Lock for a motor vehicle, in particular an electrically actuatable motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1), in particular an electrically actuatable motor vehicle lock (1), comprising a locking mechanism (3) consisting of a rotary latch (12) and at least one pawl (13) and comprising a catch element (19) which is located in an engagement region between the rotary latch (12) and the pawl (13) and which is received in the rotary latch (12) in a pivotally mounted manner, wherein the catch element (19) can be guided by means of a guide protrusion (21) for an additional axial and / or radial guiding process, and the guide protrusion (21) can be guided by means of a slotted guide element (7).

Description

[0001] INTERNALP23171WO 1 November 21, 2024 Description Lock for a motor vehicle, in particular an electrically operated motor vehicle lock The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, in particular an electrically operated motor vehicle lock, with a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and at least one pawl and a locking element arranged in an engagement region between the rotary latch and pawl, which is pivotally mounted on the rotary latch and the locking element can be guided by means of a guide extension for additional axial and / or radial guidance. The demands on today's motor vehicles, and in particular the demands on comfort with regard to operability, are constantly increasing. One goal of the automotive industry is to provide the operator of the motor vehicle with easy-to-open locking systems for doors, flaps, or hoods.The locking mechanism in the vehicle lock has a decisive influence on the noise and feel when opening a door or hatch. A locking mechanism consists of a rotary latch and a pawl, which, in conjunction with a usually stationary lock holder, can be moved into a locked position. Consequently, if an open locking mechanism is moved toward a lock holder, the rotary latch moves into a closed position and is finally locked in a closed or detent position by the pawl. There are locking mechanisms with one or two detent positions, i.e., a pre-detent position and a main detent position, and there are locking mechanisms equipped with one, two, or more pawls to realize one or two detent positions in the locking mechanism.The acoustic behavior of the locking mechanism is significantly influenced by the engagement area between the rotary latch and pawl, whereby surface properties, forces, and the arrangement of the locking parts relative to one another can influence the noise behavior. If, when closing the vehicle lock, i.e., when locking the locking mechanism, only engagement noises occur, which are caused by the pawl engaging with the rotary latch, the opening noises when unlocking the locking mechanism can be clearly distinguished from these. When closing the locking mechanism, for example, a door or tailgate is moved against a seal. The rotary latch is moved by the lock holder far enough in the closing direction that the pawl can engage the pre-notch or main notch of the rotary latch. The closing noise is generated by the contact between the rotary latch and pawl.If metallic surfaces touch each other there, this can result in impact noises. In the closed position, and especially in the main detent position of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism is primarily subjected to tension by the door seal pressure. If the locking mechanism is then unlocked electrically or manually, i.e., the pawl is moved out of the engagement area with the rotary latch, the pawl is released from the rotary latch. Depending on the seal pressure and the size of the door, high forces can occur there, which are emitted as a correspondingly loud noise when the locking mechanism is unlocked. The fact that this disengagement can also result in a sudden noise is also referred to here as a "demolition bang." Various state-of-the-art approaches have become known to increase the opening noise and thus comfort in the vehicle.To improve noise performance, DE 10 2012 024 303 A1 discloses a locking mechanism in which components, so-called puzzle pieces, are arranged in the engagement area between the rotary latch and the pawl. These pieces can be made of different materials and / or have different surface structures. The components inserted into the locking parts can, for example, be made of a material that improves the tribological behavior of the friction partners and thus supports noise reduction when the locking parts slide apart. Furthermore, it is disclosed that by aligning surface grooves between the friction partners, an economical and quiet unlocking of the locking mechanism can be achieved. Another locking system with a solution for easy opening of the locking mechanism is disclosed in DE 10 2014 006 118 A1.In one embodiment, the document describes the arrangement of two pawls engaging with the rotary latch, whereby the pawls differ in their structural arrangement with respect to the rotary latch. In locking mechanisms, an opening, closing, or neutral moment is also referred to. INTERNALP23171WO 4 November 21, 2024. During a closing moment, the force introduced into the pawl by the rotary latch causes the locking mechanism to be forced into a closed position. In contrast, in a locking mechanism with an opening moment, a moment is generated that forces the pawl out of the engagement area with the rotary latch. The document discloses a solution intended to achieve easy and quiet opening of a locking mechanism. First, a closing pawl is moved out of the engagement area with the rotary latch, causing a pawl with an opening moment to engage with the rotary latch.The combined interaction of the pawls with the rotary latch creates a quietly opening lock. One approach proposed by the applicant involves arranging a locking element between the rotary latch and the pawl. A locking element pivotally mounted in the rotary latch engages with the pawl. When the locking mechanism is closed, the pawl engages with the locking element and holds the rotary latch in the main locking position, for example. Due to the pivoting mounting of the locking element in the rotary latch, the locking element can follow the opening movement of the pawl during the opening process.The pivoting movement of the locking element and thus the guiding of the pawl out of the engagement area with the rotary latch results in the main load acting on the rotary latch being diverted in a rolling movement and during the engagement between the pawl and the locking element, so that when the pawl and locking element separate, only a small load or torque is present. The reduced load leads, on the one hand, to a low breakaway noise, and, on the other hand, to very easy opening or unlocking of the locking mechanism. The use of such a locking element is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2019 123 837 A1. In order to guide the locking element, it is known from the document to provide a guide extension on the locking element, which can be guided in a recess in the lock housing.The solutions known from the prior art for achieving a quiet or easy-opening lock offer good approaches, but are in need of improvement. This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention is to provide a lock or locking mechanism for a lock that opens easily and quietly, so that even in extreme situations, secure, quiet, and low-noise unlocking of the locking mechanism can be guaranteed. This relates in particular to the locking mechanism and its properties being designed in such a way that the locking mechanism can be unlocked at any time, even by means of an electric drive. The object of the invention is to provide an improved lock, in particular an improved locking mechanism for a lock of a motor vehicle. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally favorable and cost-effective way of achieving an easy-to-open INTERNALP23171WO 6 21.November 2024 opening and quietly operating locking system. This object is achieved by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It is pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described below are not restrictive; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock, in particular an electrically actuated motor vehicle lock, with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and at least one pawl, and a locking element arranged in an engagement region between the rotary latch and pawl, which element is pivotally mounted on the rotary latch, and the locking element can be guided by means of a guide extension for additional axial and / or radial guidance, wherein the guide extension can be guided by means of a slotted guide. The inventive design of the motor vehicle lock now creates the possibility of providing precise guidance for the locking element and thus controlling the opening process. The slotted guide enables very precise control of the opening process.This allows unlocking, i.e., the release of the locking element from the pawl, to be defined so precisely that the unlocking process functions in the same way regardless of the state of the locking mechanism. Factors influencing the opening process can include, for example, temperature, humidity, dirt, force ratios, an accident, etc., to name just a few examples. In any case, the defined guidance of the locking element by means of the guide extension in the slotted guide enables very precise movement or pivoting of the locking element in the locking mechanism, preferably in the rotary latch. The guide extension can be present in various designs between the locking element and the slotted guide, as explained below.By designing the motor vehicle lock with a locking element, it is possible to provide a structurally advantageous locking mechanism, which enables easy and quiet opening of the locking mechanism and thus of the lock. In particular, the pivoting receptacle of the locking element in the rotary latch enables a relative movement between the rotary latch and the pawl without the locking parts becoming disengaged. This relative movement makes it possible to reduce the load from the rotary latch on the pawl and thus provide a favorable engagement ratio between the rotary latch or locking element and the pawl. When the locking mechanism is closed, the rotary latch engages with a lock holder, whereby the relative movement of the lock holder and the rotary latch causes the INTERNALP23171WO 8 21.November 2024 Rotary latch is moved into a locking position, for example, a pre-locking position and a main locking position. It is also possible for the rotary latch to be moved into an overtravel position beyond the main locking position, allowing the pawl to securely engage the rotary latch. During this closing process, a door seal, for example, is compressed, resulting in a force that is transferred to the locking mechanism via the lock holder. This closing force must be absorbed by the locking mechanism during vehicle operation. In extreme situations, such as an accident, extreme loads can act on the locking mechanism. Even in these extreme situations, the locking mechanism must securely fix the lock holder.When the locking mechanism is opened, the aforementioned forces act on the locking mechanism. The locking element according to the invention on the rotary latch relieves the locking mechanism by pivoting the locking parts relative to one another without the locking parts disengaging, whereby a peak load on the locking mechanism can be absorbed by the locking element pivotally arranged in the rotary latch. The rotary or pivoting movement of the locking element thus relieves the locking mechanism, so that when the pawl and locking element subsequently disengage, a lower force is exerted between the locking components. This allows for easier and quieter unlocking of the locking mechanism. When referring to a motor vehicle lock in the sense of the invention, this refers to motor vehicle locks such as INTERNALP23171WO 9 21.November 2024, which are used, for example, in side doors, sliding doors, flaps, hoods, and / or covers, wherever pivoting or displaceably mounted components are arranged on the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable for the motor vehicle lock to be arranged in the backrest of a seat. The motor vehicle lock has a locking mechanism that has a rotary latch and at least one pawl. Preferably, at least one pawl is arranged in a plane with the rotary latch and, in interaction with the lock holder, is capable of locking the rotary latch in one position. When the locking mechanism is open, an inlet mouth of the rotary latch points towards a lock holder, whereby a relative movement between the lock holder and the rotary latch causes the rotary latch to pivot.The pawl is usually pre-tensioned toward the rotary latch, so that the pawl engages with the rotary latch or the locking element when a locking position is reached. A release lever is used to unlock the locking mechanism. The release lever interacts with the locking mechanism and preferably with the pawl in such a way that the locked locking mechanism can be unlocked by moving the release lever. The release lever is pivotally mounted in the vehicle lock, for example, and is capable of moving at least one pawl out of the engagement area with the rotary latch. Systems with one, two, or even three pawls are used. For example, it is conceivable that the INTERNALP23171WO 10 21.November 2024 The pre-locking position is provided with a separate pawl, wherein in the main locking position the pawl interacts with another pawl, wherein the second pawl is held in engagement with the rotary latch by a third pawl, which can also be referred to as a blocking or locking lever. It can be advantageous if the gate can be designed as a separate component and includes at least one further function in the motor vehicle lock. The gate can be arranged on the locking mechanism and, by means of the guide projection between the locking element and the gate element, guide the locking element with respect to the movement of the locking mechanism. The gate is arranged essentially parallel to the locking mechanism or to the locking plane. The gate element can then advantageously also serve, for example, to accommodate a locking mechanism damper.However, it is also conceivable that, for example, two or more damping elements are arranged on the gate element. A further function can be, for example, a stop that limits, for example, the movement of the locking components, a release lever, a locking mechanism, a closing aid, a child safety lock, etc. It is also conceivable that the gate or the gate element can be designed as part of a reinforcing plate. This allows, on the one hand, guidance of the locking element, limitation or dampening of movements, and, additionally, reinforcement of the motor vehicle lock to be provided in one structural unit. The reinforcing element preferably connects at least the locking mechanism part axes to one another and can additionally be accommodated in the lock case and / or lock housing and stabilize the motor vehicle lock as a whole.If the gate element has a guide track, a further embodiment of the invention is provided. The gate accommodates the guide extension and enables a targeted movement of the locking element during the movement of the locking parts. Typically, the pawl is moved by the release lever, thus initiating the unlocking process of the locking mechanism. To ensure that a rolling movement between the pawl and the locking element or a pivoting of the locking element in the rotary latch takes place, the guide extension is guided in a precisely predeterminable guide track in the gate. Environmental, force, or other influences on the locking mechanism or the vehicle lock can thus be specifically excluded. A predeterminable and precisely repeatable opening and closing process of the locking mechanism takes place.Even if the movement sequences relating to unlocking are described in more detail here, the movement path naturally also applies to the locking mechanism's closing process. The invention essentially aims to enable the unlocking or opening process to be carried out as quietly as possible and with minimal force. This has the particular advantage that the locking mechanism can be opened with minimal force. This offers a decisive advantage, namely that it enables easy opening during normal opening or unlocking operation of the locking mechanism. However, even in extreme situations, such as an accident in which a door or flap element may be strained, the locking mechanism can be opened with minimal force.In particular, the technology of the locking element and the precise guidance of the locking element by means of the guide rail enables the locking mechanism to be opened electrically, safely, even in extreme situations. It can also be advantageous, or constitute an embodiment of the invention, if the guide extension can be arranged on the locking element or on the guide rail. Depending on the design of the motor vehicle lock, the guide extension can be arranged on the locking element or on the guide rail. In any case, it must be ensured that the guide extension can be used to move the locking element. Movement of the locking element is thus initiated, on the one hand, by initiating movement in the pawl, thus causing the locking element to roll on the pawl. To do this, the locking element first pivots in a bearing position in the rotary latch, dissipating the main loads on the locking mechanism.The main load on the locking mechanism is primarily generated by the sealing pressure of the pivoting component on the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle lock is installed. The reduction of this main load in the main locking position of the locking mechanism allows only a rolling movement between the pawl and the locking element. Rolling occurs with a slight force acting on the pawl, resulting in a slight opening of the locking mechanism. Only after the locking element has pivoted in the rotary latch does the actual separation process between the pawl and the locking element begin. For this purpose, the rotary latch pivots with the pawl, allowing the pawl to detach from the locking element. However, since the main load on the locking mechanism has already been reduced in this state, the locking mechanism can be opened or unlocked quietly, i.e. with little noise.The guide extension is preferably arranged on the locking element. The locking element can be formed integrally with the guide extension and, for example, represent a lateral elevation on the locking element. Lateral here means parallel to the locking mechanism part axis. However, it is also conceivable for the guide extension to be connected to the locking element as a separate component, wherein, for example, the guide extension can be inserted into the locking element as a bolt. The guide extension extends laterally, i.e., beyond the locking mechanism plane, and engages with the slotted link. The slotted link forms a guide track in which a targeted movement of the locking element is controlled. If the slotted link can be manufactured from steel and / or plastic, a further embodiment of the invention is achieved. The slotted link only has to assume a guiding function and can therefore be made from plastic.However, it is also conceivable for the guide or guide element to be a hybrid component, so that, for example, a metallic part of the guide element introduces a stabilizing effect into the motor vehicle lock, and the merely load-bearing or guiding elements, for example, are made of plastic. For example, it is conceivable to form receptacles for stops from metallic parts with, for example, only a plastic coating to enable secure engagement. However, if the part of the guide element serves merely as a guide element, for example, a plastic design of the guide element may be sufficient. The guide element itself can then, i.e., in the case of the plastic coating, also serve as a damping stop for another functional element and / or a locking part in the motor vehicle lock.It is also conceivable to manufacture the link element entirely from steel, which represents a cost advantage compared to hybrid components. This makes it possible to provide a cost-effective component with high stability. In a further design variant, the link can be brought into engagement with the guide extension on one side and / or both sides. The link forms a guide track for the guide extension. In other words, the guide extension or pin lies in the guide track of the link and is guided by the link. Depending on the design of the link, the pin can rest on the guide track on one side or both sides. It is therefore also conceivable for the link or guide track to be designed only on one side and in some areas. In this case, the link forms a contact contour through which the pin can be guided.Even if a guide extension is primarily discussed here, it is also conceivable to incorporate a groove into the guide extension, i.e., the locking element, with a part of the slotted link engaging positively in the groove, thus providing guidance for the locking element. To enable the interaction between the locking element and the slotted link, the locking element or the guide extension element formed on the locking element projects into the slotted link or interacts with the slotted link, thus enabling the locking element to be guided. Primarily, but not restrictively, the guide extension is arranged on the locking element and has a cylindrical or elliptical shape. The guide extension is guided in the guide track of the slotted link, thus enabling rolling and disengagement, as well as locking or latching of the locking mechanism, by guiding the locking element by means of the slotted link.If the gate element can be received at least on one side in a bearing point of a locking mechanism part, in particular the pawl, this results in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. If the gate element, which, as described above, can also comprise other functions in the motor vehicle lock, is mounted at least on one side, for example, in the pawl axis, a guide for the locking element can be provided with minimal design effort. The gate element can additionally be held in the lock case or, for example, in a reinforcing plate arranged above the gate element, as seen in relation to the locking mechanism, so that a secure holding of the gate element and thus a secure guidance of the locking element is possible with minimal design effort. It is also conceivable for the gate element itself to be INTERNALP23171WO 16 21.November 2024 serves as a reinforcement plate, whereby in this case, for example, the link element or the link reinforcement element can be designed to be receivable on both sides in the locking mechanism part axes. The inventive design of the motor vehicle lock and in particular the embodiment of a separate link for guiding the locking element enables easy and quiet unlatching of the locking mechanism, whereby these functions and in particular the advantages can be ensured even in extreme situations. The guide track in the link element enables forced guidance of the locking element and thus guided movement of the locking element between the rotary latch and the pawl at any time. By means of the locking element, in cooperation with the pawl, a main locking position of the locking mechanism can be set.The pivoting locking element is held between the rotary latch and the pawl in such a way that the locking element rests securely between the pawl and the rotary latch in the main locking position. The pivoting movement of the locking element can facilitate unlocking of the locking mechanism, but at the same time, the interaction of the locking element and pawl makes it possible to achieve secure mounting of the locking element and / or the pawl in the locking mechanism. Through a targeted geometric or structural design of the locking element, a locking moment can act at least on the locking element. "Closing" then means that the force acting in the locking mechanism, which is preferably introduced into the locking mechanism by the lock holder, forces the locking element into the closed position.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using a preferred embodiment. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous refinement. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a side view of a locking mechanism designed according to the invention in a main detent position engaged with a lock holder, Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the locking mechanism with a gate element released from the lock case, and Fig. 3 shows a separately illustrated gate element in a view of the gate as a guide track. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle lock 1 with the components essential to the invention.A locking mechanism 3 is arranged in a lock case 2, wherein two locking mechanism part axes 4, 5 are provided, which additionally carry a reinforcement plate 6. A link element INTERNALP23171WO 18 November 21, 20247 is additionally mounted on the reinforcement plate 6 and the locking mechanism part axis 5, wherein the link element 7 accommodates a rotary latch buffer 8. The reinforcement plate 6, in turn, has an extension 9 that projects into the lock case 2. The lock case 2 can be mounted by means of screw openings 10, preferably threads, for example, on a tailgate of a motor vehicle. For clarity, only one screw opening 10 is provided with a reference symbol in Figure 1. The motor vehicle lock 1 is shown in a main locking position in which a lock holder 11 can be fixed by means of the rotary latch 12 and thus the component pivotally attached to the motor vehicle can be positioned and held securely while driving.It can be clearly seen that the locking mechanism part axis 5 of the pawl 13 is designed as a stepped mandrel. Individual steps 14 can be clearly seen in Figure 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement plate 6 is connected to the stepped mandrel 5, 14 via a shoulder or step 15. The locking mechanism part axis 4 extends through the reinforcement plate 6 and has a recess 17. The locking mechanism part axis 4 also projects beyond the reinforcement plate 6 and was firmly connected to the reinforcement plate 6 by means of forming, resulting in a circumferential collar 18 that forms a border for the recess 17 and firmly connects the reinforcement plate 6 to the locking mechanism part axis 4. INTERNALP23171WO 19 November 21, 2024The reinforcement plate 6 thus stabilizes the locking mechanism axes 4, 5 and is additionally supported via the extension 9 in the lock case 2.In addition, the reinforcement plate 6 supports the link element 7. In Figure 2, the locking mechanism 3 is now detached from the lock case 2 and the reinforcement plate 6 and is shown with the link element 7. The rotary latch 12, the pawl 13, the detent element 19 and the locking mechanism part axes 4, 5 can be seen. Depending on the embodiment, the pawl 13 can be actuated by a release lever 20. However, it is also conceivable that the release lever 20 is designed as part of the pawl 13. The detent element 19 has a guide extension 21 which can be guided in a link 22. The link 22 is designed as a guide track 23 and, in this embodiment, guides the guide extension 21 on both sides. Also visible is the pivotable bearing point 24 for the locking element 19. The locking element 19 rests against a main notch 25 of the pawl 13, so that a secure locking of the locking mechanism 3 in the main locking position is possible.The locking element 19 is held between the rotary latch 12 and the pawl 13. Only by actuating the release lever 20 or the extension 20 on the pawl 13 can the locking element be pivoted about the bearing point 24. If the pawl 13 is moved counterclockwise around the axis 5 by means of a force F, the locking element 19 pivots about the bearing point 24. The rotary latch 12 also moves counterclockwise when the locking mechanism is opened, with the locking element 19 performing a rolling movement on the pawl 13. The guide extension 21 is guided by the guide track 23 of the link element 7. In this embodiment, the guide extension 21 is arranged on the locking element 19 and thus, in combination with the link 22, ensures the movement of the locking element 19 during the opening or closing process of the locking mechanism 3.In this exemplary embodiment, the link element 7 is designed as a plastic injection-molded part and is held by the locking mechanism part axis 5 of the pawl 13 and the reinforcement plate 6. For this purpose, clamp elements 26, 27, 28 can be provided, which extend through the reinforcement plate 6 and / or can be clipped into the reinforcement plate 6. The link element 7 further has an extension 29 on which a buffer element 8 is held. In this exemplary embodiment, the buffer 8 is a rotary latch buffer that limits the overtravel of the rotary latch 12 during the closing process. The link element 7 thus serves to guide the locking element 19 and, in addition, the link element 7 assumes the task of holding and positioning the buffer element 8 in the motor vehicle lock 1. Figure 3 shows a rear view of the link element 7 according to Figure 2.The figure shows a view of the link 22 in the link element 7, showing the guide track 23 with the double-sided guide for the guide extension 21. In this embodiment, the guide extension 21 extends into the guide track 23 and is guided on both sides by the edges 30, 31 of the guide track 23. An opening 32 in the link element 7 serves to accommodate the locking mechanism part axis 5 of the pawl 13.

[0002] INTERNALP23171WO 22 21 November 2024Reference symbol list K raftfahrzeugschloss 2 Lock case 3 Locking mechanism 4, 5 Locking mechanism axis 6 Reinforcing plate 7 Link element 8 Rotary latch buffer 9 Extension 10 Screw opening 11 Lock holder 12 Rotary latch 13 Pawl 14 Stufen 15 Absatz 16, 29 Extension17 Recess 18 Kragen19 Latch element 20 Release lever, extension of the rotary latch 21 Guide extension 22 Link 23 Guide track 24 Bearing point 25 Main catch 26, 27, 28 Clamp element 30, 31 Edge 32 Opening INTERNALP23171WO 23 21 November 2024 P Pfeil F Kraft

Claims

INTERNALP23171WO 24 November 21, 2024 Patent Claims 1. Motor vehicle lock (1), in particular an electrically operated motor vehicle lock, with a locking mechanism (3) consisting of a rotary latch (12) and at least one pawl (13), and a latching element (19) arranged in an engagement region between the rotary latch (12) and pawl (13), which latching element is pivotally mounted in the rotary latch (12), and the latching element (19) can be guided by means of a guide extension (21) for additional axial and / or radial guidance, characterized in that the guide extension (21) can be guided by means of a link element (7).

2. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the link element (7) can be designed as a separate component and comprises at least one further function in the motor vehicle lock (1). 3.Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide element (7) can be formed as part of a reinforcement plate (6).

4. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide element (7) has a guide track (23).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide extension (21) can be arranged on the locking element (19) or on the guide element (7). INTERNALP23171WO 25 November 21, 20246. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide extension (21) can be arranged on the locking element (19).

7. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the link element (7) can be produced from steel and / or plastic.

8. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the link element (7) can be produced in one piece with a reinforcing plate (6).

9. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a link (22) of the link element (7) can be brought into engagement with the guide extension (21) on one side and / or on both sides.

10. Motor vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the link element (7) can be received on one side with a bearing point (4, 5) of the locking components (12, 13), in particular the pawl (13).

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