Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock with a latch (4) and a locking pawl (5), wherein the latch (4) is adjustable into at least one closed position for holding engagement with a locking part (6) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (6), wherein the locking pawl (5) in an engaged position locks the latch (4) in the closed position against movement in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted position, wherein a release lever (11) pivotable about a geometric release lever axis (12) with a release contour (13) is provided, wherein the release contour (13) guides a coupling arrangement (14) associated with the locking pawl (5) in the course of an opening movement of the release lever (11) such that the locking pawl (5) is moved from the engaged position to the lifted position.It is proposed that the release contour (13) has a holding section (15) which, in a holding position of the release lever (11), holds the locking pawl (5) in the lifted state by means of the coupling arrangement (14) in a self-locking manner.

Description

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

[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 102 51 382 A1), from which the invention is based, relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a latch and a pawl as locking elements. The latch can be moved into a closed position in which it engages with a locking element and is secured by the pawl. The motor vehicle lock has an opening drive with an electric drive motor, which allows the pawl to be lifted so that the latch, releasing the locking element, can be adjusted to its open position.

[0004] In an emergency operation, the known vehicle lock is designed so that the locking pawl is moved into the lifted position by a second opening actuator. This second opening actuator is self-locking via a gear drive, which automatically holds the locking pawl in the lifted position. This prevents the vehicle lock from re-engaging, ensuring that the locking element can always be opened in an emergency. However, the use of a second opening actuator and the gear drive necessitates a comparatively complex design for the vehicle lock.

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of designing and further developing a generic motor vehicle lock in such a way that keeping the motor vehicle lock open is made possible in a structurally simple manner.

[0006] The above problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] The fundamental principle is to hold the locking pawl in place using a pivoting release lever, which is also used to release the pawl via a coupling mechanism. A self-locking release contour, in relation to the coupling mechanism, allows for simple locking of the pawl in the released position. Therefore, no further modification of the opening drive is required for this functionality.

[0008] Specifically, it is proposed that the release contour has a holding section which, in a holding position of the release lever, holds the pawl in the lifted state by means of the coupling arrangement in a self-locking manner.

[0009] Particularly secure locking of the pawl in the lifted position is achieved by designing the retaining section as a circular arc segment around the release lever axis according to claim 2. Restoring forces acting through the coupling arrangement thus result in a contact force on the release lever extending along the release lever axis, preventing pivoting of the release lever.

[0010] The proposed solution for holding a spring-loaded pawl, as specified in claim 3, is particularly advantageous.

[0011] In the embodiments according to claims 4 and 5, the release lever has a locking contour for securing the pawl in the engaged state, so that the release lever has multiple functions.

[0012] Claims 7 to 9 relate to holding the locking pawl while fulfilling a predetermined holding condition. Holding the pawl in emergency mode is particularly advantageous, with an energy storage device for an opening actuator being provided. The energy storage device ensures at least one opening movement even in the event of a vehicle electrical system failure. To prevent an operator from being locked inside, the vehicle lock is deactivated, particularly before the energy storage device is further discharged. A further advantageous feature is the implementation of a memory function that prevents the vehicle lock from engaging prematurely, for example, in the case of heavy snow load.

[0013] In the preferred embodiments according to claims 10 to 13, the pawl is mounted on a pawl lever, thereby forming, in particular, a pawl system with a knee joint arrangement. The kinematics of the pawl system can be easily actuated via the functional contours of the release lever.

[0014] 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 door with a), b) a proposed motor vehicle lock in perspective drawings and Fig. 2 a) to c) different states of the motor vehicle lock in side views.

[0015] 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 side door is shown. However, all explanations also apply to all other types of locking elements of the motor vehicle 3. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 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.

[0016] The motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with a latch 4 and at least one locking pawl 5. The latch 4 is in at least one locked position, here and preferably a main locked position ( Fig. 2a)) and, if necessary, a pre-closing position, for the holding intervention with a locking part 6 and into an open position ( Fig. 1a), Fig. 1b), Fig. 2b, Fig. 2c), 3a), 3b)) adjustable for releasing the locking part 6, here and preferably by pivoting about a geometric lock latch axis 7. The locking part 6 can be a locking bar, a locking bolt or the like. As in Fig. 1a) As can be seen, when the lock latch 4 is in the open position, the locking element 6 can be inserted into a locking element receptacle 8 of the lock latch 4. Here, and preferably, the vehicle lock 1 is arranged on the locking element 2, while the locking element 6 is fixed to the vehicle body 3, although a reverse arrangement is conceivable.

[0017] The locking pawl 5, which interacts with the lock latch 4, is in an inset state ( Fig. 2a)) and a lifting state ( Fig. 1a), Fig. 1b), Fig. 2b), Fig. 2c), 3a), 3b)). The locking pawl 5, when engaged, locks the latch 4, which is in the closed position, against movement in its opening direction. The closed positions can be determined starting from the open position. Fig. 3b) by pivoting the lock latch 4 counterclockwise, whereby the locking pawl 5 engages in a locking engagement to a main latch 9 (main locking position; Fig. 2a)) or pre-latch 10 (pre-locking position; not shown) of the lock latch 4 can be accessed. In the lifted position, the locking pawl 5 releases the lock latch 4 in its opening direction, so that the lock latch 4 can, for example, be spring-loaded and / or moved into the open position by extending the locking part 6.

[0018] A release lever 11 is provided, which generally serves to move the locking pawl 5 into the lifted position. The release lever 11 is positioned from a starting position ( Fig. 2a)) pivotable about a geometric release lever axis 12. The pivoting of the release lever 11 occurs during an opening movement with a release direction, the release direction corresponding to the pivot direction of the release lever 11 in the opening movement. In Fig. 2 corresponds to the trigger direction being a pivoting of the trigger lever 11 around the trigger lever axis 12 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0019] The opening movement of the release lever 11 causes the release lever 11 to lift the locking pawl 5. The release lever 11 is equipped with a release contour 13. During the opening movement of the release lever 11, the release contour 13 guides a coupling arrangement 14 associated with the locking pawl 5 such that the locking pawl 5 is moved from the engaged state to the lifted state, which is indicated by the transition of Fig. 2a) to Fig. 2b) can be seen. The coupling arrangement 14 is guided by direct mechanical contact between the coupling arrangement 14 and the release contour 13, preferably sliding or rolling along the release contour 13. The coupling arrangement 14 serves to transmit the opening movement to the pawl 5 and is, for example, designed as a pin-shaped drive element. The coupling arrangement 14 can be directly mechanically connected to the pawl 5. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the coupling arrangement 14 is indirectly connected to the pawl 5, which will be explained below.

[0020] It is essential that the release contour 13 has a holding section 15 which, in a holding position of the release lever 11, holds the locking pawl 5 in the lifted state by means of the coupling arrangement 14 in a self-locking manner.

[0021] In the holding position, the coupling arrangement 14 can be brought into direct mechanical contact with the holding section 15 ( Fig. 2c)). The self-locking mechanism ensures that a force exerted on the holding section 15 via the coupling arrangement 14 cannot pivot the release lever 11 in such a way that the coupling arrangement 14 loses contact with the holding section 15. The release lever 11 therefore locks the coupling arrangement 14, and thus the locking pawl 5, against returning to its engaged position. Accordingly, the latch 4 can be released from the position indicated in Fig. Although the open position shown in 2c) can be returned to a closed position by closing the locking element 2, it is not fixed there by the locking pawl 5.

[0022] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the holding section 15 is designed as a circular arc segment around the release lever axis 12. A force exerted by the coupling arrangement 14 on the holding section 15 thus results in a contact force extending approximately through the release lever axis 12, preventing the release lever 11 from pivoting via the coupling arrangement 14.

[0023] In general, the contact force does not necessarily have to pass exactly through the release lever axis 12. Rather, it may suffice if the contact force acts in a friction cone between the coupling arrangement 14 and the holding section 15, so that no pivoting of the release lever 11 occurs due to friction effects. Therefore, if the holding section 15 is designed as a circular arc segment, the arc segment is not necessarily centered exactly around the release lever axis 12.

[0024] In general, holding the pawl 5 reliably prevents unwanted re-entry into the lowered position. It is particularly preferred that the pawl 5 is spring-loaded in the direction of the lowered position. When the coupling assembly 14 is released by the release lever 11, the pawl 5 can return to the lowered position via the spring load. Here, the spring load can be absorbed by the retaining section 15 via the coupling assembly 14. For example, the spring load is designed such that the pawl 5, starting from the Fig. 2b) the state shown is changed and the release lever 11 is reset via the coupling arrangement 14. In the holding position from Fig. 2c) However, even considering the spring load, no resetting occurs via the described interaction of coupling arrangement 14 and holding section 15.

[0025] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the release lever 11 has a locking contour 16 which, in the initial position of the release lever 11, prevents the pawl 5 from moving into the lifted position and which, with the opening movement, releases the pawl 5 from moving into the lifted position. The release lever 11 locks in the initial position ( Fig. 2a)) the pawl 5, so that the pawl 5 remains securely in the engaged position.

[0026] The locking can be effected by a direct or indirect interaction between the release lever 11 and the locking pawl 5. It is particularly preferred that the locking contour 16 locks the locking pawl 5 via the coupling arrangement 14, so that both the lowered and raised states can be secured via the release lever 11 and the coupling arrangement 14.

[0027] Preferably, the coupling arrangement 14 is provided in a recess in the release lever 11, which forms the release contour 13 and the locking contour 16; further preferably, the recess is formed by an outer contour of the release lever 11. The recess is thus designed to be open, allowing for further degrees of freedom with regard to the shaping of the described functional contours.

[0028] In particular, the release contour 13 can have an output section 17 against which the coupling arrangement 14 rests in its initial position. The output section 17 can be designed as a circular arc segment around the release lever axis 12, so that, for example, at the beginning of the opening movement, the release lever 11 can be pivoted without adjusting the coupling arrangement 14.

[0029] The release contour 13 can have a lifting section 18 which, during the opening movement, moves the coupling assembly 14 to adjust the locking pawl 5 into the open position. The lifting section 18 is designed eccentrically to the release lever axis 12, so that pivoting the release lever 11 causes the coupling assembly 14 to be adjusted.

[0030] Particularly preferably, an electric opening drive 19 is provided, by means of which the release lever 11 can be pivoted to perform the opening movement. The opening drive 19 preferably comprises an electric drive motor 20, in particular a rotary electric motor, which acts on the release lever 11 via a drive train.

[0031] Here, and preferably, the drive train comprises a gearbox designed as a worm gear, in which a worm 21 associated with a drive motor 20 of the gearbox engages in meshing with a tooth element 22, wherein the release lever 11 is rotationally fixed to the tooth element 22. Preferably, the gearbox is designed to be non-self-locking, so that the release lever 11 can also be moved manually by reversing the action of the drive motor 20.

[0032] The release lever 11 has a release element 23, via which the release lever 11 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 such as a door handle 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 an interior door handle 24, an exterior door handle 25, and / or an emergency operating element via a connecting element, such as a Bowden cable or a linkage.

[0033] The opening drive 19 can pivot the release lever 11 into the holding position when a holding condition is met ( Fig. 2c) and leave it there. For example, the opening drive 19 normally pivots the release lever 11 only so far that the coupling arrangement 14 does not reach the holding section 15 ( Fig. 2b)). It is also conceivable that the opening drive 19 initiates the opening movement up to the holding position, but normally returns the release lever 11 to its resting position by motor. If the holding condition is met, the opening drive 19 keeps the release lever 11 in the holding position. This is preferably achieved by switching off the drive motor 20 when the release lever 11 is in the holding position.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the holding condition occurs during emergency operation. Examples of emergency operation include a failure of the vehicle's electrical system, such as due to a significant discharge of the central battery or a failure of electrical wiring in the electrical system, and a crash of the vehicle 3, in which case the normal electrical supply voltage may not be sufficient to actuate the opening drive 19. Holding the locking pawl 5 reliably prevents the locking state from occurring.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the holding condition is provided that the latch is triggered before the lock bolt 4 reaches the open position. Only once the open position is reached and / or after a predetermined time period has elapsed can the release lever 11 be reset. If the lock bolt 4 is not moved into the open position after the locking pawl 5 is released, for example due to a snow load on the locking element 2 or due to icing, the operator is thus able to manually open the locking element 2 without having to re-trigger the opening drive 19.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the vehicle lock 1 includes a control arrangement for actuating the opening drive 19. The control arrangement is configured to implement the described functions of the opening drive 19 electronically. In addition to or instead of the configuration with a control arrangement integrated into the vehicle lock 1, it is conceivable that the control arrangement is part of a separate control unit 26 for the vehicle lock 1. Examples of such a control unit 26 are a flap control unit and a door control unit, which can also perform other electronic functions in the locking element 2.

[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the control arrangement is provided with an electrical energy storage device for supplying the opening drive 19 in emergency operation. In emergency operation, discharging the energy storage device is used to supply the opening drive 19 with electrical energy. For example, the control arrangement is equipped with at least one capacitor, such as at least one double-layer capacitor, and / or with a primary cell, thereby ensuring an energy supply for the opening drive 19.

[0038] The holding condition can be triggered by an opening movement initiated via the opening drive 19 in emergency operation, particularly after a predetermined number of opening movements have been performed in emergency operation and / or when the energy storage device falls below a predetermined minimum charge level. This, in turn, ensures that a locked-in state is reliably prevented even when the energy storage device is in use.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided here that the pawl 5 is pivotably mounted on a pivotable pawl lever 27, which can be moved from a normal position ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2a), Fig. 3b)), in which the locking pawl 5 can be moved into the inset position, by means of the release lever 11 into a deflected position ( Fig. 2b), Fig. 2c), 3a)), in which the pawl 5 is moved into the lifted position. Holding the pawl 5 is achieved here in a simple way by the fact that the holding contour in the holding position of the release lever 11 holds the pawl lever 27 in the deflected position by means of the coupling arrangement 14 ( Fig. 2c)).

[0040] The spring loading of the pawl 5 is here preferably effected by a spring element 28, which spring-loads the pawl lever 27 in the direction of the normal position. Particularly preferably, the pawl 5 is spring-loaded relative to the pawl lever 27 by a spring element 29 in the direction of the closed position, wherein the spring element 29 can additionally also spring-load the latch 4 in the direction of the open position. Fig. 1) The spring element 29 acts indirectly on the pawl 5 via a signal lever 30.

[0041] Furthermore, and preferably, the release lever 11 is provided with a reset section 31, which is designed to cause at least a partial reset of the pawl lever 27 to its normal position when the release lever 11 is reset following an opening movement. In particular, for situations where the spring tension of the pawl lever 27 is insufficient for reset, the release lever 11 thus causes the pawl lever 27 to reset, allowing the pawl 5 to engage again. Preferably, the reset section 31 acts on the pawl lever 27 via the coupling arrangement 14, which in Fig. 3a) is shown. Particularly preferred is the embodiment of the return section 31 as part of the locking contour 16, which here further comprises a locking section 32 that can lock the coupling arrangement 14 to secure the normal position of the locking pawl lever 27.

[0042] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the pawl lever 27 and the pawl 5 form a first toggle lever assembly. The pivotable mounting of the pawl 5 on the pawl lever 27 constitutes the first toggle joint 33 of the first toggle joint assembly 33. The release lever 11, with its opening movement, causes the toggle joint assembly to buckle, moving the pawl 5 into the disengaged position. The release lever 11 engages a first toggle joint 33 of the first toggle lever assembly via the coupling arrangement, whereby the movement of the first toggle lever assembly can be effected via the functional contours of the release lever 11.

[0043] Furthermore, and preferably, it is provided here that the release lever 11, during the opening movement, adjusts the locking pawl lever 27 via an intermediate lever 34. The intermediate lever 34 can form a second toggle lever assembly with a pivotally mounted coupling lever 35, which folds during the opening movement. The coupling assembly 14 can be arranged at a second toggle joint 36 of the second toggle lever assembly. The coupling lever 35 and the intermediate lever 34 are connected to each other via the second toggle joint 36, with the coupling assembly 14 preferably being arranged at the second toggle joint 36. 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 102 51 382 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle lock with a latch (4) and a locking pawl (5), wherein the latch (4) is adjustable into at least one closed position for holding engagement with a locking part (6) and into an open position for releasing the locking part (6), wherein the locking pawl (5) in an engaged position locks the latch (4) in the closed position against movement in its opening direction and releases it in a lifted position, wherein a release lever (11) pivotable about a geometric release lever axis (12) with a release contour (13) is provided, wherein the release contour (13) guides a coupling arrangement (14) associated with the locking pawl (5) in the course of an opening movement of the release lever (11) such that the locking pawl (5) is moved from the engaged position to the lifted position, characterized by, that the release contour (13) has a holding section (15) which, in a holding position of the release lever (11), holds the locking pawl (5) in the lifted state by means of the coupling arrangement (14) in a self-locking manner. [2] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized by , that the holding section (15) is designed as a circular arc section around the release lever axis (12). [3] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the pawl (5) is spring-loaded in the direction of the inward state and that the spring load can be absorbed by the retaining section (15) by means of the coupling arrangement (14). [4] Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the release lever (11) has a locking contour (16) which, in an initial position of the release lever (11), prevents the pawl (5) from being moved into the lifted position and which, with the opening movement, allows the pawl (5) to be moved into the lifted position. [5] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized by , that the locking contour (16) locks the pawl (5) via the coupling arrangement (14), preferably that the coupling arrangement (14) is provided in a recess in the release lever (11) forming the release contour (13) and the locking contour (16), further preferably that the recess is formed by an outer contour of the release lever (11). [6] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the release contour (13) has an output section (17) on which the coupling arrangement (14) rests in the initial position, and a lifting section (18) which, during the opening movement, leads the coupling arrangement (14) to adjust the locking pawl (5) into the open state. [7] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an electric opening drive (19) is provided, by means of which the release lever (11) can be pivoted to carry out the opening movement, and that the opening drive (19) pivots the release lever (11) into the holding position when a holding condition is met and leaves it there. [8] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized by, that the holding condition occurs in an emergency operation, in particular in the event of a failure of a normal supply voltage for the motor vehicle lock (1), and / or that the holding condition occurs before the lock latch (4) reaches an open position. [9] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that a control arrangement for controlling the opening drive (19) with an electrical energy storage device for supplying the opening drive (19) in emergency operation is provided and that the holding condition occurs with an opening movement effected via the opening drive (19) in emergency operation, in particular after performing a predetermined number of opening movements in emergency operation and / or when a predetermined minimum charge level of the energy storage device is undershot. [10] Motor vehicle lock according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pawl (5) is pivotably mounted on a pivotable pawl lever (27), which can be moved from a normal position, in which the pawl (5) can be brought into the inset state, by means of the release lever (11) into a deflected position, in which the pawl (5) is brought into the lifted state, and that the retaining contour in the holding position of the release lever (11) holds the pawl lever (27) in the deflected position by means of the coupling arrangement (14). [11] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 10, characterized by, that the release lever (11) has a reset section (31) which is designed to cause at least a partial reset of the locking pawl lever (27) to the normal position by resetting the release lever (11) following an opening movement, preferably that the reset section (31) acts on the locking pawl lever (27) via the coupling arrangement (14), further preferably that the reset section (31) is part of the locking contour (16). [12] Motor vehicle lock according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the locking pawl lever (27) and the locking pawl (5) form a first toggle lever assembly and that the release lever (11) causes the first toggle joint assembly (33) to buckle during the opening movement while moving the locking pawl (5) into the lifted state, preferably that the release lever (11) engages a first toggle joint (33) of the first toggle lever assembly via the coupling arrangement. [13] Motor vehicle lock according to claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that the release lever (11) adjusts the locking pawl lever (27) via an intermediate lever (34) during the opening movement, preferably that the intermediate lever (34) forms a second toggle lever assembly which folds in during the opening movement, further preferably that the coupling assembly (14) is arranged on a second toggle joint (36) of the second toggle lever assembly.

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