Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock with a latch (4) and a locking pawl system (5) comprising a locking pawl (6), wherein the latch (4) is adjustable into a main closed position and an open position, wherein the locking pawl system (5) in an engaged position locks the latch (4) against movement in its opening direction by means of a detent engagement of a detent section (10) of the locking pawl (6) on a main detent (11) of the latch (4) and releases it in an unlocked position, wherein a release lever (12) is provided for unlocking the locking pawl system (5), which, in the course of an opening operation, pivots the release lever (12) in a release direction, adjusts the locking pawl system (5) in the engaged position such that the detent engagement is released and the locking pawl system (5) is brought into the unlocked position.It is proposed that the locking pawl system (5) enters a delay engagement with the lock latch (4) upon opening actuation before reaching the lift-out state, in which the locking pawl system (5) prevents the lock latch (4) from moving into the open position when the detent engagement is released, and that the further opening actuation releases the delay engagement to reach the lift-out state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating a motor vehicle lock according to claim 16.

[0002] The vehicle lock in question is used for all types of locking elements on a motor vehicle. This includes, in particular, locking elements such as side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, and the like. These locking elements can generally be designed as hinged or sliding doors.

[0003] The known prior art (DE 10 2021 102 105 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a latch and a locking pawl system associated with the latch. The function of the locking pawl system is to lock the latch in a closed position and to release the latch. This release of the latch is effected by actuating a release lever for the locking pawl system. The release can be effected, for example, manually by means of an actuating lever acting on the release lever or motor-driven by means of an opening actuator.

[0004] One challenge is minimizing the noises that occur when opening a vehicle, which are perceived as a loss of comfort. Particularly with large locking elements featuring extensive internal seals, such as tailgates, the latch is subjected to high forces in the main locked position due to its interaction with a locking component. These forces are released relatively quickly when the locking pawl system disengages. Consequently, a rapid impulse transfer to the locking element can occur when the latch disengages, resulting in a noticeable bang when the vehicle opens.

[0005] In the well-known motor vehicle lock (DE 10 2021 102 105 A1), the opening actuation is implemented with toggle lever mechanisms for the locking pawl system, so that a controlled, easier release of a ratchet engagement of the locking pawl system to the lock latch is achieved and thus a significant reduction in opening noises is already achieved.

[0006] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing a generic motor vehicle lock in such a way that the noise generated during opening operation is further reduced.

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

[0008] The fundamental principle is to largely reduce the forces acting on the latch via the locking element and the sealing pressure before the engagement of the locking pawl and bolt is fully released, in order to optimize the acoustics of the opening operation. For this purpose, a delay mechanism is incorporated, creating an additional interaction between the locking pawl and bolt that occurs during the opening operation and allows for further stress relief on the bolt.

[0009] Specifically, it is proposed that the locking pawl system, upon opening actuation, enters a delay engagement with the lock latch before reaching the lift-out state, in which the locking pawl system prevents the lock latch from moving into the open position when the detent engagement is released, and that the further opening actuation releases the delay engagement to reach the lift-out state.

[0010] The delay action is preferably effected according to the embodiment of claim 3 via additional structures on the locking pawl and / or latch, so that the delay action can be implemented without significant modifications to the latching action.

[0011] Of particular interest is the embodiment according to claim 4, in which a pre-latch provided for a pre-latch position is provided on the lock latch for the delay engagement. This allows existing structures on the lock latch to be used. In particular, according to claim 5, the locking pawl can be easily equipped with a locking pawl extension which is brought into contact with the pre-latch for the delay engagement.

[0012] According to claim 6, the delay engagement is effected by releasing the detent engagement, so that in particular a continuous interaction takes place between the pawl and the latch until complete release, which contributes to minimizing noise generation.

[0013] The release of the delay engagement, particularly in comparison to a rolling action from the latch engagement, can be effected according to claim 10 by a sliding of the locking pawl and latch, whereby the delay engagement can further delay the opening operation. Due to the already progressive release of the latch during the delay engagement, the sliding may not cause any noise problems.

[0014] Particularly preferred are the embodiments according to claim 11, wherein the locking pawl system tends to move into the lift-out position and thus exhibits an opening tendency, which overall enables a quieter opening process. In particular, a transmission contour according to claim 12 can be provided which counteracts the opening tendency and thus prevents excessively rapid lifting beyond the opening tendency.

[0015] In addition to the aforementioned mechanical measures for delaying the opening actuation, an opening drive according to claims 14 and 15 can also be used to counteract the lifting of the locking pawl system.

[0016] According to a further teaching as claimed in claim 16, which has independent significance, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock with a latch and a pawl system is claimed. The pawl system is adjusted in an opening actuation in which the detent engagement is released, in which the pawl system is brought into a delay engagement with the latch, in which the pawl system prevents the latch from being moved into the open position via a section of the opening actuation, in which the delay engagement is released, and in which the pawl system is moved into the lift-out state.

[0017] In particular, the proposed vehicle lock will be used in the course of this procedure. Reference may be made to all statements concerning the proposed vehicle lock in this regard.

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows Fig. 1. A motor vehicle with a proposed motor vehicle lock in a perspective view, and the motor vehicle lock in an exploded view. Fig. 2 a) Elements of the motor vehicle lock in a pre-locking state, b) in a main locking state, Fig. 3 a), b) Elements of the motor vehicle lock at the beginning of the opening operation, Fig. 4 a), b) Elements of the motor vehicle lock in delay engagement and Fig. 5 a) Elements of the motor vehicle lock with the locking pawl system in the lifted position, b) with the lock latch in the open position.

[0019] The embodiment shown in the figures, and thus the preferred embodiment, relates to a motor vehicle lock 1 for a locking element 2 of a motor vehicle 3. With regard to the design of the locking element 2, reference may be made to the introductory descriptions, whereby in the present case in Fig. 1. The operating principle of the motor vehicle lock 1 for a locking element 2 designed as a tailgate is shown. However, all explanations also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 3. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows the motor vehicle lock 1 in respective side views in various states, which will be explained later, whereby not all of the Fig. The components of the motor vehicle lock shown in section 1 are shown.

[0020] The motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with a latch 4 and a locking pawl 6, comprising a locking pawl system 5. The latch 4 is in at least one main locking position ( Fig. 2b)) for the holding intervention with a locking part 7 and into an open position ( Fig. 5b)) adjustable to release the locking part 7, here and preferably by pivoting about a geometric lock latch axis 8. In addition to the main locking position, a pre-locking position of the lock latch 4 is preferably provided ( Fig. 2a)), whereby the main locking position can also be the only locking position of the latch 4. The locking part 7 can be a locking bar, a locking bolt or the like. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5b), when the lock latch 4 is in the open position, the locking element 7 can be inserted into a locking element receptacle 9 of the lock latch 4. Here, and preferably, the vehicle lock 1 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking element 7 is fixed to the vehicle body 3, although a reverse arrangement is conceivable.

[0021] The locking pawl system 5 can be brought into an engaged state in which the latch 4, which is in the main locked position, is locked against movement in its opening direction. This locking is effected by a detent engagement of a detent section 10 of the locking pawl 6 with a main detent 11 of the latch 4. The detent section 10 is a section of the locking pawl 6 that can interact with the latch 4 in the area of ​​the main detent 11 and, in particular, comprises a locking contact point or a locking contact area between the locking pawl 6 and the main detent 11 when the latch 4 is in the main locked position and the locking pawl system 5 is in the engaged state. The motor vehicle lock 1 is in the main locked state with the latch 4 in the main locked position and the locking pawl system 5 in the engaged state, which is Fig. 2b) is shown. With the locking part 7 in the locking part receptacle 9, the locking element 2 is fixed in a fully closed position in the main closing state.

[0022] The locking latch system 5 can also be brought into a lift-out state in which it releases the latch 4, allowing the latch 4 to move into the open position either spring-loaded or via door seal pressure transmitted by the locking element 7. In principle, the lift-out state can be achieved through various different configurations of the locking latch system 5, which release the latch 4. Fig. 5a) shows the lifting state, whereby the lock latch 4 has not yet reached the open position.

[0023] A release lever 12 is provided for lifting and thus moving the pawl system 5 into the lifted position. The release lever 12 is positioned from a starting position ( Fig. 2b)) pivotable about a geometric release lever axis 13. The pivoting of the release lever 12 can be effected, for example, manually via an actuating lever, wherein the actuating lever, in the mounted state of the vehicle lock 1, can be mechanically coupled to an operating element such as a door handle 14 of the locking element 2. Preferably, the release lever 12 is additionally or alternatively pivotable by a motor. The opening of the vehicle lock 1 is effected by the manual and / or motorized action on the release lever 12.

[0024] During the opening operation, the release lever 12, here by pivoting the release lever 12 in a release direction, adjusts the locking pawl system 5 from its engaged state such that the detent is released and the locking pawl system 5 is brought into the lifted state. The release direction corresponds in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 clockwise. The opening mechanism releases the latch 4, allowing the latch 4 to be moved into the open position, releasing the locking part 7 and disengaging the locking element 2.

[0025] It is essential that the locking pawl system 5, upon opening actuation, engages in a delay mechanism with the latch 4 before reaching the lift-out position. In this delay, the locking pawl system 5 prevents the latch 4 from moving into the open position when the detent is released. Therefore, when the detent is released, the latch 4 is not immediately fully released but remains in interaction with the locking pawl 6 via the delay mechanism.

[0026] The Fig. Figures 3a) and b) show states of the vehicle lock 1 in which the opening action has begun and the latching mechanism is still engaged. With the adjustment of the locking pawl 6 via the release lever 12, the main locking state is already released; however, the latching section 10 of the locking pawl 6 is still interacting with the main detent 11 of the latch 4, so that the latch 4 remains engaged due to the latching mechanism. The illustration from Fig. Figure 4a) shows a release of the detent engagement, whereby the detent engagement section 10 leaves the main detent 11. According to the Fig. 3b), Fig. 4a) and Fig. 4b) However, the locking pawl 6 and the latch 4 enter the delay engagement, by which the latch 4 can continue to be held.

[0027] Furthermore, it is essential that the subsequent opening action releases the delay mechanism required to reach the lifted position. The delay mechanism is therefore only activated via a portion of the opening action. Fig. Figure 5a) shows a resolved delay engagement for the illustrated embodiment, wherein here and preferably the locking pawl 6 is contactless with the lock latch 4.

[0028] The delay engagement can prolong the interaction between the locking pawl 6 and the latch 4 during the opening action, in order to further relieve the latch 4 before it is fully released. Depending on the design of the detent engagement section 10 and the main detent 11, releasing the detent engagement results only in a slight relief of the latch 4 by a minor adjustment of the latch 4 towards the open position (see Figure 1). Fig. 2b) and Fig. 3b)) or even an adjustment of the lock latch 4 against the open position (for example in a design not shown with an undercut between the locking engagement section 10 and the main latch 11).

[0029] In contrast, a preferred embodiment of the proposed solution provides that the lock latch 4 is in at least one delay position between the main detent position and the open position when the delay engagement occurs. This ensures at least partial, and in particular complete, relief of the sealing pressure on the lock latch 4 before it is fully released.

[0030] The delay mechanism can allow the locking element 7 to be adjusted relative to its position in the main latch position of the lock bolt 4, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, and more preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm. This adjustment range d is specified in Fig. 4b) shown, in which the state shortly before the release of the delay engagement is shown, with the position of the locking part 7 corresponding to the main detent position of the lock latch 4 shown in dashed lines.

[0031] The delay engagement is a different interaction between the pawl 6 and the latch 4 than the latch engagement. Here, and preferably, the delay engagement is effected by the pawl 6 engaging the latch 4 outside the main detent 11. Alternatively or additionally, the delay engagement can be effected by the pawl 6 engaging the latch 4 outside the latch engagement section 10. Thus, for the delay engagement, alternative structures of the pawl 6 and / or latch 4 can be used compared to the latch engagement.

[0032] As already mentioned, a pre-locking state can be provided for the vehicle lock 1 ( Fig. 2a)). The latch 4 has a pre-latch 15 for locking the latch 4 via the detent engagement section 10 of the locking pawl 6 in a pre-locked position of the latch 4. The locking pawl system 5 is in the engaged position in the pre-locked state. In particular, the position of the locking pawl system 5 is identical in the pre-locked state and in the main locked state. However, different configurations are also conceivable, in which, for example, the angular position of the locking pawl 6 differs between the locked states.

[0033] The pre-latch 15 can be used for the delay engagement. Preferably, the delay engagement is effected by the engagement of the pawl 6 with the pre-latch 15. However, the delay engagement differs from the pre-locking state via the position of the pawl system 5, which engages the delay engagement when the latch engagement is released from the main locking state and which, in the pre-locking state, is in the engaged position that locks the latch 4. Therefore, the delay engagement is not the case that occurs in some motor vehicle locks 1, where, when the pawl 6 is lifted from the main locking state during the opening movement of the latch 4, the pre-latch 15 comes into contact with the pawl 6, which generally leads to undesirable noise.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the delay engagement is effected by an engagement of a delay engagement section 16 of the locking pawl 6 with the lock latch 4. In Fig. Figure 3b) shows that when the opening mechanism is actuated, the delay engagement section 16 engages with the pre-latch 15 of the lock latch 4. Alternatively, the delay engagement section 16 can also interact with other structures of the lock latch 4 to effect the delay engagement.

[0035] The delay engagement section 16 can be provided on a pawl extension 18 that is spaced further away from a pawl bearing 17 compared to the detent engagement section 10. The pawl extension 18 thus forms an extension of the pawl 6, which, preferably during the opening actuation from the main closed state, enables the pawl 6 to make contact with the pre-latch 15. Therefore, the delay engagement can be implemented in a simple manner.

[0036] The opening actuation can trigger the delay engagement simultaneously with the release of the detent engagement, and thus at the same time as, or shortly before, the release of the detent engagement. The detent engagement and the delay engagement can therefore overlap in time. Fig. 3b) shows a state in which both the latching engagement and the delay engagement exist. Fig. 4a) the locking action is then released.

[0037] The locking latch system 5 and the lock latch 4 are preferably continuously engaged with each other until the delay engagement is released, so that noise generation due to a sudden release of the lock latch 4 is prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, and preferably, the locking pawl system 5 is provided for in that it has a pivotable locking pawl lever 19 on which the locking pawl 6 is pivotably mounted and which can be pivoted from a normal position, in which the locking pawl 6 can be moved into the detent engagement, by means of the release lever 12 during the opening operation to a deflected position, in which the locking pawl 6 is released from the detent engagement. The locking pawl lever 19 is pivotable about a geometric locking pawl lever axis 20. The normal position is assumed in the main closing state, preferably also in the pre-closing state, and corresponds here to a specific angular position of the locking pawl lever 19 about the locking pawl lever axis 20. The normal position is in the Fig. 2a) and Fig. 2b) shown. Furthermore, the normal position can be resumed after an opening operation, which is in Fig. 5b) is shown, where the lock latch 4 is in the open position. The pivotally mounted locking pawl 6 may be lifted out ( Fig. 5b)) and by closing the lock latch 4 again via insertion of the locking part 7, the locking mechanism is engaged again ( Fig. 2b)).

[0039] Preferably, the locking engagement section 10, upon opening actuation, undergoes a rolling movement along the main detent 11 while pivoting the pawl 6 relative to the pawl lever 19. The pawl lever 19 and the pawl 6 can form a first toggle lever arrangement. The pawl bearing 17 of the pawl 6 on the pawl lever 19 constitutes the first toggle joint of the first toggle joint arrangement. Upon opening actuation, the release lever 12 causes the first toggle joint arrangement to buckle under a rolling movement along the main detent 11. In particular, this simultaneously causes the pawl extension 18 to engage in the area of ​​the pre-detent 15, which corresponds to the sequence of Fig. 3a) and Fig. 3b) can be seen. Preferably, as shown, the delay action is effected at the end of the rolling motion.

[0040] The deflection position of the pawl lever 19 is further described in Fig. 5a) shown, wherein the locking pawl 6 is here and preferably then released from both the detent engagement and the delay engagement.

[0041] The locking pawl 6 can additionally be guided by the opening actuation to release the engagement. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the locking pawl 6 can be brought into mechanical contact with a guide contour 21 of the vehicle lock 1 in the opening actuation, or is in mechanical contact with the guide contour 21, and that the guide contour 21 limits the pivot position of the locking pawl 6 relative to the locking pawl lever 19 at least over a section of the opening actuation. The guide contour 21 is preferably provided on a lock housing 22 or on an auxiliary element 23 immovably connected to the lock housing 22. The lock housing 22 is designed here in multiple parts, the components of which are Fig. 1 are provided with a common reference symbol.

[0042] The described rolling movement of the pawl 6 causes, in particular through a pressure of the pawl 6 over the detent engagement towards the latch 4 and / or a spring load on a pawl spring 24, a pivoting of the pawl 6 about the pawl bearing 17 towards the latch 4 (counterclockwise in the Fig. 3a) and Fig. 3b)). The guide contour 21 limits the pivot position of the pawl 6 relative to the pawl lever 19 in the delay engagement ( Fig. 4a) and Fig. 4b)).

[0043] It is preferably provided that the pawl 6 comes into mechanical contact with the guide contour 21 during the opening actuation when the detent engagement is released. Likewise, the pawl 6 can come into mechanical contact with the guide contour 21 after the detent engagement is released, which corresponds to the sequence of the Fig. 3b) and Fig. 4a).

[0044] The guide contour 21 allows the pivot position of the pawl 6 about the pawl bearing 17 to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the opening actuation in the delay engagement causes the pawl 6 to pivot relative to the pawl lever 19, in particular via the guide contour 21. This can, for example, continue the buckling of the first knee joint or extend the first knee joint again.

[0045] It is also conceivable that the opening actuation, at least partially during the delay engagement, causes the pivot position of the pawl 6 relative to the pawl lever 19 to be maintained, particularly via the guide contour 21. The pawl lever 19 and the pawl 6 are accordingly pivoted together about the pawl lever axis 20, so that, for example, no further rolling movement of the pawl 6 is provided during the delay engagement.

[0046] Generally, it can be provided that the opening actuation in the delay engagement causes the locking pawl 6 to slide on the latch 4. Sliding is understood in particular to mean an interaction between the locking pawl 6 and the latch 4 under the influence of sliding friction without a rolling motion.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that the locking latch system 5 exhibits an opening tendency at least over a section of the opening actuation at the detent engagement. The lock latch 4 can thereby be forced towards the open position, which in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 corresponds to the clockwise pivoting direction of the latch 4. This opening tendency of the latch 4 results primarily from the holding engagement with the locking element 7, which exerts a corresponding torque on the latch 4 in the direction of the open position. The latch 4 can also be spring-loaded in the direction of the open position by means of a latch spring 25.

[0048] Driven by the opening tendency of the latch 4, the locking pawl system 5 is forced into the lifted position and thus also exhibits an opening tendency. Here, and preferably, the locking pawl lever 19 is forced, at least over a section of the opening actuation, towards the deflected position, which in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 corresponds to a clockwise rotation around the pawl lever axis 20. Preferably, the pawl system 5 already exhibits an opening tendency at the detent engagement in the engaged state, so that the opening actuation can be initiated with low forces.

[0049] It is also preferred that the locking pawl system 5 has an opening tendency at the delay engagement, so that releasing the delay engagement can be associated with particularly low noise levels.

[0050] The release lever 12 can have a transmission contour 26 which, via a section of the opening actuation, counteracts the transition of the pawl system 5 into the lifted state. The transmission contour 26 serves to transmit a force to the pawl system 5, which can at least slow down a lifting movement of the pawl 6. Preferably, the transmission contour 26, in its deceleration engagement, counteracts the transition of the pawl system 5 into the lifted state, so that the opening speed and the associated acoustics can be controlled by applying force via the transmission contour 26.

[0051] Furthermore, and preferably, a locking contour 27 is provided, in particular on the release lever 12, which in a locking state prevents the pawl system 5 from being moved into the lift-out state and which is brought into a release state by the opening actuation, in which the locking contour 27 releases the pawl 6 from being moved into the lift-out state.

[0052] In the Fig. 2a) and Fig. 2b) The locking state corresponds to the initial position of the release lever 12. The locking contour 27 secures the pawl system 5 in the engaged state, particularly also in view of any tendency of the pawl system 5 to open. By adjusting the release lever 12, the locking contour 27 releases the pawl system 5 ( Fig. 3a)). However, with further opening actuation, the transmission contour 26 mentioned above initially counteracts the opening tendency of the locking pawl system 5.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, a coupling arrangement 28 of the pawl system 5 is provided according to a preferred embodiment. During the opening actuation, this coupling arrangement is adjusted by a lifting contour 29 of the release lever 12, so that the pawl system 5 transitions into the lifted state. The lifting contour 29, the locking contour 27, and / or the transmission contour 26 are formed in a recess of the release lever 12, in which the coupling arrangement 28 can be guided.

[0054] During the opening operation, the release lever 12 can adjust the pawl lever 19 via an intermediate lever 30. The intermediate lever 30 can form a second toggle lever assembly with a pivotally mounted coupling lever 31, which folds during the opening operation. The coupling assembly 28 can be arranged at a second toggle joint 32 of the second toggle lever assembly. The coupling lever 31 and the intermediate lever 30 are connected to each other via the second toggle joint 32, with the coupling assembly 28 preferably being located at the second toggle joint 32. Here, and preferably, the intermediate lever 30 engages the pawl lever 19 at the pawl bearing 17.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an electric opening drive 33, which pivots the release lever 12 to effect the opening actuation, and a control arrangement 34 for controlling the opening drive 33 are provided, and that the control arrangement 34 controls the opening drive 33 at least at the beginning of the opening actuation in such a way that the opening drive 33 acts on the release lever 12 in its release direction.

[0056] The control arrangement 34 is designed to implement the functions of the opening drive 33 described here. In addition to or instead of the configuration with a control arrangement 34 integrated into the vehicle lock 1, it is conceivable that the control arrangement 34 is part of a separate control unit for the vehicle lock 1. Examples of such a control unit are a flap control unit and a door control unit, which can also perform other electronic functions in the locking element 2.

[0057] The opening drive 33, which is triggered, for example, by a button on a door handle 14, by a remote control, or the like, can be opened electrically by the vehicle lock 1. The opening drive 33 preferably comprises an electric drive motor 35, in particular a rotary electric motor, which acts on the release lever 12 via a drive train. Preferably, the drive train comprises a worm gear in which a worm associated with a drive motor 35 meshes with the teeth of a toothed element 36, the release lever 12 being rotationally fixed to the toothed element 36. Preferably, the gear is designed to be non-self-locking, so that the release lever 12 can also be moved manually by reversing the action of the drive motor 35.

[0058] The release lever 12 has a release element 37, via which the release lever 12 can be adjusted by an actuating lever (not shown) to perform the opening movement. The actuating lever is designed for coupling with a control element and serves for the manual operation of the vehicle lock 1. In the mounted state of the vehicle lock 1, the actuating lever is mechanically connected, for example, to a door handle 14 and / or an emergency operating element via a connecting element, such as a Bowden cable or a linkage.

[0059] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the control arrangement 34 actuates the opening drive 33 via a section of the opening actuation such that the opening drive 33 acts on the release lever 12 in the opposite direction to its release direction. Accordingly, the opening drive 33 can be used to slow down the opening actuation. In particular, the release lever 12 acts on the pawl system 5 via the transmission contour 26, here and preferably by means of the coupling arrangement 28, and particularly preferably counteracts an opening tendency of the pawl system 5.

[0060] It is conceivable that the control arrangement 34 interrupts or terminates the actuation of the opening drive 33 during a section of the opening operation. The opening drive 33 can be de-energized after the opening operation has begun. In the case of an interruption, the opening drive 33 is actuated again later in the opening operation to actuate the release lever 12 in the release direction, for example, after the delay mechanism is released. If the operation is terminated, the vehicle lock 1 can continue to open automatically via the opening tendency. The opening operation is delayed by the passive opening drive 33, for example, by friction effects in the gearbox and the detent torque of the drive motor 35.

[0061] It is also conceivable to energize the opening drive 33 in the opposite direction to the release direction. In this case, the drive power flows in the opposite direction to the opening action. The opening drive 33 can also be operated as a resistance brake, whereby in the simplest case the terminals of the drive motor 35 are short-circuited.

[0062] According to a further teaching, a method for operating a motor vehicle lock 1 with a latch 4 and a pawl system 5 comprising a pawl 6 is proposed. The latch 4 is adjustable into a main closed position for holding engagement with a locking part 7 and into an open position for releasing the locking part 7, wherein the pawl system 5, in an engaged state, locks the latch 4, which is in the main closed position, against movement in its opening direction via a detent engagement of a detent section 10 of the pawl 6 on a main detent 11 of the latch 4 and releases it in a lift-out state.

[0063] The locking pawl system 5 is adjusted in an opening operation in which the detent engagement is released, in which the locking pawl system 5 is brought into a delay engagement with the lock latch 4, in which the locking pawl system 5 prevents the lock latch 4 from moving into the open position via a section of the opening operation, in which the delay engagement is released, and in which the locking pawl system 5 is moved into the lift-out position. Reference may be made to all descriptions of the proposed motor vehicle lock 1. 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 2021 102 105 A1 [0003, 0005]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle lock comprising a latch (4) and a locking pawl system (5) comprising a locking pawl (6), wherein the latch (4) is adjustable into a main closed position for holding engagement with a locking part (7) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (7), wherein the locking pawl system (5) in an engaged position locks the latch (4) in the main closed position against movement in its opening direction by means of a detent engagement of a detent section (10) of the locking pawl (6) on a main detent (11) of the latch (4) and releases it in a lift-out position, wherein a release lever (12) is provided for lifting the locking pawl system (5), which, in the course of an opening operation, pivots the release lever (12) in a release direction, moves the locking pawl system (5) from the engaged state in such a way that the detent engagement is released and the locking pawl system (5) is brought into the lifted state, characterized by , that the locking pawl system (5) enters a delay engagement with the lock latch (4) upon opening actuation before reaching the lift-out state, in which the locking pawl system (5) prevents the lock latch (4) from moving into the open position when the detent engagement is released, and that the further opening actuation releases the delay engagement to reach the lift-out state. [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized by, that the lock latch (4) is in at least one delay position between the main latch position and the open position when the delay engagement is present, preferably that the delay engagement allows the locking part (7) to be adjusted relative to its position in the main latch position of the lock latch (4), preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm. [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the delay action is effected by an engagement of the locking pawl (6) to the lock latch (4) outside the main detent (11) and / or outside the detent engagement section (10). [4] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lock latch (4) has a pre-latch (15) for locking the lock latch (4) via the latch engagement section (10) of the locking pawl (6) in a pre-locking position of the lock latch (4), and that the delay engagement is effected by an engagement of the locking pawl (6) to the pre-latch (15). [5] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the delay engagement is effected by an engagement of a delay engagement section (16) of the locking pawl (6) to the lock latch (4), which is preferably provided on a locking pawl extension (18) which is further apart from a locking pawl bearing (17) compared to the detent engagement section (10). [6] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening actuation causes the delay engagement to be triggered by releasing the detent engagement. [7] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pawl system (5) has a pivotable pawl lever (19) on which the pawl (6) is pivotably mounted and which can be pivoted from a normal position, in which the pawl (6) can be moved into the detent engagement, by means of the release lever (12) in the opening actuation to a deflected position, in which the pawl (6) is released from the detent engagement, preferably that the detent engagement section (10) undergoes a rolling movement on the main detent (11) with the opening actuation under a pivoting of the pawl (6) relative to the pawl lever (19), further preferably that the delay engagement is effected with the completion of the rolling movement. [8] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized by, that the pawl (6) can be brought into mechanical contact with a guide contour (21) of the motor vehicle lock (1) during the opening actuation, or is in mechanical contact with the guide contour (21), and that the guide contour (21) limits the pivot position of the pawl (6) relative to the pawl lever (19) at least over a section of the opening actuation, preferably that the guide contour (21) limits the pivot position of the pawl (6) relative to the pawl lever (19) during the delay engagement, further preferably that the pawl (6) comes into mechanical contact with the guide contour (21) during the opening actuation with the release of the detent engagement or after the release of the detent engagement. [9] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the opening actuation in the delay engagement causes the pawl (6) to pivot relative to the pawl lever (19), in particular via the guide contour (21), or that the opening actuation at least partially in the delay engagement causes the pawl (6) to maintain its pivot position relative to the pawl lever (19), in particular via the guide contour (21). [10] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opening action in the delay engagement causes the locking pawl (6) to slide off the lock latch (4). [11] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the locking pawl system (5) has an opening tendency at least over a section of the opening actuation at the detent engagement, preferably that the locking pawl system (5) has an opening tendency at the detent engagement in the engagement state, further preferably that the locking pawl system (5) has an opening tendency at the delay engagement. [12] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the release lever (12) has a transmission contour (26) which counteracts a transition of the locking pawl system (5) into the lift-out state via a section of the opening actuation, preferably that the transmission contour (26) counteracts the transition of the locking pawl system (5) into the lift-out state in the delay engagement. [13] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a locking contour (27), in particular on the release lever (12), is provided which, in a locking state, prevents the pawl system (5) from being moved into the lift-out state and which, with the opening actuation, is brought into a release state in which the locking contour (27) releases the pawl (6) from being moved into the lift-out state. [14] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an electric opening drive (33) which pivots the release lever (12) to effect the opening actuation, and a control arrangement (34) for controlling the opening drive (33) are provided, and that the control arrangement (34) controls the opening drive (33) at least at the beginning of the opening actuation in such a way that the opening drive (33) acts on the release lever (12) in its release direction. [15] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 14, characterized by, that the control arrangement (34) controls the opening drive (33) via a section of the opening actuation such that the opening drive (33) acts on the release lever (12) in the opposite direction to its release direction, preferably that the control arrangement (34) interrupts or terminates the control of the opening drive (33) via a section of the opening actuation, energizes the opening drive (33) with an effect in the opposite direction to the release direction and / or operates the opening drive (33) as a resistance brake. [16] Method for operating a motor vehicle lock (1) with a lock latch (4) and with a locking pawl system (5) comprising a locking pawl (6), wherein the lock latch (4) is adjustable into a main closed position for holding engagement with a locking part (7) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (7), wherein the locking pawl system (5) in an engaged state locks the lock latch (4) in the main closed position against movement in its opening direction by means of a detent engagement of a detent engagement section (10) of the locking pawl (6) on a main detent (11) of the lock latch (4) and releases it in a lift-out state, wherein the locking pawl system (5) is adjusted in an opening operation in which the detent engagement is released, in which the locking pawl system (5) is brought into a delay engagement with the lock latch (4), in which the locking pawl system (5) prevents the lock latch (4) from being moved into the open position via a section of the opening actuation, in which the delay intervention is resolved and in which the locking pawl system (5) is moved into the lift-out state.

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