Motor vehicle lock

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a motor vehicle lock (10) for tensioning and opening a motor vehicle door (4), the motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism having a rotary latch and at least one locking pawl, wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch can be locked in at least one locking position by means of the locking pawl, a drive device (15) with which the locking pawl can be moved from the locking position into a release state for the rotary latch, and a tensioning device (13), wherein the locking mechanism can be moved from a pre-locking position into a main locking position by means of the tensioning device (13), wherein a coupling element (16) can be controlled by means of the drive device (15) such that opening of the motor vehicle component (4) can be effected by means of the tensioning device (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism comprising: a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl, wherein the rotating movement of the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl; a drive device that can transfer the locking pawl from a locked state to an open state relative to the rotating locking fork; and an opening device that can transfer a vehicle component receiving the motor vehicle lock from a closed state to an open state by means of the opening device. Background Technology

[0002] To improve comfort and simplify operation in motor vehicles, increasingly more comfort features are being integrated. For example, it is known that vehicle doors, hatches, or hoods are closed using tensioning devices. This is done partly to ensure easy door closure and partly to eliminate the need for external door handles, allowing for a more streamlined design. Such tensioning devices are particularly common in fully automatic hatches, which can be operated, for example, via radio remote control without manual operation of the hatch itself.

[0003] Such a closing system equipped with a tensioning device can, in principle, be used in all conceivable doors of a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is conceivable and included within the scope of this invention not only for side doors, but also for trunk lids, rear hatches, or engine hoods. In this case, the tensioning device implemented in this way allows the relevant door or vehicle door to overcome the resistance of the seals and shift from the previously mentioned pre-locked state to the main locked state.

[0004] Another structural design of the tensioning device is the subject of DE 198 28 040 B4. It discloses a force-assisted closing device for doors, hatches, canopies, or roofs of motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars, in which a swingable stop element is arranged at the rotating locking fork. Furthermore, the locking pawl, which interacts with the rotating locking fork, also has a swingable stop element. These two stop elements work together with a control disc during opening or closing. The control disc is part of an adjustment drive mechanism by which both the opening and closing processes can be achieved.

[0005] DE 20 2008 015 089 Ul proposes a transmission rod supported coaxially with the axis of the rotating locking fork of the locking mechanism. Additionally, the drive pawl is supported on the transmission element. The drive pawl itself is connected to the actuator via a Bowden cable or other connecting element.

[0006] Besides using a tensioning drive as an auxiliary means of closing systems in motor vehicles, opening devices are also known. The opening device is preferably used to transfer a movable component disposed on the motor vehicle into an open state, allowing an operator to grasp the movable component and open it fully. The opening device works in conjunction with an electrically operated closing system, enabling the opening of the movable component after the locking mechanism has been electrically unlocked. If the locking mechanism is open, the motor vehicle door can be opened, for example, without the need for manual operation of an external operating handle.

[0007] A device for opening a vehicle door or hatch is known from DE 10 2011 015 669 A1, which can transfer a door, hatch, or cover from a closed state to an open state. If the opening device relates to, for example, a side door of a vehicle, the door can be opened, for example, by means of an electrical pulse. For this purpose, the locking mechanism of the door lock must first preferably be electrically unlocked so that the door can be opened. If the pressure of the door seal is insufficient to transfer the door from the closed state to the open state, the opening device can be used to transfer the door to the open state. The open state is defined here in such a way that the operator of the vehicle can grasp the door in a manner that allows it to be fully opened. Here, an electric actuator is used as the opening device, which acts on the vehicle door mechanically in the form of a lever swinging motion via a drive pawl and an inner and outer lever.

[0008] A locking device directly integrated into a vehicle lock is known from DE 200 16 292 U1. The lock, consisting of a locking pawl and a rotating fork, has a locking pawl actuator that disengages the locking pawl from the rotating fork. Upon electrical actuation, the locking pawl actuator moves the rotating fork out of its engagement area, thereby releasing the lock retainer and allowing a hatch, cover, or door to be opened. The locking pawl actuator then continues to move and pulls the rotating fork via a connecting rod between the locking pawl and the rotating fork to a position where the lock retainer is not only released but the rotating fork is supported on the lock retainer, lifting or moving, for example, a hatch, cover, or door, into an open position. This creates a gap between the vehicle component and the vehicle body, which improves operational convenience. The operator can pass through this gap to grasp the vehicle component and open it fully.

[0009] A vehicle lock is known from DE 10 2015 003 918 A1. This vehicle lock has a locking mechanism comprising: a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl, wherein the locking pawl can lock the rotational movement of the rotating locking fork; a drive mechanism that can transfer the locking pawl from a locked state to an open state of the locking mechanism; and an opening mechanism that can move a vehicle component receiving the vehicle lock from a closed state to an open state. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism forms an actuator for the opening mechanism. Here, it is preferable to use a motor as the drive mechanism for electrically opening the vehicle lock, the motor acting, for example, via a transmission mechanism on an adjusting device, thereby disengaging the locking pawl from the rotating locking fork. If the motor present in the vehicle lock is now used as the drive mechanism for the opening mechanism, a separate actuator for the opening mechanism can be omitted.

[0010] The tensioning and opening devices known and frequently used in existing technology are suitable in principle. However, a persistent concern for automakers and suppliers is how to minimize the weight of the vehicle and the structural space of its components. Reducing the weight of individual components minimizes vehicle weight and thus reduces fuel consumption. The increased number of comfort features further occupies structural space, which in turn is further constrained by these comfort features. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of this invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle incorporating the aforementioned comfort functions, such as tensioning assist devices and opening devices. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide comfort functions with minimal structural space and as few components as possible. Additionally, the object of this invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0012] The objective is achieved according to the invention through the features of the first technical solution. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in other technical solutions. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the specification and dependent claims are possible.

[0013] According to the first technical solution, the object of the present invention is thus achieved, namely, providing a motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism comprising: a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl, wherein the rotational movement of the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the locking pawl; a drive device by means of the drive device to transfer the locking pawl from a locked state to an open state for the rotating locking fork; and a tensioning device by means of the tensioning device to transfer the locking mechanism from a pre-locked position to a main locked position, wherein the drive device can control a connecting element so that the motor vehicle component can be opened by means of the tensioning device. The motor vehicle lock construction according to the present invention now provides the possibility that, by using the motor vehicle lock or components provided with the motor vehicle lock, the locking mechanism can be tightened on the one hand, and the motor vehicle component can be opened into an open state by means of the tensioning device on the other hand. With the construction according to the present invention, the number of components required to move the locking mechanism and the motor vehicle component can be reduced to a minimum. By using a tensioning drive device for tightening and opening, comfort functions can be achieved with a minimum number of structural components, while requiring only minimal structural space.

[0014] In particular, it is advantageous to use a drive mechanism to operate the connecting element because it allows for a dual function. The drive mechanism can unlock the locking mechanism; in other words, it allows the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to the released position. Preferably, the drive mechanism can operate a release lever, which moves the locking pawl out of engagement with the rotating fork, thus allowing the locking mechanism to move from the locked position to the released position. Typically, after unlocking, the rotating fork moves at least partially out of engagement with the locking pawl because it is under spring load generated by the pressure of the helical torsion spring and / or the door seal.

[0015] The drive unit is equipped with an electric actuator, particularly a DC motor, so that the release lever can preferably move via a transmission mechanism. According to the invention, the drive unit also additionally drives a connecting element, by means of which the tensioning device can be connected to a component for opening the vehicle component. Therefore, the electric actuator of the drive unit is used in a dual function: unlocking the locking mechanism and operating the connecting element. Thus, the opening of the vehicle component can be additionally achieved using the existing components of the tensioning device and the drive unit.

[0016] When referring to a motor vehicle lock according to the present invention, the synonyms such as closing device, lock, or door lock are understood to have the same meaning. The term "motor vehicle lock" also includes locks used in doors, sliding doors, hatches, and / or canopies of motor vehicles, i.e., any location where a component swayably or movably mounted on a motor vehicle must be securely held in its position. Preferably, the motor vehicle lock according to the invention relates to a side door lock. Such a motor vehicle lock includes a locking mechanism consisting of a rotating locking fork and locking pawls.

[0017] The locking mechanism may also be equipped with two or more locking claws, or, for example, with a locking lever or a deadbolt. Such locking claws are known in the prior art. Here, the locking claws directly engage with the rotating locking fork, and the locking lever or deadbolt fixes the position of the locking claws in the locked position, preferably in the main locked position.

[0018] An improvement according to the invention is advantageous in that the tensioning device is incorporated into the vehicle, at least partially or entirely independently of the vehicle lock. The tensioning device can be an integral part of the vehicle lock itself, that is, integrated into the housing of the vehicle lock. For this purpose, the tensioning device preferably has a correspondingly robust electric actuator, by which the locking mechanism can be moved from a pre-locked position to a main locking position. This appropriate design of the tensioning actuator is necessary because the locking mechanism must move against the pressure of the door or hatch seals. The main locking position forms the closed state of the locking mechanism and describes the positioning in which the movable component is held in a fixed position on the vehicle lock. However, the tensioning actuator can also be partially integrated into the lock or mounted on the lock. A mechanical connection can then be made via a lever, pull rod, or Bowden cable. In any case, the tensioning device can actuate the closing movement in the locking mechanism. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the tensioning device be arranged spaced apart from the closing device in the vehicle lock. This may be advantageous, particularly when the vehicle lock is installed in a side door and there is insufficient structural space near the vehicle lock to accommodate the tensioning device. In this case, it is known that the tensioning drive is connected to the vehicle lock or the drive mechanism in the vehicle lock by means of a Bowden cable.

[0019] Another variation of the invention is obtained if an operational connection can be established between the opening device and the tensioning device using a connecting device. The connecting device is integrated into the vehicle lock and operated by a drive mechanism. Here, the connecting device is designed such that the existing tensioning drive mechanism can be mechanically connected to the opening device in the vehicle lock. The opening device can here at least partially utilize existing components of the vehicle lock, and here it is possible to move the movable member into the open state. If the vehicle lock is unlocked by means of the drive unit, the rotating lock fork is under preload and preferably moves out of the main locked state by the pressure of the door seal. Here, depending on the actual situation of the door seal pressure and structure, the movable member can at least partially move into the open state. Conversely, the opening device moves the movable member to a fixed, preset open state characterized by the formation of a gap into which the vehicle operator can safely insert their hand to, for example, fully open the vehicle door.

[0020] Therefore, the opening position achievable with a fixed, defined opening gap differs significantly from the opening of a movable member achieved by releasing the rotating locking fork. This is particularly true in cases where an additional force is applied to the movable member due to, for example, the tilting position of a vehicle, for example, pressing the side door into a closed state. This could be, for example, gravity, but could also be caused by external environmental factors such as strong winds. Conversely, the open state is achieved through an opening mechanism in which the movable member moves into a defined position.

[0021] The tensioning device and the opening device can be mechanically connected by a connecting element. Engagement of the tensioning device within the opening device mechanism is achieved by a drive mechanism. For this purpose, the drive mechanism preferably has a transmission connected downstream of the electric actuator, which can lift the locking pawl from the rotating locking fork either directly or via a separate release mechanism. After the aforementioned unlocking of the locking mechanism, the electric actuator of the drive mechanism can be used to connect the tensioning device and the opening device. The tensioning drive mechanism can then initiate a movement into the opening device, such as a Bowden cable initiating a pulling movement into the vehicle lock, which actuates the mechanism to open the movable component. For example, this is done by using the transmission of the drive mechanism connected downstream of the motor in such a way that the transmission moves, for example, the release mechanism to a position where the release mechanism connects the tensioning drive mechanism and the opening device. After engagement of the opening device, the mechanism for opening the movable component can move the movable component to the open position.

[0022] If the movable component is now grasped and opened by the operator, the opening device can be moved back to its initial position, whereby the drive unit also moves back to its initial position and reconnects the tensioning drive to the tensioning mechanism used for the locking mechanism. Thus, electric unlocking, tensioning, and opening can be achieved using the simplest mechanical means and the fewest possible number of components.

[0023] In another variation of the invention, a vehicle component movably arranged on a motor vehicle is proposed to be held in place by means of an opener of an opening device. The opening device has an opener that can move from an initial position to a position in which the opener moves the movable vehicle component into an open state. According to the invention, it is conceivable that the opener holds the movable vehicle component fixed, i.e., fixed in the open state. Preferably, the opener in its initial position is arranged in the motor vehicle lock such that it does not protrude beyond the outer body of the motor vehicle or the trim panels of the vehicle component. In this initial position, there is no obstruction or injury to the motor vehicle operator. If the opening device moves the opener, the opener moves from the initial position to an outward operating state. In this operating state, the opener is able to hold the vehicle component.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the opener can engage with the lock retainer. Advantageously, the opener can be arranged in the vehicle lock such that it is, for example, parallel to the locking mechanism and preferably parallel to the rotating fork in the vehicle lock. The rotating fork engages with the lock retainer or the bow of the lock retainer and fixes the position of the swingable component during vehicle operation. If the opener is now also engaged with the lock retainer, an advantageous variation can be achieved. Its advantage is that no additional opening is required in the vehicle lock, because the opener can engage with the lock retainer through the entry portion of the rotating fork. Another advantage is that the lock retainer is spaced apart from, for example, a door seal in the vehicle, so that minimal movement of the opener is thus suitable for moving movable vehicle components into the open position.

[0025] In another variation of the invention, the tensioning mechanism can engage directly with the rotary locking fork. The tensioning mechanism or tensioning device can be engaged directly with the rotary locking fork using as few structural components as possible. Here, the disengagement of the tensioning device plays a decisive role because the rotary locking fork can move independently after disengaging from the tensioning device. In other words, the rotary locking fork is freed from the tensioning mechanism. This achieves flexibility of the locking mechanism and avoids noise. The tensioning device is engaged by means of the connecting part only when the rotary locking fork is in the released position, i.e., when the opening device is engaged with the tensioning device. Therefore, the disengagement of the tensioning device provides structural and acoustic advantages. Similarly, the opening device is engaged by means of the tensioning device and disengaged during tensioning only when the opener is opened or reset. The engagement is carried out mechanically and preferably by means of a transmission device connected downstream of the electric actuator of the drive device. It is also conceivable to manipulate a separate connecting element, which, for example, connects the Bowden cable to the tensioning drive device or the opening device.

[0026] The tensioning mechanism allows the rotating lock fork to transition from an open state to a locked state, particularly a primary locked state. If the tensioning mechanism, i.e., the vehicle lock according to the invention, is installed in the side door of a vehicle, it moves the rotating lock fork from a pre-locked state to the primary locked state. However, there are also cases, such as in the case of a canopy or rear hatch, where only one locked position exists in the locking mechanism. In these cases, the rotating lock fork immediately engages with the lock retainer once the vehicle lock approaches the locking pin. In this situation, the tensioning device moves the rotating lock fork from its contact position on the lock retainer to the locked state, or the locked position.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the connecting device is designed as a mechanical connection with a sliding element. For example, the connecting device here has a sliding element in which the mechanical connection of the tensioning drive can be linearly guided. The linear guide can be simply and safely manufactured and can be guided, for example, within the lock housing itself. Therefore, the number of required components is reduced to a minimum.

[0028] Another variation of the invention proposes that the connecting device has a connecting portion for receiving the Bowden cable of the tensioning device. The tensioning drive or tensioning device can work in conjunction with the closing system via the Bowden cable, thereby enabling an advantageously spaced arrangement of the tensioning devices in the vehicle. If the connecting device has a Bowden cable receiving portion, and the Bowden cable receiving portion is received in the connecting device, for example, in a swingable or movable manner, advantageous engagement of the tensioning mechanism or opening mechanism can be achieved. In particular, connecting the connecting device to the transmission of the drive device and, for example, a mechanism belonging to the drive device, such as a gear, can provide structurally advantageous possibilities for achieving the connection. Thus, the swinging motion of the drive device's transmission can be used to connect the Bowden cable of the tensioning device to the opening device or the rotating locking fork or tensioning mechanism.

[0029] The object of the present invention can be achieved by means of a method. Therefore, according to the present invention, a method is provided for tightening a motor vehicle component that can be closed by a motor vehicle lock, wherein the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock is unlocked by means of a drive device, and the vehicle component is transferred to a locked state by means of a tightening device, wherein the tightening device is subsequently connected to an opening device by means of a drive device. The method according to the present invention now realizes the use of a tightening drive device arranged in or on a motor vehicle lock to open a component that is movably fastened to a motor vehicle. Here, the method according to the present invention utilizes the possibility of connecting the tightening drive device to the opening device by means of a connecting element and thus implementing both functions by means of a drive. After the locking mechanism is unlocked, the drive device and the connecting part work together to connect the tightening drive device to the opening mechanism or the opening device, thereby enabling the opening of the movable vehicle component. After the opening device's opener is opened and moved back, the opening device again disengages from the tightening device by means of the drive device and connects to the tightening mechanism or directly to the rotary locking fork. Therefore, tightening of the rotary locking fork can be achieved again. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and simplified diagrams. However, the following principle applies: the embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely illustrate an advantageous implementation. The features shown may be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the specification and the claims. Wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 The image shows a top view of the vehicle with its side door open.

[0032] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1A detailed view of the side door in the open position, and a cross-sectional view based on View II showing the principle arrangement between the vehicle lock and the unlocking device located in the side door, wherein the unlocking device and the lock retainer work together; and

[0033] Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the interaction between the tensioning drive device, the drive device, the connecting element, the tensioning mechanism, and the opening mechanism is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of a vehicle 1, illustrating its principle. The vehicle 1 has a front region 2, a rear region 3, and a side door 4. The side door 4 is in an open state, characterized by an opening gap S formed between the vehicle body 5 and the side door 4. A lock retainer 6 is visible in the area of ​​the opening gap S; in this embodiment, the lock retainer is designed as a locking pin. Even though this embodiment uses the example of a vehicle side door 4 to illustrate the opening mechanism, this is not limiting. It is also conceivable that this opening mechanism could also be used, for example, for a rear hatch 7 located in the rear region 3 of the vehicle or, for example, for an engine hood 8 located in the front region of the vehicle.

[0035] exist Figure 2 The middle shows Figure 1 Detail II is an enlarged view of the area of ​​the lock retainer 6. The same components are given the same reference numerals in the drawings. To better illustrate the arrangement of the opening device 9, detailed view II is shown above the lock retainer 6 in a section passing through the vehicle 1. The opening device 9 is integrated into the vehicle door lock 10 and has an opener 11, which directly interacts with the lock retainer 6. In this embodiment, the opener 11 is integrated into the opening device 9 and arranged in a movable manner such that the opener 11 can move out from the vehicle door lock 10 and the vehicle side door (4). The door seal 12 is fastened to the rolled edge of the vehicle body 5. The door seal 12 preferably surrounds the vehicle side door 4 circumferentially and seals the interior space of the vehicle 1 relative to the environment. In addition to this sealing function, as long as the vehicle side door 4 is in a fully closed state, the door seal 12 exerts force on the door lock and, in particular, the locking mechanism integrated into the vehicle side door 4.

[0036] The door seal pressure can be used by the vehicle door lock 10 to open the locking mechanism in the following manner: only the locking pawl is removed from the rotating lock fork and the door seal force or door seal pressure causes the rotating lock fork to move, i.e., the locking mechanism opens. Subsequently, the opening device 9 moves the vehicle side door 4 fully into the open state, thereby creating an opening gap S.

[0037] exist Figure 3The diagram schematically illustrates the arrangement of a vehicle door lock 10 relative to a tensioning device 13. The tensioning device 13 is spaced apart from the vehicle door lock 10 and connected to the vehicle door lock 10, for example, via a Bowden cable 14. The vehicle door lock 10 integrates an actuating device 15, a connecting element 16, a tensioning mechanism 17, and an opening mechanism 18. An opener 11 is removable from and repositionable within the vehicle door lock 10.

[0038] If the vehicle door lock 10 or the vehicle side door 4 is currently in Figure 2 In the position shown, the tensioning device 13 is connected to the opening mechanism 18 via the connecting element 16. The opener 11 is in the removed position. If the operator now grasps the vehicle side door 4 and fully opens it, the tensioning device 13 moves the opener 11 back to the pulled-in position in the initial state. Subsequently, the connecting element is manipulated by the drive device, connecting the tensioning device 13 to the tensioning mechanism 17. If the operator now moves the vehicle door to the closed state, where the locking fork is turned into the pre-locked position, the locking mechanism can be moved from the pre-locked position to the main locking position by means of the tensioning device 13 and the associated tensioning mechanism 17. Therefore, the tensioning device 13 can be used to tension or open the vehicle door as needed. In other words, the force flow of the actuator or tensioning device 13 can be connected to the corresponding functional component, namely the tensioning mechanism 17 or the opening mechanism 18, via the connecting element 16. No additional actuator is required for this, because the drive device 15, which typically initializes the electric opening, is used to connect the tensioning mechanism 17 or the opening mechanism 18.

[0039] According to the invention, the tensioning device 13 can therefore be used to open the side door 4 and tension the locking mechanism. Thus, both comfort functions are performed by existing components, thereby providing comfort functions with minimal structural components, less structural space, and consequently, low cost.

[0040] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0041] 1 Motor vehicles

[0042] 2. Front area

[0043] 3. Tail area

[0044] 4. Motor vehicle side door

[0045] 5. Body

[0046] 6 Locking retainer

[0047] 7. Rear hatch

[0048] 8. Engine hood

[0049] 9. Opening device

[0050] 10. Motor vehicle door locks

[0051] 11 Opener

[0052] 12 door seals

[0053] 13 Tensioning device

[0054] 14. Baudenlaso

[0055] 15. Drive unit

[0056] 16 Connecting elements

[0057] 17. Tensioning mechanism

[0058] 18 Opening Mechanism

[0059] S Opening gap

Claims

1. A motor vehicle lock (10) having a locking mechanism comprising: a rotating locking fork and at least one locking pawl, wherein, The rotational movement of the rotating locking fork can be locked in at least one locked position by means of the at least one locking pawl; Drive device (15) is used to move the locking pawl from the locked position to the released state for the rotating locking fork; The vehicle component (4) is tensioned by means of a tensioning device (13) and a tensioning mechanism (17), wherein the tensioning device (13) can be used to tension or open the vehicle component as needed, wherein the connecting element (16) can be manipulated by means of a drive device (15) and the tensioning device (13) can be connected to the tensioning mechanism (17), the locking mechanism can be moved from the pre-locked position to the main locking position by means of the tensioning device (13) and the tensioning mechanism (17), and the connecting element (16) can be controlled by means of the drive device (15) so that the tensioning device (13) is connected to the opening device via the connecting element (16), and the vehicle component (4) can be opened by means of the tensioning device (13); the opening device moves the vehicle component to a fixed preset open state, which forms a gap; and wherein the tensioning device (13) and the opening device can be mechanically connected by means of the connecting element (16).

2. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning device (13) is at least partially received in the vehicle lock or is received in the vehicle (1) completely independently of the vehicle lock (10).

3. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle component (4) can be held in place by means of the opener (11) of the opening device.

4. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opener (11) can engage with the lock retainer (6).

5. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating locking fork can be switched from the released state to the locked state by means of the tensioning mechanism (17).

6. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating locking fork can be switched from the released state to the main locked state by means of the tensioning mechanism (17).

7. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, characterized in that, The tensioning mechanism (17) can directly engage with the rotating locking fork.

8. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, characterized in that, The connecting element (16) is designed as a mechanical connection with a sliding element.

9. The motor vehicle lock (10) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, characterized in that, The connecting element (16) has a connecting portion for receiving the Bowden cable for the tensioning device (13).

10. A method for tightening a vehicle component (1) capable of being closed using a vehicle lock according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The locking mechanism of the motor vehicle lock (10) is unlocked by means of the drive device (15), and the vehicle component (4) is transferred to the locked state by means of the tensioning device (13), wherein the tensioning device (13) is then connected to the opening device by means of the drive device (15).

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