Patent Abstract:
A lock system is provided with a function controlling mechanism for control of the lock states unlocked, locked and optionally theft secure and child safety. The lock system is characterized by very short times for controlling the desired locking states and good suitability to various requirements with regard to construction space and functionality. The lock system comprises locking pieces, for example a turning latch or lock handle, in a lock for the mechanical locking of the door, at least one operating device in the form of an external door opener and/or an internal door opener, an optional locking cylinder, and elements for transmitting the operating force from the operating device to the locking pieces. The pieces of the function controlling mechanism (FSM), involved in controlling the locking state are not involved in the force path between the operating device and the locking pieces of the lock.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a National Phase Patent Application of International Application Number PCT/DE01/04380, filed on Nov. 16, 2001, which claims priority of German Patent Application Number 100 57 007.0, filed Nov. 17, 2000. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to a lock system with a function controlling mechanism for controlling the lock states “unlocked”, “locked” and where applicable “theft-secured” as well as “child lock”, which is characterised by very short times for controlling the desired locking states and good suitability to various requirements with regard to construction space and functionality. 
   In the case of motor vehicles having a so-called passive-entry function in which the locking of the lock is carried out not by a key but by an interrogation as to authorised status initiated by operating the external door opener followed by motorised unlocking of the lock, it may not be possible for the door to be opened immediately because the lock cannot be unlocked quickly enough. It is indeed fundamentally possible to shorten the operating time of the lock by using more powerful and faster drives but this involves a greater expense of materials and thus higher costs. 
   DE 196 27 246 A1 provides a motor vehicle door lock which can occupy different function positions. By means of a lift magnet, additional security is provided whereby the lift magnet at the same time serves for rapid release of the lock wherein the locking elements of the lock are moved from the “theft-proof” state to the “unlocked” state. The lift magnet is controlled by actuating the external door opener and in the shortest possible time produces a closed force chain for transferring the operating force whereby the elements moved by the lift magnet are part of the force chain. 
   This approach has the drawback that the lift magnet has to be made relatively powerful in order to be able to ensure a sufficiently fast movement of the masses which are to be moved. This involves large structural sizes inconsistent with a space-saving compact design. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the invention is a lock system with a function controlling mechanism, more particularly a function controlling mechanism with a passive entry function whose switch times, when changing between two functioning positions, are shortened to an extent which is not significant in the operation of the lock system and without having to increase the cost of the drive. 
   Advantageously the function controlling mechanism forms a simple compact functionally reliable structural unit which can be combined with electric and electronic components as necessary and readily integrated into different vehicle locking systems. 
   According to an aspect of the invention, all parts of the function controlling mechanism lie outside of the force flow between the operating element and the locking part so that the switch processes are not influenced by the masses which have to be moved. Furthermore the switch paths are kept very small. 
   In one aspect, at least one switch element (e.g. a points element) is advantageously provided which can be controlled by a drive and which, depending on its position, controls the movement of a coupling element on the operating element side which transfers the operating force, such that this coupling element enters into active relationship with a coupling element on the locking part side as necessary and transfers the positioning movement to the locking mechanism with the interposition of further elements (e.g. Bowden cable and/or lever mechanism). Operating element side and locking part side refer to sides of the function controlling mechanism, i.e. the lock system of the invention that the operating element and locking part are respectively connected to. The operating element or operating device may be an internal door opener or an external door opener. A lift magnet, a rotary magnet or a flap armature, which can switch back and forth between two end positions, can be used as the drive for the controllable switch element. Step motors or direct current motors with gears can also be used in other embodiments. 
   In order to provide the functional reliability of the switch processes, the involved elements are designed to preclude indeterminate intermediate positions. This is simply achieved through stops which the switch elements contact by means of the associated drive and which restrict the switch path of the switch element. The desired precision can however also be achieved by using bi-stable spring elements which advantageously jump over into one of two stable end positions. 
   In the case where guide tracks depict the displacement path of the coupling element on the operating element side, the one end position of the movable part (e.g. the points element) represents the establishment of the active connection for the purpose of transferring the operating force, and the other end position of the movable part represents the interruption of the active connection so that an operating force starting from a door opener cannot be transferred to the locking parts of the lock. 
   When using a guide track having at least one fork for the coupling element on the operating element side, the switch element which can be controlled between the two end positions, functions as the points element whereby a first fork leads the coupling element on the operating element side to engage with the coupling element on the locking part side and a second fork prevents engagement of the coupling elements. 
   The guide tracks for the various coupling elements on the operating element side can be formed in different ways, e.g. in the form of a slide path, a slot, a rail or the like in or on which the coupling element on the operating element side is guided with sliding action. The guide track can alternatively be formed as a transversely sliding or pivotal or limitedly rotatable rail or the like on which the coupling element disposed on the operating element side is guided whereby the transfer of the operating force can take place in one of the end positions of the rail. 
   In other embodiments, various different designs of the points switch elements may be used. Thus the points element can be mounted pivotal or rotatable relative to a base which supports or forms the guide track. When using a guide track which can be displaced in translation across its extension direction, the coupling element disposed on the operating element side is selectively moved to engage with the coupling element on the locking part side or it may be selectively moved so that such engagement is prevented. 
   Another structural variation for controlling the path of the coupling element disposed on the operating element side exists where the coupling element is mounted displaceable along a plane of adjustable incline whereby displacement of the coupling element disposed on the operating element side along the inclined or straight plane, prevents or produces its engagement on the coupling element on the locking part side. The conversion of the straight plane into an inclined plane can be carried out by swivelling a part mounted on a base or by sliding a preferably wedge-shaped part which after displacement releases the otherwise concealed inclined plane. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides that the coupling element disposed on the operating element side is guided along a transversally displaceable guide track whereby the displacement across the extension direction of the guide track selectively permits or prevents engagement of the coupling element disposed on the operating element side with the coupling element disposed on the locking part side. 
   In order to couple the operating forces which emanate from the door openers, a simple non-forked guide track may be provided for the operating element on the locking part side into which an operating lever connected to the coupling element on the lock side can be displaced so that the operating lever crosses the guide track and can enter into engagement with the coupling element. Moving the operating lever is likewise carried out by means of a drive which is activated through corresponding control commands or—in the case of emergency operation when the on-board electric supply fails—by actuating the locking cylinder, 
   In order to achieve the most compact construction possible for the function controlling mechanism, the force-transferring means, e.g. operating cable or operating rod linkage which are directly connected to the coupling elements disposed on the operating element side in the various embodiments, are mounted on the one side of a base plate or the like supporting the guide tracks whereas the means for force transfer connected to the coupling element on the locking part side are mounted on the other side of this base. The coupling elements disposed on the operating element side in the various embodiments, project sufficiently far beyond the base so that during their displacement along the guide track, an engagement can be produced with a part such as a pivotally mounted operating lever, connected to the coupling element on the locking part side. The device can be made more compactly and the cost of component parts considerably reduced through symmetrical construction of a part of the mechanical structural elements or function regions on the external door opener side and the internal door opener side. In one symmetric arrangement, the guide tracks for the coupling elements on the operating element side are positioned so that the transfer of the operating force to the coupling element on the lock side can be undertaken by a common operating element. 
   In another embodiment, the component parts and function regions may be positioned in superposed planes. 
   For manually controlling the different switch states of the lock, the function controlling mechanism has a switch lever which is pivotally mounted in its middle region. Its ends may include stops which are connected to followers of the control rod linkage which is connected to the drives. Between the pivotal axis of the switch lever and one of its ends, a force transfer element (e.g. cable) engages which is connected to the locking cylinder of the vehicle door so that when the locking cylinder is actuated in the “OPENING” or “CLOSING” direction, the switch elements can be brought into the corresponding switch positions for the purpose of emergency opening or emergency closing. 
   A pivotal operating lever may be advantageously mounted on the same axis with its ends engaging with the coupling elements which are displaceable along the guide tracks when the lock is unlocked and an operating force is introduced through one of the door openers. The operating lever is thereby pivoted and transfers to a force transfer element on the lock side engaging at a distance from the pivotal axis a setting path which finally leads to opening of the lock. 
   Another aspect of the invention combines the function controlling mechanism with an electronic lock control which inter alia ensures the so-called passive entry function wherein an interrogation of the access authorisation is carried out through remote means and then the lock may be moved into the unlocked state. An antenna integrated into the lock control or its housing ensures a short signal transmission path. It is also advantageous to allocate directly to the electronic lock control sensors or micro switches which signal the actuation of a door handle. 
   The function controlling mechanism and the electronic lock control may form one structural unit. A synergy effect can be achieved in that the conductor plate of the electronic lock control simultaneously serves as a mechanical support for the structural elements or function regions of the function control mechanism. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the drives can be fixed and simultaneously electrically contacted on a base such as the conductor plate. The same applies to the sensors which monitor the existing lock states, plugs and switches. Furthermore the conductor plate can also undertake purely mechanical tasks e.g. through integration of the guide tracks for the coupling elements on the operating element side and the bearing sites, or similarly for the points elements and the pivotal axes. 
   A compact highly integrated mechanical-electronic function controlling device of this kind forms a functionally reliable unit which can be manufactured cost-effectively and which can be pre-checked with regard to all of its functions. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The invention will now be explained with reference to some embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary function controlling mechanism of the present invention which includes two base plates and switch elements which are located in the “UNLOCKED” position; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 , but in the “ACTUATED” position controlled through the internal door opener; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 , but in the “LOCKED” position; 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 ; but in the “EMERGENCY UNLOCKED” position controlled through the locking cylinder; 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 ; but in the “EMERGENCY LOCKED” position controlled through the locking cylinder; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 ; but in the “CHILD LOCK” position; 
       FIG. 8  shows a plan view of the exemplary function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 1 ; but in the “THEFT SECURED” position; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of an aspect of the present invention, including an exemplary points switch for the guide tracks of the coupling elements on the operating element side with a switch element which is transversely displaceable; 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view of an aspect of the present invention, including an exemplary points switch for the guide tracks of the coupling elements on the operating element side with an electromagnetic flap armature; 
       FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic view illustrating the points switch principle with swivel mounted switch element for function control; 
       FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic view of an operating lever displaceable in the path of a simple guide track for function control; 
       FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic view of simple guide tracks transversely displaceable in the engagement area of the operating lever for function control; 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view through a region of the device shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view through a region of the function controlling mechanism having a pivotal guide plane for the coupling element on the operating element side for function control; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view through a region of the function controlling mechanism with a displaceable wedge for the coupling element on the operating element side for function control; 
       FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic view of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic view illustrating the points switch principle by using a rotary armature or rotary magnet for function control; 
       FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic view of mirror-parallel arranged fork-like guide tracks; 
       FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic view of the upper of several planes of a function controlling mechanism having a fork-like guide track; 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-section through the planes of the mechanism shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic view of mirror parallel fork-like guide tracks and a pair of switch levers; 
       FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic view of an axially symmetrical function controlling mechanism; 
       FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic side view of a motor vehicle door with function devices; and 
       FIG. 25  is a diagrammatic view of a cross-section through a vehicle door. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The embodiment of a function controlling mechanism, illustrated in different functioning positions in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , has a lower base plate  2 ′ and an upper base plate  2  spaced therefrom and on which drives  1   a ,  1   b  are arranged in the form of lift magnets in opposite corner regions. In other exemplary embodiments, drives  1   a  and  1   b  for the function controlling mechanism may be formed of components other than lift magnets. Each lift magnet, i.e. drives  1   a ,  1   b , has an axially displaceable coupling rod  10   a ,  10   b  whose distal ends engage in respective openings  121   a ,  121   b  of swivel mounted switch elements  12   a ,  12   b . The switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  are supported by axes  120   a ,  120   b  on webs  23   a ,  23   b  which separate the parallel guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b ,  22   a ,  22   b  formed in the base plate  2 , from each other. Switch elements  12   a  and  12   b  include a pointed section that rotates to contact stops, and switch elements  12   a  and  12   b  may therefore be alternatively referred to as points-like switch elements  12   a ,  12   b . The forked parallel guide tracks are combined in the neutral guide track  20   a ,  20   b  in which the coupling elements  30 ,  40  on the operating element side are mounted when no setting movement emanates from the door openers. For example, parallel guide tracks  21   a  and  22   a  form a forked configuration as they combine in neutral guide track  20   a  which accommodates coupling element  40 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates stop  200 . 
   The Bowden tube ends  3 ,  4  on the operating element side are supported on fixing blocks  3   a  between the base plates  2 ,  2 ′. Bowden tube end  3  may be for transferring the operating force of an external door opener, or Bowden tube end  4  may be for transferring the operating force of an internal door opener. The Bowden tube ends  5 ,  6  which are connected to the lock or the locking cylinder are suspended in respective fixing blocks  5   a ,  6   a  above the base plate  2 . Also the base bodies  32 ,  42  of the respective coupling elements  30 ,  40  connected to cable pulleys  31 ,  41 , respectively, are mounted between the two base plates  2 ,  2 ′ and ensure that the ends of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  projecting beyond the opposing side of the base plate  2  do not tilt on stopping against the operating lever  7 . Bowden tube end  5  may be a connector element for transferring operating force to locking parts of the lock, and Bowden tube end  6  may be a connector element for transferring operating force of the locking cylinder. 
   In  FIGS. 1 and 2  the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  are located in the “UNLOCKED” position, i.e. an operating force introduced through the Bowden tube ends  3 ,  4  and the cable pulleys  31 ,  41  from the external door opener or internal door opener (i.e. the operating element), can be transferred to the cable pulley  5  which is connected to the locking parts of the lock. For this purpose an operating lever  7  is pivotally mounted on the base plate  2  along axis  71 . Ends  7   a ,  7   b  of operating lever  7  cross the inner guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b  of the forked areas and thus are in the engagement region of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  when the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  bear against the stops  210   a ,  210   b  and thus release the change-overs from the neutral guide tracks  20   a ,  20   b  into the guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b.    
   If, in this state, one of the two door openers is actuated, the coupling element  30 ,  40  is moved towards the corresponding end  7   a ,  7   b  of the operating lever  7 , which swivels about its axis  71 .  FIG. 3  shows a device actuated from the internal door operator, whose operating force is transferred via the Bowden tube end  4  and the cable pulley  41  to the coupling element  40  and causes the coupling element  40  to be displaced and to rotate the operating lever  7 . This results in a displacement of the cable pulley  51 , which is connected to the locking parts of the lock and which is engaged via a coupling element  50  with the operating lever  7  at a distance from the rotary axis  71 . The oblong hole  70  serves as compensation for the cable pulley when the locking parts of the lock are in the so-called pre-catch position or when the door is opened but not in the closing position. 
   In FIG.  4 —in comparison to FIG.  3 —the switch element  12   b  was swivelled by the drive  1   b  via the coupling rod  10   b  towards the inner stop  220   b , such that the outer guide track  22   b  is opened for the coupling element  30 , which is connected to the external door opener via the Bowden tube end  3  and the cable pulley  31 , but the inner guide track  21   b  is blocked. On actuating the external door handle it thus does not lead to engagement of the coupling element  30  with the operating lever  7  while the lock can be further actuated through the internal door handle. This switching state is termed “LOCKED”. 
   In order to be able to ensure emergency operation of the lock in the event of failure of the on-board electric supply, a switching lever  8  is provided which is likewise pivotally mounted on the axis  71  and engages with a coupling element  60  which is in active connection through a cable pulley  61  or a rod linkage with a locking cylinder.  FIG. 5  shows the “EMERGENCY UNLOCKED” position in which the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  are located in the position already shown in  FIG. 2  so that the door lock can be opened by both door handles, i.e. inner and outer door handles. In the event of emergency unlocking by rotating the locking cylinder, the coupling element  60  is pressed against the switch lever  8  by the sufficiently stiff cable pulley  61 , such that the switch lever  8  is pivoted. Stops at the ends  8   a ,  8   b  of the switch lever  8  thereby enter into engagement with followers  11   a ,  11   b , which are attached to the coupling rod  10   a ,  10   b , such that the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b , which are connected to the respective coupling rods  10   a ,  10   b , are moved in their unlocking position. If the function controlling mechanism has been in its “LOCKED” or “THEFT PROOF LOCKED” state prior to the emergency unlocking operation, the operation of the locking cylinder then causes the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  to be pivoted against stops  210   a ,  210   b.    
     FIG. 6  shows the function controlling mechanism in the “EMERGENCY LOCKED” state. This is reached by an operating movement of the locking cylinder in the opposite direction, which, via the cable pulley  61 , causes the switching lever  8  to be pivoted, such that the stop at the end  8   b  of the switch lever  8  is pressed against the follower  11   b  on the side of the external door opener and, by the displacement of the coupling rod  10   b , the switch element  12   b  is pivoted against the inner stop  220   b . Thus the engagement of the coupling element  30 , which is connected to the external door opener via the Bowden tube end  3  and the cable pulley  31 , with the associated end  7   b  of the operating lever  7  is prevented. For safety reasons this does not apply to the coupling element  40  on the side of the internal door opener, such that a person accidentally locked in the vehicle can free himself. Therefore, the stop at the end  8   a  of the switch lever  8  is open on one side and forms only a stop for the follower  11   a  for the emergency unlocking operation. 
     FIG. 7  shows the “CHILD LOCK” position, in which the coupling element  40  on the side of the internal door opener upon actuation is deflected by the switch element  12   a  into the outer guide track  22   a , such that the coupling element cannot engage with the operating lever  7  to unlock the door. The coupling element  30 , at the same time, upon actuation by the outer door opener is deflected into the inner guide track  21   b  and, thus, engages with the operating lever  7  to unlock the door. 
   In the “THEFT PROOF LOCKED” position of  FIG. 8 , the inner guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b  are blocked by the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  so that actuation of the lock is not possible either through the external door opener nor through the internal door opener. Changing over the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  into the “UNLOCKED” state can—as already explained in connection with the previously described figures—take place by controlling the drives  1   a ,  1   b  or by operating the locking cylinder. 
   In various embodiments, base plate  2  can also be formed as a conductor plate of an electronic control unit. In particular electronic elements mounted between the base plates  2 ,  2 ′ are particularly well protected from mechanical damage. The second base plate  2 ′ can also function as a conductor plate as necessary. Monitoring the locked state can advantageously be carried out by sensors which sense the actual pivotal position of the switch elements  12   a ,  12   b . In one exemplary embodiment, magneto-resistive elements may be advantageously used because they are comparatively insensitive to external influences. 
   The diagrammatic illustration of  FIG. 9  shows a neutral guide track  20  which is forked into two parallel guide tracks  21 ,  22  and a rhomboid shaped switch element  12  which is displaceable across the guide tracks and which is controllable by a drive  1  through a coupling rod  10 . 
   In another exemplary embodiment, the path of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  may be controlled on the operating element side along the forking guide tracks  20 ,  21 ,  22  as shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 10 . A pivotally mounted flap armature  100  is selectively controlled by coils  1 ′,  1 ″ which are arranged in the forked area on opposite sides of the neutral guide track  20  and which move the flap armature  100  by generating suitable magnetic forces and hold flap armature  100  in the desired position. Coils  1 ′,  1 ″ may also be referred to as electromagnets. In the illustrated armature position, the engagement of the coupling element  30 ,  40  on the operating lever  7  is provided. Swivel movement of operating lever  7  operates on the coupling rod  51  and is transferred into a push movement that is directed up to the door lock. 
     FIG. 11  shows once again a diagrammatic illustration of the construction of a function controlling mechanism with forking guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b ,  22   a ,  22   b  and swivel switch elements  12   a ,  12   b  which are movable through coupling rods  10   a ,  10   b  between two end positions. Features and working principles of  FIG. 11  are as described in conjunction with the embodiments of  FIGS. 2 through 8 . 
   The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 12  has for each coupling element  30 ,  40  on the operating element side only one simple (not-forked) guide track  20   a ,  20   b . By using an operating lever which is basically divided into two parts  7   a ′ and  7   b ′ which are mounted displaceable independently of each other in a cassette  710 , the free ends of the parts  7   a ′,  7   b ′ can selectively be brought into the guide track  20   a ,  20   b  and thus into the engagement area of the coupling elements  30 ,  40 . In this manner, the operating lever halves  7   a ′,  7   b ′ are coupled to the drives  1   a ,  1   b  through a coupling rod linkage  10   a ,  10 ′ a ,  10   b ,  10 ′ b . An emergency actuation for the purpose of emergency opening or emergency closing can take place through the switch lever  8  which is mounted in the common pivotal axis  71  and which is connected to the locking cylinder through the connecting element  6  and the cable or rod linkage  61 . 
   Also the function controlling mechanism shown in  FIG. 13  uses only simple (non-forked) guide tracks  20 . Compared with the embodiment of  FIG. 12  the guide track  20  of  FIG. 13  is a constituent part of a transversely displaceable part  24  which is mounted in a channel-like recess  25  of the base plate  2 . The coupling element  30 ,  40  thereby engages through a slit  26  which is formed in the base plate  2  underneath the guide track  20  with a width designed so that there is sufficient clearance for the proposed transverse displacement of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  (see also  FIG. 14 ). According to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the operating lever  7  does not cross the transversely displaceable guide track  20  so that with the introduction of an operating force none of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  can act on the associated free end of the operating lever  7 . This system is thus located in the “THEFT PROOF LOCKED” state. 
   A further possibility which selectively enables or prevents the engagement of a coupling element  30 ,  40  on the operating lever  7  exists in selectively varying the projection height of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  from the region between the base plates  2 ,  2 ′ towards the operating lever  7 . For example, the projection height may be maximised when the operating force is to be transferred through the coupling element  7  to the locking parts of the lock (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). If on the other hand a transfer of the operating force through at least one of the coupling elements  30 ,  40  is to be prevented because, for example, the system is locked, theft proof locked or child locked, then the coupling element  30 ,  40  may be guided along an inclined plane which reduces the projection depth to an extent which is less than required for engagement with the operating lever  7 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  show two exemplary embodiments that produce such inclined planes which represent the switching states of the function controlling device. In  FIG. 15 , a part  27  is pivotally mounted on the base plate  2 ′ and its position determines the projection depth of the coupling element  30 ,  40 . In  FIG. 16 , a displaceable wedge  28  is provided whose wedge angle corresponds to that of the inclined plane underneath which is released during its displacement and then reduces the projection depth to a measure which lets the coupling element pass through under the operating lever. In the position of the web  28  shown in  FIG. 16  this wedge forms with its outer contour, an extension of the plane of the base plate  2 ′ running parallel to the guide track  20 .  FIG. 17  shows a diagrammatic plan view of the devices shown in cross-section in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     FIG. 18  shows diagrammatically the control principle already illustrated and described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 8  by using a neutral guide track  20   a ,  20   b  which is forked into two guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b ,  22   a ,  22   b  whereby the displacement path is controlled through a points-like switch element. The exemplary displacement element  12 ′ a ,  12 ′ b  is constructed on the principle of a rotary magnet or rotary armature which can be alternately rotated between two end positions. 
     FIGS. 19 to 23  show some variations of exemplary symmetrical arrangements of the parts and function regions of the function controlling mechanism according to the invention.  FIG. 19  shows an exemplary symmetrical mirror arrangement of parallel and unidirectional guide tracks  20   a ,  20   b ,  21   a ,  21   b ,  22   a ,  22   b .  FIGS. 20 and 21  show a function controlling mechanism having a symmetrical construction relative to the base plate  2 ′ with superposed base plates  2   a ,  2   b  supporting the guide tracks  20 ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  21 ,  21   a ,  21   b ,  22 ,  22   a ,  22   b . These are associated with the drives  1 , the coupling elements  30 ,  40  as well as the divided areas  7   a ,  7   b  of the operating lever which are mounted on a common axis  71 . 
     FIG. 22  shows—similar to FIG.  19 —symmetrical and unidirectional mounted guide tracks  20   a ,  20   b ,  21   a ,  21   b ,  22   a ,  22   b  whose switch elements (not shown) are likewise associated with mirror symmetrical drives  1   a ,  1   b  which can be switched through parts  10   a ,  10   b ,  8 ′,  8 ″,  61 . This embodiment has two switch levers  8 ′,  8 ″ whereby each individual part (i.e. each switch lever) is mounted on one side on the coupling rod  10   a , or  10   b  of the drive  1   a ,  1   b , and on the other hand in a swivel axis  71 ,  81  which is fixed on the base plate  2 . Between these connecting points, operating means  61  engage on the switch lever  8 ′,  8 ″ in order to be able to initiate emergency operation through the locking cylinder as necessary. The operating lever  7  is pivotally mounted in the axis  71  and crosses the guide tracks  21   a ,  21   b  so that with a corresponding setting of the switch elements (not shown) an engagement can be produced with the coupling elements  30 ,  40 . The operating lever  7  may also be formed to be U-shaped, for example, in the intersection area, so that the coupling element  30  can “tunnel under” the operating lever  7  without stopping against the same. Operating lever  7  may include bridging area  72 . 
   The function controlling mechanism according to  FIG. 23  is constructed to be generally symmetrical relative to the swivel axis  71 ′ whereby the swivel axis  71 ′ is not anchored on the base plate  2  but can move slightly as a result of the selected lever kinematics in the case of the switch processes emanating from the drives  1   a ,  1   b  or the locking cylinder (see connecting element  6 ). Lever ends  7 ′ a  and  7 ′ b  are displaceable parts of the operating lever. An illustration of the points-like switch elements and their coupling rods with the drives has been omitted as these features have been discussed previously. 
     FIG. 24  shows in a diagrammatic illustration the side view of a vehicle door  9  with a function controlling mechanism FSM into which an electronic control for the lock  96 , as well as a window lifter, is integrated. The window lifter motor  97  is advantageously in direct connection with the function controlling mechanism FSM which is also provided with current according to this exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 24  also illustrates gearing  98 . The operating forces and setting paths between the external door handle (i.e. door opener)  93 , the locking cylinder  93 ′, the internal door handle (i.e. internal door opener)  94  and the door lock  96  on the one hand, and the function controlling mechanism on the other, are transferred through Bowden cables or rod linkages  31 ,  41 ,  51 ,  61 . 
     FIG. 25  shows a cross-sectional view of the described exemplary vehicle door. In  FIG. 25 , the door body is divided into a wet space N defined by the outside door panel  90  and inside door panel  91  and thus support plate  92  connected thereto, and a dry space T which extends between the support plate  92  and the inside door trim  95 . As many function units as possible of the vehicle door are preferably preassembled on the support plate  92  in order to achieve one comprehensively pre-checkable assembly system.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8