigger profile 32 acts, and which in turn acts on the trigger rod 20.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock for a closing element (2) of a motor vehicle (3), wherein, The vehicle lock (1) has a locking mechanism (4) with a latch (5) and a pawl (6). The vehicle lock (1) has an actuating rod (7) through which the locking mechanism (4) can be unlocked. The vehicle lock (1) also has a coupler (9) with a coupling element (10), which operatively couples the actuating rod (7) to the locking mechanism (4) when the coupling element (10) is in a coupled state, and operatively decouples the actuating rod (7) from the locking mechanism (4) when the coupling element (10) is decoupled. The vehicle lock (1) also has an adjusting mechanism (11) through which... It can adjust the coupling element (10), wherein the adjustment mechanism (11) can be adjusted to an unlocked state, a locked state, and a safety state. In the unlocked state, the coupling element (10) is adjusted to the coupling state. In the locked state and the safety state, the coupling element (10) is adjusted to the decoupling state, respectively. During the actuation movement of the actuating rod (7), the adjustment mechanism (11) adjusts from the locked state to the unlocked state or remains in the safety state according to the state of the adjustment mechanism (11). Its features are, The vehicle lock (1) has an adjustment actuator (12) by which the adjustment mechanism (11) can be adjusted by a motor, and during the driving movement of the adjustment actuator (12), the adjustment mechanism (11) can optionally be adjusted from the unlocked state to the locked state or the secure state.

2. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting mechanism (11) has an adjusting lever (17) movable in two lever positions via the adjusting actuator (12), and / or, the adjusting mechanism (11) has a control lever (18) movable in at least two lever positions, preferably. The control lever (18) is coupled and decoupled from the adjusting lever (17) in such a way that during the driving motion, the control lever (18) moves together with the adjusting lever (17) to the safety state of the adjusting mechanism (11), and during the driving motion, the adjusting lever (17) moves together with the adjusting lever (17) to the locked state of the adjusting mechanism (11) only by a portion of the driving motion, further preferably, The control lever (18) moves independently of the adjustment lever (17) from the locked state of the adjustment mechanism (11) during the driving motion.

3. The vehicle lock according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the driving motion, the control lever (18) is coupled or coupled to the coupler (9) in such a way that movement of the control lever (18) causes the coupling element (10) to adjust from the coupled state to the decoupled state, preferably, During the actuation movement of the actuating lever (7), starting from the locked state of the adjusting mechanism (11), the control lever (18) is decoupled or uncoupled from the coupling element (10) in such a way that, during adjustment from the decoupled state to the coupled state, the coupling element (10) moves at least segmentally independently of the control lever (18), more preferably, During the actuation motion, the movement of the control lever (18) is completed before the adjustment of the coupling element (10).

4. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the locked state of the adjustment mechanism (11), the adjustment lever (17) and the control lever (18) are coupled to each other in such a way that the adjustment lever (17) secures the control lever (18) in its lever position, and / or, in the locked state of the adjustment mechanism (11), the adjustment lever (17) and the control lever (18) are decoupled to each other in such a way that the control lever (18) is not secured by the adjustment lever (17), preferably, In the safety state of the adjustment mechanism (11), the adjustment lever (17) is adjusted to the suppression lever position, such that the control lever (18) remains stationary in its lever position due to the friction between the adjustment mechanism (11) and the adjustment driver (12).

5. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has a retaining rod (19) which can be held in the locked state by its adjustment mechanism (11) and released during actuation by its adjustment mechanism (11), preferably. The retaining rod (19) and the control rod (18) are coupled and decoupled from each other, in particular they can be engaged and disengaged from each other.

6. The vehicle lock according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retaining rod (19) and the actuating rod (7) are coupled or coupled to each other in such a way that the actuating motion of the actuating rod (7) affects the motion of the retaining rod (19), preferably, During the actuation movement, the retaining rod (19) moves together with the actuating rod (7).

7. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuation of the actuating rod (7) can be achieved independently of the state of the adjustment mechanism (11), especially manually, and depending on the state of the adjustment mechanism (11), the actuation of the actuating rod (7) can adjust the coupling element (10) from the decoupled state to the coupled state, or keep the coupling element (10) unadjusted in the decoupled state.

8. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuating rod (7) and the coupling element (10) are coupled or coupled to each other in such a way that the actuating motion of the actuating rod (7) affects the motion of the coupling element (10), particularly causing the coupling element (10) to move together with the actuating rod (7) during the actuating motion, preferably. The coupling element (10) is arranged on the actuating rod (7).

9. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has an actuation actuator (21) and can be unlocked by a motor by means of its locking mechanism (4), preferably, The actuator (21) is decoupled from the actuator (7) in such a way that the actuator (21) and the actuator (7) can be actuated independently of each other.

10. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has another actuating rod (27) decoupled from the actuating rod (7) in such a way that the actuating rod (7) and the other actuating rod (27) are independently actuable, preferably. The actuator (7) is configured as an internal actuator, and in particular, an internal handle (8) for actuating the internal actuator can be coupled to it, and the other actuator (27) is configured as an external actuator, and in particular, an external handle (26) for actuating the external actuator can be coupled to it.

11. The vehicle lock according to claim 10, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has another coupler (28) with another coupling element (29), which, depending on the state of the other coupling element (29), preferably operatively couples or decouples the other actuating rod (27) from the locking mechanism (4), preferably, The other coupler (28) is operatively decoupled from the adjustment driver (12) and is adjustable, in particular, only by the actuation driver (21).

12. The motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The vehicle lock (1) has a trigger lever (20) which can be coupled or coupled to the locking mechanism (4), and which unlocks the locking mechanism (4) during a triggering motion, preferably. In the coupled state of the coupling element (10), the trigger rod (20) and the actuating rod (7) are coupled or coupled to each other through the coupler (9) in such a way that the actuating motion of the actuating rod (7) affects the triggering motion of the trigger rod (20), and / or, the trigger rod (20) and the other actuating rod (27) are coupled or coupled to each other through the other coupler (28) in such a way that another actuating motion of the other actuating rod (27) (particularly which can be achieved by the external handle (26)) affects the triggering motion of the trigger rod (20), and / or, the trigger rod (20) and the actuation driver (21) are coupled or coupled to each other in such a way that the triggering motion of the trigger rod (20) can be achieved by the actuation driver (21).

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