Car Locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle lock, particularly a vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism substantially including a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2). The locking mechanism (1, 2) is connected to an actuating lever chain (4, 5, 9) that, when engaged, closes the actuating lever chain (4, 5, 9) to actuate the lock (1, 2), and when disengaged, opens the actuating lever chain (4, 5, 9). The actuating lever (9) interacts with a positioning lever (5) that controls the actuating lever, thereby varying between at least two stable end positions, "engaged" and "disengaged." According to the present invention, the positioning lever (5) engages a bidirectional slotted link (8) of the actuating lever (9) by a pin (7). The bidirectional slotted link (8) is configured so that, when the positioning lever (5) is actuated, the pin (7) travels along a first path (11) to a first end position and along a second path (12) to a second end position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, and an actuating lever chain acting on the locking mechanism and having a coupling lever which, in an engaged state, closes the actuating lever chain to act on the locking mechanism and, in a disengaged state, opens it, the coupling lever interacting with a positioning lever which controls the coupling lever to vary between at least two stable end positions in an "engaged" and "disengaged" orientation.

[0002]

[0002] As disclosed, for example, in the applicant's DE 10,2019 133,654 A1, conventional designs of motor vehicle locks, particularly motor vehicle door locks, of the above-mentioned type have a coupling lever that is received within or on an actuating lever so as to be pivotable about an axis. For this purpose, the coupling lever has a control cam or a slotted link with which the coupling lever can engage by a pin. Depending on the position of the coupling lever or its pin within the slotted link, the actuating lever supporting the coupling lever acts on a release lever, and the thus closed actuating lever chain can lift the pawl from engagement with the rotary latch in the locked position of the locking mechanism. In this way, the associated motor vehicle lock or its locking mechanism is opened.

[0003]

[0003] However, in addition to this engaged state of the coupling lever and its associated one stable end position, it is also possible to pivot the coupling lever relative to the actuating lever so that it does not engage the release lever when the actuating lever is actuated. In this case, the coupling lever also assumes a disengaged state as a second stable end position. The above-mentioned control cam or slotted link is provided on the control lever in the prior art.

[0004]

[0004] Thus, according to the invention, the additional provision of an electric drive unit allows the actuation lever to be locked and the locking mechanism to be unlocked simultaneously, which has proven essentially successful, thereby providing a dual function to the electric drive or drive unit in question.

[0005] A comparable prior art disclosure of a similarly general automobile lock is the subject of DE 10 2019 127 109 A1. In this case, a coupling lever guided by a slotted link is again realized. For this purpose, the coupling lever has a pin that engages in the slotted link. The slotted link is provided in or on the adjusting lever. This means that with the help of a separate electric drive, the emergency operating lever can be used to move the lever chain into the closed operating position.

[0006] The current state of the art is proven in principle. However, due to the complex movement of the coupling lever with the pin in the slotted link, confusion or even malfunction can occur. The present invention as a whole seeks to improve this. Summary of the Invention

[0007]

[0007] The present invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such locks for motor vehicles, in particular locks for motor vehicle doors, in such a way as to increase their functional reliability and to avoid malfunctions.

[0008]

[0008] To solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes that in a general automobile lock, particularly an automobile door lock, the positioning lever engages with a pin and engages with a two-way slotted link of a connecting lever, and the two-way slotted link is designed so that when the positioning lever is actuated, the pin reaches its first end position along a first path and its second end position is separate from it along a second path.

[0009] The two end positions, the first end position and the second end position, correspond to an engaged or disengaged state of the coupling lever. Both end positions are stably maintained. Due to the different ways in which each end position is assumed, possible malfunctions are fundamentally avoided, in contrast to the prior art.

[0010] Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first end position may correspond to the "engaged" position of the coupling lever. In contrast, the second end position belongs to its "disengaged" functional position. Of course, this can also be reversed.

[0011] The slotted link guidance within the slotted link of the connecting lever already prevents any malfunctions or disruptions from the very beginning. This can essentially be attributed to the fact that the slotted link as a component of the connecting lever and the bidirectional structure of the bidirectional slotted link realized here and according to the invention ultimately function and operate according to the so-called ballpoint pen principle. The first or initial use of the positioning lever actually results in the positioning lever or its pin taking up a first end position along a first path. The same applies to a connecting lever with a bidirectional slotted link that is thereby moved to its first end position. In the case of a ballpoint pen, this corresponds to pressing the mechanism once and then clicking it into place.

[0012]

[0012] According to the invention, by repeatedly operating the positioning lever (advantageously in the same operating direction), the pin of the positioning lever will reach and assume a second end position along a second path extending separately from the first path, and similarly for the coupling lever. In the case of a ballpoint pen, this corresponds to repeatedly pressing and releasing the locking mechanism described above.

[0013]

[0013] It is important to note that, according to the present invention, the first and second paths are spatially and functionally separated from one another, so that both the first and second end positions of the pin of the positioning lever inside the two-way slotted link of the connecting lever, and therefore both the first and second end positions of the entire connecting lever, are safely and stably assumed. In this way, any confusion or indifferent functional state cannot occur in principle and is not permitted according to the present invention.

[0014] To achieve and implement this in detail, the design is further such that the two-way slotted link, as a component of the connecting lever, has at least one separation stop that separates the two paths from each other. Typically, two separation stops are implemented. In addition to the separation stop, an avoidance stop is also provided. Here, the interaction between the avoidance stop and the separation stop ensures that the first path and the second path are spatially and functionally separated from each other, while for the rest, the first and second end positions are stably assumed without mutual influence. As already explained, for this purpose, according to the invention, two separation stops and one avoidance stop are provided inside the slotted link of the connecting lever.

[0015] The connecting lever supporting the slotted link is advantageously equipped with a zero-center spring. In this connection, the zero-center spring ensures that the slotted link or connecting lever has and assumes a base position in which the pivoting movement of the connecting lever, and thus of the slotted link supported by the connecting lever, is performed against the spring force, while the zero-center spring ensures return from this base position. The zero-center spring can advantageously be designed as a leg spring arranged on the bearing pin of the connecting lever, which defines the axis of rotation, and has a wound portion and two legs extending therefrom. In most cases, the procedure is that the wound portion surrounds the bearing pin, which defines the axis of rotation of the connecting lever, which can be pivoted relative to the axis of rotation. In contrast, the two legs of the zero-center spring are arranged on the edges of the connecting lever and act accordingly.

[0016]

[0016] Furthermore, the normal procedure involves assigning a return spring to the positioning lever. The return spring ensures that the positioning lever is pre-suspended or returned to its home position. The positioning lever controls the coupling lever via a pin connected to the coupling lever, so that the coupling lever also moves to the corresponding home position. Therefore, in order to move the coupling lever over the positioning lever, it is necessary to overcome the force of the return spring associated with the positioning lever.

[0017]

[0017] Furthermore, the design is advantageously such that the positioning lever is equipped with a drive, for example an electric drive. Of course, manual adjustment of the positioning lever is also possible. By using the drive in question, the positioning lever is controlled so that a pin carried by the positioning lever moves in a bidirectional slotted link as part of the connecting lever and assumes at least a first end position and a second end position. In this way, the position of the connecting lever is controlled and determined via the positioning lever.

[0018]

[0018] Furthermore, the positioning lever advantageously comprises at least two arms, a pin arm carrying a pin, and an actuating arm. An electric drive can act on the actuating arm, thus ensuring a corresponding adjustment movement of the positioning lever and thus of the connecting lever. In most cases, an additional third arm is also provided, but this is also unnecessary in principle. This can be done in such a way that the arms of the positioning lever, and therefore the entire positioning lever, are mounted so as to be rotatable about a common axis.

[0019]

[0019] The actuation of the actuating arm of the positioning lever by the electric drive can be realized and implemented in any conceivable way. In addition to the already mentioned manual actuation, it is also conceivable that the actuating arm can be acted on directly or indirectly, for example via a lock cylinder. The actuating arm can also be acted on directly or indirectly via an electric drive. If the actuating arm of the positioning lever is actuated indirectly by the electric drive, an actuator is usually provided between the electric motor and the actuating arm. The actuator can be, for example, a drive wheel on the output side of the electric drive, which is rotated by the electric motor. The rotation of the drive wheel is then transmitted to the actuating arm and thus to the positioning lever, which then rotates about its axis and, by means of the pin it carries, controls the connecting lever in the corresponding direction.

[0020] In this way, the overall functional position of the safety unit can be realized as appropriate, such as "unlocked" in the engaged state of the coupling lever and "locked" in the disengaged state. In the unlocked position of the safety unit, the engaged coupling lever ensures that the actuating lever mechanism is mechanically closed, so that manual actuation of the actuating lever mechanism, for example via the exterior or interior door handle, opens the locking mechanism.

[0021]

[0021] In contrast, the fixed position of the safety unit and the associated disengagement position of the coupling lever relative to the actuating lever chain or actuating lever mechanism belong to a scenario in which manual actuation of the aforementioned inner or outer door handle on the locking mechanism has no effect. In addition to this function of the electric drive as a component of the safety unit, within the scope of the present invention, the realized slotted link control of the coupling lever allows the electric drive of the positioning lever, as detailed in the general prior art, to open the locking mechanism in question, in principle, by means of an electric motor. In any case, the design of the slotted link according to the present invention ensures a particularly functional structure as a bidirectional slotted link on the inner side of the coupling lever, with two stable end positions achieved by separating the first and second paths. This prevents malfunctions. These are the main advantages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022]

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of drawings which show exemplary embodiments only. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows in solid lines a motor vehicle lock according to the invention in the basic or "disengaged" state of the safety unit, which corresponds to the second end position according to FIG. 10, and in dashed and dotted lines the position of the coupling lever in the first end position. [Figure 2] 2 to 6 show the transition of the car lock according to the invention along a first path from the base position or second end position according to FIG. 1 to the first end position in the representation according to FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the transition of the car lock according to the invention along a first path from the base position or second end position according to FIG. 1 to the first end position in the representation according to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the transition of the car lock according to the invention along a first path from the base position or second end position according to FIG. 1 to the first end position in the representation according to FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 shows the transition of the car lock according to the invention along a first path from the base position or second end position according to FIG. 1 to the first end position in the representation according to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the transition of the car lock according to the invention to a first end position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the path of travel of the positioning lever, and therefore of the coupling lever, from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position represented according to FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the path of travel of the positioning lever, and therefore of the coupling lever, from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position represented according to FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the path of travel of the positioning lever, and therefore of the coupling lever, from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position represented according to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the path of travel of the positioning lever, and therefore of the coupling lever, from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position represented according to FIG. 10, which coincides with the aforementioned basic position according to FIG. 1.

[0023] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024]

[0023] In the drawings, a motor vehicle lock is shown, which is a car door lock, which has been reduced to the essential elements of the invention. The motor vehicle lock or car door lock in fact has a locking mechanism 1, 2 consisting of a rotary latch 1 and a pawl 2, which is merely shown in Figure 1. In addition, it can be seen that the locking bolt 3 is captured by the rotary latch 1, as well as the release lever 4 and the coupling lever 9.

[0025]

[0024] The release lever 4 and the coupling lever 9 together define an actuating lever chain 4, 5, 9 which also includes the positioning lever 5 in addition to the release lever 4 and the coupling lever 9. With the help of the actuating lever chain 4, 5, 9, the locking mechanisms 1, 2 shown in Figure 1 can be opened. In this embodiment, the opening movement of the locking mechanisms 1, 2, shown in the closed state in Figure 1, corresponds to the engaged state of the coupling lever 9, shown in dashed and dotted lines. In contrast, the solid line state of the coupling lever 9 corresponds to its disengaged position. Thus, the associated safety unit, including the coupling lever 9, is in an "unlocked" position in the engaged state and in a "locked" position when the coupling lever 9 is in the disengaged state.

[0026]

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the change of the connecting lever 9 from the "disengaged" position shown by the solid line to the "engaged" position corresponds to the connecting lever 9 pivoting in a counterclockwise direction about its axis 10.

[0027]

[0026] The engaged state of the coupling lever 9 shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 is such that the coupling lever 9 operates on the release lever 4, causing the release lever 4 to pivot clockwise about its axis, thereby causing the coupling lever 9 to pivot counterclockwise about its axis 10 as shown in Figure 1, and therefore also causing the operating lever mechanism, i.e., the operating lever chains 4, 5, and 9, to pivot. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, the clockwise pivoted release lever 4 can pivot the pawl 2 counterclockwise. This releases the latch engagement of the pawl 2 with the rotary latch 1 when the locking mechanisms 1 and 2 are in the closed state as shown in the figure. The locking mechanisms 1 and 2 or the rotary latch 1 are opened, and the rotary latch 1 swings clockwise as shown in Figure 1 to open, releasing the lock bolt 3. The same applies to a related automobile door, not explicitly shown.

[0028] In any case, the overall design is such that the actuating lever chains 4, 5, 9 acting on the locking mechanisms 1, 2 are equipped with the aforementioned connecting lever 9. In the engaged state shown by dashed lines in Figure 1, the connecting lever 9 ensures that the actuating lever chains 4, 5, 9 are closed and act on the locking mechanisms 1, 2. In contrast, the assumed released state of the connecting lever 9 shown by solid lines in Figure 1 means that the actuating lever chains 4, 5, 9 are open. The actuating lever, and therefore the corresponding action on the connecting lever 9, consequently has no effect on the locking mechanisms 1, 2; in that case, it is not open.

[0029] In order to ensure safe and secure reciprocating movement of the coupling lever 9 between the two stable end positions, i.e., the disengaged state or base position shown in FIG. 1 with solid lines and the engaged position of the coupling lever 9 with dashed lines or functional position shown in FIG. 6, the aforementioned positioning lever 5 is provided and is rotatably mounted about a corresponding axis 6. The positioning lever 5 has a pin 7 which engages with a two-way slotted link 8 of the coupling lever 9. For this purpose, the two-way slotted link 8 is designed so that, by acting on the positioning lever 5, the pin 7 reaches its first end position along a first path 11, as shown in FIG. 6, and reaches its second end position along a second path 12, remote therefrom, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 1. In fact, the second end position corresponds to the solid line position of the coupling lever 9 in FIG. 1, while the dashed line position of the coupling lever 9 represents the first end position corresponding to FIG. 6.

[0030] For this purpose, the positioning lever 5 is designed as an adjusting lever, as is also provided in comparable car locks, in particular in the general prior art according to DE 10 2019 133 654 A1. As already explained, the pin 7 on the positioning lever 5 can cover the entire first path 11 in the slotted link 8 of the coupling lever 9 until it reaches a first end position of the pin 7 in the functional position according to FIG. 6. In addition, starting from the first end position corresponding to the representation in FIG. 6, the pin 7 can complete a second path 12 as shown in FIG. 10 to a second end position, which is also shown in solid lines in the basic position according to FIG. 1. In the context of the exemplary embodiment, the second end position according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 10 can belong to the "locked" position of the safety unit and thus corresponds to the "disengaged" state of the coupling lever 9.

[0031] In contrast, the first end position in the functional position according to FIG. 6 represents the “unlocked” state of the safety unit and therefore the “engaged” functional position of the coupling lever 9.

[0032]

[0031] The safety unit may essentially be a locking unit, a child safety unit, an anti-theft unit or a combination thereof.

[0033] It can be seen that the slotted link 8 is not only designed as a bidirectional slotted link 8, but also designed so that, by acting on the positioning lever 5, the pin 7 reaches a first end position according to FIG. 6 along its first path 11 and, after acting again on the positioning lever 5 (in the same direction of actuation), moves away from it along a second path 12 to a second end position corresponding to the representation in FIG. 10 or the second end position corresponding to the solid line in FIG. 1. Both paths 11, 12 are spatially and functionally separated from each other. The positioning lever 5 is actuated by a drive device, which in the exemplary embodiment here is designed as an electric drive 15 and is shown only in its basic form in FIG. 1. In fact, the electric drive 15 has an electric motor operating on an output driven pulley acting on the actuating arm 5a of the positioning lever 5. In addition to the actuating arm 5a, the positioning lever 5 has a pin arm 5b carrying the pin 7, which passes through the bidirectional slotted link 8. In connection with the exemplary embodiment, a further third arm 5c is also realized, but this is also unnecessary in principle. Both arms 5a, 5b or all three arms 5a, 5b, 5c of the positioning lever 5 are mounted rotatably about a common axis 6.

[0034] The spatial and functional separation of the two paths 11, 12 from one another, as described above, results in the slotted link 8 functioning according to the ballpoint pen principle already explained in the introduction, according to the exemplary embodiment. This is because, upon a single initial actuation of the positioning lever 5 from the functional position of FIG. 1 or corresponding to the second end position of FIG. 10, the pin 7 provided on the pin arm 5b of the positioning lever 5 moves to the first end position of FIG. 6, where it is, as it were, locked or held. For this purpose, the two-way slotted link 8 is equipped with a separation stop 81, which separates the two paths 11, 12 from one another. According to the exemplary embodiment, two separation stops 81, 82 are provided. In addition to the two separation stops 81, 82, an avoidance stop 83 is also visible.

[0035]

[0034] Here, the two separation stops 81, 82 are located on either side of an avoidance stop 83 which is provided opposite a recess formed between the two separation stops 81, 82, into which the pin 7 sinks at the end of the first path 11 and is held in contact with the separation stop 82 in the first end position according to Figure 6.

[0036]

[0035] The connecting lever 9 is provided with a zero-center spring 13, not shown. According to an exemplary embodiment, the zero-center spring 13 is designed as a leg spring and, together with its winding, surrounds a bearing pin which defines the axis 10 of the connecting lever 9. In addition, two legs are provided which extend from the winding. The positioning lever 5 is provided with a return spring 14 which ensures that the positioning lever 5 is moved into the basic position shown in Figures 1 and 10 or into a second stable end position (the "locked" position of the safety unit or the "disengaged" position of the connecting lever 9).

[0037]

[0036] The operating mode is as follows: Starting from the second end position or base ("locked" or "disengaged") position of the connecting lever 9 shown with solid lines in Fig. 1 or in Fig. 10, the positioning lever 5 or its actuating arm 5a is actuated by the electric drive 15 about its axis 6 in the counterclockwise direction shown in Fig. 1, so that the pin 7, starting from the second end position or base position of Fig. 1, describes a first path 11 in the slotted link 8. This can be seen in the transition from Fig. 1 to Fig. 2. The return spring 14 acting on the positioning lever 5 is under tension. At the same time, the pin 7, while moving along the first path 11 in the slotted link 8, ensures that the connecting lever 9 carrying the slotted link 8 pivots slightly counterclockwise about its axis 10 during the transition from Fig. 1 to Fig. 2.

[0038] The pin 7 on the pin arm 5b of the positioning lever 5 now moves along a first path 11 until it reaches the end position shown in FIG. 3 within the slotted link 8. Here, the positioning lever 5 is maximally deflected about its axis 6 and finally reaches the "engaged" position of the connecting lever 9, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1. During the further movement of the pin 7 within the slotted link 8 during the transition from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4, the zero-center spring 13 acting on the connecting lever 9 ensures that the connecting lever 9, and therefore also the slotted link 8, is reset. This is because during the transition from FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 and then to FIG. 3, the connecting lever 9, together with the slotted link 8, is pivoted counterclockwise about its axis 10, resulting in the deflection of the zero-center spring 13. After reaching the functional position shown in FIG. 3, the zero-center spring 13 ensures that the connecting lever 9, and with it the slotted link 8, return counterclockwise, as can be seen from the transition from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4. Here, the pin 7 abuts against the avoidance stop 83.

[0039] As a result, during the transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, the return spring 14 acting on the positioning lever 5 is able to return it clockwise sufficiently until the pin 7 rests in the recess between the two separation stops 81 and 82. This is shown in FIG. 5. During the further transition from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, the zero-center spring 13 again ensures that the connecting lever 9, and with it the slotted link 8, is acted on clockwise about the axis 10 in the direction of the basic position of the connecting lever 9 and the slotted link 8, corresponding to the representation in FIG. 1. As a result, at the end of the first path 11, the pin 7 is moved to reach a first end position, as shown in FIG. 6. This end position in FIG. 6 is assumed to be a stable state, since the connecting lever 9, and with it the slotted link 8, are (slightly) pre-suspended clockwise about the axis 10 by the zero-center spring 13.

[0040]

[0039] In order to be able to move again from this stable first end position of the pin 7 in the slotted link 8 in the "engaged" position according to Fig. 6, and from this stable first end position of the coupling lever 9 in the "unlocked" position of the safety unit, to the second end position according to Fig. 10 or the functional position according to Fig. 1, it is necessary to actuate the positioning lever 5 again so that the pin 7 completes the second path 12 separately from the first path 11 until it reaches the second end position according to Fig. 10. This process can be seen in the transition from Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. In fact, actuation of the positioning lever 5 by the electric drive 15 in this case corresponds to the positioning lever 5 being actuated again in the counterclockwise direction about its axis 6.

[0041] For this purpose, the associated actuating arm 5a of the positioning lever 5 can be actuated manually or, according to an exemplary embodiment, by an electric drive 15, as explained at the beginning of the description. This means that, in comparison with the ballpoint principle already explained above, a new actuation of the positioning lever 5 ensures that, after the pin 7 has completed its first path 11, the previously achieved locking or reaching of the first end position in the representation according to FIG. 6 is canceled and can be canceled. During the transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7, actuation of the positioning lever 5 on its actuating arm 5a in a counterclockwise direction about its axis 6 allows the pin 7 to move away from the lower separation stop 82. As a result, the zero-center spring 13 can act on the coupling lever 9 in a counterclockwise direction about its axis 10, so that the pin 7 changes from the functional position according to FIG. 7 to the position according to FIG. 8.

[0042] Starting from the functional position of the pin 7 portion of FIG. 8, the return spring 14 acting on the positioning lever 5 ensures that the positioning lever 5 is pivoted clockwise about its axis 6 and thereby moved along a second path 12 in the direction of the second end position corresponding to the representations of FIGS. 10 and 1. This can be seen in the transition from FIG. 8 to FIG. 9. During this process, the return spring 14 acting on the positioning lever 5 ensures that the positioning lever 5 rotates clockwise about its axis 6. In addition, the pin 7, which has been moved along the second path 12 at the end of the pin arm 5b of the positioning lever 5, causes the coupling lever 9 and therewith the slotted link 8 to be pivoted clockwise about the axis 10 beyond the basic position shown in FIG. 1, as can be seen in the transition from FIG. 8 to FIG. 9.

[0043] As soon as the pin 7 reaches the free area at the end of the second path 12, as is clear in the transition from Figure 9 to Figure 10, the connecting lever 9 can be reset again by means of the center-zero spring 13 associated with the connecting lever 9 and the slotted link 8 which pivots therewith counterclockwise about the associated axis 10. The positioning lever 5 or connecting lever 9 has now reached its second end position, which corresponds to the basic position in Figure 1 and is also shown at the end of the second path 12 in Figure 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1...Rotary latch, 2...claw part, 3...Locking bolt, 4...Release lever, 5...positioning lever, 5a...operating arm, 5b...Pin arm, 5c...any third arm, 6...Common axis, 7...pin, 8... Two-way slotted link, 81...Separation stop part 1, 82...Separation stop part 2, 83...Escape stop part, 9...connecting lever, 10...rotation axis, 11...first route, 12...second pathway, 13...Center zero spring, 14...return spring, 15...Electric drive unit.

Claims

1. A lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2) essentially comprising a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), an operating lever chain (4, 5, 9) acting on the locking mechanism (1, 2), and a coupling lever (9), A lock for a motor vehicle, in particular a lock for a motor vehicle door, in which the coupling lever (9) closes an operating lever chain (4, 5, 9) when engaged and opens it when disengaged in order to operate the lock (1, 2), the coupling lever (9) interacting with a positioning lever (5) which controls the coupling lever (9) and varying between at least two stable end positions of "engaged" and "disengaged", 1. A lock for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the positioning lever (5) engages with a pin (7) in a two-way slotted link (8) of the connecting lever (9), the two-way slotted link (8) being designed in such a way that, when the positioning lever (5) is acted on, the pin (7) reaches a first end position along a first path (11) and a second end position along a second path (12).

2. 2. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the two-way slotted link (8) has at least one separating stop (81, 82) separating the two paths (11, 12) from each other.

3. 3. A vehicle lock according to claim 2, characterized in that in addition to the separation stops (81, 82) an avoidance stop (83) is provided.

4. 4. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the slotted link (8) is provided on the inside with two separation stops (81, 82) and one avoidance stop (83).

5. A lock for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling lever (9) is provided with a zero-center spring (13).

6. 6. The car lock according to claim 5, wherein the center zero spring (13) is designed as a leg spring, which is arranged on a bearing pin of the connecting lever (9) that defines the axis of rotation (10), and which has a helical part and two legs extending from the helical part.

7. A lock for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the positioning lever (5) comprises a return spring (14).

8. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the positioning lever (5) is equipped with a drive, for example an electric drive (15).

9. 9. A motor vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the positioning lever (5) is equipped with at least two arms, a pin arm (5b) carrying the pin (7) and an actuating arm (5a), and an optional third arm (5c).

10. 10. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuating arm (5a) and the pin arm (5b) are mounted rotatably about a common axis (6).

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