Unlocking device for motor vehicle component

Abstract

The invention relates to an unlocking device (10) for a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle, comprising an unlocking element (12) which can be actuated by a person and which can be moved between a starting position, a first unlocking position, and a second unlocking position relative to a motor vehicle part (14), wherein an electronic unlocking mechanism for the motor vehicle component is triggered when the unlocking element (12) is arranged in the first unlocking position, and a mechanical unlocking mechanism for the motor vehicle component is triggered when the unlocking element (12) is arranged in the second unlocking position, and wherein the unlocking element (12) is designed to be moved along a specified unlocking path (18) from the starting position through the first unlocking position into the second unlocking position.

Description

[0001] Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH November 19, 2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0002] 1

[0003] Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH, Landshuter Str. 100, D-84137 Vilsbiburg

[0004] Unlocking device for a motor vehicle component

[0005] Technical field

[0006] The invention relates to a release device for a motor vehicle component.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] It is already known from series vehicle manufacturing to create vehicle components that are electrically unlocked during normal operation, while a mechanical unlocking mechanism is provided for emergency operation. In other words, during normal operation, the vehicle component is unlocked by actuating a control element, which triggers the transmission of an electrical signal that, in turn, activates an unlocking mechanism. With mechanical unlocking, the unlocking mechanism is actuated directly by mechanical action.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution by which a mechanical emergency release of a motor vehicle component can be made particularly easy and intuitive to operate for a user.

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0012] The invention relates to a release device for a motor vehicle component, in particular a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car. The release device comprises a release element that can be operated by a person, which switches between a starting position, a first

[0013] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0014] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0015] 2

[0016] The unlocking element can be adjusted to a first unlocking position and a second unlocking position relative to a vehicle component. When the unlocking element is in the first unlocking position, an electronic unlocking mechanism for the vehicle component is triggered. When the unlocking element is in the second unlocking position, a mechanical unlocking mechanism for the vehicle component is triggered. For example, it can be provided that when the first unlocking position is reached, an electrical signal is triggered to release the lock on the vehicle component, for example, by means of an actuator. Once the unlocking element has reached the first unlocking position, an electrical signal can be sent to a movement mechanism of the actuator, thereby triggering the release of the lock on the vehicle component.When the release element reaches the second unlocking position, the locking mechanism of the vehicle component is mechanically released via a mechanical connection between the release element and the locking device. For example, a Bowden cable actuated by the release element can be provided, which releases the locking mechanism. Thus, when the release element is in the second unlocking position, this Bowden cable is actuated, mechanically releasing the locking mechanism.

[0017] For normal operation, the unlocking device provides an electronic unlocking mechanism, allowing for particularly easy unlocking of the vehicle component. For emergency operation, the unlocking device provides a mechanical unlocking mechanism, enabling mechanical unlocking of the vehicle component, especially when the electronic unlocking mechanism cannot be triggered, for example, due to a failure of electrical signal transmission.

[0018] The unlocking device is designed so that the unlocking element is positioned to move along a predetermined unlocking path from the initial position, through the first unlocking position, to the second unlocking position. In other words, the unlocking element is designed to move only along a single predetermined unlocking path to trigger the unlocking mechanisms, passing through the first unlocking position and then the second unlocking position as it moves along this path.

[0019] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0020] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0021] 3. When the unlocking element is moved along the unlocking path from its starting position, it first reaches the first unlocking position. If the vehicle component does not unlock despite the unlocking element being in the first unlocking position, the unlocking element can be moved further along the unlocking path from the first unlocking position to the second unlocking position. Once the unlocking element reaches the second unlocking position, the mechanical unlocking mechanism is triggered, thereby mechanically releasing the locking mechanism of the vehicle component.By providing only one unlocking path for the unlocking element, it is possible for a user of the unlocking device to position the unlocking element in the second unlocking position particularly easily and intuitively by moving the unlocking element further along the unlocking path from the first unlocking position and thereby triggering the mechanical unlocking mechanism, which is in particular an emergency unlocking mechanism.

[0022] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the unlocking element is a lever rotatable around an axis of rotation relative to the vehicle component for movement along the unlocking path. This means that the unlocking path comprises, or is designed as, a circular path at least substantially, which runs around the axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the vehicle component. By designing the unlocking element as a lever, it can be operated particularly easily and with minimal effort by one person. Because this lever must be rotated around the axis of rotation to move the unlocking element along the unlocking path, the unlocking path is defined with particular precision.This ensures that when the unlocking element is moved, it is guided particularly securely on or along the unlocking path.

[0023] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the vehicle component is a vehicle door, and the unlocking element is configured to trigger the unlocking mechanisms by means of which the vehicle door can be unlocked. In the unlocked state, the vehicle door can be opened, or is in the open position, whereas in the locked state of the vehicle door, the vehicle door

[0024] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0025] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0026] 4. The door is closed and cannot be opened. The described unlocking device allows the vehicle door to be opened particularly easily during normal operation by positioning the unlocking element in the first unlocking position, and allows the vehicle door to be unlocked particularly easily in an emergency situation where the vehicle door cannot be opened using the electronic unlocking mechanism, by moving the unlocking element to the second unlocking position, in which the mechanical unlocking mechanism is triggered.

[0027] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the unlocking device comprises a return spring assembly in which a spring tension is built up when the unlocking element is moved from its initial position along its unlocking path. This return spring assembly allows the unlocking element to be returned to its initial position by releasing the spring tension. The return spring assembly thus enables the unlocking element to be reliably returned to its initial position after being moved from it. The return spring assembly comprises at least one return spring in which a spring tension is built up when the unlocking element is deflected from its initial position.Upon release of the spring tension in the at least one return spring, the unlocking element is returned to its initial position as soon as the force acting on the unlocking element, by which it was deflected from its initial position, ceases. The at least one return spring is supported at one end against the unlocking element and at the other end against the vehicle component. This ensures that when the unlocking element is deflected from its initial position, the at least one return spring is either extended or compressed, thereby building up the spring tension in the at least one return spring.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the unlocking device comprises a resistance spring assembly configured to apply a resistance force to the unlocking element before the unlocking element reaches the second unlocking position. This resistance force must be overcome to move the unlocking element along the unlocking path to the second unlocking position.

[0029] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0030] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0031] 5

[0032] The unlocking element is thus subjected to a resistance force, at least after the first unlocking position has been reached or passed through, and before the second unlocking position has been reached. This resistance force applied to the unlocking element therefore represents a kind of barrier, ensuring that the unlocking element only moves further into the second unlocking position when explicitly desired. If the electronic unlocking mechanism releases the locking mechanism of the vehicle component when the unlocking element reaches the first unlocking position, a person has no incentive to move the unlocking element further into the second unlocking position and thereby additionally trigger the mechanical unlocking mechanism.However, if the locking mechanism of the vehicle component has not yet been released by the unlocking element when it reaches or passes through the first unlocking position, the person can overcome the resistance by applying greater force to the unlocking element and thereby move it into the second unlocking position. This is particularly intuitive because, in a panic situation where the locking mechanism of the vehicle component has not been released by the unlocking element when it reaches the first unlocking position, the person can apply greater force to the unlocking element due to panic, thereby overcoming the resistance and moving the unlocking element into the second unlocking position.

[0033] In this context, it may be provided that the resistance spring device includes a resistance spring which, as the unlocking element moves along the unlocking path, slides along a guide contour and—as soon as the unlocking element reaches a resistance position—is tensioned by contact with a geometry of the guide contour associated with that resistance position. By tensioning the resistance spring as a result of contact with the predetermined geometry of the guide contour, the unlocking element is subjected to the resistance force. By applying at least a predetermined force to the unlocking element, the resistance spring overcomes this predetermined geometry of the guide contour and can continue to move along the guide contour while the unlocking element is moved from the resistance position to the second unlocking position.The unlocking element's resistance position is thus reached by applying the resistance spring to the...

[0034] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0035] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0036] 6. A predefined geometry is defined. When the unlocking element is moved relative to the vehicle component along the unlocking path, the resistance spring is moved relative to the guide contour. As soon as the unlocking element reaches the resistance position, the resistance spring reaches the predefined geometry.

[0037] If an attempt is made to move the release element further along the release path, the resistance spring is deflected and thus tensioned by sliding along the predefined geometry. If at least the predefined force is then applied to the release element, the resistance spring slides over or past the geometry, thereby overcoming it. Once the geometry has been overcome, the resistance spring can be moved further along the guide contour by moving the release element, now out of the resistance position, further along the release path towards the second release position.The design of the unlocking device with the resistance spring, which can be guided along the guide contour and is tensioned by the geometry when the unlocking element reaches the resistance position, allows the unlocking element to be subjected to the resistance force particularly easily and reliably when it has reached the resistance position and a user attempts to move the unlocking element from the resistance position further along the unlocking path towards the second unlocking position.

[0038] In this context, it may be provided that the guide contour is formed on the release element and the resistance spring is held on the vehicle component. In particular, the resistance spring is designed as a leaf spring, a band spring, a helical spring, or a coil spring. The resistance spring is held rigidly or rotationally fixed to the vehicle component at one end and rests against the guide contour formed on the release element at the other end. By moving the release element relative to the vehicle component, the free end of the resistance spring resting against the guide contour can slide along the guide contour.It can be particularly easy to define, by shaping the guide contour, which position of the unlocking element along the unlocking path relative to the vehicle component determines when which spring tension is applied or released in the resistance spring. This can be achieved by selecting a suitable geometry for the guide contour.

[0039] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0040] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0041] 7. The closer the release element is moved to the resistance position, the greater the resistance force provided by the resistance spring. In other words, the resistance force of the resistance spring can increase continuously as the release element approaches the resistance position. Therefore, there is no sudden blocking of the release element due to a sudden build-up of spring tension in the resistance spring when the release element reaches the resistance position.Once the unlocking element has been moved along the unlocking path towards the second unlocking position from the resistance position, the spring tension of the resistance spring can be released particularly quickly and, for example, abruptly, which makes it possible for the person to easily position the unlocking element in the second unlocking position once the resistance force has been overcome.

[0042] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the predetermined geometry associated with the resistance position is formed by a recess or elevation in the unlocking element. If the geometry is a local elevation, when the unlocking element is moved along its unlocking path, the free end of the resistance spring, which rests against the guide contour, can slide along the guide contour. Upon reaching the resistance position, the unlocking element deflects the free end by means of the elevation, thereby building up spring tension in the resistance spring. Applying the predetermined force to the unlocking element causes the free end of the resistance spring to slide over the elevation.Once the free end of the resistance spring has been completely moved over the raised section, it can continue to slide along the guide contour, allowing the release element to be moved further along its path towards the second release position. The raised section in the release element makes tensioning the resistance spring by deflection particularly easy, and allows for very precise control of the release element's resistance position.

[0043] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a preload of the return spring device can be mechanically adjusted and / or a preload of the resistance spring can be mechanically adjusted, thereby enabling a

[0044] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0045] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0046] 8. The total force acting on the release element can be set to at least a predetermined minimum value. This means that the return spring of the return spring assembly and / or the resistance spring can be arranged in different positions relative to the vehicle component and / or the release element, with the respective springs exhibiting different preloads in each of these positions. For example, the vehicle component and / or the release element can have several different contact surfaces against which the respective spring can be supported. Depending on which contact surface of the release element or the vehicle component the respective spring rests against, a preload corresponding to that contact surface is established in the respective spring. For this purpose, several different contact surfaces can protrude to varying degrees relative to each other.The spring is designed to protrude, resulting in different preloads depending on which contact surface it rests against. Alternatively or additionally, the spring's angular orientation can be adjusted around a predetermined reference point, particularly a connection point where the spring is attached to the vehicle component or release element, to set the respective preload. Adjusting the preload of each spring allows for excellent compensation of component and / or assembly tolerances, thereby minimizing scrap.

[0047] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the vehicle component has a mechanical end stop by which the unlocking element is held in place when returning to its initial position. Furthermore, a soft component can be provided, which is arranged between the unlocking element and the mechanical end stop in the initial position. The soft component can be held on the unlocking element or on the mechanical end stop. In particular, the soft component is elastically designed and enables the unlocking element to decelerate gently when it is returned to its initial position, for example, by means of the return spring. A hard impact of the unlocking element against the mechanical end stop of the vehicle component can be particularly well avoided by means of the soft component.The resetting of the unlocking element to its starting position can therefore be implemented in a particularly quiet manner and with a particularly low risk of damage to the unlocking element and the mechanical end stop of the motor vehicle component or the motor vehicle component itself.

[0048] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0049] 19.11.2025 0502024-WO-PCT

[0050] 9

[0051] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the unlocking device comprises a locking element that dampens the acceleration of the unlocking element relative to the vehicle component, at least when the unlocking element moves from its initial position along the unlocking path towards the first unlocking position. This locking element can be, in particular, a silicone brake, a barrel damper, an anti-crash lever, or a spring element. As a result of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle in which the unlocking device is installed, the unlocking element can be moved from its initial position towards the first unlocking position along the unlocking path due to inertial forces acting on it.To prevent the release mechanism, and in particular at least the electronic release mechanism, from being triggered by this acceleration of the release element, a safety element is provided. The safety element allows the release element to be decelerated, thus preventing any acceleration of the release element towards the first release position, which would otherwise occur due to its inertia relative to a vehicle component, from reaching that position. This significantly reduces the risk of unintentional triggering of the release mechanisms, especially at least the electronic release mechanism.

[0052] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention may become apparent from the following description of possible embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those shown below in the figure description and / or in the figures themselves, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0053] Brief character description

[0054] The drawing shows in:

[0055] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0056] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0057] 10

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a release device for a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle with a release element and a motor vehicle component relative to which the release element can be moved.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows another schematic perspective view of the unlocking device,

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the motor vehicle component, and

[0061] Fig. 4 shows another schematic perspective view of the unlocking device.

[0062] Figures 1, 2, and 4 show a release device 10 for a motor vehicle component in different schematic perspective views. The release device 10 shown in the figures is designed to unlock a vehicle door as a motor vehicle component. The release device 10 comprises a release element configured to trigger two different release mechanisms, each of which unlocks the vehicle door. In addition to the release element 12, the release device 10 includes a motor vehicle component 14 relative to which the release element 12 can be moved. In this case, the release element 12 is designed as a lever rotatable about a pivot axis 16 relative to the motor vehicle component 14.To enable particularly easy actuation of the release element 12, an engagement surface 20 is provided on the release element 12. A direction of movement 18, along which the release element 12 can be moved relative to the vehicle component 14, is indicated by arrows in Figures 1 and 2. The release element 12 is designed to be moved relative to the vehicle component 14 along a predetermined release path 18, for which purpose the release element 12 can be moved from its initial position into or through a first release position and into a second release position.In other words, the unlocking element 12 can be adjusted between the initial position, the first unlocking position, and the second unlocking position relative to the vehicle component 14 by moving the unlocking element 12 relative to the vehicle component 14 along the unlocking path 18. If the unlocking element 12 is positioned in the first unlocking position, then an electronic

[0063] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0064] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0065] 11

[0066] The unlocking mechanism for the vehicle door is triggered. When the unlocking element 12 is positioned in the second unlocking position, a mechanical unlocking mechanism for the vehicle door is triggered. To enable particularly simple and intuitive movement of the unlocking element 12 into the second unlocking position, it is designed so that the unlocking element 12 can be moved along the unlocking path 18 from the initial position, through the first unlocking position, into the second unlocking position. The initial position of the unlocking element 12 is a basic position located in a surveying-relevant zone.

[0067] To ensure reliable resetting of the unlocking element 12 to its initial position after it has been deflected from its initial position along its release path, the unlocking device 10 is provided with a return spring assembly, which in this case comprises a return spring 22. The return spring 22 is a coil spring, the first leg of which is supported against the unlocking element 12 and the second leg of which is supported against the vehicle component 14. When the unlocking element 12 is moved from its initial position along its release path, spring tension builds up in the return spring 22. Upon release of this spring tension, the unlocking element 12 is returned to its initial position.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a resistance spring assembly 24, which in this case comprises a spirally wound band spring as the resistance spring 26. This band spring is held at one end to the vehicle component 14 and rests at its other, free end 28 against a guide contour 30. This guide contour 30 is provided on the release element 12. The free end 28 of the resistance spring 26 thus slides along the guide contour 30 of the release element 12 when the release element 12 is moved relative to the vehicle component 14 along the release path. The resistance spring 26 can alternatively be a leaf spring. The guide contour 30 can, in particular, be provided by a contoured area of ​​the release element 12.

[0069] Along the unlocking path of the unlocking element 12, a resistance position is specified, upon reaching which the unlocking element 12 is subjected to a resistance force by means of the resistance spring device 24, so that this

[0070] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0071] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0072] 12

[0073] A resistance force must be overcome to allow the unlocking element 12 to be moved further along the unlocking path 18 from the resistance position. The resistance position is located along the unlocking path 18, specifically between the first and second unlocking positions. The resistance spring assembly 24 thus applies the resistance force to the unlocking element 12 before it reaches the second unlocking position. This resistance force is applied when, as soon as the unlocking element 12 reaches the resistance position, the free end 28 of the resistance spring 26 reaches a predetermined geometry of the guide contour 30 corresponding to the resistance position, thereby tensioning the resistance spring 26.In this case, the predefined geometry of the guide contour 30 consists of a raised section 32 within the guide geometry 30. Upon reaching this raised section, the free end 28 of the resistance spring is deflected, thereby generating spring tension in the resistance spring 26. This spring tension in the resistance spring 26 represents the resistance force felt at the release element 12. If this resistance force at the release element 12 is overcome by moving the release element 12 further along the release path 18, the free end 28 of the resistance spring 26 slides over the raised section 32 of the guide geometry 30, thereby releasing the spring tension and returning the free end 28 of the resistance spring 26 to its original position. This allows a person to easily move the release element 12 further along the release path 18 into the second release position.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a further schematic perspective view of the vehicle component 14, in which a soft component 34 held against the vehicle component 14 can be seen. The soft component 34 is arranged in the area of ​​a mechanical end stop of the vehicle component 14. It is provided that the release element 12 is stopped when returning to its initial position by means of the mechanical end stop of the vehicle, by the release element 12 being applied to the soft component 34. The soft component 34 is thus arranged in the initial position between the release element 12 and the mechanical end stop of the vehicle component 14. By means of the soft component 34, rattling of the release element 12 due to contact with the mechanical end stop can be prevented. The soft component 34 is

[0075] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0076] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0077] 13 This is in particular a tool-falling soft component or an assembly part. This soft component 34 can be used to ensure a soft engagement of the release element 12 when returning to the mechanical end stop or to cover the mechanical end stop towards the release element 12, thereby dampening the approach of the release element 12 to the mechanical end stop.

[0078] The unlocking device 10 can further comprise a locking element 36, which is only schematically indicated by a box in Fig. 4. In this case, the locking element 36 is a silicone brake. The locking element 36 is designed to dampen, and in particular limit, the acceleration of the unlocking element 12 relative to the motor vehicle component 14, at least when the unlocking element 12 moves from its initial position along the unlocking path 18 towards the first unlocking position. In this case, the unlocking element 12 has a toothed element 38 which can engage with the locking element 36, thereby dampening the movement of the unlocking element 12 via the engagement between the locking element 36 and the toothed element 38.The silicone brake prevents the electronic unlocking mechanism from being triggered by preventing the unlocking element 12 from reaching the first unlocking position due to inertial or acceleration forces. The silicone brake can be designed as a one-sided brake with a freewheel. Alternatively, the silicone brake can be designed as a two-sided brake, in which case it can, on the one hand, prevent the electronic unlocking mechanism from being triggered by positioning the unlocking element 12 in the first unlocking position, and on the other hand, act as an elastic end stop for the unlocking element 12 when it returns to its initial position.

[0079] It may be provided that a Bowden cable or similar is attached to the release element 12, which can be actuated by means of the release element 12. If the release element 12 is arranged along the release path 18 in the starting position, between the starting position and the first release position, or in the first release position, then the Bowden cable is in free play. The Bowden cable is actuated while the release element 12 moves along the

[0080] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0081] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0082] 14

[0083] The unlocking path 18 is located between the first unlocking position and the second unlocking position, or in the second unlocking position.

[0084] Currently, in motor vehicles, for unlocking, for example door unlocks, a separate switch or button is provided for electronic unlocking and a separate lever or similar for mechanical unlocking or emergency unlocking with a large unlocking distance.

[0085] In the described unlocking device 10, it is provided that two functions can be implemented via a single unlocking path 18 using the unlocking element 12: firstly, triggering the electronic unlocking of the vehicle component, and secondly, triggering the mechanical unlocking of the vehicle component. By moving the unlocking element 12 from its initial position to the first unlocking position, a microswitch can be moved along a switching path predetermined for the microswitch, where the switching path is, for example, six millimeters long.

[0086] In the described unlocking device 10, different spring forces act on the unlocking element 12. It is specifically provided that the unlocking element 12 can be moved from the initial position to the first unlocking position when a force of at least eight Newtons is applied to the unlocking element 12, and furthermore, that the unlocking element 12 can only be moved to the second unlocking position when a force of at least 30 Newtons is applied to the unlocking element 12, particularly to the engagement surface 20. Different spring elements in the unlocking device 10, such as the return spring 22 and the resistance spring 26, can be used to implement different spring preload levels in order to compensate for high tolerances in the unlocking device 10.This allows for a particularly low reject rate and minimizes the testing effort required for the unlocking device 10. Consequently, rework can be effectively avoided. Integrating the return spring 22 and the resistance spring 26, each with its own preload, into the unlocking device 10 allows for excellent compensation of tolerances. The different spring elements can have varying degrees of force.

[0087] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0088] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0089] The resistance spring 26 and the return spring 22 are pre-tensioned. They can be installed in different positions, with each spring having a different pre-tension in each position. Depending on the combination of pre-tensions of the resistance spring 26 and the return spring 22, predetermined actuating forces can be set, which are applied to the release element 12 to move it into the respective release positions.For example, the selected arrangement of the resistance spring 26 and the return spring 22 can be used to adjust their respective preloads such that the unlocking element 12 can only be moved from the initial position to the first unlocking position if a force of at least eight newtons is applied to the unlocking element 12, or that the unlocking element 12 can only be moved to the second unlocking position if a force of at least 30 newtons is applied to the unlocking element 12, in particular to the engagement surface 20.

[0090] For positioning in different positions, the coil spring 26, used as a resistance spring, can be aligned at different angular positions around a connection point on the vehicle component 14. Similarly, for positioning in different positions, the return spring 22 can be positioned with its respective legs against different contact surfaces of the release element 12 or the vehicle component 14. Adjusting the preload of the springs 22 and 26 by adapting their position allows, in particular, for tolerances of the vehicle component 14 or the release element 12 to be compensated for very effectively, thereby minimizing rejects in the manufacture of release devices 10.

[0091] For a safety-relevant rear-end collision protection system, the locking element 36 can be provided. In particular, the release element 12 is oriented such that, when used as intended in the motor vehicle, it is moved horizontally from its initial position when moved along the release path 18. To prevent the electronic release mechanism from being triggered by G-forces acting on the release element 12 in a rear-end collision, since the release element 12's release path to reach the first release position is particularly short, the locking element 36 is provided, which is in particular the silicone brake.

[0092] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0093] 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT

[0094] 16 or a barrel damper. The locking element 36 acts with a predetermined inertia on the unlocking element 12, thereby preventing unintentional electronic unlocking of the vehicle component. Alternatively, a spring element can be used as the locking element 36, which can be mounted on the vehicle component 14, with the spring element generating resistance in the initial position of the unlocking element 12. Alternatively, this function can be implemented by designing the locking element 36 as an anti-crash lever with a home-position spring. Overall, the invention demonstrates how a future-oriented opening mechanism for a vehicle component can be designed.

[0095] Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH

[0096] 19.11.2025 0502024-WO-PCT

[0097] 17

[0098] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0099] 10 Unlocking device

[0100] 12. Unlocking element

[0101] 14 Motor vehicle component

[0102] 16 axis of rotation

[0103] 18 Unlocking path

[0104] 20 intervention area

[0105] 22 Return spring

[0106] 24 Resistance spring device

[0107] 26 resistance spring

[0108] 28 free ending

[0109] 30 Leadership contour

[0110] 32 increase

[0111] 34 Soft component

[0112] 36 locking element

[0113] 38 Tooth element of the unlocking element

[0114] Internal

Claims

Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH 19.11.2025 0502024-WO-PCT 18 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Unlocking device (10) for a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle, with a unlocking element (12) that can be operated by a person and which can be adjusted between an initial position, a first unlocking position and a second unlocking position relative to a motor vehicle component (14), - wherein, in an arrangement of the unlocking element (12) in the first unlocking position, an electronic unlocking mechanism for the motor vehicle component is triggered and in the second unlocking position, a mechanical unlocking mechanism for the motor vehicle component is triggered, and - wherein the unlocking element (12) is configured to be moved along a predetermined unlocking path (18) from the starting position through the first unlocking position to the second unlocking position.

2. Unlocking device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the unlocking element (12) is a lever rotatable for moving along the unlocking path (18) about a pivot axis (16) relative to the motor vehicle component (14).

3. Unlocking device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motor vehicle component is a vehicle door of a motor vehicle and the unlocking element (12) is configured to trigger the unlocking mechanisms by means of which the vehicle door can be unlocked.

4. Unlocking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking device (10) comprises a return spring device in which, when the unlocking element (12) is moved from the initial position along the unlocking path (18), a spring tension is built up and by means of which Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT 19 the unlocking element (12) can be returned to the starting position by releasing the spring tension.

5. Unlocking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unlocking device (10) comprises a resistance spring device (24) which is configured to apply a resistance force to the unlocking element (12) before the unlocking element (12) has reached the second unlocking position, wherein the resistance force must be overcome in order to move the unlocking element (12) along the unlocking path (18) into the second unlocking position.

6. Unlocking device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the resistance spring device (24) comprises a resistance spring (26) which, during movement of the unlocking element (12) along the unlocking path (18), slides along a guide contour (30) and, as soon as the unlocking element (12) reaches a resistance position, is tensioned by contact with a geometry (32) of the guide contour (30) associated with the resistance position, whereby the unlocking element (12) is subjected to the resistance force, wherein, by applying at least a predetermined force to the unlocking element (12), the resistance spring (26) overcomes this geometry (30) of the guide contour (32) and can be moved further along the guide contour (32) by moving the unlocking element (12) from the resistance position to the second unlocking position.

7. Unlocking device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the geometry (32) is formed by a recess or a raised area in the unlocking element (12).

8. Unlocking device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a preload of the return spring device can be mechanically adjusted and / or a preload of the resistance spring (26) can be mechanically adjusted. Internal Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH 19.11.2025 0502024-WG-PCT 20 can be achieved, whereby the total force acting on the unlocking element (12) can be set to at least a predetermined minimum value.

9. Unlocking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mechanical end stop is provided on the motor vehicle component (14) by means of which the unlocking element (12) is stopped in its initial position when being reset, wherein a soft component (34) is provided which is arranged in the initial position between the unlocking element (12) and the mechanical end stop.

10. Unlocking device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking element (36) is provided which dampens an acceleration of the unlocking element (12) relative to the motor vehicle component (14) at least when moving the unlocking element (12) from the initial position along the unlocking path (18) in the direction of the first unlocking position. Internal

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