Mounting device for a motor vehicle door element

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a positioning device for a motor vehicle door element having 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, so that a movement of the door element is possible, and a locking means, wherein the door element is holdable by means of the locking means and the locking means is electrically actuable, wherein the locking means further comprises a locking lever, wherein the locking lever is further pivotable electrically by means of a locking drive, wherein moreover the locking lever is actuable by means of an actuating shaft and wherein an operating lever is provided and the operating lever is operatively connected to the actuating shaft and is electrically actuable.

[0002] Today's motor vehicles are increasingly being equipped with convenience features. For example, to make getting into a vehicle easier and to influence its aesthetic and aerodynamic design, 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, for example, to enable entry in vehicles without exterior door handles, so-called door stays or door stays are used, which are sometimes also referred to as door stays.

[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 released, 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 unlatched door can be opened at least partially.The end position of the drive slide can be detected by 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 by 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] Further prior art is provided by the applicant's also unpublished patent application (DE 10 2018 132 665.3). This document discloses a positioning device for a motor vehicle door element, 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, so that movement of the door element is possible, and a sensor for detecting the door movement, wherein the door element is held by means of the actuating means. By means of a locking means, the positioning device is capable of positioning the door element and holding it in the positioned position. Furthermore, it is possible to also move the door element into a closed position by means of the positioning device.

[0007] The closest prior art according to DE 10 2017 223 104 A1 relates to an automatic door presenter with a locking element. In this context, an auxiliary locking mechanism is also provided, which can be unlocked by an auxiliary locking bar when it is indicated that a corresponding vehicle door is under manual control of a user. This enables the vehicle door to move from the partially opened extended position to a fully opened position.

[0008] The devices known from the prior art have generally proven themselves, but they reach their limits when, for example, a power failure occurs and the vehicle operator must be able to open the door manually, or when unintentional opening is to be prevented. This is where the invention comes in.

[0009] 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 emergency actuation of the positioning device and is capable of preventing unintentional opening. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0010] The object is achieved by the features of independent 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 desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible, with the scope of protection of the invention being defined solely by the claims.

[0011] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing 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, so that movement of the door element is possible, and a locking means, wherein the door element is holdable by means of the locking means and the locking means is electrically actuated, and wherein the locking means is indirectly, in particular manually actuated. The inventive design of the positioning device now creates the possibility of holding the door element securely on the one hand and of being able to unlock it manually on the other in the event of, for example, a power failure.Advantageously, the door element can therefore be moved and positioned safely, wherein the locking means can be actuated indirectly and preferably manually.

[0012] For example, if the motor vehicle door element is operated by an operator, for example, by an outside door handle generating a signal to unlock an electric lock, and the positioning device receives a signal to position the door, the positioning device moves the motor vehicle door element into an opening position in which the operator can grasp the open door and fully open it. If, in this position of the motor vehicle door, there is insufficient current available to electrically release the holding means or the locking means, the invention provides the option of manually operating the positioning device and disengaging the locking means, so that the door element can be moved independently of the positioning device.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 being accidentally opened 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. Indirect also means that a locking lever can be electrically operated using an auxiliary device, such as a control shaft.

[0013] Alternatively, if the motor vehicle door element is actuated by an operator, for example, by an inside door handle generating a signal to unlock an electric lock, and the opening device receives a signal to open the door, the opening device can prevent the door element from moving. Thus, for example, a child safety lock can be implemented using the opening device for the motor vehicle, without requiring any additional components in the motor vehicle door element.

[0014] The positioning device is used for 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 desired shape on the outer form of the door element.

[0015] Typically, the positioning device is arranged in the region 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 activated by the drive.

[0016] 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 to be 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 is preferably electrically unlockable. Particularly with electrically unlockable locking systems, the operator of the motor vehicle only requires 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.

[0019] Once the vehicle door element is unlocked, the door element can pivot freely on its hinges. If necessary, the door also has 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. The movement is continuously detected 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 in the opening device 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.

[0020] According to the invention, the locking means comprises a locking lever, wherein the locking lever can also be pivoted manually.

[0021] The use of a lever in the locking device offers the advantage of providing leverage and thus a transmission ratio to lock and unlock the locking device. The opening device can transmit large forces when, for example, heavy or stiff doors need to be operated. For example, stiffness can occur due to an icy door seal. The door itself can also become stiff due to signs of aging, for example. In addition, the operator grasping the door can exert additional force on the opening device. In all of these cases, high forces can be present in the locking device, which must be releasable by driving the locking device.Here, the use of a locking lever offers the advantage of being able to adjust a favorable gear ratio within the lever, ensuring both secure locking and unlocking of the locking device at all times. A pivoting mounting of the locking lever can thus be advantageously used for locking and unlocking the locking device. For example, the locking lever can engage with a locking contour on the vehicle body. The pivoting movement offers an easy way to ensure secure engagement between the locking lever and the locking contour.

[0022] According to the invention, the locking lever can be pivoted electrically by means of a locking drive.

[0023] The locking drive and the drive for the actuating means are connected to a control system that enables interaction between the actuating means and the locking lever. Depending on the control signal, which is sent to the control system, for example, by an operator using a radio remote control, the locking mechanism can engage and establish an operative connection between the actuating means and a locking contour on the motor vehicle. After locking, the motor vehicle door can then be raised and held in position using the electric drive for the actuating means. Depending on the case, a further control signal can then be sent to the locking means, and in particular to the locking drive, during the raise process, after the raised position has been reached, or even during a closing operation, so that the locking mechanism can be unlocked.The separate electric drive makes it possible to initiate unlocking at any time, thus providing the greatest possible flexibility for the operator of the vehicle.

[0024] According to the invention, the locking lever can be actuated by means of an actuating shaft.

[0025] Indirect actuation of the locking lever makes it possible to arrange the electric locking drive in a fixed position in the installation device. The actuating element moves relative to the stationary actuating element drive and also to the stationary locking drive. An actuating shaft that can be driven indirectly by the electric locking drive thus makes it possible to provide remote actuation of the locking lever. Furthermore, a transmission ratio can be created using the actuating shaft and engagement kinematics in the locking lever, enabling secure locking and unlocking even in extreme situations. Greater forces may need to be applied to the locking mechanism, for example, if a motor vehicle operator grasps a partially open door and the operator wishes to fully open the door.At this moment, the control system receives a signal, for example, via the opening device, so that unlocking can be initiated. However, at the moment of unlocking, the force exerted by the operator on the door is already acting on the locking mechanism, and in particular on the locking lever. To ensure that sufficient force is available for unlocking by the locking drive in this case, a geared force can be introduced into the locking lever via the actuating shaft, ensuring the gear ratio in the actuating shaft is available for safely unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0026] According to the invention, an operating lever is provided and the operating lever is operatively connected to the actuating shaft.

[0027] An operating lever allows the vehicle operator to manually release the support mechanism. The operating lever can be fixed in place within the support mechanism. If, for example, a power failure or drop occurs, making it impossible to provide sufficient power to unlock the support mechanism, emergency operation can be performed using the operating lever. By locating the operating lever on the actuating shaft, the number of required components can be reduced to a minimum.

[0028] According to the invention, the operating lever can be operated electrically.

[0029] Electrical actuation of the operating lever enables the operating lever to perform a dual function. On the one hand, the operating lever can be used manually for unlocking in an emergency, and at the same time the operating lever can serve as the drive means for the locking drive. If the locking drive actuates the operating lever and ultimately the actuating shaft, the number of components can be reduced and at the same time a favorable lever arrangement with a favorable lever torque for actuating the locking lever can be provided. For example, the operating lever can be attached to the actuating shaft and have a toothing into which a gear wheel, for example, arranged on the output shaft of the locking drive, engages. This means that electrical locking and unlocking as well as manual emergency unlocking can be provided with a minimal number of components.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the operating lever and the locking drive are operatively connected by means of a gear. By coupling the operating lever to the locking drive via a gear, a favorable transmission ratio for the drive can be set. In particular, this makes it possible to use a low-power motor, which in turn has a beneficial effect on the costs of the setting device. Furthermore, the actuating time for the locking lever can be influenced via the gear, so that even very short actuating times in the drive for the locking lever can be achieved. A further embodiment of the invention results when the actuating shaft is slidably received in the actuating means. By slidably receiving the actuating shaft in the actuating means, a relative movement between the actuating shaft and the actuating means is possible.The actuating shaft is stationary and preferably received and mounted in the operating lever and extends into the actuating means. A further bearing point for the actuating shaft can be arranged in the actuating means itself, whereby the bearing point can be arranged stationary in the actuating means. Thus, while the actuating means is adjusted by the electric drive, a relative movement occurs between the actuating shaft and the actuating means. The actuating shaft remains continuously engaged with the locking lever, so that the locking means can be unlocked at any time. The actuating shaft can be received in the operating lever on one side in a rotationally fixed manner and can be mounted in the operating lever. In addition, there is of course also the option of the actuating shaft being mounted in the area of ​​the operating lever and forming a bearing point for the operating lever.Advantageously, the operating lever can thus be actuated via the locking drive and the gear, causing the actuating shaft to rotate. The actuating shaft itself can engage directly with the locking lever or pivot the locking lever by means of an actuating means. The actuating means can advantageously be designed as a sliding element and engage with the actuating shaft. The rotating movement of the actuating shaft can then displace the sliding element and actuate the locking lever. In an advantageous embodiment, the sliding element is guided so as to be linearly displaceable in the actuating means and in particular in the interior of the actuating means. If the locking lever is also arranged in a recess or in an interior of the actuating means, a structurally advantageous embodiment of the setting device can be provided.By arranging the sliding element and the locking lever inside the adjusting device, the adjusting device can function independently of external weather influences. This enables a long service life of the adjusting device and ensures high functionality of the adjusting device, and in particular the functionality of the locking device, even under extreme weather conditions such as frost and / or moisture.

[0031] If the operation of an inside door handle can be detected by the control unit, wherein a signal from the operation of the inside door handle can be evaluated to control the positioning device, this results in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention. On the one hand, an opening signal for the door element can be sent using a radio remote control, for example, but it is also possible for a passenger of the vehicle to operate an inside door handle, whereby the positioning device receives a signal to move the door element into an opening position. In this case, if the inside door handle is equipped with a child safety lock and this is switched on, a child safety lock can be provided by means of the positioning device. A locking function can thus be implemented by means of the positioning device, and opening of the door element can be prevented.For this purpose, the locking lever can be engaged with the locking contour, with the drive of the opening device acting as a brake. Accidental or unauthorized opening can thus be prevented.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, movement of the door element can be detected by means of a movement and / or environment sensor, wherein a signal from the movement and / or environment sensor can be evaluated to control the positioning device. Advantageously, further sensors in or on the motor vehicle can be integrated into the functionality of the positioning device. The positioning device and the further sensors are electrically connected to one another, for example via a control unit integrated in the motor vehicle or a separate control unit assigned to the door element, for example. If an obstacle, for example, is detected by means of a further sensor, the control unit can send a signal to the positioning device and, for example, initiate locking of the positioning device. In this way, the positioning of the door element can be prevented and / or, for example, delayed.If, for example, an approaching cyclist is detected by an environmental sensor, the opening or movement of the door element can be prevented using the positioning device. On the one hand, opening can be prevented, but it is also possible to stop the door element while it is moving, for example to prevent a possible collision. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the door element from being released. For example, if the operator grasps the door element that is already in the open position to open it and another sensor detects an obstacle, the door element can be prevented from being released, with the locking lever, for example, remaining in the locked position. By integrating the additional sensors into the positioning device, the security of the positioning device can be further increased and its functionality can be further enhanced.

[0033] It can also be advantageous, and represent a variant of the invention, if at least one further electric drive is provided for moving the door element. The positioning device, which can also be referred to as a door opener, moves the door element into an open position in which the door element can be grasped by the operator and fully opened. In addition, a door drive, i.e. an electric drive for moving the door element into a fully open position, can be installed in the motor vehicle. The interaction between the positioning device and the door drive can enable fully automatic opening of the door element. In this case, the positioning device can in turn serve as a safety device to prevent the door element from braking or opening if, for example, a further sensor detects an obstacle or a child safety lock is engaged.By locking the positioning device, a means for actively intervening in the opening process can be provided, at least with regard to the travel of the positioning device, and thus a maximum level of safety can be achieved.

[0034] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents one embodiment.

[0035] It shows: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a positioning device in a starting position, i.e. a closed motor vehicle door element and in the unlocked state, Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the positioning device according to the Figure 1, wherein the locking lever is shown in a locked position, and Figure 3 again shows a three-dimensional view of the installation device according to the Figures 1 and 2 , where the adjusting means is shown extended, that is, the Figure 3 shows the position of the adjusting means in a set-up position of the motor vehicle door element, wherein the motor vehicle door element is held in the set-up position by means of the locking means.

[0036] In the Figure 1A three-dimensional view of a setting device 1 is shown. The setting device 1 comprises an electric drive 2 and a gear 3 connected downstream of the electric drive 2, wherein the gear 3 engages with a rack 5 by means of a gearwheel 4. The rack 5, in turn, forms part of the adjusting means 6 and is fixedly connected to the adjusting means 6. A locking lever 8 is pivotally received in the interior 7 of the adjusting means 6. The locking lever 8 is pivotable about an axis 9 and can be brought into positive engagement with a locking contour 10. A hook-shaped end 11 engages in the locking contour 10. Of course, other forms of a positive and / or non-positive connection between the locking lever 8 and the locking contour 10 are also conceivable according to the invention.In this embodiment, the locking contour 11 is bolted to the body of the motor vehicle as a separate component and is thus firmly connected. The basic structure of the electric drive 2 and the interaction of the electric drive 2 with the transmission 3 and the actuating means 6 is described in the generic prior art according to (DE 10 2018 132 665.3), whereby this part of the description of the prior art is fully incorporated into the disclosure of the application.

[0037] The actuating means 6 is shown in an initial position, with the actuating means being shown fully retracted into the motor vehicle door element 13. The motor vehicle door element 13 is thus closed and the positioning device is out of operation.

[0038] If an operator of the motor vehicle now transmits a signal to the positioning device 1 that the door should be raised, a gear 15 is controlled by means of a locking drive 14, whereby an operating lever 16 is moved. The operating lever 16 pivots an actuating shaft 17, wherein the actuating shaft 17 moves a sliding element 18 in the interior 7 of the actuating means 6, whereby the locking lever 8 is pivoted about the axis 9 in the direction of the arrow P1. The locking lever 8 engages with the locking contour 10, so that the motor vehicle door element 13 can be guided and raised safely. The motor vehicle door element 13 can therefore be raised safely even if, for example, external influences act on the motor vehicle door element.If, for example, the motor vehicle is parked on a sloping road and / or stormy winds are also acting on the motor vehicle door element, the positioning device can ensure that the motor vehicle door element 13 is guided safely at all times. The operator sends a control signal to the motor vehicle that the motor vehicle door element 13 should be opened. The control signal, on the one hand, causes an electrical unlocking of a motor vehicle lock, with the positioning device 1 preferably interacting with an electrically unlockable motor vehicle lock, so-called E-locks. The unlocked lock releases a locking mechanism, so that the locked actuating means can open the door 13. During the actuating operation, the actuating means is guided between the gearwheel and a guide means 19.

[0039] The locked state of the installation device 1 is in the Figure 2 reproduced.

[0040] The Figure 3 shows the positioning device 1 in a positioning position of the motor vehicle door element 13. The actuating means 6 has been completely moved out of the motor vehicle door element 13 by means of the drive 2, whereby an actuating path S in the Figure 3 The locking lever 8 is still engaged with the locking contour 10, so that the motor vehicle door element 13 is securely held in the open position. If the motor vehicle door element 13 is now grasped, for example by the operator of the motor vehicle, an extension 20 of the gear carrier 21 pivots in the direction of the arrow P2 in the Figure 2 The movement of the extension 20 of the gear carrier 21 can be detected by the sensor 22, whereby a control signal can be transmitted to the locking drive 14 by means of the control system.

[0041] A control signal for the locking drive 14 causes the locking drive 14 to pivot the operating lever 16 via the gear 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the operating lever 16 and the gear 15 are operatively connected by means of a recess 23 and a cylindrical pin 24 arranged on a gear of the gear 15. Pivoting the operating lever 16 causes the actuating shaft 17 to rotate in the direction of arrow P3, whereby the sliding element 18 pivots the locking lever 8 about the axis 9 and thus disengages the locking lever 8 from the locking contour 10. The motor vehicle door element 13 can be opened manually, and the actuating means 6 is returned to the motor vehicle door element 13.

[0042] If, for example, the position of the motor vehicle door element 13 as shown in the Figure 3If, as shown in FIG. 1, there is insufficient power supply for the locking drive 14, the operating lever 16 can be grasped, for example, through an opening in a door panel, and the locking lever 8 can be released from engagement with the locking contour 10. It is of course also conceivable for the operating lever 16 to be connected, for example, to a Bowden cable, so that the operating lever 16 can be remotely operated.

[0043] In the Figure 3Furthermore, a control unit 25 can be seen, which is electrically connected on the one hand to the positioning device 1 and on the other hand to a further sensor 26. The control unit 25 is connected by means of a connecting line 27 to the electric drives 2, 14 of the positioning device 1 and also, for example, to an inside door handle 28. The control unit 25 can be a control unit 25 of the motor vehicle or else an internal door control unit 25, which is assigned, for example, to the positioning device 1 and / or a lock or represents part of the positioning device 1 itself. By means of the control unit 25, it is possible to connect the functions of the further sensors 26 and the inside door handle 28 but also to a control signal from an operator of the motor vehicle. In this combination, it is thus possible, on the one hand, to initiate a conventional positioning process or, on the other hand, to represent further functions using the further sensors.

[0044] If, for example, the inside door handle 28 is operated while a child safety lock has been activated by the motor vehicle operator, the positioning device 1 can prevent the opening process. To prevent the door from opening, the locking lever 8 can be brought into engagement with the contour 10, whereby a braking effect can be introduced into the door element 13 by means of the electric drive 2. In this case, the positioning device 1 serves as a child safety lock.

[0045] Even during manual opening, the positioning device 1 can prevent movement of the door element 13, for example, to provide anti-theft protection. The advantage of these extended functions of the positioning device 1 is that no additional components are required in the door element and / or the lock. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1Setting device 2Electric drive 3, 15Gearbox 4Gearwheel 5Rack 6Actuator 7Interior of the actuator 8Locking lever 9Axle 10Locking contour 11Hook-shaped end 12Body 13Vehicle door element 14Locking drive 16Operating lever 17Actuating shaft 18Sliding element 19Guide means 20Extension 21Gearbox support 22Sensor 23Recess 24Cylindrical pin 25Control 26Motion sensor, environment sensor 27Connecting cable 28Inside door handle P1, P2, P3Arrow STravel

Claims

1. Opening apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle door element (13), comprising an electric drive (2) and an actuating means (6), the actuating means (6) being adjustable by means of the drive (2) and a gear mechanism (3) arranged between the actuating means (6) and the electric drive (2), so that a movement of the door element (13) can be made possible, and a locking means (8), it being possible for the door element (13) to be held by the locking means (8) and the locking means (8) being electrically operable, the locking means (8) also comprising a locking lever (8), it also being possible for the locking lever (8) to be electrically pivoted by a locking drive (14), it being additionally possible for the locking lever (8) to be operated by an actuating shaft (17), and an operating lever (16) being provided and the operating lever (16) being both operatively connected to the actuating shaft (17) and electrically operable characterized in that, if there is insufficient power supply for the locking drive (14), the operating lever (16) can be grasped or connected to, for example, a Bowden cable, and thus remotely operated in order to release the locking lever (8) from its engagement with a locking contour (10) and to pivot it manually, so that, the operating lever (16) is intended to manually unlock in an emergency and, at the same time, to be a drive means for the locking drive (14).

2. Opening apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating lever (16) and the locking drive (14) are operatively connected by means of a gear mechanism (15).

3. Opening apparatus (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the actuating shaft (17) is displaceably accommodated in the actuating means (6).

4. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an operating means (18), in particular a sliding element (18), is in engagement with the actuating shaft (17).

5. Opening apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the sliding element (18) is linearly displaceably guided within the actuating means (6).

6. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening apparatus (1) can be controlled by means of a control unit (25).

7. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that operation of an inside door handle (28) can be detected by means of the control unit (25), it being possible to evaluate a signal relating to the operation of the inside door handle 828) in order to control the opening apparatus (1).

8. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a movement of the door element (13) can be detected by means of a movement sensor and / or environment sensor (26), it being possible to evaluate a signal from the movement sensor and / or environment sensor (26) in order to control the opening apparatus (1).

9. Opening apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one further electric drive is provided for moving the door element (13).