Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with: a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting substantially of the locking mechanism components (1, 2) of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2); at least one sensor (3) for sensing the position of the rotary latch (1) and the pawl (2); and at least one sensing element (5) between the sensor (3) and the associated locking mechanism component (1, 2). The sensing element (5) has a pawl contour (6) and a rotary latch contour (7) for sensing a closed position of the pawl (2) on the one hand and the rotary latch (1) on the other hand. Furthermore, the sensing element (5) is designed to be rotatable relative to an axis. In addition, the sensing element (5) is prestressed in the direction of the locking mechanism (1, 2) by means of a spring (9). According to the invention, the spring (9) is designed to be stationary and is equipped with a spread-apart spring arm (9b) which acts on the sensing element (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of the locking mechanism components rotary latch and pawl, furthermore with at least one sensor for querying the position of the rotary latch and the pawl, and with at least one sensing element between the sensor and the associated locking mechanism component, wherein the sensing element is equipped with a pawl contour and a rotary latch contour for sensing a closed position of the pawl on the one hand and the rotary latch on the other hand, wherein furthermore the sensing element is designed to be rotatable relative to an axis, and wherein the sensing element is pretensioned in the direction of the locking mechanism by means of a spring.

[0002] The assumption of the various locking positions, and in particular the main locking position of a locking mechanism, and their detection, are of particular importance in motor vehicle door locks. This is because the function of safety components, such as a side airbag, a belt tensioner, etc., is usually linked to the assumption of the main locking position. This aspect becomes even more important because motor vehicle doors are often equipped with a closing aid for convenience or due to their weight. This provides motorized support for the manually initiated closing process of the respective motor vehicle door.

[0003] A motor vehicle door lock with a closing drive is described, for example, in DE 10 2009 003 402 A1. In this case, a closing lever acting on the rotary latch is implemented. A closing lever switch is provided to determine the functional position of the closing lever. Furthermore, the functional position of the pawl can be detected using a pawl switch. Furthermore, the closing lever acts as a sensing element of the closing lever switch, scanning a control cam of the rotary latch.

[0004] This allows the functional position of the rotary latch to be determined. Due to the different switch positions, the respective functional status of the locking mechanism can be recorded and evaluated using a control unit. However, the associated design and circuitry complexity is considerable due to the large number of switches that need to be monitored.

[0005] For this reason, the further prior art according to US Pat. No. 5,785,364 utilizes a pushbutton element that actuates a switch. However, the switch, as a sensor, is ultimately only capable of sensing the position of the rotary latch. Additional position sensing of the pawl is not possible. For this purpose, the pushbutton element has an arm, which is actuated by the rotary latch to actuate the switch. Consequently, only limited statements can be made about the functional positions of the individual locking components, and in particular the pawl.

[0006] In another prior art, according to DE 103 30 194 A1, the pushbutton element is designed as an elastically adjustable actuating element or flexural element. Both the rotary latch and the pawl are coupled to the actuating element, so that reaching the main locking position of the lock latch triggers the sensor only together with reaching the main locking position of the pawl. Otherwise, the sensor is in a non-triggered state.

[0007] In view of this state of the art, it is striking that the elastically adjustable actuating element is designed as an elongated bending element and is clamped at one end to a clamping point, similar to a bending beam. The bending element itself can be a metal or plastic strip. Such metal or plastic strips are subject not only to aging effects but, in particular, to temperature fluctuations during operation of such a motor vehicle lock. In practice, this can lead to malfunctions in the sensing of the locking position of both the pawl and the rotary latch.

[0008] In the generic prior art according to DE 10 2019 107 572 A1, an alternative second variant uses a sensing element designed to rotate relative to an axis. The sensing element has the pawl contour and the rotary latch contour for sensing, on the one hand, the closed position of the pawl and, on the other hand, the closed position of the rotary latch. Whenever at least one locking mechanism component deviates from its closed position, the sensing element activates the sensor. In contrast to US 5 785 364, the sensing element can therefore also detect a deviation of the pawl from its closed position and ensures that the sensor is actuated accordingly. This provides a control unit evaluating the sensor signals with comprehensive information about the current state of the locking mechanism.

[0009] The previously described embodiment has proven itself fundamentally reliable and is also resistant to any temperature effects. This is because the pushbutton element in the second variant described is a switch lever rotatably mounted in the lock case. Although this is spring-loaded, the details of the spring loading remain unclear. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0010] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock and in particular a motor vehicle door lock in such a way that the functional reliability is increased and in particular temperature and aging effects are not observed and a reliable position query of both the rotary latch and the pawl is achieved with the help of the sensor.The invention is based on a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of the locking mechanism components rotary latch and pawl, furthermore with at least one sensor for querying the position of the rotary latch and the pawl, and with at least one sensing element between the sensor and the associated locking mechanism component, wherein the sensing element is equipped with a pawl contour and a rotary latch contour for sensing a closed position of the pawl on the one hand and the rotary latch on the other hand, wherein furthermore the sensing element is designed to be rotatable relative to an axis, and wherein the sensing element is pretensioned in the direction of the locking mechanism by means of a spring, wherein the spring is designed to be stationary and acts on the sensing element with a spread-out spring arm.

[0011] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes a generic motor vehicle lock and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, characterized in that the push button element is designed as a multi-arm lever rotatable about the axis with at least a contour arm and a sensor arm, wherein the contour arm has the pawl contour and the rotary latch contour and the sensor arm is designed to interact with the sensor, wherein the multi-arm lever has an elongated hole recess in the region of the axis, which allows not only rotational movements but also a lever offset in its longitudinal extent.

[0012] The spring is preferably a spiral spring with a coiled spring section and two spring arms extending from it. One spring arm is typically designed as a touch spring arm that acts on the pushbutton element, and the other spring arm as a stop spring arm that rests against a stop. The coiled spring section is usually attached to a pin, for example, in a lock housing. The lock housing usually also provides the stop for the stop spring arm. For this purpose, the pin in question and the stop may each be molded onto the lock housing, which is typically made of plastic.

[0013] In this way, flawless position detection of both the rotary latch and the pawl is provided and implemented. This is because the sensing element interposed between the sensor and the corresponding locking mechanism component is preloaded towards the locking mechanism by means of the stationary spring. Due to the preload provided by the coil spring, the sensing element in question is generally either in contact with both the rotary latch and the pawl or is spaced apart from both locking mechanism components. In the former case, the sensor is both not subjected to any pressure and is subjected to pressure, namely when the pawl is lifted away from the rotary latch, i.e., does not assume its closed position. The sensor is also subjected to pressure when the sensing element is spaced apart from both the rotary latch and the pawl.

[0014] The sensor is usually a single sensor that, in conjunction with the pushbutton element, reliably provides information about the functional status, and in particular, the locking position, of the respective locking component. In fact, the pushbutton element ensures that the single sensor is activated whenever at least one locking component deviates from its closed position.

[0015] For this purpose, the sensor may be a tactile sensor, such as a switch. However, the sensor can also function as a contactless sensor, such as a Hall sensor. In this case, a magnet may be embedded in the sensing element, opposite the Hall sensor.

[0016] Either way, the overall functional reliability is increased compared to the state of the art because the special design of the spring ensures that the pushbutton element ultimately only assumes the two basic positions: in contact with both locking components on the one hand, and spaced apart from both locking components on the other. The first basic position is then further modified in that the pushbutton element, which can be rotated around its axis, can be pivoted in this first basic position into contact with both locking components, namely by the pawl not engaged with the rotary latch, which in this case has consequently left its sensed closed position. This leads to a load on the sensor.

[0017] The sensor is also activated when the pushbutton element assumes its second home position, or home position, at a distance from both the rotary latch and the pawl. This makes it possible, according to the invention, to reliably detect any deviation of at least one locking component from its closed position using the (single) sensor. Any temperature and aging effects are irrelevant here. These are the key advantages.

[0018] According to the invention, the pushbutton element is designed as a multi-arm lever rotatable about the axis, comprising at least one contoured arm and a sensor arm. The contoured arm generally has the pawl contour and the rotary latch contour. In contrast, the sensor arm is configured to interact with the sensor. The axis for the pushbutton element, designed as a multi-arm lever, is generally defined by a bolt or pin, which may be molded onto the previously mentioned plastic lock housing for this purpose. In principle, however, the bolt or pin in question can also be connected to a lock case supporting the locking mechanism.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, the multi-arm lever has a slotted hole in the area of the axis in question. The previously described bolt or pin defining the axis consequently extends into this slotted hole. Due to this slotted hole, the multi-arm lever can perform not only rotational movements but also a lever offset in the longitudinal extent of the slotted hole. This means that the slotted hole provided in the multi-arm lever in the area of the axis allows the multi-arm lever to be moved along the slotted hole, so that the previously described lever offset is observed in the longitudinal extent of the slotted hole. This allows the previously mentioned basic positions to be realized and implemented particularly easily and functionally.

[0020] Thus, in the first basic position, the pin or bolt in question assumes a first end position within the slotted hole recess, with the pushbutton element in contact with both locking components. However, in the second basic position, in which the pushbutton element is spaced apart from both locking components, the pin or bolt in question assumes a second end position within the slotted hole recess. The same applies if the pawl does not assume its closed position in the first basic position.

[0021] In another advantageous variant, the multi-arm lever is mounted with its axis rotatably on a bolt or pin connected to the pawl. In this case, the previously described bolt or pin defining the axis is not fixed to the lock housing or lock case. Rather, the bolt or pin supporting the multi-arm lever or the push-button element is connected to the pawl and thus moves with the pawl.

[0022] As a result, a recess in the multi-arm lever that accommodates the bolt on the pawl acts as the pawl contour. This is because the recess follows the movement of the pawl and can therefore work as a pawl contour, thereby detecting the closed position of the pawl in conjunction with the push button element or multi-arm lever. In this case, too, the two basic positions described above can be realized and implemented. In the first basic position, the push button element is in contact with the two locking components. Starting from this first basic position, a deviation of the pawl from its closed position triggers the sensor. This is because the deviation of the pawl from its closed position corresponds in this variant to the pawl being lifted off the rotary latch. This causes a pivoting movement of the push button element orA multi-arm lever, which remains in contact with the rotary latch and the pawl, or is connected to the pawl via the bolt or pin. Nevertheless, this triggers the sensor and thus generates a signal that indicates the deviation of the respective locking component, in this case the pawl, from the closed position.

[0023] The same applies if the pushbutton element or multi-arm lever assumes the second home position, which corresponds to the pushbutton element or multi-arm lever being positioned at a distance from both locking components. In this case, too, the sensor is activated because the rotary latch has now left its closed position.

[0024] A further preferred variant is characterized in that the multi-arm lever consists of two multi-arm lever parts that are rotatably mounted relative to one another. These two multi-arm lever parts are preferably mounted coaxially with one another. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous in this context if the two multi-arm lever parts are preloaded by a common spring to ensure mutual contact.

[0025] The two multi-arm lever parts can be designed such that one multi-arm lever part is equipped with the rotary latch contour that senses the rotary latch, while the other multi-arm lever part has the pawl contour that senses the locking pawl. For this purpose, the respective multi-arm lever part is equipped with a pawl contour arm and the sensor arm, thus being designed as a two-arm lever. In contrast, the first-mentioned multi-arm lever part has only a rotary latch contour arm.

[0026] The spring provided between the two multi-arm lever sections, which pre-tensions both multi-arm lever sections to engage each other, makes it possible to easily detect any pivoting movement or deviation of the pawl from its closed position, starting from the first home position with the pushbutton element or the multi-arm lever in contact with both locking components. This is because such a deviation or raised position of the pawl relative to the rotary latch in the first home position causes the pawl contour arm to follow the pivoting movement of the pawl. The same applies to the sensor arm. This activates the sensor interacting with the sensor arm, which detects the deviation of the pawl from its closed position in this first home position.

[0027] If, however, the pushbutton element or the multi-arm lever is in contact with both locking components, the spring interposed between the two multi-arm lever parts ensures that the two multi-arm lever parts are in contact with each other. The same applies if the second basic position is assumed, in which the multi-arm lever is positioned at a distance from both locking components.

[0028] Finally, in this context, it has proven advantageous if the rotary latch contour is designed as a rotary latch contour nose. This allows the rotary latch contour nose, together with the associated contour arm, to follow any movements of the rotary latch, and in particular, deviations from its closed position, particularly sensitively and effectively. All of this is achieved in the spirit of a functionally appropriate and temperature-resistant solution. Furthermore, there is no concern about negative aging effects. The same applies to any influences due to harmful environmental conditions, which also play no role according to the invention. These are the key advantages.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in which: Figures 1 to 3 a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a first embodiment in different functional positions, Figures 4 to 6 the motor vehicle lock in a second design variant in corresponding functional positions and Figures 7 to 9 a third design variant in matching functional positions.

[0030] The figures depict a motor vehicle lock, which is a motor vehicle door lock. Its basic design comprises a locking mechanism 1, 2, essentially consisting of a rotary latch 1 and a pawl 2 as locking mechanism components 1, 2. Furthermore, at least one sensor 3 is provided for detecting the position of the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2. The sensor 3 is only indicated schematically in the figures. In fact, the sensor 3 can be a tactile sensor such as a microswitch or a contactless sensor 3 such as a Hall sensor. The rotary latch 1 is equipped with a plastic casing 4, which is only partially indicated and shown.

[0031] The basic structure also includes a sensing element 5, which is arranged between the sensor 3 and the associated locking mechanism components 1, 2, i.e. the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2. For this purpose, the sensing element 5 is equipped with a pawl contour 6 and a rotary latch contour 7. The pawl contour 6 serves to sense a closed position of the pawl 2. The rotary latch contour 7 is used to detect a closed position of the rotary latch 1. The sensing element 5 is designed to be rotatable relative to an axis, wherein the axis in question is defined by a bolt or pin 8. In addition, the sensing element 5 is preloaded towards the locking mechanism 1, 2 by means of a spring 9.

[0032] The spring 9 is stationary and, according to the exemplary embodiment, is designed as a spiral spring 9, which has a coiled spring section 9a and two spring arms 9b, 9c extending therefrom. The coiled spring section 9a may be mounted on a pin or bolt, which is, for example, made integrally with a plastic housing enclosing the motor vehicle lock. The spring arm 9b extending from the coiled spring section 9a is a spread-out spring arm 9b of the spring 9, with the aid of which the pushbutton element 5 is acted upon. For this purpose, the respective spring arm 9b rests against the pushbutton element 5 and defines a pushbutton spring arm 9b. The remaining spring arm 9c rests against an indicated stop and is therefore designed as a stop spring arm 9c.The stop may be formed onto the plastic lock housing, as may the pin or bolt receiving the twisted section 9a, which is not shown in detail.

[0033] The pushbutton element 5 is designed as a multi-arm lever rotatable about the axis defined by the bolt or pin 8. In fact, the multi-arm lever or pushbutton element 5 in question has at least one contour arm 5a and one sensor arm 5b. The at least one contour arm 5a has the pawl contour 6 and the rotary latch contour 7. The sensor arm 5b, on the other hand, is designed to interact with the sensor 3. If the sensor 3 is a microswitch, the sensor arm 5b ensures that the switch is actuated as needed, as explained in more detail below. However, if a non-contact sensor, for example a Hall sensor, is used as the sensor 3, the sensor arm 5b is equipped with a permanent magnet, the approach of which corresponds to a signal from the sensor 3.

[0034] The first embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 3is equipped with the special feature that the multi-arm lever with contour arm 5a and sensor arm 5b or the probe element 5 has a slotted hole 10 in the area of the axis defined by the bolt or pin 8. The slotted hole 10 in the area of the axis or the bolt or pin 8 therefore not only allows rotational movements of the multi-arm lever or probe element 5, but also a lever offset V, namely along or in its longitudinal extension. This lever offset V is in each case Figures 1 and 3 and is ultimately determined by the path the bolt or pin 8 can travel within the slotted hole recess 10 in its longitudinal extension.

[0035] Based on the illustration in the Fig. 1one can see that the push button element or the multi-arm lever 5 is located in contact with both locking mechanism components 1, 2. This corresponds to the closed position of the locking mechanism 1, 2 and consequently the closed position of both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2. In addition to this first and in the Fig. 1 In addition to the basic position of the sensing element 5 shown in the figure, it can also assume a further second basic position, as shown in the Fig. 3 In this case, the pushbutton element 5 is positioned at a distance from both locking components 1, 2. The locking mechanism 1, 2 now assumes its pre-locking position, and the pawl 2 is engaged with a pre-lock on the rotary latch 1.

[0036] In fact, the rotary latch 1 has a main stop and a pre-stop. In the illustration after the Fig. 1 The rotary latch 1 is in the main notch because the pawl 2 has fallen into the relevant main notch. When moving from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 On the other hand, the rotary latch 1 has been moved slightly in the opening direction, ie clockwise around its axis, and the pawl 2 is in the corresponding pre-lock position of the rotary latch 1.

[0037] In the Fig. 2 In contrast, the situation is shown that the rotary latch 1 has its main locking position according to the Fig. 1 retained its position, but the locking pawl 2 has been opened. Since the Fig. 1 to the first basic position with the push button element 5 in contact with both locking components 1, 2, when the locking pawl 2 is lifted from the main locking position as shown in the Fig. 1 and the transition from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 2This causes the push button element, which is still in contact with the two locking components 1, 2, to be pivoted by the pawl 2, which is pivoted clockwise relative to the rotary latch 1, about its axis defined by the bolt or pin 8. At the same time, the bolt or pin 8 moves along the slotted hole recess 10, from a first position in the Fig. 1 illustrated end position in the elongated hole recess 10 in the direction of a second end position of the bolt or pin 8 within this elongated hole recess 10.

[0038] Since the transition from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 2 The pawl 2, which opens clockwise, moves against the pawl contour 6 and the rotary latch contour 7 is held unchanged in contact with the rotary latch 1 by means of the spring 9, can now be used during the transition from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 2the sensor arm 5b interacts with the sensor 3. This is because the probe element 5 is pivoted counterclockwise. Before and in the illustration after the Fig. 1 In contrast, the sensor arm 5b was spaced apart from the sensor 3. As a result, the sensor 3 in the closed position emits a signal to both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 after the Fig. 1 no signal.

[0039] However, starting from this first basic position in the Fig. 1 with the push button element 5 in contact with both locking components 1, 2, the push button element 5 at the transition from the Fig. 1 to Fig. 2 has been pivoted counterclockwise around the bolt or pin 8, the sensor arm 5b of the sensing element 5 can interact with the sensor 3, so that the sensor 3 sends a signal, for example, to a control unit not shown. In contrast, in the functional position after the Fig. 1 no signal was sent.

[0040] In the Fig. 3The second basic position is now shown, in which the push button element 5 is spaced apart from the two locking components 1, 2. This corresponds to the fact that the push button element 5 - starting from the Fig. 2 - is swivelled further in the counterclockwise direction, because in this case the rotary latch contour 7 is no longer in contact with the rotary latch 1. This is because the rotary latch 1 is in the Fig. 3 shown pre-locking position. The pawl 2 has thereby fallen into the pre-locking position of the rotary latch 1. In this case, too, the sensor arm 5b of the sensing element 5 ensures that the sensor 3 generates a signal and transmits it to the control unit (not shown).

[0041] Based on the described functional sequences, it is clear that the sensor 3 is capable and configured to query the position of the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2. Because the Fig. 1With the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 in the closed position, this corresponds to the fact that the sensor 3 does not emit a signal. However, any deviation of at least one of the two locking components 1, 2 from its closed position now ensures that the sensor 3 is acted upon. In the illustration according to the Fig. 2 The rotary latch 1 remains in its closed position or main locking position. However, the pawl 2 deviates from its closed position and is open, which results in the sensor 3 being actuated as described. The same applies if the rotary latch 1 deviates from its closed position or main locking position, namely the pre-locking position according to the Fig. 3In this case, too, the pushbutton element 5 ensures that the sensor 3 generates a signal. This means that any deviation of at least one of the locking components 1, 2 from its closed position acts on the sensor 3, so that the non-actuation of the sensor 3 corresponds to both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 safely assuming their closed position, as is the case with the Fig. 1 It also becomes clear that sensor 3 is configured to detect the position of both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2.

[0042] Comparably, the two remaining examples follow the Figures 4 to 6 on the one hand and 7 to 9 on the other. The representation in the Figures 4 and 7 to that of the Fig. 1 , ie to the closed position of both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2. In the Figures 5 and 8 In contrast, a situation is comparable to Fig. 2reproduced, ie with the rotary latch 1 in the closed position and the pawl 2 open. Figures 6 and 9 finally correspond to the situation that the rotary latch 1 assumes its pre-locking position and not the closed position, whereas the pawl 2 is closed, as the Fig. 3 shows.

[0043] In a similar way to the one shown above, the Figures 4 and 7 the push button element 5 is in contact with both locking components 1, 2 in the first basic position. The second basic position with the push button element 5 spaced apart from the two locking components 1, 2 is accordingly in the Figures 6 and 9 reproduced.

[0044] If we now consider the second embodiment according to the Figures 4 to 6, the design at this point is such that the probe element or the multi-arm lever 5 is rotatably mounted with its axis on the bolt or pin 8, which in this case is connected to the pawl 2. For this purpose, the probe element or the multi-arm lever has a recess that accommodates the bolt 8, which fulfills a dual function within the scope of the invention in that the recess also functions as a pawl contour 6. This is because the probe element 5 can sense the closed position of the pawl 2 via the recess that accommodates the bolt 8 or the pawl contour 6, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to this exemplary embodiment.

[0045] In the Fig. 4The situation is shown in which the rotary latch 1 is in the main locking position and the pawl 2 has engaged. Both locking components 1, 2 thus assume their closed position. The pushbutton element 5 is in a first basic position in contact with the two locking components 1, 2. As a result, the sensor arm 5b of the pushbutton element 5 is positioned at a distance from the sensor 3 and thus cannot interact with the sensor 3. Consequently, the control unit (not shown) evaluating the signals from the sensor 3 interprets this to mean that both locking components 1, 2 are securely in their respective closed positions.

[0046] When transitioning from the Fig. 4 to Fig. 5The push button element 5 remains in contact with the two locking components 1, 2. This is because the rotary latch contour 7 still rests against the rotary latch 1. The same applies to the pawl contour 6, which acts as a recess for the bolt or pin 8. However, the pawl 2 has a Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 has left its closed position and has been opened relative to the rotary latch 1. As a result, the push button element 5 has moved from the Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 performs a counterclockwise pivoting movement around the axis defined by the bolt or pin 8, so that the sensor arm 5b interacts with the sensor 3. The sensor 3 thus transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit, which indicates that at least one of the locking components 1, 2 has left its closed position. This applies in particular to the open pawl 2.

[0047] In the Fig. 6The second basic position is now shown in such a way that the push button element 5 is positioned at a distance from both locking components 1, 2. This second basic position results from the transition from the Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 in that the spring 9 keeps the push button element 5 in contact with the two locking components 1, 2. However, since the rotary latch 1 during the transition from the Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 has assumed its pre-locking position, the push button element 5 pivots counterclockwise, meaning that the sensor arm 5b continues to act on the sensor 3. In this case, too, the push button element 5 ensures that the sensor 3 is acted upon because at least one of the locking components 1, 2 deviates from its closed position; in this case, the rotary latch 1 assumes its pre-locking position. In contrast, the pawl 2 is in its closed state.

[0048] If we now consider the third embodiment according to the Figures 7 to 9 , it can be seen that in this case the multi-arm lever or the pushbutton element 5 is composed of two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 and 5 2 that are rotatably mounted relative to one another. According to the exemplary embodiment, the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 and 5 2 are mounted coaxially relative to one another. The bolt or pin 8 defining the common axis serves this purpose. Furthermore, it can be seen that the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 , 5 2 are preloaded by a common spring 11 to ensure mutual contact.

[0049] In fact, the spring 11 is again a spiral spring with a wound section surrounding the bolt or pin 8 and two spring arms extending from it. The two spring arms ensure that the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 , 5 2 rest against each other, as shown in the Figures 7 and 9However, if there is a relative movement between the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 and 5 2 as shown in the Fig. 8 , the two spring arms are spaced apart from each other and the spring 11 ensures that the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 , 5 2 starting from the functional position in the Fig. 8 be brought back into alignment with each other.

[0050] In the Fig. 7the first basic position is shown, in which the push button element 5 is held in contact with both locking components 1, 2. Both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 each assume their closed position. The design is such that the rotary latch contour 7 is present on one multi-arm lever part 5 1, whereas the further second multi-arm lever part 5 2, in contrast, has the pawl contour 6. Furthermore, the further second multi-arm lever part 5 2 is equipped with the pawl contour 6 and the associated contour arm 5a, as well as the sensor arm 5b. It can be seen that in this embodiment, two contour arms 5a are realized, namely the contour arm 5a with the pawl contour 6 on the multi-arm lever part 5 2 and the further contour arm 5a with the rotary latch contour 7 on the further multi-arm lever part 5 1.

[0051] The closing position of both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2 in the Fig. 7The main locking position shown with the locking pawl 2 closed corresponds to the previously described functional positions in the Figures 1 and 4 This ensures that the sensor arm 5b does not interact with the sensor 3. Consequently, the control unit evaluating the signals from the sensor 3 can interpret this as the secure locking position of both the rotary latch 1 and the pawl 2.

[0052] However, when transitioning from the Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 If the pawl 2 moves from its closed to the open position with the rotary latch 1 still in the main locking position, the pawl 2 pivoted clockwise in the opening direction ensures that the pushbutton element 5 is still held in contact with both locking components 1, 2, but performs a pivoting movement. This pivoting movement corresponds to the embodiment in the Figures 7 to 9that the multi-arm lever part 5 2 is pivoted relative to the multi-arm lever part 5 1 , whereby at the same time the spring 11 pre-tensioning the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 , 5 2 is tensioned.

[0053] As a result, the sensor arm 5b is moved toward the sensor 3, ensuring that the sensor 3 emits a signal in this case. The sensor 3 is again actuated because at least one locking component 1, 2, in this case the pawl 2, deviates from its closed position, namely, it has been opened. This is because during this opening movement of the pawl 2, the pawl contour 6 is acted upon, and thus the contour arm 5a, which, together with the sensor arm 5b, defines and describes the multi-arm lever part 52.

[0054] When transitioning from the Fig. 8 to Fig. 9the rotary latch 1 moves from its main locking position to the pre-locking position and the pawl 2 is engaged. In this case too, at least one of the two locking components 1, 2 deviates from its closed position, namely the rotary latch 1 in the pre-locking position. This in turn causes the sensor 3 to be acted upon. Because in the functional position after the Fig. 9 the second basic position of the sensing element 5 is observed at a distance from both locking components 1, 2. This can be attributed to the fact that starting from the functional position after the Fig. 8 the spring 9 holds the rotary latch contour 7 in contact with the rotary latch 1.

[0055] However, since the transition from the Fig. 8 to Fig. 9the rotary latch 1 has moved into its pre-locking position, the rotary latch contour 7 - acted upon by the spring 9 - can no longer be supported on the rotary latch 1. As a result, the multi-arm lever part 5 2 having the rotary latch contour 7 moves, acted upon by the spring 11, in the direction of the multi-arm lever part 5 2 , which in the functional position after the Fig. 9 abut each other. In this position, the spring 11 ensures the mutual abutment of the two multi-arm lever parts 5 1 and 5 2. In this case, too, the sensor 3 emits a signal because the rotary latch 1 has assumed its pre-locking position and, consequently, the deviation to be sensed from the closed position of the rotary latch 1, namely from the main locking position, is observed.

[0056] It can be seen in all figures that the rotary latch contour 7 for sensing the position of the rotary latch 1 is designed as a rotary latch contour nose 7. In contrast, the pawl contour 6 in the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 3 around a curve or a bent contour of the sensing element 5. Within the scope of the variant according to the Figures 4 to 6 The pawl contour 6 is designed as a recess in the push button element 5 that receives the bolt 8. Finally, the pawl contour 6 in the further embodiment according to the Figures 7 to 9 a separate arm or a separate contour arm 5a. In contrast, the contour arm 5a in the other two embodiments is Figures 1 to 3 on the one hand and 4 to 6 on the other hand are each designed in such a way that it has both the pawl contour 6 and the rotary latch contour 7. List of reference symbols

[0057] 1, 2 Locking components 1 Rotary latch 2 Pawl 3 Sensor 4 Plastic casing 5 Push button, multi-arm lever 5a Contour arm 5b Sensor arm 6 Pawl contour 7 Rotary latch contour (nose) 8 Bolt or pin 9 Spring (coil spring) 9a Spring section 9b, c Spring arms 10 Slotted hole 11 Spring V Lever offset

Claims

1. Motor vehicle latch, in particular a motor vehicle door latch, comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting substantially of the locking mechanism components (1, 2) of a catch (1) and a pawl (2), further comprising at least one sensor (3) for sensing the position of the catch (1) and the pawl (2), and comprising at least one sensing element (5) between the sensor (3) and the corresponding locking mechanism component (1, 2), the sensing element (5) being equipped with a pawl contour (6) and a catch contour (7) for sensing a closed position of the pawl (2) and of the catch (1), the sensing element (5) further being designed to be rotatable relative to an axis, and the sensing element (5) being preloaded in the direction of the locking mechanism (1, 2) by means of a spring (9), the spring (9) being stationary and acting on the sensing element (5) with a spread-apart spring arm (9b), characterized in that the sensing element (5) is designed as a multi-arm lever (5) which is rotatable about the axis and has at least one contour arm (5a) and sensor arm (5b), the contour arm (5a) having the pawl contour (6) and the catch contour (7), and the sensor arm (5b) being designed to interact with the sensor (3), the multi-arm lever (5) having a slotted hole recess (10) in the region of the axis, which, in addition to rotational movements, also allows a lever offset (V) in its longitudinal extension.

2. Motor vehicle latch according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring (9) is designed as a spiral spring (9) which has a coiled spring portion (9a) and two spring arms (9b, 9c) extending therefrom.

3. Motor vehicle latch according to claim 2, characterized in that one spring arm (9b) is designed as a sensing spring arm (9b) acting on the sensing element (5), and the other spring arm (9c) is designed as a stop spring arm (9c) abutting a stop.

4. Motor vehicle latch according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the multi-arm lever (5) is rotatably mounted with its axis on a bolt or pin (8) connected to the pawl (2).

5. Motor vehicle latch according to claim 4, characterized in that a recess of the multi-arm lever (5), which receives the bolt (8) on the pawl (2), functions as the pawl contour (6).

6. Motor vehicle latch according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the multi-arm lever (5) consists of two multi-arm lever parts (51, 52) which are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to one another and are preferably mounted coaxially relative to one another.

7. Motor vehicle latch according to claim 6, characterized in that the two multi-arm lever parts (51, 52) are preloaded by a spring (11) for mutual abutment.

8. Motor vehicle latch according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the catch contour (7) is designed as a catch contour nose.

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