Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method for operating an opening mechanism which serves for the opening of a motor vehicle lock, wherein the opening mechanism is formed separately from the motor vehicle lock and, for the opening, is coupled mechanically to the motor vehicle lock, wherein the opening mechanism is assigned a control arrangement, a switchable coupling arrangement, an actuating lever and an electric drive arrangement. It is proposed that the overall pivoting region of the actuating lever starting from the starting position comprises a first pivoting region and a second pivoting region following the latter, wherein the motorized opening operation can be triggered by means of the drive arrangement by means of an actuating stroke over the first pivoting region.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock in a fitted state interacts with a striker. The motor vehicle lock includes an adjustable catch and an adjustable locking pawl. The catch is adjustable into a main locking state and into an opening state, and the locking pawl is adjustable into an entry state, and into a lifted state. The motor vehicle lock includes a tensioning mechanism. When the catch is in the main locking state and the locking pawl is in the entry state, the tensioning mechanism can be brought into a tensioned state in which the tensioning mechanism introduces a mechanical preload into the catch in its opening direction. The tensioning mechanism can be brought into a relaxed state, in which the preload originating from the tensioning mechanism is reduced or cancelled.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method for operating an opening mechanism which serves for the opening of a motor vehicle lock, wherein the opening mechanism is formed separately from the motor vehicle lock and, for the opening, is coupled mechanically to the motor vehicle lock, wherein the opening mechanism is assigned a control arrangement, a switchable coupling arrangement, an actuating lever and an electric drive arrangement. It is proposed that the overall pivoting region of the actuating lever starting from the starting position comprises a first pivoting region and a second pivoting region following the latter, wherein the motorized opening operation can be triggered by means of the drive arrangement by means of an actuating stroke over the first pivoting region.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock in a fitted state interacts with a striker. The motor vehicle lock includes an adjustable catch and an adjustable locking pawl. The catch is adjustable into a main locking state and into an opening state, and the locking pawl is adjustable into an entry state, and into a lifted state. The motor vehicle lock includes a tensioning mechanism. When the catch is in the main locking state and the locking pawl is in the entry state, the tensioning mechanism can be brought into a tensioned state in which the tensioning mechanism introduces a mechanical preload into the catch in its opening direction. The tensioning mechanism can be brought into a relaxed state, in which the preload originating from the tensioning mechanism is reduced or cancelled.