Method and motor vehicle lock for closing and opening a door element mounted movably on a motor vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KIEKERT AG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure DE2025101175_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] INTERNAL
[0002] P24077WO December 12, 2025
[0003] Description
[0004] Method and motor vehicle lock for closing and opening a door element movably attached to the motor vehicle
[0005] The invention relates to a method for closing and opening a door element movably mounted on a motor vehicle, and to a motor vehicle lock for closing and opening a door element movably mounted on a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the pawl allows the rotary movement of the rotary latch to be locked in at least one detent position, a closing device, wherein the closing device allows the locking mechanism to be moved from a pre-detent position to a main detent position, an opening device, wherein the opening device allows a door element to be moved from a closed position to an open position, and a drive device, wherein the drive device allows both the closing device and the opening device to be actuated.
[0006] To increase comfort and ease of use in motor vehicles, more and more comfort features are being integrated. For example, it is common for vehicle doors, hatches, or hoods to be closed using a soft-close mechanism and / or opened using a lift mechanism. This can be done, on the one hand, to allow for easy opening and closing of the door, and on the other hand, to eliminate the need for an exterior door handle, for example, to achieve a more streamlined vehicle design.
[0007] P24077WO 2 12 December 2025
[0008] Fully automatic tailgates often feature integrated closing mechanisms. These tailgates can then be opened and closed, for example, using a remote control, without manual operation of the tailgate itself.
[0009] Locking systems equipped with a closing mechanism are fundamentally used on all conceivable doors, hatches, sliding doors, etc., of a motor vehicle. Thus, not only side doors, but also trunk lids, tailgates, or hoods are conceivable and are included within the scope of the invention. With the aid of the closing mechanism, the door in question can be moved from the aforementioned pre-latch position into a main latch position against the resistance primarily of a seal, into a closed position.
[0010] In DE 20 2008 015 089 Ul, the procedure is as follows: a transmission lever mounted axially to an axis of a rotary latch of the locking mechanism is provided. Additionally, a drive pawl is mounted on a transmission element. The drive pawl is in turn connected to the drive by means of a Bowden cable or another connecting element.
[0011] In addition to the use of a closing drive for locking systems in motor vehicles, positioning devices have become known. Positioning devices, also called presenters or extenders, preferably serve to move components movably arranged on the motor vehicle from a closed position to an open position with motorized assistance.
[0012] P24077WO 3 12 December 2025
[0013] to move the component so that the operator is able to grasp it and open it fully. The positioning devices interact with electrically unlockable locking systems, allowing the component to be moved into the open position after the lock has been electrically unlocked or opened. Once the lock is open, a vehicle door, for example, can be moved to the open position without manually operating an external handle.
[0014] From DE 10 2011 015 669 A1, a hinger for motor vehicle doors or hatches is disclosed, which allows a door, hatch, or hood to be moved from a closed position to an open position. If the hinger relates, for example, to a motor vehicle side door, the door can be opened, for instance, by means of an electrical impulse from a radio remote control. For this to happen, the lock of the door must first be unlocked, preferably electrically, so that the door can be opened. If, for example, the door seal pressure is insufficient to move the door from the closed position to an open position, the hinger can be used to move the door into an open position.
[0015] An open position is defined here as the state in which the operator of the vehicle is able to grasp the door in such a way as to fully open it. An electric drive serves as the opening mechanism, which, via a drive pawl and an internal and external lever, mechanically acts on the vehicle door in the form of a pivoting movement of the levers.
[0016] P24077WO December 12, 2025
[0017] From DE 10 2015 003 918 A1, a motor vehicle lock is known, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the pawl can be used to lock the rotary latch, a drive unit with which the pawl can be moved from a locked position to the release position for the locking mechanism, and an actuating device, wherein the actuating device can move a vehicle part receiving the motor vehicle lock from a closed position to an open position. In one embodiment, the drive unit forms a drive for the actuating device. Preferably, an electric motor serves as the drive unit for electrically opening the motor vehicle lock, which, for example, acts on an actuating device via a gearbox, so that the pawl can be released from the rotary latch.If the electric motor already present in the vehicle lock is used as a drive unit for the lifting device, then a further drive for the lifting device can be dispensed with.
[0018] From the generic DE 10 2021 132 120 A1, a motor vehicle lock is known, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the pawl allows the rotary latch to be locked in at least one detent position, a closing device wherein the locking mechanism can be moved from a pre-detent position to a main detent position by means of the closing device, an opening device wherein a door element can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of the opening device, and a drive unit wherein both the closing device and the opening device can be actuated by means of the drive unit.
[0019] P24077WO December 12, 2025
[0020] The different functions of closing and opening are initiated by means of a switchable clutch inside the vehicle lock.
[0021] The known and widely used closing devices and positioning devices have generally proven their worth. While maintaining consistently high functionality, automotive manufacturers and suppliers face the challenge of reducing vehicle weight and minimizing the number of components. Reducing the weight of individual components can minimize the overall vehicle weight and thus lower fuel consumption. This is where the invention comes in.
[0022] The object of the invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle with the described comfort functions, such as power closing and a self-leveling mechanism. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide these comfort functions in a minimal installation space and with the fewest possible components. Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.
[0023] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any number of variations of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible.
[0024] P24077WO 6 12 December 2025
[0025] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a motor vehicle lock comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch can be locked in at least one detent position by means of the pawl, a closing device, wherein the locking mechanism can be moved from a pre-detent position to a main detent position by means of the closing device, an opening device, wherein a door element can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of the opening device, and a drive unit, wherein both the closing device and the opening device can be actuated by means of the drive unit, and the drive unit comprises a Bowden cable, wherein the Bowden cable can be coupled to the closing device and the opening device by means of a guide.The inventive design of the vehicle lock now makes it possible to use the vehicle lock, or the components associated with it, in such a way that, on the one hand, the locking mechanism can be engaged, and on the other hand, the drive unit allows the component or door element, which is movably attached to the vehicle, to be raised into an open position. The inventive design minimizes the number of components required to move the locking mechanism and the vehicle part. In particular, a complex clutch mechanism can be dispensed with.
[0026] By using the guide for the Bowden cable of the drive unit, a mechanical clutch can be dispensed with, so that switching between functions can be achieved with the fewest possible components and INTERNAL
[0027] P24077WO December 12, 2025
[0028] The guide alone enables switching between the opening and closing positions. For this purpose, the drive unit is equipped with a Bowden cable, which can be actuated, i.e., moved back and forth, by means of an electric drive and at least a single-stage gearbox. The Bowden cable is thus able to move in two directions from a neutral position: firstly, in a sliding direction, and secondly, in a pulling direction, so that the drive unit enables the Bowden cable to move back and forth. The guide then allows the Bowden cable to be moved into the different operating positions.
[0029] The drive unit is preferably arranged at a distance from the vehicle lock and connected to the vehicle lock by means of a Bowden cable. However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the drive unit is attached directly to the vehicle lock, so that the drive unit forms an integral part of the vehicle lock. In any case, the drive unit has a Bowden cable, with a Bowden cable end piece attached to the Bowden cable, the Bowden cable end piece being able to be moved into the different operating positions by means of the guide in the vehicle lock.
[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the guide is arranged in the vehicle lock and is at least partially formed from the lock housing. The Bowden cable or the Bowden cable core and the end piece protrude at least internally.
[0031] P24077WO 8 12 December 2025
[0032] The Bowden cable is inserted into the guide located in the vehicle lock. Starting from a neutral position, the drive unit moves the Bowden cable end forward or backward. Depending on the design of the vehicle lock, the guide can then initiate either the closing or opening of the lock. If the lock housing is used to guide the Bowden cable end, a further mechanism can be used to switch between the two functions: opening and closing.
[0033] Since only minor forces act on the Bowden cable end piece during the adjustment of the lock function, it has been shown that it can be sufficient if the Bowden cable end piece can be guided, at least partially, within the plastic lock housing. Particularly in areas where the Bowden cable end piece transmits high forces, as is necessary, for example, when closing the door, the Bowden cable end piece engages in the closing mechanism, so that the raw forces required to move the door into the closed position can be provided. However, greater forces may also be required when opening the door, for example, if the door is iced over. In this case, i.e., with an iced-over door, the lock is indeed released, but the door does not move into the open position due to the icing of the door and, preferably, the door seal. Partial opening or...Opening the door element can be achieved by the door seal pressure; however, moving the door element into the open position, i.e., the position in which the operator can grasp the door element, is accomplished via the opening mechanism. In this case, INTERNAL.
[0034] P24077WO 9 12 December 2025
[0035] Similarly, high forces are required to move the door element out of the icing with the door seal. Thus, the Bowden cable end piece also engages with a lifting mechanism, which in turn is designed to transmit large forces, preferably metallic.
[0036] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide is designed as a cam guide for the Bowden cable end piece. In the unactuated state of the drive unit, the Bowden cable end piece is in a home position. An unactuated state occurs when either the door is open, the door element is in a pre-latch position, or when, after closing, the door element is in a main latch position. The home position of the Bowden cable end piece is therefore always assumed when the drive unit is neither opening nor closing the door. It has proven advantageous for the Bowden cable end piece to be guided in a cam inside the vehicle lock.Starting from the home position, a first function can be initiated by pushing the Bowden cable end, and a second function can be initiated by pulling the end of the Bowden cable. Pulling and pushing describes the back-and-forth movement of the Bowden cable end. The cam mechanism allows the Bowden cable end to be guided to the corresponding function in the vehicle lock. To assume the different functional positions or initiate the different functions, the Bowden cable end can be moved back and forth by the drive unit; that is, the Bowden cable end is either pushed or pulled by the drive unit. The cam mechanism enables this internally.
[0037] P24077WO 10 12 December 2025
[0038] This involves supplying the Bowden cable end piece to the corresponding function.
[0039] To ensure the Bowden cable end is guided securely within the guide, it can be advantageous for the Bowden cable end to be held spring-loaded in its home position. In this position, the Bowden cable end is positioned within the guide such that moving it into the vehicle lock activates the first function, and moving it out of the vehicle lock initiates the second function. If the drive unit is located within the vehicle lock, i.e., as an integral component, the movement of the Bowden cable end can also be described as a back-and-forth motion. In this case, the guide allows the Bowden cable end to move into the respective functional position.
[0040] By way of example, and in a corresponding embodiment, the Bowden cable end piece can be moved from its initial position to a first functional position by means of a pulling movement of the drive unit, thus resulting in an embodiment of the invention. The initial position of the Bowden cable end piece is preferably fixed by means of a spring element. Depending on the design of the cam guide, a center-zero spring can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, it is conceivable that one leg of a torsion spring engages with the Bowden cable end piece to fix the initial position. For this purpose, for example, one leg of a torsion spring of the Bowden cable end piece can be subjected to a spring force in the sliding direction to hold the Bowden cable end piece securely in the cam guide. If, starting from the INTERNAL
[0041] P24077WO 11 12 December 2025
[0042] When the Bowden cable end is moved in the direction of pull, i.e., towards the drive, by means of the Bowden cable core and the electric motor drive, the Bowden cable end engages, for example, with a closing mechanism of the vehicle lock. The pulling movement at the Bowden cable end then causes the locking mechanism to move from a pre-latch position to a main latch position. Alternatively, the pulling movement can also be used to open the door element. For this, the opening mechanism in the vehicle lock can act indirectly, i.e., for example, via the rotary latch, or directly, i.e., on the lock holder.
[0043] When the Bowden cable end is moved from its initial position to a second operating position by means of a sliding movement of the drive unit, the Bowden cable end enters the cam guide in such a way that a subsequent pulling movement of the Bowden cable end initiates the second function in the vehicle lock. In contrast to simply pulling the Bowden cable, the second operating position is achieved by first pushing the Bowden cable end, so that the Bowden cable end, preferably with spring assistance, is moved into the cam guide for the second operating position. After reaching the position of the second operating position, a reversal occurs in the drive unit, and the Bowden cable is moved back by means of a pulling movement. The cam guide then engages the Bowden cable end with, for example, the actuating device.The pulling motion of the drive unit is then used to raise the door element. Alternatively, the second operating position can of course be used, depending on the design of the vehicle lock and INTERNAL.
[0044] P24077WO 12 12 December 2025
[0045] The second function of the motor vehicle lock in the motor vehicle is a closing function.
[0046] If the Bowden cable end piece can be moved back to its home position after being moved into a functional position by means of the cam guide and / or a spring element and / or the drive unit, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention results. If the vehicle door or hatch has been moved from the main pre-latch position to a main latch position by means of the closing device, the door or hatch is in a closed position. Starting from the closed position of the closing device, the Bowden cable end piece can then be moved back to its home position. This is achieved either by the drive unit initiating a push movement in the Bowden cable, thus moving the Bowden cable end piece back to its home position, and / or by a spring element exerting a tensile force on the Bowden cable end piece, thus holding the released Bowden cable in its home position.The Bowden cable end piece can be held in the home position by means of the spring element and / or the cam guide.
[0047] The inventive design of the vehicle lock allows for a reduction in the number of components, as a coupling for switching between the two functions of closing and opening can be eliminated. This reduces the weight of each vehicle lock. It should be noted that if the proposed vehicle lock is used, for example, as a side door lock and the vehicle has four doors, four times the weight can be saved compared to the prior art. Furthermore, a simple internal mechanism is required.
[0048] P24077WO 13 12 December 2025
[0049] A robust and durable technology for switching and initiating the two functions is provided. In particular, the integration of a cam mechanism, which is at least partially integrated into the vehicle lock housing, allows switching between the functions using existing components. This switching occurs independently of the two functions, closing and opening, so that the existing opening and closing mechanisms can be used.
[0050] When the invention refers to a motor vehicle lock, synonyms such as locking device, lock, or door lock are used interchangeably. The term "motor vehicle lock" also encompasses locks used in doors, sliding doors, flaps, and / or covers of motor vehicles—in short, wherever pivotally or slidably mounted components of the motor vehicle need to be securely held in position. The motor vehicle lock according to the invention preferably relates to a side door lock. Such motor vehicle locks comprise a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and a locking pawl.
[0051] The locking mechanism can also be equipped with two or more pawls or, for example, have a detent or locking lever. Such pawls are known from the prior art. The pawl engages directly with the rotary latch, and the detent or locking lever secures the pawl in the detent position, preferably the main detent position.
[0052] P24077WO 14 12 December 2025
[0053] The object of the invention can be achieved by means of a method. According to the invention, a method for closing and opening a motor vehicle door element is provided, in which a Bowden cable, in particular a Bowden cable end piece, is moved into and out of the motor vehicle lock by means of a drive unit, wherein the Bowden cable end piece is guided in a cam guide such that, after moving the Bowden cable end piece inwards, it enters a first functional position, and after moving the Bowden cable end piece outwards, it enters a second functional position, so that closing the motor vehicle lock and opening a door element can be initiated.
[0054] The inventive method now makes it possible to equip a motor vehicle lock with multiple functions without having to resort to a complex mechanism. In the inventive method, switching between closing and opening is achieved via a cam guide, wherein a Bowden cable end piece is guided in a cam guide such that, depending on the initial direction of movement introduced into the Bowden cable end piece, it either performs a closing function or causes the door element to open.
[0055] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and schematic diagrams. However, it is important to note that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention but merely represents an advantageous principle. The features shown can be used individually or in combination with further features.
[0056] P24077WO 15 12 . December 2025
[0057] Features of the description as well as the patent claims can be implemented individually or in combination.
[0058] It shows:
[0059] Fig. 1 shows a basic representation of a motor vehicle lock with an integrated closing and opening device in a main locking position of the lock and a drive device in a home position,
[0060] Fig. 2 shows the guide track, detached from the vehicle lock, with a first functional sequence and
[0061] Fig. 3 shows the cam guide, detached from the vehicle lock, with a procedure for reaching the second functional position.
[0062] Figure 1 shows a basic and schematic representation of a motor vehicle lock 1. The motor vehicle lock 1 has a locking mechanism 2, with a rotary latch 3 shown in engagement with a lock holder 4. Figure 1 thus describes the main locking position of the locking mechanism 2 and consequently a closed position of a door element 5. The motor vehicle lock 1 can, for example, be installed in a side door 5 of a motor vehicle.
[0063] Figure 1 further shows a closing and opening device 6 with a drive unit 7, a Bowden cable 8, a Bowden cable core 9, a Bowden cable end piece 10 and a cam guide 11. The cam guide can be INTERNAL
[0064] P24077WO 16 12 . December 2025
[0065] for example, it may be designed as part of a vehicle lock housing 12. As already described, the vehicle lock 1 is in a main latching position and the Bowden cable end piece 12 is in a home position G.
[0066] Figure 2 shows the sequence of movements for a first function in conjunction with the cam guide 11. Starting from the home position G, a tensile force Z is introduced into the Bowden cable 8 by means of the drive unit 7, causing the Bowden cable end piece 10 to move in the direction of arrow PI. The Bowden cable end piece 10 is moved along the first cam element 1 by a first cam element 13 and engages, for example, with an opening actuator 14. The angle a describes, by way of example, the movement of the opening actuator or an opening mechanism 14, so that the door element 5 can be moved into an open position. After opening, the Bowden cable end piece 10 is spring-loaded and / or moved back to the home position G by means of the drive unit 7. As shown by way of example in Figure 2, a first function in the vehicle lock 1 can be initiated or... be displayed.
[0067] If, starting from a pre-locked position of the vehicle lock 1, the Bowden cable end piece 10 is subjected to a thrust force S, the Bowden cable end piece moves beyond a second cam element 15 in the direction of arrow P2, so that the Bowden cable end piece 10 engages with the second cam guide 15. If, in turn, a tensile force Z2 is introduced into the Bowden cable 8, the Bowden cable end piece 10 slides along the second cam guide 15, as illustrated by arrow P3. The INTERNAL
[0068] P24077WO 17 12 December 2025
[0069] The second cam element 15 is designed such that the Bowden cable end piece 10 engages with the first cam guide 13 under the tensile force Z2, as illustrated by arrow P4. Through the further tensile movement or force Z2 in the Bowden cable 8, the Bowden cable end piece 10 engages with the closing device 16 and can move the locking mechanism 2 from a main pre-latch position to a main latch position. The closing movement of the closing device is illustrated by angle β in Fig. 2. In the end position E of the Bowden cable end piece 10, the open position of the door element is reached, and, as in the preceding example, the main latch position in the locking mechanism is reached. Although the closing process is only shown in principle in this embodiment, it should be noted that movement of the locking mechanism 2 into an overtravel position is possible using the closing device.The angles a, ß as well as the end positions E can also differ, since there may be different ways to initiate the tightening or setting up.
[0070] After reaching the end position of the Bowden cable end piece 10, the Bowden cable end piece 10 returns to the basic position G via the intermediate position ZS in Fig. 3, spring-loaded and / or by means of a thrust force S from the drive unit 7.
[0071] Due to the inventive design of the vehicle lock 1 and the integral component of the cam guide 11 in the vehicle lock 1, switching between an opening device 14 and a closing device 16 can be achieved with only one drive unit 7. For switching INTERNAL
[0072] P24077WO 18 12 . December 2025
[0073] No extensive mechanisms are necessary, as the Bowden cable end piece 10 can be moved into the different operating positions by means of the drive unit 7. The cam guide 11 can be made of plastic and, for example, at least partially formed from the lock housing, since the cam guide 11 only directs the movement of the Bowden cable end piece 10, whereas the actuating device 14 and the closing device 16 must withstand high forces and therefore have correspondingly robust mechanisms and stable constructions. INTERNAL P24077WO 19 12 December 2025
[0074] Reference symbol list
[0075] 1 motor vehicle lock
[0076] 2 locks
[0077] 3 rotary trap
[0078] 4 lock holders
[0079] 5 door element
[0080] 6. Pulling and opening device 7. Drive unit
[0081] 8 Bowden cable
[0082] 9 Bowden cable core
[0083] 10 Bowden cable end piece
[0084] 11 Backstage Tour
[0085] 12 lock cases
[0086] 13 first scenery element
[0087] 14 On positioning device
[0088] 15 second scenery element
[0089] 16. Pull-out mechanism
[0090] Z, Z2 tractive force
[0091] a, ß angle
[0092] S thrust
[0093] PI, P2, P3, P4 Arrow
[0094] E End position
[0095] ZS Intermediate position
Claims
INTERNAL P24077WO 20 12 . December 2025 Patent claims 1. a vehicle lock (1) comprising a locking mechanism, a locking device (2) with a pivot (3) and at least one locking pawl, wherein the pivot (3) can be locked in at least one detent position by means of the locking pawl, a pulling device (16), wherein the locking mechanism (2) can be moved from a pre-detent position to a main detent position by means of the pulling device (16), a positioning device (14), wherein a door element (5) can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of the positioning device (14), and a drive unit (7), wherein the pulling device (16) can be operated by means of the drive unit (7). 6) as well as the adjusting device (14) can be actuated, characterized in that the drive unit (7) has a Bowden cable (8), wherein the Bowden cable (8) can be coupled to the pulling device (16) and the adjusting device (14) by means of a guide (11).
2. Force vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that s the Bowden cable ( 8 ) can be moved in different directions by means of s the drive unit ( 7 ) starting from a basic position ( G ).
3. Power vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that s the drive unit ( 7 ) is spaced apart from the power vehicle lock s ( 1 ) or is designed as an integral component of the power vehicle lock s ( 1 ).
4. Vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to s 3 , characterized in that s the guide ( 11 ) in the INTERNAL P24077WO 21 12 . December 2025 Force vehicle lock s ( 1 ) is arranged, wherein the guide ( 11 ) is formed at least partially from a lock housing ( 12 ).
5. Vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to s 4 , characterized in that s the guide ( 11 ) is designed as s slide guide ( 11 ) for a Bowden cable end piece ( 10 ).
6. Force vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to s 5 , characterized in that s the Bowden cable end piece ( 10 ) is resiliently retained in the basic position ( G ).
7. Force vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to s 6 , characterized in that s the Bowden cable end piece ( 10 ) starting from the basic position ( G) by means of a pulling movement ( Z , Z2 ) of the drive unit ( 7 ) can be moved into a first functional position .
8. Force vehicle lock s ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to s 7 , characterized in that s the Bowden cable end piece ( 10 ) starting from the basic position ( G) by means of a sliding movement ( S ) of the drive unit ( 7 ) can be moved into a second functional position .
9. Vehicle lock (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Bowden cable end piece (10) is movable into the home position (G) after movement into a functional position by means of a guide and / or a spring element and / or the drive unit (7).
10. Method for pulling and setting up a motor vehicle door element s ( 5 ) by means of an INTERNAL P24077WO 22 12 . December 2025 Drive unit (7) a Bowden cable (8), in particular a Bowden cable end piece (10) is moved into and out of the vehicle lock (1), wherein the Bowden cable end piece (10) is guided in a guide groove (11) such that after moving the Bowden cable end piece (10) inwards, the Bowden cable end piece enters a first functional position and after moving the Bowden cable end piece outwards, the Bowden cable end piece enters a second functional position, so that the vehicle lock (1) can be pulled in and the door element (5) can be raised.