EP2573300B1 - Motor vehicle door lock - Google Patents

Description

The invention is directed to a motor vehicle door lock with a closed position in the closed position closing element and in the direction of the closing element biased open position rotary latch, a pawl which engages in an engaged position with the rotary latch in such a manner that the rotary latch on a movement in the direction of the open position and a drive member to which a coupling portion of the pawl is movably coupled and which moves the pawl between the engaged position and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the rotary latch so that the rotary latch can move in the direction of the open position; wherein the drive member moves the pawl during movement from the engaged position in the direction of the release position such that during this movement with the pawl still engaged rotary catch moves in the direction of the open position, un d wherein the rotary latch is rotatably supported by means of a rotationally fixedly arranged on a housing element of the motor vehicle door lock rotation axis and / or the motion-coupled to the drive element coupling portion of the pawl to a connecting element and this is pivotally mounted.

A motor vehicle door lock of the aforementioned type is for example from the EP 0 393 595 A2 and the EP 0 978 609 A1 is known and used for example in a tailgate of a motor vehicle. Such a motor vehicle door lock comprises a lock element, which is connected to a boot lid and is usually designed as a catch, and a lock counterpart connected to a body of the vehicle, which may be in the form of a striker or striker. To open the tailgate, a user operates (eg, by means of an electronic key) a control device through which the tailgate by means of a drive element, the is preferably operated by electric motor, can be opened. In this case, a pivotally mounted pawl from an engagement position in which the pawl is in engagement with the rotary latch, deflected in the direction of a release position of the drive element until it has reached the release position and is no longer engaged with the catch, whereby a rotational movement the catch is released from the closed position in the direction of an open position.

In the closed position of the tailgate this is biased for example against a seal. Under bias is to be understood here that the sealing gasket pressure caused by a flap seal counteracts the closing of the motor vehicle door. As a result, there is a high pressure in the opening direction of the tailgate due to the compressed from the tailgate seal. When the pawl is disengaged from the catch, the pressure built up by the seal builds up rapidly in the form of a so-called unloading stroke and the tailgate moves abruptly and jerkily in the direction of the opening direction, which is negatively noticeable in an acoustically audible opening noise and leads to losses in comfort.

The invention has for its object to provide a solution that provides an alternative motor vehicle door lock in a structurally simple manner and cost, in which the opening noise is reduced to a minimum, or at least in which the opening process produces no clearly audible and the comfort negatively impairing noise.

In a motor vehicle door lock of the type described, the object is achieved in that a push rod is provided, of which a first end is pivotally and radially offset from the axis of rotation with the drive element and from the second end the movement-coupled to the coupling portion of the pawl connection element receives, wherein a first end of a hinge lever is fixedly mounted and rotatably mounted on a guide element attached to the housing element and a second End of the articulated lever, the push rod and the movement-coupled with the pawl connection member rotatably and pivotally supports, and that the pawl has a bend, which rests in the engaged position on the acting as an end stop and the movement of the pawl beyond the engagement position limiting guide axis. The movement of the rotary latch is a rotation in the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention.

Advantageous and expedient refinements and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention provides a motor vehicle door closure which contributes to increasing the comfort and quality of the closure and its operation. The motor vehicle door lock according to the invention is characterized by a functional design and has a simple and inexpensive construction. By the release mechanism of the motor vehicle door lock according to the present invention, the pawl and the rotary latch during a movement operation of the pawl are still in the direction of the release position in engagement. Although this movement of the pawl does not allow the opening of the tailgate. However, by this (first or initial) movement during the opening process, the bias of the tailgate degrades because the defined movement of the pawl causes a relative movement between the motor vehicle door lock and the closing element and thus relieving the tailgate, wherein the rotary latch to a predetermined rotational movement in the open position is turned. This ultimately allows the tailgate to move a defined stroke relative to the closure member, thereby relieving the preload and pressure previously responsible for the acoustically perceptible and disturbing opening noise in the automotive door closures known in the art. Accordingly, the invention provides that the bias between the tailgate or motor vehicle door lock and closing element is reduced before the pawl and the catch disengaged become. A particularly powerful and at the same time efficient way of coupling the drive element and the coupling section of the pawl can be achieved by a type of double toggle lever. Accordingly, a first toggle lever is defined by the second end of the push rod and the fixedly mounted toggle lever, wherein the pawl is coupled via the connecting element with the toggle lever and with the push rod. A second toggle lever is defined by the first end of the push rod and its eccentric or radially offset with respect to the axis of rotation coupling with the drive element. In order to increase safety, in the case of a vehicle accident in which acceleration forces act on the motor vehicle door lock and can cause the pawl and / or rotary latch to be deflected in such a way that they undesirably come out of the engaged position, the invention provides that the pawl has a bend, in the engaged position at the end stop acts as a stop and the movement of the pawl beyond the engagement position limiting guide axis. In the position in which the bending of the pawl rests against the guide axis, ie in the engaged position, the push rod or its line of force assumes a position in which it has exceeded a dead center and thereby locked in the engaged position self-locking, the guide shaft as mechanical stop acts.

In an embodiment of the motor vehicle door lock, the invention provides that the movement of the drive element is a rotational movement, during the movement of the pawl from the engaged position in the direction of the release position with respect to the catch substantially tangential movement of the pawl and then to the pawl and disengaging the catch, causing a movement of the pawl that points substantially radially away from the catch. This movement refers to a latching portion of the pawl, which engages in the engaged position with the rotary latch. In other words, the drive element for opening the motor vehicle door lock is rotated such that the Pawl or at least a portion of the pawl, that is, the latching portion, initially during movement from the engaged position in the direction of the release position is moved substantially tangentially with respect to the rotary latch and then to bring the pawl and the catch out of engagement, from the catch is moved substantially radially away. The movement of the pawl executed during the opening process of the motor vehicle door lock is thus divided into two or consists of a sequence of movements in which the pawl is moved in at least two different spatial directions. To initially take the pressure from the tailgate in the closed position or to relieve the preloaded tailgate, there is a substantially tangential movement of the pawl with respect to the catch. In this movement, the pawl is still in engagement with the catch, however, depending on the tangential distance by which the pawl is moved, the catch is allowed to rotate in the open position, thereby relieving the pressure of the liftgate. Only after the pressure reduction or the reduction of the bias is then carried out with the help of the radial sideways movement of the pawl disengage the catch, which then releases the closing element for opening the tailgate. The resulting from two movements in different directions in space opening movement of the pawl thus allows the degradation of acting on the tailgate in the closed position bias by the pawl causes a controlled movement of the tailgate in the opening direction for a certain stroke.

To reduce the opening noise by reducing the bias between the tailgate or motor vehicle door lock and closing element, before the pawl and the catch are disengaged, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the connecting element defines a joint for the pawl, wherein the joint during the movement of the pawl in the direction of the release position relative to the rotational axis of the rotary latch moves translationally. During the movement of the joint in the direction of the axis of rotation is the Although pawl still with the catch in engagement, however, can rotate due to the translational and tangential to the rotary latch movement of the pawl, the rotary latch in the direction of its open position.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides that the drive element is rotatably mounted on a housing element of the motor vehicle door lock about a rotation axis.

It is particularly advantageous if the connecting element or the joint is arranged on the drive element radially offset from the axis of rotation. In this way, it is possible that the pawl rotates with rotation of the drive element together with the drive element, wherein the pawl is not rigidly mounted, but pivotally mounted on the drive element, so that the drive movement of the drive element pivoting and / or possibly translational Movement of the pawl causes. A rotation of the drive element can thus effect in a structurally simple manner a substantially translational movement of the pawl in the manner of a simple toggle lever.

Thus, further, the bias voltage with which the tailgate is biased in the closed position, gradually and not abruptly degraded, it is in an embodiment of the invention further advantageous if the movement from the engaged position in the direction of the release position of the connecting element pivotally mounted coupling portion of the pawl is a circular segment-shaped movement. It is conceivable, for example, quarter-circle or semi-circular movements.

A structurally particularly simple way of defined guidance of the pawl in the release position is in a further embodiment of the motor vehicle door lock in that a in the engaged position with the rotary catch engaging latching portion of the pawl by means of a guide member and / or attached to the pawl control pin is. In this guided movement, the pawl of the rotary latch is radially away during the opening process it is particularly advantageous when only the portion of the pawl engaged with the catch and not the entire pawl is moved away from the catch.

In an embodiment of the motor vehicle door lock is further provided that the guide element is pivotally mounted on a housing element of the motor vehicle door lock and has a guide recess which guides a movement of the catch engageable with the catch portion of the pawl towards the catch or away from the catch. Alternatively, the guide element could also be formed on the catch itself and ensure that the latching portion of the pawl is disengaged from the catch.

Finally, it is provided in an embodiment of the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention that the pawl is biased in the direction of the engagement position. In this way, the pawl is permanently urged in the direction of the engagement position, which can be achieved for example by means of at least one spring element, which may be formed as a tension or compression spring. It is sufficient if only the portion of the pawl is biased, which can be brought into engagement with the rotary latch or is in engagement with the rotary latch.

• Figur 1 einen Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform in perspektivischer Einzelteildarstellung,
• Figur 2 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss aus Figur 1 im zusammengebauten Zustand in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• Figur 3 eine perspektivische Rückansicht des in Figur 2 dargestellten Kraftfahrzeugtürverschlusses,
• Figur 4 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer geschlossenen Stellung,
• Figur 5 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer Zwischenstellung zwischen der geschlossenen und einer geöffneten Stellung,
• Figur 6 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer weiteren Zwischenstellung zwischen der geschlossenen und der geöffneten Stellung,
• Figur 7 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer geöffneten Stellung,
• Figur 8 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform beim Schließvorgang in einer Stellung kurz vor dem Erreichen der geschlossenen Stellung,
• Figur 9 einen erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in Vorderansicht,
• Figur 10 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss aus Figur 9 in einer Rückansicht,
• Figur 11 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss aus Figur 10 in einer Einzelteildarstellung,
• Figur 12 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss aus Figur 10 in Eingriffsstellung bzw. geschlossener Stellung und
• Figur 13 den Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluss aus Figur 10 in Freigabestellung bzw. geöffneter Stellung.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing, in which by way of example a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In the drawing shows:

• FIG. 1 a motor vehicle door lock according to a non-inventive embodiment in perspective detail view,
• FIG. 2 the motor vehicle door lock FIG. 1 in assembled condition in perspective view,
• FIG. 3 a perspective rear view of the in FIG. 2 shown motor vehicle door lock,
• FIG. 4 the vehicle door latch according to the first embodiment in a closed position,
• FIG. 5 the motor vehicle door lock according to the first embodiment in an intermediate position between the closed and an open position,
• FIG. 6 the motor vehicle door lock according to the first embodiment in a further intermediate position between the closed and the open position,
• FIG. 7 the motor vehicle door lock according to the first embodiment in an open position,
• FIG. 8 the motor vehicle door lock according to the first embodiment when closing in a position shortly before reaching the closed position,
• FIG. 9 a motor vehicle door lock according to the invention according to a second embodiment in front view,
• FIG. 10 the motor vehicle door lock FIG. 9 in a rear view,
• FIG. 11 the motor vehicle door lock FIG. 10 in a single part presentation,
• FIG. 12 the motor vehicle door lock FIG. 10 in the engaged position or closed position and
• FIG. 13 the motor vehicle door lock FIG. 10 in release position or open position.

The FIGS. 1 to 13 show schematically in different views only the essential elements of the invention of a motor vehicle door closure 1, in particular a tailgate lock assembly, wherein the FIGS. 1 to 8 a non-inventive embodiment and the FIGS. 9 to 13 represent an embodiment of a motor vehicle door closure 1 according to the invention.

While the motor vehicle door lock 1 according to the non-inventive first embodiment in FIG. 1 is shown in a single part representation, show the FIGS. 2 to 8 the assembled motor vehicle door lock 1. The FIGS. 4 to 7 show different positions of the components of the motor vehicle door lock 1 during the opening process, whereas FIG. 8 shows a position during the closing process.

The motor vehicle door lock 1 mounted on a tailgate of a motor vehicle engages for the purpose of closing in a schematic and only in the FIGS. 4 . 9 and 12 dashed shown closing element 2 a. The closing element 2 may be formed, for example, as a locking pin or striker and is attached to a vehicle frame. The in FIG. 1 shown in an exploded view of the motor vehicle door closure 1 according to the first embodiment comprises interconnectable housing elements 3 and 4, a rotary latch 5 which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 6 on the housing element 2 and a rotary latch jaw 7, in which the closing element 2 engages. The rotary latch 5 is characterized by a in FIG. 3 only schematically indicated spring element 23 biased such that it strives to be in the in the FIGS. 4 to 7 shown counterclockwise (arrow A) to rotate, so that the closing element 2 (in the FIGS. 4 to 7 downwards) is released. To share in the FIG. 4 shown locked state, the catch 5 is held by a pawl 8 by a locking portion 9 of the pawl 8 with a latching arm 10 on the rotary latch jaw 7 is engaged. In the FIG. 4 shown position is the so-called locking position, in which the catch 5 are in a closed position and the pawl 8 in an engaged position. With the help of the rotary latch 5 biasing spring force, the rotary latch 5 presses with its locking arm 10 in the locking position on the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8, whereby the closing element 2 is fixed in the rotary latch jaw 7, as from FIG. 4 is apparent. In other words, the rotary latch 5 is biased in the direction of the closing element 2 releasing open position. In the engagement position is thus the pawl 8 with the rotary latch 5 in engagement such that the rotary latch 5 is prevented from moving in the direction of the open position.

The pawl 8 is connected in a motion-coupled manner to a drive element 11. The drive element 11 is rotatably mounted on the housing element 4 about a rotation axis 12. On the drive element 11, which is partially disc-shaped, a bolt-shaped connecting element 13 is attached, which is arranged radially offset from the axis of rotation 12 on the drive element 11 and attached thereto. The connecting element 13 connects the drive element 11 with a coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8, so that the drive element 11, the pawl 8 between the engaged position and a release position in which the pawl 8 is brought out of engagement with the rotary latch 5 moves. The pawl 8 is thus mounted by means of the connecting element 13 pivotally mounted on the drive element 11 radially offset from the axis of rotation 12 thereof. As soon as the pawl 8 is in the release position, the rotary latch 5 can move or rotate in the direction of the open position. Preferably, the pawl 8 is biased in the direction of the engagement position, which, for example, by means of an example only in FIG FIG. 3 it is sufficient if the region of the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8 is urged by the spring force in the engaged position and thus in the direction of the rotary latch 5 and the latching arm 10 of the rotary latch 5.

In order to prevent an acoustically audible and disturbing opening noise of the biased tailgate and thus the motor vehicle door lock, the invention provides that the drive element 11 moves the pawl 8 during movement from the engaged position in the direction of the release position such that in this movement with the pawl 8 still engaged or located rotary latch 5 moves in the direction of the open position. By this movement, the bias of the tailgate is reduced or reduced, since the tailgate due to the described motion coupling can move by a defined stroke from the locked position. This process is in the FIGS. 4 to 7 shown, where FIG. 4 the locking position, FIG. 7 the release position of the pawl 8 and FIGS. 5 and 6 Show intermediate positions of the rotary latch 5 and the pawl 8.

The following explains the operations involved in opening the motor vehicle door lock to which the invention is primarily directed.

In the FIGS. 4 to 7 is a movement curve 15 of the connecting element 13 and the coupling portion 14 which is connected via the connecting element 13 to the drive element 11, shown in dashed lines. The movement curve 15 essentially corresponds to the control recesses 22a and 22b, which are formed in the housing elements 3 and 4. It can be seen from the movement curve 15 that the movement of the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8 pivotally mounted on the connecting element 13 from the engagement position in the direction of the release position is a circular-segment-shaped movement which is illustrated in FIGS FIGS. 4 to 7 counterclockwise in the direction of arrow A. Accordingly, a rotational movement of the drive member 11 causes the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8 to be moved along a circle portion. The control recesses 22a and 22b formed in the housing elements 3 and 4 can additionally guide the movement of the connecting element 13. However, the control recesses 22a and 22b are dispensable, so that they can be omitted in the motor vehicle door lock according to the invention.

Upon closer inspection of the FIGS. 4 to 7 It can be seen that the rotational movement or rotational movement of the drive element 11 in the counterclockwise direction initially causes a substantially tangential with respect to the rotary latch 5 movement of the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8. Although the coupling portion 14 of the pawl moves along the circular segment-shaped movement curve 15, however, the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8 initially substantially moved tangentially to the catch 5. In other words, the pawl 8 is in a first step relative to the rotary latch 5 of FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 moved down, thereby allowing the rotary latch 5 can rotate in the direction of arrow A, whereby the overall acting on the tailgate bias is reduced. During the movement of the pawl 8 from the in FIG. 5 shown position in the in FIG. 6 shown position then takes place both a tangential movement of the locking portion 9 of the pawl 8 with respect to the rotary latch 5 and a radial movement of the locking portion 9 of the pawl 8 away from the rotary latch 5, which can be seen from the fact that the latching portion 9 to a certain Part of the locking arm 10 of the catch 5 is disengaged. In a final step of the movement of the pawl 8 in the direction of the release position, ie from the position in FIG. 6 to the position in FIG. 7 , Then causes the rotational movement of the drive member 11 has a substantially radially away from the catch 5 movement of the locking portion 9 of the pawl 8 to disengage the pawl 8 and the catch 5, as finally in FIG. 7 is shown. In this position, in which the catch 5 in the open position and the pawl 8 are in the release position, the latching arm 10 and the latching portion 9 are disengaged and can move past each other, the rotary latch 5 continue to rotate in the direction of arrow A. is, so that the closing element 2 can move out of the rotary latch jaw 7 out. In this way, the pawl 8 and the rotary latch 5 are brought to open a tailgate disengaged by the pawl 8 is at least partially pivoted away from the rotary latch 8. In this case, as mentioned above, the pawl 8 is moved by the drive member 11 during movement from the engaged position in the direction of the release position such that in this movement with the pawl 8 still engaged rotary latch 5 is moved in the direction of the open position , The drive element 11 is rotated to open the motor vehicle door lock 1 such that the pawl 8 or at least a portion of the pawl 8 is first moved during movement from the engaged position in the direction of the release position substantially tangentially with respect to the rotary latch 5 and then to disengage the pawl 8 and the catch 5, from the Rotary latch 5 is moved substantially radially away.

In the overall movement of the pawl 8, as described above, the movement of the coupling portion 14, which follows due to the movement coupling with the drive member 11 of the circular segment-shaped movement curve 15, deviates from the movement of the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8. The locking portion 9, which is in the engaged position of the pawl 8 with the rotary latch 5 is engaged, is guided by means of a guide member 16. The guide element 16 is arranged on the housing element 3 of the motor vehicle door lock and mounted pivotably about an axis 17. Further, the guide member 16 has a guide recess 18 with two opposing abutment surfaces, which leads or controls a movement of the engageable with the catch 5 locking portion 9 of the pawl 8 toward the rotary latch 5 or away from the rotary latch 5. In particular, in the guide recess 18, the movement of a control pin 19 can be performed, which is formed in the region of the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8 (Siege FIGS. 4 and 8 ). The movement of the guide element 16 itself can be achieved by a movement limiting recess 20 formed in the housing element 3 (see FIG FIG. 1 ) be limited. The latching portion 9 of the pawl may, as mentioned above, be biased in the direction of the engagement position by means of the spring element 24, so that the formed in the region of the latching portion 9 control pin 19 during the in the FIGS. 4 to 7 shown movement process is urged radially in the direction of the rotary latch 5 at the outermost end of the formed in the guide member 16 guide recess 18.

As an alternative to the guide member 16 could be a radial movement away from the rotary latch 5 of this itself be effected. For this purpose, an outer portion of the rotary latch 5 could have a radial projection 21, as in FIG FIG. 4 indicated by dashed lines or shown. Upon rotation of the rotary latch 5 then the radial projection 21 would arrive at sufficient rotation in abutment against the pawl 8 and the pawl 8 push away or deflect such that the locking portion 9 and the locking arm 10 are disengaged.

In FIG. 8 a position of the motor vehicle door lock 1 is shown during the closing operation, in which the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8 is again in the engaged position, whereas the locking portion 9 of the pawl 8 is arranged radially away from the rotary latch 5, wherein the control pin 19 has a central position in the guide recess 18 of the guide member 16 occupies. Due to the fact that the control pin 19 of the latching section 9 can be urged radially away from the rotary latch 5 against the force of the spring element 24 in the guide recess 18 of the guide element 16, it is possible for the rotary latch 5 to rotate in the direction of the arrow B during the closing operation and in this movement, the latching arm 10 slides past the latching section 9. In this case, the bias of the pawl 8 ensures that when the latching arm 10 has passed the latching portion 9, both interlock or that the latching portion 9 then pushes over the latching arm 10 and ensures engagement of pawl 8 and 5 catch, so that in FIG. 4 shown closed position is taken again. The process of closing but should not be considered here in detail, because the invention is primarily directed to the processes when opening the motor vehicle door lock.

In the FIGS. 9 to 13 the motor vehicle door lock 1 is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. With reference to the FIGS. 9 to 13 It can be seen that the motor vehicle door lock 1 according to this second embodiment - as well as the non-inventive embodiment - a housing element 3, which for reasons of clarity, only in FIG. 9 is shown, one about and rotatably mounted on a rotation axis 6 Rotary catch 5 with a Drehfallenmaul 7, in which in the engaged position, the closing element 2 is arranged, and with a latching arm 10, which engages with a latching portion 9 of the pawl 8 in the engaged position, and a drive element 11 which is rotatable about an axis of rotation 12 , includes. On a representation of the spring elements 23 and 24 was in the FIGS. 9 to 13 omitted, wherein the second embodiment may also have corresponding spring elements 23, 24, so that the rotary latch 5 in the direction of arrow A ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ), ie in the direction of its open position, spring-loaded or biased. In addition, the pawl 8 may be biased by means of such a spring element in the direction of the engagement position or spring preloaded. This construction and the interaction of pawl 8 and rotary latch 5 is substantially identical to the operation of these components in the first embodiment, so that dispenses with a repetition of the description and reference is made to the corresponding statements to the first embodiment.

Also, in the second embodiment, the pawl 8 is connected to the drive element 11 in a motion-coupled manner. However, there are differences in this coupling between the first and second embodiments, which will be discussed later in the description of the second embodiment.

While the rotary latch 5 is rotatably supported on the housing element 3 by means of the stationary axis of rotation 6, the coupling section 14 of the pawl 8 is pivotally mounted or mounted on the connecting element 13. In this case, the connecting element 13 defines a joint or a pivot axis 25. The hinge or the pivot axis 25 is not fixed in contrast to the axis of rotation 6, but moves during the movement of the pawl 8 in the direction of the release position relative to the axis of rotation 6 of the rotary latch 5 in translation along in the FIGS. 12 and 13 Through this movement curve 15 of the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8 undergoes a circular segment-shaped movement, which is not a rotational but a translational movement. Thus, done for the joint or the pivot axis 25 and the coupling portion 14 a circular section-shaped movement when the pawl 8 from the open position ( FIG. 12 ) into the release position ( FIG. 13 ) emotional. The position of the connecting element 13 and the joint or the pivot axis 25 with respect to the stationary axis of rotation 6 of the rotary latch 5 is therefore not constant, but changes during the movement of the pawl 8 from the open position to the release position. This change in the position of the joint 25 and the coupling portion 14 is in turn caused by the drive element 11, but in the second embodiment, a push rod 26 between the drive member 11 and coupling portion 14 is interposed, the driving force of the drive member 11 on the coupling portion 14 of the pawl. 8 transfers. Like, for example FIG. 11 it can be seen, a first end 27 of the push rod 26 is coupled to the drive element 11. In this case, the first end 27 of the push rod 26 is mounted radially offset from the axis of rotation 12 on a radial projection 28 of the drive member 11 on this rotatably or pivotally. The push rod 26 is slightly bent, wherein a second end 29 of the push rod 26 receives the movement coupled to the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8 connecting element 13. To guide the movement of the second end 29 of the push rod 26 and the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8, a first end 30 of a hinge lever 31 is rotatably mounted on a mounted on the housing element 3 guide axis or hinge axis 32. A second end 33 of the articulated lever 31 supports the push rod 26 and the connecting element 13 movably coupled to the pawl 8 so as to be rotatable and pivotable.

In FIG. 12 the motor vehicle door lock 1 according to the second embodiment is shown in the locking or engagement position, whereas in FIG. 13 the open position of the motor vehicle door lock 1 is shown. The movement of the latching portion 9 of the pawl 8 from its in FIG. 12 shown engaged position in the in FIG. 13 shown open position along the movement path 36, which is shown schematically in the box on the side of the motor vehicle door lock 1, wherein the point 37 marks the current position (engagement position) of the latching section on the movement path 36. It should be noted that the coupling section 14 also follows a movement from the open position into the engaged position of the movement path 36. By the rotational movement of the drive element 11 (indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 12 ), the push rod 26 from the in FIG. 12 position shown in the position of FIG. 13 pivoted. In this case, the movement of the second end 29 of the push rod 26 is guided by the articulated lever 31 along the movement curve 15, thereby also the connecting element 13 and the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8, which are coupled to the second end 29 of the push rod 26, along move the movement curve 15. Through this coupling, the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8 undergoes a substantially circular segment-shaped movement. The movement of the latching section 9 from the engagement position in the direction of the release position, however, is in a first movement section a substantially tangential with respect to the rotary latch 5 movement of the latching section 9, which is characterized by the vertical course of the movement path 36. As a result, the pawl 8 is still engaged with the rotary latch 5 in engagement. However, the tangential movement of the locking portion 9 allows a rotational movement of the rotary latch 5 in the direction of the open position, so that the bias that prevails when the shutter is closed, is reduced without the shutter is open. This movement corresponds to that in the FIGS. 4 and 5 In a second movement portion of the locking portion 9, this is then moved radially away from the rotary latch 5, which is characterized by the substantially vertical course of the movement path 36 to the pawl 8 and the catch 5 out of engagement bring. This procedure corresponds to that in the FIGS. 5 and 6 shown movement sequence of the first embodiment of the motor vehicle door closure. 1

The power transmission of the drive element 11 via the radial extension 28, which corresponds to a transmission lever and the force on the push rod 26 transmits, of which the force is then transmitted to the coupling portion 14 of the pawl 8. In this case, the transmitted force is converted by the articulated lever 31 in a defined movement of the coupling portion 14, as described above. With regard to the power transmission of the articulated lever 31 define a first toggle lever and the radial shoulder 28 26 a second toggle lever, which cause a particularly powerful motion coupling. The second toggle secures the first toggle, especially since the moments on the second toggle are very small, so it can be well secured by low forces. For reasons of safety, it is further desirable that the motor vehicle door latch 1 remains in the closed position even in the event of a vehicle accident. Therefore, the vehicle door latch 1 must withstand the acceleration forces prevailing in a vehicle accident so that the pawl and the rotary latch are not disengaged. For this purpose, the pawl 8 a bend 35 (see Figures 10 and 13 ) in the engaged position ( Figures 10 and 12 ) acts on the end stop as acting and the movement of the pawl 8 beyond the engagement position limiting guide shaft 32. In this position, in which the bend 35 of the pawl 8 rests against the guide shaft 32, ie in the engaged position, the push rod 26 assumes a position in which it has exceeded a dead center and thereby locked in the engaged position self-locking. The guide shaft 32 serves as a mechanical stop, which limits the movement of the pawl 8 from the open position into the engaged position.

In summary, a motor vehicle door lock 1 was presented, which is characterized in that the noise during opening is kept to a minimum and in particular the noise during Relief impact is minimized. This is achieved in that during the opening operation, the pawl 8 and the rotary latch 5 are moved to each other so that the tailgate and thus the vehicle door latch 1 can remove relative to the closing element 2, whereby the load on the tailgate pressure or the bias of the tailgate is first reduced before the pawl 8 and the catch 5 finally disengaged to release the closure element 2. In particular, this is achieved by the connecting element 13, which defines a pivot axis for the pawl relative to the axis of rotation 6 of the rotary latch 5 is moved during the opening process, whereby the first tangential movement to the rotary latch 5 and then the radially away from the rotary latch 5 movement of the Rastabschnitts 9 of the pawl 8 is implemented.

Of course, the invention described above is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications which are obvious to a person skilled in the art according to the intended application can be made to the embodiments shown in the drawing without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (9)

1. A motor vehicle door lock (1) with
   a rotary latch (5) embracing a closure element (2) in closed position and prestressed in the direction of an open position releasing the closure element (2),
   a safety catch (8), which in an engagement position is in engagement with the rotary latch (5) such that the rotary latch (5) is prevented from a movement in the direction of the open position, and
   a drive element (11), rotatable about a rotation axis (12), with which drive element a coupling section (14) of the safety catch (8) is coupled with regard to movement and which moves the safety catch (8) between the engagement position and a release position, in which the safety catch (8) is out of engagement with the rotary latch (5), so that the rotary latch (5) can move in the direction of the open position,
   wherein the drive element (11) moves the safety catch (8) in the direction of the release position during the movement out from the engagement position, such that the rotary latch (5), which is still in engagement with the safety catch (8) during this movement, moves in the direction of the open position, and
   wherein the rotary latch (5) is mounted rotatably by means of a rotation axis (6) arranged fixedly on a housing element (3, 4) of the motor vehicle door lock (1) and
   the coupling section (14) of the safety catch (8), which is coupled with the drive element (11) with regard to movement, is mounted on a connecting element (13) and pivotably around the latter,
   characterized in that
   a push rod (26) is provided, of which a first end (27) is coupled pivotably and radially offset to the rotation axis (12) with the drive element (11) and of which a second end (29) receives the connecting element (13) which is coupled with the coupling section (14) of the safety catch (8) with regard to movement, wherein
   a first end (30) of an articulated lever (31) is mounted fixedly and rotatably on a guide axis (32) mounted on the housing element (3), and a second end (33) of the articulated lever (31) rotatably and pivotably supports the push rod (26) and the connecting element (13) which is coupled with the safety catch (8) with regard to movement, and
   the safety catch (8) has a bend (35), which in engagement position lies against the guide axis (32) acting as an end stop and delimiting the movement of the safety catch (8) beyond the engagement position.
2. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the drive element (11) is a rotary movement, which during the movement of the safety catch (8) out from the engagement position in the direction of the release position brings about a substantially tangential movement of the safety catch (8) in relation of the rotary latch (5) and then, in order to bring the safety catch (8) and the rotary latch (5) out of engagement, brings about a movement of the safety catch (8) pointing substantially radially away from the rotary latch (5).
3. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (13) defines a joint (25) for the safety catch (8), wherein the joint (25), during the movement of the safety catch (8) in the direction of the release position, moves in a translatory manner relative to the rotation axis (6) of the rotary latch (5).
4. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element (11) is rotatably mounted on a housing element (3, 4) of the motor vehicle door lock (1) about a rotation axis (12).
5. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to claim 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the connecting element (13) is arranged on the drive element (11) in a radially offset manner to the rotation axis (12).
6. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the movement out from the engagement position in the direction of the release position of the coupling section (14) of the safety catch (8), which is pivotably mounted on the connecting element (13), is a movement in the shape of a segment of a circle.
7. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detent section (9) of the safety catch (8), in engagement with the rotary latch (5) in the engagement position, is guided with regard to movement by means of a guide element (16) and/or of a control pin (19) mounted on the safety catch (8).
8. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide element (16) is pivotably arranged on a housing element (3, 4) of the motor vehicle door lock (1) and has a guide recess (18), which guides a movement of the detent section (9) of the safety catch (8), which is able to be brought into engagement with the rotary latch (5), towards the rotary latch (5) or away from the rotary latch (5).
9. The motor vehicle door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety catch (8) is prestressed in the direction of the engagement position.

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