Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2) substantially comprising a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2). Additionally, a mechanical actuation element (9, 10), in particular an emergency actuation element (9, 10), is provided for a manual (emergency) opening process of the locking mechanism (1, 2). The actuation element (9, 10) is arranged at least partly outside of the lock housing (4). Furthermore, the actuation element (9, 10) acts on the locking mechanism (1, 2) by means of a transmission element (12, 13) for the purpose of the (emergency) opening process and is supplied with pressure by means of a user. According to the invention, the transmission element (12, 13) is designed to transfer the pressure forces from the actuation element (9, 10) to the locking mechanism (1, 2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Motor vehicle lock

[0003] The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a pawl, and with a mechanical actuating element, in particular an emergency actuating element, for the manual (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism, wherein the actuating element is arranged at least partially outside a lock housing and works by means of a transmission element on the locking mechanism for the (emergency) opening and is subjected to pressure by an operator for this purpose.

[0004] Motor vehicle locks, and especially motor vehicle door locks, are increasingly being opened by electric motors these days. For this purpose, an electric opening drive is implemented for the locking mechanism. This allows the associated motor vehicle lock, and in particular the motor vehicle door lock, to be opened remotely following a pre-configured question / answer dialog. Opening is also possible, for example, by pressing a button. This increases the convenience of opening a motor vehicle door and, moreover, requires little or no operating force. For this reason, such electric locks are enjoying increasing popularity.

[0005] One problem with such vehicle locks, however, is that the proper functioning of the electric opening drive for the locking mechanism requires a functioning vehicle battery with sufficient power. This requirement cannot always be met, for example, if the vehicle needs to be opened after a long period of inactivity. Problems also arise if a door needs to be opened following a crash or other accident.

[0006] Such a mechanical door opening following an accident is generally required to free the vehicle occupants from the vehicle involved in the accident. For this reason, there are already numerous approaches in the state of the art to implement emergency operation using an emergency operating element.

[0007] For example, EP 3 995 655 A1 describes an actuating device for emergency opening of a vehicle's locking part. This device comprises an emergency actuating element and a connecting unit. The connecting unit transmits a tensile force from the emergency actuating element to an opening mechanism or the locking mechanism.

[0008] DE 10 2021 129 562 A1, which originates from the applicant, takes a comparable approach. In this case, too, a pulling action is exerted on an operating lever mounted on the lock housing in order to ultimately open the locking mechanism. This pulling action is realized and implemented by using a cover cap that can be moved relative to a housing as an emergency actuation element. Pivoting movements of the cover cap are transmitted to the operating lever via the transmission element.

[0009] An emergency locking device according to DE 10 2019 104 656 A1 involves an actuating element connected to a door lock via a traction mechanism for unlocking. The actuating element can assume a rest position and an actuated position. In the rest position, the actuating element is flush-mounted into an interior door panel. The actuating element can be moved from its rest position to its actuated position using a release mechanism. The transmission element used is again a traction mechanism.

[0010] The same applies to the teaching of DE 10 2018 108 999 A1, which is to be considered finally and forms the generic and closest to the invention. This actually concerns an actuating unit for opening a lock latch of a motor vehicle door. For this purpose, an actuating element can be moved into an open position. In this open position, the actuating element, with the interposition of a movable mechanism, ensures that the lock latch opens. The movable mechanism is a Bowden cable, with one end of the Bowden cable being at least indirectly coupled to the actuating element.

[0011] This means that the pressure applied to the actuating element at this point in the form of a pressed button is again transferred to the Bowden cable in such a way that it can apply a tensile force to the locking mechanism.

[0012] The state of the art has generally proven itself with regard to the mechanical loading of the locking mechanism using the actuating element and the intermediate transmission element, for example, a Bowden cable. The closest teaching according to DE 10 2018 108 999 A1 also mentions the application of pressure to the actuating element, which can generally be implemented relatively easily by an operator. However, in this case too—as in all previous publications—the procedure is such that the transmission element ultimately exerts a tensile force on the locking mechanism in order to enable its mechanical (emergency) opening.

[0013] Applying a tensile force using the transmission element is problematic with regard to optimal theft protection. For example, if the window of a vehicle door is smashed, an unauthorized person can easily exert tensile forces via the actuating element and the connected Bowden cable, thereby causing the lock to be opened without authorization and thus unlocking the vehicle without authorization. This is also possible with the closest prior art according to DE 10 2018 108 999 A1 in the event that a panel housing the actuating element or button at this point is detached from an interior panel. This makes the Bowden cable accessible and can therefore be subjected to unauthorized pulling. The invention aims to remedy this situation.

[0014] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle lock and in particular a motor vehicle door lock in such a way that the security and in particular the theft protection are significantly improved compared to the prior art.

[0015] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from a generic motor vehicle lock and in particular a motor vehicle door lock, that the transmission element is designed to transmit the pressure forces from the actuating element to the locking mechanism.

[0016] In most cases, the design also includes the transmission element being configured exclusively to transmit the compressive forces from the actuating element to the locking mechanism. Furthermore, it has proven particularly advantageous if the actuating element can also be subjected exclusively to pressure. This means that neither tensile forces can be exerted on the transmission element via the actuating element, nor is the transmission element capable of transmitting such tensile forces. In a particularly preferred variant, the actuating element can be subjected exclusively to pressure, and the transmission element is also configured exclusively to transmit the compressive forces from the actuating element to the locking mechanism.

[0017] This approach can significantly increase security and theft protection. This is achieved even without the need for an additional locking mechanism for the mechanical operating lever chain, i.e., the mechanical actuating element and / or the transmission element. This reduces the effort and provides a particularly cost-effective yet functionally reliable solution.

[0018] The invention is based on the finding that the exclusive application of pressure to the actuating element as well as the transmission element for manual (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism ensures that even if the actuating element or the transmission element is tampered with, an unintentional opening of the locking mechanism cannot be caused, even if, for example, the window of the associated motor vehicle door has been broken. This is because any manipulation leads to the fact that pressure application can no longer be realized and implemented, because the transmission element, which is typically designed flexibly as, for example, a pressure-transmitting Bowden cable, is only capable of pressure application in a damage-free state.

[0019] Typically, such a Bowden cable has a housing that acts as a counterbearing, and a movable core within the housing. Only the damage-free interaction of the housing and core ensures that the required pressure to open the locking mechanism can actually be exerted via the core, while the housing simultaneously functions as a counterbearing. The actuating element, which is typically designed as a push button, is constructed in a similar way. This push button can only transmit the pressure forces generated to act on the transmission element and build them up to the required magnitude if a push button element is resiliently supported against a receptacle surrounding the push button element.

[0020] The housing of the Bowden cable is connected to the housing, so any damage to the housing and / or the housing and / or a disruption of the mechanical connection between the housing and the housing will destroy the functioning pressure application. This is inevitably the case in the event of unauthorized access, so an additional locking mechanism as an anti-theft device is expressly dispensed with. Furthermore, security has been significantly increased compared to the state of the art, because previously, the destruction or accessibility of the actuating element would have made it possible to open the locking mechanism without authorization via a built-in cable application.Nevertheless, according to the invention, the locking mechanism can be actuated intuitively and with minimal force, particularly from the interior of a motor vehicle, so that even in the event of a failure of the electrical power supply for an additional electric opening drive provided inside the vehicle, vehicle occupants can still open the vehicle door. This represents the key advantages.

[0021] The transmission element, or the Bowden cable typically provided at this point that transmits pressure, is generally routed into a dry compartment and / or the interior of a motor vehicle. The transmission element usually ends in the interior of the vehicle, allowing manual actuation of the locking mechanism. In this context, it is also provided that the transmission element extends through a seal in, for example, an inner door panel. This seal ensures that the transmission element maintains and does not disrupt the separation between the wet and dry compartments inside a motor vehicle door.

[0022] The transmission element can, in turn, be connected to an operating lever for emergency opening of the locking mechanism. For this purpose, the operating lever in question may be mounted inside or outside the lock housing. Furthermore, the procedure is usually such that the operating lever is led out through a sealed opening in the lock housing. The lock housing, in turn, generally consists of a metal lock case supporting the locking mechanism on the one hand and a lock cover, generally made of plastic, on the other.

[0023] It has proven effective to locate the actuating element on or in the interior door panel. This allows the actuating element to be used easily and intuitively by vehicle occupants when manual (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism is necessary. In this context, it has also proven effective to locate the actuating element near a recessed handle. This makes it easy to locate the actuating element, for example, by touch.

[0024] As already explained, the actuating element is generally designed as a push button. Since such a push button typically protrudes at least slightly (spring-assisted) from the mounting surface that supports it, the push button can be easily felt and actuated. Furthermore, it has proven effective in this context for the actuating element to be flush with the mounting surface.

[0025] This mounting surface can be the previously mentioned interior door panel. In this context, the flush-mounted design means that the sensor element holder is flush with the mounting surface. This can advantageously be the previously mentioned interior door panel.

[0026] As a result, a motor vehicle lock and in particular motor vehicle

[0027] A door lock is provided, which allows for manual (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism and simultaneously offers increased theft protection. This applies even considering the fact that an additional, for example, mechanical, locking mechanism for the mechanical operating lever chain consisting of the actuating element and the transmission element is omitted. This is essentially due to the exclusive application of pressure to both the actuating element and the transmission element. This represents the key advantages.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment; in the drawings:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an overview of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a corresponding motor vehicle door with an actuating element attached to an interior door panel and

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a schematic section through the interior door panel with the actuating element according to Fig. 2.

[0032] The figures show a motor vehicle lock which, in the exemplary embodiment, is designed as a motor vehicle door lock. For this purpose, the motor vehicle lock or motor vehicle door lock has a locking mechanism 1, 2 on the inside which is only indicated, essentially consisting of a rotary latch 1 and a pawl 2. The basic structure then also includes an operating lever 3 which is mounted inside or outside a lock housing 4. The operating lever 3 can be pivoted about its axis 5. As a result, pivoting movements of the operating lever 3 lead, either directly or indirectly, to the pawl 2 being lifted from its latching engagement with the rotary latch 1, indicated in Fig. 1, in the closed state shown here. As a result, the rotary latch 1 opens with spring support and releases a previously caught locking bolt (not shown). The associated locking mechanism 1, which is only indicated in Fig. 1 and is shown in Fig.2 can be opened in this way. For this purpose, a release lever 7 may be implemented, which absorbs pivoting movements of the actuating lever 3 about its axis 5 to open the locking mechanism 1, 2 and transmits them to the pawl 2 in such a way that the latter is lifted from its engagement with the rotary latch 1. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 1, 2 can also be opened by an electric motor. For this purpose, according to the exemplary embodiment, an electric or electromotive opening drive 8 is implemented, which also and alternatively to the previously described mechanical or manual opening of the locking mechanism 1, 2 ensures that the locking mechanism 1, 2 can be opened electrically.

[0033] The further basic structure includes a mechanical actuating element 9, 10, which according to the exemplary embodiment is an emergency actuating element 9, 10. This emergency actuating element 9, 10 is designed as a push button 9, 10, as shown in Fig. 3. This push button has a probe element 9, which is mounted in a receptacle 10 and can perform a linear movement relative to the receptacle 10, as indicated in Fig. 3, against the force of a spring 11. In fact, the probe element 9 is supported on the spring 11, which in turn extends from the base of the receptacle 10 to the bottom of the probe element 9. This allows the probe element 9 to perform the linear movements indicated in Fig. 3 against the force of the spring 11. For this purpose, the probe element 9 can be cylindrical and the receptacle 10 can be correspondingly hollow-cylindrical to accommodate and guide the cylindrical probe element 9.

[0034] Furthermore, a transmission element 12, 13 can be seen. According to the exemplary embodiment, the transmission element 12, 13 is flexible and designed, for example, as a pressure-transmitting Bowden cable 12, 13. In fact, the Bowden cable 12, 13 consists of a core 12 and a sheath 13 surrounding the core 12.

[0035] The actuating element 9, 10 is arranged at least partially outside the lock housing 4 and can be manually subjected to pressure by an operator. The exemplary embodiment shows that the lock housing 4, on the one hand, and the actuating element 9, 10, on the other hand, are spatially and functionally separated from one another, with the transmission element 12, 13 ensuring the functional coupling. In this way, the actuating element 9, 10 can act on the locking mechanism 1, 2 with the aid of the transmission element 12, 13, specifically for the (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism 1, 2. For this purpose, pressure is applied to the actuating element 9, 10.

[0036] In fact, the design according to the invention and in the exemplary embodiment is such that the transmission element 12, 13 is designed to transmit the pressure forces from the actuating element 9, 10 to the locking mechanism 1, 2. In the context of the exemplary embodiment shown, the design is specifically such that the actuating element 9, 10 or

[0037] Emergency actuating element 9, 10 is designed exclusively for pressure application. Likewise, the transmission element 12, 13 is designed exclusively for transmitting the pressure forces from the actuating element 9, 10 to the locking mechanism 1, 2. In concrete terms, therefore, the push button element 9 can only be subjected to pressure as shown in Fig. 3, in order to thereby move the core 12 relative to the casing 13 also exclusively with pressure, so that the core 12 in turn pivots the actuating lever 3, which then directly or indirectly with the interposition of the release lever 7 ensures that the pawl 2 is lifted from its latching engagement in the closed state as shown in Fig. 1. In this way, the (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism 1, 2 occurs and the motor vehicle door 6 equipped with the motor vehicle lock or motor vehicle door lock can then be opened, manually and purely mechanically.

[0038] A comparative analysis of Figs. 1 and 2 reveals that the transmission element 12, 13 extends into a dry space and / or interior of a motor vehicle. The transmission element 12, 13 extends through a seal 14 indicated in Fig. 1. According to the exemplary embodiment, this seal 14 is arranged in an inner door panel 6b of the motor vehicle door 6. In fact, the motor vehicle door 6 has an outer door panel 6a, which can be seen in Fig. 2, and additionally the already mentioned inner door panel 6b. The inner door panel 6b is provided with an opening for the seal 14 inserted therein, which in turn is penetrated by the transmission element 12, 13.

[0039] As already explained, the transmission element 12, 13 is connected to the actuating lever 3 for (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism 1, 2. In this embodiment, the actuating lever 3 is mounted inside the lock housing 4. Furthermore, the actuating lever 3 is guided outwardly through a sealed opening in the lock housing 4 (not expressly shown), so that the actuating lever 3 can be connected and coupled to the transmission element 12, 13.

[0040] By comparing Figs. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the actuating element 9, 10 is arranged on or in an interior door panel 15. Specifically, and according to the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 10 accommodating and guiding the pushbutton element 9 is inserted into an opening in the interior door panel 15.

[0041] Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows that the actuating element 9, 10 is provided and arranged in the area of ​​a grip recess 16. This allows the pushbutton element 9 implemented at this location to be easily actuated by vehicle occupants and can also be located intuitively. This is because the pushbutton element 9 protrudes slightly and is spring-loaded relative to the receptacle 10 and thus the interior door panel 15. This applies even when considering the fact that the actuating element 9, 10 is recessed flush with a receiving surface, whereby the receiving surface is provided and formed by the interior door panel 15 in the exemplary embodiment.

[0042] The mechanism functions as follows. In normal operation, the locking mechanism 1, 2 is opened using the electric or electromotive opening drive 8. To do this, the electromotive opening drive 8 acts on the pawl 2 such that it is lifted from its locking engagement with the rotary latch 1. The rotary latch 1 can then open with spring support and releases a previously trapped locking bolt. The motor vehicle door 6 equipped with the motor vehicle lock or motor vehicle door lock can be opened.

[0043] However, if the electrical power supply for the electric or electromotive opening drive 8 is interrupted, particularly following an accident or crash, vehicle occupants can still free themselves from the vehicle by applying pressure to the previously described mechanical actuating lever chain 9, 10; 12, 13. In fact, this mechanical actuating lever chain 9, 10; 12, 13 consists of the mechanical actuating element 9, 10 on the one hand and the transmission element 12, 13 on the other.

[0044] Specifically, this manual or mechanical opening process corresponds to the vehicle occupant applying pressure to the push button element 9. This causes the push button element 9 to enter the receptacle 10 that holds the push button element 9. The core 12 of the transmission element 12, 13 is connected to the push button element 9.

[0045] The application of pressure to the push button element 9 now leads to the application of pressure to the core 12. So that this pressure can be transferred as a whole to the operating lever 3 in the example case in order to lift the pawl 2 from its locking engagement with the rotary latch 1, the receptacle 10 and the sleeve 13 together function as an abutment. For this purpose, the sleeve 13 is connected to the receptacle 10 and can therefore be used to apply pressure exclusively to the push button element 9 to apply pressure exclusively to the core 12. The application of pressure to the core 12 now ensures that the operating lever 3 connected to the core 12 is pivoted about its axis 5. This pivoting movement of the operating lever 3 is converted either directly or with the interposition of the release lever 7 into a pivoting movement of the pawl 2 about its axis in the indicated clockwise direction.As in the case of the electrical actuation of the locking mechanism 1, 2, this results in the locking mechanism 1, 2 also being opened or (emergency) opened in this case.

[0046] List of reference symbols

[0047] Lock 1 , 2

[0048] Rotary latch 1

[0049] Pawl 2

[0050] Operating lever 3

[0051] Lock housing 4

[0052] Axis 5

[0053] Motor vehicle door 6

[0054] Outer door panel 6a

[0055] Inner door panel 6b

[0056] Release lever 7

[0057] Opening drive 8

[0058] Key element 9

[0059] Recording 10

[0060] Actuating element 9, 10

[0061] Push buttons 9, 10

[0062] Spring 11

[0063] Transmission element 12, 13

[0064] Soul 12

[0065] Bowden cable 12, 13

[0066] Cover 13

[0067] Seal 14

[0068] Interior door panel 15

[0069] Recessed grip 16

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with a Locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), and with a mechanical actuating element (9, 10), in particular Emergency actuating element (9, 10) for the manual (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism (1, 2), wherein the actuating element (9, 10) is arranged at least partially outside a lock housing (4) and works on the locking mechanism (1, 2) for the (emergency) opening by means of a transmission element (12, 13) and is subjected to pressure by an operator for this purpose, characterized in that the transmission element (12, 13) is designed to transmit the pressure forces from the actuating element (9, 10) to the locking mechanism (1, 2).

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission element (12, 13) is designed flexibly as, for example, a pressure-transmitting Bowden cable (12, 13).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmission element (12, 13) is guided into a drying room and / or interior of a motor vehicle.

4. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmission element (12, 13) passes through a seal (14) in, for example, an inner door panel (6b).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmission element (12, 13) is connected to an actuating lever (3) for (emergency) opening of the locking mechanism (1, 2).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating lever (3) is mounted inside or outside the lock housing (4) and is preferably guided to the outside via a sealed opening in the lock housing (4).

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element (9, 10) is arranged on or in an inner door panel (15).

8. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating element (9, 10) is provided in the region of a recessed grip (16).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (9, 10) is designed as a push button (9, 10).

10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating element (9, 10) is recessed flush into a receiving surface.

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