Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2). In addition, a release lever (3, 4) is provided for actuating the pawl (2) and opening the lock (1, 2). According to the invention, the release lever (3, 4) is designed in two parts with a pawl release lever (3) acting on the pawl (2) and an actuating release lever (4) interacting with, for example, an actuating lever and / or drive. Both levers (3, 4) are either coupled together or decoupled from each other via a coupling element (8) that can be swivelled about an axis (9).

Description

[0001] Motor vehicle lock, especially motor vehicle door lock

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, and with a release lever for acting on the pawl and for opening the locking mechanism.

[0004] Almost all motor vehicle locks used in practice and described in the literature have a release lever with which the locking mechanism can be opened. The term "motor vehicle lock" is to be understood broadly here and includes not only motor vehicle door locks, but also, for example, motor vehicle locks used in connection with the locking of seats, tailgates, etc. Such motor vehicle locks are increasingly being operated by electric motors. This allows for special convenience applications and minimizes operating forces.

[0005] However, with such motor vehicle locks with an electric motor opening drive, there is a risk that the electric motor opening drive will not reverse or will not fully reverse or return to its home position after an opening process. This can occur, for example, in the event of ice formation. As a result, at least partial blockage of the release lever by the electric motor drive or another means is possible and conceivable. As a result, following the desired opening process and with the rotary latch open, the subsequent closing process of a corresponding motor vehicle door is not possible or is blocked. This corresponds to a pawl that is not fully pivoted out relative to the rotary latch, so that the rotary latch may be blocked by the pawl following the opening process, and in any case, functional impairments cannot be completely avoided.

[0006] While the generic prior art according to DE 40 37 637 A1 already includes approaches to equipping the release lever with a memory device, which allows a previously set release position of the release lever to be stored until a closing movement of the vehicle door after the door has been opened cancels the memory. However, this involves a relatively complex memory device and also requires a memory function limit switch, which further increases the complexity. This is intended to provide an overall indication of whether the release lever is in a stored position or not.

[0007] Aside from the fact that the aforementioned, generic state of the art corresponds to a structurally complex solution, this approach is practically impossible to combine with an electric motor-driven opening drive, making it unsuitable for today's applications and requirements. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0008] The invention is based on the technical problem of creating such a

[0009] To further develop motor vehicle locks and in particular motor vehicle door locks in such a way that the design effort is reduced and a functional solution is provided which, in particular, enables a flawless locking process after the locking mechanism has been opened.

[0010] To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle lock and in particular a motor vehicle door lock is characterized in the context of the invention in that the release lever is designed in two parts with a pawl release lever acting on the pawl and an actuating release lever interacting with, for example, an actuating lever and / or drive, wherein both levers are optionally coupled to one another or decoupled from one another via a coupling member pivotable about an axis.

[0011] Within the scope of the invention, based on the previously discussed prior art, and very essentially initially on a two-part release lever, the release lever actually consists of the pawl release lever and the confirmation release lever. While the pawl release lever primarily ensures that the pawl can be lifted from its latching engagement with the rotary latch when the locking mechanism is closed, the actuation release lever generally imparts a pivoting movement to the release lever itself. Both levers are designed to be functionally and mechanically separate in their basic conception. Using the additional coupling link, the two levers can then be optionally coupled or decoupled from one another.When the two levers are coupled together, a rotationally fixed connection exists, so that an action on the actuating release lever is and can be transmitted to the pawl release lever, which in turn lifts the pawl from its engagement with the rotary latch. As a result, the rotary latch can open with spring support and release a corresponding and previously trapped locking bolt. In the example case, the door equipped with the motor vehicle lock in question can be opened easily. When uncoupled, both levers are separated from each other, so that if necessary, the pawl can be returned to its original position, for example with the help of a pawl spring, and can engage the rotary latch. During this process, the pawl release lever moves along with the pawl and performs a relative movement to the actuating release lever.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling element is pivotally mounted on the actuating release lever about its axis. Furthermore, the design is such that the coupling element interacts with a stop on the pawl release lever. Consequently, if the coupling element is in its "engaged" state, the coupling element pivotally mounted on the actuating release lever about its axis ensures that

[0013] Stop on the latch release lever both levers, ie the

[0014] The actuating release lever and the pawl release lever are actuated together. However, if the coupling link is in its "disengaged" functional position, the coupling link cannot interact with the stop on the pawl release lever, and relative movement between the two levers is possible and expressly desired.

[0015] In order to pivot the coupling element between the two described functional positions, "engaged" and "disengaged," an operating lever is usually provided. The two levers, i.e., the operating release lever and the pawl release lever, are generally mounted on the same axis as each other. The same applies to the operating lever. This means that the operating lever is advantageously mounted on the same axis as the two levers and can be rotated about the common axis, and can therefore be pivoted with the two levers about the common axis of rotation.

[0016] In order to be able to control and pivot the coupling member into the described functional positions with the help of the operating lever, the operating lever generally has a pin that acts on the coupling member. Furthermore, the actuation of the coupling member by the operating lever generally occurs against the force of an associated spring. This means that the coupling member is generally assigned a spring which preloads the coupling member into its "engaged" position. With the help of the spring, it is generally ensured, and without any action from the operating lever, that the coupling member rests against the stop on the pawl release lever. Only when the operating lever acts on the coupling member with the pin attached to it does the coupling member assume its previously described "disengaged" functional position.

[0017] The operating lever is preferably an external operating lever. This means that if any malfunctions are observed when closing the locking mechanism following, for example, an electric motor-driven opening process, any blockage of the two-part release lever can be released by simply applying pressure to, for example, an outside door handle acting on the operating lever or external operating lever. As a result, the corresponding vehicle door and, with it, the locking bolt can then easily close, and the locking mechanism can be moved into its closed position.

[0018] Typically, an additional electric motor drive is provided. The electric motor drive generally serves to electrically or electromotively open the locking mechanism. To do this, the electric motor drive generally actuates the actuating release lever. If the coupling element is in the "engaged" state at this stage, actuating the actuating release lever directly causes the pawl release lever, which is mounted on the same axis, to be driven along by the actuating release lever. The pivoting movement of the pawl release lever is then transmitted to the locking mechanism and specifically causes the pawl to be lifted from its detent engagement with the rotary latch. The corresponding vehicle door can be opened.The result is a motor vehicle lock, and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which, despite its structurally simple design, allows for reliable operation and, in particular, a reliable closing process of the locking mechanism, even in the event of a possible blockage of the electric motor drive in the example case. This means that even if the electric motor drive should be blocked following an electric motor opening process of the locking mechanism, for example due to icing or some other reason, the associated motor vehicle door can still be closed. For this purpose, it is only necessary according to the invention that the blockage is released by actuating the operating lever, and in particular the external operating lever, for example by pulling on an external door handle.

[0019] This is because the actuation of the operating lever results in the two components of the two-part release lever, i.e. the actuating release lever and the pawl release lever, being mechanically separated from one another. For this purpose, the coupling element that connects the two levers during normal operation is pivoted and ensures that both levers can perform a relative movement against each other. This enables, for example, a pawl spring assigned to the pawl to move the two levers against each other, so that the pawl can return to its home position with the aid of the pawl spring, in order to then engage the rotary latch with the locking bolt captured by the rotary latch. All of this can be realized and implemented particularly easily, both technologically and structurally. This includes the essential

[0020] to see advantages.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings:

[0022] Fig. 1 the motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a perspective overview,

[0023] Fig. 2 the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 1 in its basic position with the coupling member in its functional position “coupled”,

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 2 during an electromotive opening process and

[0025] Fig. 4 shows an actuation of the motor vehicle lock according to Fig. 3 such that the coupling member changes into its functional position “disengaged” by actuating an actuating lever.

[0026] The figures show a motor vehicle lock, which is not limited to a motor vehicle door lock. In its basic design, this has a locking mechanism 1, 2 consisting of a rotary latch 1 and the associated pawl 2, which is only shown in full in Fig. 1. The locking mechanism 1, 2 is shown in the closed state in Fig. 1. In the further Figs. 2 to 3, only the pawl 2 can be seen. In order to release the closed state of the locking mechanism 1, 2 shown in Fig. 1, the pawl 2 must be pivoted in the counterclockwise direction indicated in Fig. 1. As a result, the rotary latch 1, which is only shown in part there, is released from the pawl 2, can pivot open with spring support in the counterclockwise direction, which is also indicated here, and releases a locking bolt (not expressly shown). The corresponding vehicle door can be opened.

[0027] In order to be able to actuate or open the pawl 2 and thus the locking mechanism 1, 2, a release lever 3, 4 is provided for actuating the pawl 2 and for opening the locking mechanism 1, 2. In fact, a pivoting movement of the release lever 3, 4 in question about its axis 5 in the clockwise direction indicated in Fig. 1 corresponds to the pawl 2 being pivoted counterclockwise - as described - and thus the locking mechanism 1, 2 undergoes the desired opening.

[0028] Based on the exemplary embodiment, it can be seen that the release lever 3, 4 is essentially designed in two parts according to the invention, with a pawl release lever 3 acting on the pawl 2 and an actuating release lever 4. According to the exemplary embodiment, the actuating release lever 4 interacts with an electric motor drive 6. In principle, however, the actuating release lever 4 can also interact with an actuating lever 7 or both the electric motor drive 6 and a further actuating lever (not expressly shown) in addition to the actuating lever 7.

[0029] It can be seen that both levers 3, 4 are mounted coaxially around the common axis 5. The operating lever 7, which according to the exemplary embodiment is designed as an external operating lever 7, is also mounted coaxially with this axis 5. For this purpose, the operating lever or external operating lever 7 may be mechanically connected to an outside door handle (not explicitly shown).

[0030] 1 and 2, it can be seen that the two levers 3, 4, i.e. the pawl release lever 3 as well as the actuating release lever 4 as both levers 3, 4 of the release lever 3, 4, can be selectively coupled to one another or uncoupled from one another via a coupling member 8. The coupling member 8 is one which is pivotally mounted about its own further axis 9, which can be seen in particular in Fig. 2. In fact, the coupling member 8, which is pivotally mounted about the relevant axis 9, is pivotally mounted on the actuating release lever 4 according to the exemplary embodiment. In addition, the design is such that the coupling member 8 interacts with a stop 3a on the pawl release lever 3. This can be seen in particular from the enlarged illustration in Fig. 2. Here, the “engaged” state of the coupling member 8 is shown, in which the coupling member 8 rests against the stop 3a of the pawl release lever 3 orwhen the actuating release lever 4 supporting the coupling member 8 pivots against the said stop 3a.

[0031] Additionally, a pin 7a can be seen on the actuating lever 7, with the aid of which the coupling member 8 can be acted upon. In fact, a spring 10 is also assigned to the coupling member 8, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] From Fig. 1, it can be seen that the spring 10 is a leg spring, one of whose legs is fixedly connected to the actuating release lever 4. Furthermore, the coil section of the spring or leg spring 10 is also fixedly connected to the actuating release lever 4. In contrast, a free leg of the spring or leg spring 10 acts on the coupling member 8 in such a way that the coupling member 8 is pretensioned about its axis 9 in the direction of abutment against the stop 3a of the pawl release lever 3. This is indicated in the enlarged view of Fig. 2 by an associated force arrow corresponding to the spring 10 and with the corresponding reference number 10. As a result, the coupling member 8 rests on the pin 7a of the actuating lever 7 in the state shown in Figs. 1 and 2 or the basic position.

[0033] Consequently, when the actuating lever 7, starting from its basic position according to Fig. 1 or 2 or also according to Fig. 3, is acted upon in a clockwise direction about its axis or axis of rotation 5, as can be seen in the transition from Fig. 3 to Fig. 4, the pin 7a on the actuating lever 7 ensures that the coupling member 8 is pivoted, namely against the force of the associated spring 10. This corresponds to a pivoting movement of the coupling member 8 about its axis 9 in a counterclockwise direction, as becomes clear when comparing Figs. 3 and 4 and as demonstrated by the enlarged section in Fig. 4.

[0034] While the coupling member 8 has assumed its "engaged" functional state in Figs. 1 to 3, the coupling member 8 is in the "disengaged" state in the illustration according to Fig. 4. This "disengaged" state of the coupling member 8 results in the two levers 3, 4 of the release lever 3, 4 being able to move relative to one another. This cancels or releases any blockages of the electric motor drive 6, indicated by a "cross" in Figs. 4 and 3, respectively. This is because, with the aid of a pawl spring (not shown) assigned to the pawl 2, the pawl 2 can pivot the pawl release lever 3 about its axis 5 relative to the actuating release lever 4 and assume its basic position shown in Fig. 1.This allows an associated motor vehicle door to be closed even if the electric motor drive 6 is blocked, because the pawl 2 in the home position can fall into the rotary latch 1.

[0035] It works as follows. Starting from the home position as shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the locking mechanism 1, 2 shown there can be opened. For this purpose, the electric motor drive 6 is energized in such a way that a worm gear, only indicated in the figures, on the output side of the electric motor drive 6 performs a clockwise pivoting movement as indicated in Fig. 2 around its axis during the transition from Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. This pivoting movement of the electric motor drive 6 or its worm gear results in the actuating release lever 4 being acted upon via a lever or stop or in some other way. In fact, the actuating release lever 4 performs a clockwise pivoting movement around its axis or axis of rotation 5 starting from the home position in Fig. 2.

[0036] If during this process the coupling member 8 assumes its functional position “coupled” as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the actuating release lever 4 can take the pawl release lever 3 with it during this process, so that both levers 3, 4 pivot coaxially and in phase about their common axis or axis of rotation 5.

[0037] The "engaged" state of the coupling member 8 means that the coupling member 8 rests against the stop 3a of the pawl release lever 3 or moves against it when the actuating release lever 4 pivots. This results in the pawl 2 being lifted from its latching engagement with the rotary latch 1 via the pawl release lever 3. This is because both levers 3, 4 are pivoted clockwise about their common axis 5 as a result of the action of the electric motor drive 6, so that the pawl release lever 3 acts on the pawl 2 and pivots it about its axis in the counterclockwise direction indicated in Fig. 1. This releases the rotary latch 1 from the pawl 2. The associated locking mechanism 1, 2 can be opened. The same applies to a motor vehicle door equipped with the locking mechanism 1, 2.

[0038] However, if during this process there is a possible blockage of the electric motor drive 6, which is indicated in Fig. 3 or 4 by a "cross", for example due to a defect in the electric motor (not expressly shown), a defect in its supply line or mechanically due to a freezing process, the pawl 2 remains in an "intermediate position" following the described electric motor opening process, in which the rotary latch 1 cannot fall into the pawl 2 during a subsequent closing process, or at least cannot do so without becoming blocked.

[0039] In order to release this blockage, it is necessary within the scope of the invention that the actuating lever 7 or external actuating lever 7 is actuated. This can be done via an external door handle mechanically connected to the actuating lever 7. The actuation of the actuating lever or external actuating lever 7 results in the actuating lever 7 performing a pivoting movement, indicated in Fig. 4, about the axis or axis of rotation 5 common to the two levers 3, 4 in the clockwise direction indicated in Fig. 3 at the transition to Fig. 4. As a result, the actuating pin 7a arranged on the actuating lever 7 is able to actuate the coupling member 8 and uncouple both levers 3, 4.

[0040] In fact, the pivoting movement of the operating lever 7 in the clockwise direction during the transition from Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 corresponds to the fact that the pin

[0041] 7a, the coupling member 8 is pivoted about its axis 9 in the counterclockwise direction indicated in Fig. 4. As a result, the coupling member 8 is released from the stop 3a on the pawl release lever 3 and both levers 3, 4 can be moved relative to one another about their common axis 5. Accordingly, the coupling member 8 is in its "disengaged" functional position. This, i.e. the relative movement of the two levers 3, 4, may be ensured by the pawl spring assigned to the pawl 2. As a result, the pawl 2 returns to its basic position as shown in Fig. 1, so that the rotary latch 1 can subsequently interact with the pawl 2 without blockage and engage the pawl 2. This also allows the associated motor vehicle door to be closed.

[0042] List of reference symbols

[0043] Rotary latch 1

[0044] Pawl 2 Locking mechanism 1 , 2

[0045] Release lever 3, 4

[0046] Latch release lever 3

[0047] Stop 3a

[0048] Actuating trigger lever 4 axis 5

[0049] Drive 6

[0050] Operating lever / external operating lever 7

[0051] Cone 7a

[0052] Coupling link 8 Axle 9

[0053] Spring 10

[0054] Reference number 10

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism (1, 2) essentially comprising a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), and with a release lever (3, 4) for acting on the pawl (2) and for opening the locking mechanism (1, 2), characterized in that the release lever (3, 4) is designed in two parts with a pawl release lever (3) acting on the pawl (2) and an actuating release lever (4) interacting with, for example, an actuating lever and / or drive, wherein both levers (3, 4) are optionally coupled to one another or decoupled from one another via a coupling member (8) pivotable about an axis (9).

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling member (8) is mounted on the actuating release lever (4) so ​​as to be pivotable about its axis (9).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling member (8) interacts with a stop (3a) on the pawl release lever (3).

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling member (8) is pivoted by means of an actuating lever (7).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating lever (7) is mounted on the same axis as both levers (3, 4) and is pivoted with them about the common axis of rotation (5).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the actuating lever (7) has a pin (7a) acting on the coupling member (8).

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the actuating lever (7) acts on the coupling member (8) against the force of an associated spring (10).

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the operating lever (7) is designed as an external operating lever (7).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an electric motor drive (6) is provided.

10. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 9, characterized in that the electric motor drive (6) acts on the actuating release lever (4) for electrically opening the locking mechanism (1, 2).

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