Mounting device for a motor vehicle door element

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a positioning device for a motor vehicle door element, comprising an electric drive and an adjusting means, wherein the adjusting means is adjustable by means of the drive and a gear arranged between the adjusting means and the drive, and a sensor for detecting a door movement.

[0002] Today's motor vehicles are increasingly being equipped with convenience features. To make getting into a vehicle easier and to influence its aesthetic and aerodynamic design, for example, vehicles are being equipped without an exterior door handle. It is also conceivable, however, to provide an exterior door handle that simply transmits a switching signal to the vehicle door lock to open it. To facilitate and automate entry, and to enable entry in vehicles without exterior door handles, for example, so-called door stays or door stays are used.

[0003] DE 10 2011 015 669 A1 discloses an opener for motor vehicle doors or flaps, with which a door, flap, or hood can be moved from a closed position to an open position. If the opener device relates to a motor vehicle side door, for example, the door can be opened using an electrical impulse. To do this, the locking mechanism of the door lock must first be unlocked, preferably electrically, so that the door can be opened. If, for example, the pressure on the door seal is not sufficient to move the door from the closed position to an open position, the door can be moved into an open position using the opener device. An open position is defined in such a way that the operator of the motor vehicle is able to grasp the door so that he can open the door completely.The opening device is an electric drive which acts mechanically on the vehicle door via a drive pawl and an inner and outer lever in the form of a pivoting movement of the levers.

[0004] DE 10 2016 105 760 A1 discloses a positioning device for a motor vehicle door with a base plate, further comprising a drive element mounted on the base plate and a drive, wherein a first sensor is provided, associated with the drive element, which distinguishes at least between a positioning process and a manual opening process. The positioning device comprises a drive that can be driven via a sensor and a control unit. A flexible connecting means then enables pivoting of a transmission lever, which in turn enables a positioning movement via a drive lever and a drive slide. To enable movement of the door, the drive slide moves linearly, for example, out of an opening in a vehicle body, so that an unlocked and unblocked door can be opened at least partially.The end position of the drive slide can be detected by means of a second stationary sensor, so that the drive can be switched off again.

[0005] From the applicant's unpublished patent application DE 10 2017 124 282.1, a positioning device for a motor vehicle door element has become known, comprising an electric drive and an actuating means, wherein the actuating means is adjustable by means of the drive and a gear arranged between the actuating means and the drive. The positioning device enables the door to move, with a sliding element arranged on the actuating means, which interacts with a switching means so that the door movement can be detected. The actuating means is essentially formed from a driven rack with an integrated sliding element, switching means, and electrical supply line. The switching means between the sliding element and the body makes it possible to control the movement of the driven rack.

[0006] From DE 10 2017 214 174 A1, DE 10 2011 055 and DE 10 2018 201 840 A1, different positioning devices are known by means of which a motor vehicle door can be opened and in which a sensor can detect a door opening.

[0007] The devices known from the prior art for opening a motor vehicle door after unlocking a motor vehicle lock allow the door to be opened at least partially, so that a motor vehicle operator is able to grasp the door through a gap and open it completely. The known opening devices have generally proven themselves, but reach their limits when the electrically operated doors are opened electrically, for example, on a downhill road. This is where the invention comes in.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an improved positioning device for a motor vehicle door element. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a positioning device that enables reliable and rapid detection of a movement of the door element. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0009] The object is achieved by the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any possible variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0010] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a positioning device for a motor vehicle door element is provided, comprising an electric drive and an adjusting means, wherein the adjusting means can be adjusted by means of the drive and a gear arranged between the adjusting means and the drive, so that a movement of the door is possible, and a sensor for detecting a door movement, wherein at least one gear component is pivotally received in the positioning device, wherein the pivoting movement of the gear component can be detected by means of the sensor. Due to the inventive design of the positioning device, the movement of the door element can now be detected directly in the drive chain.The sensor detects the movement, preferably a pivot angle of a gear component, so that a conclusion can be drawn about a relative movement between the drive movement of the electric drive and the movement of the door element. The electric drive acts directly on the gear via an output shaft, whereby with normal, undisturbed driving of the door element the gear remains in its starting position. If the door movement is now impeded, for example by manually grasping the door element, the pivotally mounted gear component pivots. This pivoting can be detected by the sensor, whereby a conclusion can be drawn about a movement of the door element. Since the detection takes place directly in the drive chain of the door element, reliable and fast detection and thus control of the actuating means is possible.

[0011] Overload protection can be achieved by pivoting at least one gear component. In particular, in cases where the door element is subjected to excessive loads, overload protection can be achieved by means of the pivoting gear component. Excessive loading can occur, for example, if the door element cannot be opened due to weather influences, i.e. if the door seal is icy. On the other hand, it can also happen that the door element is blocked externally or that the door element is manually operated before the door element has reached its end position using the opening device. In the event of this excessive load, the pivoting gear component can prevent damage to the opening device and compensate for movements.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensor, preferably a Hall sensor, is accommodated in the positioning device in such a way that movement of a gear carrier can be detected. The gear interacts directly with the electric drive. For example, a worm can be arranged on an output shaft of the electric drive, wherein the worm engages with a helical gear. The worm gear is accommodated in a gear carrier which, on the one hand, is fixedly accommodated in the positioning device, but on the other hand also enables a pivoting movement of at least one component of the gear. If the door element brakes while being driven, a force from the door element is introduced into the drive chain. The force emanating from the door element counteracts the drive force of the electric drive.The opposing forces cause the gear carrier to pivot, and the pivoting can be detected by the sensor. A Hall sensor has proven particularly advantageous because it allows for very high resolutions and detects even small pivot angles of the gear carrier. Preferably, the gear carrier moves relative to a stationary sensor, although a reverse arrangement is also conceivable. The Hall sensor preferably interacts with a magnet.

[0013] The sensor on the gear carrier can detect movement of the gear carrier, thereby detecting excessive load on the support device. A Hall sensor is ideal for this purpose, as it allows contactless detection of movement and, in particular, the detection of small travels of the gear carrier. The sensor is coupled to the drive of the support device and to a control system in the motor vehicle, so that if excessive load on the support device is detected, the sensor detects movement of the gear carrier and can initiate reversing or stopping of the drive motor of the support device. At the same time, a control signal can be sent to the locking device, for example to stop, prevent, or release a lock. The sensor thus serves as a control element and prevents damage to the support device.

[0014] By using a sensor, preferably a Hall sensor in combination with a magnet, angles of less than 5°, preferably less than 3°, and even more preferably less than or equal to 1°, can be detected. Detection of these small angles is advantageous because the gear carrier moves. The gear carrier holds the gear components stationary at least during normal operation of the door element, so that sufficient force is available to move the door element even in extreme situations. An extreme situation arises, for example, when the vehicle is parked on an inclined plane and increased force is required to raise the door element. In any case, the gear carrier must mount the gear components securely and in a stationary position at least for normal operation of the door element.When the door element is decelerated and a force threshold in the drive chain is exceeded, the relative movement between the actuator and the electric drive described above occurs. In this case, the gear carrier pivots slightly. The sensor detects this pivoting, even at very small pivot angles.

[0015] If the transmission has at least two gear stages, an advantageous embodiment of the invention can be achieved. A first gear stage can, for example, be formed from a worm arranged on the output shaft and a worm gear. It can also be advantageous if the first gear stage is fixedly mounted in the transmission carrier, whereby the first gear stage interacts with the electric drive. The worm gear is mounted in a fixed bearing, whereby the bearing can simultaneously serve as a fixed bearing and pivot axis for the transmission carrier. The first gear stage thus forms the drive for the actuating means and the bearing point for the transmission carrier.

[0016] If a second gear stage is pivotably mounted in the gear carrier about an axis of the first gear stage, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. The second gear stage can, for example, be a spur gear stage that engages with the first gear stage on the one hand and drives the actuating means on the other. The actuating means can, for example, have a rack, with the second gear stage engaging with the rack and actuating the actuating means. The first and second gear stages then form a gear for driving the actuating means.

[0017] In one design variant, the gear carrier interacts with a spring element, whereby a pivoting movement of the gear carrier can be cushioned by means of the spring element. Connecting the gear carrier to a spring element makes it possible to secure a central position of the gear carrier. Central positioning of a gear carrier is important because both tensile loads and compressive loads can occur on the actuating device. For example, an operator can pull the door element open before the locking means has been released or, for example, push the door element closed while the actuating device opens the door element. In both cases, the gear carrier can be resiliently deflected by means of the spring element. The gear carrier can be pivotally mounted in the actuating device and pivoted around a pivot axis from a central starting position in two directions of movement.Advantageously, the sensor is arranged on the gear carrier in such a way that a movement of the gear carrier in both directions of movement can be detected by means of the sensor.

[0018] Advantageously, the spring element is a leaf spring. A leaf spring can provide, on the one hand, a sufficiently high force to secure the center position of the gear carrier, while, on the other hand, providing sufficient clearance for the gear carrier. The inventive design of the positioning device enables secure holding of the door element in combination with immediate detection of any deceleration of the door element, while simultaneously ensuring a high level of operational reliability.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the spring element is fixedly connected to the gear carrier at a first end and fixedly received in the setting device at a second end. The spring element, and in particular a leaf spring, stabilizes the starting position of the gear carrier and enables safe and long-term stable driving of the actuating means via the drive chain, i.e. motor, gear and rack. The leaf spring is fixedly connected to the gear carrier on one side, whereby the leaf spring can be connected to the gear carrier, for example by means of a force, form and / or material connection. At the end of the leaf spring opposite the gear carrier, the leaf spring is received in the setting device, preferably fastened in the housing of the setting device. The leaf spring can be fixedly but pivotably received in the housing so that the leaf spring can follow the movement of the gear carrier in the event of twisting or warping.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the door element is held in place by means of the actuating means. The inventive design of the actuating device, and in particular the combination of a sensor for detecting door movement and an actuating means with which the door element is held in place, enables the door to be opened, held in place, and thus made available to an operator. The inventive design allows the door element to be presented to the operator, while at the same time providing security against the door element opening automatically. The vehicle can also be on a sloping road, with the door element being held in place by means of the actuating means. If the door element is electrically released by means of the vehicle lock and the actuating device is activated, the door element opens automatically, but only far enough for an operator to grasp the door element and open it manually.The opening device opens the door element only far enough to allow the operator to grasp the door element, but at the same time prevents it from accidentally opening beyond the open position by opening it. This ensures maximum safety, ensuring that neither people are endangered nor does the door element itself open into a hazardous area.

[0021] The positioning device is used on a motor vehicle door element. However, the motor vehicle door element can also be a flap, hood, or cover, for example for a convertible roof. Holding the component that is movably arranged on the motor vehicle can also be necessary due to environmental influences, such as wind, in order to prevent unintentional opening. The positioning device can therefore be used wherever a component that is movably arranged on the motor vehicle is to be positioned for further opening. The positioning device advantageously interacts with an electrically operated locking system, allowing a high degree of design freedom in the layout of the door element. For example, the door element can dispense with a door handle, resulting in almost any shape on the outer form of the door element.

[0022] Typically, the positioning device is arranged in the area of the door element in such a way that the door element can be positioned by actuating the positioning device. The positioning device generates a relative movement between the body and the door element, with the positioning device preferably being arranged in the door element itself. An arrangement in the body for moving the door element is of course also conceivable. It is also conceivable for the positioning device to be integrated into the motor vehicle lock, for example of a side door. This offers the advantage that an electrical voltage is available for the drive and / or that additional functions in the motor vehicle lock can be actuated by the drive.

[0023] The electric drive preferably consists of a DC motor which interacts with an output shaft and, for example, via a worm gear with the actuating means. Single-, two-, or multi-stage gears are conceivable, whereby the choice of gear can influence the force available at the actuating means. If, for example, the positioning device is arranged in the door element in such a way that the positioning device interacts with, for example, an A-pillar of the motor vehicle and a front door, higher forces are required to position the door element than if the positioning device is arranged in a front door of a motor vehicle and acts on a B-pillar in the motor vehicle. If a door is being raised and the positioning device is arranged in the area of the motor vehicle lock, lower forces are required, so that higher transmission ratios can be used.

[0024] The electric drive enables the movement of the actuator. The electric motor makes it possible to move the actuator in such a way that the door can be opened by the driven actuator. The actuator moves relative to the body and exerts a compressive force on the vehicle door element, allowing the unlocked door to move.

[0025] The positioning device preferably interacts with a motor vehicle lock having a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the locking mechanism comprising the rotary latch and at least one pawl can be electrically unlocked. Particularly with electrically unlockable locking systems, the operator of the motor vehicle only needs an electrical impulse to transfer the locking system to an unlocked, i.e., open, position. The locking system is then open, allowing the door or hatch to be moved. The electrical opening impulse for the motor vehicle lock can be generated by means of a sensor, a key, or, for example, a sensitive device such as a touch sensor or an outside door handle with an integrated sensor.

[0026] Once the vehicle door element is unlocked, the door element can pivot freely on its hinges. The door may also have a door check strap which can hold the door in multiple opening positions. Once unlocked, the door can then be moved using the opening device, whereby the movement of the vehicle door element can be detected by sensors. The entire opening process is recorded. Continuous detection takes place so that the door movement can be detected at any time during the movement of the vehicle door element using the opening device. Once the door has been manually moved beyond the movement of the opening device, the sensor detection is interrupted, so that the electric drive can be de-energized or the polarity of the electric drive can be reversed so that the actuating device can be returned to its original position.The detection of a manual movement of the vehicle door element is explained in detail below.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents one embodiment.

[0028] It shows: Fig. 1 a three-dimensional view of a setting device according to the invention with an extended adjusting means, Fig. 2 a side view of the setting device with a retracted adjusting means, Fig. 3 a view of the setting device from a view according to the arrow III from the Fig. 2 , wherein the adjusting means is shown in the extended state and with the locking means engaged, Fig. 4 the view of the setting device according to the arrow III from the Fig. 2with a released locking lever, Fig. 5 a view of the setting device according to arrow III from the Fig. 2 with an adjusting device extended from the body, Fig. 6 a view of the setting device from the direction of arrow II from the Fig. 1 , wherein a position of the erection device is shown in which a tensile load acts on the erection device and Fig. 7 a view of the erection device according to the arrow II from the Fig. 1 when a compressive load, i.e. a load in the direction of the body, acts on the support device.

[0029] In the Figure 1A three-dimensional view of a positioning device 1 with the components essential for explaining the invention is shown. The positioning device 1 is arranged in a motor vehicle door element 2, wherein an actuating means 3 engages with a body 4. The extended position of the actuating means 3 is shown, so that in this state the positioning device 1 has moved the door element 2 over the actuating path S and has positioned it. In the position shown, the vehicle door element 2 can therefore be grasped by an operator and further opened manually.

[0030] The positioning device comprises an electric drive 5, a gear 6, a force measuring device 7, a housing 8, and the actuating means 3. The drive 5 is preferably formed from an electric DC motor with an output shaft 9 and a gear 10 located on the output shaft 9. In this exemplary embodiment, the gear 6 is designed with multiple stages, with a first gear stage 11 directly engaging the output of the electric drive 5. A second gear stage 12 is driven by the first gear stage 11, with the second gear stage 12 engaging a rack 13 on the actuating means 3. The actuating means 3 can therefore be adjusted in the direction of arrow P1 via the drive 5 and the two gear stages 11, 12. The actuating means 3 can be moved out of the housing 8 and into the housing in the direction of arrow P1.

[0031] A gear carrier 14 forms a first fixed bearing for the first gear stage 11, with the second gear stage 12 pivotably mounted in the mounting device 1 by means of the gear carrier 14. In this exemplary embodiment, a leaf spring 15 is attached to the gear carrier 14, with the leaf spring 15 being firmly connected to the gear carrier 14 on one side and arranged in a fixed bearing 16 on the side opposite the gear carrier 14. To detect a pivoting movement of the gear carrier 14, a sensor 17, in particular a Hall sensor, is fixedly arranged in the mounting device 1 and connected to a control device (not shown) by means of electrical contacts 18. The sensor 17 forms the force measuring device 7.

[0032] A guide means 19 is arranged on the side of the actuating means 3 opposite the rack 13 in the setting device 1 in order to enable smooth actuation of the actuating means 3 and, at the same time, to provide stable guidance for the actuating means 3. The guide means 19 can be, for example, a bearing or a roller or a combination of bearing, roller and / or damping means.

[0033] The actuating means 3 has an electric drive 20, whose output shaft 21, in this embodiment, drives a spindle 22. The spindle 22 extends into a locking slide 23 and interacts with the locking slide 23. The locking slide 23 is slidably received in the actuating means 3. The locking slide 23 interacts with a locking lever 24, the action of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0034] Furthermore, the Figure 1an emergency actuation 25, which in this embodiment is designed as a wave contour, wherein the locking slide 23 can be manually actuated by means of the emergency actuation 25, so that the locking lever 24 can be manually disengaged from the body 4 and in particular a locking contour 26.

[0035] The electrical contacting of the drives 5, 20 and the sensor 17 is not explicitly shown, whereby the electrical components 5, 17, 20 are electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) within the mounting device 1 and / or the motor vehicle itself.

[0036] In the Figure 2 is a side view of the mounting device 1 according to the arrow II from the Figure 1, wherein the adjusting means 3 is shown in a retracted position. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. The axis 27 of the first gear stage 11 is clearly visible, wherein the axis 27 is fixedly arranged in the installation device 1 and at the same time forms a pivot axis 27 for the gear carrier 14. The gear carrier 14 contains a bearing point 28 for the second gear stage 12, wherein the second gear stage 12 and in particular the bearing point 28 is shown in a starting position A. The gear carrier 14 can be pivoted in both directions about the axis 27 in the direction of arrow P2 around the starting position A. The gear carrier 14 is held in the starting position A by means of the leaf spring 15 and secured by a spring load.

[0037] The Figure 2The retracted position of the actuating means 3 shown corresponds to a closed door element 2, wherein the actuating means is shown moved into the positioning device 1 in the direction of arrow P3. The door element 2 is held in the closed position, for example, by means of a motor vehicle lock.

[0038] In the Figure 3 is a view of the mounting device 1 from the direction of arrow III from the Figure 2 reproduced. In the Figure 3the actuating means 3 is shown in a maximally extended position, in which the positioning device 1 has moved the door element 2 over the travel path or actuating path S. The locking means 29 secures the door element 2 in the holding position. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking means 29 is formed from the drive 20, the spindle drive 22, the locking slide 23 and the locking lever 24. The locking lever 24 is received in the actuating means 3 so that it can pivot about the axis 30. The locking lever 24 engages with an extension 31 in an undercut 32 of the locking contour 26. The locking lever 24 is pivoted into the locking contour 26 by the locking slide 23, whereby the locking lever 24 performs a pivoting movement about the axis 30.At the end, the actuating means 3 can have a damping means 33 in order to enable a low-noise interaction between the actuating device 1 and the body 4.

[0039] In the Figure 4 The position of the locking slide 23 is now shown, in which, for example, the operator has manually grasped the door element 2 and applied a force F to the positioning device or the door element 2 in the direction of arrow P4. This actuation of the positioning device 1 or the door element 2 can be detected by the sensor 17, as will be explained in more detail below. The movement of the positioning device 1 in the direction of arrow P4 causes the electric drive 20 to be activated, so that the locking slide 23 is retracted in the direction of arrow P5 within the actuating element 3. By retracting the locking slide 23, the locking lever 24 is released and can be pivoted about the axis 30.

[0040] In the Figure 5 The position of the locking lever 24 is now shown, which the locking lever 24 reaches upon further actuation or movement of the door element 2. The locking lever 24 pivots in the direction of arrow P6 around the axis 30 in the actuating means 3 and thus disengages from the locking contour 26. The door element 2 can now be moved freely, and the actuating means 3 can be moved into the setting device 1.

[0041] In the Figure 6 is now again a side view from the direction of arrow II from the Figure 1on the setting device 1. Shown is a position of the gear carrier 14 which the gear carrier 14 assumes when a tensile force FZ acts on the actuating means 3. This tensile force FZ acts when the locking means 29 is in engagement with the locking contour 26 and, in addition, a movement in the direction of arrow P7 is initiated in the setting device 1, for example by manually grasping and opening the door element 2. This pivoting of the gear carrier 14 can be detected by means of the stationary sensor 17. The gear carrier 14 pivots by the angle α1, which results in a displacement of the gear carrier 14 by the angle α1, wherein the adjustment angle α1 is clockwise around the starting position A. In this case, a pivot angle α1 of a few degrees, preferably less than 2° and more preferably less than or equal to 1°, can occur.The high-resolution sensor, which is preferably a Hall sensor, can detect this pivot angle α1 and provide it as a control signal for a control unit (not shown).

[0042] Also clearly visible is a curvature 34 of the leaf spring 15 around the rest position R. The leaf spring 16 is fixed but pivotable in the fixed bearing 16. The Figure 6 thus shows the situation in which the positioning device 1 enters when the positioning device has moved the door element 2 and the door element 2 is, for example, grasped and pulled open by an operator. The sensor 17 detects this tensile force FZ of the operator and initiates an unlocking of the locking means 29 in the manner described above.

[0043] In the Figure 7The situation is now shown in which a compressive force FD is introduced into the installation device 1. The compressive force FD pivots the gear carrier 14 counterclockwise in the direction of the angle α2 around the axis 27, which in turn can be detected by means of the sensor 17 and the relative movement between the sensor 17 and the gear carrier 14. The leaf spring 15 in turn undergoes a curvature 35. In this case, the drive 5 of the actuating means 3 would be activated by the control system and the actuating means 3 would be moved into the installation device 1. This case can occur, for example, if the operator wishes to manually close the motor vehicle immediately after opening and installing it. In this case, the manual closing can be assisted or an automatic closing can be initiated by means of the installation device 1.The positioning device 1 then acts as a closing device for the door element 2, whereby the door element 2 is pulled into a closed position by means of the electric drive 5, the gear 10, 12, the actuating means 3, and the locking means 29. To close, the extension 31 of the locking means 29 engages behind the locking contour 26 on the body 4. List of reference symbols

[0044] 1Setting device 2Vehicle door element 3Actuating means 4Body 5, 20Drive 6Gearbox 7Force measuring device 8Housing 9, 21Output shaft 10Gear 11First gear stage 12Second gear stage 13Rack 14Gearbox carrier 15Leaf spring 16Fixed bearing 17Sensor 18Electrical contacts 19Guide means 22Spindle drive 23Locking slide 24Locking lever 25Emergency actuation 26Locking contour 27, 30Axle 28Bearing point 29Locking means 31Extension 32Undercut 33Damping means 34, 35Curvature SAdjustment travel P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7Arrow AInitial position FForce FZTensile force FDCompressive force RRest position α1, α2Angle

Claims

1. Opening apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle door element (2), comprising an electric drive (5, 20) and a control means (3), wherein the control means (3) can be displaced by means of the drive (5) and a gear mechanism (11, 12) arranged between the control means (3) and the drive (5) so that a movement of the door element (2) can be made possible, and a sensor (17) for detecting the door movement (S), characterized in that at least one gear mechanism component is pivotably accommodated in the opening apparatus (1), wherein the pivoting movement of the gear mechanism component can be detected by means of the sensor.

2. Opening apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (17) is a force measuring device, preferably a Hall-effect sensor, accommodated in the opening apparatus in such a way that a movement of a gear mechanism carrier (14) can be detected.

3. Opening apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that angles (α1, α2) less than 5°, preferably less than 3°, and even more preferably angles (α1, α2) less than or equal to 1°, can be detected by means of the force measuring device (7).

4. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gear mechanism comprises at least two gear stages (11, 12).

5. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a first gear stage (11) is accommodated in the gear mechanism carrier (14) so as to be stationary, wherein the first gear stage (11) interacts with the electric drive (5).

6. Opening apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that a second gear stage (12) is accommodated in the gear mechanism carrier (14) so as to be pivotable about an axis (27) of the first gear stage (11).

7. Opening apparatus (1) according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the gear mechanism carrier (14) interacts with a spring element (15), wherein a pivoting movement (α1, α2) of the gear mechanism carrier (14) can be cushioned.

8. Opening apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the spring element (15) is a leaf spring (15).

9. Opening apparatus (1) according to either claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the spring element (15) is rigidly with the gear mechanism carrier (14) at a first end and accommodated so as to be stationary in the opening apparatus (1) at a second end (16).

10. Opening apparatus (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the door element can be held by means of the control means (3).