Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is provided with a locking mechanism (2) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (2) and a pawl. Furthermore, a lock striker (4, 5) is provided for interacting with the locking mechanism (2). In addition, a sensor unit (7, 8) is provided, which is designed at least for determining the position of the lock striker (4, 5) with respect to the locking mechanism (2) and in particular for detecting a closing state. The sensor unit (7, 8) is in two parts with at least one magnet (8) and a Hall effect sensor (7) detecting the magnetic field strength generated by the magnet (8). According to the invention, the stationary Hall effect sensor (7) is arranged above an inlet opening (9) for the lock striker (4, 5) in the lock housing (10). In this way, when the lock striker (4, 5) enters into the inlet opening (9), the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall effect sensor (7) is changed by the combined effect of the magnet (8) and at least one magnetizable and horizontal striker bar (4a) of the lock striker (4, 5).

Description

[0001] Kiekert AG

[0002] P24164WO

[0003] 1

[0004] Description

[0005] Motor vehicle lock

[0006] 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 locking pawl, furthermore with a lock holder for interaction with the locking mechanism, and with a sensor unit which is equipped at least for determining the position of the lock holder relative to the locking mechanism and in particular for detecting a closed state, wherein the sensor unit is two-part and equipped with at least one magnet and a Hall sensor that detects the magnetic field strength generated by the magnet.

[0007] Detecting the locking status of a vehicle lock, and especially a vehicle door lock, is of particular importance for the safety of vehicle occupants. For example, in the event of a crash, if a vehicle door is fully closed and equipped with the relevant lock, structural forces can be transferred to the vehicle body and absorbed by it, resulting in deformation. Furthermore, the proper functioning of safety devices is generally linked to the locking signal of the lock or the vehicle door. These safety devices can include, for example, seat belt tensioners or side airbags.

[0008] This means that only when the relevant vehicle door is fully closed and the locking mechanism is engaged are the aforementioned safety devices actually activated and able to function fully in the event of a crash, thus contributing to the protection of the vehicle occupants. Various approaches exist in the prior art for determining the locking mechanism's state of engagement. For example, one or more sensors or switches are assigned to the rotary latch to detect its pre-lock and final locked states. Door contact switches are also used in this context; these monitor the closed position of the vehicle door and report any malfunctions. Kiekert AG

[0009] P24164WO

[0010] 2

[0011] However, relying on sensors or switches on the rotary latch to check the locking status of a lock is subject to uncertainties. This is because the lock can, in principle, engage even if the lock pin is not fully retracted into the rotary latch. In this case, a locked status would be reported even if the vehicle door remains open, which is unacceptable for the reasons described above.

[0012] Accordingly, various approaches already exist in the prior art for detecting the position of the lock holder and querying its locked position through interaction with the locking mechanism. An example is DE 19505759 A1, which deals with a switch using a Hall effect differential IC. This involves two Hall effect sensors arranged side by side and at least one evaluation circuit. A permanent magnet is also located below the two Hall effect sensors. When a release element approaches, a magnetic flux difference occurs, which is evaluated as the on state of a switch implemented in this way. This type of release element is intended to allow a clear distinction between an on and off state.

[0013] Patent DE 102022 118012 A1 relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising a vehicle-side door lock and a body-side lock holder with a locking bolt, or vice versa. In addition to a magnet, a sensor is also incorporated. The magnet is located on the lock holder's mounting bracket. The sensor is situated in the area of ​​an entry groove on a lock plate. The magnet itself is plate-shaped and rests on the upper surface of a lock holder's mounting bracket. Furthermore, the magnet is equipped with recesses for the locking bolt.

[0014] In the prior art defined by DE 102019003618 A1, a sensor is provided with which the position of a locking bolt can be detected. A control unit takes the position of the locking bolt detected by the sensor into account, thereby validating the detected position of the rotary latch. The sensor is designed as a Hall sensor. Furthermore, the sensor is connected to a magnetic feedback element. (Kiekert AG)

[0015] P24164WO

[0016] 3

[0017] The Hall sensor is arranged in a parallel configuration. It also comprises two Hall sensor elements and a magnet. The magnet is a permanent magnet and generates a magnetic field within which the Hall sensor elements are positioned.

[0018] The state of the art has generally proven effective when it comes to implementing, for example, a redundant query of the status of the associated vehicle door, namely to determine whether it is open or closed. This increases safety, as explained in detail in the generic teaching according to DE 102019003618 A1. However, the setup there, with the two sensor elements and the magnet, requires improvement insofar as the detection of a closed position of the locking mechanism or the lock holder engaging with the locking mechanism depends on the locking bolt of the lock holder actually reaching the two sensor elements and the magnet with its front end.

[0019] Apart from the relatively high design effort required due to the two sensor elements, it is noticeable that malfunctions cannot be completely ruled out in the known design. These can be attributed, for example, to the lock holder being slightly "angled" in the entry opening, causing the front end to not reach the two sensor elements with the magnet, or to no longer reach them completely. As a consequence, it is conceivable that the magnetic field changes caused by the lock holder entering the entry opening are no longer sufficient to generate a reliable signal for the closed state. The invention aims to remedy this overall situation.

[0020] 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 functional reliability is improved compared to the prior art while simultaneously requiring less design effort.

[0021] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from a generic motor vehicle lock and in particular Kiekert AG

[0022] P24164WO

[0023] 4

[0024] The automotive door lock design stipulates that the stationary Hall sensor is positioned above an entry slot for the lock holder in the lock housing, so that when the lock holder moves into the entry slot, the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall sensor changes due to the combined effect of the magnet and at least one magnetizable horizontal locking bar of the lock holder. This means that, in addition to the horizontal locking bar, one or both vertical locking bar legs can also contribute to the change in magnetic field strength.

[0025] The invention is based on several insights. First, the Hall sensor is positioned above the entry point for the lock holder within the plastic lock housing. This already results in functional improvements because the Hall sensor's placement within the lock housing protects it from environmental influences that typically enter the vehicle lock through the entry point. Since the Hall sensor is located above the entry point and within the lock housing, it is particularly well protected, and any potential functional impairments are practically eliminated because the magnetic field lines easily penetrate any plastic walls.

[0026] Furthermore, the Hall sensor does not (only) experience a change in magnetic field strength due to the magnet, which is generally a permanent magnet. Rather, the magnet and the lock holder, or the horizontal locking bar of the lock holder, work together in combination to cause the change in magnetic field strength registered as a signal by the Hall sensor. In this context, it is crucial that at least the horizontal locking bar of the lock holder is magnetizable, meaning that, typically in conjunction with the magnet, it increases the magnetic field strength and / or extends its magnetic field extent. Both of these factors enable the Hall sensor to distinguish between a signal without the lock holder inserted into the entry hole and a signal with the lock holder inserted, registering both as a changing magnetic field strength.

[0027] The horizontal locking bar of the lock holder refers to a Kiekert AG

[0028] P24164WO

[0029] 5

[0030] horizontal connecting bar between two vertical legs or the vertical locking bar bars of the locking bar, with the help of which the locking bar is generally connected to a lock holder plate of the lock holder.

[0031] In any case, when the lock holder is inserted into the entry jaw, the locking mechanism is moved into its closed position, and the aforementioned horizontal locking bar moves longitudinally along the entry jaw. This longitudinal movement of the horizontal locking bar of the lock holder, in conjunction with the magnet, causes the stationary Hall sensor above the entry jaw to register a change in magnetic field strength, compared to the situation where either only the magnet generates a magnetic field strength detectable by the Hall sensor or no magnetic field is registered by the Hall sensor at all.

[0032] In an advantageous design, the magnet, together with the Hall sensor, is fixedly arranged above the entry jaw for the lock holder within the lock housing. This provides the magnet with a particularly protected position and houses it within the lock housing, thus increasing operational reliability.

[0033] The usual approach involves placing two magnets on either side of the essentially central Hall sensor. These two magnets, or one magnet, are generally located inside the lock housing, typically above a plastic wall on the top side of the entry opening. For example, one or more magnets can be placed at the base of a section of the lock housing that covers the top of the entry opening. The base of this section is defined by the plastic wall on the top side of the entry opening. The two magnets can be adhesively or otherwise bonded to this base.

[0034] However, there is also the possibility, both as a general rule and as an alternative or additional option, that the magnet or magnets are not permanently mounted inside the lock housing. Rather, it is conceivable that the magnet is integrated into the lock holder and positioned opposite the Kiekert AG.

[0035] P24164WO

[0036] 6

[0037] The vehicle lock or its locking mechanism is moved. In fact, when the corresponding vehicle door is closed, a relative movement occurs at this point between the lock holder and the vehicle lock or its locking mechanism.

[0038] Generally, the vehicle lock inside the vehicle door being closed moves towards the lock holder, which is fixed to the vehicle body. However, it is also possible that the vehicle lock is mounted on the vehicle body side, and when the vehicle door is closed, the lock holder, which moves with the vehicle door, moves towards the vehicle lock, which in this case is then fixed in place.

[0039] In either case, this variant is designed such that the magnet, which is part of the lock holder, is positioned on or attached to the horizontal locking bar of the lock holder. This again results in a change in the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall sensor when the lock holder is inserted into the entry jaw and assumes the closed position. This is because, in this variant, the magnet, together with the horizontal locking bar of the lock holder, enters the measuring range of the Hall sensor, causing the desired change in magnetic field strength compared to the situation without the lock holder inserted into the entry jaw.

[0040] All variants are characterized by the fact that the Hall sensor is advantageously designed as a component of a control unit. In this context, the control unit ensures that the essential lock functions are controlled, for example, by querying sensors inside the lock housing, activating electric motors, etc. The Hall sensor is generally mounted on a circuit board located within the lock housing as part of the control unit. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the control unit is already equipped with a circuit board, which may, for example, contain a microchip, various sensors, electric motors, etc. According to the invention, the circuit board of the control unit additionally accommodates one or, potentially, several Hall sensors. Kiekert AG

[0041] P24164WO

[0042] 7

[0043] As a result, the Hall sensor is aligned and mounted simultaneously with the assembly of the circuit board inside the lock housing, and no additional assembly steps or alignment measures are expressly required. Furthermore, the control unit's circuit board is located inside the lock housing, ensuring its protected placement and proper operation. In this context, the magnet(s) in the lock housing and the Hall sensor are typically positioned on parallel planes spaced apart from each other. This way, both the Hall sensor and the one or two magnets are precisely positioned from the outset and during assembly—in one variant, above the entry point and protected inside the lock housing.

[0044] If the magnet(s) and the Hall sensor are located above the entry point for the lock pin in the lock housing, the magnetic field generated by the magnet undergoes a change in its magnetic field strength and / or extent due to the lock pin moving into the entry point, and in particular its horizontal, magnetizable locking bar. Typically, both an increase in magnetic field extent and an increase in magnetic field strength are observed. Both aspects are evaluated as signals by the stationary Hall sensor and transmitted, for example, to the lock's control unit, indicating that the lock pin or locking mechanism has reached its closed position.

[0045] Naturally, the locking status can be further verified by comparing the locking status of the lock holder with signals from one or more sensors on the rotary latch, which must then also report a locking status or main locking status of the rotary latch to the control unit. The same applies to any door contact switches, which in this case indicate a closed door, or whose signals can be compared with each other. The previously mentioned lock-side control unit can handle this.

[0046] According to the invention, it is generally sufficient that the horizontal Kiekert AG

[0047] P24164WO

[0048] 8

[0049] The locking bar of the lock holder is designed to be magnetizable. However, as a rule, the entire locking bar and usually also the lock holder plate are designed to be magnetizable, and a high-strength steel is regularly used as the material, which generally possesses the necessary magnetizability intrinsically. This means that special measures for magnetizing the locking bar or the horizontal locking bar are usually not necessary, although possible.

[0050] The result is a vehicle lock, and in particular a vehicle door lock, characterized by a simple design and exceptional reliability. This is due to the fact that, at this point, it is sufficient to utilize the combined effect of the magnet and the magnetizable horizontal locking bar to significantly alter the magnetic field strength detected by the stationary Hall sensor. This change is then interpreted as a signal, specifically as the locking state of the lock pin and, consequently, the locking mechanism consisting of the rotary latch and locking pawl.

[0051] In this context, any manufacturing-related and aging-related variations in the movement of the lock holder are expressly accepted according to the invention and do not lead to any error messages. This can be attributed to the fact that, in this case, the decisive factor is the combined effect of the magnet and, in particular, the horizontal and magnetizable locking bar of the lock holder, and not whether the vertical leg of the locking bar has reached a specific position, as is the case in the generic prior art according to DE 102019003618 A1. In fact, the invention also generally permits any "inclined positions" of the horizontal locking bar of the lock holder inside the entry jaw, whether due to manufacturing tolerances or, for example, due to aging effects, should a corresponding motor vehicle door "sag" after years or decades of use.This is irrelevant within the scope of the invention because the horizontal locking bar, along its entire length, contributes to the combinational effect of the connection with the magnet. Kiekert AG.

[0052] P24164WO

[0053] 9

[0054] This combinatorial effect can be attributed to the fact that the lock keeper entering the entry jaw simply leads to an increase in the magnetic field strength. This is because, during this process, the magnetizable horizontal locking bar approaches the magnet, which is, for example, stationary inside the lock housing. As a result, the magnetic field extent described by the magnet generally increases, and so does the generated magnetic field strength. A similar effect occurs when the magnet enters the entry jaw together with the magnetizable horizontal locking bar and thus the lock keeper. This generally increases the combined magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field extent of the magnet alone. This increase in magnetic field extent or strength is then interpreted by the Hall sensor as a signal indicating that the lock has reached the closed position.This is where the main advantages lie.

[0055] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment; the drawing shows:

[0056] Figures 1A and 2A show the motor vehicle lock according to the invention in a partial side view in the area of ​​an entry jaw, first without the lock holder retracted (Figure 1A) and then with the lock holder retracted (Figure 2A).

[0057] Figures 1B and 2B show the corresponding positions according to Figures 1A and 2A in top view within the framework of a first variant,

[0058] Figures 3A and 4A again show a side view without the retracted lock holder (Figure 3A) and with the retracted lock holder (Figure 4A) of a second variant of the invention and

[0059] Figures 5A and 6A show a side view of the motor vehicle lock according to the invention in connection with a third embodiment, namely the lock holder as such (Figure 5A) and in its locked position retracted into the locking mechanism (Figure 6A).

[0060] The figures depict a motor vehicle lock, which is part of Kiekert AG.

[0061] P24164WO

[0062] 10

[0063] The embodiment shown is not limited to a general example and refers to a motor vehicle door lock located inside a motor vehicle door 1, which is only indicated. The motor vehicle lock, or motor vehicle door lock, is equipped with a locking mechanism 2, also only indicated, consisting of a rotary latch 2 and a locking pawl (not shown) that interacts with it. Furthermore, a lock holder 4, 5 is provided, which is connected to the body 6 of a motor vehicle (not shown in detail), for example, to a B-pillar of the motor vehicle.

[0064] The lock holder 4, 5 basically consists of a locking bar 4 and a lock holder plate 5. According to the exemplary embodiment, the locking bar 4 is U-shaped and anchored in the lock holder plate 5. Of particular importance for the following considerations is a horizontal and magnetizable locking bar web 4a, which connects two vertical legs 4b of the locking bar 4 on its upper side. These legs are predominantly perpendicular to the lock holder plate 5. Generally, the entire lock holder 4, 5 is designed to be magnetizable, as it is typically manufactured from high-strength steel.

[0065] Of further particular importance to the invention is a sensor unit 7, 8, which, according to the exemplary embodiment, is designed in two parts. In fact, the sensor unit 7, 8 comprises at least one magnet or permanent magnet 8 and a Hall sensor 7. The Hall sensor 7 can be used, in particular, to detect the magnetic field strength generated by the magnet 8. To make the magnetic field strength and also the extent of a magnetic field generated by the respective magnet 8 transparent within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, magnetic fields are indicated in the individual figures, which manifest themselves differently in the depicted functional positions. The respective magnetic field is defined by a boundary line and a dotted area representation.It should be understood that, strictly speaking, a sharp boundary line for the magnetic field indicated in this way is not observed, but rather there are gradual transitions at the edge.

[0066] According to the invention, the interpretation is now such that first of all, Kiekert AG

[0067] P24164WO

[0068] 11

[0069] A Hall sensor 7 is arranged above an entry opening 9 within a lock housing 10. The lock housing 10 typically extends from a lock case 11, which supports the locking mechanism 2, and covers this lock case 11 upwards. The entry opening 9 is funnel-shaped or V-shaped and, when the locking mechanism 2 is closed, receives the lock retainer 4, 5 and, in particular, the magnetizable horizontal locking bar 4a within it. The lock housing 10 defines the entry opening 7 and ensures that the entry opening 7 is closed except for a lateral slot through which the rotary latch 2 can interact with the front vertical leg 4b of the locking bar 4. This applies in particular to an upper boundary surface.The roof-side plastic wall of the inlet opening 7, already described in the introduction, which is defined by the lock housing 10 and, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 4A, carries one or more magnets 8, which can therefore be arranged on the inside of the lock housing 10, specifically at the base of the aforementioned upper boundary surface of the inlet opening 7. The magnet(s) 8 are attached to the base of the boundary surface, for example, by adhesive means.

[0070] According to the invention, the Hall sensor 7 is not only designed to be stationary, but is also arranged above the entry opening 9 for the lock holder 4, 5 in the lock housing 10. As shown in the example, the Hall sensor 7 is located on a circuit board 12 of a control unit 13 (indicated here). In fact, the control unit 13 is equipped with the aforementioned circuit board 12, which may carry individual components of the control unit 13 that are only indicated here. These components could be sensors, a microchip, one or more electric motors, etc. In any case, according to the invention, the circuit board 12 of the control unit 13 is additionally equipped with the Hall sensor 7. This automatically positions the Hall sensor 7 at the desired location inside the lock housing 10 as soon as the circuit board 12 is installed in the lock housing 10.

[0071] Furthermore, this achieves a protected mounting of the Hall sensor 7 inside the lock housing 10. In this context, the design is additionally such that the magnet(s) 8 are located in the Kiekert AG

[0072] P24164WO

[0073] 12

[0074] The lock housing 10 and the Hall sensor 7 in question, or the circuit board 12 supporting it, span parallel planes spaced apart from each other. These planes extend parallel to the upper boundary surface or the roof-side plastic wall of the inlet opening 9.

[0075] According to the invention, the design is such that when the lock holder 4, 5 enters the inlet opening 9, the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall sensor 7 changes due to the combined effect of the magnet 8 and the magnetizable, horizontal locking bar 4a of the lock holder 4, 5. This is best understood by comparing Figures 1A and 2A. Figure 1A shows a situation in which two magnets 8 each generate a limited magnetic field, indicated by corresponding boundary lines and dots. The two respective magnetic fields of the magnets 8 do not extend to the Hall sensor 7, which consequently does not detect a corresponding signal, or if it does, only a weak signal (see Figure 1A).

[0076] However, as soon as the lock holder 4, 5 is inserted into the entry opening 9, the immediate proximity of the horizontal locking bar 4a of the locking bar 4 causes the magnetic field of the respective magnets 8 to be intensified, resulting in a magnetic field spanning both magnets 8 due to the combined effect of the two magnets 8 and the magnetizable horizontal locking bar 4a. Consequently, the Hall sensor 7, which according to the exemplary embodiment is provided essentially centrally between the two magnets 8 on either side, registers a change in the magnetic field strength, which can be reported to the control unit 13 (see Fig. 2A).

[0077] The control unit 13 interprets this as a closing signal for the lock holder 4, 5 and thus also for the locking mechanism 2. That is, in this case, the magnet(s) 8, together with the Hall sensor 7, are arranged above the entry opening 9 for the lock holder 4, 5 in the lock housing 10. In this embodiment, the change in the magnetic field or magnetic field strength is accompanied by a simultaneous change in the magnetic field extent defined by the magnet(s) 8, namely such that without the lock holder 4, 5 being inserted into the entry opening 9, two more or Kiekert AG

[0078] P24164WO

[0079] 13

[0080] Less discrete magnetic fields are observed, corresponding to the two associated magnets 8. As soon as the lock holder 4, 5 is inserted into the entry opening 9, the magnetizable horizontal locking bar 4a, in particular, ensures that the two previously discrete and separate magnetic fields of the magnets 8 are combined into a single magnetic field spanning both magnets 8, which then also reaches the Hall sensor 7 located centrally between the two magnets 8 and thus causes the change in magnetic field strength registered by it (see Fig. 1B and 2B).

[0081] In the variant shown in Figures 3A and 4A, the design incorporates a magnet 8 and a Hall sensor 7, with the sole magnet 8 being positioned laterally offset from the Hall sensor 7 and located inside the lock housing 10. As soon as the lock holder 4, 5 enters the entry opening 9 in this variant, the approach of the magnetizable horizontal locking bar 4a of the lock holder 4, 5 causes the magnetic field emanating from the magnet 8 to extend along the magnetizable locking bar 4a and thus enter the influence area of ​​the Hall sensor 7 (cf. Fig. 4A in contrast to Fig. 3A).

[0082] 3A). As a result, the Hall sensor 7 again registers a change in the magnetic field strength compared to the situation without lock holder 4, 5, so that this change in the magnetic field strength is again interpreted as a closing signal by the control unit 13 in the example case under consideration.

[0083] The variant shown in Figures 5A and 6A is characterized by the fact that, in this case, the magnet 8 is formed as part of the lock holder 4, 5. In fact, the magnet 8 is located on or attached to the horizontal locking bar 4a of the lock holder 4, 5.

[0084] The position of the lock holder 4, 5 outside the entry jaw 9, as shown in Figure 5A, again corresponds to the fact that the Hall sensor 7, which is fixed inside the lock housing 10, registers no or at most a weak magnetic field. However, when the lock holder 4, 5 enters the entry jaw 9 according to Figure 6A and reaches the locking mechanism 2, and with it the lock holder 4, 5, its closed position, this is accompanied by a change in the magnetic field strength, which is detected by the Hall sensor 7. This is again due to the combined effect of the magnet 8 in conjunction with the Kiekert AG

[0085] P24164WO

[0086] 14

[0087] horizontal and magnetizable locking bar 4a of the lock holder 4, 5. Kiekert AG

[0088] P24164WO

[0089] 15 List of reference symbols

[0090] 2 rotary trap

[0091] 4 lock holders

[0092] 4a Locking bar

[0093] 5 lock holders

[0094] 7 Hall sensor

[0095] 8 Magnet

[0096] 9 Inlet mouth

[0097] 10 lock housings

[0098] 11 Lock boxes

[0099] 12 circuit boards

[0100] 13 Control unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Motor vehicle lock, in particular motor vehicle door lock, with a locking mechanism (2) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (2) and a locking pawl, furthermore with a lock holder (4, 5) for interaction with the locking mechanism (2), and with a sensor unit (7, 8) which is designed at least for determining the position of the lock holder (4, 5) relative to the locking mechanism (2) and in particular for detecting a closed state, wherein the sensor unit (7, 8) is equipped in two parts with at least one magnet (8) and a Hall sensor (7) that detects the magnetic field strength generated by the magnet (8), characterized by the fact that the stationary Hall sensor (7) is arranged above an entry opening (9) for the lock holder (4, 5) in the lock housing (10), so that when the lock holder (4, 5) enters the entry opening (9), the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall sensor (7) is changed by the combinational effect of the magnet (8) and at least one magnetizable and horizontal locking bar (4a) of the lock holder (4, 5).

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnet (8) together with the Hall sensor (7) is arranged above the entry jaw (9) for the lock holder (4, 5) in the lock housing (10).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two magnets (8) are provided on both sides of the substantially central Hall sensor (7).

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnet(s) (8) are arranged on the inside of the lock housing (10).

5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the Hall sensor (7) is designed as a component of a control unit (13).

6. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 5, characterized in that the Hall sensor (7) is arranged on a circuit board (12) of the control unit (13) arranged in the lock housing (10).

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the magnet(s) (8) in the lock housing (10) and the Hall sensor (7) each span parallel and spaced-apart planes.

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the magnet (8) is designed as a component of the lock holder (4, 5).

9. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 8, characterized in that the magnet (8) is arranged on the horizontal locking bar (4a) of the lock holder (4, 5).

10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the magnetic field generated by the magnet(s) (8) undergoes a change in its magnetic field strength and / or its magnetic field extent by the lock holder (4, 5) entering the entry mouth (9).

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