Combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit

Abstract

The invention relates to the combination of a motor vehicle lock (1) and a motor vehicle lock functional unit (2). The motor vehicle lock (1) and the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) are each of modular form, preferably with their own casings (6, 9), and are largely spatially and functionally separate from one another. The motor vehicle lock (1) and the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) are furthermore mechanically coupled to one another by a connecting means (3). The motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) has an electric-motor drive (10, 11) and interacts with a remotely located actuating element (4, 5). According to the invention, for the purposes of implementing security functions, the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) is equipped with a coupling element (13) that is controllable by means of the electric-motor drive (10, 11). The coupling element (13), when in a coupled state, defines a continuous mechanical connection from the actuating element (4, 5) to the motor vehicle lock (1) and, when in a decoupled state, defines an interrupted mechanical connection from the actuating element (4, 5) to the motor vehicle lock (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit

[0003] The invention relates to the combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit, wherein the motor vehicle lock and the motor vehicle lock functional unit are each designed to be modular, preferably with their own housing, and are largely spatially and functionally separated from one another, wherein the motor vehicle lock and the motor vehicle lock functional unit are mechanically coupled to one another by a connecting means, and wherein the motor vehicle lock functional unit has an electric motor drive and interacts with a spatially remote actuating element.

[0004] The motor vehicle lock functional unit, within the scope of the generic and starting point state of the art according to DE 10 2019 110480 A1, is a so-called double locking arrangement. Using such a double locking arrangement, a blocking state can be realized as the functional state of the associated motor vehicle lock. This implements and provides an anti-theft device in such a way that an interior door handle is mechanically blocked. This is due to special anti-theft regulations in certain markets.

[0005] The modular and typically spatially and functionally separate design of the motor vehicle lock and the motor vehicle lock functional unit offers the possibility of implementing the motor vehicle lock functional unit in question as needed, or not. This allows specific functions to be implemented optionally. Retrofitting such a locking function is also possible, allowing the use of a basic motor vehicle lock and corresponding upgrade or upgrade variants to equip the respective motor vehicle lock.

[0006] However, the state of the art is not satisfactory in all aspects. For example, the double locking arrangement mechanically blocks the inside door handle, which may lead to damage to the inside door handle and / or the connecting means for the mechanical coupling. Furthermore, functionality is limited. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0007] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit in such a way that damage is reliably avoided and an expanded range of applications can be realized.

[0008] To solve this technical problem, a generic combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit is characterized in the context of the invention in that the motor vehicle lock functional unit has a coupling element that can be controlled by means of the electric motor drive to implement security functions, which coupling element defines a continuous mechanical connection from the actuating element to the motor vehicle lock in the engaged state and an interrupted mechanical connection from the actuating element to the motor vehicle lock in the disengaged state.

[0009] In contrast to the prior art according to DE 10 2019 110 480 A1, the invention works with a coupling element and not with a blocking element. In this way, a continuous mechanical connection can be provided when the coupling element is engaged. As a result, a load on the actuating element results in the motor vehicle lock also being loaded accordingly, usually opening a locking mechanism as a component of the motor vehicle lock. For this purpose, a pawl as a component of the locking mechanism is usually lifted from its latching engagement with a rotary latch using the actuating element. However, in the disengaged state, such a locking mechanism opening is not possible due to the interrupted mechanical connection.

[0010] The actuating element is generally designed spatially and functionally independent of the motor vehicle lock functional unit and, accordingly, also of the motor vehicle lock. In fact, the actuating element can be an outside door handle, an inside door handle, or a locking cylinder, individually or in combination. This means that the invention naturally also encompasses variants in which both an outside door handle and an inside door handle, and optionally also a locking cylinder, are implemented, which act on the motor vehicle lock via the motor vehicle lock functional unit if a continuous mechanical connection exists. If, however, the mechanical connection is interrupted, it is not possible to actuate the motor vehicle lock and, in particular, to open the locking mechanism using the actuating element.

[0011] In this way, a wide variety of security functions can be realized and implemented using the motor vehicle lock functional unit. For example, it is conceivable to realize and implement the "locked / unlocked" functional positions in this way. In this case, the actuating element is typically an outside door handle, which, when the coupling element is engaged, is mechanically connected to the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock. The "unlocked" state corresponds to this. If, however, the "locked" security function is to be implemented, the coupling element is transferred to its disengaged state, thus interrupting the mechanical connection. In contrast, an additional inside door handle may be continuously connected to the motor vehicle lock.

[0012] In addition, a "child-proof / child-unlocked" safety function can also be implemented. In this case, the actuating element is an inside door handle in the rack on a rear vehicle side door. The "child-proof" functional position corresponds to the fact that in this case the coupling element, as part of the interposed vehicle lock functional unit, is disengaged, so that any actuation of the inside door handle has no effect. If, however, the coupling element is engaged, this results in the "child-unlocked" functional position. In contrast, a corresponding outside door handle may be mechanically and continuously connected to the vehicle lock.

[0013] Finally, and for example, if the additional security function "theft-proof / theft-unlocked" is to be implemented, both an outside door handle and an inside door handle are implemented as actuating elements. In the "theft-proof" functional state, the coupling element is disengaged, so that both the outside door handle and the inside door handle are ineffective. If, however, the motor vehicle lock functional unit is in the "theft-unlocked" functional position, the coupling element is engaged, and both the outside door handle and the inside door handle are able to mechanically act on the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock and actuate it in an opening direction.

[0014] Finally, the actuating element can also be a locking cylinder. In this case, the coupling element is bypassed, so to speak, and applying an "open" or "unlock" action to the locking cylinder ensures that the continuous mechanical connection to the vehicle lock is used to open the locking mechanism. Conversely, a "close" or "lock" action on the locking cylinder ensures that, for example, a previously deployed anti-theft device or the "anti-theft unlocked" functional position is canceled, and the coupling element is disengaged accordingly.

[0015] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element is actuated by means of a contour or coupling contour on an output pulley as a component of the electric motor drive. This means that the electric motor drive associated with the motor vehicle lock functional unit typically consists of at least one electric motor and the corresponding output pulley. The output pulley is then equipped with a contour or coupling contour, with the aid of which the coupling element is actuated, namely, assuming its described functional positions "engaged" or "disengaged," optionally and depending on the control of the electric motor drive.

[0016] For this purpose, the clutch element is usually and advantageously connected to an actuating lever for rotation. The actuating lever, in turn, can be configured to interact with the driven pulley. In this case, the contour or clutch contour on the driven pulley ensures that the clutch element is not directly actuated by the clutch element, but rather by the actuating lever, which then in turn adjusts the clutch element.

[0017] Furthermore, the design is such that the coupling element, when engaged, mechanically couples a release lever and the actuating lever. The disengaged state of the coupling element therefore corresponds to the release lever and the actuating lever being mechanically separated from each other. This provides the desired mechanical interruption. In this context, a further and advantageous approach can be taken to mount the release lever and the actuating lever on the same axis.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the electric motor drive is configured not only to implement security functions, but also to open the vehicle lock using an electric motor. This means that in this case, the one (single) electric motor drive performs the various security functions, as already described in the introduction. Furthermore, the electric motor drive is also capable of opening the vehicle lock using an electric motor. This provides a particularly cost-effective and compact design because a single electric motor drive is used. In principle, however, two separately designed electric motor drives can also be implemented and implemented here, although this is not preferred.

[0019] In the event that a single electric motor drive is used to implement the locking functions as well as for the electric motor opening, the output disk is advantageously equipped with, on the one hand, the clutch contour for actuating the clutch element and, on the other hand, an additional release contour for actuating the release lever. In this context, the design is advantageously such that the clutch contour and the release contour are formed on opposite surfaces of the output disk.

[0020] The previously mentioned release lever, as a component of the motor vehicle lock functional unit, is in turn coupled via the connecting means to the aforementioned locking mechanism, as a component of the motor vehicle lock. In particular, a coupling of the release lever to a pawl of the locking mechanism, which essentially consists of a rotary latch and pawl, is observed. For this purpose, the mechanical connecting means can advantageously be a flexible mechanical connecting means, such as a cable or Bowden cable.

[0021] The result is a combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit, which opens up the possibility of modularly upgrading a rudimentary motor vehicle lock, which in many cases has the same design, depending on the application and desired lock functions. The same applies, of course, to a closing aid associated with the motor vehicle lock or a closing drive in general.

[0022] With the help of the motor vehicle lock functional unit, which is modular and largely spatially and functionally independent of the motor vehicle lock, different security functions can now be implemented optionally within the scope of the invention in conjunction with the motor vehicle lock. Furthermore, it is additionally and advantageously possible to optionally implement an external electromotive opening function. For this purpose, the motor vehicle lock functional unit generally has its own housing. In principle, however, it is also possible for the housing of the motor vehicle lock functional unit to be attached or flanged to that of the motor vehicle lock. However, this does not change the fact that both the motor vehicle lock and the motor vehicle lock functional unit are each designed modularly, meaning they can operate independently.The spatial and functional separation is also essential in this context, realizing the modular nature and simultaneously opening up the possibility of combining the motor vehicle lock with a motor vehicle lock functional unit of the desired design. This represents the key advantages.

[0023] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; it shows: Fig.1 a combination of a motor vehicle lock and a motor vehicle lock functional unit according to the invention in a first variant

[0024] Fig. 2 and Fig.3 the combination according to Fig.2 in another second

[0025] Variant in different functional positions.

[0026] The figures depict the combination of a motor vehicle lock 1 and a motor vehicle lock functional unit 2. The motor vehicle lock 1 and the motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 are mechanically coupled to one another by a connecting means 3. Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the connecting means 3 is, and is not limited to, a flexible connecting means 3, for example a Bowden cable or a cable pull. In this way, the motor vehicle lock 1 and the motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 can be selectively and flexibly placed and installed at different locations inside a motor vehicle door (not shown), although this is not shown in detail.The basic structure then also includes an actuating element 4, 5 which is spatially remote from the motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 and which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is an inside door handle 4 on the one hand and a locking cylinder 5 on the other hand.

[0027] It can be seen that the motor vehicle lock 1 is equipped with its own housing or lock housing 6. A locking mechanism 7, 8 comprising a rotary latch 7 and pawl 8 with conventional functionality is housed inside the lock housing 6. Furthermore, further lock components may also be implemented and provided inside the motor vehicle lock 1, which, however, are not relevant within the scope of the present invention and are therefore not shown for reasons of clarity. The motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 is also equipped with its own housing 9. This allows the motor vehicle lock 1, on the one hand, and the motor vehicle lock functional unit 2, on the other hand, to be designed modularly with their own housing 6, 9 and to be spatially and functionally separate from one another. Both housings 6, 9 may be made entirely or partially of plastic.

[0028] The motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 is essentially equipped with an electric motor drive 10, 11 within it. For this purpose, the electric motor drive 10, 11 has an electric motor 10 and a drive slide 11, which can be driven by a worm located on an output shaft of the electric motor 10 and can be set in rotation about its axis 12.

[0029] According to the invention, the motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 for realizing security functions of the motor vehicle lock 1 has a controllable by means of the electric motor drive 10, 11

[0030] Coupling element 13. In its engaged state shown in Fig. 2, the coupling element 13 ensures a continuous mechanical connection from the actuating member 4, 5 to the motor vehicle lock 1. However, if the coupling element 13 assumes its disengaged position shown in Fig. 3, the mechanical connection in question from the actuating member 4, 5 to the motor vehicle lock 1 is interrupted.

[0031] For this purpose, the coupling element 13 can be acted upon by means of a coupling contour 14 on the driven disk 11 as a component of the electric motor drive 10, 11. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the coupling contour 14 in question can be seen. In the example according to Fig. 2, the coupling contour 14 is provided concealed on the rear side of the driven disk 11 and acts on the coupling element 13 via an actuating lever 17. Starting from the "engaged" state of the coupling element 13 shown in Fig. 1, a clockwise movement of the driven disk 11 about its axis 12 (not shown here) ensures that the coupling element 13 is pivoted and disengaged. This interrupts a previously implemented mechanical connection between an actuating lever 15 and a release lever 16. The coupling element 13 is rotatably connected to the release lever 16.

[0032] In order to open the locking mechanism 7, 8, the coupling element 13 must be re-engaged. To do this, the worm gear 11 is rotated counterclockwise as indicated in Fig. 1, and the coupling element 13 can be re-engaged. The locking mechanism 7, 8 can now be opened in the clockwise direction indicated in Fig. 1 using an operating lever 20.

[0033] In the variant according to Fig. 2, the transition of the coupling element 13 from the engaged state shown in Fig. 1 to the disengaged state according to Fig. 3 ensures that the mechanical coupling between the actuating lever 15 and the release lever 16 is interrupted. As a result, in both cases, an actuation of the interior door handle 4 in the disengaged state according to Fig. 3 results in the actuating lever 15 traveling a free path relative to the release lever 16 and consequently the motor vehicle lock 1 cannot be actuated via the flexible connecting means 3.

[0034] Specifically, the connecting element 3 is connected to the locking pawl 8, and a tensile load on the connecting element 3, indicated by an arrow in the figures, causes the locking pawl 8 to pivot clockwise about its axis. As a result, the locking pawl 8 is lifted from its locking engagement with the rotary latch 7. The rotary latch 7 can then open with spring support, releasing a previously trapped locking bolt. The associated motor vehicle door can be opened.

[0035] In the variant according to Fig. 2, the additional actuating lever 17 is provided, which in this case is designed to interact with the driven pulley 11. For this purpose, the driven pulley 11 has the previously mentioned coupling contour 14 on its rear side, which cannot be seen in Figs. 2 and 3. With the help of the coupling contour 14, the actuating lever 17 can now be pivoted during the transition from Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 in such a way that the coupling element 13 connected to the actuating lever 17 is pivoted counterclockwise about its axis during the transition from Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. As a result, the coupling element 13 changes from its "engaged" state according to Fig. 2 to its "disengaged" state according to the illustration in Fig. 3.

[0036] Particularly from the illustration in Figures 2 and 3, it becomes clear that the electric motor drive 10, 11 is not only designed and constructed to implement security functions. Rather, the single electric motor drive 10, 11 can also be used to open the motor vehicle lock 1 by electric motor. For this purpose, the output disk 11, in this case, has a release contour 18 in addition to the previously mentioned and invisible coupling contour 14 arranged on the rear surface. This release contour 18 is cam-shaped according to the embodiment in Figures 2 and 3 and is capable of directly actuating the release lever 16 such that the release lever 16 performs a counterclockwise pivoting movement about its axis 19.This exerts a pulling movement on the connecting element 3, which in turn ensures that the pawl 8 of the motor vehicle lock 1 is released from its locking engagement with the rotary latch 7. In the embodiment according to Figures 2 and 3, the actuating lever 15 and the release lever 16 are rotatably mounted inside the associated housing 9 with the same axis as the common axis 19. The same applies to Figure 1.

[0037] The locking cylinder 5, as a further actuating element 4, 5 in the variant according to Fig. 1, operates on a separate actuating lever 20, the design of which is such that actuation of the actuating lever 20 corresponds to the actuating lever 20 being able to actuate the release lever 16 directly via an extension arm 21, bypassing the coupling element 13. This corresponds to a clockwise pivoting movement of the release lever 16 about the axis 19 common to the actuating lever 15 and the actuating lever 20. As a result, the release lever 16 is again actuated in the clockwise direction indicated in Fig. 1 and ensures that the necessary pull is available on the output side of the connecting means 3 in order to be able to lift the locking link 8 from the rotary latch 7.

[0038] In principle, it is also possible for the inside door handle 4 not to be used mechanically to open the locking mechanism 7, 8 in the motor vehicle lock 1. Rather, it is also conceivable for a sensor or switch 22, merely indicated in Fig. 1, to be actuated via the inside door handle 4 without a mechanical connection. The sensor 22, in conjunction with a control unit, may then ensure that either the electric motor drive 10, 11 inside the motor vehicle lock functional unit 2 is used to open the locking mechanism 7, 8 in the motor vehicle lock 1 by electric motor, or that a further electric motor opening drive provided inside the motor vehicle lock 1 is controlled with the aid of the sensor 22. However, this is not shown in detail. List of Reference Symbols

[0039] Motor vehicle lock 1

[0040] Motor vehicle lock functional unit 2

[0041] Connecting means 3

[0042] Actuator 4, 5

[0043] Inside door handle 4

[0044] Lock cylinder 5

[0045] Housing or lock housing 6

[0046] Lock 7, 8

[0047] Rotary latch 7

[0048] Pawl 8

[0049] Housing 9 electric motor drive 10, 11

[0050] Electric motor 10

[0051] Output pulley 11

[0052] Axis 12

[0053] Coupling element 13

[0054] Coupling contour 14

[0055] Operating lever 15

[0056] Release lever 16

[0057] Operating lever 17

[0058] Trigger contour 18

[0059] Axis 19

[0060] Operating lever 20

[0061] Boom 21

[0062] Sensor 22

Claims

Patent claims 1. A combination of a motor vehicle lock (1) and a motor vehicle lock functional unit (2), wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) and the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) are each modular, preferably with their own housing (6, 9), and are largely spatially and functionally separated from one another, wherein the motor vehicle lock (1) and the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) are mechanically coupled to one another by a connecting means (3), and wherein the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) has an electric motor drive (10, 11) and interacts with a spatially remote actuating element (4, 5), characterized in that the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) has a coupling element (13) that can be controlled by means of the electric motor drive (10, 11) to implement security functions,which, in the engaged state, defines a continuous mechanical connection from the actuating member (4, 5) to the motor vehicle lock (1) and, in the disengaged state, an interrupted mechanical connection from the actuating member (4, 5) to the motor vehicle lock (1).

2. Combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling element (13) is acted upon by means of a coupling contour (14) on an output disk (11) as a component of the electric motor drive (10, 11).

3. Combination according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling element (13) is rotatably connected to a release lever (16) or an actuating lever (17).

4. Combination according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating lever (17) is arranged to interact with the driven pulley (11).

5. Combination according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling element (13) in the coupled state mechanically couples the release lever (16) and the actuating lever (15) to one another.

6. Combination according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electric motor drive (10, 11) is designed not only to implement security functions, but also to open the motor vehicle lock (1) by electric motor.

7. Combination according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the release lever (16) and the actuating lever (15) are arranged axially coaxially to one another.

8. Combination according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the output disk (11) of the electric motor drive (10, 11) is equipped with, on the one hand, a coupling contour (14) for acting on the coupling element (13) and, on the other hand, a release contour (18) for acting on the release lever (16).

9. Combination according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the release lever (16) is mechanically coupled via the connecting means (3) to a locking mechanism (7, 8), in particular a pawl (8) of the locking mechanism (7, 8) of the motor vehicle lock (1), which locking mechanism essentially consists of a rotary latch (7) and a pawl (8).

10. Combination according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locally from the motor vehicle lock functional unit (2) remote actuating element (4, 5) as outside door handle, inside door handle (4) or Lock cylinder (5) is designed individually or in combination.

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