Multifunctional actuator for a vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional actuator (2) for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit (14) which can be connected to a door opener (18) and which can be connected to a window lifter drive (26) for a window pane in the vehicle door. The multifunctional actuator (2) has a coupling-actuating element (38) by means of which the electric drive unit (14) can be selectively connected to the door opener (18) or to the window lifter drive (26), and the door opener (18) has a door hinge (32) which can be actuated in direct operative connection by a gear drive (34) which can be actuated by the drive unit (14).

Description

[0001] Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0002] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0003] 1

[0004] Name: Multifunctional actuator for a vehicle door

[0005] The invention relates to a multifunctional actuator according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a door actuator, a vehicle door system and a vehicle door.

[0006] Electric door actuators and electric window lifters are essential components in modern motor vehicles and contribute significantly to the comfort and safety of the driver.

[0007] Automatically opening and closing doors are becoming increasingly common in the market. Currently, this involves integrating an additional, complete, and independent actuator into each door. This further increases weight, cost, and complexity. Familiar door actuators comprise a drive unit with an electric motor and a mechanism that converts the motor's movement into a linear motion, which then operates the door. Modern vehicles often use centrally controlled door actuators in combination with an electronic control unit that processes signals from various sources (e.g., keys, interior or exterior sensors).

[0008] Electric window regulators allow windows to be opened and closed at the touch of a button. An electric window regulator typically includes an electric motor, a cable system, and a control unit.

[0009] Combined actuators for operating the door and window regulator are known, but these require more installation space. A disadvantage of known actuators is their indirect connection to the door opener.

[0010] From DE 10 2018 106 839 A1 is an actuating mechanism for a door opener of a vehicle door of a motor vehicle as well as for opening and Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11 .2025

[0011] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0012] 2

[0013] A mechanism for closing a window in a vehicle door is known. The actuation mechanism comprises an electric drive unit which can be connected via a first pair of cables to a lifting mechanism for a window pane of the vehicle door and which can be connected via a second pair of cables or a flexible shaft to the door opener for electrically opening and closing the vehicle door. A coupling element is provided on the actuation mechanism, with which the electric drive unit can be selectively connected either to the door opener or to the lifting mechanism.

[0014] From DE 10 201 1 002 542 A1, a drive device for a window regulator of a motor vehicle door is known. The drive device has a switching device by which either the window regulator as the first output element or a further output element can be switched on.

[0015] Based on the disadvantages described above, the invention aims to provide a multifunctional actuator with reduced complexity and improved connectivity to the door opener.

[0016] Furthermore, an improved door actuator will be provided, which is designed to save installation space and has a higher efficiency.

[0017] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a multi-function actuator according to claim 1. The multi-function actuator or door actuator for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door comprises an electric drive unit which can be connected to a door opener and which can be connected to a window regulator drive for a window pane in the vehicle door, wherein the multi-function actuator has a clutch actuating element with which the electric Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0018] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0019] 3

[0020] The drive unit can be optionally connected to the door opener or to the window lifter drive, the door opener having a door hinge which can be actuated in direct operative connection by a gear drive that can be actuated by the drive unit.

[0021] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0022] Actuation in direct operative connection preferably means that the hinge integrally comprises both a flange part for the body and a gear segment for direct engagement with the gear drive. For example, no telescopic rods or telescopic drives are used. According to the invention, this allows for a more direct force transmission and saves installation space, which is very limited in the door.

[0023] Preferably, the connection to the window regulator drive is self-locking, whereas the connection to the door opener is not self-locking.

[0024] Advantageously, the door hinge has a first flange part, which can be connected to the body of a motor vehicle, with a spur gear segment into which a gear of the gear drive engages, and a receptacle for pivotally hanging the vehicle door.

[0025] The gear drive is preferably driven via a, in particular three-stage, planetary gear with a door drive shaft driven by the electric drive unit, wherein the window lifter drive has a window drive shaft driven by the drive unit.

[0026] The door drive shaft and the window drive shaft are preferably arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025

[0027] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0028] 4

[0029] The clutch actuation element is advantageously designed as a camshaft with two cams, which can be rotated by a clutch motor.

[0030] Advantageously, a clutch is provided which can be actuated by the clutch actuating element and which, depending on the cam position, engages the electric drive unit with the door drive shaft or the window drive shaft.

[0031] The coupling advantageously has a spur pinion for engagement with the gear drive and a bevel gear for engagement with a window drive bevel gear arranged on the window drive shaft.

[0032] The camshaft is preferably connected to a pulley designed to accommodate a cable for operating a door lock in the vehicle door. The door locking / unlocking mechanism and the door lock are connected to the cable, i.e., a flexible coupling element, thereby increasing availability in the event of a crash.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit, the door drive shaft, the window drive shaft, the clutch motor and the clutch are arranged in a common actuator housing.

[0034] The actuator housing preferably has a circuit board chamber for receiving an electronic circuit board for the electric drive unit.

[0035] The window regulator drive preferably has a cable drum housing.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the cable drum housing and the actuator housing are formed as a single piece. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0037] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0038] 5

[0039] Preferably, the energy storage device, battery, capacitor, and electronics are integrated within the housing. The control unit is preferably designed to detect a crash or accident and then enable automatic emergency unlocking using the clutch motor that controls the unlocking of the doors.

[0040] The multi-function actuator preferably includes fastening means for attaching the multi-function actuator to the vehicle door.

[0041] The multifunctional actuator advantageously includes a control unit, in particular designed as an electronic circuit board, for controlling the electric drive unit and the clutch motor.

[0042] The multifunctional actuator advantageously includes a rotary angle sensor, mounted on or attached to the door hinge and connected to the control unit via its signal input, for detecting the opening angle of the vehicle door. Positioning the sensor directly on the door hinge allows for precise door positioning and a precisely adjustable opening angle, for example, in narrow garages.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-function actuator includes a DC-DC converter, particularly for converting 48 volts to 12 volts. The clutch motor can preferably be powered from the main motor's power electronics via a switched PWM phase; that is, suitable voltages of, for example, 12 V are generated from the 48 V for the clutch motor and for charging (powering) the supercapacitors. The supercapacitors are high-performance energy storage capacitors and serve as a power supply for emergency operation, for example, in the event of a system failure or interruption of the main power supply. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0044] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0045] 6

[0046] The DC-DC converter can be implemented as an alternative design using either the motor inductance of the main power drive or a separate inductor. For charging, high-power parallel supercapacitors are preferably connected in series (bidirectional buck-boost circuit). The DC-DC converter can be implemented as an alternative design using either the motor inductance of the main power drive or a separate inductor.

[0047] Preferably, the multifunctional actuator includes a camera module for monitoring the window pane and / or the vehicle door movement. This enables anti-pinch protection and / or door monitoring.

[0048] The invention also relates to a multifunctional actuator for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit which can be connected to a door opener and which can be connected to a window regulator drive for a window pane of the vehicle door, wherein the multifunctional actuator has a clutch actuating element with which the electric drive unit can be selectively connected to the door opener or to the window regulator drive, and wherein the connection to the window regulator drive is self-locking and wherein the connection to the door opener is partially self-locking.

[0049] The connection to the door opener in the engaged state is advantageously designed to be self-locking.

[0050] The window regulator is specifically self-locking to provide burglar protection, preventing the window from being forced down from the outside. If, however, the door is moved manually, it must be able to pivot in both directions. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025

[0051] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0052] 7

[0053] The door opener advantageously includes a door hinge which can be actuated by a gear drive directly connected to the drive unit. The advantageous embodiments described above are also advantageous embodiments of this multifunctional actuator or door actuator.

[0054] The invention also relates to a multifunctional actuator for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit which can be connected to a door opener and which can be connected to a window regulator drive for a window pane of the vehicle door, wherein the multifunctional actuator has a clutch actuating element with which the electric drive unit can be selectively connected to the door opener or to the window regulator drive, and wherein the multifunctional actuator has a drive for locking and unlocking a door lock as well as a closing aid for closing the vehicle door and a direct current converter (DC-DC converter).

[0055] The invention further relates to a multifunctional actuator for opening and closing a vehicle door and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit which can be connected to a door opener with a gear drive and which can be connected to a window regulator drive for a window pane in the vehicle door, wherein the multifunctional actuator has a clutch actuating element with which the electric drive unit can be selectively connected to either the door opener or the window regulator drive, and wherein the gear drive has a first bevel gear driven by a door drive shaft, which meshes with a second bevel gear which is rotationally fixed to a further gear. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0056] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0057] 8

[0058] Advantageously, the gear drive is designed such that one axis of rotation of the further gear is aligned perpendicular to the door drive shaft, thereby achieving an advantageous orientation of the gear drive in relation to the vehicle door.

[0059] The gear drive preferably comprises two further gears, whose axes of rotation are aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the further gear.

[0060] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention also relates to a door actuator for opening and closing a vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit that can be connected to a door opener with a gear drive. The gear drive has a first bevel gear driven by the door drive shaft, which meshes with a second bevel gear that is rotationally fixed to a further gear. The gear drive of the door actuator is designed like the gear drive of the multi-function actuator described above. In contrast to this multi-function actuator, it does not have a window regulator drive and therefore no clutch. The rotor of the electric motor and the central axis of the first bevel gear are aligned coaxially with each other, resulting in a compact design.

[0061] Advantageously, the gear drive is designed such that one axis of rotation of the further gear is aligned perpendicular to the door drive shaft, thereby achieving an advantageous orientation of the gear drive in relation to the vehicle door.

[0062] The gear drive preferably comprises two further gears whose axes of rotation are aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the further gear. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025

[0063] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0064] 9

[0065] The invention also relates to a vehicle door system comprising a multifunction actuator described above and a door lock for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle that can be actuated by the multifunction actuator, wherein the door lock has a locking element for engaging in a body-side locking contour, which is acted upon by at least one compression spring and can be locked by a locking element which engages in a recess of the locking element, wherein the locking element can be moved into a locking position and a release position by a control contour of a cable pull lever, and wherein the cable pull lever receives a cable attached to the pulley of the multifunction actuator.

[0066] The invention also relates to a door lock comprising a locking element for engagement in a body-side locking contour, which is acted upon by at least one compression spring and can be locked by a locking element which engages in a recess of the locking element, wherein the locking element can be moved into a locking position and a release position by a control contour of a cable pull lever, and wherein the cable pull lever accommodates a cable attached to the pulley of the multifunction actuator.

[0067] The invention further comprises a vehicle door for a motor vehicle with a multi-function actuator described above, as well as a vehicle door with a multi-function actuator and a door lock described above.

[0068] The advantages of the invention lie particularly in the fact that several functional units are integrated into a single actuator or assembly in a compact design. The multifunctional actuator combines the functions of door drive, window regulator drive, soft-close mechanism, door locking and unlocking, and door lock. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025

[0069] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0070] 10

[0071] Further objectives, advantages, features, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, even independently of their compilation in the claims or their cross-references.

[0072] Some of these show schematically:

[0073] Figure 1 shows a multi-function actuator in a preferred embodiment in a first perspective view;

[0074] Figure 2 shows the multi-function actuator according to Figure 2 in a further perspective view with some parts partially hidden;

[0075] Figure 3 shows the multi-function actuator according to Figure 1 in a further perspective view with some parts partially hidden;

[0076] Figure 4 shows the multi-function actuator according to Figure 1 in a further perspective view;

[0077] Figure 5 shows the multifunctional actuator according to Figure 1 in a further perspective view,

[0078] Figure 6 shows a multi-function actuator in a preferred embodiment in a second perspective view;

[0079] Figure 7 shows the multi-function actuator according to Figure 6 in an exploded view; Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0080] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0081] 11

[0082] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of the multifunction actuator according to Figure 1 or Figure 6;

[0083] Figure 9 shows a door actuator in a preferred embodiment in an exploded view;

[0084] Figure 10 shows the door actuator according to Figure 9 in a perspective view;

[0085] Figure 1 shows a door lock in a locked position in a first representation;

[0086] Figure 12 shows the door lock according to Figure 1 in a further illustration;

[0087] Figure 13 shows the door lock according to Figure 1 1 in a release position in a further illustration;

[0088] Figure 14 shows the door lock according to Figure 13 in a further illustration;

[0089] Figure 15 shows the door lock according to Figure 1 in a position when open.

[0090] A vehicle door in another illustration, and

[0091] Figure 16 shows the door lock according to Figure 15 in a further illustration.

[0092] Identical or equivalent components are identified in the following figures of the drawing by reference numerals based on an embodiment, in order to improve readability.

[0093] A multi-function actuator 2, shown in Figures 1 to 5, has an electric drive unit 14 comprising an electric motor 16, which drives an output shaft 20 with a worm shaft 22. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0094] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0095] 12

[0096] The worm shaft 22 engages with a worm wheel 24 of an essentially rod-shaped coupling element 28 of a coupling 72, which is described in more detail below.

[0097] The multi-function actuator 2 comprises a door opener 18 and a window regulator drive 26. The door opener 18 includes a door hinge 32 with a flange part 40, which is designed to be attached to the body of a motor vehicle. The door hinge 32 further includes a receptacle 51 for hooking and rotatably mounting a door of the motor vehicle. The door hinge 32 also includes a spur gear segment 44.

[0098] A gear drive 34 of the multifunction actuator 2 comprises a gear 46 which engages with the teeth of the spur gear segment 44. The gear 46 engages with another gear 48 of the gear drive 34, which engages with a pinion 50 of a planetary gear 56, which engages with a pinion of a door drive shaft 58.

[0099] The window regulator drive 26 comprises a window drive shaft 52, which has a worm shaft 54 ​​that engages with a pinion 66 rotatably mounted in a cable drum housing 1 14. At one end opposite the worm shaft 54, the window drive shaft 52 has a window drive bevel gear 88. The door drive shaft 58 and the window drive shaft 52 are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other.

[0100] The multi-function actuator 2 is designed to connect the drive unit 14 to the door opener 18 or the window regulator drive 26 as required. For this purpose, the multi-function actuator 2 first has the coupling 72, which includes a window regulator sleeve 120 and a door opener sleeve 126. The window regulator sleeve 120 has a bevel gear 84, which... Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0101] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0102] 13 engages with the window drive bevel gear 88. The two bevel gears 84 and 88 form a bevel gear drive. The door opener sleeve has a pinion which engages with the planetary gear 56.

[0103] The coupling 72 further comprises a window drive crown gear (not shown) which can be engaged with the window regulator sleeve 120, and a door opener crown gear (not shown) which can be engaged with the door opener sleeve 126. The two crown gears are rotationally fixed to the coupling element 28.

[0104] A clutch actuation element 38, which in this case is designed as a camshaft 60, is rotatably connected to a clutch motor 70. The camshaft 60 has two cams 62, 64. Depending on the position of the camshaft 60 and thus of the cams 62, 64, the window drive crown gear engages with the window regulator sleeve 120 or the door opener crown gear engages with the door opener sleeve 126.

[0105] When the window drive crown wheel engages with the window regulator sleeve 120, the latter rotates when the coupling element 28 is rotated. The coupling element 28 is set in motion by the drive unit 14, so that the engagement of the two bevel gears 84 and 88 sets the window drive shaft 52 in motion. Due to the design of the window regulator drive 26 with a worm drive, it is self-locking, so that the window pane cannot move downwards on its own or be forced downwards during a break-in attempt.

[0106] When the door opener crown wheel engages with the door opener sleeve 126, the gear drive 34 of the door opener 18 is actuated via the planetary gear 56. This coupling to the gear drive and thus to the door hinge 32 is self-locking, preventing the door from being blocked by the drive. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0107] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0108] 14

[0109] Due to the clutch mechanism, the multifunction actuator 2 is designed in such a way that only one force flow is possible at any given time: while the door is being opened or closed, the window cannot be operated simultaneously.

[0110] A pulley 90, which accommodates a cable for operating the vehicle door lock, is connected to the camshaft 60. The exit angle of the cable 94 is determined by a tubular cable guide 130 through which the cable is routed.

[0111] The drive unit 14, the door drive shaft 58, the window drive shaft 52, the clutch motor 70, and the clutch 72 are arranged in a common actuator housing 104. The cable drum housing 114 and the actuator housing 114 can be formed integrally. The gear drive 34 is arranged in a gear drive housing 136, which can be closed with a cover 140. The multifunction actuator 2 has mounting means 144 on the actuator housing 104 for attachment to the inside of the vehicle door. The housing 104 has a circuit board chamber 108 in which an electronic circuit board with the control electronics of the multifunction actuator 2 is housed.

[0112] A multifunctional actuator 2 shown in Figures 6 and 7 in a further preferred embodiment of the invention has an electric drive unit 14 comprising an electric motor 16 that drives an output shaft 20 m with a worm shaft 22. The worm shaft 22 is in engagement with a worm wheel 24 of a substantially rod-shaped coupling element 28 of a coupling 72.

[0113] The multifunction actuator 2 has a door opener 18 and a window regulator drive 26. A gear drive 34 of the multifunction actuator 2 includes a gear 46 which engages with another gear 48 of the gear drive 34, which engages with... Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0114] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0115] 15 with a further gear 88, which is rotatably connected to a bevel gear 74, which meshes with a bevel gear 68, which is arranged on a door gear element 76, which is rotatably engaged with a pinion of a door drive shaft 58.

[0116] The window regulator drive 26 comprises a window drive shaft 52, which has a worm shaft 54 ​​that engages with a pinion 66 rotatably mounted in a cable drum housing 1 14. At one end opposite the worm shaft 54, the window drive shaft 52 has a window drive bevel gear 88 driven or driveable by the electric motor 16. The door drive shaft 58 and the window drive shaft 52 are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. The multifunction actuator 2 further comprises a door lock gearbox 78 with a pulley, which is operatively coupled to another electric motor 190. The coupling of the electric motor 190 to the door lock gearbox 78 is effected via a worm shaft 192 and a worm gear 194, which is operatively coupled to the pulley; see Figure 7.

[0117] The multifunction actuator 2 is designed to connect the drive unit 14 to the door opener 18 or the window regulator drive 26 as required. For this purpose, the multifunction actuator 2 has the coupling 72, which includes a window regulator sleeve 120 and a door opener sleeve 126 and is constructed and functions as shown in Figure 1 in conjunction with the multifunction actuator 2. Figure 7 also shows the circuit board chamber 108, the main circuit board 110, and the circuit board cover 112.

[0118] In both multifunction actuators 2 according to Figure 1 and Figure 6, the door drive shaft 58 and the window drive shaft 52 are arranged or aligned essentially perpendicular to each other. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0119] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0120] 16

[0121] In the multifunction actuator 2 according to Figure 1, a rotational axis 80 of the gear 46 of the gear drive 34 is aligned parallel to the door drive shaft 58. In contrast to the multifunction actuator 2 according to Figure 1, in the multifunction actuator 2 according to Figure 6, this rotational axis 80 is aligned perpendicular to the door drive shaft 58. This is achieved by the fact that the gear drive 34 of the multifunction actuator according to Figure 6 has a bevel gear drive and not a planetary gear drive, as in the multifunction actuator 2 according to Figure 1.

[0122] Figure 8 shows a block diagram of the multifunction actuator 2 according to Figure

[0123] 1 shown. Block 170 represents the electric drive unit 14. Block 172 represents the bevel gear unit with bevel gears 84, 88; block 180 represents the window lift drive 26.

[0124] A block 176 represents the planetary gear 56, a block 178 the door opener 18. Two parallel lines 184 represent the clutch 72, through which the drive unit 14 is brought into operative connection with the window lift drive 26 or the door opener 18 as required.

[0125] Block 174 represents the clutch motor 70 and the clutch actuating element 38, by which the clutch 72 is actuated. Finally, block 182 represents a door lock, which can be operated by a pulley 60 m with a cable 94.

[0126] Figures 9 and 10 show a door actuator 200 in a preferred embodiment. The door actuator 200 comprises a drive unit 14 with an electric motor 16. The door actuator 200 has a door opener 18. A gear drive 34 of the multifunction actuator

[0127] 2 comprises a gear 46 which engages with another gear 48 of the gear drive 34, which engages with another gear 88, which is rotationally fixed to a bevel gear 74, which meshes with a bevel gear 68 mounted on a door gear element 76. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0128] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0129] The door opener 18 of the door actuator 200 is arranged in the same way as the door opener of the multifunction actuator 18 according to Figure 6. The drive unit 14 and the gear drive 34 are arranged in a common housing 104.

[0130] Figure 11 shows a B-pillar 304 of a motor vehicle with a locking contour 308. A door lock 300, also shown in Figure 11, comprises a locking element 312 and a locking element 316 with a locking section 320. The door lock 300 further has a control contour 324 and a cable lever 328 connected thereto, as well as a connection 330 for the cable (inner cable) and a compression spring 334. The door lock 300 has a receptacle 338 for an actuating cable (outer cable). A receptacle 342, a compression spring 346, and further compression springs 350 are also provided.

[0131] Figures 11 and 12 show the locked state of the door lock 300 with the vehicle door closed. In this position, the multifunction actuator 2 is switched via the clutch 70 for the drive of the window regulator or window regulator drive 26.

[0132] The locking element 312 engages in a section of the locking contour 308 and is secured in this position by the locking element 316, which engages in a recess / opening of the locking element 312. The locking element 316 is moved into this position by the control contour 324 of the cable pull lever 328.

[0133] For this purpose, the cable lever 328 is moved clockwise by a cable 94 driven by the clutch motor 70 of the multifunction actuator 2 via the pulley 90. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025

[0134] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0135] 18

[0136] The system remains in this position until the cable 94 is actuated again, releasing a certain amount of travel and causing the cable lever 328 to move counterclockwise due to the spring action of the torsion spring 334. During this movement, the locking element 316 is moved from the locked position to a release position via the control contour 324 and the compression spring 346, which is arranged in a receptacle 342. This position is shown in Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate that the locking section 320 is moved out of the recess / opening of the locking element 312.

[0137] Figures 15 and 16 show the position of the door lock 300 when the vehicle door is open. The locking element 312 is moved into the locked position via the clutch motor 70 of the multifunction actuator 2 and the connected pulley 90 and cable 94, since the multifunction actuator 2 has engaged the window regulator drive 26 via the clutch 72. When the vehicle door is closed, a front section of the locking element 312 slides along a mating surface of the locking contour 308.

[0138] In the final stage of this closing movement, the vehicle door is pressed against the door seal via the coherent sections of the closing element 312 and the body-side closing contour 308. This also implements or enables the function of a "soft close" or closing aid for the vehicle door. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025

[0139] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0140] 19

[0141] Reference numeral list

[0142] 2 multifunction actuators

[0143] 14 Drive unit

[0144] 16 Electric motor

[0145] 18 door openers

[0146] 20 Output shaft

[0147] 22 worm shaft

[0148] 24 worm gear

[0149] 26 window regulator drive

[0150] 28 Coupling element

[0151] 32 Door hinge

[0152] 34 Gear drive

[0153] 38 Clutch actuation element

[0154] 40 Flange part

[0155] 44 Spur gear segment

[0156] 46 gear

[0157] 48 gear

[0158] 50 sprockets

[0159] 51 recording

[0160] 52 Window drive shaft

[0161] 54 worm shaft

[0162] 56 planetary gears

[0163] 58 Door drive shaft

[0164] 60 Camshaft

[0165] 62 cams

[0166] 64 cams

[0167] 66 sprockets

[0168] 68 bevel gear

[0169] 70 Clutch motor

[0170] 72 Clutch

[0171] 74 Bevel gear Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0172] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0173] 20

[0174] 76 Door gear element

[0175] 78 Door lock gearbox

[0176] 80° axis of rotation

[0177] 84 bevel gear

[0178] 88 gear

[0179] 88 Window drive bevel gear

[0180] 90 Pulley

[0181] 94 Sei lzug

[0182] 104 cases

[0183] 108 circuit board chambers

[0184] 1 1 0 Mainboard

[0185] 1 12 circuit board covers

[0186] 1 14 Sei ltrom melgehäuse

[0187] 120 Window regulator sleeve

[0188] 126 Door opener sleeve

[0189] 130 Sei lführung

[0190] 136 Gear drive housings

[0191] 140 lids

[0192] 144 Fasteners

[0193] 170 Block

[0194] 172 Block

[0195] 174 Block

[0196] 176 Block

[0197] 178 Block

[0198] 180 block

[0199] Block 182

[0200] 184 lines

[0201] 190 electric motor

[0202] 192 worm shaft

[0203] 194 worm gear

[0204] 200 door actuator

[0205] 300 Door lock Our reference: K006P536PCT 11.11.2025

[0206] Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH

[0207] 21

[0208] 304 B-pillar

[0209] 308 Closing contour

[0210] 312 Locking element

[0211] 316 Locking element 320 Locking section

[0212] 324 Tax contour

[0213] 328 cable pull lever

[0214] 330 connection

[0215] 334 Compression spring 338 Mount

[0216] 342 recording

[0217] 346 Compression spring

[0218] 350 compression spring

Claims

Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 22 Patent claims 1. Multifunctional actuator (2) for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit (14) which can be connected to a door opener (18) and which can be connected to a window lifter (26) for a window pane in the vehicle door, wherein the multifunctional actuator (2) has a clutch actuating element (38) with which the electric drive unit (14) can be selectively connected to the door opener (18) or to the window lifter (26), wherein the door opener (18) has a door hinge (32) which can be actuated in direct operative connection by a gear drive (34) actuated by the drive unit (14).

2. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the door hinge (32) has a first flange part (40) connectable to the body of a motor vehicle with a spur gear segment (44) into which a gear (46) of the gear drive (34) engages, and a receptacle (51) for pivotally hooking the vehicle door (6).

3. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gear drive (34) is connected via a, in particular three-stage, planetary gear (56) with a motor that is independent of the electrical Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 23 drive unit (14) drive door drive shaft (58) is driven, and wherein the window lifter drive (26) has a window drive shaft (52) that can be driven by the drive unit (14).

4. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the door drive shaft (58) and the window drive shaft (52) are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.

5. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the clutch actuating element (38) is designed as a camshaft (60) with two cams (62, 64) which are connected by a Clutch motor (70) is rotatable.

6. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that a clutch (72) is provided which can be actuated by the clutch actuating element (38) and which engages the electric drive unit (14) with the door drive shaft (58) or the window drive shaft (52) depending on the cam position.

7. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the coupling (72) has a spur gear for engagement with the gear drive (34) and a bevel gear (84) for engagement with a window drive bevel gear (88) arranged on the window drive shaft (52). Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 24 8. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the camshaft (60) is connected to a pulley (90) which is designed to accommodate a cable pull (94) for actuating a door lock (300) in the vehicle door (6).

9. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the drive unit (14), the door drive shaft (58), the window drive shaft (52), the clutch motor (70) and the clutch (72) are arranged in a common actuator housing (104).

10. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the actuator housing (104) has a circuit board chamber (108) for receiving an electronic circuit board for the electric drive unit (14). 1 1 . Multifunctional actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the window lifter drive (26) has a cable drum housing (1 14).

12. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 10 or 1 1 in conjunction with claim 9, characterized in that the cable drum housing (1 14) and the actuator housing (104) are formed in one piece. Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 25 13. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional actuator (2) has fastening means for fastening the multifunctional actuator (2) to the vehicle door (6).

14. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit, in particular designed as an electronic circuit board, for controlling the electric drive unit (14) and the clutch motor (70).

15. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 14, comprising a rotary angle sensor arranged on or at the door hinge (32) and connected to the control unit on the signal input side for detecting the opening angle of the vehicle door.

16. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a DC converter, in particular for converting 48 volts to 12 volts.

17. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a camera module for monitoring the window pane and / or the vehicle door movement.

18. Multifunctional actuator (2) for opening and closing a vehicle door (6) of a motor vehicle as well as for opening and closing Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 26 of a window (10) in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit (14) which can be connected to a door opener (18) and which can be connected to a window lifter (26) for a window pane (30) of the vehicle door (6), wherein the multifunction actuator (2) has a clutch actuating element (38) with which the electric drive unit (14) can be selectively connected to the door opener (18) or to the window lifter (26), and wherein the connection to the window lifter (26) is self-locking and wherein the connection to the door opener (18) is partially self-locking.

19. Multifunctional actuator according to claim 18, wherein the connection to the door opener (18) is self-locking in the engaged state.

20. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the door opener (2) has a door hinge (32) which can be actuated by a gear drive (34) which can be actuated by the drive unit (14) in direct operative connection.

21. Multifunctional actuator (2) for opening and closing a vehicle door (6) of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window (10) in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit (14) which can be connected to a door opener (18) and which can be connected to a window lift drive (26) for a window pane (30) of the vehicle door (6), wherein the multifunctional actuator (2) Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 27 has a clutch actuating element (38) with which the electric drive unit (14) can be optionally connected to the door opener (18) or to the window lifter drive (26), and wherein the multifunction actuator (2) has a drive for locking and unlocking a door lock (300) as well as a closing aid for closing the motor vehicle door and a DC converter.

22. Multifunctional actuator (2) for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and for opening and closing a window in the vehicle door, comprising an electric drive unit (14) which can be connected to a door opener (18) with a gear drive (34) and which can be connected to a window lifter (26) for a window pane in the vehicle door, wherein the multifunctional actuator (2) has a clutch actuating element (38) with which the electric drive unit (14) can be selectively connected to the door opener (18) or to the window lifter (26), and wherein the gear drive (34) has a first bevel gear (68) which can be driven by a door drive shaft (52) and which meshes with a second bevel gear (74) which is rotationally fixed to a further gear (88).

23. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 22, characterized in that the gear drive (34) is designed such that an axis of rotation (80) of the further gear (88) is aligned perpendicular to the door drive shaft (58). Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 28 24. Multifunctional actuator (2) according to claim 23, characterized in that the gear drive (34) comprises two further gears (48, 46) whose axes of rotation (80) are aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the further gear (88).

25. Door actuator (200) for opening and closing a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising an electric drive unit (14) which can be connected to a door opener (18) with a gear drive (34), and wherein the gear drive (34) has a first bevel gear (68) which can be driven by the door drive shaft (52) and which meshes with a second bevel gear (74) which is non-rotatably connected to a further gear (88).

26. Door actuator (200) according to claim 25, characterized in that the gear drive (34) is designed such that an axis of rotation (80) of the further gear (88) is aligned perpendicular to the door drive shaft (58).

27. Door actuator (200) according to claim 26, characterized in that the gear drive (34) comprises two further gears (48, 46) whose axes of rotation (80) are aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the further gear (88). Our reference: K006P536PCT 11 / 11 / 2025 Applicant: Küster Holding GmbH 29 28. Vehicle door system comprising a multifunction actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 and a door lock (300) for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle that can be actuated by the multifunction actuator (2), characterized in that the door lock (300) has a locking element (312) for engaging a body-side locking contour (30), which is acted upon by at least one compression spring (350) and can be locked by a locking element (316) that engages in a recess of the locking element (312), wherein the locking element (316) can be moved into a locking position and a release position by a control contour (324) of a cable lever (328), and wherein the cable lever accommodates a cable (94) attached to the pulley (90) of the multifunction actuator (2).

29. Vehicle door for a motor vehicle with a multifunction actuator (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 or a door actuator according to any one of claims 25 to 27.

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