Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a locking mechanism (3, 4) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (3) and a locking pawl (4). Furthermore, an electromechanical opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) is provided for the locking mechanism (3, 4). The electromechanical opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) actuates the locking mechanism (3, 4) directly or indirectly to open it. During the opening process, the locking mechanism (3, 4) passes through an intermediate position as it transitions from a closed position to the open position. According to the invention, the electromechanical opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) is controlled by a control unit (10) during the opening process, depending on its position and / or function, to assume this intermediate position as needed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a locking pawl, and with an electromechanical opening drive for the locking mechanism, wherein the electromechanical opening drive applies the locking mechanism directly or indirectly to open it, and wherein the locking mechanism passes through an intermediate position during the opening process, starting from a closed position, when transitioning to the open position.

[0002] The term "motor vehicle lock" is to be understood universally within the scope of the present invention and refers to practically any locking device in or on a motor vehicle. This can include, for example, a motor vehicle door lock, a motor vehicle hood lock, a motor vehicle tailgate lock, a motor vehicle fuel tank lock, a motor vehicle lock on a glove compartment, a seat, etc. All of these motor vehicle locks can be opened particularly conveniently and electrically. This is made possible by the electric motor opening drive.

[0003] The electromechanical opening drive for the lock can, for example, operate in such a way that it lifts the locking pawl from its detent engagement with the rotary latch in the closed position. As a result, the rotary latch moves into the open position with spring assistance. This spring assistance is provided by the rubber sealing forces of a circumferential door seal and / or a spring associated with the rotary latch.

[0004] The electric motor opening mechanism is activated, for example, by an operator pulling an exterior door handle. For this purpose, the exterior door handle is equipped with a sensor, the activation of which is evaluated by a control unit and interpreted as an opening signal, thus activating the electric motor opening mechanism. Alternatively, the described opening process can also be carried out via a question-and-answer dialogue between a transmitter / receiver unit on the operator's side and a corresponding transmitter / receiver unit in or on the vehicle. This usually involves an authorization check beforehand.

[0005] The previously described vehicle locks are characterized by particularly convenient operation. This is especially true if, in addition to the electric motor for releasing the locking latch, the opening mechanism in question, or another opening mechanism, props the corresponding vehicle door open into a gap position. In this gap position, the operator can reach behind the opening between the vehicle door and the vehicle body and swing the door open. This is particularly advantageous for doors without handles. A prop mechanism is used, for example, to perform this opening movement.

[0006] The otherwise convenient door opening mechanism of conventional and generic vehicle locks reaches its limits when the door is frozen shut, for example, to the surrounding rubber seal or the vehicle body. In such cases, opening the door requires a so-called icebreaker mechanism. According to the prior art defined in DE 10 2022 108 083 A1, this mechanism involves an icebreaker located inside the vehicle door. This mechanism is designed to exert a torque on a ratchet wheel, which, in its unlocked position, releases the rotary latch. The icebreaker mechanism then rotates the ratchet wheel in the opposite direction, pressing against the rotary latch to open the vehicle door.

[0007] A similar approach is taken in the other relevant prior art according to DE 10 2019 107 645 A1. In this case, a driven door is equipped with a locking and releasing mechanism. The locking and releasing mechanism can be operated to selectively move the locking latch from its holding position to a released position. A rotatable ratchet lever with an icebreaker cam is also provided. Rotating the ratchet lever in the opening direction causes the icebreaker cam to engage the rotary latch and actuate it in an opening direction.

[0008] The state of the art has generally proven effective in resolving icing issues associated with an electric motor-driven door opener. This is achieved through icebreaker operation. However, a general problem exists: following icebreaker operation, the corresponding door leaf of the vehicle door can potentially and uncontrollably spring open or swing open. This can occur, for example, without external influence on a slope or under certain wind conditions. Currently, such unintentional door opening after icebreaker operation can only be prevented by operator intervention. Otherwise, there is a risk that the uncontrolled swinging door leaf poses a safety hazard to, for example, passing cyclists, other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. The invention aims to remedy this problem.

[0009] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, in such a way that, taking into account the possibility of flawless icebreaker operation, safety is increased at the same time and, in particular, an uncontrolled swinging open of an associated door leaf is prevented.

[0010] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from the generic motor vehicle lock, that the electromechanical opening drive is controlled by a control unit during the opening process in a position- and / or function-dependent manner to assume the intermediate position if necessary.

[0011] In contrast to the prior art previously referenced, the invention provides that the electromechanical opening drive is actuated by the control unit during the opening process in such a way that, if necessary, an intermediate position is assumed or can be assumed. This intermediate position is generally the pre-latching position of the locking mechanism, which essentially consists of a rotary latch and a pawl. The closed position usually corresponds to the main latching position of the locking mechanism. Within the scope of the invention, "if necessary" means that, during the electromechanical opening process, the door leaf, flap, or the like, equipped with the vehicle lock according to the invention, is not swung open beyond the intermediate position after the opening process or is held in the pre-latching position of the locking mechanism.

[0012] This requirement can generally correspond to the fact that an icebreaker operation has previously taken place, i.e., during the transition from the closed position to the intermediate position. To prevent the door leaf or flap in question from swinging open uncontrollably after this icebreaker operation, the electromechanical opening drive is activated by the control unit to assume the intermediate position, particularly the pre-latch position, in this specific requirement. This occurs depending on the position and / or function. It should be emphasized that this requirement is advantageously, and not restrictively, related to the icebreaker operation. However, the invention is not limited to this.In principle, the need can also correspond to an opening process of the vehicle lock, for example when parking the associated vehicle on a slope, and this fundamentally prevents the associated door leaf or flap from swinging open uncontrolled.

[0013] For this purpose, and in detail, at least one sensor, which can be evaluated by the control unit, is provided for position-dependent and / or function-dependent control of the electromechanical opening drive. The sensor can, for example, be designed as a position sensor and be configured to detect at least the intermediate position of the lock. As soon as the position sensor in question signals to the control unit that the intermediate position has been reached during the described opening process, the control unit ensures that the opening drive is stopped and, if necessary, reversed, depending on whether the intermediate position has been reached.

[0014] Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor can also be designed and configured as a door sensor to detect a blockage of the corresponding vehicle door or hatch. In this case, the door sensor determines whether, for example, the system needs to switch to icebreaker mode. If the vehicle door or hatch is free of ice and can be moved freely, the control unit switches to normal operation. In this mode, the icebreaker function is not activated, and the electric motor for opening the door skips the intermediate position. Therefore, in this example, the locking latch does not engage in the pre-detent position of the rotary latch.

[0015] However, if a situation requiring the door to open is detected because the corresponding vehicle door is blocked, for example by ice, and this is registered by the door sensor, or alternatively because the vehicle is on an incline or decline and uncontrolled opening of the vehicle door is to be prevented, the control unit, by activating the electric motor opening drive during the opening process, ensures that the intermediate position is assumed in the given situation. In this case, the locking pawl is able to slow down or stop the rotary latch during its opening process in the pre-detent position, because the locking pawl engages in the corresponding pre-detent position of the rotary latch when necessary.

[0016] In principle, the current consumption of the electromechanical opening drive can also be evaluated by the control unit, either as an alternative or in addition to the sensor(s), for position-dependent and / or function-dependent control of the electromechanical opening drive. The system is designed so that, depending on the current consumption, the control unit activates the opening drive to either pass through the intermediate position or to stop mechanically in the intermediate position. Passing through the intermediate position corresponds to normal operation, whereas the mechanical stop in the intermediate position of the opening gate is only established and implemented when required, and in particular when operating as an icebreaker.

[0017] The position-dependent control of the control unit essentially means that the electromechanical opening drive is stopped and, if necessary, reversed as soon as the locking pawl can engage in the pre-detent of the rotary latch, and this is both desired and detected by the control unit. This corresponds to the previously described requirement, and in particular to icebreaker operation.

[0018] In contrast, the function-dependent control of the control unit means that the electromechanical opening drive is controlled differently by the control unit during normal operation and during icebreaker operation or when needed. During normal operation, the electromechanical opening drive is actuated so quickly that the pawl cannot engage with the pre-position of the rotary latch. This may be due to the inertial forces of the pawl. Alternatively or additionally, the design can be such that the pawl is actuated by the electromechanical opening drive and lifted relative to the rotary latch, and the rotary latch is additionally actuated in the opening direction by, for example, a second electromechanical opening drive.

[0019] In the described example, the function-dependent control of the control unit ensures that the electromechanical opening drive for the rotary latch is continuously actuated from the closed position to the open position. The same applies to the electromechanical opening drive that lifts the locking pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch.

[0020] In contrast, when operating as an icebreaker, the function-dependent control system ensures that both described electromechanical opening drives are only actuated until they reach the intermediate or pre-latch position. This prevents further opening of the rotary latch by the locking pawl engaging in the pre-latch position. In all cases, this method, particularly during icebreaker operation, reliably prevents uncontrolled opening of the corresponding door leaf or door flap of the vehicle door. This is where the key advantages lie.

[0021] As previously explained, the rotary latch is generally equipped with a pre-latch that, in normal operation, does not engage with a locking tooth on the pawl in the opening direction of the locking mechanism, but does engage in icebreaker operation. This means that the lack of engagement between the locking tooth on the pawl and the pre-latch on the rotary latch in normal operation means that the locking tooth does not engage with the pre-latch of the rotary latch, and consequently, the rotary latch moves past the locking tooth of the pawl in normal operation. This can be achieved by the electromechanical opening drive associated with the pawl, which lifts the pawl relative to the rotary latch. Alternatively or additionally, this can also be implemented through appropriate geometries on the locking tooth and the pre-latch. In icebreaker operation, or...In general, if necessary, an overlap occurs between the locking tooth and the pre-latch, so that in the intermediate position the locking tooth on the pawl falls into the pre-latch of the rotary latch and prevents the rotary latch from pivoting further into its open position.

[0022] As previously explained, the electric motor opening drive can ensure that the locking latch is released from its engagement with the rotary latch and then the rotary latch is opened with spring assistance. However, it is also possible that the electric motor opening drive in question is configured as an alternative or additional function for controlling the rotary latch. In this case, the electric motor opening drive also ensures that the rotary latch is opened electrically and forcibly by means of the electric motor opening drive, thus opening the locking bolt previously caught in the guide jaw and, with it, the corresponding vehicle door. In this case, the electric motor opening drive takes on the icebreaker function or can be activated to break up any ice layer that might be obstructing the movement of the vehicle door.

[0023] In principle, the electric motor opening drive can also be configured, or include, as a support device for positioning the vehicle door away from the vehicle body, independent of the locking mechanism. The support device may be a component of the vehicle lock and integrated into it. In the simplest case, the support device is a pin or support slide that is actuated linearly by the electric motor opening drive. As soon as the pin or support slide is extended relative to the vehicle lock in the example, it travels a short distance and then moves against the vehicle body, thus pushing the vehicle door, equipped with the vehicle lock, away from the vehicle body.Accordingly, the setup device can be used to break through any layer of ice or icing between the vehicle door and the surrounding rubber seal.

[0024] In all these cases, the control unit ensures that the relevant electromechanical opening drive, for example, for opening the rotary latch or as part of the positioning device, is actuated in a position- and / or function-dependent manner to assume the intermediate or pre-latch position as needed. This means that in the intermediate position, the locking pawl can engage in the pre-latch of the moving rotary latch. In the simplest case, the electromechanical opening drive acting on the locking pawl is no longer energized, so that the locking pawl engages with its locking tooth in the pre-latch of the moving rotary latch, thus blocking the rotary latch in the pre-latch position. This directly prevents a vehicle door equipped with the vehicle lock in question from swinging open uncontrollably, thus reliably preventing any potential hazards as described above according to the invention.This is where the main advantages lie.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment; the drawing shows: Fig. 1 the motor vehicle lock according to the invention in an overview in the closed position within the framework of a first variant and Fig. 2 the motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a second variant in the pre-lock position following the upstream icebreaker operation.

[0026] The figures depict a motor vehicle lock. As described in the introduction, a motor vehicle lock is essentially any locking device in or on a motor vehicle. In this particular embodiment, the motor vehicle lock is designed as a motor vehicle door lock, serving to lock a door that is only accessible from the outside. Fig. The two indicated vehicle doors 1 are shown opposite a vehicle body 2, which is also only indicated here. In its basic construction, the vehicle lock or vehicle door lock is equipped with a locking mechanism 3, 4 consisting essentially of a rotary latch 3 and a locking pawl 4. For this purpose, the rotary latch 3 is designed with a main latch 3a and a preliminary latch 3b, which are only indicated. This is shown in the respective detailed illustrations. The basic construction also includes an electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8 for the locking mechanism 3, 4.

[0027] The exemplary embodiment shows that a first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 and a second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 are implemented without limitations. The first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 is designed to release the pawl 4 from its engagement with the rotary latch 3. For this purpose, the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 comprises an electric motor 5 and a connecting element 6 for actuating the pawl 4.

[0028] The connecting element 6 can be a rope that can be wound up or unwound, with the aid of which the pawl 4 opens the locking mechanism 3, 4 in the Fig. 1. The rotary latch 3 is pivoted around its axis in an indicated clockwise direction. This releases the locking pawl 4 and allows it to open with spring assistance until a [missing information] in the Fig. The opening position indicated by a dashed line is reached. In this opening position of the lock 3, 4, a previously engaged locking bolt 9 is released. According to the exemplary embodiment, the locking bolt 9 is located on the body side, i.e., connected to the body 2, whereas the vehicle door lock is located inside or on the vehicle door 1. In principle, the reverse can also be done, as shown in the Fig. Figure 2 shows that in this case, the vehicle lock is located on the body side and the locking bolt 9 is on the door side. As soon as the locking bolt 9 is in the dashed line in the Fig. Once the locking mechanism 3, 4 is free in the opening position shown in 1, the vehicle door 1 can be swung open unhindered.

[0029] In contrast, the vehicle door 1 is in the Fig. The icebreaker is locked in the intermediate position shown in Figure 2. This occurs as needed, specifically within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, following or in connection with icebreaker operation, as will be explained in more detail below. For this purpose, in addition to the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 described above, a second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 is implemented.

[0030] The second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 ensures, in the variant after the Fig. 1. This ensures that the rotary latch 3 is actuated in an opening direction. In the exemplary embodiment, an opening movement of the rotary latch 3 corresponds to an indicated counterclockwise pivoting movement about its axis. For this purpose, the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8, with an electric motor 7, acts on a connecting element 8, which is coupled to the rotary latch 3 and actuates it in a pulling direction such that the rotary latch 3 pivots counterclockwise.

[0031] The second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 is not used during normal operation. Normal operation corresponds to the situation where the vehicle door 1 is not obstructed during its swinging movement relative to the vehicle body 2 by, for example, a layer of ice or anything else. In this case, only the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 4 ensures that the locking latch 4 is released from its engagement with the rotary latch 3, so that the rotary latch 3 is subsequently spring-assisted to the position indicated by the dashed line. Fig. The opening position indicated in Figure 1 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction also shown there. The second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8, which supports the opening movement of the rotary latch 3, is not required in this case but can nevertheless be used to support the opening movement of the vehicle door 1.

[0032] However, if required and according to the embodiment in icebreaker operation, the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 is obligatorily responsible for breaking through any ice layer on the vehicle door 1 or an ice layer between the vehicle door 1 and a surrounding rubber seal. For this purpose, the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 operates according to the variant shown. Fig. 1 pulling on the rotary trap 3 in such a way that it performs the desired opening movement in a counterclockwise direction.

[0033] As part of an alternative variant according to the Fig. 2 is the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 designed as a positioning device 7, 8. The positioning device 7, 8 is a so-called "presenter" which, in addition to an electric motor 7, has an actuating slide or pin 8. The positioning device 7, 8 may be designed as an integral component of the vehicle lock. With the aid of the actuating slide or pin 8, the vehicle door 1 can now be spaced apart from the vehicle body 2. For this purpose, the actuating slide or pin 8 is extended by means of the electric motor 7 and moves against the vehicle body 2 or the vehicle door 1. This exerts an opening force on the vehicle door 1, which helps to overcome a layer of ice or other obstruction of the vehicle door 1. This requires that at the same time the locking mechanism 3, 4 is open or that the locking pawl 4 is lifted from its engagement with the rotary latch 3.The first electric motor drive 5, 6 may additionally provide for this purpose.

[0034] To prevent the vehicle door 1 from swinging open uncontrollably after the icebreaker operation, the design is such that the electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8 is controlled by a control unit 10 during the opening process of the lock 3, 4, in a position- and / or function-dependent manner, to assume the intermediate position as shown in the diagram. Fig. 2 is activated if necessary.

[0035] The requirement corresponds advantageously to icebreaker operation, so that the control unit 10 in icebreaker operation ensures that the electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8 is controlled during the opening process of the locking mechanism 3, 4 in such a way that the locking mechanism 3, 4 reaches the intermediate position or pre-lock position in the example case according to the Fig. 2 is occupied and held in this position at least until the intermediate position is resolved.

[0036] To realize and implement this in detail, at least one sensor 11, 12, which can be evaluated by the control unit 10, is provided for position-independent and / or function-dependent control of the electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8. According to the exemplary embodiment, a total of two sensors 11, 12 are monitored. One sensor 11 is configured as a position sensor, at least for detecting the intermediate position or pre-latch position. Depending on when the intermediate position is reached and thus a signal is received from the position sensor 11, the control unit 10 ensures that the opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8 is stopped and, if necessary, reversed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second sensor 12 is a door sensor 12. The door sensor 12 detects and identifies any obstruction of the vehicle door 1 relative to the vehicle body 2. If the door sensor 12 detects an obstruction of the vehicle door 1 and transmits this information to the control unit 10, the control unit 10 switches to icebreaker mode. Not shown is the further possibility that, alternatively or additionally to the position-independent and / or function-dependent control of the electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8, the control unit 10 evaluates the current consumption of the respective electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8. In this case, the control unit 10 controls the opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8 depending on its current consumption. 7, 8 to pass the intermediate position or to mechanically stop in the intermediate position.

[0038] Finally, one can also recognize this from detailed illustrations in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The rotary latch 3 is equipped with a pre-latch 3b in addition to the main latch 3a already mentioned. Both latches 3a and 3b on the rotary latch 3 are capable of interacting with or overlapping a corresponding locking tooth 4a on the pawl 4 when the pawl 4 assumes its engagement position relative to the rotary latch 3. The overall design is such that, in normal operation, the locking tooth 4a on the pawl 4 does not overlap the pre-latch 3b on the rotary latch 3 in the opening direction of the locking mechanism 3, 4. However, it does overlap during icebreaker operation, so that in icebreaker operation or subsequently, the locking tooth 4a ensures that the rotary latch 3, moving past it in the opening direction, is stopped by its pre-latch 3b.

[0039] The operating principle is as follows. Starting from the closed position or main detent position in the Fig. 1. An opening signal reaching the control unit 10 ensures that the electromechanical opening drive 5, 6; 7, 8 is activated. The opening signal may originate from an external door handle equipped with a sensor and activated by an operator, or from a previously completed wireless question / answer dialogue with successful authorization verification. As a consequence, the control unit 10 first activates the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6, which ensures that the locking latch 4 releases from its latching engagement in the Fig. The locking tooth 4a on the pawl 4 is lifted from the main detent position 3a of the rotary latch 3 as shown in section 1.

[0040] As a result, the rotary latch 3 pivots, supported by spring forces from the door rubber seal and / or a spring (not shown), in the direction of the dashed line in the Fig. The opening position shown in Figure 1 is in the counterclockwise direction indicated by an arrow. If, in the example case, the door sensor 12 detects that the vehicle door 1 is also swung open relative to the vehicle body 2, namely to the position shown in the Fig. 2 indicated swivel angle α relative to the vehicle body 2, the normal operation in question continues until the rotary latch 3 reaches the position indicated in the Fig. The opening position shown in the dashed line is reached. Then the locking bolt 9 is free and the vehicle door 1 can be fully swung open, for example by an operator or by an additional opening drive. The second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 is usually not activated by the control unit 10 in this case and during normal operation, but can provide additional support for opening.

[0041] However, if, following the release of the locking latch 4 by means of the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 and the opening signal, the vehicle door 1 does not move relative to the vehicle body 2, which is reported to the control unit 10 by means of the door sensor 12, the control unit 10 switches to the required mode, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, corresponds to icebreaker operation. This means that the control unit 10 also mandatorily activates the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8, such that either within the scope of the Fig. 1 the rotary latch 3 is additionally actuated in an opening direction by means of the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 or within the scope of the illustration according to the Fig. 2 the additional support device 7, 8 ensures that the motor vehicle door 1 is actuated in an opening direction.

[0042] The first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 for lifting the locking latch 4 is still actuated in this case without any changes. If the vehicle door 1 has moved relative to the vehicle body 2 as a result of the icebreaker operation being activated or as required, which the door sensor 12 communicates to the control unit 10, then immediately after the second electromechanical drive 7, 8 is actuated, an uncontrolled opening of the vehicle door 1 is prevented according to the invention. This is achieved by using the position sensor 11 to detect when the rotary latch 3 has reached the intermediate or pre-lock position.

[0043] As soon as the rotary latch 3 reaches the intermediate position and this is reported to the control unit 10 by the position sensor 11, the control unit 10 ensures that the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 no longer lifts the locking pawl 4 relative to the rotary latch 3, so that the locking tooth 4a can engage in the pre-latch 3b of the rotary latch 3. At the same time, the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 is stopped and, if necessary, reversed, so that the locking mechanism 3, 4 subsequently assumes its pre-latch position securely. Consequently, the associated vehicle door 1 cannot swing open uncontrollably after the icebreaker operation.

[0044] A complete opening of the vehicle door 1 is now easily possible if the control unit 10 receives, for example, a second opening signal, which causes the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 to be actuated via the control unit 10 to release the locking latch 4 again. As a result, the rotary latch 3 opens with spring assistance. The second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 then usually remains inactive or can provide assistance.

[0045] As an alternative to the previously described position-independent control of the control unit 10 to assume the intermediate or pre-lock position as needed, namely via querying the position sensor 11 that detects the intermediate or pre-lock position, a function-dependent control of the control unit 10 to assume the relevant intermediate or pre-lock position as needed is also possible. In this case, the door sensor 12 can be used to determine whether the vehicle door 1 swings open in normal operation without actuating the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 or whether it needs to be switched to icebreaker mode.

[0046] In normal operation, the control unit 10 ensures that the locking pawl 4 is lifted from its engagement with the rotary latch 3 via the first electric motor opening drive 5, 6, allowing the rotary latch 3 to swing open quickly. This may be further assisted by the second electric motor drive 7, 8. However, if it is necessary to switch to icebreaker mode because the door sensor 12 does not detect any movement of the door 1 relative to the vehicle body 2, the rotary latch 3 is slowly opened by means of the second electric motor opening drive 7, 8, or the vehicle door 1 is opened relative to the vehicle body 2, until the ice layer is broken.

[0047] As soon as the rotary latch 3 reaches the intermediate or pre-latch position in the described situation or during icebreaker operation, and this is detected by the position sensor 11, the second electromechanical opening drive 7, 8 is stopped and, if necessary, reversed, so that, with the first electromechanical opening drive 5, 6 simultaneously unpowered, the pawl 4 with its locking tooth 4a can engage in the pre-latch 3b of the rotary latch 3. As a consequence, the locking mechanism 3, 4 is again in the pre-latch position as shown in the illustration. Fig. 2 held in place until a further second opening signal is sent to the control unit 10 for the complete opening of the lock 3, 4. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle door 2 Motor vehicle body 3, 4 locks 3 rotary trap 3a Main Rest Area 3b Pre-rest 4 locking pawls 4a Locking tooth 5, 6; 7, 8 Opening drive 7 Electric motor 8 Fasteners 8 cones 9 locking bolts 10 Control unit 11, 12 Sensor QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 108 083 A1

[0006] DE 10 2019 107 645 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism (3, 4) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (3) and a pawl (4), and with an electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) for the locking mechanism (3, 4), wherein the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) acts on the locking mechanism (3, 4) directly or indirectly to open, and wherein the locking mechanism (3, 4) passes an intermediate position during the opening process, starting from a closed position, during the transition to the open position, characterized by that the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) is controlled by a control unit (10) during the opening process in a position- and / or function-dependent manner to assume the intermediate position if necessary. [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized bythat at least one sensor (11, 12) which can be evaluated by the control unit (10) is provided for the position-independent and / or function-dependent control of the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8). [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 2, characterized by that the sensor (11, 12) is designed as a position sensor (11) at least for detecting the intermediate position of the locking mechanism (3, 4) and the control unit (10) stops and, if necessary, reverses the opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) depending on the intermediate position being reached. [4] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the sensor (11, 12) is designed as a door sensor (12) for detecting a blockage of an associated motor vehicle door (1). [5] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat for the position-dependent and / or function-dependent control of the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8), the current consumption of the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) is evaluated by the control unit (10). [6] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the closed position corresponds to a main locking position and the intermediate position to a pre-locking position of the locking mechanism (3, 4). [7] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the rotary latch (3) is equipped with a pre-lock (3b) which does not overlap with a locking tooth (4a) on the pawl (4) in the opening direction of the locking mechanism (3, 4) in normal operation and overlaps in icebreaker operation. [8] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the control unit (10) controls the opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) depending on the current consumption and / or signals of the sensor (11, 12) to pass the intermediate position in normal operation or to mechanically hold it in the intermediate position if necessary. [9] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) is designed to control the rotary latch (3). [10] Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the electromotive opening drive (5, 6; 7, 8) is designed as a positioning device (7, 8) for spacing the motor vehicle door (1) from a motor vehicle body (2) or contains such a device.

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