EP2193247A1

EP2193247A1 - Motor vehicle lock

Info

Publication number: EP2193247A1
Application number: EP08802459A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Simon Brose; Roman Joschko; David Rosales; Stefanic Josip; Abdelali El Hamoumi
Original assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2007-09-21
Filing date: 2008-09-21
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-21
Also published as: MY157443A; US20110084505A1; MX2010003130A; ES2434692T3; JP2010539361A; EP2193247B1; US8727398B2; WO2009040074A1; CN101932782B; WO2009040074A8; BRPI0817204A2; ZA201001824B; JP5340293B2; KR101379391B1; CN101932782A; BRPI0817204B1; KR20100072273A; DE102008018500A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, having the locking elements of a bolt and a catch (1), and having a lock mechanism (2), wherein the lock mechanism (2) can be moved into different functional states, such as 'unlocked,' 'locked,' 'anti-theft locked,' or 'child-safety locked' and has at least one functional element (3) for this purpose, which can be adjusted into corresponding functional positions. The invention proposes that at least one functional element (3) be configured as a spring-elastic, bendable wire or strip, thus being bendable into different functional positions in a spring-elastic manner as a bending functional element.

Description

07.1513.8.WZ 21. September 2008

Motor vehicle lock

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 1 and a control drive for such a motor vehicle lock according to the preamble of claim 40.

The motor vehicle lock in question finds application in all types of closure elements of a motor vehicle. These include in particular side doors, rear doors, tailgates, trunk lids or hoods. These closure elements can basically be designed in the manner of sliding doors.

The known motor vehicle lock (DE 102 58 645 B4), from which the invention proceeds, shows a motor vehicle lock with the closing elements lock latch and pawl. The latch is in the usual way in an open position, in a main closed position and in a prelocking brought. The pawl has the task to hold the latch in the two closed positions. To release the latch, the pawl can be lifted manually.

In the known motor vehicle lock the manual lifting of the locking pawl is provided in the context of the realization of a mechanical redundancy. This means that the pawl is normally lifted by a motor, and only in case of emergency, for example, in case of power failure, is manually raised.

The known motor vehicle lock is further equipped with a lock mechanism that can be switched to different functional states. These are the functional states "unlocked", "locked", "theft-proof" and "child-proof". In the functional state "unlocked", the associated motor vehicle door can be opened by actuating the inside door handle and the outside door handle. In the functional state "locked" can not be opened from the outside, but from the inside. In the functional state "Thief steel safe "can not be opened either from the outside or from the inside In the functional state" child-proof "can be opened from the outside, but not from the inside.

It is now usually the case that the outside door handle is coupled to an external operating lever and the inside door handle is coupled to an internal operating lever, wherein the two operating levers are coupled to the pawl or decoupled from the pawl, depending on the functional state. For this purpose, the lock mechanism is equipped with a coupling arrangement in which a coupling pin cooperates with different control slots. Such a realization of the above coupling function is mechanically complex, since the adjustability of the coupling pin is always connected to the use of appropriate bearing and guide elements.

The invention is based on the problem, the known motor vehicle lock in such a way and further develop that the structural design is simplified.

The above problem is solved in a motor vehicle lock with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. It is essential to consider that the decisive for the realization of the different functional states of the lock mechanism functional element in the manner of a resilient-bendable wire or strip can be configured. Such a functional element is referred to below as a bending-function element. The term "wire" refers to the shape, not the material of the element.

The adjustment of the bending functional element in the different functional positions is here simply a corresponding bending of the bending functional element back. On a bearing or guide element can be dispensed with.

In the preferred embodiment according to claim 9, the bending function element provides a switchable coupling between two adjusting elements of the motor vehicle lock. The coupling function is simply achieved by lisiert that the bending-functional element is adjusted by appropriate bending so in the range of movement of the adjusting elements to be coupled, that can follow an adjustment of the movement of the other adjusting element. Due to its spring elasticity, it is also possible for the bending functional element to follow this movement. This realization of a coupling with bending functional element is carried out with minimal design effort.

A particularly simple realization of the adjustment of the bending functional element is the subject matter of claim 18. Here, a control drive with a control shaft is provided, on which the associated bending functional element is supported. This is structurally easy to implement. A particular advantage is further that the control shaft may have a plurality of juxtaposed control sections, which are assigned to different bending functional elements.

In the preferred embodiment according to claim 30, it is provided that the lock mechanism can be brought parallel to the functional state "child-proof". The setting of the functional state "child-proof" takes place in parallel to the setting of the other functional states, since, for example, a locking and unlocking can take place regardless of the inserted parental control, ie parallel to inserting the parental control. This is realized by the fact that the functional position "unlocked" automatically goes into the functional position "unlocked-child-proofed" with the childproof lock inserted. An unlocking effected when the child safety device thus an adjustment of the bending-functional element no longer in the functional position "unlocked", but in the functional position "unlocked-child-proof".

According to another teaching according to claim 40, which has independent significance, the above-mentioned control drive for a motor vehicle lock is claimed. All versions of the proposed motor vehicle lock, which are suitable to describe the control drive, apply to this further teaching in full. - A -

Further details, features, objectives and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments. In the drawing shows

1 is a proposed motor vehicle lock with the essential components for explaining the invention in a perspective view,

2 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 1 in the view A, FIG.

3 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 2 in a sectional view along the section line B-B, FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a further proposed motor vehicle lock in a view according to FIG. 1, FIG.

5 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 4 in a view according to FIG.

3,

Fig. 6 shows a proposed control drive in a perspective

View,

7 shows the control drive according to FIG. 6 in the view A in three control positions, FIG.

Fig. 8 shows a further proposed control drive in a view according to FIG. 6 and

9 shows the control drive according to FIG. 8 in view A in four control positions, FIG.

10 shows another proposed motor vehicle lock with the components essential for the explanation of the invention in a perspective view in the functional state "unlocked", 11 the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 10 in the functional state "locked", FIG.

12 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 10 in the functional state "theft-proof", FIG.

Fig. 13, the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 10 in a plan view without

External operating lever in the functional state "locked" when operating the inside operating lever,

14 is a further proposed motor vehicle lock with selected control drive components in a perspective view in the functional state "unlocked",

14 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 14 in a sectional view along the section line XIII-XIII in the functional state a) "unlocked", b) "locked" ("locked and child-proof" in dashed representation) and c) "unlocked and child-proof" .

16 is a further proposed motor vehicle lock in a view according to FIG. 1,

17 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 16 in the view A, FIG.

18 shows a further proposed motor vehicle lock in a view according to FIG. 13 without cover of the electrical component carrier, FIG.

Fig. 19, the motor vehicle lock of FIG. 18 with the lid of the

Electro component carrier and

FIG. 20 shows the motor vehicle lock according to FIG. 18 without cover of the electrical component carrier in a fragmentary, perspective view. FIG. It may be noted in advance that only the components of the proposed motor vehicle lock or the proposed control drive are shown in the drawing, which are necessary for the explanation of the teaching. Accordingly, a latch which cooperates in the usual way with the pawl, in Figs. 1 to 9 and 13, 14 is not shown.

FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4, 5 show two embodiments of a proposed motor vehicle lock, which has the closing elements lock catch and pawl 1. Furthermore, a lock mechanism 2 is provided which can be brought into different functional states such as "unlocked", "locked", "theft-proof" or "child-proof". In general, the lock mechanism 2 ensures that the pawl 1 in dependence on the functional state by an operation of the outside door handle and / or the door inner handle or just not liftable. In an electric lock, the lock mechanism 2 can also only serve to couple an emergency operation with the pawl 1. The term "lock mechanism" is thus to be understood in a broad sense.

To adjust the lock mechanism 2 in the above functional states, this has at least one functional element 3 which can be adjusted into corresponding functional positions. By an adjustment of the functional element 3 or the functional elements, the lock mechanism 2 can thus bring into the desired functional states.

In principle, a plurality of functional elements 3 can be provided for the realization of the functional states of the lock mechanism 2. In the following, however, only a single functional element 3 is provided in the above sense, which is not to be understood as limiting.

What is essential is that the functional element 3 shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated is designed in the manner of a resiliently flexible wire and can thus be elastically flexed into the different functional positions as a bending functional element 3. In Fig. 2, two functional positions to be explained are shown. A comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 shows that the adjustment of the bending functional element 3 to a resilient bending goes back to it. The effect and the triggering of this adjustment will be explained in detail below.

In the event that a plurality of functional elements 3 are provided, at least one of the functional elements 3 is configured as a bending functional element 3. Other functional elements 3 can be configured in the usual way with displaceable coupling pins or the like.

It can be seen from the representation in FIG. 2 that the bending functional element 3 is essentially bendable about a geometric bending axis, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of at least part of the bending functional element 3.

With regard to the choice of material for the bending functional element 3, various preferred alternatives are conceivable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bending functional element 3 consists of a metal material, preferably spring steel. But it may also be advantageous to design the bending functional element 3 in a plastic material.

Also for the shaping of the bending functional element 3, various advantageous alternatives are conceivable. Preferably, the bending functional element 3 has a circular cross section. In particular, in terms of manufacturing technology, it may also be advantageous that the bending-functional element 3 is designed strip-shaped or strip-shaped, since such elements can be fastened in a simple manner.

In the illustrated and in so far preferred embodiments, the bending functional element 3 is partially configured straight. Depending on the application, it may also be advantageous that the bending functional element 3 is adapted to the structural conditions and deviates significantly from a straight configuration.

In the illustrated and so far preferred exemplary embodiments is the

Bending functional element 3 formed as a one-piece wire having the same spring elastic properties over its entire length. But it can be advantageous that the bending-functional element 3 is only partially elastically bendable and otherwise designed rather rigid. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the wire cross section over the length of the wire.

A simple realization of the bending-functional element 3 can be achieved in that the bending-functional element 3 is designed in the manner of a bending beam. The term "bending beam" is to be understood here broadly. What is meant is that the bending functional element 3 is fixed at a position from which the adjustable part of the bending functional element 3 extends. After this broad understanding, the bending functional element 3 shown in the drawing is designed in the manner of a bending beam.

In principle, the bending functional element 3 can serve as an actuating element, for example for a coupling. However, in the illustrated preferred embodiments, the bending functional element 3 itself provides a switchable coupling between pivotable adjusting elements 1, 4, 5 of the motor vehicle lock. This will be explained in detail below with reference to the concrete functional positions of the lock mechanism 2.

It is first of all quite general that the bending-functional element 3 is in a first functional position in engagement with the adjusting elements 1, 4, 5 and can be brought and the adjusting elements 1, 4, 5 couples and in a second functional position out of engagement of at least one adjustment 1, 4, 5 and the adjusting elements 1, 4, 5 is decoupled. Here and preferably, it is such that the still to be explained adjusting elements 4, 5 with the adjusting element 1 - pawl 1 - are coupled. Here are largely any combinations conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the lock mechanism 2 can be brought by an adjustment of the bending functional element 3 in different functional positions in the corresponding functional states "unlocked" and "locked". In a particularly preferred embodiment, the functional state "theft-proofed" and possibly the functional state "child-proof" can also be achieved by a corresponding adjustment of the bending functional element 3. pass. In principle, a plurality of bending functional elements 3 can also be provided for this purpose.

It can be seen from the drawing that the force transferable via the bending functional element 3 acts perpendicular to the extension of the bending functional element 3. As a result, the engagement between the adjusting elements 1, 4, 5 and the bending functional element 3 can be realized in a simple manner, as will be shown below.

In principle, the bending-functional element 3 in a functional position can also act blocking on an adjusting element of the lock mechanism 2. Then it is preferably so that the blocking force acts perpendicular to the extension of the bending functional element 3.

The above-mentioned adjusting elements 1, 4, 5 are on the one hand to the pawl 1 and on the other hand to the external operating lever 4 and the inner operating lever 5 of the lock mechanism 2. FIGS. 1 to 3 show a preferred variant without internal operating lever 5, which in certain applications may be advantageous.

Here and preferably, it is such that the lock mechanism 2 by an adjustment of the at least one bending functional element 3 in different functional positions in the corresponding functional states "unlocked" and "locked", preferably in the functional state "theft-proof" and in particular in the functional state "Child safe" (not shown) can be brought.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided for this purpose that the bending-functional element 3 is aligned substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis of the pawl 1. This means that the bending functional element 3 extends radially correspondingly. In the illustrated and in so far preferred embodiments, the bending functional element 3 further extends substantially along the pawl 1. Basically, this radial orientation can also on one of the pivot axes of the Außenbetäti- supply lever 4 or the possibly present inside operating lever 5 related be. Here, however, this makes no difference, since the pawl 1, the outer operating lever 4 and the inner operating lever 5 are pivotable on the same pivot axis. With such an arrangement, a good compactness can be achieved. In the pivot axis in this sense, it may be the physical pivot axis or only about the geometric pivot axis.

Preferably, the bending-functional element 3 is at one end in particular fixed to the lock housing. In the illustrated embodiments, this serves the pawl 1 associated, fixed to the housing bearing pin. It is also conceivable, however, that the bending-functional element 3 is fixed to the pawl 1 itself.

For realizing the above-mentioned coupling between the Außenbetbet- le lever 4 and the pawl 1, it is preferably provided that the pawl 1 or coupled to the pawl 1 lever has a pawl-Mitnehmerkontur 6, wherein more preferably the external actuating lever 4 or having the external operating lever 4 coupled lever an external actuating cam contour 7. The arrangement is made in the illustrated embodiments so that when in the functional position "unlocked" befindlichem bending functional element of the external actuating lever 4 via the external actuating driver contour 7, the bending functional element 3 and the pawl-driver contour 6 is coupled to the pawl 1 , This functional position is best seen in Figs. 1 and 4.

Further, it is preferably provided that in the functional state "locked" the bending-functional element 3 is disengaged from the pawl driver contour 6 and the external actuating driver contour 7, so that the external actuating lever 4 is decoupled from the pawl 1. The functional position "unlocked" is shown in Fig. 2 in dashed line.

To realize the functional position "unlocked", it would also be sufficient if the bending functional element 3 were disengaged from one of the two above driver contours 6, 7. It can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 1 that pivoting of the external actuating lever 4 from the top, when viewed from above, causes the external actuating driver contour 7 to engage the bending functional element 3 and a force to the bending functional element 3 perpendicular to the Erstrek- kung direction of the functional element 3 at the point of engagement exerts. This results in that the bending-functional element 3 acts on the pawl driving contour 6, so that the pawl 1 adjusted, dug here, is.

For the design of the Mitnehmerkonturen 6, 7, a number of advantageous possibilities are conceivable. Here, and preferably, the pawl driver contour 6 consists of two bearing blocks 6a, 6b, between which the outer actuating element contour 7 passes in the "locked" functional position. This has the advantage that the bending functional element 3 is optimally supported at the point of engagement at which the actuating force is transmitted yes.

Another preferred variant provides that the pawl driver contour 6 only has one slot into which the external actuating driver contour 7 runs in the "locked" functional position. In the "unlocked" functional position, the slot is blocked by the bending functional element 3.

It may be pointed out that the two driver contours 6, 7 are readily interchangeable. This means that the described bearing blocks 6a, 6b or the slot described can also be arranged on the external actuating lever 4.

In the further preferred embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5, an internal operating lever 5 is additionally provided in addition to the external operating lever 4. Accordingly, it is additionally preferably provided that the Innenbetäti- supply lever 5 or coupled to the inner operating lever 5 lever has an internal operating cam contour 8. Here, with the bending function element 3 in the "unlocked" functional position, the inner actuating lever 5 is coupled to the pawl 1 via the inner actuating driver contour 8, the bending functional element 3 and the pawl driver contour 6. The pawl 1 can therefore also be disengaged via the inside operating lever 5. to lift. Furthermore, it is accordingly provided that in the functional state "locked" the bending-functional element 3 is out of engagement with the pawl driver contour 6 and the inner actuating driver contour 8 and the internal operating lever 5 is thus decoupled from the pawl 1. Again, it may be provided that the bending-functional element 3 is only disengaged from one of the two driver contours 6, 8.

Since in the functional position "locked" an operation of the inner actuating lever 5 must still lead to a lifting of the pawl 1, is here and preferably provided that an actuation of the inner actuating lever 5, the transfer of the lock mechanism 2 from the functional state "locked" in the functional state "unlocked" causes. How this unlocking process takes place in detail will be explained below.

It is essential here, first, that with regard to the operation of the inner actuating lever 5, an initial freewheel is provided and that the unlocking occurs when passing through this freewheel. The freewheel is preferably realized so that the inner actuating driver contour 8 is spaced in the non-actuated state by a freewheeling distance 9 of the bending functional element 3.

In the preferred embodiment with freewheel causes in the functional position "locked" pivoting of the inner actuating lever 5, the first unlocking (in any way, which is not shown in Fig. 1 to 5), whereby the bending-functional element 3 of the deflected position falls into the position shown in Fig. 4. Upon further pivoting of the inner actuating lever 5 then the lifting of the pawl takes place. 1

In principle, however, can also be provided that in the functional position "locked" a two-time pivoting of the inner actuating lever 5 is required. This is commonly referred to as a "double-stroke taxi function". This variant is also easy to implement. During the first pivoting of the inner actuating lever 5, the bending-functional element 3 could in fact fall onto the shoulder 8a of the inner actuating driver contour 8 that can be seen in FIGS. 4, 5. The bending functional element 3 would, however, only be held there until the interior actuation lever 5 pivots back to then a second time, this time to lift the pawl 1, to be pivoted.

There are various possibilities for the determination of the bending functional element 3 conceivable. For example, the bending-functional element 3 may be fastened to the lock housing or to the adjustment elements 1, 4, 5 involved. It is also conceivable that the bending-functional element 3 is molded onto the lock housing or to one of the involved adjusting elements 1, 4, 5, provided that the bending functional element 3 is made of a plastic material by injection molding. But it may also be that the bending-functional element 3 is part of an already existing pawl, Außenbetätigungshebel- or Innenbetätigungshebel spring (see, for example, Fig. 1 to 3). This will be explained later.

For controlled adjustment, so for the controlled elastic bending of the bending functional element 3, a control drive 10 is provided. In principle, the control drive 10 can also be assigned a plurality of bending functional elements 3 to be adjusted or other conventionally constructed functional elements 3. By the control drive 10, the associated bending-functional element 3 is adjustable according to some functional positions. Some functional parts are achieved by resilient return of the bending functional element 3. Two preferred embodiments of a proposed control drive 10, Fig. 6, 7 and Fig. 8, 9 in a highly schematic manner.

In both illustrated and insofar preferred embodiments, the control drive 10 has a control shaft 11, on which the associated bending functional element 3 is supported, so that by bending the control shaft 11, the bending functional element 3 is deflected. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bending functional element 3 extends substantially perpendicular to the control shaft axis 12th

Preferably, the control drive 10 is a motor control drive 10. Then, the control shaft 11 - as shown - coupled to a drive motor 13. In this case, the control shaft 11 may be arranged directly on the motor shaft 14 of the drive motor 13. It is also conceivable that the control shaft 1 1 via a pinion od. Like. With the motor shaft 14 is in drive engineering engagement.

The control drive 10 can also be configured manually adjustable. For example, the control drive 10 then communicates with corresponding manual actuation elements such as a lock cylinder or an inner safety button.

The control shaft 11 can be - motor or manually - bring in the control positions "unlocked" and "locked". In the process, it transfers the bending function element 3 into the "locked" functional position or allows it to return to the "unlocked" functional position.

Here and preferably, the control shaft 11 is designed in the manner of a camshaft, wherein the associated bending functional element 3 is supported on the camshaft and can be correspondingly deflected by an adjustment of the camshaft. This is shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 a) shows the functional position "unlocked", which corresponds to the illustrations in FIGS. 1, 4. Fig. 7b shows a first adjustment of the control shaft 11, left in Fig. 7, without the bending-functional element 3 is adjusted. As a result, the drive motor 13 is only slightly loaded when starting, resulting in a cost-effective design of the drive motor. Upon further adjustment of the control shaft 11, the cam I Ia arranged on the control shaft 11 deflects the bending functional element 3 upward in FIG. 7 (FIG. 7c)). This corresponds to the functional position "locked". This functional position of the bending functional element 3 is shown in FIG. 2 in a dashed line. It follows from a combination of FIGS. 6 and 7 that the adjustment of the bending functional element 3 by means of a control shaft 1 1 is structurally particularly easy to implement.

A preferred alternative to the embodiment of the control shaft 1 1 in the manner of a camshaft is that the control shaft 1 1 is designed in the manner of a crankshaft. Then it is correspondingly so that the associated bend-functional element 3 on the crankshaft, in particular on the eccentric Sections of the crankshaft, supported. Special manufacturing advantages can be realized in that the control shaft 11 is configured in the manner of a bent wire. A particularly compact arrangement results from the fact that the control shaft 11 is the motor shaft 14 of the drive motor 13 at the same time.

It has already been mentioned above that in the "locked" functional state, the actuation of the inner actuating lever 5 leads to an unlocking process. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, 9, the control shaft 11 is provided with an override contour 11b for this purpose. This override contour I Ib is associated with a further override contour 5b arranged on the inner operating lever 5 or on a lever coupled to the inner operating lever, which is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In the functional state "locked" (FIG. 7 c), the inner operating lever-side override contour 5 b comes into engagement with the control shaft-side override contour 1 lb when the inner actuating lever 5 is actuated and transfers the control shaft 11 into the "unlocked" control position (FIG. 7 a)). , As a result, the bending functional element 3 is correspondingly transferred into the functional position "unlocked" and, as a result, the lock mechanism 2 is brought into the "unlocked" functional state. For the design of this unlocking other variants are conceivable.

The positioning of the control shaft 11 is preferably carried out in block mode. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7 runs during the adjustment of the control shaft 11 of the control position "unlocked" in the control position "locked" the override contour I Ib against a blocking element 15. The provision of the control shaft 1 1 in the control position "Unlocked" can also be done in block mode. However, a control technology solution is also conceivable for this purpose. Another blocking element is here and preferably not provided.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8, 9 corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIGS.

6, 7 illustrated embodiment, which has been extended to the realization of the functional state "anti-theft". Accordingly, the tax wave 11 in the control position "theft-proof" brought, which corresponds initially with regard to the adjustment of the bending-functional element 3 of the "locked" position. However, the control shaft 11 is positioned in the control position "anti-theft" so that the control shaft side override contour I Ib is outside the range of motion 16 of the inside operation side override contour 5b.

Fig. 9 shows the different control positions of this preferred embodiment. 9a) shows the unlocked state, in which, as already explained, the bending functional element 3 is not deflected. 9b), on the other hand, shows the control position "locked", in which the bending-functional element 3 is deflected and the control-shaft-side override contour Ib is in the movement region 16 of the inner-operation-side override contour 5b. Fig. 9c shows an intermediate state between the control position "unlocked" and the control position "anti-theft". Fig. 9d) shows the control position "theft-proof". A synopsis of FIGS. 9b) and 9d) shows that the deflection of the bending functional element 3 in the control positions "locked" and "secured against theft" here and preferably is the same.

Essential in the control position "anti-theft" shown in Fig. 9d) is the fact that the control shaft side override contour I Ib is outside the range of motion 16 of the inside operation side override contour 5b. This ensures that in the functional state "theft-proofed" a lifting of the pawl 1 by the internal operating lever 5 is not possible.

Also in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, 9, a control of the control shaft 11 is at least partially in the block mode. In any case, this concerns the control positions "locked" and "theft-proof" (FIG. 9b), 9d)). For this purpose, the control shaft 11 has a blocking contour 11c, which can be brought into engagement with a blocking element 17. Here and preferably, the blocking element 17 is adjustable and can be brought into the blocking position "locked" (FIG. 9b) and "secured against theft" (FIG. 9d)). For the adjustment of the blocking element 17, a further drive motor 18 is provided. In principle, however, a manual adjustment of the blocking element 17 is also possible here. Lich. The blocking element 17 can be arranged directly on the motor shaft 19 of the drive motor 18. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to couple the kierelement 17 with the drive motor 18 via a pinion or the like in terms of drive technology.

By adjusting the blocking element 17, different blocking positions of the control shaft 11 can be realized. When in the blocking position "locked" befindlichem blocking element 17, the control shaft 11 in the control position "locked" (Fig. 9b)) is blocked. When in blocking position "anti-theft" befindlicher blocking element 17, the control shaft 11 is blocked in the control position "theft-proof" (Fig. 9d)). Finally, the blocking element 17 assumes the function of an anti-theft lever, while the drive motor 18 assumes the function of an anti-theft motor.

The control shaft 11 is further equipped in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, 9 and so far preferred with an ejector contour Id 1, which in a manual adjustment of the control shaft 11 of the control position "theft-proof" (Fig. 9d)) in the control position "Unlocked" Fig. 9a)) comes into engagement with the blocking element 17 and the blocking element 17 is transferred to the blocking position "locked". This is advantageous, for example, in the event that the drive motor 18 (anti-theft motor) fails and a manual unlocking, for example via a lock cylinder, must be performed.

It may also be pointed out that the bending functional element 3 described above is coupled in a preferred embodiment in such a way with one of the involved adjusting elements 1, 4, 5, preferably with the pawl 1, the external operating lever 4 or the inner operating lever 5 that the bending Functional element 3 provides a bias of the respective adjustment element 1, 4, 5. This double use of the bending functional element 3 has been mentioned above in connection with a pawl spring, an external operating lever spring or an internal operating lever spring. The realization of the functional state "child-proof" is also conceivable with the proposed motor vehicle lock, as will be shown below. A preferred variant provides that a further bending functional element 3 is provided, which is also adjusted by the control drive 10.

10 to 13 show another embodiment of a proposed motor vehicle lock, which is basically constructed similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and in FIGS. 6 to 9 motor vehicle lock. In this illustration, the above-mentioned, the pawl 1 associated latch Ia is shown. Furthermore, a lock mechanism 2 is also provided here, wherein the lock mechanism 2 has an external operating lever 4 (not shown in FIG. 13) and an internal operating lever 5. It is also essential here that a functional element 3 is provided in the above sense, which is configured as a resilient bendable wire or strip and so as a bending functional element resiliently in different functional positions is bendable.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, a control drive 10 is also provided with a control shaft 11 on which the associated bending functional element 3 is supported. Next, the control shaft 11 is also equipped with a Oveπide contour I Ib in the above sense. Finally, it is also provided here that the control shaft 11 can be brought not only in the control positions "unlocked" and "locked", but also in the control position "anti-theft" in which the override contour Ib is effectively deactivated. The control position "theft-proof" (FIG. 12) is also achieved here in block mode. In view of these only a selection forming matches may be made in terms of possible variants and advantages in full extent to the explanations to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and corresponding to 6 to 9.

FIG. 10 shows the functional state "unlocked", in which the bending-functional element 3 is preferably not deflected. It can be seen from the illustration that the external actuating lever 4 via the external actuating driver contour 7 and the internal operating lever 5 via the Innenbetätigungs- Mitnehmerkontur 8 and each further via the bending functional element 3 and the pawl-Mitnehmerkontur 6 are coupled to the pawl 1.

FIGS. 11 and 13 show the functional state "locked". Here, the bending functional element 3 is deflected so that the bending functional element 3 is disengaged from the external actuating driver contour 7 and the inner actuating driver contour 8. An actuation of the inner actuating lever 5 leads to an adjustment of the bending functional element 3 in the functional position "unlocked", as will be explained in connection with the override contour I Ib.

12 shows the functional state "theft-proof", which differs from the "locked" functional state as explained in that the control-shaft-side override contour 11b is rotated outside the range of movement of the inside control lever-side override contour 5b.

A special feature is shown in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 in the realization of the external actuating driver contour 7 and the inner actuating driver contour 8. Here, it is provided that the external actuating driver contour 7 and the inner actuator driver contour 8 are each configured web-like and extend with respect to the pivot axis of the external actuating lever 4 and the inner actuating lever 5 along a circular section. This can be seen particularly clearly in FIG. 13 for the internal actuating drive contour 8. Here and preferably, it is further provided that the external actuating driver contour 7 and the inner operating driver contour 8 run directly next to one another. Overall, this leads to a particularly compact arrangement. It should be noted that such a configuration can be provided only for one of the two Mitnehmerkonturen 7, 8.

In all illustrated and insofar preferred embodiments, it is provided that the pawl driver contour 6, the outer actuating driver contour 7 and the inner actuating driver contour 8 substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the pawl 1 and the Außenbetä- le lever 4 and of the inner operating lever 5 extend. This too can basically be provided only for one of the mentioned Mitnehmerkonturen 6, 7, 8. In particular, the extent heights of the Mitnehmerkonturen 6, 7, 8 may be different, as will be shown.

A further special feature results in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13 with regard to the realization of the override contour 11b, which cooperates in the above sense with an inner operating lever-side override contour 5b. Here and preferably, it is provided that the control shaft side override contour I Ib is designed so that in the functional state "locked" upon actuation of the inner actuating lever 5, the innenbetäti- lever side override contour 5b runs substantially parallel to the control shaft axis 12 and the control shaft 11 in the control position "unlocked" überfuhrt. In this case, the control shaft-side override contour Ib is preferably configured as a run-on slope running along the control shaft axis 12, in particular as a section of a screw contour aligned with the control shaft axis 12. The state in which the inside operation lever side override contour 5b just comes into engagement with the control shaft side override contour 1b during the operation of the inside operation lever 5 is shown in FIG. 13.

Another particularity in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 is the design of the cam 1 Ia the control shaft 11. This cam I Ia is in fact designed so that for the control positions "unlocked", "locked" and "theft secured "Set due to the bias of the bending functional element 3 each stable states. The arrangement is such that in an adjustment of the control shaft 11 between these control positions in each case an increased deflection of the bending functional element 3 must be "overcome". This is realized in that the cam I Ia is equipped with corresponding edges 21, 22. As a result, the bias of the bending functional element 3, together with the configuration of the cam 11a, causes the control shaft 11 to be held in the respective control position.

The motor adjustment of the control shaft 11 shows in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 a special feature. Basically it is Here, too, so that the control shaft 11 has a blocking contour 11c, which can be brought into engagement with a blocking element 17. Again, the control shaft 11 and the blocking element 17 are preferably adjustable by motor. For this purpose, two drive motors, not shown, are preferably provided, the drive shafts of which are further preferably aligned with the control shaft axis 12 or parallel to the control shaft axis 12.

The blocking element 17 blocks the control shaft 11 initially in the control position "locked" and is in engagement with the blocking contour l lc. To adjust the control shaft 11 in the control position "anti-theft" the blocking element 17 is a piece in a mouth-like shape of the blocking contour l lc moves. Then, the control shaft 11 can be adjusted in the direction of the control position "theft-proof" until the blocking element 17 preferably tilted in the mouth-like shape of the blocking contour 1 Ic and blocks the further adjustment of the control shaft 11.

The above embodiment of the blocking contour l lc of the control shaft 11 with a mouth-like formation thus saves an additional stop or the like, which is here replaced by the tilting of the blocking element 17.

The above mouth-like shape has another advantage. It also provides an ejector contour Hd explained in connection with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, which in the case of a manual adjustment of the control shaft 11 from the control position "anti-theft" (FIG. 12) to the control position "unlocked" (FIG. 10) the blocking element 17 is transferred to the blocking position "locked".

Moreover, it is so here that in the control position "theft-proof" the override contour I Ib is rotated out of the range of motion of the inside operation side override contour 5b. This corresponds essentially to the functional principle of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 to 9.

The design of the cam I Ia of the control shaft 11 is finally advantageous insofar as it is assigned to the side of a shoulder 23, which prevents the bending-functional element 3 laterally jumps from the cam I Ia. It has already been pointed out that the proposed motor vehicle lock can easily be equipped with a child safety function. 14 and 15 show selected components of a control drive 10, in particular the control shaft 11 of a motor vehicle lock, which otherwise corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 13.

The control shaft 11 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 operates basically like the control shaft 11 shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. Accordingly, it is equipped with a cam 1 Ia shown only schematically for engagement with the bending functional element 3. Although an override contour 1 Ib and a blocking contour 1 Ic in the above sense are basically provided, they are not shown here.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it is provided that the lock mechanism 2 in the above sense in parallel in the functional state "child-proof" can be brought and that thereby the functional position "unlocked" automatically passes into the functional position "unlocked-child-proof". This means that an adjustment of the control shaft 11 in the control position "unlocked" causes an adjustment of the bending-functional element 3 not in the functional position "unlocked", but in the functional position "unlocked- child resistant".

In the functional position "unlocked-child-proof", the internal operating lever 5 is uncoupled from the pawl 1 and the external actuating lever 4 is coupled to the pawl 1. In the lock mechanism 2 so measures are taken to ensure that in the functional state "child-proof" an unlocking automatically causes a transfer of the bending-functional element 3 in the functional position "unlocked-child-proof". The function position "unlocked-child-proof" preferably lies between the functional position "unlocked" and the functional position "locked".

The functional position "unlocked-child-proof" of the bending-functional element 3 is shown schematically in FIG. 15 c). It can be seen that the external actuating driver contour 7 and the internal actuating driver cone 8 are designed so that in this functional position, the bending function element 3 is out of engagement with the inner actuating driver contour 8 and the internal operating lever 5 is disengaged from the pawl 1 and that the external actuating lever 4 on the external operation driver contour 7, the bending Function element 3 and the pawl driver contour 6 is coupled to the pawl 1. This selective coupling of the two above Mitnehmerkonturen 7, 8 is realized in that in the direction of deflection of the bending functional element 3, the Außenbetätigungs-Mimehmerkontur 7 has a greater extent height than the inner operation driver contour 8. This can be seen from the illustration in FIG. 15. The Mitnehmerkonturen 6, 7, 8 are not shown in Fig. 14.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a particularly compact implementation of the functional state "child-proof". For this purpose, a further functional element is provided, namely an adjustable child safety element 20 which is adjustable between a position "child-resistant" (FIG. 15c) and a position "child-protected" (FIG. 15 a), b). This adjustment of the child protection element 20 corresponds to the insertion of the functional states "child-resistant" and "child-protected".

In the functional state "child-proofed" holds the child-safety element 20, the bending-functional element 3 in an adjustment of the control shaft 11 in the control position "unlocked" in the function position "unlocked" upstream functional position "unlocked-child-proof". This means that in the function state "child-proofed", the control shaft 11 can be brought into all possible control positions, wherein the setting of the control position "unlocked" leads to the bending-functional element 3 being held in the upstream functional position "unlocked-child-proof".

When adjusting the control shaft 11 in the control position "Locked" the bending function element 3 is unchanged in the functional position "locked" adjusted when the child safety. The actuation of the inner actuating lever 5 also causes an unlocking process via the override contour I Ib. However, the bending functional element 3 falls again only in the Gerte functional position "unlocked-child-proof", so that a lifting of the pawl 1 by means of the internal operating lever 5 is not possible.

For the constructive realization of the child safety element 20, a number of advantageous variants are conceivable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the child protection element 20 is designed as a child safety shaft, the child safety shaft 20 is further preferably aligned with the control shaft axis 12. This is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In this case, it leads to a particularly compact arrangement when the parental control shaft 20 is at least partially integrated in the control shaft 11. Here and preferably, the parental control shaft 20 is even completely integrated into the control shaft 11, wherein the parental control shaft 20 is arranged in a recess 24 in the control shaft 11.

For the engagement of the child safety shaft 20 with the bending functional element 3, it may be advantageous to design the child safety shaft 20 in the manner of a camshaft, in such a way that the associated bending functional element 3 is supported on the camshaft. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, however, it is the case that the parental control shaft 20 is designed in the manner of a crankshaft and that the associated bending functional element 3 is supported on the crankshaft 20. Here, it is so that the crankshaft 20 has an engaging portion 20 a, which is correspondingly engageable with the bending functional element 3 in engagement. The parental control shaft 20 is advantageously designed in one piece, in particular as a bent wire or the like.

The parental control element 20 can be as explained in the position "child-safe" and bring in the position "child-safe". For this purpose, the child protection element 20 is associated with an adjustment 20b, over which the child protection element 20 is adjustable. For example, this adjustment section 20b is coupled to a child safety switch accessible from the front side of a side door or to a child safety drive.

From a synopsis of the illustrations in Fig. 15 it is also apparent that the child safety element 20 located in the position "child-resistant" the adjustment of the bending functional element 3 is not affected. The bending functional element 3 can be in the functional position "unlocked" (Fig.15a)), bring in the functional position "locked" (Fig. 15b)) and in the not shown functional position "theft-proof". The situation is different when the "child-safe" function state is set, as shown in FIG. 15c). Here, the control shaft 11 is in the control position "unlocked". However, the bending-functional element 3 does not reach the functional position "unlocked", but is automatically held by the child-resistant element 20 in the functional state "unlocked-child-proof". The resulting functional behavior was explained above.

In all illustrated exemplary embodiments, it is preferably such that the control shaft 11 is made of a plastic material having the highest possible hardness. At the same time, the materials should be selected so that between the bending function element 3 and the control shaft 11 as little friction arises.

If the pawl driver contour 6 has two or more, above-mentioned bearing blocks 6a, 6b, it is preferably such that viewed in the direction of the deflection of the bending functional element 3, the extension height of the two bearing blocks 6a, 6b is different. Preferably, the upper sides of the bearing blocks 6a, 6b lie on a straight line which is aligned substantially parallel to the fully deflected bending functional element 3.

A further optimization of the proposed motor vehicle lock is that the control shaft 11 has a further contour, which may be associated with a lock nut o. Such an additional contour can be realized in principle with little effort and high compactness.

A preferred embodiment, which can be used in the field of emergency operation, is that the bending functional element 3 is always in the range of movement of an emergency operating lever, regardless of the functional position of the bending functional element. 3 With the above explanations it has been shown that the design of a functional element 3 as a bending functional element can be realized with simple structural means. An additional storage of the bending functional element 3 is not required. Accordingly, friction losses are hardly present. Particular advantages also result with the use of the bending functional element 3 with regard to possible icing of the motor vehicle lock, which often leads to a blockage of conventionally mounted lifters. Such blocking is virtually excluded in the proposed bending functional element 3.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of a functional element 3 as a bending functional element, the current functional state of the lock mechanism 2 can be determined in a simple manner in terms of control technology. For this purpose, a detection device 25 is preferably provided, wherein the arrangement is preferably made so that a deflection of the bending functional element 3 can be determined with the detection device 25. For this purpose, the detection device 25 preferably has an electrical switch 26. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the switch 26 is not an additional switch. Rather, the functional bending element 3 is preferably designed as an integral part of the switch 26. This means that the bending functional element 3 not only spatially at least partially coincides with the switch 26, but that the bending functional element 3 at least a part of the function of the electrical switch 26 provides.

A simple realization results from the fact that the electrical switch 26 has a movable switching element which comes in a switching operation with at least one associated switching contact 27 in or disengaged, in which case the bending functional element 3, the switching element of the switch 26 provides. Here, the double use of the bending functional element 3 is particularly clear. On the one hand, the bending functional element 3 performs a function within the framework of the mechanical functional structure of the motor vehicle lock (coupling function). On the other hand, the bending functional element 3 provides the switching element of the electrical switch 26 of the detection device 25. FIGS. 16 and 17 show the basic structure of the proposed detection device 25. The arrangement shown there corresponds to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. In that regard, reference may be made to the above statements.

In the undeflected, shown in Fig. 16 functional state "unlocked" is the bending functional element 3, which provides the movable switching element of the switch 26, in engagement with the switching contact 27. Further, the bending functional element 3 via a stationary contact 28 is electrically the detection device 25 otherwise connected. Both the switching contact 27 and the stationary contact 28 are here and preferably connected via a conductor arrangement 29 with an optional evaluation unit 30.

An evaluation unit 30 can also be dispensed with. In this case, it is preferable that the electrical switch 26 of the detection device 25 is connected directly in the load circuit of an associated electric drive, an associated electric lamp or the like. Then, the electric switch 26 switches according to load current. But it may also be advantageous that the electrical switch 26 is not connected directly, but indirectly, namely via a relay or an amplifier stage in the load circuit of a corresponding consumer.

From the illustration in Fig. 16 it is clear that a deflection of the bending functional element 3, which causes unlocking of the motor vehicle lock, the contacting of the bending functional element 3 with the switching contact 27 cancels. Thus, the deflection of the bending functional element 3 and thus the current functional state of the lock mechanism 2 can be determined in a simple manner.

A particularly advantageous embodiment in terms of manufacturing embodiment provides that a preferably integrated into the lock housing stamped grid is provided. Such punched grid is used in motor vehicle locks regularly for contacting drives and sensors. Here and preferably, it is such that the at least one switching contact 27 through the stamped grid, more preferably by protruding from the lock housing punched latches, provided. This has the particular advantage that a high mechanical stability of the at least one switching contact 27 is ensured in a simple manner.

18 to 20 another proposed motor vehicle lock is shown, which corresponds to the basic structure of the vehicle lock shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, so that may be made to the extent of the above statements. For functionally identical parts corresponding reference numerals have been assigned accordingly.

The structural feature of the motor vehicle lock shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 is that an electrical component carrier 31 is provided for receiving the motor components of the control drive 10, and the opening opposite the motor vehicle lock except for openings which are necessary for mechanical drive connections. Here except for the necessary for the drive of the control shaft 11 openings encapsulated. Depending on the design of the lock housing, the electrical component carrier 31 is either inside the lock housing (housing in the housing) or just outside the lock housing. The electric component carrier 31 is associated with a lid 31 a, which is shown only in Fig. 19.

Here and preferably, the motor components of the control drive 10 are two drive motors 13 of the control drive 10, as also shown in FIG. 8. In this case, a drive motor 13 of the blocking contour 1 Ic or the control shaft 11 and a further drive motor 13 associated with the blocking element 17.

Here and preferably, it is also the case that both the blocking contour 1 1c and the blocking element 17 are arranged within the electrical component carrier 31. This has the advantage that further openings in the electrical component carrier 31 for the two drive shafts 14 of the drive motors 13 are not necessary.

Interesting in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20 is also the fact that the drive shaft 13 associated with the control shaft 13 via a permanent coupling 32 with the control shaft 1 1 is engaged. The clutch 32 includes a fixedly connected to the control shaft 11 coupling body. The coupling body is peripherally equipped with a toothed segment, which meshes with a pinion of the associated drive motor 13. The coupling 32 is further equipped with a switching contour shown only in FIG. 18, to which a detection device 25 in the above sense is assigned. Here and preferably, the detection device 25 is designed as a switch, preferably as a multi-stage, in particular three-stage, switch.

Furthermore, the coupling 32 preferably has a spring catch, which, depending on the functional position of the control shaft 11, engages in detent engagement with a stationary part, in particular with the cover 31a of the electrical component carrier 31.

The blocking contour 1 Ic is equipped, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, with a mouth-like formation which, in the illustration according to FIG. 20, is located on the rear side of the coupling 32.

Manufacturing technology is advantageous in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the fact that the components blocking contour 11c are combined with mouth-like shape, coupling body, switching contour and spring detent in a one-piece plastic part, in particular in an injection molded part.

The blocking element 17 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 is also functionally identical to the blocking element 17 shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. A special feature here is that the blocking element 17 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 as two-armed Lever is designed.

At this point it should be mentioned that in the two-motor solutions shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 and 18 to 20, a particularly advantageous order of energization of the motors is conceivable. It is provided that the two drive motors 13 are temporarily energized against each other to play between the blocking contour l lc on the one hand and the blocking element 17 ande- on the other hand to avoid. This is particularly advantageous in an adjustment of the functional state "anti-theft" according to FIG. 12 into the functional state "locked" according to FIG. 11.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 is further equipped with a child-lock function, which is functionally identical to the parental control shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Accordingly, a parental control shaft 20 with an engagement portion 20a is also provided here. However, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20, it is the case that the child-safety shaft 20 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the control shaft axis 12.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the parental control shaft 20, in particular the parental control shaft 20 running transversely in the above sense, is accommodated in a cover (not shown) of the motor vehicle lock. This can be realized with the proposed motor vehicle lock in a simple way a variant with child protection and a variant without child protection, namely, by a lid with or without Kindersicherungswelle 20 is mounted.

In all the above embodiments, the defined positioning of the control shaft 11 is of particular importance. This can be achieved, as described above, with a spring catch 32c. However, it is also conceivable to provide a special embodiment of the bending functional element 3 in this context. In this case, the bending-functional element 3 is not designed substantially straight, but has Rastausformungen on the control shaft 11 can be brought into engagement with corresponding Gegenaus. This makes it possible to achieve that the bending-functional element 3 is deflected by an adjustment of the control shaft 1 1 until a locking formation in the bending-functional element 3 engages with a corresponding counter-formation on the control shaft 11 in a latching manner. This type of detent can be realized without additional parts and thus cost.

Finally, reference may be made to a preferred embodiment of the bending function element 3, in which the bending functional element 3 in FIG a section is formed in a special way, there to increase the elastic flexibility. For example, the bending-functional element 3 may be wound there in particular helically. Moreover, the bending functional element 3 can then be configured rigid. Here is a multi-part design of the bending functional element 3 is conceivable.

According to another teaching, which also has independent significance, the control drive 10 is claimed as such. All of the above-mentioned variants of the control drive 10 apply to this further teaching in its entirety.

In addition to the above-mentioned easy feasibility, a particular advantage of the proposed control drive 10 is that a query of the respective control position is possible in a simple manner by a corresponding sensor of the control shaft 1 1 is assigned. The sensor can be designed as a simple microswitch, possibly as a multistage microswitch.

If it is called in the above description and in the claims interior control lever and external control lever, as well as all Ie intermediate levers to understand that are located in one of the affected power transmission trains.

Claims

Claims:

1. motor vehicle lock with the closing elements latch and pawl (1) and with a lock mechanism (2), wherein the lock mechanism (2) in different functional states such as "unlocked", "locked", "theft-proof" or "child-safe" can be brought and For this purpose, at least one functional element (3) which can be adjusted into corresponding functional positions, characterized in that at least one functional element (3) is designed as a resiliently flexible wire or strip and can thus be elastically flexed into different functional positions as a bending functional element.

2. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) is bendable substantially about a geometric bending axis, which is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of at least a portion of the bending-functional element (3).

3. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) consists of a metal material, preferably spring steel, or of a plastic material.

4. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending functional element (3) has a circular cross-section, or that the bending functional element (3) is designed strip-shaped.

5. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) is at least partially configured straight.

6. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) is only partially elastically bendable and otherwise rigidly configured.

7. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) is designed in the manner of a bending beam.

8. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) serves as an actuating element for a switchable coupling between two adjusting elements (1, 4, 5) of the motor vehicle lock, or that the bending functional element (3) itself provides a switchable coupling between two adjusting elements (1, 4, 5) of the motor vehicle lock.

9. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) provides a switchable coupling between at least two preferably pivotable adjusting elements (1, 4, 5) of the motor vehicle lock and is in a first functional position in engagement with the adjusting elements or can be brought and the adjusting couples and in a second functional position is disengaged from at least one adjusting element and uncouples the adjusting elements.

10. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the bending-functional element (3) transferable force acts transversely to the extension of the bending-functional element (3).

11. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) in a functional position blocking acting on an adjusting element of the lock mechanism (2).

12. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock mechanism (2) has a pivotable Außenbetä- ment lever (4) and possibly a pivotable inner operating lever (5), that the lock mechanism (2) by adjusting the at least one bend Function element (3) in different functional positions in the corresponding functional states, preferably in the functional states "unlocked" and "locked", more preferably in the functional state "theft chert ", further preferably in the functional state" child-proof ", can be brought.

13. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 12, characterized in that the bending-functional element (3) with respect to one of the pivot axes of the external actuating lever (4), the optionally present internal actuating lever (5) and the pawl (1) is aligned substantially radially, wherein, preferably, the outer actuating lever (4), the possibly existing inner actuating lever (5) and the pawl (1) are pivotable about the same pivot axis.

14. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 12 and optionally according to claim 13, characterized in that the pawl (1) or one with the pawl (1) coupled lever has a pawl-Mitnehmerkontur (6), preferably that the external operating lever (4) or a lever coupled to the external operating lever (4) has an external actuating driver contour (7), that in the "unlocked" functional bending functional element (3), the external actuating lever (4) moves over the external actuating driver contour (7) Bending functional element (3) and the pawl driver contour (6) with the pawl (1) is coupled, preferably, that in the functional state "locked" the bending-functional element (3) out of engagement with the pawl driver contour (6) and / or the external actuating driver contour (7) and the external actuating lever (4) from the pawl (1) is decoupled.

15. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 14, characterized in that the inner actuating lever (5) or with the inner operating lever (5) coupled lever has a Innenbetätigungs driver contour (8) that in befindlichem in the functional position "unlocked" bending functional element (3) the internal operating lever (5) is coupled to the pawl (1) via the inner actuating driver contour (8), the bending functional element (3) and the pawl driver contour (6), preferably in the "locked" functional state, the bending functional element (3) is out of engagement with the pawl driver contour (6) and / or the internal actuating driver contour (8) and the internal actuating lever (5) from the pawl (1) is decoupled.

16. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 12 and possibly one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that in the functional state "locked" befindlicher lock mechanism (2) actuation of the inner actuating lever (5) the transfer of the lock mechanism (2) in the functional state "Unlocked" causes, preferably, that with regard to the operation of the inner actuating lever (5) an initial freewheel is provided and that when passing through the freewheel, the transfer of the lock mechanism (2) in the functional state "unlocked".

17. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preferably motor control drive (10) is provided, which is associated with at least one bending functional element (3), and in that by the control drive (10) the associated bending functional element (3 ) is adjustable in at least one functional position.

18. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 17, characterized in that the control drive (10) has a control shaft (11) on which the associated bending-functional element (3) is supported, so that by an adjustment of the control shaft (11), the bending-functional element (3) is deflectable, more preferably, that the bending-functional element (3) extends at least at the support point substantially perpendicular to the control shaft axis (12).

19. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 18, characterized in that the control shaft (11) in the control positions "unlocked" and "locked" can be brought and the associated bending functional element (3) then transferred to the corresponding functional positions and releases.

20. motor vehicle lock according to claim 18 and optionally according to claim 19, characterized in that the control shaft (11) is designed in the manner of a camshaft tet and that the associated bending functional element (3) is supported on the camshaft and by an adjustment of the Camshaft is deflected accordingly.

21. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 18 and optionally according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the control shaft (1 1) in the manner of a crankshaft is designed and that the associated bending-functional element (3) is supported on the crankshaft, preferably that the control shaft (11) is designed in the manner of a curved wire, more preferably that the control shaft (11) at the same time the motor shaft (14) of the Drive motor (13).

22 motor vehicle lock according to claim 18 and optionally according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the control shaft (11) has an override contour (1 Ib), one on the inside operating lever (5) or on one with the inside operating lever ( 5) coupled lever arranged override contour (5b) is assigned and that in the functional state "locked" upon actuation of the inner actuating lever (5), the inner operating lever side override contour (5b) engages with the control shaft side override contour (I Ib) and the control shaft (11) in the control position "unlocked" transferred.

23. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 22, characterized in that the control shaft (1 1) in the control position "theft-proof" can be brought, which corresponds with respect to the adjustment of the bending-functional element (3) the position "locked" that the control shaft ( 11) in the control position "anti-theft" but is positioned so that the control shaft side override contour (I Ib) is outside the range of movement of the inside operation side override contour (5b).

24. motor vehicle lock according to claim 18 and possibly one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that an adjustment of the control shaft (1 1) in the control positions "locked" and "theft-secured" is carried out in each block operation, preferably that the control shaft ( 11) for this purpose has a blocking contour (1 Ic) which can be brought into engagement with a blocking element (17), more preferably in that the blocking element (17) is configured in particular as motor-adjustable and locked into the blocking positions "locked" and "theft-proof" can be brought.

25. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 24, characterized in that the control shaft (11) has a Auswerferkontur (Hd), which in a manual adjustment of the control shaft (11) of the control position "theft-proof" in the control position "unlocked" comes into engagement with the blocking element (17) and the blocking element (17) in the blocking position "locked" transferred.

26. motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement is made, in particular the bending

Functional element (3) is coupled to an adjusting element, preferably with the pawl (1), the external actuating lever (4) or the internal actuating lever (5), such that the bending functional element (3) has a bias of the adjusting element (1; 4; 5) provides.

27. motor vehicle lock according to claim 14 or 15 and possibly according to one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that the external actuating Mitnehm contour (7) and / or the inner actuating driver contour (8) is configured web-like or are and related Runs on the pivot axis of the Außenbetäti- gungshebels (4) and the Innenbetätigungshebels (5) along a circular section or run, preferably, that the Außenbetätigungs Mitnehmerkontur (7) and the inner operation driver contour (8) run directly adjacent to each other.

28. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 14 or 15 and possibly one of claims 16 to 27, characterized in that the pawl driver contour (6) and / or the external actuating driver contour (7) and / or the inner actuating driver contour (8 ) extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the pawl (1) and the outer actuating lever (4) and the inner actuating lever (5).

29. motor vehicle lock according to claim 22 and optionally according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the control shaft side Oveπϊde contour (I Ib) is designed so that in the functional state "locked" at an actuation of the inner operating lever (5) the inner operating lever-side override contour (5b) runs essentially parallel to the control shaft axis (12) and transfers the control shaft (11) to the "unlocked" control position, preferably that the control-shaft-side override contour (I 1b) is considered along the control shaft axis (12 ), in particular as a section of a control shaft axis (12) aligned screw contour is configured.

30. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 12 and possibly according to one of claims 13 to 29, characterized in that the lock mechanism (2) can be brought parallel to the functional state "child-proof" and thereby automatically the functional position "unlocked" in the functional position " Unlocked-child-secured "passes, in which the internal operating lever (5) from the pawl (1) uncoupled and the external actuating lever (4) with the pawl (1) is coupled, preferably that the functional position" unlocked-child-proof "between the functional position "Unlocked" and the functional position "locked" is located.

31. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 30, characterized in that the external actuating driver contour (7) and the inner actuating driver contour (8) are designed so that when in the functional position "unlocked-children-secured" located bending-functional element (3 ) the bending functional element (3) is out of engagement with the inner actuating driver contour (8) and the inner actuating lever (5) is decoupled from the pawl (1) and in that the outer actuating lever (4) is moved beyond the outer actuating driver contour (7) , the bending-functional element (3) and the pawl-driver contour (6) with the pawl (1) is coupled, preferably, seen in the deflection of the bending functional element (3), the external actuating driver contour (7) has a greater extent than that Inside operation driver contour (8).

32. motor vehicle lock according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the control drive (10) for the realization of the functional state "child-proof" has a self-adjustable child safety element (20) in the functional state "child-proof" the bending-functional element (3) at a Adjustment of the control shaft (11) in the control position "unlocked" holds in the functional position "unlocked" upstream functional position "unlocked child safe".

33. motor vehicle lock according to claim 32, characterized in that the child safety element (20) is designed as a child safety shaft, preferably, that the child safety shaft (20) on the control shaft (11) is aligned, further preferably that the child safety shaft (20) at least partially, preferably completely, in the control shaft (11) is integrated, more preferably, that the child safety shaft (20) at least partially, preferably completely, in a recess in the control shaft (11) is arranged.

34. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 33, characterized in that the Kindersicherungswelle (20) is designed in the manner of a camshaft and that the associated bending-functional element (3) is supported on the camshaft, or that the Kindersicherungswelle (20) in the manner of a crankshaft is configured and that the associated bending-functional element (3) on the crankshaft (20) is supported.

35. motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detection device (25) for determining the aktuel- len functional state of the lock mechanism (2) is provided and that the arrangement is such that with the detection device (25) a deflection of the Bending functional element (3) can be determined.

36. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 35, characterized in that the detection device (25) has an electrical switch (26) for determining the

Deflection of the bending-functional element (3), preferably, that the bending-functional element (3) is an integral part of the switch (26).

37. motor vehicle lock according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the electrical switch (26) comprises a movable switching element which comes in a switching operation with at least one associated switching contact (27) in or disengaged and that the bending functional element (3) provides the switching element of the switch (26).

38. Motor vehicle lock according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical component carrier (31) for receiving the motor components of the control drive (10) is provided, which is encapsulated with respect to the motor vehicle lock in the rest to necessary for mechanical drive connections openings, preferably, that the Blök- kierelement (17) and the blocking contour (Hc) within the Elektrokomponent- carrier (31) are arranged.

39. Motor vehicle lock according to claim 33 and optionally according to one of claims 34 to 38, characterized in that the Kindersicherungswelle (20) is aligned substantially perpendicular to the control shaft axis (12).

40. Control drive for a motor vehicle lock, wherein the motor vehicle lock the closing elements latch and pawl (1) and a lock mechanism (2), wherein the lock mechanism (2) in different Funktionszu- states such as "unlocked", "locked", "theft-proof" or "Child resistant" can be brought and for this at least one adjustable in corresponding functional positions functional element (3), characterized in that at least one functional element (3) is designed as a resilient bendable wire or strip and as a bending functional element (3) resiliently in the different It is possible to bend functional positions that the associated bending functional element (3) can be adjusted into its functional positions by the control drive (10) and that the control drive (10) has a control shaft (11) at which the associated bending functional element (FIG. 3) is supported, so that by an adjustment of the control shaft (11) Bi ege-functional element (3) is deflectable.

41. Control drive according to claim 40, characterized by the features of the characterizing part of one or more of claims 17 to 40.