Motor vehicle lock assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock assembly (1) comprising a preferably electrically actuatable locking system (5), an actuator (8), the locking system (5) being unlockable by means of the actuator (8), a device for manually actuating the locking system (5), in particular an inner door handle (4) or an outer door handle (5) or an emergency actuation means, by means of a Bowden cable (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 39), and a coupling element (7), wherein the actuator (8) and the manual actuation means are couplable to the locking system (5) by means of the coupling element (7), and wherein a housing (26, 27) of the coupling element (7) is constructed in such a way that form-fitting and / or force-fitting mounting in the motor vehicle can be made possible.

Description

[0001] STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0002] P23261WO 1 12 March 2026

[0003] Description

[0004] Motor vehicle lock arrangement

[0005] The invention relates to a motor vehicle locking arrangement comprising a preferably electrically actuated locking system, an electric actuator, wherein the locking system can be unlocked by means of the actuator, a device for manually actuating the locking system, in particular an internal actuation or an external actuation or an emergency actuation, by means of a Bowden cable and a coupling element, wherein the actuator and the manual actuation can be coupled to the locking system by means of the coupling element.

[0006] To increase comfort in modern vehicles, they are increasingly being equipped with electrically assisted operating systems. For example, to make getting into a vehicle easier, so-called electrically operated locking systems are used. With these systems, it is possible, for instance, to open a side door or sliding door electrically using a remote control. During electrical opening, the locking system can be moved from a locked to an unlocked position, and the locking mechanism within the system can be simultaneously disengaged. Solutions also exist where electrical unlocking is performed directly by the opening mechanism itself.

[0007] After unlocking the locking system, the door or sliding door is released and can be opened manually and / or electrically. In addition to the electric operation of the locking system, additional manual operating devices are available for STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL use.

[0008] P23261WO 2 12 March 2026

[0009] The locking system is used, preferably with manual operation via a Bowden cable connected to the locking system. This allows the operator of the vehicle to manually open the component, which is movably mounted on the vehicle and held by the locking system, for example, via an interior or exterior door handle. The described locking arrangements are known in various embodiments from the prior art.

[0010] An application of a Bowden cable in a motor vehicle is disclosed in EP 0 153 978 Bl. Disclosed is the use of a Bowden cable for actuating a hood lock, wherein the Bowden cable is fixedly mounted in the motor vehicle and the hood lock can be opened by means of a control element located inside the motor vehicle. In addition to the pure function of opening the hood, the document discloses an anti-theft device arranged on the Bowden cable. The anti-theft device consists of a functional unit with an electric drive. To integrate the functional unit into the Bowden cable, the Bowden cable is designed in two parts and provided with a clamp that is fixed to the inner cable. The clamp is arranged on the Bowden cable in such a way that the Bowden cable can be manually operated in its normal state.To achieve theft protection, the functional unit has a roof tile-shaped element that can be placed over the Bowden cable core and next to the clamp, so that the movement of the clamp can be prevented.

[0011] Prior art is provided by EP 2 570 573 Bl. This document discloses a locking device for a motor vehicle comprising an operating lever, a lock, and a STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL component arranged between the operating lever and the lock.

[0012] P23261WO 3 12 March 2026

[0013] Bowden cable, wherein the lock can be operated by means of the operating lever and with the aid of the Bowden cable, and a functional unit arranged on the Bowden cable with an electric drive, wherein the lock can be operated by means of the functional unit.

[0014] The vehicle lock features an electric opening drive for motorized release of the locking pawl. The opening drive is mechanically coupled to the locking pawl. The vehicle lock is further equipped with a locking mechanism for manually releasing the locking pawl from both the outside and inside via an exterior and interior door handle. Manual release of the locking pawl is primarily intended for emergencies, particularly in the event of a power failure. This is also referred to as mechanical redundancy. A mechanical coupling between the electric opening drive and the manual release of the locking pawl is revealed.

[0015] The closest prior art can be considered to be DE 10 2019 128 296 A1. This document discloses a motor vehicle locking arrangement comprising an electrically operated locking system, an actuator wherein the electrical locking system can at least be unlocked by means of the actuator, a device for manually operating the locking system, in particular an internal and / or external operation, by means of a Bowden cable, and a coupling element wherein the electrical and manual operation of the locking system can be coupled by means of the coupling element. The document is characterized in that the actuator can be connected to the coupling element by means of a Bowden cable. This design allows the locking system to be operated both with a device spaced apart from the locking system.

[0016] P23261WO 4 12 March 2026

[0017] It can be unlocked using manual operating devices as well as with an electrically operated actuator.

[0018] Known lock arrangements for opening a locking system, based on prior art, allow for both manual and electrical opening of the locking system, thus enabling convenient remote control operation as well as manual operation, for example, in an emergency, such as for a sliding door. Known automotive lock arrangements with integrated coupling elements reach their limits when it comes to installation within a vehicle. In particular, the large number of variants required for different positions within the vehicle leads to significant logistical effort and often necessitates different assembly concepts. This is where the invention comes in.

[0019] The object of the invention is to provide an improved vehicle locking assembly. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to enable a small number of components for different variants of vehicle locking assemblies in a motor vehicle and to simplify the assembly concepts. Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a structurally simple and cost-effective solution.

[0020] The problem is solved 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. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0021] P23261WO March 12, 2026

[0022] The object of the invention is achieved by a motor vehicle locking assembly comprising a preferably electrically operated locking system, an actuator, wherein the locking system can be unlocked by means of the actuator, a device for manually operating the locking system, in particular an interior door handle or an exterior door handle or an emergency release, by means of a Bowden cable, and a coupling element, wherein the actuator and the manual operation can be coupled to the locking system by means of the coupling element, and wherein a housing of the coupling element is constructed such that a positive-locking and / or force-fit installation in the motor vehicle lock is possible. The inventive design of the motor vehicle locking assembly, and in particular the design of the housing of the coupling element, now makes it possible to mount the housing directly and easily in the motor vehicle itself.By integrating the housing into, for example, a door module carrier or directly into the vehicle body using a form-fit and / or force-fit connection, complex assembly concepts can be eliminated, resulting in a simplified assembly concept. The coupling element housing can, for instance, be designed to be simply hooked into the door module carrier or the vehicle body using a form-fit connection and / or be mounted using a force-fit connection, for example, via corresponding components of the housing and the door module carrier. Further assembly steps are obsolete, thus resulting in both simplified assembly and time savings. Examples of form-fit connections include hooking, snapping, or clipping.Force-fit connections are created, for example, when the housing can be inserted into a door module carrier or the body in such a way that it is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0023] P23261WO 6 12 March 2026

[0024] The housing is durable under preload, for example a spring preload, in the motor vehicle.

[0025] The electrically operated locking system, as part of the vehicle locking assembly, consists of the actuator and the locking mechanism. The actuator preferably comprises a DC electric motor, which, for example, is capable of actuating a Bowden cable by means of a gear stage and / or a spindle drive. The actuator is connected to the coupling element, so that the locking system can at least be unlocked via the coupling element. However, it is also conceivable that a corresponding mechanism is arranged within the locking mechanism, enabling the locking system to be unlocked and unlocked by means of the actuator.

[0026] The locking system can also be unlocked and unlocked manually via an internal and / or external actuator. An internal actuator could be, for example, an interior door handle, which can be gripped and pivoted by the vehicle operator, thereby engaging the coupling element via the Bowden cable. Alternatively, an exterior door handle could be connected to the coupling element, allowing manual opening of the locking system. Furthermore, an emergency release mechanism could be provided on the vehicle, eliminating the need for an exterior door handle. In the event of a power failure, the operator could then use the manual emergency release to unlock the system.

[0027] The device for manually operating the locking system is therefore made up of the inside door handle, the outside door handle, or the STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0028] P23261WO 7 12 March 2026

[0029] Emergency operation is formed. These manual operations, in conjunction with the coupling element, make it possible to initialize the actuator and / or to directly open or unlock the locking system manually.

[0030] The locking system comprises a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be fixed in one or two detent positions by the pawl. When the component, which is movably mounted on the vehicle, is closed, the locking system engages with a lock holder, thereby pivoting or rotating the rotary latch. The pawl is preferably spring-loaded in the direction of the rotary latch and rests against it. When a detent contour on the rotary latch engages with the pawl, the locking mechanism can be engaged. The locking system is preferably mounted on the movable component, and the locking bolt or locking bar is fixed to, preferably, the B- or C-pillar of the vehicle. The relative movement between the locking system and the locking bolt thus results in a latched and therefore locked locking mechanism.When unlocking, the locking pawl is released from the rotary latch, so that the lock is unlocked and the locking system releases the lock holder. The locking pawl is actuated directly or indirectly by means of the internal or external operating lever.

[0031] The actuator can be used to operate an external or internal operating lever of the locking system. The actuator interacts with the external or internal operating lever via the coupling element, thus enabling the locking system to be unlocked. The actuator can be activated in various ways. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0032] P23261WO 8 12 March 2026

[0033] One option is to pull the exterior door handle, thus mechanically acting on the coupling element. This mechanical actuation of the coupling element activates the actuator, which in turn moves the exterior operating lever within the locking system. Alternatively, the exterior door handle may be equipped with a switching device. This device receives a switching signal through actuation, touch, or pressing, which the actuator then translates into actuation of the exterior operating lever via the coupling element. Similarly, the interior operating lever can be actuated, mechanically activating the coupling element. This, in turn, sends a switching signal to the actuator, causing it to move the interior operating lever. It is also possible for the interior operating lever to generate a switching signal, for example, via a microswitch, which then activates the actuator.As with the exterior door handle, the interior operating lever can also have a switch, such as a push button, which directly activates the actuator and then moves the interior operating lever via the coupling element. According to the invention, the switching logic can be adapted to the specific features of the sliding door, for example, whether it has a secondary lock or not.

[0034] The actuator, the exterior door handle, and an interior door handle can also be connected to the coupling element via a Bowden cable. The actuator, the exterior door handle, and the interior door handle are located at different points in, for example, a side door or a sliding door of a motor vehicle. This is advantageous because, depending on the equipment variant, for example, with an airbag, a retractable side window, or other crash elements, there may not be sufficient installation space inside the vehicle door element to accommodate the corresponding components.

[0035] P23261WO 9 12 March 2026

[0036] The components of the vehicle locking system must be positioned. In particular, the actuator and the coupling element must be arranged in such a way that a permanently stable connection via a Bowden cable is possible. Bowden cables and their sheaths are limited in their bending radius, so that, especially when connecting the exterior and interior door handles, window guides, for example, must be bypassed. At the same time, the arrangement of the coupling element must allow for a connection to the locking system. Bowden cables allow for virtually any arrangement of the operating elements, such as the exterior and interior door handles and the actuator, within the vehicle door assembly, so that the coupling element can be positioned appropriately for the available space and functionality.Furthermore, the coupling element itself must be connected to the locking system, which in turn requires attention to the functionality and arrangement of the Bowden cables used for this purpose. This can be achieved in a structurally advantageous manner by using Bowden cables between the exterior door handle, the interior door handle, the actuator, and the coupling element. In addition, the coupling element itself can also be connected to the locking system, i.e., the interior and exterior operating levers.

[0037] Especially with regard to sliding doors, the operator expects a high level of ease of use. Sliding doors are used, for example, in large vehicles with many seats. These vehicles often also transport children as passengers, for whom a high level of comfort is important. Passengers then only need to operate an interior lever to unlock the locking system and, in combination with a door drive, open the sliding door, which significantly increases ease of use. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0038] P23261WO 10 12 March 2026

[0039] A sliding door may be equipped with a catch bearing and / or a door hold-open device and / or a secondary lock. Sliding doors are held in guides on the vehicle and are kept in the closed position by the interaction of the locking system and the lock holder. To ensure that larger sliding doors are held securely in the closed position, a so-called catch bearing can be provided on the side of the sliding door opposite the locking system. The catch bearing consists of a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and a locking pawl, and engages with another lock holder. The catch bearing thus provides an additional safety system or holding device to securely hold the sliding door in the closed position on the side opposite the locking system.Additional functions, such as a child safety lock, are not included in the catch mechanism, resulting in a significant difference compared to locking systems in motor vehicles. The catch mechanism merely provides an additional holding or positioning aid.

[0040] In addition to the catch bearing, the sliding door can be equipped with a secondary lock. A secondary lock is used, for example, when there are high sliding doors, as can be the case with vans. The secondary lock interacts with the main lock, i.e., the locking system for securing the sliding door in the closed position. It is common for the secondary lock to be operated via the main lock, with, for example, an external or internal operating lever of the main lock being functionally connected to the secondary lock. According to the invention, however, the secondary lock can also be operated directly via the coupling element. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0041] P23261WO 11 12 March 2026

[0042] In addition to a catch and / or secondary lock, it is also conceivable that the vehicle's locking mechanism is equipped with a hold-open lock. A hold-open lock holds or secures the sliding door in an open position. The hold-open lock can be operated manually, for example, using the exterior door handle, or electrically using an actuator.

[0043] If the locking system or main lock is located at the rear end of the sliding door (relative to the vehicle), the main lock can engage with a lock holder on the C-pillar of the body. A secondary lock would then also engage with a lock holder on the C-pillar. The catch and hold-open lock, on the other hand, would be mounted at the opposite end of the sliding door from the main lock and could each engage with a lock holder: the catch on the B-pillar when the sliding door is closed, and the hold-open lock on the C-pillar when the sliding door is open.

[0044] The catch can be actuated by means of the coupling element and by means of the interior door handle and / or exterior door handle and / or the actuator. The coupling element is designed such that when the interior door handle is pulled mechanically, both the interior operating lever in the locking system and the catch are unlocked. The coupling element thus provides a mechanical link between the interior door handle and the actuation of the catch. Advantageously, the catch, as well as the interior and exterior door handles, are connected to the coupling element via a Bowden cable. This results in a total of six connections on the coupling element, enabling mechanical or electromechanical actuation of the coupling element. Thus, the interior door handle, the exterior door handle, the STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0045] P23261WO 12 12 March 2026

[0046] The external operating lever, the internal operating lever, and the catch bearing are connected to the coupling element and effect a mechanical actuation of the coupling element, whereas the opening module is equipped with an electromechanical drive to actuate the coupling element or to enable the unlocking of the locking system or the catch bearing. The coupling element thus provides a mechanical switch between manual operation and the locking system or the catch bearing.

[0047] The vehicle locking system can be equipped such that the locking mechanism includes a closing aid, in particular a closing aid connected by means of a Bowden cable. The integration of a closing aid completes the vehicle locking system in such a way that fully automatic operation of the locking mechanism, as well as fully automatic opening and closing of the sliding door, is possible. If the sliding door is equipped with an electric drive for operation, the locking mechanism engages with the lock holder when the sliding door closes, and the closing movement of the sliding door brings the locking mechanism into at least a pre-latch position. The closing aid then allows the locking mechanism to be moved from the pre-latch position to the main latch position and preferably to an overtravel position, thus ensuring that the locking pawl engages securely.The electric drive of the sliding door, as well as the closing assist, move the sliding door into a closed position in which the catch bearing, in combination with the additional lock holder, also engages. In the closed position, the sliding door is then engaged on both sides by a lock holder and can therefore be held securely in its position even under extreme loads, such as an accident. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0048] P23261WO 13 12 March 2026

[0049] Furthermore, the coupling element can comprise at least one sliding element, whereby the manual and electric actuation can be coupled by means of the sliding element. In a first simple embodiment, the coupling element comprises at least two sliding elements arranged between the inside door handle, the outside door handle, the inside operating lever, and the outside operating lever. The opening module is connected to a sliding element for the outside door handle in such a way that when the opening module or the actuator is actuated, the outside operating lever is electrically actuated, or the sliding element is electrically actuated, and thus the outside operating lever is moved within the locking system. To enable reliable actuation of the inside operating lever and / or the outside operating lever, and consequently reliable unlocking of the lock, stroke movements of the sliding element of 20 mm, preferably 30 mm, and even more preferably 40 mm are provided within the sliding element.In another embodiment of the coupling element, when a catch bearing is used, three sliding elements can be employed within the coupling element. A first sliding element acts between the interior door handle and the interior operating lever, and this first sliding element can also engage with a second sliding element, which is coupled to the actuator and the catch bearing. A third sliding element is arranged between the exterior door handle and the exterior operating lever, and this third sliding element can, in turn, engage with the second sliding element of the actuator. In each case, the coupling element and the connection of the Bowden cables to the first, second, and third sliding elements ensure that operating both the interior and exterior door handles mechanically unlocks the locking system and the catch bearing.Therefore, STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0050] P23261WO 14 12 March 2026

[0051] The sliding door can be opened mechanically from inside the vehicle as well as from outside the vehicle, even in the event of a power failure.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing of the coupling element can be mounted on a door module carrier. A door module carrier is preferably made of plastic and / or as a hybrid component of plastic and steel and is installed as a unit, for example, in a side door of a motor vehicle. One advantage of a door module carrier is that a number of components, such as a closing aid, a drive, a window guide, or a coupling element, can be pre-mounted on the door module carrier, thus enabling subsequent installation of the assembled door module carrier into the motor vehicle. The advantage of door module carriers is therefore that components can be pre-assembled. Of course, door module carriers can also be used on sliding doors and tailgates.

[0053] It can also be advantageous if the housing of the coupling element has at least one first mounting element, wherein the mounting element is designed to be plugged in at least on one side, preferably on both sides. A mounting element that is arranged on the housing and can be plugged into a door module carrier or a body enables simple installation without the need for additional aids to hold the housing in the vehicle. The housing can be plugged in on one side, but preferably on both sides, into a door module carrier, the body, or other components of the vehicle, such as a side panel. Plugging it in simplifies installation because only the STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0054] P23261WO March 12, 2026

[0055] The joining movement must be carried out without the need for additional aids.

[0056] It can also be advantageous, and constitute a further embodiment of the invention, if the housing of the coupling element comprises at least one further mounting element, wherein the mounting element is designed to be spring-fitted at least on one side, preferably on both sides. The mounting element arranged on the housing can, for example, consist of a spring-loaded mounting element, so that fastening in the vehicle is possible by means of the spring action. The spring-loaded positive locking makes it possible, for example, to insert the mounting element into a corresponding opening and to lock the mounting element there. In addition to locking, the spring force of the mounting element alone can also securely hold the coupling element or the housing of the coupling element in the vehicle. An additional safety measure for positioning and holding in the vehicle can be achieved by arranging the mounting elements on both sides.By specifically arranging the mounting elements, an additional assembly safeguard, i.e., a safeguard against incorrect assembly, can be provided by the mounting elements, namely when only one installation position is enabled by the mounting elements.

[0057] If at least one first and one further mounting element, preferably two mounting elements, are arranged on a longitudinal side and a bottom side of the coupling element housing, a further embodiment of the invention results. The arrangement on different sides of the housing increases the stability of the housing in the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is subject to strong vibrations during operation, so secure fastening of the housing is necessary. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0058] P23261WO 16 12 March 2026

[0059] Secure mounting within the vehicle can be ensured by attaching the mounting elements on both sides. It is conceivable to position two mounting elements on opposite sides of the housing to achieve additional stability.

[0060] If at least one different mounting element is arranged on the longitudinal side and the underside of the housing, the mounting elements themselves can define the mounting direction. In particular, the arrangement of the mounting elements, but also the arrangement of the mounting openings in the vehicle, can provide a means of securing the assembly. Specifically, the form-fitting insertion of the mounting elements into the mounting openings, for example, facilitates easy assembly, as the mounting elements can be plugged in and clipped into place for final assembly in the vehicle. Insertion into a corresponding opening and subsequent force-fit locking provides a mounting method that requires no additional mounting hardware. It is therefore also cost-effective.

[0061] If the mounting elements protrude from the housing, assembly can be further simplified. In addition to simplified assembly, the installer also benefits from a visual aid, as the protruding mounting elements facilitate insertion into the mounting openings. For example, if a plug-in mounting element and a clip-in mounting element are each located on one long side and the underside, the housing can be inserted in one direction, for example, into a mounting bracket, and then locked into place by inserting the spring elements into the mounting bracket. Assembly is therefore very easy, quick, and simple. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0062] P23261WO March 12, 2026

[0063] feasible, which translates into time savings and consequently cost advantages.

[0064] Another design variant arises when the mounting element has an undercut or a clip connection. An undercut can be advantageous, for example, when the mounting element is mounted on a cross member of the vehicle body, allowing the undercut to be inserted into this member. If, for instance, there are two spaced-apart members in the vehicle door, the undercut and its insertion into the mounting member can constitute a first assembly step, and a second assembly step is enabled by the spring-like interaction of the second member with the mounting element. Consequently, in this embodiment, the housing of the coupling element can be mounted by simply sliding it in and pressing it into place, without the need for any additional tools.

[0065] If the mounting elements have a uniform diameter necessary for assembly, a further embodiment of the invention can be achieved. By using a uniform diameter for the mounting elements and preferably also uniform mounting openings in, for example, the module carrier, the number of required structural units of the coupling element for different requirements can be reduced. With consistently identical diameters, the design of the carrier or the mounting opening can be standardized, resulting in design advantages. It has proven particularly advantageous for the housing of the coupling element to be designed in such a way as to allow for mirror-image mounting. A mirror-image arrangement in the vehicle with a uniform housing reduces the STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0066] P23261WO 18 12 March 2026

[0067] Number of components required, or the different components required for the vehicle lock assembly. In other words, the housing of the coupling element can be used, for example, on the driver's side and the passenger's side of the vehicle. If, in addition, a plug-in element and a clip element are arranged on one underside and one long side, the housing design, in combination with the uniform diameters of the mounting openings and the mounting elements, allows the housing to be used on both sides of the vehicle.

[0068] Overall, the inventive design of the coupling element housing simplifies assembly; in other words, it provides a simple assembly concept. The possibility of mirror-image mounting reduces the number of required variants for equipping a motor vehicle to a single, uniform coupling element design. The coupling element housing can be used in a mirror-image configuration, so that only the Bowden cables to be arranged within the coupling element for connecting it to the catch bearing, the actuator, the locking mechanism, the interior door handle, the exterior door handle, and the door lock need to be mounted in different directions.

[0069] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and a preferred embodiment. However, it is important to note that the embodiment does not limit the invention but merely represents an advantageous configuration. The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features described in the description and claims. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0070] P23261WO 19 12 March 2026

[0071] It shows:

[0072] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of part of a sliding door with a motor vehicle lock assembly.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a top view of a closed coupling element with a first mounting element for insertion arranged on one longitudinal side of the coupling element and a further mounting element for clipping into a mounting bracket, and

[0074] Figure 3 shows a side view from the perspective of arrow III from Figure 2 onto the closed housing of the coupling element.

[0075] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a sliding door 1 with a vehicle locking assembly 2 arranged inside the sliding door 1. The vehicle locking assembly comprises an external door handle 3, an internal door handle 4, a locking system 5, a closing aid 6, a coupling element 7, an actuator 8, a catch bearing 9, a secondary lock 35, and a hold-open lock 36. The vehicle locking assembly 2 enables the sliding door 1 to be securely held in a closed position within the vehicle via the catch bearing 9, the locking system 5, and, optionally, a secondary lock 35. The catch bearing 9, the locking system 5, and the secondary lock 35 each interact with a lock holder on opposite sides of the sliding door 1, the lock holders being mounted, for example, on a B-pillar 37 and a C-pillar 38 of the vehicle.The catch bearing 9 can engage in a lock holder on the B-pillar 37, and the locking system 5 and the auxiliary lock 35 can each engage in a lock holder on the C-pillar 38. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

[0076] P23261WO 20 12 . March 2026

[0077] Figure 1 shows that the exterior door handle 3, the interior door handle 4, the locking system 5, the closing drive 6, the actuator 8, the catch bearing 9, and the door stop lock 36 are each connected by a Bowden cable 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 39. The connection of the door stop lock 36 to the coupling element 7 is shown. The secondary lock 35 can be connected to the main lock 5 by means of a Bowden cable 40 or a linkage 40. A Bowden cable 17 or a linkage 17 is also shown, which is arranged directly between the interior door handle 4 and the locking system 5, and by means of this Bowden cable 17, for example, a door locking, i.e., locking of the locking system 5, is made possible. Locking here means that the outer door handle 3 is deactivated; in the conventional sense, this is referred to as central locking.When the vehicle is locked, the external operating lever cannot be actuated using the external door handle 3, thus preventing the lock from being unlocked using the external door handle 3.

[0078] The connection of the door locking mechanism 36 to the coupling element 7 is shown only as an example. The coupling element 7 would thus have three inputs and four outputs, so that the door locking mechanism 36 can be unlocked manually and electrically, and the sliding door can therefore be released.

[0079] As already explained above, an electrical actuation, for example in the form of a switch 18, 19, can be provided on the outer door handle 5 as well as on the inner door handle 4, so that the actuator 8 can be switched on or actuated directly, so that an electrically assisted unlocking of the locking system 5 or the catch bearing 9 can be initiated by the coupling element 7. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

[0080] P23261WO 21 12 March 2026

[0081] This is feasible. For this purpose, switches 18 and 19 are each connected to control lines 20 and 21, for example, directly to actuator 8, or, for example, a direct control line 22 or 23 connects switches 18 and 19 to a control arrangement present in the locking system 5. A large number of control units are provided in modern motor vehicles, so the control lines 20, 21, 22, and 23 are shown only as examples; the essential point here is that actuating switch 18 or 19 activates actuator 8, so that the actuator, in combination with the coupling element 7, unlocks the locking system 5 and auxiliary lock 35, as well as the catch bearing 9 shown here. The same applies to the hold-open lock 36, which, due to its accessibility, can preferably be actuated by means of switch 18.The closing drive 6 is directly connected to the locking system 5 and enables, as already described above, the transfer of the locking system 5 from a pre-latching position to an over-stroke position or ultimately, after a pawl has engaged in the rotary latch, to the main latching position.

[0082] Figure 2 shows a coupling element 7 with four inputs 24 and four outputs 25. The coupling element 7 has a housing shell 26 and a housing cover 27, which are sealed together by means of a seal 28. The housing cover 27 has locking tabs 29 that interact with locking elements 30 on the housing shell 26. The locking elements 30 project from the housing shell 26, and when the housing cover 27 is mounted, the locking elements, which are arranged symmetrically on the housing shell 26, engage with the locking tabs 29 and ultimately form a locking connection. Also visible in Figure 2 are mounting elements 31 and 32, which extend from the housing shell 26 and, in particular, from the housing shell 26.

[0083] P23261WO 22 12 March 2026

[0084] The mounting element 31 protrudes from one longitudinal side 33 of the housing shell 26. The mounting element 31 is designed as a plug-in element and the mounting element 32 as a spring element. It should be noted here that both mounting elements 31, 32 have a uniform diameter D in a basic form.

[0085] Figure 2 shows an example of the coupling element 7 with the corresponding coupling of the functions necessary for actuation. For example, the interior door handle 4, the actuator 8, and the exterior door handle 3 are connected on the right side of Figure 2. An input 34 remains free and is preferably closed. On the left side of Figure 2, for example, an interior actuation lever can be connected to the upper output, a catch bearing 9 can be actuated, the door locking mechanism 36 can be actuated, and, for example, an exterior actuation lever in the door lock 5 can be actuated by the lower Bowden cable 12. Crucially, the coupling element 7 can be used on both sides of, for example, a driver's door and a passenger's door.

[0086] Figure 3 shows the coupling element 7 in a view from the direction of arrow III from Figure 2. This side view of the coupling element 7 shows the flat contact of the housing cover 27 with the seal 28 and the housing shell 26. Also visible are the snap-fit ​​connections 29, 30, which are likewise arranged symmetrically along the side length of the housing shell 26. Two mounting elements 36, 37 are arranged on a lower surface 35 of the housing shell. The first mounting element 36 is designed as a plug-in element, while the second mounting element 37 provides a spring connection with a mounting opening.

[0087] P23261WO 23 12 March 2026

[0088] The mounting elements 36, 37 are arranged along a center line M in the housing 26, 27. The mounting elements 36, 37, like the mounting elements 31, 32, have a diameter D on their longitudinal side 33, so that a uniform diameter for the mounting openings can be used. For a mirror-image arrangement of the coupling element 7, it is only necessary to ensure which inlet 24, 34 is to be designed as a closed inlet to guarantee a tight seal of the coupling element 7.

[0089] To allow any moisture that may enter the coupling element 7 to escape, an outlet opening 38, 39 can be open or fitted with a membrane. The symmetrical arrangement of the mounting elements 36, 37 on the underside 35 and the two mounting elements 31, 32 arranged on the longitudinal side 33 allows the coupling element to be used on either side of the vehicle. This is achieved in particular because the diameters D are uniform, so that each mounting opening can accommodate a plug-in element 31, 36 or a spring element 32, 37. This significantly simplifies assembly and reduces the number of components required to provide a vehicle locking assembly. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL P232 61WO 24 12 March 2026

[0090] Reference list

[0091] sliding door

[0092] 2 Force vehicle lock arrangement 3 Door handle

[0093] 4 Door handle

[0094] 5 locking system

[0095] 6 Zuz iehhi l fe

[0096] 7 coupling element

[0097] 8 Actuator

[0098] 9 holding camps

[0099] 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 39 Bowden cable 17, 40 Bowden cable, linkage

[0100] 18, 19 switches

[0101] 20, 21, 22, 23 Control line

[0102] Entrance 24, 34

[0103] 25 Exit

[0104] 2 6 Housing shell

[0105] 27 Housing covers

[0106] 28 Seal

[0107] 2 9 Rest lashing

[0108] 30 locking elements

[0109] 31, 32, 36, 37 Mounting elements

[0110] 33 Long side

[0111] 35 Underside

[0112] 38, 39 Aus las söf fnung

[0113] D diameter ser

Claims

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL P232 61WO 25 12 March 2026 Patent claims 1. A vehicle locking arrangement (1) comprising a preferably electrically actuated locking system (5), an actuator (8) wherein the locking system (5) can be unlocked by means of the actuator (8), a device for manually actuating the locking system (5), in particular an inside door handle (4) or an outside door handle (5) or a groove actuation, by means of a Bowden cable (10-16, 39) and a coupling element (7) wherein the actuator (8) and the manual actuation can be coupled to the locking system (5) by means of the coupling element (7), characterized in that it is a housing ( 2 6 , 27 ) of the coupling element s ( 7 ) is constructed in such a way that a form-fit and / or force-fit assembly in the motor vehicle is possible .

2. Force vehicle locking arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (26, 27) of the coupling element (7) has at least one first mounting element (31, 32, 36, 37), wherein the mounting element is designed to be pluggable for mounting at least on one side, preferably on two sides.

3. Force vehicle locking arrangement ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the housing ( 2 6 , 27 ) of the coupling element s ( 7 ) is designed to be spring-fitted and positively lockable at least on one side, preferably on two sides.

4. Force vehicle locking arrangement (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one first and one further mounting element (31, 32, 36, 37), preferably two mounting elements (31, 32, 36, 37), are arranged on a longitudinal side (33) and a bottom side (35) of the housing (26, 27) of the coupling element (7). STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL P232 61WO 2 6 12 March 2026 5. Force vehicle lock arrangement ( 2 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that a different mounting element ( 31 , 32 , 36 , 37 ) is formed in the longitudinal side ( 33 ) and the underside ( 35 ).

6. Force vehicle lock arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 5 , characterized in that the mounting elements ( 31 , 32 , 36 , 37 ) are formed protruding from the housing ( 2 6 , 27 ).

7. Force vehicle lock arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6 , characterized in that the mounting element ( 31 , 32 , 36 , 37 ) has an undercut or a clip connection .

8. Force vehicle lock arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 7 , characterized in that the mounting elements ( 31 , 32 , 36 , 37 ) and a mounting opening have a uniform diameter (D ).

9. Force vehicle lock arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8 , characterized in that the housing ( 2 6 , 27 ) of the coupling element s ( 7 ) is designed in such a way that a mirror-image mounting is possible .

10. Force vehicle lock arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the housing ( 2 6 , 27 ) of the coupling element s ( 7 ) can be mounted on a door module carrier .

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