Motor vehicle lock with improved door opener

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, comprising a locking mechanism which has a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be latched in at least one latching position by means of the pawl and the locking mechanism can be placed in engagement with a lock striker (28), a run-in buffer (21) arranged in a housing (31) of the motor vehicle lock, wherein the run-in buffer (21) can be placed in engagement with the lock striker (28), and an opening device which is arranged at least partially in the motor vehicle lock, wherein the opening device has an opener (20), and the opener (20) can be placed in engagement with the lock striker (28), wherein the opener (20) interacts with the run-in buffer (21).

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle lock with improved door opener

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one locking position by means of the pawl and the locking mechanism can be brought into engagement with a lock holder, an inlet buffer arranged in a housing of the motor vehicle lock, wherein the inlet buffer can be brought into engagement with the lock holder and a setting device arranged at least in regions in the motor vehicle lock, wherein the setting device has a setter and the setter can be brought into engagement with the lock holder.

[0004] Motor vehicle locks, also known as motor vehicle locking devices or simply locking devices, are used where pivoting or sliding vehicle components attached to the vehicle must be held in a generally locked position. These vehicle components must maintain their position while driving and protect the occupants, for example, in the event of an accident.

[0005] To increase comfort in motor vehicles and / or due to the vehicle's design, electrically assisted locking devices are increasingly being used. For example, an electrically operated lock can be used when an exterior door handle is to be omitted. In this case, the operator can open the vehicle by sending a switching signal to the locking device. It can then be advantageous to have the locking device or the movable

[0006]

[0007] Components should be equipped with a door stay. Opening a side door can make entry easier, for example, in vehicles without exterior door handles. Such door stays are also known as door stays or door stays.

[0008] DE 10 2011 015 669 A1 discloses a positioning device for motor vehicle doors or flaps, with which a door, flap or hood can be moved from a closed position to an open position. If the positioning device relates to a motor vehicle side door, for example, the door can be opened by the operator using an electrical signal. To do this, the locking mechanism of the door lock must first be electrically unlocked so that the door can be opened. The door can then be moved into an open position using the positioning device. An open position is defined in such a way that the operator of the motor vehicle is able to grasp the door so that he can open the door completely. An electric drive acts as the positioning device, which acts mechanically on the motor vehicle door via a drive pawl and an inner and outer lever in the form of a pivoting movement of the levers.

[0009] From DE 10 2017 124 282 A1, a positioning device for a motor vehicle door element has become known, comprising an electric drive and an actuating means, wherein the actuating means is adjustable by means of the drive and a gear arranged between the actuating means and the drive. By means of the positioning device, a movement of the door is possible, wherein a sliding element is arranged on the actuating element, which is connected to a

[0010]

[0011] The switching device interacts so that the door can be detected. The actuating device essentially consists of a driven rack with an integrated sliding element, a switching device, and an electrical supply line. The switching device between the sliding element and the body makes it possible to control the movement of the driven rack.

[0012] The motor vehicle locking devices according to the invention have a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and a pawl. The rotary latch is rotatably or pivotably received in the locking device and can be held, i.e. locked, in at least one detent position by means of the pawl. The locking device is usually arranged in the pivotally mounted part of the vehicle on the motor vehicle, as is usual, for example, with side doors. Of course, the locking device can also be arranged, for example, on the body, as is often provided with tailgates. The locking device or the motor vehicle lock interacts with a lock holder, which is fastened, for example, to the body and can be designed as a lock holder bracket or bolt.Due to the relative movement between the locking device and the lock holder when closing the component which is movably arranged on the motor vehicle, the rotary latch is pivoted and held or secured in a pre-locking position and / or a main locking position by means of the pawl.

[0013] The inlet buffer serves, as the name suggests, to dampen a closed position of the movable component and there to dampen the movement

[0014] the interaction between the lock holder and the vehicle lock. In addition, while the vehicle is driving, movements occur in the body and relative movements between the vehicle part that is pivotally mounted on the body, which in turn leads to relative movements between the rotary latch and the lock holder. These relative movements between the lock holder and rotary latch can lead to noises that are also referred to as creaking. In order to influence and, above all, reduce the noise behavior between the lock holder and the locking device, damping devices are used. These are also known as stop buffers, inlet buffers or inlet mouth buffers. Various options for influencing the noise behavior between the locking device and the lock holder have become known from the state of the art.

[0015] DE 10 2010 005 843 A1 discloses an inlet buffer made of a rubber-elastic material that interacts with the lock holder in the main locking position. The inlet buffer serves to reduce the noise when the lock holder strikes the locking device and simultaneously guides the lock holder in the locking system during travel. According to this document, the inlet buffer also has an insert made of an inelastic material, in this case polyoxymethylene (POM). The insert, which is placed on the rubber-elastic buffer, allows the lock holder to snug fit without overloading the buffer.

[0016]

[0017] DE 10 2011 107 877 A1 discloses a lock for a motor vehicle door, in which a spring plate oriented essentially parallel to the rotary latch is arranged in the lock, wherein the spring plate encloses the lock holder in the main locking position of the lock. The spring plate is intended to prevent creaking in the area where the lock is connected to the body. In addition to the damping means known from the prior art, this spring plate absorbs possible movements of the corresponding door or flap perpendicular to the direction of travel of a vehicle. A direction perpendicular to the direction of travel is also referred to as the Z direction in a coordinate system related to the motor vehicle.

[0018] DE 10 2020 109 770 A1 discloses a combination of a jaw-shaped buffer and a positioning device. As part of the positioning device, a positioning device performs the function of an inlet buffer. The inlet buffer can be formed integrally with the positioning device and can, for example, be injection-molded onto the positioning device as a rubber-elastic plastic. It is also conceivable for the rubber-elastic buffer to be connected to the positioning device by means of a form-fit connection. Together with the positioning device, the inlet buffer forms the damping means with which the lock holder can be inserted into the vehicle locking device or vehicle lock in a noise-damped manner.

[0019]

[0020] The solutions known from the prior art have generally proven themselves, but they reach their limits where space constraints limit the implementation of the aforementioned functions, particularly a damping function combined with a support function, and where the support must be held in the support position. The invention aims to remedy this situation and, in particular, demonstrate an improvement.

[0021] The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle lock that implements a positioning function in the motor vehicle with the smallest possible installation space, while simultaneously enabling quiet interaction between the locking device and the lock holder, and also allowing the movable component to be held in the positioning position. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0022] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0023] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch is

[0024] the pawl can be locked in at least one detent position and the locking mechanism can be brought into engagement with a lock holder, an inlet buffer, wherein the inlet buffer can be brought into engagement with the lock holder and a setting device arranged at least partially in the motor vehicle lock, wherein the setting device has a set-up device and the set-up device can be brought into engagement with the lock holder and the set-up device interacts with the inlet buffer. The design of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention now creates the possibility of providing a setting-up function in combination with a damping means, in which setting up and damping of a movement of a component that is movable on the motor vehicle can be realized with the smallest possible installation space. According to the invention, the inlet mouth buffer has a multiple function.Firstly, the inlet buffer, in conjunction with the lock holder, serves to dampen the closing movement. Secondly, the inlet buffer serves to reduce relative movement between the lock and the lock holder in the closed position of the vehicle lock in order to prevent creaking. Thirdly, the inlet buffer serves to raise the movable component on the vehicle, preferably a side door. This multiple function of the inlet buffer can be realized according to the invention by having the raiser act directly on the inlet buffer or by working together with the inlet buffer.

[0025] If, according to the invention, a motor vehicle lock is referred to, terms such as motor vehicle locking device or locking system are also common designations for a motor vehicle lock, which are used as synonyms in the

[0026]

[0027] Automotive technology. All of these locking devices have in common that they use a locking mechanism in which a rotary latch arranged in the locking device so that it can pivot or rotate and interacts with at least one pawl. The rotary latch and pawl are mounted on metal bolts in a metal lock plate so that even the highest loads, such as those that occur in an accident, can be absorbed. In some cases, reinforcing plates are used between the axles to stabilize the locking components. The pawl allows the locking mechanism to assume a pre-locking position and / or a main locking position. One pawl can be used to lock the locking mechanism in two locking positions, but it is also conceivable that two pawls are used for the locking positions.It is also conceivable and known that two pawls are used which engage with each other and thereby facilitate the unlocking of the locking mechanism. These locking mechanisms are also called two-pawl locking mechanisms and have a closing moment, at least in the main grate position.

[0028] The lock holder is usually attached to the body and interacts with the locking mechanism through the movement of the locking device in the movable part of the vehicle. The relative movement between the locking device and the lock holder allows the locking mechanism to be moved into the locking position(s). The relative movement between the locking device and the lock holder results in a noise that can be reduced by the inlet buffer.

[0029]

[0030] The positioning device is preferably electrically driven, whereby the electrical drive device for the positioning device can be a direct part of the motor vehicle lock and / or can be adapted to the motor vehicle lock and / or can be arranged as a separate drive device at a distance from the motor vehicle lock in the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable for the positioning device, for example, to be actuated directly or indirectly by means of a Bowden cable. Electrical actuation offers the advantage that a power supply in the motor vehicle is available in a variety of ways. By means of a lever mechanism that can be driven by the drive device, sufficient force can be provided for setting up the device, and the paths or setting movements of the movable component can be adjusted.The travel of the movable vehicle part from its closed position to its open position is referred to as the travel. The travels considered within the scope of the invention are in the order of magnitude of less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 5 mm.

[0031] The inlet buffer or inlet mouth buffer is arranged at least partially in a housing of the motor vehicle lock. "Arranged" here means that the inlet buffer is fixedly attached to the housing of the motor vehicle lock at least partially. The housing of the motor vehicle lock, which forms an inlet mouth, is usually made of plastic and is preferably manufactured as an injection-molded component. The housing is encompassed at least partially by a lock plate or a lock case, wherein the

[0032]

[0033] The inlet opening is also at least partially enclosed by the lock plate or lock case. The inlet buffer serves to buffer or dampen the relative movement between the vehicle lock and the lock holder when the moving component is closed, thus enabling the moving component, for example, a flap, a sliding door, or a side door, to close as quietly as possible.

[0034] According to the invention, the inlet buffer is connected to the housing so that the inlet buffer is fixedly positioned in the motor vehicle lock and in the inlet mouth of the motor vehicle lock. Typically, the motor vehicle lock moves, for example with a side door, and engages with the lock holder, which is fixedly attached, for example, to a B or C pillar of the body. When the movable component is closed, the lock holder then moves the rotary latch of the locking mechanism and the at least one pawl positions the rotary latch in a pre-latching or main latching position. During closing, the inlet buffer dampens the movement of the movable component and also serves to ensure quiet holding of the movable component during operation of the motor vehicle.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet buffer is movable at least in part by means of the support. This reveals a significant advantage of the invention, namely that the support can move the inlet buffer itself, which is accommodated at least in part in the housing. This makes it possible to use existing components, in particular the inlet mouth buffer, as a means for supporting the

[0036] movable component. In other words, the inlet buffer present in the motor vehicle lock is used to initiate an adjusting movement in the movable component. To do this, the positioner engages the inlet buffer and is able to move the inlet buffer at least in part. In combination with an opening of the locking mechanism, the inlet buffer can thus serve to initiate the opening movement of the movable component and to transfer the movable component from a closed position to an open position. The positioner, in combination with the inlet buffer, serves as an adjusting means for the movable component. Since the inlet buffer is arranged at least in part, preferably completely, between the positioner and the lock holder, a dampened adjusting movement is also possible.

[0037] If the inlet buffer is at least partially accommodated in the housing of the motor vehicle lock, another advantageous design variant can be achieved. By incorporating the inlet buffer, a precise arrangement of the inlet buffer in the motor vehicle lock can be achieved. In other words, the known arrangement of the inlet buffer can be used, which results in design advantages. Typically, inlet buffers are arranged in the housing of the motor vehicle lock, so that an interaction between the inlet buffer and the lock holder is possible, as described in the introduction, preferably as a stop and to minimize noise. This design arrangement can be used according to the invention, whereby only a partial freedom from play of the inlet buffer must be realized.

[0038] In other words, a known structural arrangement of the inlet buffer can be used to secure the inlet buffer in the housing; only a limited mobility of the inlet buffer is required. The operator can then access the movable part of the inlet buffer and initiate or cause a relative movement between the vehicle lock and the lock holder.

[0039] It can also be advantageous, and constitute an embodiment of the invention, if the inlet buffer is flexibly connected to the stand, at least in some areas. Connecting the stand to the inlet buffer can stabilize the stand itself. The inlet buffer is fixedly connected to the housing of the motor vehicle lock, at least in some areas, and is thus fixedly arranged in some areas within the motor vehicle lock. If the stand is coupled to the inlet buffer, so that a detachable or permanent connection is realized between the inlet buffer and the stand, a secure interaction between the stand and the inlet buffer can be realized. Depending on the embodiment, the inlet buffer can be detachably or permanently connected to the stand.Due to the high rigidity of the plastic of the inlet buffer, a guide can also be provided for the stand-up person; in other words, the inlet buffer serves as a guide for the stand-up person.

[0040] In the case of a detachable connection between the inlet buffer and the support, positive or non-positive connections between the support and the inlet buffer can be considered. For example, a recess in the

[0041]

[0042] A support bracket must be present into which the inlet buffer engages, allowing a positive connection between the inlet buffer and the support bracket. It is also conceivable, of course, to have an opening in the inlet buffer into which the support bracket engages. Overall, the detachable connection between the support bracket and the inlet buffer allows for secure interaction between the inlet buffer and the support bracket. Installation is also made easier because the support bracket and the inlet buffer can be mounted separately.

[0043] In the case of a force-fit connection between the support and the inlet buffer, the elasticity of the inlet buffer can be adjusted in such a way that, through the interplay of tolerances and the elasticity of the inlet buffer, a force-fit connection between the support and the inlet buffer can be achieved. For example, an opening in the inlet buffer can be toleranced in such a way that, once the support is inserted into the opening of the inlet buffer, a force-fit connection is established between the support and the inlet buffer. Means can also be provided to support the form fit, such as a spring element, with the spring element, for example, overlapping the inlet buffer.

[0044] In the case of a permanent connection between the inlet buffer and the support, for example, material-bonded processes such as gluing are used. However, it is also conceivable that a permanent connection between the inlet buffer and the support can be created by vulcanization. A material-bonded or permanent connection between the support and the inlet buffer can, in turn, ensure a secure interaction between

[0045]

[0046] The stand and inlet buffer can be implemented in one piece. Furthermore, assembly advantages arise, as the number of components to be installed is reduced by the single-piece design of the stand and inlet buffer.

[0047] If the stand can be brought into engagement with the inlet buffer essentially centrally, a further embodiment of the invention can be achieved. The central engagement of the stand on the inlet buffer offers the possibility of reducing the installation space required for installation to a minimum. The inlet buffer, which is usually located in the vehicle lock, determines the width of the inlet opening. Additional installation space for the stand, relative to the width of the inlet buffer, is not required, since the inlet buffer operates within the area of ​​the inlet buffer.

[0048] This reveals a significant advantage of the invention, namely that the stand can be integrated into the existing width of a lock, in relation to the width orientation of the inlet buffer, without requiring additional installation space, always related to the width direction of the inlet buffer. This installation space is a decisive advantage in the development of motor vehicle locks, since the installation space inside the vehicle, for example in a tailgate or a side door, is always limited. This is also due to the fact that additional functions are integrated into the interior of the vehicle, such as airbags, closing drives, door module carriers, etc. By arranging the stand in the area of ​​the thickness and approximately in the middle of the inlet buffer, the width of the inlet buffer can be reduced in terms of design.

[0049] Determine the width of the inlet opening on the vehicle lock without requiring additional installation space for the actuator.

[0050] If a relative movement between the motor vehicle lock and the lock holder can be produced or achieved by means of a movement of the inlet buffer, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. The actuator is able to move the inlet buffer at least in part. The actuator moves a part of the inlet buffer that is movably arranged in the motor vehicle lock housing in such a way that an unlocked locking mechanism releases the lock holder and the actuator can move the movable component over a travel path from a closed position to an open position. In other words, the flexibility of the inlet buffer is used to initiate an adjusting movement in the movable component. The stationary inlet buffer is able to realize an adjusting movement, i.e. the movable part of the inlet buffer can follow the movement of the actuator or is moved by the actuator.

[0051] If the inlet buffer surrounds the lock holder at least in part, a further embodiment of the invention can be achieved. Here, too, a significant advantage of the invention becomes apparent, namely that the movement of the inlet buffer and at least partially surrounding the lock holder allows a stable position to be achieved even in the open position of the movable component. The inlet buffer therefore has a fourth function, namely that it can hold the movable component in the open position, i.e., position it. The inlet buffer is

[0052] thus becomes a holding device in the open position and prevents the door in the open position, for example a side door, from moving independently.

[0053] The movable component is thus held in place by the inlet buffer. The inlet buffer can, for example, use a rib or rib structure to create a positive engagement between the inlet buffer and the lock holder. It is also possible for the inlet buffer to be moved by the operator in such a way that the positive engagement only occurs when the inlet buffer is raised. In other words, the movable part of the inlet buffer is moved in such a way that a positive engagement is established between the lock holder and the inlet buffer in the open position.

[0054] According to the invention, the component movably arranged on the motor vehicle can be held in at least one set-up position by means of the inlet buffer. A set-up position is achieved when the locking mechanism releases the component movably arranged on the motor vehicle, for example a side door. The locking mechanism is preferably equipped with an electrically opening drive. After electrically unlocking the locking mechanism, i.e., electrically opening the locking mechanism, the pawl is lifted from the rotary latch and the rotary latch can move essentially freely. When the movable component is released by the rotary latch, the set-up device is activated. The set-up device moves the movable component into an open position, wherein the open position is characterized in that an operator can grasp the movable component. The operator can

[0055] for example, engage in a door gap and open the door element for entry. In order to be able to hold the movable component in the open position, the invention proposes that the inlet buffer moved by the positioner has a holding or fixing effect on the door element. The locking mechanism and the inlet buffer interact with the lock holder. In the open position, the positioner has moved the inlet buffer in such a way that the movable component has moved into the open position, but the inlet buffer is still engaged with the lock holder. If, according to the invention, the movement of the positioner and the deformation of the inlet buffer causes the inlet buffer to at least partially enclose the lock holder, a holding engagement can be created between the inlet buffer and the lock holder. The inlet buffer is usually made from a rubber-elastic material.If the inlet buffer now rests positively on the lock holder, this ensures that the moving component is held securely in place, while also allowing the operator to easily release the engagement between the inlet buffer and the lock holder. A side door, for example, in the open position can thus be released from the engagement with the inlet buffer by, for example, pulling on the door element.

[0056] Advantageously and in a variant of the invention, the motor vehicle lock is designed as an electric lock, so that an electrical opening of the locking mechanism is possible. The use of an electric lock makes it possible to use, for example, an internal and / or external actuation as mechanical connections to the

[0057]

[0058] To open the vehicle lock or unlock the locking mechanism, it is sufficient for an electrical impulse or signal to be transmitted to the electric lock. This gives the vehicle designer the option of using electrical actuations or radio remote controls and, for example, dispensing with an inside door handle and / or outside door handle for unlocking the locking mechanism, since mechanical redundancy for opening the locking mechanism can be eliminated.

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet buffer serves as a means for dampening at least one end position of the stay. When the movable component is in a closed position, the lock holder rests against the inlet buffer and / or the stay. In any case, the stay is in its end position, which it assumes when the door element is closed. With a mechanical or electrical opening command to the vehicle lock, the locking mechanism is released and the stay moves the movable component into the open position. The stay assumes a second end position or set-up position. The stay moves back and forth between these two positions or positions, on the one hand to move the movable component and on the other hand to enable the locking mechanism to close again. The stay interacts with the inlet buffer and can, for example, be connected to the inlet buffer in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.In order to limit the movement of the riser and / or to be able to reach the end positions as quietly as possible, the inlet buffer can be used.

[0060] simultaneously serve as an end-position buffer for the actuator. For example, if the actuator is moved back to the end position, i.e., the initial position, after being set up, the inlet buffer connected to the actuator can be moved against a large wall or a part of the vehicle lock housing, for example, so that end-position damping can be achieved by means of the inlet buffer. The same applies to the set-up position, i.e., the second end position of the actuator.

[0061] The inventive design of the motor vehicle lock now makes it possible to position the interaction between the actuator and the inlet buffer, and to arrange the actuator in the motor vehicle lock in such a way that several advantageous functions can be realized through the inlet buffer and the interaction between the actuator, inlet buffer, and lock holder. The inlet buffer performs several functions, ranging from dampening and reducing creaking noises to standing up and holding the movable component in the open position. All of these functions can be realized with minimal design effort and installation space.

[0062] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using a preferred embodiment. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features shown can be used individually or in combination with other

[0063]

[0064] Features of the description and the patent claims may be set out individually or in combination.

[0065] It shows:

[0066] Figure 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle lock in a main locking position with a partially illustrated setting device and in an engaged lock holder according to the prior art,

[0067] Figure 2 shows a stand detached from the motor vehicle lock and a stand with an inlet buffer,

[0068] Figure 3 is a view of the stand and the inlet buffer from the direction of arrow III in Figure 2, showing a first end position of the stand, and

[0069] Figure 4 again shows a view of the stand from the direction of arrow III, showing the second end position of the stand.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle locking device 1 and a positioning device 2. The locking device 1 cooperates with a lock holder 3. This shows a main locking position of the locking device 1, i.e., the movable component is in a closed position. The lock holder 3 is held in the main locking position of the locking mechanism by means of the rotary latch. The lock holder 3

[0071] is provided with a lock holder bracket 5, wherein the rotary latch 4 engages around an area of ​​the lock holder bracket 5 and thus secures the movable component.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle shooting device 1 has a U-shaped lock plate 6 in which at least the locking parts 4 are rotatably mounted. Also visible is a reinforcement plate 7 which is connected to the reinforcement plate 7 by means of a bolt 8 and a receptacle 9. Part of the lever mechanism 10 of the setting device 2 is pivotally mounted on the reinforcement plate 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the lever mechanism 10 consists of an actuating lever 11 and a setting device 12. The actuating lever 11 has a suspension 13 into which, for example, one end of a Bowden cable (not shown) can be hooked. By means of the Bowden cable, a force F can be introduced into the lever mechanism 10, so that the actuating lever 11 moves around the axis 14 in the direction of the arrow P, so that a force can be introduced into the setting device 12.Lock plate 6, reinforcement plate 7, operating lever 11, and prop 12 are preferably made of a metallic material, so that even high prop forces can be introduced into the lock holder 3. Prop 12 and operating lever 11 are pivotally connected to one another around an axis 15.

[0073] Part of the lock housing 16 is also shown in section in Figure 1, wherein the lock housing 16 forms an inlet area 17 for the lock holder 3.

[0074]

[0075] In this embodiment, the support 12 also functions as an inlet buffer. In this embodiment, the inlet buffer 18 is formed integrally with the support 12 and can, for example, be molded onto the support 12 as a rubber-elastic plastic. It is also conceivable, of course, for the rubber-elastic inlet buffer to be connected to the support 12 by means of a form-fit connection 19. The form-fit connection 19 is shown as an example in Figure 1 as a dashed line.

[0076] The inlet buffer, together with the upright 12, forms the damping means 12, 18, with which the lock holder 3 can be inserted into the motor vehicle locking device 1 in a noise-damped manner. As can clearly be seen in Figure 1, the ends of the inlet buffer 18 and the upright 12 protrude beyond a center line M of one end of the lock holder bracket 5. This ensures that a load in the Z direction on the lock holder 3 can be absorbed by the receptacle 12. The lock holder bracket 5 can thus be locked in the locking device 1 by means of the upright 12 and the inlet buffer 13. The upright 12 can be guided in the locking device 1 and, for example, through the lock housing 16 and / or the reinforcement plate 7.

[0077] In Figure 2, a support 20 is shown detached from a motor vehicle lock and a positioning device as a separate component with an inlet buffer 21. The support 20 can, for example, be connected via its bearing supports 22 with a positioning device according to the prior art in the direction of the

[0078]

[0079] The inlet buffer 21 can then be moved back and forth along the arrow P1. The support 20 then enables movement of at least part of the inlet buffer 21. The inlet buffer 21 can be divided into a stationary first part 23 and a movable second part 24.

[0080] The first part can, for example, be positively received in the housing of a motor vehicle lock via ribs 25. By means of the positive engagement of the ribs 25 in corresponding recesses of the housing, the inlet buffer 21 can be held stationary in the motor vehicle lock.

[0081] The second part 24 engages the upright 20 in a form-fitting manner, as shown in Figure 2, ensuring secure positioning of the second part 24 of the inlet buffer 21. The upright 20 engages centrally on the inlet buffer 21 along a center line M of the inlet buffer 21. In addition to the form-fitting connection between the inlet buffer 21 and the upright 20, the second part 24 can also be permanently connected to the upright 20. It is conceivable, for example, that the second part 24 is connected to the upright 20 using an adhesive process or by vulcanization.

[0082] If the upright 20 is now moved by means of the upright device in the direction of arrow P1, the second part 24 of the inlet buffer 21 can be moved along an adjustment path S. By moving the second part 24 of the inlet buffer 21, a lock holder released by a locking mechanism can experience a force F1, so that, for example, a motor vehicle door connected to the upright 20 can be opened along the path S. The upright 20

[0083] In interaction with the inlet buffer 21, it thus generates a relative movement between the movable component and the lock holder. To move the second part 24 of the inlet buffer 21, the inlet buffer 21 is deformed over a bending area 26. In this case, the actuator 22 moves, for example, into a recess 27 of the inlet buffer 21 and can also be moved into the first part 23 if, for example, the recess 27 also extends into the first part 23 of the inlet buffer.

[0084] The inventive design of the interaction between the support 20 and the inlet buffer 21 makes it possible to achieve the installation of a component movably attached to the motor vehicle lock with minimal structural resources. The central arrangement of the support relative to the inlet buffer allows for the smallest possible construction of the support, i.e., installation in the smallest possible space.

[0085] Not shown, but also possible according to the invention, is that the inlet buffer 21 is moved by its movable second part 24 in such a way that, in addition to raising, the lock holder can also be held in the raised, i.e., open, position of the movable component. The inlet buffer 21 thus performs a variety of functions, such as damping, positioning, raising, and / or holding.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a view of the stand in an end position or initial position in which the stand 20 is located when the movable

[0087]

[0088] Component is in the closed position. This initial position A of the lock holder 28 thus represents the position of the lock holder and the arrangement of the stay 20 in the closed position of the movable component. The lock holder 28 rests against the stay 20 and the inlet buffer 21. For this purpose, the second part 24 of the inlet buffer 21 has an extension or a holding means 29 at its end, which is located above the lock holder 28 in Figure 3.

[0089] The first end position or initial position A shown in Figure 3 shows the upright 20 in a retracted position. The second part 24 of the inlet buffer 21 is, for example, permanently connected to the upright 20. When the upright 20 retracts, a stop area 30 can come into contact with a housing 31 of the motor vehicle lock and thus provide a stop for the upright 20. The inlet buffer 21 thus also functions as a damping means for the movement of the upright 20. The housing 31 is only indicated, but the interaction between the ribs 25 of the inlet buffer 21 and the housing 31 can also be seen, so that a stable connection between the inlet buffer 21 and the housing 31 can be established.

[0090] Figure 4 also shows the view from the direction of arrow III onto the upright 20. However, the position of the upright 20 in the open position of the movable component is shown here, i.e. the upright 20 has moved the lock holder 28 from the first end position, starting position A, to the second end position, set-up position B. The upright movement is shown as a path

[0091]

[0092] S is shown in Figure 4. It can be clearly seen that due to the movement of the upright in the direction of arrow P2, the extension extends at least partially around the lock holder 28, so that a holding engagement is created through the interaction between the upright 20, the inlet buffer 21 and the lock holder 28. This creates the possibility of holding or fixing the movable component in its open or erected position by means of the upright 20 in interaction with the inlet buffer. Since the inlet buffer 21 is made of an elastic material, the inlet buffer 21 can be deformed easily by the upright 20, but at the same time the high frictional resistance between the lock holder 28 and the inlet buffer 21 and / or the projection 29 of the extension 29 enables the movable component to be held securely.

[0093]

[0094] List of reference symbols

[0095] 1 vehicle locking device

[0096] 2 Installation device

[0097] 3 lock holders

[0098] 4 rotary latch

[0099] 5 lock holder brackets

[0100] 6 Lock plate

[0101] 7 Reinforcement plate

[0102] 8 bolts

[0103] 9 Recording

[0104] 10 lever mechanism

[0105] 11 Operating lever

[0106] 12 displays

[0107] 13 Hanging

[0108] 14, 15 axis

[0109] 16 lock housings

[0110] 17 Inlet area

[0111] 18 Inlet buffers, damping agents

[0112] 19 Form closure

[0113] 20 displays

[0114] 21 inlet buffers

[0115] 22 storage location

[0116] 23 first part

[0117] 24 second part

[0118]

[0119] 25 ribs

[0120] 26 Bending area

[0121] 27 Recess

[0122] 28 Lock holder 29 Extension

[0123] 30 stops

[0124] 31 housings

[0125] F, F1 force P, P1 , P2 arrow

[0126] M center line

[0127] S Adjustment range

[0128] A 1. End position, initial position

[0129] B 2. End position, installation position

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be locked in at least one detent position by means of the pawl and the locking mechanism can be brought into engagement with a lock holder (28), an inlet buffer (21) arranged in a housing (31) of the motor vehicle lock, wherein the inlet buffer (21) can be brought into engagement with the lock holder (28), and a setting device arranged at least in regions in the motor vehicle lock, wherein the setting device has a setter (20), and the setter (20) can be brought into engagement with the lock holder (28), characterized in that the setter (20) interacts with the inlet buffer (21).

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) is movable at least in regions by means of the upright (20).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) is at least partially accommodated in the housing (31) of the motor vehicle lock.

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) is at least partially connected to the stand (20).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) is detachably connected to the stand (20).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) is non-detachably connected to the stand (20).

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stand (20) can be brought into engagement with the inlet buffer (21) substantially centrally on the inlet buffer (21).

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a relative movement (S) between the motor vehicle lock and the lock holder (28) can be produced by means of a movement of the inlet buffer (21).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) encloses the lock holder (28) at least in regions.

10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) can be brought into positive engagement with the lock holder (28).

11. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the actuator (20) can be held in at least one operating position (B) by means of the inlet buffer (21).

12. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the inlet buffer (21) serves as a means for damping at least one end position (A, B) of the actuator (20).

13. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the motor vehicle lock is designed as an electrically opening motor vehicle lock.

Images