Door unlocking device

Abstract

Device for unlocking the door (1) of a vehicle, comprising an actuating element (2) consisting of an actuating section (27) and a flexibly unwindable band section (28) which is connected to a Bowden cable (11), wherein the Bowden cable (11) and the actuating element (2) are arranged on a base plate (9) and / or a door, and the actuating element (2) is connected to a rotatably arranged loop lever (5) such that when the loop lever (5) is rotated by the actuating element (2), the Bowden cable (11) connected to the loop lever (5) is movable, characterized in that the loop lever (5) has a preferably circular loop lever section (8) on which the actuating element (2) partially rests.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for unlocking doors in a vehicle. Door release mechanisms for vehicle doors with mechanical actuators are known in numerous variations. Typically, a lever-like handle pulls a Bowden cable, which unlocks the door. A less common variant uses actuators with strap sections, particularly with operating loops for door release. The operating loop actuates the lock Bowden cable via a deflection lever, or is redirected by a pulley to directly unlock the door in very confined spaces. Direct actuation via a small-diameter pulley requires high forces to unlock the door. Due to the friction generated at the deflection points, the force required is significantly increased, and the operating loop is also subjected to potentially damaging stress. From CN 109695385 A, an interior door actuation device with an opening handle made of a soft material for unlocking a vehicle door is known. CN 211776653 U describes an interior door operation with a pull-band-type opening handle for unlocking vehicle doors. From DE 10 2021 129 562 A1 a motor vehicle door lock with an electric opening drive for manual emergency opening of a lock is known. WO 2020 / 154 118 A1 concerns an operating device for a vehicle lock. CN 2 09 924 671 U describes an emergency zipper for an electronic retractable lock of a car rear door. The invention is based on the objective of optimizing a device for unlocking doors with an actuating element. The problem is solved according to the invention with a device for unlocking doors by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the door unlocking device comprises an actuating element consisting of an actuating section and a flexibly extendable strap section connected to a Bowden cable. The Bowden cable and the actuating element are arranged on a base plate and / or a door. The actuating element is connected to a rotatably arranged loop lever such that when the loop lever is rotated by the actuating element, the Bowden cable connected to the loop lever is movable. The loop lever has a preferably circular loop lever section against which the strap section partially rests. The strap section resting against the rotatable loop lever prevents deflection around a component, thus eliminating friction and minimizing wear on the strap section.The attachment of the belt section to the loop lever and / or the division of the actuating element into actuating and belt sections allow the use of tactilely pleasing materials that, for example, have lower component strength. Unlike a deflection of the belt section, the loop lever allows for a longer lever arm, thus reducing the actuating force required. The actuating element can preferably be made of a polymeric material or a textile. This provides the operator with a pleasant tactile feel when gripping and actuating the actuating section. The actuating element, or one of its two sections, can also be made from a combination of different materials. The design or properties of the actuating element can be influenced by weaving in fibers.Surrounding components or functions can be integrated into the base plate to exploit further weight-saving potential. The cover on the base plate can be used to guide the actuating element or for the targeted integration of design elements. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate exhibits advantageous component properties due to its rib-like structures. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a Bowden cable lever rotatably mounted on the base plate and / or the door is connected to the loop lever via a connecting rod such that when the loop lever is rotated by the actuating element, the Bowden cable connected to the Bowden cable lever is movable. The loop lever can be rotatable about a first loop lever axis, and the bottom pull lever about a second Bowden cable lever axis. The axes of the loop lever and the Bowden cable lever can be supported by means of bearing bushings to reduce friction at the connection points. In addition to the first lever arm of the loop lever, a second lever arm can be formed by the Bowden cable lever to further reduce the actuating force. A threshold that is perceptible during actuation can be integrated through the kinematic connection of the loop lever, the connecting rod, and the Bowden cable lever.This provides the operator with haptic feedback indicating when the door unlocking process has been successfully activated. This enhances the overall feel of the unlocking process. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating section and the band section are integrally connected. Due to the integral design of the actuating element, no additional connecting elements are necessary, and therefore no weak points exist in the actuating element. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating section is loop- or eyelet-shaped. The actuating section can have different gripping shapes. For example, it can be designed as a strap, rope, toggle, handle, or knob. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating section can be folded over at the end for gripping the actuating element and joined by forming a material-bonded connection. This creates a secure connection without additional intermediate elements. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the strap section of the actuating element is attached to the first loop lever axis. By simultaneously using the first loop lever axis as the pivot axis of the loop lever and as the strap section for attaching the actuating element, additional fastening elements or connection points are eliminated, thus saving additional weight. The strap section can be folded over at the end for attachment to the pivot axis of the loop lever and bonded together. This creates a secure connection without additional intermediate elements. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a spring for returning the actuating element is arranged between the base plate and / or the door and the loop lever or the Bowden cable lever. The spring is tensioned by pulling the actuating element and returns the actuating element to its initial position after actuation. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a microswitch is provided which is actuated by a rotation of the loop lever or the Bowden cable lever through a first angle, such that an electrical control signal is triggered for lowering the door glass and / or an electric door lock. The actuation of the microswitch can be designed such that it electrically unlocks the door before the mechanical unlocking. This makes operation more convenient for the user, as the actuating element does not need to be fully extended and the necessary actuating force is only applied briefly. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the loop lever or Bowden cable lever is rotated through a second angle greater than the first, the door is mechanically unlocked via the Bowden cable. In the case of an electric lock release, this mechanical unlocking function serves as an emergency release in the event of a microswitch or power supply failure. Furthermore, additional functions, such as lowering the window when the door release is activated, can be implemented when the microswitch is actuated. The mechanism of the interior door release, located downstream of the microswitch, can be completely omitted in a purely mechanical lock to further reduce weight. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a second spring arranged on the base plate and / or a door, with a second cam arranged on the Bowden cable lever to form a haptic force threshold between the mechanical and electrical door unlocking. The second spring interacts with the cam section in such a way that, when the Bowden cable lever rotates about its second axis, the second spring, which rests against the underside of the Bowden cable lever, slides over the cam section by applying a greater force. The second spring has a U-shaped profile. In the assembled state, the second spring is pre-tensioned, and the closed portion of the second spring rests against the underside of the Bowden cable lever. The second cam is arranged on the underside of the Bowden cable lever and has a cam section. The cam section is inclined away from the underside of the Bowden cable lever.When the loop lever is turned, the Bowden cable lever rotates around its second axis. The cam section rotates against the closed part of the second spring. Further rotation is only possible by applying more force. This force causes the second spring to slide over the cam section, and the lock is mechanically unlocked with further rotation. This noticeably separates the mechanical actuation from the electrical actuation, providing the operator with improved tactile feedback during the operation. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connecting rod has at least one bend or crease. Due to limited installation space, a direct connection between the loop lever and the Bowden cable lever cannot always be implemented. A bend or crease in the connecting rod allows it to be better adapted to the available installation space. The connecting rod is preferably made of a metallic or polymeric material. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several figures. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a door unlocking device, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the device from Fig. 1 from the opposite side, Fig. 3 a rear view of the device from Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a sectional view of the device in the unactuated state through the section plane AA shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a sectional view of the device in the actuated state through the section plane AA shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the device from Fig. 1, and Fig. 7 a perspective exploded view of the device from Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a door unlocking device (1) for a vehicle from the operator's perspective when the operator is inside the vehicle. An actuating element (2) of the door unlocking device (1) is, for example, made of a polymeric material or a textile material. The actuating element (2) is guided through a cover (10) which is arranged on a base plate (9) and / or a door. Fig. 2 shows the device from the opposite side and comprises the actuating element (2), the base plate (9), the cover (10), a loop lever (5), a connecting rod (18), a floor pull lever (12), and a Bowden cable (11). The actuating element (2) is connected to the loop lever (5). The loop lever (5) is arranged on the base plate (9). The connection between the loop lever (5) and the base plate (9) and / or the door is made via a first loop lever axis (6) that extends through the loop lever (5). The actuating element (2) is attached to the first loop lever axis (6). The loop lever (5) has a preferably circular loop lever section (8) against which the strap section (28) partially rests. A connecting rod (18) connects the loop lever (5) to the floor pull lever (12). The connecting rod (18) is made of a metallic or a polymeric material.The connecting rod (18) has a kink or bend, allowing it to be adapted to the available installation space. The connecting rod (18) has a rotatable connection to a second loop lever axis (7) of the loop lever (5) and a first Bowden cable lever axis (13) of the Bowden cable lever (12). The two axes (7, 13) are supported by bearing bushings (19, 20) to reduce friction at the connection points. The Bowden cable lever (12) is rotatably mounted about the second Bowden cable lever axis (14). The second Bowden cable lever axis (14) is also supported by a bearing bushing (24) to minimize friction. The Bowden cable (11) is attached to the Bowden cable lever (12). The connecting rod (18) connects the loop lever (5) to the bottom pull lever (12) in such a way that when the loop lever (5) is rotated, the Bowden cable (11) connected to the Bowden cable lever (12) also moves. Fig. 3 shows a rear view of the device from Fig. 1. When the door unlocking device (1) is actuated, the actuating element (2) is pulled. A spring (21) is arranged between the base plate (9) and / or the door and the loop lever (5) or the Bowden cable lever (12) for returning the actuating element (2). The spring (21) is tensioned when the actuating element (2) is pulled and returns the actuating element (2) to its initial position after actuation. A microswitch (16) and a microswitch cable (17) for transmitting signals are arranged on the base plate (9). The Bowden cable lever (12) has a first cam (15) on its upper side for actuating the microswitch (16). Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the device in the unactuated state through the section plane AA shown in Fig. 3. The actuating element (2) is preferably formed from a flat strip. An actuating section (27) for gripping is formed on a first side of the actuating element (2) by the first connection (3), preferably sewn. A strip section (28) is formed on the first loop lever axis (6) by a second connection (4), preferably sewn, on a second side of the actuating element (2). To unlock the door, the actuating element (2) is pulled. Pulling the actuating element (2) causes the loop lever (5) to rotate about the first loop lever axis (6). When the loop lever (5) rotates, the strip section (28) of the actuating element (2) rests against the circular loop lever section (8).When the Bowden cable lever (12) is rotated through a first angle (22), the microswitch (16) is actuated by the first cam (15). When the Bowden cable lever (12) is rotated through a second angle (23), which is greater than the first angle (22), the door is unlocked mechanically via the Bowden cable (11). Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the device in the actuated state through the section plane AA shown in Fig. 3. The loop lever (5) has a first lever arm (25) and the Bowden cable lever (12) has a second lever arm (26). Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second spring (30) and a second cam (29). The second cam (29) is located on the underside (32) of the Bowden cable lever and has a cam section (31) facing away from the underside (32) of the Bowden cable lever. The second spring (30) has a U-shaped profile and is located on the base plate (9) and / or door. The closed part of the second spring (30) rests against the underside (32) of the Bowden cable lever. When the loop lever (5) is actuated, the Bowden cable lever (12) rotates about the second Bowden cable lever axis (14). The cam section (31) rotates against the closed part of the second spring (30).The second spring (30) interacts with the cam section (31) such that, when the Bowden cable lever (12) rotates around the second Bowden cable lever axis (14), the second spring (30) slides over the cam section (31) by applying a greater force, and the lock is mechanically unlocked upon further rotation. Furthermore, Fig. 7 shows the individual components of the device from Fig. 1 in a perspective exploded view. Reference symbol list 1 Door release device 2 Actuating element 3 First connection 4 Second connection 5 Loop lever 6 First loop lever axis 7 Second loop lever axis 8 Loop lever section 9 Base plate 10 Cover 11 Bowden cable 12 Bowden cable lever 13 First Bowden cable lever axis 14 Second Bowden cable lever axis 15 First cam 16 Microswitch 17 Microswitch cable 18 Connecting rod 19 First connecting rod bearing bushing 20 Second connecting rod bearing bushing 21 First spring 22 First angle 23 Second angle 24 Bowden cable bearing bushing 25 First lever arm 26 Second lever arm 27 Actuating section 28 Band section 29 Second cam 30 Second spring 31 Cam section 32 Bowden cable lever underside

Claims

Device for unlocking the door (1) of a vehicle, comprising an actuating element (2) consisting of an actuating section (27) and a flexibly unwindable band section (28) which is connected to a Bowden cable (11), wherein the Bowden cable (11) and the actuating element (2) are arranged on a base plate (9) and / or a door, and the actuating element (2) is connected to a rotatably arranged loop lever (5) such that when the loop lever (5) is rotated by the actuating element (2), the Bowden cable (11) connected to the loop lever (5) is movable, characterized in that the loop lever (5) has a preferably circular loop lever section (8) on which the actuating element (2) partially rests. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a Bowden cable lever (12) rotatably arranged on the base plate (9) and / or the door is connected to the loop lever (5) via a connecting rod (18) such that when the loop lever (5) is rotated by the actuating element (2), the Bowden cable (11) connected to the Bowden cable lever (12) is movable. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating section (27) and the belt section (28) are integrally connected. Device according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating section (27) is loop- or eyelet-shaped. Device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the actuating element (2) is attached to a first loop lever axis (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a first spring (21) is arranged between the base plate (9) and / or the door and the Bowden cable lever (12) for retracting the actuating element (2). Device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a microswitch (16) is provided which is actuated by a rotation of the loop lever (5) or the Bowden cable lever (12) by a first angle (22) such that an electrical control of the door unlocking takes place. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that when the loop lever (5) or the Bowden cable lever (12) is rotated by a second angle (23) which is larger than the first angle (22), the door unlocking is carried out via the Bowden cable (11). Device according to claims 6 and 7 or 6 to 8, characterized in that the device has a second spring (30) arranged on the base plate (9) and / or a door with a second cam (29) arranged on the Bowden cable lever (12) to form a haptic force threshold between the mechanical and the electrical door unlocking. Device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the connecting rod (18) has at least one kink or bend. Device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the connecting rod (18) is made of a metallic or a polymeric material.

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