Motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

Motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism (1, 2) essentially consisting of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), furthermore with at least one first actuating lever (6), for example an internal actuating lever (6), and with a second actuating lever (4), in particular a release lever (4), wherein the first actuating lever (6) interacts with the second actuating lever (4) to open the locking mechanism (1, 2), wherein an adjusting element (7) mounted in the first actuating lever (6) is provided, which, depending on its adjusting position, brings the first actuating lever (6) into engagement with or out of engagement with the second actuating lever (4), characterized in that the adjusting element (7) is equipped with at least one manipulation unit (8) and is mounted on a pin (11) which passes through the actuating lever (6) and the adjusting element (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, furthermore with at least one first actuating lever, for example an internal actuating lever, and with a second actuating lever, for example a release lever, wherein the first actuating lever interacts with the second actuating lever, in particular for opening the locking mechanism.

[0002] Such a motor vehicle door lock is presented, among others, in DE 100 01 435 A1. This device features a lock follower that moves an interacting locking lever into its locking, unlocking, and / or anti-theft position. For this purpose, the lock follower engages an arm of the respective locking lever. As a result, a relatively complex structure is required. The invention aims to remedy this problem.

[0003] DE 195 36 648 A1 discloses a motor vehicle door lock with a locking mechanism and a first internal operating lever and a second internal operating lever, wherein the two internal operating levers can be coupled together via a coupling element mounted in a slot in the first internal operating lever. DE 102 32 095 A1 discloses a coupling device for a child safety lock, comprising two levers arranged one above the other, mounted around a common axis of rotation, and a coupling arranged between the levers, via which the two levers can be coupled and uncoupled.

[0004] The invention is based on a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, furthermore with at least one first actuating lever, for example an internal actuating lever, and with a second actuating lever, in particular a release lever, wherein the first actuating lever interacts with the second actuating lever to open the locking mechanism, wherein an actuating element mounted in the first actuating lever is provided, which, depending on its actuating position, brings the first actuating lever into engagement with or out of engagement with the second actuating lever.

[0005] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle door lock in such a way that a simple adjustment of an operating lever is possible.

[0006] To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle door lock is characterized within the scope of the invention in that the actuating element is equipped with at least one manipulation unit (8) and is mounted on a pin which passes through the actuating lever and the actuating element.

[0007] For example, the "engaged" position between the operating lever or interior operating lever and the release lever, or between the two operating levers, may correspond to the corresponding vehicle door lock being in the "unlocked" position. Conversely, the "disengaged" position largely corresponds to the vehicle door lock being "locked." However, the actuator is usually used to implement special functions, such as child safety locks or anti-theft devices.

[0008] The child safety lock function corresponds to the fact that in its "on" position, an associated interior operating lever chain becomes idle. In this case, the first operating lever is designed as an interior operating lever and cannot interact with the second operating lever or release lever to open the locking mechanism, and therefore becomes idle. In contrast, the "child safety lock off" functional position corresponds to the operating lever or interior operating lever being engaged with the release lever. Actuating the operating lever or interior operating lever therefore also causes the release lever to be acted upon. This results in the pawl being acted upon, so that the rotary latch (spring-assisted) is released. A previously trapped locking bolt is also released. The associated vehicle door can be opened.In contrast, the vehicle door in question cannot be opened if the interior operating lever chain is empty and the position “child safety lock on” is present.

[0009] In a comparable manner, an anti-theft function can be implemented according to the invention. This usually occurs when an interior locking lever becomes idle in the "anti-theft device on" functional position. In this case, the first actuating lever is designed as an interior locking lever, which interacts with a second actuating lever, for example a main locking lever or a central locking lever. The "anti-theft device on" position now results in the interior locking lever being disengaged from the main locking lever or central locking lever. In contrast, the "anti-theft device off" functional position corresponds to the interior locking lever being active and its actuation being transmitted, or can be transmitted, to the main locking lever or central locking lever.

[0010] Typically, however, the actuator does not function as an anti-theft device, for example, but rather as a child safety lock. Consequently, the operating lever is usually an internal operating lever, which engages or disengages with the release lever. This depends on the position of the actuator or child safety lock.

[0011] In any case, a particularly compact design is provided because the adjusting element that adjusts the actuating lever is mounted directly in the actuating lever or the first actuating lever. Different actuating positions of the adjusting element correspond to the first actuating lever changing its position relative to the second actuating lever or the release lever. Depending on the actuating position of the adjusting element, the two actuating levers can be engaged or disengaged. For this purpose, the adjusting element is typically actuated manually, as is the case with child safety locks or child safety lock levers. To implement the actuating movements of the adjusting element, it is equipped with at least one manipulation unit. The manipulation unit is an actuation slot for the insertion of a coin or a screwdriver.This allows the position of the actuating element to be changed from the outside, for example. In fact, the actuating element is usually located in the area of ​​a recess on the inside of a door panel. This allows a user to pivot the actuating element from the outside and achieve the desired positions "child safety lock on" and "child safety lock off" in the example case. In fact, the actuating element is mounted on a pin which passes through the actuating lever and the actuating element. The pin itself is designed to be stationary compared to a housing or base plate or lock case of the vehicle door lock. In contrast, the first actuating lever or inside actuating lever moves relative to the pin, depending on the position of the actuating element.

[0012] In detail, the adjusting element is mounted eccentrically in the actuating lever. For this purpose, the adjusting element is typically designed as an eccentric disc rotatably mounted in the actuating lever. The eccentric disc is a circular disc with an off-center axis.

[0013] For this purpose, an axis of the operating lever and an axis of the adjusting element are spaced apart from each other. The axis of the adjusting element coincides with the pin. In contrast, the axis of the operating lever is located in the center of the adjusting element. Depending on the setting position of the adjusting element, the axis of the operating lever or internal operating lever moves relative to the axis of the adjusting element. Thus, when the two operating levers engage with each other or when the operating lever is in engagement with the release lever, the axis of the operating lever is located below the fixed axis of the adjusting element when viewed from a plane in which the locking mechanism lies.

[0014] However, if the operating lever and the release lever are disengaged in the example, the axis of the operating lever is located above the axis of the adjusting element when viewed from a plane in which the locking mechanism lies. This results in an actuating path which corresponds to the axis of the operating lever or internal operating lever moving from below the stationary axis of the adjusting element to a position above the axis of the adjusting element. This actuating movement causes the operating lever to perform a vertical movement relative to the locking mechanism or a lock case supporting the locking mechanism. The vertical movement of the operating lever is caused by the described eccentric actuating movements of the adjusting element.

[0015] As already explained, the first operating lever relative to the second operating lever, or the interior operating lever relative to the release lever, performs a vertical movement depending on the setting position of the actuating element. The operating lever is designed as a two-arm lever and has a connecting arm and a stop arm. Additional levers, handles, etc., are connected to the connecting arm. In the example, the connecting arm of the interior operating lever is connected to an interior door handle and is actuated by it. In contrast, the stop arm interacts with the release lever. For this purpose, the stop arm has a stop lug.

[0016] Furthermore, it has proven effective for the operating lever to be angled, and especially rectangular. The operating lever and the release lever are usually arranged in planes aligned at right angles to each other. In this way, a vertical movement of the operating lever relative to the release lever directly engages or disengages the two levers. All of this is achieved while maintaining a functional, compact, and simple design. These are the key advantages.

[0017] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment, in which: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a section of the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention with the operating levers engaged and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the object according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the operating levers disengaged.

[0018] The figures depict a motor vehicle door lock, the basic structure of which comprises a locking mechanism 1, 2 comprising a rotary latch 1 and a pawl 2. The locking mechanism 1, 2 is mounted in a lock case 3 (which is only indicated). A release lever 4 interacts with the pawl 2 in the usual manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 1, 2 and the release lever 4 are each arranged parallel to the lock case 3. Rotary movements of the release lever 4 about an axis 5 common to the rotary latch 1 result, as usual, in the pawl 2 being lifted from the rotary latch 1. As a result, the rotary latch 1 can be released from the pawl 2 with spring support, releasing a locking bolt (also not shown). The same applies to a motor vehicle door (also not shown).

[0019] In the example shown, an actuating lever 6 acts on the release lever 4. The actuating lever 6 or first actuating lever 6 is designed as an internal actuating lever 6. The release lever 4 is a second actuating lever 4. According to the invention, an actuating element 7 is mounted in the actuating lever or internal actuating lever 6, which, depending on its actuating position, engages or disengages the actuating lever 6 with the release lever 4. Fig. 1 shows the operating lever 6 in engagement with the release lever 4, whereas the Fig. 3 shows a functional position in which the operating lever 6 and the release lever 4 are disengaged.

[0020] It should be emphasized that the functionality to be described in detail below can generally be implemented with any first operating lever or internal operating lever 6 and a second operating lever or release lever 4 interacting with the first operating lever 6. This means that the child safety lock function to be described in detail below is only an example and should not be understood as restrictive.

[0021] The adjusting element or child safety lock adjusting element 7 is mounted eccentrically relative to the actuating lever or internal actuating lever 6. In fact, the adjusting element 7 is a circular eccentric disc 7 rotatably mounted in the actuating lever 6. In order to rotate the adjusting element 7, the adjusting element 7 is equipped with at least one manipulation unit 8. In the example case, the manipulation unit 8 is an actuation slot into which a coin, a screwdriver, etc. can engage in order to pivot the adjusting element 7 about its axis 9. The adjusting element 7 is rotatably mounted in a receptacle 10. Because the adjusting element 7 is designed as a circular disc, the receptacle 10 is a circular receptacle within which the adjusting element 7 is mounted.

[0022] To support the actuating element 7 and define its axis 9, a pin 11 is provided, which extends through the actuating lever 6 and the actuating element. The pin 11 is designed to be stationary relative to a housing or the lock case 3 or the locking mechanism 1, 2. In contrast, the actuating lever 6 performs relative movements relative to the pin 11, depending on the actuating position of the actuating element 7.

[0023] When comparing the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shows that the operating lever 6 is in the transition from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 performs a travel S. This travel S is aligned in the vertical direction in relation to the horizontally arranged release lever 4 as well as the rotary latch 1 and pawl 2. The (vertical) travel S in question is set by the fact that the axis 9 of the actuating element 7 and an axis 12 of the actuating lever 6 are spaced apart from each other. The axis 12 of the actuating lever 6 coincides with the center of the actuating element 7. Depending on the actuating position of the actuating element 7, the axis 12 of the actuating lever moves relative to the axis 9 of the actuating element. If the actuating lever 6 and the release lever 4 are engaged, the axis 12 of the actuating lever 6 is arranged below the stationary axis 9 of the actuating element. This is shown in the Fig. 1.

[0024] If, however, the operating lever 6 and the release lever 4 are disengaged, the axis 12 of the operating lever 6 is located above the axis 9 of the adjusting element 7. This position can be seen in the Fig. 3. The transition of the axis 12 of the actuating lever 6 from a position below the axis 9 of the adjusting element 7 to a position above the axis 9 in question results in the already specified and in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 drawn travel S. This travel S results in the actuating lever 6 being moved vertically relative to the release lever 4 in the example shown.

[0025] Since the operating lever 6 and the release lever 4 are aligned at an angle and, according to the embodiment, at right angles to each other, the described actuating movement S of the operating lever 6 in the vertical direction results in the operating lever 6 being moved from the Fig. 1 shown position in engagement with the release lever 4 into a position disengaged from the release lever 4. This is because the release lever 4 is arranged predominantly horizontally and consequently parallel to the lock case 3, while the actuating lever 6 has a vertical orientation.

[0026] The operating lever 6 is designed as a two-arm lever. It has a connecting arm 6a and a stop arm 6b. The stop arm 6b is equipped with a stop lug 13, which interacts with the release lever 4. The operating lever 6 is pivoted clockwise about its axis 12 to act on the release lever 4, as can be seen from a comparison of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 respectively 3 and 4 and illustrate the corresponding movement arrows.

[0027] Corresponding pivoting movements are transmitted to the operating lever or internal operating lever 6 by a merely indicated handle 14. A spring, not expressly shown, assigned to the operating lever 6 ensures that the operating lever 6, after being actuated, is pivoted according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 back to the starting position after the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 returns.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), furthermore with at least one first actuating lever (6), for example an internal actuating lever (6), and with a second actuating lever (4), in particular a release lever (4), wherein the first actuating lever (6) interacts with the second actuating lever (4) to open the locking mechanism (1, 2), wherein an actuating element (7) mounted in the first actuating lever (6) is provided, which, depending on its actuating position, brings the first actuating lever (6) into engagement with or out of engagement with the second actuating lever (4), characterized by that the actuating element (7) is equipped with at least one manipulation unit (8) and is mounted on a pin (11) which passes through the actuating lever (6) and the actuating element (7). [2] Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1, characterized bythat the adjusting element (7) is mounted eccentrically in the first actuating lever (6). [3] Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the adjusting element (7) is designed as an eccentric disc (7) rotatably mounted in the first actuating lever (6). [4] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the manipulation unit (8) is designed as an actuating slot for the engagement of a coin or a screwdriver, etc. [5] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the pin (11) is stationary, while the first actuating lever (6) moves relative to the pin (11) in accordance with the setting position of the actuating element (7). [6] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that an axis (12) of the actuating lever (6) and an axis (9) of the adjusting element (7) are spaced apart from one another. [7] Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 6, characterized by that the axis (12) of the first actuating lever (6) coincides with the center of the adjusting element (7). [8] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized by that, depending on the setting position of the setting element (7), the axis (12) of the first actuating lever (6) moves relative to the axis (9) of the setting element (7). [9] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that when the actuating levers (4, 6) are engaged, the axis (12) of the first actuating lever (6) is arranged below the axis (9) of the adjusting element (7) when viewed from a plane in which the locking mechanism (1, 2) is located, whereas when the actuating levers (4, 6) are disengaged, the axis (12) of the first actuating lever (6) is arranged above the axis (9) of the adjusting element (7) when viewed from a plane in which the locking mechanism (1, 2) is located. [10] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the first actuating lever (6) is designed as a two-arm lever with a connecting arm (6a) and a stop arm (6b). [11] Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 10, characterized by that the stop arm (6b) is equipped with a stop lug (13) for interaction with the second actuating lever (4). [12] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the first operating lever (6) is angled. [13] Motor vehicle door lock according to claim 12, characterized by that the first operating lever (6) is rectangular [14] Motor vehicle door lock according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the two operating levers (4, 6) are arranged in planes aligned at right angles to each other.

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