Car Locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle lock, in particular a vehicle door lock, having a locking mechanism (11), a rotatable trigger lever (15) and an electric drive unit (16) for actuating the trigger lever (15), the locking mechanism (11) including a rotating latch (12) and a pawl (13), in particular a single pawl, the rotating latch (12) being latchable into at least one latched position (I) by the pawl (13) and the locking mechanism (11) being movable from the at least one latched position (I) to an open position (II) by the trigger lever (15). The electric drive (16) is formed by at least an electric motor (17) and a transmission stage (18), the transmission stage (18) having an actuating lever (19), the claw part (13), the trigger lever (15) and the actuating lever (19) are accommodated in the vehicle lock (10) so as to be pivotable about a same rotation axis (R), and at least the actuating lever (19) and the trigger lever (15) engage with each other via a complementary designed connection geometry (20) so that the movement of the actuating lever (19) can be transmitted to the trigger lever (15).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle lock systems and relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, having a locking mechanism with a rotating latch and a single pawl, a rotatable trigger lever and an electric drive for actuating the trigger lever, wherein the rotating latch can be latched into at least one latched position by the pawl and the locking mechanism can be moved from at least the latched position to an open position by the trigger lever, and the electric drive unit is formed at least from an electric motor and a transmission stage, the transmission stage having an actuating lever for actuating the trigger lever.

[0002]

[0002] A challenge in the field of car locks is to further reduce the installation space requirement of car locks in cars. In addition, the weight of car locks should be further reduced.

[0003] Electric vehicle locks are known from the prior art, in which the pawl can be actuated out of the latched position by an electric opening mechanism, so that the locking mechanism of the electric vehicle lock can be electrically opened / unlatched. The opening kinematics required for this purpose usually require a non-negligible installation space in the motor vehicle lock, with an electric drive made of an electric motor and a trigger lever, so that the required actuation forces can be transferred from the electric motor to the trigger lever and from the trigger lever to the pawl. The trigger lever and the remaining actuation kinematics are often equipped with large levers, so that sufficient actuation forces can be achieved by the lever arm. Furthermore, the components for the pawl, the trigger lever and the remaining actuation kinematics must be operatively connected to one another in the lock, which is realized via multiple lever assemblies or cable drives.

[0004] DE 10 2015 110 639 A1 discloses a motor vehicle lock, which has a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, and an electric opening drive. The drive unit in this case consists of an electric motor and a trigger lever, which acts on the pawl via lever kinematics, so that the pawl can be moved from the latched position via the trigger lever and lever kinematics. In the arrangement disclosed there is the disadvantage that the entire opening kinematics, and thus the arrangement of the trigger lever and the drive unit, takes up a large installation space in the motor vehicle lock. For this purpose, an electric drive is designed with an electric motor and a transmission stage, in which the actuating lever is arranged around a first axis of rotation in a first plane, the trigger lever is arranged around a second axis and the pawl is further arranged rotatably around a third axis. This arrangement via a large number of axes requires a corresponding installation space and is complicated to assemble.

[0005] overview

[0006]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the drawbacks known from the prior art, in particular to provide a locking device for motor vehicles having a particularly compact design, capable of providing a sufficient actuation force so as to allow simple and silent opening of the locking mechanism.

[0007]

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a lock for a motor vehicle door, in particular by a lock for a motor vehicle door, as claimed in claim 1.

[0008]

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments are specified in particular in the dependent claims and in the description. It should be pointed out that the features recited in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically reasonable manner to show further embodiments of the invention.

[0009]

[0008] The vehicle lock according to claim 1 comprises a locking mechanism with a rotary latch, in particular with a single pawl, which can be latched in at least one latched position by means of the pawl. In addition, the vehicle lock comprises a trigger lever, which can move the locking mechanism from the at least one latched position to an open position. The vehicle lock also comprises an electric drive unit for actuating the trigger lever, which drive unit is composed of at least an electric motor and a transmission stage, which transmission stage has an actuating lever.

[0010]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention, it is proposed that the pawl and the trigger lever as well as the actuating lever are accommodated in the vehicle lock so as to be pivotable about a single axis of rotation, and at least the actuating lever and the trigger lever are coupled together by a complementary designed connection geometry so that the movement of the actuating lever can be transmitted to the trigger lever. Thus, according to the invention, the pawl, the trigger lever and the actuating lever have a single axis of rotation and are accommodated in the vehicle lock so as to be pivotable about this axis of rotation. In particular, the pawl, the trigger lever and / or the actuating lever are fastened to at least one lock body. The actuating lever and at least the trigger lever have a complementary designed connection geometry, which connection geometry allows a positive and / or a non-positive engagement of at least two of the aforementioned components. These complementary designed connection geometries can engage with each other and in particular can transmit a rotational movement transmitted from the drive unit to the actuating lever from the actuating lever to the trigger lever, so that the trigger lever can move the pawl from at least one latched position, in particular the main latched position and / or the pre-latched position. The connection geometry according to the invention can also be understood as a plug connection (e.g. plug-in shaft connection), whereby at least the actuating lever and the trigger lever can be assembled / plugged in. This allows a compact design and ensures, in particular, the transmission of forces for opening the locking mechanism.

[0011]

[0010] The complementary designed connection geometries according to the invention are preferably designed as toothings, which can have one or more teeth or tooth-like geometries. Thus, the actuating lever or trigger lever can preferably have an external toothing, and the corresponding other component can have an internal toothing, or vice versa. According to the invention, the negative shape of a first connection geometry of the actuating lever or trigger lever corresponds to a geometry complementary designed thereto. Visually, it can be designed such that the negative shape of the flanks of the external toothing of one connection geometry corresponds in principle to the shape of the flanks of the internally toothed component and thus corresponds to the connection geometry of another component. It is thus conceivable that the trigger lever has an external toothing and the actuating lever has an internal toothing, or vice versa, these toothings being in particular connected to one another.

[0012] The advantage of this complementary design of the connection and the shared mounting geometry of the pawl, the trigger lever and the actuating lever around the same rotation axis is that the at least three components (pawl, trigger lever and actuating lever) can be arranged in a particularly compact manner in the car lock. Thus, according to the invention, the pawl, the trigger lever and the actuating lever engage with each other at least in the shared area of ​​the rotation axis, and in particular in the shared area of ​​the rotation axis, the three components are arranged to nest with each other in a specific way. This significantly reduces the depth of the installation space required for the car lock. Thus, an actuating mechanism arranged at an angle to itself for releasing the pawl from the rotary latch is not necessarily required. Also, according to the invention, it is possible to dispense with cable structures that have a negative effect on the installation space. Rather, the actuating mechanism, consisting of the drive unit and the actuating lever, the trigger lever and the connection to the locking mechanism, in particular the pawl, can be designed in a particularly compact manner.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one connection geometry can have a complete / circumferential meshing in the area of ​​the axis, which has 1 to 10 teeth, preferably 14 to 18 teeth, particularly preferably 16 teeth, which interact with correspondingly and substantially complementarily designed recesses. In this way, an internal or external meshing is provided on the actuating lever and / or the trigger lever. It is particularly advantageous that a so-called Poka-Yoke connection can be provided, which allows a particularly simple and reliable assembly. Thus, at least one meshing geometry / one toothing can be designed differently from the remaining teething / mesh geometries, and the recesses formed complementary to the corresponding teething / geometry are likewise designed differently in the components to be connected. Thus, in particular, it is conceivable that one connection geometry / one toothing is designed differently from the remaining teething, and the associated recess on the components to be connected is likewise designed differently and complementary to one different toothing / geometry.

[0014]

[0013] For example, it is conceivable that the trigger lever is provided with teeth having a wider tooth surface, and the actuating lever has a larger and wider recess in which one wider tooth can be placed on the actuating lever, so that incorrect assembly is practically impossible.

[0015]

[0014] It can further be provided that the actuating lever or the trigger lever in the area of ​​the rotation axis has a collar that extends at least partially in the circumferential direction. Particularly preferably, the collar is designed in such a way that the connection geometry, in particular the engagement, is at least partially covered at least for the actuating lever and the trigger lever engaged with each other. This circumferential collar allows, on the one hand, a further optimization of the compact design, and, moreover, the collar can form a mounting point for a spring, so that the actuating lever and / or the trigger lever can be preloaded by the spring. The spring can thus also be arranged compactly on the trigger lever and / or the actuating lever and does not unnecessarily require additional installation space.

[0016]

[0015] Furthermore, the collar can cover the connection geometry, in particular the engagement part, so that the penetration of dirt and / or moisture can be reduced. It is also conceivable that the trigger lever has an outer engagement part extending in a first direction from a first side of the substantially plate-shaped connection part, and that on the other (opposite) side of the connection part a mounting point for the bearing pin of the claw part is formed, in particular the mounting point being designed as a receptacle for the trigger lever.

[0017]

[0016] Advantageously, the trigger lever has an external toothing which interacts with an internal toothing of the actuating lever. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the trigger lever has an internal toothing and the actuating lever has a correspondingly and complementarily designed external toothing. The trigger lever can therefore also be designed as described above for the actuating lever.

[0018]

[0017] The trigger lever advantageously has a substantially plate-shaped connection part, in particular the area of ​​the mounting point, where a toothing, in particular the outer toothing, extends from the plate-shaped connection part. Opposite the toothing, in particular the outer toothing, a connection point / mounting point for a bearing pin of the pawl is formed on the trigger lever. This bearing pin serves to mount the pawl on a locking housing of the motor vehicle lock. The mounting point is in particular also designed as a receptacle in the trigger lever. The pawl and the trigger lever can thus be arranged together on the bearing pin of the pawl. This allows a further improvement of the compact design.

[0019]

[0018] Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, as in the present invention, the bearing pin accommodates the pawl and the trigger lever, and the trigger lever and the drive lever engage with each other. In this way, a compact mounting of these three components can be achieved.

[0020]

[0019] Furthermore, the trigger lever preferably has a single trigger arm which can be engaged with the pawl, the trigger arm in particular extending from the substantially plate-shaped connecting part and forming a lever arm for actuating the pawl, so that advantageously the single trigger arm in particular can extend radially from the connecting part.

[0021]

[0020] The terms axial and radial relate in particular to the axis of rotation of the pawl, the trigger lever and the actuating lever, and therefore the expression axial in particular denotes a direction extending parallel or coaxially to the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the expression radial in particular denotes a direction running perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A radial extension is to be understood in particular as an extension along or parallel to the radial direction, and an axial extension is to be understood in particular as an extension along or parallel to the axial direction.

[0022]

[0021] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the trigger lever has a pawl holder. The pawl holder can be a recess in which at least a part of the pawl can be arranged. It is particularly preferred that the pawl holder is arranged in the area of ​​the trigger arm of the trigger lever. The pawl holder can, for example, be designed as a pocket in which the pawl can be arranged at least partially. This allows a particularly reliable transmission of forces from the trigger lever to the pawl. Furthermore, this further optimizes the compact shape, so that the pawl can be arranged or at least partially arranged in the trigger lever.

[0023]

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the claw holder can be designed in such a way that the claws are arranged in the claw holder at least partially in a positive and / or non-positive fit.

[0024]

[0023] Particularly advantageously, the pawl holder can have a clip, latch, crimp or snap connection for the pawl, in particular for the pawl arm, thus not only simplifying the assembly but also allowing a secure reception of the pawl in the trigger lever without the compact design being adversely affected.

[0025]

[0024] Particularly preferably, the pawl has at least two pawl arms, at least one first pawl arm having a latch surface for engaging with the rotary latch and a second pawl arm arranged at least partially in or on the trigger lever, in particular the two pawl arms extending radially in substantially opposite directions from the axis of rotation. For a compact design and simple and easy operation, i.e. easy opening of the locking mechanism, it is sufficient if the pawl has only two pawl arms, the first pawl arm being arranged for engaging with the rotary latch and the second pawl arm being arranged at least partially on the trigger lever as described above, such that the pawl is designed compactly.

[0026]

[0025] In particular, the second pawl arm is positioned in the vehicle lock to overlap the geometry of the trigger arm and the actuating arm of the actuating lever. Thus, according to the invention, only the pawl arm can extend in the opposite direction relative to the second pawl arm to latch onto the rotary latch. The actuating arm of the actuating lever, the second pawl arm and the trigger arm extend in the same direction but in opposite directions.

[0027]

[0026] In order to further optimize the compact design, it is conceivable according to the invention that the actuating lever, in particular the actuating arm of the actuating lever, at least partially surrounds and / or covers the transmission stage, in particular the gear wheel of the transmission stage. For this purpose, the actuating lever is designed substantially U-shaped or curved, and the actuating lever can encompass the transmission stage, in particular the gear wheel of the transmission stage. That is to say, the actuating arm or the actuating lever has a shape such that both end points of the lever or arm, respectively, are located on one side of the gear wheel. Thus, according to this embodiment, the actuating lever and the transmission stage can be designed particularly compact, since by at least partially overlapping the actuating lever and the transmission stage, installation space can be avoided from being unnecessarily wasted.

[0028]

[0027] It is particularly advantageous to provide that at least one seal is arranged between the actuating lever and the trigger lever and / or between the trigger lever and the claw, in particular that the seal is designed as a sealing ring, in this way the influence of the environment, in particular dust and / or water, penetrating into the area of ​​the actuating lever, the trigger lever or the claw can at least be reduced.

[0029]

[0028] It can be particularly advantageously provided that the actuating lever and the drive unit (i.e. including the transmission stage) are arranged in a first part of the housing for the vehicle lock, and the trigger lever, the pawl and the other locking mechanism are arranged in a different part of the vehicle lock. It is therefore conceivable that the drive unit with the transmission stage and the actuating lever, preferably the locking electronics and / or the power supply, is arranged in at least a part of the dry space of the housing for the vehicle lock, and the locking mechanism (at least a part) with the trigger lever is arranged in the wet space of the vehicle lock. It is particularly preferred that the above-mentioned seals are provided between the individual components such as the trigger lever, the actuating lever and the pawl. In this way, a hermetic / sealed connection can be achieved between the different lock housing parts and the connections of the components, the pawl, the trigger lever and the actuating lever.

[0030]

[0029] In order to ensure a design of the motor vehicle lock that is as compact as possible, it is particularly advantageous if a locking mechanism having at least a claw and a rotary latch is designed to be able to unlatch in a particularly simple manner, i.e. to open easily or with little force. According to the invention, the rotary latch has a blocking element movably mounted on the rotary latch, which is rotatably arranged on at least a part of the rotary latch and / or the locking housing or the locking cartridge. The blocking element can therefore in particular roll at least partially on the rotary latch and / or the claw. This particularly advantageous locking mechanism allows an actuation force to lift the claw from at least one latch position, i.e. the main latch and / or the pre-latch position. The claw is thereby acted upon by a trigger force applied by the trigger lever, such that the blocking element first moves or rolls in the rotary latch in such a way that a particularly low opening force is required. The lever of the actuation kinematics can therefore be designed to be smaller and therefore to be of compact design.

[0031]

[0030] When referring to a lock for a motor vehicle in the context of the present invention, all locking systems are included, which fix a movable part in a position relative to the motor vehicle. The lock can be arranged, for example, on the side door, sliding door, rear door, cover, and also, for example, on the rear seat bench. This also applies when the movable part is used by a locking system consisting of a locking mechanism with at least a claw and a rotating latch. The lock according to the present invention can be arranged on the movable part (side door, sliding door, rear door, cover, rear seat bench) or on the vehicle / vehicle body.

[0032]

[0031] Further means for improving the present invention are evident from the following description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated diagrammatically in the figures. All of the features and / or advantages arising from the claims, the specification or the drawings, including structural details, spatial arrangements and method steps, are essential to the invention, both in themselves and in the most diverse combinations. It should be noted that the figures are merely of an illustrative nature and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] In the drawings, unless otherwise noted, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally identical elements.

[0033] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a schematic cut-out of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a latched position. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows diagrammatically a cut-out of an embodiment according to the invention of a motor vehicle lock in the open position. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows diagrammatically a cut-out of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention from a second perspective. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B shows diagrammatically a cut-out of an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock according to the invention from a third perspective. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows diagrammatically an actuating lever of an inventive embodiment of a lock for a motor vehicle. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a schematic representation of a trigger lever of an inventive embodiment of a motor vehicle lock. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a schematic representation of a pawl of an embodiment of a car lock according to the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle lock according to the invention having a wet space and a dry space.

[0034] Detailed Description

[0035]

[0034] Figure 1A shows a possible embodiment of a motor vehicle lock 10 according to the invention, comprising a lock housing 30, here only partially shown, and further comprising a lock mechanism 11 with a pawl 13 for moving a rotary latch 12 into at least one latch position I, in particular a main latch position I and / or a pre-latch position. In the latch position I, a lock holder 40 is secured by the rotary latch 12, such that a movable part of the vehicle, such as for example a car door, is held in a closed position and unintentional opening is prevented. For this purpose, the pawl 13 has a latch surface 13.3 which in the latch position I engages with a blocking element 14 of the rotary latch 12, thereby blocking the rotary latch 12 from moving in the opening direction. The blocking element 14 is movably, in particular pivotally (as shown by the combination of Figures 1A and 1B), mounted on the rotary latch 12 and / or the locking plate / locking housing. Also, the pawl 13, in particular the latch surface 13.3, is designed in such a way that the pawl 13 has a tendency to close or has such a geometry. According to the invention, a neutral design can also be provided: in the case of a closing tendency, the pawl 13, and in particular the latch surface 13.3, are geometrically designed in such a way that the pawl 13 cannot be pushed out / unblocked independently by the pushing of the rotary latch 12 in the opening direction. The force exerted on the pawl 13 by the rotary latch 12 therefore passes through the pawl axis in such a way that no opening torque occurs. Rather, the pawl 13 is pushed towards the rotary latch 12.

[0036]

[0035] The claw 13 is rotatable about a rotation axis R, for which the claw 13 is arranged / mounted on a bearing pin 27. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the claw 13 has a first claw arm 13.1 and a second claw arm 13.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first claw arm 13.1 and the second claw arm 13.2 extend in diametrically opposite directions from the rotation axis R and / or the bearing pin 27. The first claw arm 13.1 is provided with a latch surface 13.3 for latching with the blocking element 14 and thus the rotation latch 12. The claw 13 is arranged on the trigger lever 15 on the second claw arm 13.2. For this purpose, a claw holder 15.2 is formed in the trigger lever 15, in which the second claw arm 13.2 arm 2 of the claw holder is arranged and is held, in particular, in a positive and / or non-positive fit.

[0037]

[0036] The trigger lever 15 is also mounted rotatably about the same axis of rotation R as the claw 13. The actuating lever 19 is similarly arranged rotatably about the axis of rotation R. The trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 have a connection geometry 20 according to the invention.

[0038]

[0037] The motor vehicle lock 10 also has an electric drive unit 16 with an electric motor 17 and at least one transmission stage 18. The electric drive unit 16 opens the locking mechanism 11 with the aid of an actuating lever 19, in particular by means of a trigger lever 15, which lifts the pawl 13.

[0039] For the electric opening of the locking mechanism 11, the electric motor 17 drives a worm on the output shaft of the electric motor 17, which worm works by means of the meshing of the gear / worm wheel 18.1 and drives the gear / worm wheel 18.1. In the figures, the gear wheel 18.1 is designed as a spur toothed worm wheel 18.1. According to the invention, an evoroid meshing is also conceivable. The worm gear 18.1 is formed with a substantially ramp-shaped (worm-shaped) profile 18.3 about its axis of rotation, against which a contact surface 19.2 of the actuating lever 19 abuts, causing it to rotate about the axis of rotation R. The contact surface 19.2 of the actuating lever 19 thus moves along the profile 18.3 when the worm gear 18.1 rotates, whereby the actuating lever 19 rotates about the axis of rotation R. According to the invention, the actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 have a complementary designed connection geometry 20, by which the movement of the actuating lever 19 is transferred to the trigger lever 15. This transfers the motorized rotational movement of the actuating lever 19 to the trigger lever 15, which moves about a common rotation axis R of the actuating lever 19, the trigger lever 15 and the pawl 13.

[0040]

[0039] To open the locking mechanism 11, in particular to lift the pawl 13, the arrangement of the pawl 13 in / on the trigger arm 15.1 of the trigger lever 15 allows a certain rotational movement of the trigger lever 15 to be transmitted to the pawl 13 so that it can be lifted from the rotary latch 12. The trigger arm 15.1 of the trigger lever 15 has a pawl holder 15.2 arranged such that a second pawl arm 13.2 can rotate the pawl 13 around the rotation axis R / bearing pin 27.

[0041]

[0040] Figure 1B shows the motor vehicle lock in the open position II in which the pawl 13 is lifted from the rotary latch 12, so that the latch surface 13.3 of the pawl 13 is no longer in blocking engagement with the blocking element 14 of the rotary latch 12. As shown in Figure 1A, on the basis of the pawl 13 having a closing tendency, the pawl 13 is lifted from the drive unit 16, the actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 by the rotary latch 12 via the actuating mechanism described above. The blocking element 14 is thus moved at least in a portion along it by its mounting and is thus lifted from the rotary latch 12 at least in the area of ​​the latch surface of the rotary latch 12. Due to this movement, a closing tendency is realized from an opening tendency, so that the force acting on the pawl from the rotary latch 12 pushes the pawl 13 further towards the open position II, supporting / facilitating the opening / unlocking of the locking mechanism 11. As a result, the triggering force for opening / unlocking the locking mechanism 11 is also reduced overall.

[0042]

[0041] Figure 1B shows a deflected blocking element 14. The blocking element 14 is mounted in the rotary latch 12, preferably further on a locking housing. For this purpose, a bolt can be provided, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, which can also be mounted on the locking housing.

[0043] 1A and 1B clearly show the compact design of the car lock possible according to the invention. For this purpose, the pawl 13 and the trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 are accommodated in the car lock 10 pivotally about the same rotation axis R, where at least the actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 engage with each other by means of a complementary designed connection geometry 20, whereby the movement of the actuating lever 19 on the trigger lever 15 can be transmitted to open / unlock the locking mechanism 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger lever 15 is arranged between the pawl 13 and the actuating lever 19 on the rotation axis R. The pawl 13, the trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 are nested in one another in yet another sense or at least partially plugged into one another.

[0044]

[0043] In other words, the claw 13, the trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 are connected to one another by at least one, preferably several, plug connections and / or connection geometries 20. Particularly advantageously, the claw 13 is engaged with the trigger lever 15 by a plug connection made from the claw arm 13.2 and the claw holder 15.2, as described above, and the trigger lever 15 is engaged by a connection geometry 20, which will be further explained below. In particular, this embodiment allows a compact design.

[0045]

[0044] A further improvement can be achieved by the mounting point 26 of the pawl 13, in particular the bearing pin 27 of the pawl 13 on the trigger lever 15. The mounting point 26 can be designed as a recess or depression, such that the bearing pin 27 and / or the pawl 13 are at least partially located in / on the trigger lever 15. In Fig. 1B a collar 23 is formed on the trigger lever 15, which can also contribute to the mounting point 26 and / or the bearing of the pawl 13 on the bearing pin 27 being protected from external environmental influences or to giving the trigger lever 15 more mechanical stability overall.

[0046] 2A and 2B show the actuation mechanism and the pawl 13 in further perspective views. In FIG. 2A the connection geometry 20 of the trigger lever 15 and the actuation lever 19 can be clearly seen. Overall, FIG. 2A shows the nested / plug-in design of the components 13, 15, 19 on the same axis of rotation R. It can also be seen that compactness can be achieved in that the gear wheel / worm wheel 18.1 can be arranged at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation R, so that the installation space required in the direction of the axis of rotation R can be further reduced.

[0047]

[0046] The connection geometry 20 in Fig. 2A has a mating part 21 on the trigger lever 15, which is placed / inserted on the actuating lever 19 in a correspondingly and complementary designed recess. According to the invention, the actuating lever 19 can also be formed with a mating part and a recess can be formed in the trigger lever. In both cases, the trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19 can be mated with each other by means of a complementary designed connection geometry 20, whereby the movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transmitted to the trigger lever 15. In this embodiment, the bearing pin 27, the claw 13, the trigger lever 15, the trigger lever spring 15.3 and the actuating lever 19 are arranged along the rotation axis R. In this case, the components 27, 13, 15, 15.3, 19 are at least partially nested or interlocked together, which allows a compact design.

[0048]

[0047] The trigger lever spring 15.3 can be preloaded to act on the trigger lever in the opening or closing direction. A spring force can therefore act on the trigger lever 15, which, by means of the connection between the trigger lever 15 and the claw 13, can exert a force towards the rotary latch 12 / latch position I or away from the rotary latch in the direction of the open position. The trigger lever 15, and thus the claw 13, is preferably preloaded in the direction of the latch position, thus facilitating the fall of the claw 13 into the latch position of the rotary latch 12. For this purpose, one leg of the trigger lever spring 15.3 can rest on the one hand against the trigger lever 15 and on the other hand against the locking housing or locking case. The trigger lever spring 15.3 and the trigger lever 15 are designed such that the trigger lever spring 15.3 is mounted on the trigger lever, and the legs of the trigger lever spring 15.3, designed as a two-legged spring, can be supported by the trigger lever and the locking housing or locking case. One leg of the spring 15.3 engages in a receptacle on the trigger arm 15.1 of the trigger lever 15. This allows the winding of the trigger lever spring 15.3 to be located on the trigger lever 15, making it possible to keep the installation space compact. For this purpose, the trigger lever 15 preferably has a spring seat on which the trigger lever spring 15.3, in particular the winding, is mounted.

[0049]

[0048] As can be seen in Fig. 2A, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the trigger lever 15 is designed with a trigger arm 15.1, which is inclined. In Fig. 2A, the trigger arm 15.1 is arranged at a right angle to the rest of the trigger lever 15. A pawl holder 15.2 is formed on the angled trigger arm 15.1, in which the second locking arm 13.2 of the pawl 13 is arranged / inserted. This allows the movement of the trigger lever 15 to be transferred to the pawl 13 and at the same time allows a compact design to be achieved. This movement allows the first pawl arm 13.1 to be lifted from the rotating latch or locking element.

[0050]

[0049] Fig. 2B shows the actuation mechanism 18.1, 19, 15 and the pawl 13 in a further perspective view. A compact design is also visible. As mentioned above, this is in particular the result of the connection geometry and, in particular, the interlocking of the pawl 13, the trigger lever 15 and the actuation lever 19 thus achieved along the shared rotation axis R. In the illustrated embodiment, the pawl 13 is arranged together with the second pawl arm 15.2 in a pawl holder 15.2 of the trigger arm 15.1 of the trigger lever 13. The pawl arm 13.2 is held at least partially in a positive or non-positive fit in the pawl holder 15.2. For this purpose, the pawl holder 15.2 of the trigger lever 15 is formed with a crimp rib, which fixes the extension of the pawl arm 13.2. The pawl 13 is thus arranged without play in the pawl holder 15.2, and the movement of the trigger lever 15 leads to the movement of the pawl 13.

[0051]

[0050] The trigger lever 15 is preloaded by a trigger lever spring 15.3, which preferably preloads the trigger lever 15 and thus the pawl 13 in the direction of the rotary latch. For this purpose, the trigger lever spring 15.3 is designed as a two-legged spring, one leg of which is attached to the trigger lever 15.1 and the other leg of which is attached to the locking housing or locking case.

[0052] 2B also shows a bearing pin receptacle 13.4 which accommodates the bearing pin 27 and about which the claw 13 can rotate. The claw 13 also has a buffer pocket 13.5 which acts as a stop buffer for contact with the rotation latch and / or the locking housing or case.

[0053]

[0052] Figure 3A shows the actuating lever 19 in detail. It is U-shaped. The U-shape allows the actuating lever 19 to surround the worm gear 18.1 with its actuating arm 19.1 at least in an area, so that the compact design is further optimized. This allows the recess 22 to be located on one side of the worm wheel and the contact surface 19.2 to be located on the other side of the worm wheel, where the gradient-shaped profile is formed.

[0054]

[0053] At one end of the actuating arm 19.1, a recess 22 and thus a receptacle for the engagement of the trigger lever are arranged, and at the other end of the actuating arm 19.1, a contact surface 19.2 for interaction with the worm gear 18.1, in particular the outer contour of the worm gear 18.1, is arranged. The recess 22 is here designed as a receiving geometry for the outer engagement of the trigger lever. As a result, the recess 22 has several indentations for the geometry of the multiple teeth. Thus, in this case, the negative shape of the tooth flank of the outer engagement of one connection geometry on the trigger lever corresponds to the shape of the tooth flank of the internally toothed actuating lever 19 and thus to the shape of the tooth flank of the connection geometry of the other component. The actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 can thus be engaged by means of a complementary designed connection geometry 20, and the movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transmitted to the trigger lever 15. It can also be seen that the provision of the POKA yoke recess 22.1 prevents incorrect assembly / misfitting of the trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19. The POKA yoke recess 22.1 is designed to be larger / wider overall than the remaining recesses / notches of the recess contour 22. As a result, the wider teeth of the trigger lever, i.e. the POKA yoke teeth, can only be inserted into the POKA yoke recess 22.1. Thus, incorrect assembly is precluded. Also, a specific recess is formed in the actuating lever 19 so that the weight of the lever 19 can be reduced. In order to simultaneously provide sufficient mechanical stability, the actuating lever 19 has a reinforcing / stiffening rib 19.4 in the area of ​​the actuating arm 19.1.

[0055]

[0054] Figure 3B shows a trigger lever 15 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The trigger lever 15 has a trigger arm 15.1, which is arranged at a substantially constant angle, preferably at a right angle, to the remaining trigger lever 15. The trigger arm 15.1 has a pawl holder 15.2, in which the pawl is preferably arranged without play. In the area of ​​the axis of the trigger lever 15, an external engagement 24 is designed for a shared connection geometry of at least the actuating lever and the trigger lever 15. The external engagement is designed as a multi-tooth geometry, and in the illustrated embodiment has a poka-yoke toothing 24.1. The engagement 24 can be called a plug shaft and can be inserted into a corresponding recess of the actuating lever. The actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15 thus engage with each other by a complementary designed connection geometry 20, and the movement of the actuating lever 19 can be transmitted to the trigger lever 15.

[0056]

[0055] Around the outer toothing 24 or the plug shaft formed therewith, a collar 23 is formed, which can serve, for example, as a spring seat for a spring for the trigger lever. The trigger lever 15 also has a substantially plate-shaped connection part 25. The outer toothing 24 / plug shaft extends on one side of the connection part 25, on the other side of which a mounting point 26 is formed. At this mounting point 26, for example, a bearing pin of the claw can be at least partially received. This also has a positive effect on the compact design. In the inserted state, the collar 23 surrounds the connection geometry of the trigger lever 15 and the actuating lever 19. For example, deflection / tilting of the two levers 15, 19 can be prevented and the penetration of disturbing environmental influences can be made more difficult. The cylindrical collar 23 of the trigger lever therefore particularly surrounds or covers the likewise cylindrical part of the recess 22 of the actuating lever 19. In this way, the toothed connection geometry of the trigger lever and the actuating lever is entirely surrounded / covered and thus provides more stability and protection against external environmental influences.

[0057]

[0056] Figure 3C shows the pawl 13 in detail. It has two pawl arms 13.1, 13.2, the first pawl arm 13.1 having a latch surface 13.3 for engaging the rotary latch 12 and the second pawl arm 13.2 which can be positioned at least partially within the trigger lever 15. The two pawl arms 13.1, 13.2 extend radially in substantially opposite directions from a bearing receptacle 13.4. In addition to the previously mentioned buffer pocket 13.5, the pawl 13 has at least one actuation profile 13.6 for a switch or sensor. The end of the second pawl arm 13.2 is provided with an extension which can be inserted into the pawl holder of the trigger lever.

[0058]

[0057] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle lock 10 according to the invention, with a lock housing 30 with a wet space 32 and a dry space 31, which are arranged substantially at right angles to each other. The dry space 31 encloses most of the actuation mechanism. In practice, the electric drive 16 with the electric motor 17 and the transmission stage 18, consisting of the worm 18.2 and the worm gear 18.1, is accommodated in the dry space 31. Also, the drive lever 19 is arranged in the dry space 31 and has an interface with the wet space 32. A seal 19.5 is arranged on the actuation lever 19 and serves to seal the dry space 31 from the wet space 32 in the area of ​​the passage for the trigger or actuation lever 19. The axis of rotation continues through the passage from the dry space to the wet space 32. The connection geometry according to the invention is preferably also arranged in the area of ​​the passage and is hermetically closed by the seal 19.5.

[0059]

[0058] Thus, essentially, only the locking mechanism 11 and part of the trigger lever are arranged in the wet space 32. The other parts of the actuating mechanism are arranged in the dry space 31 and are thus protected from destructive environmental influences. In any case, the compact design in Fig. 4 is achieved by the connection geometry according to the invention and the correspondingly realized meshing of the actuating lever 19 and the trigger lever 15, which can be clearly seen by the arrangement of the pawl, the trigger lever and the actuating lever on the same axis of rotation R. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10…Car locks, 11...locking mechanism, 12...Rotary latch, 13...Claw part, 13.1...first claw arm, 13.2…Second claw arm, 13.3…Latch surface, 13.4…Receptacles for bearing pins, 13.5…Pocket for buffer, 13.6…Working profile, 14…Block element, 15...Trigger lever, 15.1…Trigger arm, 15.2…Jaw holder, 15.3…Trigger lever spring, 16...Electric drive unit, 17...Electric motor, 18...Transmission stage, 18.1…Gear wheel / worm wheel, 18.2…Warm, 18.3...Outline part, 19...operating lever, 19.1... actuating arm, 19.2...contact surface, 19.3…Recess in the actuating lever; 19.4…Reinforcing ribs in the actuating lever, 19.5…Seal, 20…Connection geometry, 21...Engagement part, 22...recess, 22.1…Poka yoke recess, 23…Color, 24…External meshing portion, 24.1…Poka yoke teeth, 25…Connection part, 26…attachment point, 27...bearing pin, 30…Lock housing, 31…Dry space, 32…Wet space, 40...Lock holder, I…Latch position, II..., open position, R…axis of rotation.

Claims

1. A lock (10), in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, comprising a locking mechanism (11), a rotatable trigger lever (15) and an electric drive unit (16) for actuating said trigger lever (15), The locking mechanism (11) comprises a rotary latch (12) and a claw (13), in particular a single claw, the rotary latch (12) being latchable in at least one latched position (I) by means of the claw (13), the locking mechanism (11) being movable from the at least one latched position (I) to an open position (II) by means of the rotatable trigger lever (15), the electric drive (16) being formed by at least an electric motor (17) and a transmission stage (18), the transmission stage (18) being movable from the at least one latched position (I) to an open position (II) by means of the rotatable trigger lever (15), the electric drive (16) being formed by at least an electric motor (17) and a transmission stage (18), ) has an actuating lever (19), the pawl (13), the trigger lever (15) and the actuating lever (19) are accommodated in the vehicle lock (10) so as to be pivotable about a same rotation axis (R), and at least the actuating lever (19) and the trigger lever (15) engage with each other via a complementary designed connection geometry (20) so that a movement of the actuating lever (19) can be transmitted to the trigger lever (15).

2. 2. The lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection geometry (20) is designed as a meshing part (21), in particular having 1 to 10 teeth, preferably 4 to 8 teeth, particularly preferably 6 teeth, which mesh with a correspondingly and substantially complementarily designed recess (22).

3. 3. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating lever (19) or the trigger lever (15) has a collar (23) extending at least in a part of the area of ​​the rotation axis (R), and the engagement portion (21) is at least partially covered when at least the actuating lever (19) and the trigger lever (15) are engaged.

4. 4. The vehicle lock (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the trigger lever (15) has an external engagement portion (24) extending in a first direction from a first side of a substantially plate-shaped connecting portion (25), on the other side of which a mounting point (26) for a bearing pin (27) of the claw portion (13) is formed, in particular the mounting point (26) being designed as a receptacle for the trigger lever (15).

5. 5. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the trigger lever (15) has a trigger arm (15.1) which engages or is engageable with the pawl (13).

6. 6. The lock (10) for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the single trigger arm (15.1) extends radially from the connecting portion (25).

7. 7. The motor vehicle lock according to claim 6, characterized in that the trigger lever (15) has a pawl holder (15.2) in which the pawl (13) is at least partially arranged, in particular fastened.

8. 8. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the claw (13) is arranged at least partially in a positive and / or non-positive manner in the claw holder (15.2).

9. 9. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the pawl (13) has at least two pawl arms (13.1, 13.2), at least one first pawl arm (13.1) having a latch surface (13.3) for engaging with the rotary latch (12), and a second pawl arm (13.2) is arranged on the trigger lever (15) at least in part, in particular such that the two pawl arms (13.1, 13.2) extend radially in substantially opposite directions from the rotation axis (R).

10. 10. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the pawl holder (15.2) has a clip, latch, crimp or snap connection to the pawl part (13), in particular to the second pawl arm (13.2).

11. The lock (10) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the actuating lever (19), in particular the actuating arm (19.1), at least partially surrounds and / or covers the transmission stage (18), in particular a gear wheel (18.1) of the transmission stage (18).

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