US 11,746,571 B2
Ratchet unit for motor vehicle flaps or motor vehicle doors
Rob Hunt, Davisburg, MI (US); Scott Brown, Livonia, MI (US); and Dave Taylor, Livonia, MI (US)
Assigned to Kiekert AG, Heiligenhaus (DE)
Filed by Kiekert AG, Heiligenhaus (DE)
Filed on Dec. 21, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/128,674.
Prior Publication US 2022/0195758 A1, Jun. 23, 2022
Int. Cl. E05B 81/20 (2014.01); E05B 81/06 (2014.01); E05B 83/16 (2014.01)
CPC E05B 81/20 (2013.01) [E05B 81/06 (2013.01); E05B 83/16 (2013.01); E05Y 2900/531 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A ratchet unit for a motor vehicle flap or door, the ratchet unit comprising:
an electromotive drive; and
a ratchet lever that is acted upon by the electromotive drive, the ratchet lever being configured for locking and for opening the motor vehicle flap or door, wherein the ratchet lever is arranged on a mounting flange, wherein a body of the ratchet lever rotates about an axis of rotation, wherein the ratchet lever is biased about the axis of rotation in a closed position by a leg spring and is only moved about the axis of rotation into an open position for opening the motor vehicle flap or door with the aid of the electromotive drive, wherein during closing of the motor vehicle flap or door, the ratchet lever is deflected resiliently in the closed position, wherein a coiled portion the leg spring is arranged at the axis of rotation, wherein a first leg of the leg spring engages a portion of the ratchet lever and a second leg of the leg spring engages a portion of the mounting flange extending through an opening in the ratchet lever.