Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (10), in particular a motor vehicle door lock , comprising a locking mechanism (11), which includes a rotary latch (12) and a pawl (13), in particular a single pawl (13), the rotary latch (12) being able to be latched into at least one latch position (I) by means of the pawl (13), the motor vehicle lock (10) further comprising a rotatable triggering lever (15) which allows the locking mechanism (11) to be moved from the at least one latch position (I) into an open position (II), and comprising an electromotive drive unit (16) for actuating the triggering lever (15), the drive unit (16) consisting at least of an electric motor (17) and a transmission stage (18) that includes an actuation lever (19), wherein the pawl (13), the triggering lever (15) and the actuation lever (19) are accommodated in the motor vehicle lock (10) so as to be able to pivot about a common axis of rotation (R), wherein at least the actuation lever (19) and the triggering lever (15) engage with one another using a complementary connection geometry (20) such that a movement of the actuation lever (19) can be transmitted to the triggering lever (15).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle locking systems and relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and one, in particular a single, pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one locking position by means of the pawl, a rotatable release lever, wherein the locking mechanism can be transferred from the at least one locking position into an opening position by means of the release lever, and an electro-motor drive unit for actuating the release lever, and wherein the drive unit is formed at least from an electric motor and a gear stage and the gear stage has an actuating lever for acting on the release lever.

[0002] One challenge in the field of automotive locks is to further reduce the space required for vehicle locks in vehicles. Furthermore, the weight of vehicle locks must be continually reduced.

[0003] State-of-the-art motor vehicle locks are known that use an electric opening mechanism to actuate the pawl from a detent position, allowing the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock to be opened / unlocked electrically. The required opening kinematics, with an electric drive consisting of an electric motor and a release lever, generally require a significant amount of space within the motor vehicle lock so that the required actuation forces can be transmitted from the electric motor to the release lever and from the release lever to the pawl. The release lever and the remaining actuation kinematics are often equipped with large levers, allowing sufficient actuation forces to be exerted via lever arms.In addition, the components for the pawl release lever and the remaining actuation kinematics in the lock must be brought into operative connection with one another, whereby this is achieved via numerous lever arrangements or cable drives.

[0004] A motor vehicle lock is known from DE 10 2015 110 639 A1, wherein the motor vehicle lock has a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl as well as an electric opening drive. The drive unit consists of an electric motor and a release lever which acts on the pawl via a lever kinematics, so that the pawl can be moved out of the detent position via the release lever and the lever kinematics. A disadvantage of the arrangement disclosed therein is that the entire opening kinematics and thus the arrangement of the release lever and the drive unit takes up a large amount of space in the motor vehicle lock. For this purpose, the electric drive is designed with an electric motor and a gear stage, wherein an actuating lever is arranged in a first plane about a first axis of rotation and a release lever is arranged about a second axis, wherein furthermore the pawl is arranged rotatably about a third axis.This arrangement across numerous axes requires a corresponding amount of space and is complicated to assemble.

[0005] Further relevant prior art is known from the documents DE 10 2019 120842 A1, US 2020 / 224463 A1, DE 20 2015 106321 U1, DE 20 2013 004025 U1, DE 10 2019 109488 A1 and DE 10 2014 003106 A1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to at least partially remedy the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle lock that is particularly compact in design and yet can provide sufficient actuation forces to enable simple and quiet opening of the locking mechanism. This object is achieved according to the invention by a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, according to claim 1.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments are specified in particular in the dependently formulated patent claims and the description. It should be noted that the features listed in the patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner and reveal further embodiments.

[0008] The motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and one, in particular a single, pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one locking position by means of the pawl. Furthermore, the motor vehicle lock comprises a release lever, wherein the locking mechanism can be transferred from the at least one locking position to an open position by means of the release lever. Furthermore, an electric drive unit is provided for actuating the release lever, wherein the drive unit is formed at least from an electric motor and a gear stage, and the gear stage has an actuating lever.

[0009] According to the invention, to achieve this object, it is proposed that the pawl and the release lever, as well as the actuating lever, are pivotably mounted in the motor vehicle lock about a common, single rotational axis, wherein at least the actuating lever and the release lever engage with each other by means of a complementary connecting geometry, so that a movement of the actuating lever can be transmitted to the release lever. According to the invention, it is therefore provided that the pawl, the release lever, and the actuating lever have a common rotational axis and are pivotably / rotatably mounted in the motor vehicle lock about this rotational axis. In particular, the pawl, the release lever, and / or the actuating lever are attached to at least one lock case.The actuating lever and at least the release lever have a complementary connection geometry that enables a force-locking and / or form-locking connection of at least two aforementioned components. These complementary connection geometries can interlock and transmit a particularly rotational movement, which is transmitted from the drive unit to the actuating lever, from the actuating lever to the release lever, so that the release lever can move the pawl out of at least one locking position, in particular a main locking position and / or pre-locking position. The connection geometry according to the invention can also be understood as a plug-in connection (e.g., a plug-in axle connection). Consequently, at least the actuating lever and release lever can be plugged together / into one another. This enables a compact design and ensures power transmission, in particular for opening the locking mechanism.

[0010] The complementary connection geometry according to the invention is preferably designed as a toothing, wherein the toothing can have one or more teeth or tooth-like geometries. Thus, the actuating lever or the release lever can preferably have external toothing and the corresponding other component can have internal toothing, or vice versa. According to the invention, the negative shape of one connection geometry of the actuating lever or the release lever corresponds to the geometry designed complementarily thereto. Figuratively speaking, it could be designed such that the negative shape of the flanks of an external toothing of one connection geometry essentially corresponds to the flank shape of the internally toothed component and thus to the connection geometry of the other component.It is therefore conceivable that the release lever has an external toothing and the actuating lever has an internal toothing, or vice versa, and that these toothings mesh with each other, in particular are plugged together.

[0011] The advantage of this complementary connection geometry and the joint mounting of the pawl, the release lever and the operating lever around a common axis of rotation is that at least the three components pawl, release lever and operating lever can be arranged particularly compactly in the motor vehicle lock. According to the invention, it is therefore provided that the pawl, the release lever and the operating lever engage with one another at least in sections and, particularly in the area of ​​the common axis of rotation, the three components are arranged in a somewhat nested manner. This significantly reduces the required installation space in the motor vehicle lock. An operating mechanism arranged at an angle to one another for releasing the pawl from the rotary latch is therefore not absolutely necessary. The invention also makes it possible to dispense with cable constructions that have a negative impact on installation space.Rather, the drive unit and the actuating mechanism consisting of the actuating lever, release lever and connection to the locking mechanism, in particular the pawl, can be designed to be particularly compact.

[0012] Advantageously, the at least one connecting geometry can have a toothing completely / all the way around the axis, wherein the toothing has between one and ten teeth, preferably between 14 and 18, particularly preferably 16 teeth, wherein the teeth interact with corresponding, essentially complementary recesses. Thus, internal or external toothing is provided on the actuating lever and / or release lever. A so-called poka-yoke connection can be provided particularly advantageously, so that particularly simple and secure assembly can be carried out. Accordingly, at least one toothing geometry / tooth can be designed differently from the remaining teeth / toothing geometries, wherein a recess complementary to the corresponding tooth / geometry in the component to be connected also has a different design.Consequently, it is conceivable that in particular a connecting geometry / a tooth is designed differently from the remaining teeth and the corresponding recess on the component to be connected is also designed differently and complementary to the one different tooth / geometry.

[0013] For example, it's conceivable for the release lever to have a tooth with a wider tooth surface, while the actuating lever has a single, larger, wider recess into which the single, wider toothing on the actuating lever can be positioned. This virtually eliminates the possibility of incorrect assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that the actuating lever or the release lever has a collar that runs around at least part of the rotation axis in the region of the rotation axis. The collar is particularly preferably designed such that the connecting geometry, in particular the toothing, is at least partially concealed when the actuating and release levers are engaged. This circumferential collar makes it possible to further optimize the compact design and, moreover, the collar can form a bearing for a spring so that the actuating lever and / or the release lever can be preloaded by means of the spring. The spring can therefore also be arranged compactly on the release lever and / or actuating lever and does not require unnecessary additional installation space.

[0015] Furthermore, the collar can cover the connection geometry, in particular the toothing, in such a way that the penetration of dirt and / or moisture can be reduced. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the release lever to have external toothing extending from a first side of a substantially plate-shaped connecting portion in a first direction, with a bearing point for a bearing pin of the locking pawl being formed on the other (opposite) side of the connecting portion, with the bearing point, in particular, being designed as a receptacle in the release lever.

[0016] Advantageously, the release lever has external teeth that interact with internal teeth of the actuating lever. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable for the release lever to have internal teeth and the actuating lever to have correspondingly complementary external teeth. Accordingly, the release lever can also be designed as previously described for the actuating lever.

[0017] The release lever advantageously has a substantially plate-shaped connecting section, particularly in the region of the bearing points, with the toothing, particularly external toothing, extending from the plate-shaped connecting section. On the opposite side of the toothing, particularly external toothing, a connection point / bearing point for a bearing pin of the pawl is formed on the release lever. This bearing pin serves to support the pawl on the lock case of the motor vehicle lock. The bearing point is also designed, in particular, as a receptacle in the release lever. Thus, the pawl and the release lever can be arranged together on the bearing pin of the pawl. This further improves the compact design.

[0018] Accordingly, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing pin accommodates the locking pawl and the release lever, and the release lever and the actuating lever interlock in the manner according to the invention. Thus, a compact, joint mounting of these three components is achieved.

[0019] Furthermore, it may be preferred for the release lever to have one, in particular a single, release arm that can be brought into engagement with the pawl or is in engagement with the locking pawl. This release arm extends in particular from the substantially plate-shaped connecting section, thereby forming a lever arm for actuating the pawl. Consequently, it may advantageously be provided that the release arm, in particular a single release arm, extends radially from the connecting section.

[0020] The terms "axial" and "radial" refer in particular to the rotational axis of the pawl, the release lever, and the actuating lever, so that the term "axial" refers in particular to a direction that runs parallel or coaxial to the rotational axis. Furthermore, the term "radial" refers in particular to a direction that runs perpendicular to the rotational axis. A radial extension is understood in particular to mean an extension along or parallel to a radial direction, and an axial extension is understood in particular to mean an extension along or parallel to an axial direction.

[0021] Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the release lever has a pawl receptacle. The pawl receptacle can be a recess into which at least part of the pawl can be arranged. It is particularly preferred if the pawl receptacle is arranged in the region of the release arm of the release lever. The pawl receptacle can, for example, be designed as a pocket into which at least the pawl can be arranged in sections. This allows a force from the release lever to be transmitted to the pawl particularly reliably. Furthermore, the compact geometry is further optimized because the pawl is arranged or can be arranged at least in sections in the release lever.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the pawl receptacle can be designed such that the pawl is arranged at least in sections in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the pawl receptacle.

[0023] Particularly advantageous in this case is a pawl mount with a clip, locking, crimp, or snap connection for the pawl, particularly a pawl arm. This not only simplifies assembly but also allows for secure mounting of the pawl in the release lever without negatively impacting the compact design.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the pawl has at least two pawl arms, wherein at least a first pawl arm has a locking surface for locking with the rotary latch and wherein a second pawl arm is arranged at least in sections in or on the release lever, wherein in particular the two pawl arms extend radially from the axis of rotation in substantially opposite directions. For the compact design and simple and easy actuation, i.e. easy opening of the locking mechanism, it is sufficient if the pawl has only two pawl arms, wherein the first pawl arm is provided for locking with the rotary latch and the second pawl arm is arranged at least in sections in the release lever as described above, so that the pawl is of compact design.

[0025] In particular, the second pawl arm is arranged in the motor vehicle lock with the geometry of the release arm and an actuating arm of the actuating lever in an overlapping manner. Thus, according to the invention, only the pawl arm for locking with the rotary latch extends in the opposite direction to the second pawl arm. The second pawl arm, the release arm, and an actuating arm of the actuating lever each extend in a common direction opposite thereto.

[0026] In order to further optimize the compact design, it is conceivable according to the invention for the actuating lever, in particular an actuating arm of the actuating lever, to at least partially engage around and / or cover the gear stage, in particular a gearwheel of the gear stage. For this purpose, it can be provided that the actuating lever is essentially U-shaped or curved and that the actuating lever engages around the gear stage, in particular a gearwheel of the gear stage. This means that the actuating arm or actuating lever essentially has a shape, with the two end points of the lever or arm each being arranged on one side of the gearwheel. Accordingly, this configuration allows the actuating lever and the gear stage to be designed to be particularly compact, since at least a partial overlap ensures that no unnecessary installation space is wasted.

[0027] Particularly advantageously, at least one seal can be arranged between the actuating lever and the release lever and / or between the release lever and the locking pawl, wherein the seal is particularly designed as a sealing ring. This can at least reduce the protection against environmental influences, in particular dust and / or water, penetrating the area of ​​the actuating lever, release lever, or locking pawl.

[0028] It can be particularly advantageous for the actuating lever and the drive unit, i.e. including the gear stage, to be arranged in a first part of the motor vehicle lock housing, with the release lever and the pawl as well as the remaining locking mechanism being arranged in a further, different part of the motor vehicle lock housing. It is therefore conceivable for the drive unit with the gear stage and the actuating lever, preferably also lock electronics and / or power supply, to be arranged at least in sections in a dry space of the motor vehicle lock housing, and for the locking mechanism and at least in sections of the release lever to be arranged in a damp space of the motor vehicle lock. It is particularly preferred in this case for a seal as explained above to be provided between the individual components of the release lever, actuating lever and pawl.This makes it possible to achieve a tight / sealed connection between the different lock housing parts and the connection of the pawl, release lever and operating lever components.

[0029] In order to ensure the most compact design possible for the motor vehicle lock, it can be particularly advantageous if the locking mechanism, comprising at least a pawl and rotary latch, is designed to be particularly easy to unlock, i.e. easy to open or to open with little force. According to the invention, it can be provided that the rotary latch has a locking element movably mounted on the rotary latch, wherein the locking element is arranged at least partially in the rotary latch and / or on the lock case or the lock housing so that it can rotate. The locking element can in particular roll at least partially on the rotary latch and / or the pawl. This particularly advantageously designed locking mechanism enables the actuating forces for lifting the pawl from the at least one detent position, i.e. main detent and / or preliminary detent, to be applied particularly smoothly.The release lever applies a release force to the pawl in such a way that the locking element first moves or rolls in the rotary latch, requiring particularly low opening forces. This also allows the lever's operating kinematics to be made smaller and thus more compact.

[0030] When, within the scope of the invention, reference is made to a lock for a motor vehicle, this encompasses all locking systems that fix a movable part in a position relative to the motor vehicle. A lock can be arranged, for example, in a side door, a sliding door, a hatch, a cover, or even, for example, in a rear seat bench. In other words, anywhere where movable parts are used by means of a locking system consisting of a locking mechanism with at least one pawl and a rotary latch. A lock according to the invention can be arranged in the movable part (side door, sliding door, hatch, cover, rear seat bench) or in / on the vehicle / vehicle body.

[0031] Further measures improving the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the invention, which are shown schematically in the figures.

[0032] It should be noted that the figures are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0033] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

[0034] They show: Fig.1A schematically a section of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a locking position, Fig.1B schematically a section of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in an opening position, Fig.2A schematically a section of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention from a second perspective, Fig.2B schematically a section of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention from a third perspective, Fig.3A schematically the operating lever of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention, Fig.3B schematically shows the release lever of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention, Fig.3C schematically the pawl of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention and Fig.4 schematically an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention with wet and dry space.

[0035] The Fig. 1A shows a possible embodiment of a motor vehicle lock 10 according to the invention comprising a lock housing 30, which is shown here only in part, further comprising a locking mechanism 11 comprising a pawl 13 for locking the rotary latch 12 in at least one locking position I,in particular a main locking position I and / or a pre-locking position. In the locking position I, a lock holder 40 is fixed by the rotary latch 12 in such a way that a movable part of a vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle door, is held in a closed position and blocked against unintentional opening. For this purpose, the pawl 13 has a locking surface 13.3, which in the locking position I engages with a locking element 14 of the rotary latch 12 and thus blocks the rotary latch 12 against movement in the opening direction. The locking element 14 is movable, in particular pivotally mounted in the rotary latch 12 and / or a lock plate / lock case (as a synopsis of the Figuren 1A and 1Bclarify). Furthermore, the pawl 13, in particular the locking surface 13.3, is structurally designed or has a geometry such that the pawl 13 has a closing tendency. According to the invention, a neutral design can also be provided. In the case of a closing tendency, the pawl 13, in particular the locking surface 13.3, is geometrically designed such that the pawl 13 cannot be deflected / unlocked in the opening direction on its own, in particular due to pressure from the rotary latch 12. The force exerted by the rotary latch 12 on the pawl 13 thus passes the pawl axis in such a way that no opening moment is generated, but rather the pawl 13 is urged towards the rotary latch 12.

[0036] The pawl 13 is rotatable about the rotation axis R, wherein the pawl 13 is arranged / mounted on a bearing pin 27 for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the pawl 13 has a first pawl arm 13.1 and a second pawl arm 13.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pawl arm 13.1 and the second pawl arm 13.2 extend in diametrically opposite directions from the rotation axis R and the bearing pin 27, respectively. The locking surface 13.3 for locking with the locking element 14 and thus the rotary latch 12 is arranged on the first pawl arm 13.1. The pawl 13 is arranged on the release lever 15 on the second pawl arm 13.2. For this purpose, a pawl receptacle 15.2 is formed in the release lever 15, in which the second pawl arm 13.2 is arranged, in particular held in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner.

[0037] The release lever 15 is also rotatably mounted on the same rotational axis R as the pawl 13. This also applies to the actuating lever 19, which is also arranged so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis R. The release lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 have a connecting geometry 20 according to the invention.

[0038] The motor vehicle lock 10 further comprises an electric motor drive unit 16 comprising an electric motor 17 and at least one gear stage 18. The electric motor drive unit 16 serves to open the locking mechanism 11, in particular to lift the pawl 13 by means of the release lever 15 with the interposition of the actuating lever 19.

[0039] For the electric-motor opening of the locking mechanism 11, the electric motor 17 drives a worm on the output shaft of the electric motor 17. The worm works by means of a toothing on a gear / worm wheel 18.1 and drives this in rotation. The gear 18.1 is designed in the figures as a spur-toothed worm wheel 18.1. According to the invention, an evoloid toothing is also conceivable. On the worm wheel 18.1, a substantially ramp-shaped (worm) contour 18.3 is formed around its axis of rotation, with which the contact surface 19.2 of the actuating lever 19 comes into contact and rotates the latter about the rotation axis R. The contact surface 19.2 of the actuating lever 19 therefore moves along the contour 18.3 when the worm wheel 18.1 rotates, causing the actuating lever 19 to rotate about the rotation axis R.According to the invention, the actuating lever 19 and the release lever 15 have a complementary connection geometry 20, so that a movement of the actuating lever 19 is transmitted to the release lever 15. The electromotively induced rotational movement of the actuating lever 19 is thus transmitted to the release lever, so that the release lever 15 is moved about the common rotation axis R of the actuating lever 19, release lever 15, and pawl 13.

[0040] To open the locking mechanism 11, in particular to lift the pawl 13, the particularly rotary movement of the release lever 15 is transmitted to the pawl 13 due to the arrangement of the pawl 13 in / on a release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15, so that the pawl can be lifted off the rotary latch 12. The release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15 has a pawl receptacle 15.2 in which the second pawl arm 13.2 is arranged, so that the pawl 13 can be rotated about the rotation axis R / the bearing pin 27.

[0041] Fig. 1B shows the motor vehicle lock in an opening position II, in which the pawl 13 is lifted from the rotary latch 12 and consequently the locking surface 13.3 of the pawl 13 is no longer in blocking engagement with the locking element 14 of the rotary latch 12. Assuming that the pawl 13 has a, as in Fig. 1A shown, has a closing tendency, the pawl 13 is lifted off the rotary latch 12 via the described actuating mechanism consisting of the drive unit 16, the actuating lever 19 and the release lever 15. In doing so, the blocking element 14 moves at least in sections due to its bearing and is thus also lifted off the rotary latch 12 at least in the area of ​​the locking surface of the rotary latch 12. As a result of this movement, an opening tendency can now be realized from the closing tendency, so that the pawl 13 is pushed further in the direction of opening position II due to the force acting on the pawl from the rotary latch 12 and an opening / unlocking of the locking mechanism 11 is supported / facilitates. Overall, this also reduces the release forces for opening / unlocking the locking mechanism 11.

[0042] Fig. 1B now shows the deflected locking element 14. The locking element 14 is mounted in the rotary latch 12 and preferably additionally on a lock case. For this purpose, a Fign. 1A and 1B shown bolt may be provided, which may also be stored in the lock case.

[0043] The Fign. 1A and 1Bclearly show the compact design of a motor vehicle lock made possible by the invention. For this purpose, the pawl 13 and the release lever 15 as well as the actuating lever 19 are pivotably received in the motor vehicle lock 10 about a common axis of rotation R, wherein at least the actuating lever 19 and the release lever 15 engage with each other by means of a complementary connecting geometry 20, so that a movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transferred to the release lever 15 for opening / unlocking the locking mechanism 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the release lever 15 is arranged between the pawl 13 and the actuating lever 19 on the axis of rotation R. The pawl 13, release lever 15, and actuating lever 19 are, in the broader sense, nested with one another or at least plugged together in sections.

[0044] In other words, the pawl 13, release lever 15, and actuating lever 19 are connected to one another by means of at least one, preferably several, plug-in connections or connecting geometries 20. Particularly advantageously, the pawl 13 is connected to the release lever 15 in the manner described by means of the plug-in connection comprising the pawl arm 13.2 and the pawl receptacle 15.2, and the release lever 15 is connected to one another by means of the connecting geometries 20 to be described further below. This configuration, in particular, enables the compact design.

[0045] Further improvements can be achieved by the bearing point 26 for the pawl 13, in particular the bearing pin 27 of the pawl 13 on the release lever 15. The bearing point 26 can be designed as a recess or depression, so that the bearing pin 27 and / or at least partially the pawl 13 can be arranged in / on the release lever 15. Fig. 1B a collar 23 is formed on the release lever 15, which can also contribute to protecting the bearing point 26 and / or the bearing of the pawl 13 on the bearing pin 27 from external environmental influences or gives the release lever 15 more mechanical stability overall.

[0046] Fign. 2A und 2B show the operating mechanism and the pawl 13 in another perspective. In Fig. 2A The connecting geometry 20 of the release lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 can be clearly seen. Overall, the Fig. 2A the nested / plugged-together design of the components 13, 15 and 19 on a common rotation axis R can be seen. It can be seen that the compact design can also be improved by arranging the gear / worm wheel 18.1 at least partially parallel to the rotation axis R, so that the required installation space in the direction of the rotation axis R can be further reduced.

[0047] The connection geometry 20 in the Fig. 2A has a toothing 21 on the release lever 15, which is arranged / inserted into a correspondingly complementary recess on the actuating lever 19. According to the invention, the toothing can also be formed on the actuating lever 19 and the recess in the release lever. In any case, the release lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 can engage with one another due to the complementary connection geometry 20, so that a movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transferred to the release lever 15. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the bearing pin 27, the pawl 13, the release lever 15, a release lever spring 15.3 and the actuating lever 19 are arranged along the rotation axis R. The components 27, 13, 15, 15.3 and 19 are at least partially nested or plugged together, thereby enabling a compact design.

[0048] The release lever spring 15.3 can preload the release lever such that it is acted upon in the opening or closing direction. The spring force can thus act upon the release lever 15 and, due to the connection of the release lever 15 and the pawl 13, toward the rotary latch 12 / locking position I or away from the rotary latch toward the opening position. Preferably, the release lever 15 and thus the pawl 13 are acted upon in the direction of the locking position, thus facilitating the engagement of the pawl 13 into the locking position of the rotary latch 12. For this purpose, the release lever spring 15.3 can rest on the release lever 15 on the one hand and on the lock housing or a lock case with one leg. The release lever spring 15.3 and the release lever 15 are designed in such a way that the release lever spring 15.3 is mounted on the release lever and the legs of the release lever spring 15, which is designed as a double leg spring.3 on the release lever and the lock housing or lock case. One leg of the spring 15.3 engages in a receptacle on the release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15. The coils of the release lever spring 15.3 are thus arranged on the release lever 15 in such a way that the installation space can be kept compact. For this purpose, the release lever 15 can preferably have a spring seat on which the release lever spring 15.3, in particular the coils, are mounted.

[0049] As in Fig. 2A As can be seen, the release lever 15 in the embodiment shown is designed with a release arm 15.1, wherein the release arm 15.1 is angled. The release arm 15.1 is in Fig. 2A arranged at right angles to the rest of the release lever 15. The pawl receptacle 15.2 is formed on the angled release arm 15.1, into which a second locking arm 13.2 of the pawl 13 is arranged / inserted. Accordingly, a movement of the release lever 15 can be transmitted to the pawl 13, simultaneously achieving a compact design. This movement then enables the first pawl arm 13.1 to be lifted off the rotary latch or the locking element.

[0050] The Fig. 2B shows the actuating mechanism 18.1, 19, 15 and the pawl 13 from a further perspective. Here, too, the compact design can be seen. As already mentioned, this results in particular from the connection geometry and the resulting interlocking of the pawl 13, the release lever 15, and the actuating lever 19 along the common rotation axis R. In the illustrated embodiment, the pawl 13 is arranged with the second pawl arm 13.2 in the pawl receptacle 15.2 of the release arm 15.1 of the release lever 15. The pawl arm 13.2 is held in the pawl receptacle 15.2 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, at least in sections. For this purpose, the pawl receptacle 15.2 of the release lever 15 is provided with compression ribs that secure an extension of the pawl arm 13.2. This ensures that the pawl 13 is free of play in the pawl receptacle 15.2 and the movement of the release lever 15 causes a movement of the pawl 13.

[0051] The release lever 15 is preloaded by a release lever spring 15.3, with the spring 15.3 preferably preloading the release lever 15 and thus the pawl 13 toward the rotary latch. For this purpose, the release lever spring 15.3 is designed as a double-leg spring, with one leg mounted on the release lever arm 15.1 and another leg mounted on the lock housing or the lock case.

[0052] The Fig. 2B further features a bearing pin receptacle 13.4, in which the bearing pin 27 is accommodated so that the pawl 13 can rotate around it. Furthermore, the pawl 13 has buffer pockets 13.5. The buffer pockets 13.5 serve as stop buffers for contact with the rotary latch and / or the lock case or lock housing.

[0053] The Fig. 3A shows the actuating lever 19 in detail. This lever has a U-shape. The U-shape allows the actuating lever 19 to at least partially engage the worm gear 18.1 with its actuating arm 19.1, thereby further optimizing the compact design. Accordingly, the recess 22 can be arranged on one side of the worm gear and the contact surface 19.2 on the other side of the worm gear, where the ramp-shaped contour is formed.

[0054] At one end of the actuating arm 19.1, the recess 22 and thus the receptacle for the toothing of the release lever is arranged, while at the other end of the actuating arm 19.1, the contact surface 19.2 for interaction with the worm gear 18.1, in particular the contour of the worm gear 18.1, is arranged. The recess 22 is designed as a receptacle geometry for the external toothing of the release lever. Consequently, the recess 22 has several indentations for a multi-tooth geometry. In the present case, the negative shape of the flanks of the external toothing of one connecting geometry on the release lever corresponds to the flank shape of the internally toothed actuating lever 19 and thus to the connecting geometry of the other component. Thus, the actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 can engage with each other due to the complementary connection geometry 20, so that a movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transferred to the trigger lever 15.Furthermore, it can be seen that a poka-yoke recess 22.1 is provided, thus preventing incorrect assembly / faulty mating of the release lever 15 and the actuating lever 19. The poka-yoke recess 22.1 is overall larger / wider than the remaining recesses / indentations of the recess contour 22. A wider tooth on the release lever, the poka-yoke tooth, can therefore only be inserted into the poka-yoke recess 22.1. Incorrect assembly is thus ruled out. Furthermore, the actuating lever has material recesses, which can reduce the weight of the lever 19. To simultaneously provide sufficient mechanical stability, the actuating lever 19 has reinforcing / stiffening ribs 19.4 in the area of ​​the actuating arm 19.1.

[0055] Fig. 3B shows the release lever 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The release lever 15 has a release arm 15.1, which is arranged essentially at an angle, preferably at right angles, to the rest of the release lever 15. The release arm 15.1 has a pawl receptacle 15.2, in which the pawl is arranged / received preferably without play. In the region of the axis of the release lever 15, the external toothing 24 is designed for the common connection geometry of at least the actuating lever and the release lever 15. The external toothing is designed as a multi-tooth geometry and, in the embodiment shown, has a poka-yoke tooth 24.1. The toothing 24 can be referred to as a plug-in axis and can be inserted into the corresponding recess in the actuating lever.Consequently, the actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 engage with each other by means of a complementary connecting geometry 20, so that a movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transferred to the trigger lever 15.

[0056] A collar 23 is formed around the external toothing 24 or the plug-in axle formed thereby, which collar can serve, for example, as a spring seat for the release lever spring. The release lever 15 furthermore has a substantially plate-shaped connecting section 25. The external toothing 24 / plug-in axle extends on one side of the connecting section 25, with a bearing point 26 being formed on the other side of the connecting section 25. A bearing pin of the locking pawl, for example, can be accommodated at least in section at this bearing point 26. This also has a positive influence on the compact design. When inserted, the collar 23 encloses the connecting geometry of the release lever 15 and the actuating lever 19. This can prevent, for example, canting / tilting of the two levers 15, 19 and make it more difficult for disruptive environmental influences to penetrate. The cylindrical collar 23 of the release lever engages around orthus conceals in particular a likewise cylindrical section of the recess 22 on the actuating lever 19. The toothed connecting geometry of the release lever and actuating lever is thus completely enclosed / housed and thus gives it more stability and protection against external environmental influences.

[0057] The Fig. 3C shows the pawl 13 in detail. The pawl 13 has two pawl arms 13.1, 13.2, wherein a first pawl arm 13.1 has a locking surface 13.3 for locking with the rotary latch 12 and wherein a second pawl arm 13.2 can be arranged at least partially in the release lever 15. The two pawl arms 13.1, 13.2 extend radially from the bearing receptacle 13.4 in essentially opposite directions. In addition to the already mentioned buffer pockets 13.5, the pawl 13 has at least one actuating contour 13.6 for a switch or sensor. At the end of the second pawl arm 13.2, an extension can be seen, which can be inserted into the pawl receptacle of the release lever.

[0058] The Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock 10 according to the invention, comprising a lock housing 30 with a wet chamber 32 and a dry chamber 31. These are arranged essentially at right angles to one another. The dry chamber 31 encloses the largest part of the actuating mechanism. Namely, the dry chamber 31 houses the electric motor drive 16 with the electric motor 17 and the gear stage 18, comprising the worm 18.2 and the worm wheel 18.1. Furthermore, the actuating lever 19 is arranged in the dry chamber 31 and has an interface to the wet chamber 32. A seal 19.5 is arranged on the actuating lever 19, which serves to seal the dry chamber 31 from the wet chamber 32 in the region of a passage for the release or actuating lever 19. The axis of rotation runs through the passage from the dry chamber 32 to the wet chamber 32.The connection geometry according to the invention is preferably also arranged in the region of the passage and is sealed by means of the seal 19.5.

[0059] Thus, essentially only the locking mechanism 11 and part of the release lever are located in the wet chamber 32. Other parts of the actuating mechanism are located in the dry chamber 31 and are thus protected from disruptive environmental influences. In any case, the compact design in the Fig. 4 clearly visible, which is achieved by the connection geometry according to the invention and the resulting interlocking of the actuating lever 19 and the release lever 15, wherein the locking pawl, release lever and actuating lever are arranged on a common axis of rotation R. List of reference symbols

[0060] 10Motor vehicle lock 11Locking mechanism 12Rotary latch 13Pawl 13.1First pawl arm 13.2Second pawl arm 13.3Locking surface 13.4Bearing pin receptacle 13.5Buffer pocket 13.6Actuating contour 14Locking element 15Release lever 15.1Release arm 15.2Pawl receptacle 15.3Release lever spring 16Electro-motive drive unit 17Electric motor 18Gear stage 18.1Gear / worm wheel 18.2Worm 18.3Contour 19Actuating lever 19.1Actuating arm 19.2Contact surface 19.3Recesses in operating lever 19.4Reinforcing ribs in operating lever 19.5Seal 20Connection geometry 21Toothing 22Recess 22.1Poka-yoke recess 23Collar 24External toothing 24.1Poka-yoke tooth 25Connection section 26Bearing point 27Bearing pin 30Lock housing 31Dry room 32Wet room 40Lock holder IRlocking position IIOpening position RRotation axis

Claims

1. Motor vehicle latch (10), in particular a motor vehicle door latch, having a locking mechanism (11) which comprises a catch (12) and a, in particular single, pawl (13), wherein the catch (12) can be locked in at least one ratchet position (I) by means of the pawl (13), a rotatable trip lever (15), wherein the locking mechanism (11) can be transferred from the at least one ratchet position (I) into an opening position (II) by means of the trip lever (15), and an electromotive drive unit (16) for operating the trip lever (15), and wherein the drive unit (16) is formed from at least an electric motor (17) and a gear stage (18) and the gear stage (18) has an operating lever (19), characterized in that the pawl (13) and the trip lever (15), as well as the operating lever (19), are accommodated in the motor vehicle latch (10) so as to be pivotable about a common axis of rotation (R), wherein at least the operating lever (19) and the trip lever (15) engage in one another by means of a complementary connecting geometry (20), so that a movement of the operating lever (19) can be transferred to the trip lever (15).

2. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting geometry (20) is designed as a toothing (21), in particular in that the toothing (21) has between one and ten teeth, preferably between four teeth and eight teeth, particularly preferably six teeth, wherein the teeth interact with correspondingly substantially complementary recesses (22).

3. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the operating lever (19) or the trip lever (15), in the region of the rotation axis (R), has a collar (23) which at least partly encircles it, so that the toothing (21) is at least partly concealed when the operating lever (19) and trip lever (15) are engaged.

4. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trip lever (15) has an external toothing (24) which extends from a first side of a substantially disc-shaped connecting portion (25) in a first direction, wherein a bearing point (26) for a bearing pin (27) of the pawl (13) is formed on the other side of the connecting portion (25), in particular in that the bearing point (26) is designed as a receptacle in the trip lever (15).

5. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the trip lever (15) has a trip arm (15.1) which can be brought into engagement or is engaged with the pawl (13).

6. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the in particular single trip arm (15.1) extends radially from the connecting portion (25).

7. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the trip lever (15) has a pawl receptacle (15.2) in which the pawl (13) is at least partly arranged, in particular fastened.

8. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the pawl (13) is at least partly form-fittingly and / or force-fittingly arranged in the pawl receptacle (15.2).

9. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pawl (13) has at least two pawl arms (13.1, 13.2), wherein at least a first pawl arm (13.1) has a ratchet surface (13.3) for locking with the catch (12) and wherein a second pawl arm (13.2) is at least partly arranged in the trip lever (15), in particular in that the two pawl arms (13.1, 13.2) extend radially from the axis of rotation (R) in substantially opposite directions.

10. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to claims 7 and 9, characterized in that the pawl receptacle (15.2) has a clip-, ratchet-, crimp- or snap-connection for the pawl (13), in particular for the second pawl arm (13.2).

11. Motor vehicle latch (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the operating lever (19), in particular an operating arm (19.1), at least partly encompasses and / or covers the gear stage (18), in particular a toothed wheel (18.1) of the gear stage (18).

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