Vehicle locking system with opening assistance

Abstract

Vehicle locking mechanism (12), wherein the vehicle locking mechanism comprises: a locking housing (20); a claw (88) which is pivotably attached to the locking housing; a pull lever (70) which is pivotably mounted on the locking housing, wherein a rotation of the pull lever rotates the claw into a closed position or rotates the claw into an open position; and an opening support lever (56) which is pivotably attached to the pull-in lever (70), wherein the opening support lever (56) has a channel (95) which is configured to engage with a feature (97) of the claw (88) of the vehicle locking mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. Preliminary Patent Application No. 63 / 722,058, filed on November 18, 2024, and U.S. Preliminary Patent Application No. 63 / 724,061, filed on November 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technology of vehicle locking mechanisms.

[0003] The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency. This drives the development of locking systems that must meet the latest technological standards to ensure customer satisfaction. Current locking systems face various challenges, such as sound quality, trustworthiness, and durability, which can negatively impact the overall vehicle and customer experience. The locking system / mechanism presented here introduces enhanced features that align with market trends for premium vehicles while complying with evolving legal standards. This improves the competitiveness not only of the locking system but also of the vehicle itself.

[0004] With a vehicle door lock featuring a power-operated release mechanism, the corresponding vehicle door sometimes fails to move from the locked to the open position. This can be due to the door being frozen shut at the hinge point. This can be caused by moisture. which is located between the seals of the door and the vehicle body and which freezes at cold temperatures.

[0005] Therefore, the ability to eliminate the problem of vehicle doors jamming under extreme freezing conditions has become a genuine market need. With side door locks, ice can form around the door, making it difficult for passengers to pull the handle and open the door. It is therefore desirable to equip the locking assembly with a mechanism capable of assisting in opening the vehicle door, thus facilitating entry into the vehicle in extreme cold. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0006] A vehicle locking assembly is disclosed, comprising: a remote-controlled closing actuator; and a vehicle locking mechanism, the vehicle locking mechanism comprising: a locking housing; a claw pivotally mounted on the locking housing; and a closing lever pivotally mounted on the locking housing, wherein a rotation of the closing lever by the remote-controlled closing actuator rotates the claw into a closed position or rotates the claw into an open position.

[0007] Furthermore, a vehicle locking device is disclosed, wherein the vehicle locking device comprises: a locking housing; a claw pivotably attached to the locking housing; and a pull lever pivotally attached to the locking housing, wherein a rotation of the pull lever rotates the claw into a closed position or rotates the claw into an open position.

[0008] Also disclosed is a vehicle locking assembly comprising: a remote-controlled closing actuator; and a vehicle lock, the vehicle lock comprising: a locking housing; a claw pivotally mounted on the locking housing; a closing lever pivotally mounted on the locking housing, wherein a rotation of the closing lever by the remote-controlled closing actuator rotates the claw into a closed position or rotates the claw into an open position; and an opening support lever pivotally mounted on the closing lever, wherein the opening support lever has a channel or opening configured to engage with a feature or pivot pin of the claw of the vehicle lock.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, the vehicle locking device further comprises: an opening support clutch lever, wherein the opening support lever has a guide pin that is effectively connected to the opening support clutch lever.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the aforementioned embodiments, the vehicle locking mechanism further comprises: an angle lever override lever effectively connected to the opening support clutch lever.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the vehicle locking device further comprises: a pull-in connecting element which is pivotably attached to the pull-in lever, wherein the pull-in connecting element contacts the claw during a pull-in operation of the vehicle locking device.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the drawbar connecting element further comprises a bearing that is in contact with an override lever of the vehicle locking mechanism.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a rotation of the draw lever during a draw operation causes the draw connecting element to touch the claw and rotate the claw into the closed position.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a rotation of the draw lever during an opening support operation causes the draw connecting member not to touch the claw and the opening support lever to engage with the feature or pivot pin of the claw via the channel or opening of the opening support lever in order to rotate the claw into the open position.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the drawbar connecting element further comprises a bearing that comes into contact with an override lever of the vehicle locking mechanism.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a rotation of the closing lever during a closing operation causes the closing connecting element to touch the claw and rotate the claw into the closed position, while the opening support lever does not touch the claw.

[0017] Furthermore, a vehicle locking device is disclosed, wherein the vehicle locking device comprises: a locking housing; a claw pivotably mounted on the locking housing; a pull lever pivotally mounted on the locking housing, wherein a rotation of the pull lever rotates the claw into a closed position or rotates the claw into an open position; and an opening support lever pivotally mounted on the pull lever, wherein the opening support lever has a channel or opening configured to engage with a feature or pivot pin of the claw of the vehicle locking device.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an opening support clutch lever, wherein the opening support lever has a guide pin that is effectively connected to the opening support clutch lever.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising: an angle lever override lever effectively connected to the opening support clutch lever.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: a pull-in connecting element pivotably attached to the pull-in lever, wherein the pull-in connecting element contacts the claw during a pull-in operation of the vehicle locking mechanism.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the drawbar connecting element further comprises a bearing that is in contact with an override lever of the vehicle locking mechanism.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the foregoing, a rotation of the draw lever during a draw operation causes the draw connecting element to touch the claw and rotate the claw into the closed position.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a rotation of the draw lever during an opening support operation causes the draw connecting member not to touch the claw and the opening support lever to engage with the feature or pivot pin of the claw via the channel or opening of the opening support lever in order to rotate the claw into the open position.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the aforementioned embodiments, the drawbar connecting element further comprises a bearing that comes into contact with an override lever of the vehicle locking mechanism.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to any of the preceding embodiments, a rotation of the closing lever during a closing operation causes the closing connecting element to touch the claw and rotate the claw into the closed position, while the opening support lever does not touch the claw.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative to one of the preceding embodiments, the opening support lever has a guide pin that is effectively coupled to an opening support coupling lever of the vehicle locking mechanism, and the closing connecting element further has a bearing that is in contact with an override lever of the vehicle locking mechanism, wherein the guide pin determines a position of the opening support lever and the bearing determines a position of the closing connecting element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a view of a vehicle locking assembly according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is a view of internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of some of the internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is a view of internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a housing of the vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing a claw and a locking pawl in an open position; Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing the claw and latch of the lock in a secondary position; Fig. Figure 9 shows components of the vehicle locking mechanism in the secondary position without the locking housing; Fig. Figure 10 shows components of the vehicle locking system without the locking housing; Fig. 11 is an enlarged section from Fig. 10; Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11; Fig. Figure 13 shows components of the vehicle locking system without the locking housing; Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of parts of Fig. 15; Fig. Figure 15 shows components of the vehicle locking system without the locking housing; Fig. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of parts of Fig. 15; Fig. Figure 17 shows a closing mechanism of the vehicle locking system in a starting position; Fig. 18 illustrates the operation of a closing mechanism of the vehicle locking system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 18 components shown; Fig. 20 illustrates a movement of components of the closing mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 illustrate the operation of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. 23 shows components of the draw-up mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. 24 shows the closing mechanism in a starting position according to the present disclosure; Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 24 shown views; Fig. 27 illustrates the pull-in mechanism in a first transition position or pull-in transition 1 according to the present disclosure; Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 27 shown view; Fig. Figure 30 shows the draw-in mechanism in a second transition position or draw-in transition 2 according to the present disclosure; Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 30 shown view; Fig. 33 shows the draw-in mechanism in a third transition position or draw-in transition 3 according to the present disclosure; Fig. 34 and Fig. 35 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 33 shown view; Fig. Figure 36 shows the closing mechanism in a full-travel transition position according to the present disclosure; Fig. 37 and Fig. 38 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 36 shown view; Fig. 39 illustrates the draw-up mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figures 40-46 illustrate the override function of the vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. 47-53 illustrate the override function of the vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure; Fig. 54 and Fig. Figure 55 shows the vehicle locking mechanism in the release position with opening assistance activated; Fig. 56 and Fig. 57 are partial cross-sectional views of the [structure / project] in the Fig. 54 and Fig. 55 views shown; Fig. 58-61 illustrate transitions in opening support; and Fig. 62 and Fig. 63 illustrate the operation of the opening support according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed device is presented here by way of example and without limitation with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0028] A mechanism capable of closing from a secondary to a primary closed position, an override of the closing function, and an opening support device that can be used to break up ice to release the claw.

[0029] The mechanism comprises an overmolded pull lever attached to a pull link that contacts the claw to achieve the primary closed position during the pull operation. This pull link is also connected to a bearing that follows a channel on an override lever to achieve the pull position.

[0030] The closing function can be overridden by a manual release or a power-operated release process. Upon initiation of a release process, the release lever interacts with an override angle lever or angle lever override to disengage an override clutch lever, allowing the override lever to move, as its position determines the bearing travel into either the override or closing position. During this process, the bearing track restricts the interaction between the claw and the closing link, preventing it from reaching the primary closed position.

[0031] Additionally, the closing mechanism can be configured to incorporate an opening assist / icebreaker for low-temperature climates prone to ice accumulation. The icebreaker is only activated if, during unlocking, the latch engages the locking pawl switch but does not engage the claw, indicating that it is jammed. To release the claw, the vehicle performs a power-operated release to maintain an open hold position. In this case, the release lever contacts the override angle lever or angle lever override, which is connected to an icebreaker clutch lever via a pin on the former that passes through a channel on the latter.The icebreaker clutch lever restricts a spring-loaded icebreaker connecting link, so that by moving the clutch lever the icebreaker spring acts to move the icebreaker connecting link and engage a bolt on the claw to bring it into the open position.

[0032] The following describes some features that make this mechanism functional and unique.

[0033] During icebreaker operation, the override angle lever holds the clutch lever in the override position to prevent a blockage between the icebreaker and the engagement override components. It should be noted that the override angle lever does not move during the engagement process.

[0034] The icebreaker linkage contains a pin that follows the override clutch lever. This mechanical connection ensures that the movement of the clutch lever directly affects the action of the icebreaker linkage. Thanks to this feature, the icebreaker linkage maintains its initial position during closing activation and prevents a collision between the claw bolt and the pin on the override angle lever.

[0035] The pull lever can perform two functions, namely pulling and ice breaking, thus fulfilling two different purposes and effectively reducing the number of components within the locking mechanism.

[0036] By now on Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle locking assembly 10. The vehicle locking assembly 10 comprises a vehicle lock 12, which is effectively connected to a remote-controlled closing actuator 14 via a cable that is slidably received in a cable sheath 16 extending from the vehicle lock 12 to the remote-controlled closing actuator 14. In a non-restrictive embodiment, the vehicle locking assembly 10 is configured for use on a side door of a vehicle.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the vehicle locking mechanism 12, and Fig. Figure 3 shows the vehicle locking mechanism 12 with a cover 18 removed from a locking housing 20. Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of some internal components of the vehicle locking mechanism 12 according to the present disclosure. As at least in Fig. The following components are illustrated in section 4: a bell crank override spring 22; a bell crank override lever 24; an opening support clutch lever 26; a backplate 28; a claw pivot pin 30; a pawl pivot pin 32; a cam-door-leaning lever spring 34; an override clutch lever spring 36; a cam-operated door-opening lever 38; a pawl spring 40; an override clutch lever 42; an override clutch lever pivot pin 44; a pawl lifter 46; a pull-in pivot pin 48; an opening support lever spring 50; an opening support lever guide pin 52; an opening support lever pivot pin 54; an opening support lever 56; a drawbar connecting link pivot pin 58; a pull lever spring 60; a pull lever 70; a bearing journal 72; a warehouse 74; a drawbar connecting link 76; an override lever pivot pin 78; an override lever 80; an override lever spring 82; a locking housing 20; an opening support pivot pin or feature 97; a locking pawl 86; a claw 88; a frame 90; and a pull rope 92.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 is a view of a vehicle locking assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 is a view of the internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of some of the internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 is a view of internal components of a vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a housing of the vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing a claw and a locking pawl in an open position.

[0046] Fig. Figure 8 is a view showing the claw and pawl of the lock in a secondary position. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows the claw 88 during the transition from an open position ( Fig. 7) into a closed position ( Fig. 8).

[0047] Fig. Figure 9 shows components of the vehicle locking mechanism in the secondary position without the locking housing.

[0048] Fig. Figure 10 shows components of the vehicle locking system without the locking housing.

[0049] Fig. Figure 11 shows an enlarged section from Fig. 10.

[0050] Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11.

[0051] Fig. Figure 13 shows components of the vehicle locking system without the locking housing. Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of parts from Fig. 13. At least in the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 the closing mechanism of the vehicle locking system is in a starting position, and at least Fig. Figure 14 shows the opening support lever guide pin 52, which slides along the opening support clutch lever 26.

[0052] Fig. Figure 15 shows components of the vehicle locking system without the locking housing. Fig. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of parts from Fig. 15. At least in the Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 16 shows the bearing 74, which slides along a surface of the override lever 80.

[0053] Fig. Figure 17 shows a closing mechanism of the vehicle locking system in a starting position.

[0054] Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the operation of a closing mechanism of the vehicle locking system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of in Fig. 18 components shown. Fig. Figure 20 illustrates a movement of components of the closing mechanism according to the present disclosure. By now referring at least to the Fig. 18-20 is referred to, and when the remote-controlled closing actuator activates its closing motor, the closing rope 92 begins to pull the closing lever 70, so that the closing lever 70 can move in the direction of arrow 71, thereby moving the closing connecting element 76, which is pivotably attached to the closing lever 70, in the direction of arrow 73, thereby enabling contact of the closing connecting element 76 with the claw 88 and moving the locking mechanism from a secondary to a primary position (closed position).

[0055] While the lock performs the locking operation, the opening support lever guide pin 52 slides along a surface 75 located in the opening support coupling lever 26. This interaction allows the opening support lever 56 to bypass the opening support pivot pin or opening support feature 97, thus avoiding a jamming condition between the opening support lever 56 and the claw 88 as the lock moves from the secondary to the primary position.

[0056] Fig. 21 and Fig. Figure 22 shows the functioning of a closing mechanism of the vehicle locking system according to the present disclosure. By now referring at least to the Fig. 21 and Fig. As referenced in Figure 22, a force vector in the direction of arrow 77 acts on the override lever 80 during the transition of the pull lever 70, which is itself supported in the override clutch lever 42. This support enables the pull travel between the bearing 74 on the pull connecting element 76 and in the override lever 80.

[0057] Fig. Figure 23 shows components of the closing mechanism according to the present disclosure. Fig. 23 the mechanism is in a starting position, and the mechanism is shown without the opening support clutch lever 26.

[0058] Fig. 24 shows the closing mechanism in a starting position according to the present disclosure, and Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 24 views shown.

[0059] Fig. Figure 27 shows the draw-in mechanism in a first transition position or draw-in transition 1 according to the present disclosure. Fig. 28 and Fig. 29 are partial cross-sectional views of the in Fig. 27 shown view.

[0060] Fig. Figure 30 shows the draw-in mechanism in a second transition position or draw-in transition 2 according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 are partial cross-sectional views of the Fig. 30.

[0062] Fig. Figure 33 shows the draw-in mechanism in a third transition position or draw-in transition 3 according to the present disclosure.

[0063] Fig. 34 and Fig. 35 are partial cross-sectional views of the Fig. 33.

[0064] Fig. Figure 36 shows the closing mechanism in a full-travel transition position according to the present disclosure.

[0065] Fig. 37 and Fig. 38 are partial cross-sectional views of the Fig. 36.

[0066] Fig. Figure 39 illustrates the closing mechanism according to the present disclosure. The closing process is aborted if a release scenario occurs via a power-operated release or a manual release of the locking mechanism 12.

[0067] Fig. Figures 40-46 show the override function of the vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure. By now at least referring to the Fig. As referenced in Figures 40-42, after the locking mechanism is released, the override lever 80 loses its engagement with the override clutch lever 42 and moves into the override position. This also moves the drawbar link 76 into the override position, allowing the claw 88 to rotate freely. When the drawbar lever 70 returns to its initial position, it also returns the override lever 80 to its initial position. A cylinder 79 located in the drawbar lever 70 contacts the override lever 80 as the drawbar lever returns to its initial position, moving the override lever 80 to its initial position. This also returns the override clutch lever 42 to its initial position, as shown by circles 81 and arrows 83. The movement of the override lever 80 back to its initial position is illustrated by arrow 85.

[0068] Fig. Figures 47-53 show the opening support device of the vehicle locking mechanism according to the present disclosure. By now at least referring to the Fig. 47-49 is referred to, and whenever an unlocking scenario occurs, be it a power-operated unlocking or a manual unlocking, the locking mechanism 12 detects a movement of the pawl 86 and the claw 88, e.g. via (at least in Fig. 49 (schematically illustrated) switches 101, 103, which are arranged in the vehicle locking mechanism 12 to detect movement of the claw 88 and the pawl 86 in order to determine whether the opening operation was successful. The switches 101 and 103 can be arranged at any position in the vehicle locking mechanism 12 to detect the desired movement of the claw 88 and the pawl 86. The switches 101 and 103 are connected to a control unit, a microcontroller or processor, or other equivalent device 105, which controls the operation of the locking mechanism 12 and the actuator 14. In a non-restrictive embodiment, the switches can be configured to directly detect movement of the claw 88 and the pawl 86. If the locking mechanism 12 detects only the movement of the pawl 86, but not that of the claw 88 (e.g.,(If the claw 88 has not rotated into the open position), the opening support mechanism is triggered. In this case, the triggering mechanism moves the angle lever override lever 24 and consequently the opening assist mechanism. Fig. Figure 47 shows the locking mechanism 12 in a starting position. Fig. Figure 48 shows a scenario with power-operated unlocking, and Fig. Figure 49 shows a scenario with power-operated unlocking when the claw 88 is stuck in a primary position while the pawl 86 is in a disengaged position.

[0069] By now at least focusing on the Fig. 50 and Fig. 51 is referenced, and in this case, if the claw 88 is stuck in a primary position while the pawl 86 is in a disengaged position, the release mechanism moves the angle lever override lever 24 and consequently moves the opening support mechanism. The release mechanism also aborts the closing process if the latch 12 is in the closing position. By now at least referring to the Fig. 52 and Fig. As referenced in section 53, the angle lever override lever 24 will move the opening support clutch lever 26 into an "engaged position" each time the release scenario is triggered. This is due to a cylindrical element 87 located on the angle lever override lever 24 and enclosed in a channel 89 in the opening support clutch lever 26. See the circled area 91. When the angle lever override lever 24 moves the opening support clutch lever 26, it allows the opening support lever 56 to fall into an "engaged position" with the claw 88. The opening support lever 56 also moves into the engaged position due to the opening support lever spring 50, as shown in the circle 93. As shown, the opening support lever 56 has a channel or opening 95 which is configured to engage with a feature or pivot pin 97 of the claw 88.

[0070] Fig. 54 and Fig. Figure 55 shows the vehicle locking in the release position with activated opening assistance, and Fig. 56 and Fig. 57 are partial cross-sectional views of the representations in the Fig. 54 and Fig. 55.

[0071] Fig. Figures 58-61 illustrate opening support transitions of the vehicle locking mechanism 12 according to the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 58 shows a first opening transition. Fig. Figure 59 shows a second opening transition after the first opening transition. Fig. Figure 60 shows a third aperture transition after the second aperture transition, and Fig. Figure 61 shows a fourth opening transition after the third opening transition. Fig. 62 and Fig.Figure 63 illustrates the operation of the opening assistance according to the present disclosure. When the opening assistant is in operation, the closing mechanism is deactivated because the override lever 80 has no support on the override clutch lever 42 (as shown by circle 99). This deactivates the closing function whenever the opening assistance is active.

[0072] As used herein and as known in the prior art, a primary position of the claw 88 refers to a closed position of the vehicle lock 12, in which the claw 88 holds a locking bolt (not shown) and the door to which the vehicle lock 12 is associated is fully closed and the pawl 86 is in an engaged position that holds the claw 88 in the closed or primary position. As used herein and as known in the prior art, the open position of the vehicle lock 12 refers to a position in which the claw 88 no longer holds the locking bolt and the door to which the vehicle lock 12 is associated is open or can be opened and the pawl 86 has been moved into a disengaged position so that the claw 88 can rotate from the closed or primary position to the open position.As used herein and as known in the prior art, the secondary position refers to a partially closed position of the vehicle lock 12 in which the claw 88 holds the locking bolt and the door to which the vehicle lock 12 is associated is partially closed and the locking pawl 86 is in an engagement position which holds the claw 88 in the secondary position.

[0073] As such, the vehicle locking mechanism 12 is configured to perform a motorized closing operation in which the claw 88 is pushed from the secondary position into the primary or closed position.

[0074] Once a closing process has begun, the closing process can be described as occurring when a rotational force is exerted on the closing lever 70 by the closing cable 92, which is attached at one end to the closing lever 70 and to a drum (not shown) of the remote-controlled closing actuator 14. The drum is driven or rotated by a motor (not shown) of the remote-controlled closing actuator 14, causing the cable 92 to wind onto the drum and the closing lever 70 to rotate. During this movement, the closing connecting element 76 contacts a surface of the claw 88. This causes the closing connecting element 76 to rotate the claw 88 into the primary or fully locked position shown. In this position, the pawl 86 holds the claw 88 in the primary or fully locked position.

[0075] In a non-restrictive embodiment of the present disclosure, and to provide the force assistance for opening the vehicle lock 12, the remote-controlled closing actuator 14 is actuated only when the pawl 86 is in the disengaged position and the claw 88 is still at least in the primary or closed position, so that the remote-controlled closing actuator 14 is activated and the opening assistance lever 56 contacts the feature 97 of the claw 88 via the opening or channel 95 and pushes or pulls it from the primary position or, alternatively, the secondary position into the open position. The remote-controlled closing actuator 14 is activated when a first switch detects that the pawl 86 is in the disengaged position, and a second switch detects that the claw 88 is still in the primary position or, alternatively, in the secondary position.The first switch and the second switch are each operationally connected to a control unit, which is operationally connected to a motor of the remote-controlled closing actuator 14.

[0076] Accordingly, the remote-controlled closing actuator 14 can perform two functions, namely 1) in which the claw 88 is pulled from the secondary position to the primary position for closing, or 2) in which the claw is pushed from the primary position for opening, both functions being achieved by rotating the closing lever 70 in the same direction by the remote-controlled closing actuator 14, however, two different functions can be performed by rotating the closing lever 70 by the remote-controlled closing actuator 14, since at least the opening support lever 56 and the closing connecting element 76 are positioned appropriately depending on the desired function (e.g. opening support or closing) while the closing lever 70 is rotated by the remote-controlled closing actuator 14.

[0077] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail only in connection with a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily apparent that the present disclosure is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to include any number of variations, changes, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein, but which are consistent with the nature and scope of the present disclosure. Even though various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may only encompass some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 722,058

[0001] US 63 / 724,061

[0001]

Claims

[1] Vehicle locking mechanism (12), wherein the vehicle locking mechanism comprises: a locking housing (20); a claw (88) which is pivotably attached to the locking housing; a pull lever (70) which is pivotably mounted on the locking housing, wherein a rotation of the pull lever rotates the claw into a closed position or rotates the claw into an open position; and an opening support lever (56) which is pivotably attached to the pull-in lever (70), wherein the opening support lever (56) has a channel (95) which is configured to engage with a feature (97) of the claw (88) of the vehicle locking mechanism. [2] Vehicle locking device (12) according to claim 1, further comprising: an opening support clutch lever (26), wherein the opening support lever (56) has a guide pin (52) which is effectively connected to the opening support clutch lever (26). [3] Vehicle locking device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an angle lever override lever (24) which is effectively connected to the opening support clutch lever (26). [4] Vehicle locking device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a draw-connecting element (76) which is pivotably attached to the draw-lever (70), wherein the draw-connecting element (76) touches the claw (88) during a draw-in process of the vehicle locking mechanism (12). [5] Vehicle locking device (12) according to claim 4, wherein the pull-in connecting member (76) further comprises a bearing (74) which is in contact with an override lever (80) of the vehicle locking device (12). [6] Vehicle locking device (12) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a rotation of the pull lever (70) during a pull operation causes the pull connecting member (76) to touch the claw (88) and rotate the claw into the closed position. [7] Vehicle locking device (12) according to one of claims 4-6, wherein a rotation of the pull lever (70) during an opening support operation causes the pull connecting member (76) not to touch the claw (88) and the opening support lever (56) engages with the feature (97) of the claw (88) via the channel (95) of the opening support lever (56) to rotate the claw (88) into the open position. [8] Vehicle locking arrangement (10) comprising: a remotely controlled closing actuator (14); and a vehicle locking device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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