Automobile locks, especially automobile door locks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, particularly a motor vehicle door lock, equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2) essentially consisting of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2). The locking mechanism (1, 2) is provided with an actuating lever chain (4, 5) that is provided with a coupling lever (5). The coupling lever (5) ensures that the actuating lever chain (4, 5) is closed when engaged to actuate the locking mechanism (1, 2), and open when disengaged. To move between these two stable end positions, the coupling lever (5) engages with a slotted link (8) of a positioning lever (9) by means of a pin (7), which guides the pin. According to the present invention, the slotted link (8) is designed as a bidirectional slotted link (8) so that, when the coupling lever (5) is actuated, the pin (7) reaches a first end position along a first path (11), and, after the coupling lever (5) is again actuated, reaches a second end position along a second path (12) distinct from the first path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, having a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, with an operating lever chain acting on the locking mechanism and a connecting lever, the connecting lever closing the operating lever chain so as to act on the locking mechanism in an engaged state and opening it in a disengaged state, the connecting lever engaging a slotted link of a positioning lever by means of a pin, the slotted link guiding the pin for change between these two stable end positions.

[0002]

[0002] As described, 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 include 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 when the actuating lever is actuated, the coupling lever does not engage the release lever. In this case, the coupling lever also has 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 addition 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 giving the electric drive or drive unit in question a dual function.

[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 sometimes 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 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 that their functional reliability is increased and malfunctions are avoided.

[0008]

[0008] In order to solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes that in motor vehicle locks in general, and in motor vehicle door locks in particular, the slotted link realized on or in the positioning lever is designed as a bidirectional slotted link so that when the coupling lever is actuated, the pin reaches its first end position along a first path, and after the coupling lever is actuated again, it reaches its second end position along a second path away from the first path.

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

[0010] This can essentially be attributed to the fact that slotted links or bidirectional slotted links ultimately function and operate according to what is known as the ballpoint pen principle. A single or initial actuation of the coupling lever causes the coupling lever or its pin to assume its first end position along a first path. In the case of a ballpoint pen, this corresponds to pressing the mechanism once and then clicking it into place. According to the present invention, repeated actuation of the coupling lever (advantageously in the same actuation direction) causes the pin of the coupling lever to reach and assume a second end position along a second path extending separately from the first path. In the case of a ballpoint pen, this corresponds to repeatedly pressing and releasing the locking mechanism described above. In this context, what is important according to the present invention is that the first and second paths are spatially and functionally separated from each other, so that both the first and second end positions are safely and stably assumed, and no confusing or unrelated functional states can, in principle, occur, as recognized according to the present invention.

[0011] To achieve and implement this in detail, the design further provides that the bidirectional slotted link has at least one separation stop separating 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, and for the rest, ensures that the first and second end positions are stably assumed without mutual influence. As already explained, for this purpose, advantageously, according to the invention, two separation stops and one avoidance stop are provided inside the slotted link.

[0012]

[0012] The positioning lever supporting the slotted link is equipped with a zero-center spring. In this connection, the zero-center spring ensures that the sliding of the positioning lever, and thus the sliding of the slotted link supported by the positioning, has and assumes a basic position against the spring force, and the zero-center spring ensures a return starting from this basic position. The zero-center spring can advantageously be designed as a leg spring arranged on the bearing pin of the positioning lever and has a wound part and two legs extending from it. In many cases, the wound part surrounds the bearing pin, and the two legs are arranged on or act on the edge of the positioning lever.

[0013] Furthermore, the usual procedure is to assign a return spring to the coupling lever, which ensures that the coupling lever, as well as the slotted link, is pre-suspended or reset in the direction of the base position assumed by the coupling lever and the slotted link. In order to move the coupling lever, the force of the return spring associated with the coupling lever must be overcome.

[0014]

[0014] In detail, the coupling lever is equipped with at least two arms, a pin arm carrying a pin, and a coupling arm. The coupling arm can be used to close the operating lever chain when the coupling lever is in an engaged state and to open the operating lever chain when the coupling lever is in a disengaged state. For this purpose, the coupling lever can be attached to the operating lever, and in the engaged state, when the operating lever is actuated, it can accompany the release lever, which lifts the pawl from locking engagement with the rotary latch. In contrast, the disengaged state of the coupling lever corresponds to the fact that actuating the operating lever with the coupling lever attached has no effect on the release lever, in which case the operating lever chain is mechanically interrupted and the locking mechanism consisting of the closed rotary latch and the pawl cannot be opened.

[0015] The coupling arm, already mentioned above, which in the exemplary embodiment ensures the mechanical connection of the actuating lever to the release lever, and the pin arm carrying the pin of the coupling lever are typically arranged at a distance from each other, in particular at an angular distance from each other. In practice, it has proven effective if the coupling arm and the pin arm are mounted rotatably around a common axis. In most cases, the coupling lever is also equipped with an actuating arm. The actuating arm, the pin arm and the coupling arm have a common axis for the rotation of the coupling lever. The coupling lever can be actuated via the actuating arm. This allows the coupling lever to be guided between two stable end positions, with its pin inside the guide rail, as mentioned above.

[0016]

[0016] The actuation of the coupling lever via the actuation arm can be realized and performed in any way. For example, it is conceivable to actuate the coupling lever manually via the actuation arm. Direct manual actuation has proven advantageous here. It is also conceivable to actuate the actuation arm directly or indirectly, for example via a locking cylinder. However, in general, the coupling lever is actuated via the coupling arm by means of an electric drive. The electric drive can perform multiple functions and can be used not only for engaging and disengaging the coupling lever, but also for electric opening.

[0017]

[0017] Functional positions such as "unlocked" in the engaged state and "locked" in the disengaged state can correspond to the associated safety device. In the unlocked position of the safety device, 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 outer or inner door handle, opens the locking mechanism. In contrast, the locked position of the safety device and the resulting unlocked position of the coupling lever relative to the actuating lever chain belong to a scenario in which manual actuation of the inner or outer door handle has no effect on the locking mechanism.

[0018]

[0018] In addition to this function of the electric drive as a component of the safety device, in the context of the present invention, the realized slotted link control of the coupling lever also allows the electric drive to electrically open the locking mechanism, as is disclosed in detail in the general prior art according to DE 102019 133 654 A1. In any case, the design of the slotted link according to the present invention is a bidirectional slotted link with a first path and a second path separated from the first path, and the two stable end positions achieved thereby simultaneously ensure a particularly functional design that prevents any malfunctions. These are the main advantages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019]

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of drawings which show exemplary embodiments only. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle lock according to the invention with the coupling lever in its basic position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention while the coupling lever moves along a first path from the base position shown in FIG. 1 to the first end position shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention while the coupling lever moves along a first path from the basic position shown in FIG. 1 to the first end position shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention while the coupling lever moves along a first path from the base position shown in FIG. 1 to the first end position shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the motor vehicle lock according to the invention while the coupling lever moves along a first path from the base position shown in FIG. 1 to the first end position shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a motor vehicle lock according to the invention with the coupling lever in an end position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the movement path of the coupling lever from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position, represented in accordance with FIG. 10, which corresponds to the basic position according to FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the path of movement of the coupling lever from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position in a representation according to FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the path of movement of the coupling lever from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position in a representation according to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the path of movement of the coupling lever from the first end position according to FIG. 6 along the second path to the second stable end position.

[0020] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] In the figure, a motor vehicle lock is shown, which is a car door lock. This 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, which is merely shown in FIG. 1 and consists of a rotary latch 1 and a pawl 2. Furthermore, it can be seen that the locking bolt 3 is captured by the rotary latch 1, as well as a release lever 4 and a coupling lever 5.

[0022]

[0021] The release lever 4 and the connecting lever 5 together define an operating lever chain 4, 5 which can be used to open the locking mechanisms 1, 2 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the opening movement of the locking mechanisms 1, 2, shown in the closed state in Figure 1, corresponds to the connecting lever 5 not only being in the engaged state shown in dashed lines in Figure 1, but also making a counterclockwise pivoting movement about the axis 6 shown in Figure 1. For this purpose, the connecting lever 5 can be attached to an operating lever, not shown in detail.

[0023]

[0022] The engaged state of the coupling lever 5, as shown in FIG. 1 by a dashed line, is such that during a pivoting of the actuating lever, and thus of the coupling lever 5, about its axis 6 or about another axis shown in FIG. 1, the coupling lever 5 can be actuated, and by means of its coupling arm 5a, the release lever 4 can be actuated, which in turn actuates the pawl 2. This causes the pawl 2 in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 to pivot counterclockwise about its axis and release the rotary latch 1 which was locked together with the pawl 2 in the closed position of the locking mechanism 1. The rotary latch 1 can then be swung open in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 1, which in turn releases the locking bolt 3 and therefore the associated vehicle door. Of course, this is merely an example and is purely schematic.

[0024] In any case, the overall design is such that the actuating lever chains 4, 5 acting on the locking mechanisms 1, 2 are equipped with the aforementioned connecting lever 5. In the engaged state shown in dashed lines in Figure 1, the connecting lever 5 ensures that the actuating lever chains 4, 5 are closed and act on the locking mechanisms 1, 2. In contrast, the released state of the connecting lever 5 shown in solid lines in Figure 1 and taken in Figure 1 means that the actuating lever chains 4, 5 are open.

[0025]

[0024] To ensure that the coupling lever 5 can be safely moved between the two aforementioned stable end positions, i.e., the disengaged state shown in FIG. 1 or the basic position shown here, and the engaged position of the coupling lever 5 according to the functional position shown in FIG. 6, and that no malfunctions are observed, the coupling lever 5 is engaged by a pin 7 with a slotted link 8 which guides the coupling lever 5. In this case, the slotted link 8 is provided on a positioning lever 9 which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is only shown diagrammatically and is pivotable about an axis 10. The positioning lever 9 may also be an adjusting lever, as is also provided in comparable motor vehicle locks, in particular in the general prior art according to DE 10 2019 133 654 A1.

[0026] The aforementioned slotted link 8 on or in the positioning lever 9 is designed as a bidirectional slotted link 8 in the exemplary embodiment. Indeed, the pin 7 on the coupling lever 5 can traverse the entire first path 11 in the slotted link 8 until the first end position of the pin 7 reaches the functional position according to FIG. 6 . Furthermore, starting from the first end position corresponding to the representation in FIG. 6 , the pin 7 can complete a second path 12 to the second end position, as shown in FIG. 10 , as well as 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 device and thus corresponds to the “disengaged” state of the coupling lever 5. In contrast, the first end position in the functional position according to FIG. 6 represents the “unlocked” state of the safety device and thus represents the “engaged” state of the coupling lever 5. The safety device may be a locking device, a child safety device, an anti-theft device, or a combination thereof.

[0027] It can be seen that the slotted link 8 is not only designed as a bidirectional slotted link 8, but also so designed that, by acting on the connecting 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 connecting lever 5 (in the same actuation direction), moves along a second path 12, different from the first path, to a second end position corresponding to the representation in FIG. 10 or 1. Both paths 11 and 12 are spatially and functionally separated from each other.

[0028] This can be attributed to the fact that the slotted link 8 functions according to the ballpoint pen principle already explained at the beginning. This is because a single initial actuation of the connecting lever 5 from the functional position of FIG. 1 or corresponding to the second end position moves the pin 7 to the first end position according to FIG. 6, where it is locked or held, so to speak. 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 an exemplary embodiment, two separation stops 81, 82 are provided. In addition to the two separation stops 81, 82, an escape stop 83 is also visible.

[0029]

[0028] Here, the two separation stops 81, 82 are placed on either side of an avoidance stop 83 which is provided opposite a recess formed between the two separation stops 81, 82, and the pin 7 dips at the end of the first path 11 and is held in contact with the separation stop 82 at the first end position according to Figure 6.

[0030]

[0029] The positioning lever 9 is equipped with a simply indicated zero-center spring 13, which, according to an exemplary embodiment, can be designed as a leg spring having two legs extending from the winding, which, together with its winding, surrounds the bearing pin that defines the axis 10. The coupling lever 5 is then equipped with a return spring 14 that ensures that the coupling lever 5 is moved into the basic position shown in Figures 1 and 10 or into the second stable end position (the "locked" position of the safety device and the "disengaged" position of the coupling lever 5).

[0031]

[0030] Finally, it can be seen that the connecting lever 5 is equipped with a pin arm 5b supporting a pin 7 in addition to the connecting arm 5a described above. In addition, an actuation arm 5c is usually provided. The three arms 5a, 5b, 5c of the connecting lever 5 are rotatably connected to a common shaft 6. It can also be seen that in this embodiment, the three arms 5a, 5b, 5c each define the connecting lever 5 at an angle spaced apart from one another.

[0032] The operating mode is as follows: Starting from the second ("locked" or "disengaged") end position or base position of the coupling lever 5 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 10, actuation of the coupling lever 5 or its actuating arm in a counterclockwise direction relative to the axis 6 causes the pin 7, starting from the second end position or base position in FIG. 1, to trace 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 coupling lever 5 is actuated and tensioned. At the same time, while the pin 7 moves along the first path 11 in the slotted link 8, it ensures that the positioning lever 9 supporting the slotted link 8 pivots slightly counterclockwise about its axis 10 during the transition from FIG. 1 to FIG. 2. The pin 7 on the pin arm 5b of the coupling lever 5 now moves along the first path 11 until the pin 7 in the slotted link 8 reaches the end position shown in FIG. 3. Here, the coupling lever 5 is maximally deflected about its axis 6 and finally reaches the "engaged" position shown by the dashed-dotted line 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 positioning lever 9 ensures that the positioning lever 9, and therefore the slotted link 8, is also reset. This is because, during the transition from FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 and then to FIG. 3, the positioning lever 9 together with the slotted link 8 is pivoted counterclockwise about the axis 10, deflecting the zero-center spring 13. After reaching the functional position of FIG. 3, the zero-center spring 13 ensures that the positioning lever 9, and with it the slotted link 8, returns counterclockwise, as can be seen from the transition from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4. The pin 7 now abuts against the escape stop 83.

[0033] As a result, during the transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, the return spring 14 acting on the connecting lever 5 is able to return it clockwise enough so that the pin 7 rests in the recess between the two separation stops 81 and 82. This can be seen in FIG. 5. During the further transition from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, the zero-center spring 13 again ensures that the positioning lever 9, and with it the slotted link 8, acts clockwise about the axis 10 in the direction of the basic position of the positioning lever 9 and the slotted link 8, as shown in FIG. 1, so that finally, at the end of the first path 11, the pin 7 reaches the first end position shown in FIG. 6. This end position in FIG. 6 is assumed to be stable, since the positioning lever 9, and with it the slotted link 8, are (slightly) suspended clockwise relative to the axis 10 by the zero-center spring 13.

[0034]

[0033] In order to be able to move again from this stable first end position of the pin 7 in the slotted link 8, and thus into the "engaged" position of the safety device according to FIG. 6 or into the second end position according to FIG. 10 or the functional position according to FIG. 1, it is necessary to actuate the coupling lever 5 again so that the pin 7 can complete the second path 12 separately from the first path 11, until it reaches the second end position in the representation according to FIG. 10. This process can be seen in the transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7. In fact, the actuation of the coupling lever 5 in this case corresponds to it being acted on again in the counterclockwise direction about its axis 6.

[0035] For this purpose, the associated actuating arm 5c may be actuated manually or by an electric drive, as explained at the beginning of the description. This means, in comparison with the ballpoint pen principle described above, that a new actuation of the coupling lever 5 in the same direction ensures and can cancel the previously achieved locking or reaching of the first end position in the representation according to FIG. 6 after the pin 7 has completed its first path 11. During the transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7, actuating the coupling lever 5 on its actuating arm 5c counterclockwise about its axis 6 allows the pin 7 to move away from the lower separation stop 82. Consequently, the zero-center spring 13 can act on the positioning lever 9 counterclockwise 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.

[0036] Starting from the functional position of the pin 7 portion shown in FIG. 8, the return spring 14 acting on the coupling lever 5 ensures that the coupling 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 in 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 coupling lever 5 not only ensures that the coupling lever 5 pivots clockwise about its axis 6, but also causes the pin 7, moved along the second path 12 at the end of the pin arm 5b of the coupling lever 5, to pivot the positioning lever 9 and, with it, the slotted link 8 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.

[0037] As soon as the pin 7 reaches the free area at the end of the second path 12, the positioning lever 9 can be reset again by the center-zero spring 13, and with it the slotted link 8, associated with the positioning lever 9, which slides counterclockwise about the associated axis 10, as is clear in the transition from Figure 9 to Figure 10. The connecting lever 5 or connecting arm 5a has now reached its second end position, which corresponds to the basic position of Figure 1, as is also shown at the end of the second path 12 in Figure 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] Rotating latch 1, Claw part 1, Locking mechanism 1, 2, Locking bolt 3, Release lever 4, Coupling lever 5, Operating lever chain 4,5, binding arm 5a, Pin arm 5b, Arms 5a, 5b, 5c, Axis 6, Pin 7, slotted link 8, Separation stop part 81,82, Avoidance stop part 83, Positioning lever 9, Axis 10, Route 11, Route 12, Center zero spring 13, Return spring 14.

Claims

1. In automobile locks, especially automobile door locks, A motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism essentially consisting of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), an actuating lever chain (4, 5) acting on said locking mechanism (1, 2) and a connecting lever (5), said connecting lever (5) in an engaged state closing said actuating lever chain (4, 5) and acting on said locking mechanism (1, 2), and in a disengaged state opening said actuating lever chain (4, 5), said connecting lever (5) engaging by means of a pin (7) with a slotted link (8) of a positioning lever (9) guiding said pin, and changing between these two stable end positions, 1. A lock for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the slotted link (8) is designed as a bidirectional slotted link (8) so that, when the coupling lever (5) is actuated, the pin (7) reaches a first end position along a first path (11) and, after the coupling lever (5) is actuated again, reaches a second end position along a second path (12) different from the first path.

2. The bidirectional slotted link (8) has at least one separation stop (8) that separates the two paths (11, 12) from each other. １ , 8 ２ 2. The vehicle lock according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The separation stopper (8 １ , 8 ２ ) plus the avoidance stop (8 ３ 3. The lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. Inside the slotted link (8) there are two separation stops (8 １ , 8 ２ ) and one avoidance stop (8 ３ 4. The lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising:

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

6. 6. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the zero-center spring (13) is mounted on a bearing pin of the positioning lever (9) and is designed as a leg spring having 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 coupling lever (5) comprises a return spring (14).

8. 8. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the coupling lever (5) is designed with at least two arms: a pin arm (5b) carrying the pin (7) and a coupling arm (5a).

9. 9. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the coupling arm (5a) and the pin arm (5b) are mounted rotatably about a common axis (6).

10. 10. A lock for a motor vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the coupling lever (5) further comprises an actuating arm (5c).

Images