Motor vehicle
By integrating a lighting unit into the push-opening element, the safety risks of handleless vehicle hoods in low visibility conditions are addressed, providing enhanced warning and comfort while reducing retrofit costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KIEKERT AG
- Filing Date
- 2021-02-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the handleless vehicle hatch poses a safety risk to other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists when opened manually in poor visibility or at night, and the existing lighting equipment is costly or unsuitable for modification.
The lighting unit, including LED lights, is integrated into the push-open element to provide a warning when the hatch or door is opened, enhance boarding and parking comfort, and is integrated with the vehicle lock, sharing a power supply.
It enables a safe hatch or door opening method without altering the vehicle's structure, reducing costs and improving user experience and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN115667656B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having: at least one motor vehicle hatch movable relative to the motor vehicle body; a push-opening unit comprising a push-opening element having an associated drive mechanism, wherein the push-opening element can be moved relative to the motor vehicle body and / or the motor vehicle hatch to at least a recessed position and a removed position by means of the drive mechanism. Background Technology
[0002] Within the scope of this invention and without limitation, a vehicle hatch that is movable relative to the vehicle body includes a vehicle front hood, a vehicle rear hood, a vehicle charging port cover, a vehicle fuel filler cap, etc. Generally, in this regard, vehicle doors, and especially vehicle side doors, are considered vehicle hatches. A vehicle hatch is equipped with a push-opening unit that typically ensures the opening of the corresponding hatch leaf / hatch body or door leaf after the unlocking and opening process of the corresponding vehicle door.
[0003] Here, the opening motion of the hood or door is performed to such an extent that a gap is typically created between the aforementioned vehicle hood or door and the vehicle body, allowing the door to be manually grasped and opened through this gap. This method is particularly recommended for handleless vehicle doors, i.e., vehicle doors that often lack external door handles for aerodynamic reasons.
[0004] For this purpose, the push-opening unit, and consequently the push-opening element, can be installed not only on the vehicle body but also on the hood, or even on both. Typically, the hood is equipped with a push-opening unit. Here, the push-opening unit is typically located in the lateral edge region of the hood, for example, in the region of the side edge of the hood or door, which (in the case of a front side door) faces the B-pillar. Thus, in the retracted position, the push-opening element can move toward the B-pillar, thereby ensuring the desired push-opening movement of the hood or door relative to the vehicle body.
[0005] In motor vehicles such as those described in DE 10 2018 129 403 A1, a driven door pre-opening system for the motor vehicle is generally involved. This door pre-opening system allows the door to move relative to the vehicle body between a closed position, a pre-opened position, and a fully open position. For this purpose, known door pre-opening systems have actuators connected to the vehicle body or the door. This reduces overall complexity while lowering costs.
[0006] A similar motor vehicle is described in DE 10 2015 003 918 A1. In this case, a motor vehicle lock equipped with an additional push-opening device is involved. Thus, vehicle components receiving the motor vehicle lock can be moved from a closed position to a push-open position. For this purpose, the push-opening device is at least partially integrated into the motor vehicle lock. Thus, vehicle components can be guided into a defined position to avoid damage or misoperation. Furthermore, a simple and cost-effective solution is provided.
[0007] The existing technology has been largely proven effective. However, a common problem with the known teachings and proposed vehicle hatches is that they are typically opened manually by hand. This poses an increasingly serious risk to other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists approaching from behind, especially in poor visibility conditions, rainy days, or at night.
[0008] While vehicle doors equipped with lighting devices are known in the prior art according to DE 20 2013 005 022 U1, the known lighting devices are part of an electronic module that is itself designed as a plug-in module and engages with a pin receiving portion in a recess in the outer door panel via at least one pin. This recess is essentially filled. Therefore, considering the intentionally designed handleless vehicle hatch, the known solution is ultimately unsuitable, as the handle catch in the outer door panel, typically used for the outer door handle, is used as the recess for receiving the lighting device.
[0009] Another prior art, according to DE 20 2006 004 187 U1, relates to a device comprising at least one vehicle component and a locking unit. Furthermore, the locking unit is equipped with a lighting unit. The end effect is that the lighting unit should function as a door warning light and also enhance the comfort of getting in, parking, or loading / unloading. For this purpose, the lighting unit extends at least partially through an opening in the vehicle component. Typically, this vehicle component is the rear cover of a passenger car. In this case, the rear cover also needs to be modified according to the shape of the opening to accommodate a known lighting unit with the desired function.
[0010] On the one hand, this modification to the vehicle hood reduces the willingness of vehicle manufacturers to install such lighting units, and on the other hand, it leads to higher costs. Therefore, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention
[0011] The technical problem addressed by this invention is to improve such a motor vehicle in such a way that changes are minimized while still achieving a defect-free warning function, and specifically, at a low overall cost.
[0012] To solve this technical problem, such motor vehicles within the scope of the present invention are characterized in that the push-open element has an illumination unit.
[0013] In this respect, the present invention begins with the understanding that a vehicle hood, which is movable relative to the vehicle body, and particularly a vehicle door, can advantageously be designed to be handle-less, that is, to fulfill its desired function without an external door handle on the outer panel. For this purpose, a push-opening unit is used, by means of which the handle-less vehicle hood and, in particular, the vehicle door can be opened to at least such an extent that a gap is formed relative to the vehicle body, allowing the user to pass through the gap and fully open the vehicle hood or vehicle door.
[0014] The present invention now utilizes, as described below, the push-opening element that is always provided and necessary in this case, namely, the push-opening element is equipped with an illumination unit. Here, the illumination unit not only performs the desired and previously described warning function, but also functions and is used to thereby improve the comfort of getting on, parking, or loading and unloading.
[0015] Therefore, the push-opening element is typically received in a recess in a retracted state. This recess is typically located in a vehicle hood or door that is movable relative to the vehicle body. This ensures that the push-opening element equipped with an illumination unit according to the invention moves together with the vehicle hood or door during opening. As a result, the illumination unit, together with the push-opening element, occupies an exposed position in the open state, and the movement of the illumination unit with the vehicle hood or door enhances the possible warning function. Furthermore, this movement of the illumination unit during opening also improves the comfort of getting into or parking the vehicle, as will be explained in detail below.
[0016] Typically, the push-open element is designed to move linearly / linearly / straight-line. That is, to transition from a recessed position to an extended position, the push-open element moves linearly relative to the notch. In this case, the associated direction of movement of the push-open element is typically perpendicular to the surface extension of the vehicle hood or door. Furthermore, the push-open element is usually located at the side edge of the hood or door panel, most often at the side edge adjacent to the B-pillar of the vehicle body.
[0017] Here, the present invention is based on the understanding that, typically, at least the front side doors or driver's doors of a motor vehicle are equipped with such a push-opening unit so that the motor vehicle can be opened as a whole. Obviously, all motor vehicle hoods or doors can also be equipped with such a push-opening unit. Furthermore, the push-opening unit can usually be moved or loaded to an intermediate position between a recessed position and an extended position by means of a drive mechanism.
[0018] Typically, the lighting unit extends along the linear direction of movement of the push-open element. In this way, the lighting unit becomes increasingly visible as the push-open element moves relative to the notch. Consequently, vehicle users can additionally check the functionality of the push-open element. This can only be done when the lighting unit is fully open relative to the notch in the position where the push-open element has moved out.
[0019] To achieve and implement the different functions of the lighting unit, as described above, in terms of warning, boarding, parking, or loading / unloading functions, various measures are implemented. In practice, the lighting unit has at least one LED that illuminates an area behind the vehicle. Therefore, by means of this LED, which mostly emits red light, a warning function can be established. This LED, by its characteristic of illuminating an area behind the vehicle, ensures that approaching vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc., are prepared for the open hood relative to the vehicle body.
[0020] Another possibility is that the lighting unit may alternatively or additionally have at least one LED pointing towards the swing area of the vehicle hood. With the help of this lighting unit, which is mostly designed with white LEDs, overall comfort when getting into and parking the vehicle can be improved. Because the swing area is illuminated by the opening of the vehicle hood or door, users wishing to enter the area can easily see any obstacles, puddles, etc., present in that location.
[0021] Furthermore, the lighting unit is advantageously equipped with at least one LED pointing towards the interior of the vehicle body. In this case, loading and unloading comfort can be improved by this LED, which typically also emits white light, because the interior of the vehicle body is at least partially illuminated by this LED. Here, the invention generally works in conjunction with all three LEDs.
[0022] Advantageously, the push-opening element, together with the drive mechanism, can be part of the vehicle locking device and preferably part of the vehicle lock, as fully described in DE 10 2015 03 918A1. Its advantage is that assembly is simplified overall, because the push-opening unit and the necessary vehicle lock do not need to be assembled independently at or within the hatch or door panel; within this variant, a single assembly step is sufficient. Furthermore, the vehicle lock is always located at the side edge of the hatch or door panel, making this location particularly suitable for installing the push-opening unit.
[0023] Another possibility is that the push-open element does not move towards the B-pillar, but rather towards the locking retainer attached to the B-pillar. Typically, the push-open element can also work in conjunction with the door seal.
[0024] Another advantage of integrating the push-opening element along with the drive mechanism into the vehicle locking device, and preferably into the vehicle lock, is that it reduces manufacturing costs, in addition to assembly. This is because the push-opening element or unit and the vehicle lock can use a common housing. Furthermore, an additional energy storage unit is typically provided for supplying energy to the lighting unit. This energy storage unit can also be integrated into the vehicle locking device and advantageously into the vehicle lock. Thus, the energy storage unit can be used not only for the vehicle lock but also for possible emergency operation of the push-opening unit. This is a significant advantage of the invention.
[0025] The result is a motor vehicle equipped with a push-open unit for the vehicle hood. By equipping the push-open element with an illumination unit, the push-open unit takes on an additional function beyond its original push-opening function: it can be used as a warning device. This simplifies getting into, parking, or loading and unloading the vehicle. This is a significant advantage of the present invention. Attached Figure Description
[0026] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only one embodiment; the drawings show:
[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view including the push-open unit shows a motor vehicle according to the invention.
[0028] Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal section diagram is shown according to Figure 1 The object, and
[0029] Figure 3 The push-open unit is shown in detail. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The diagram shows a motor vehicle. This motor vehicle is, in principle, a passenger car. A freight truck could also be implemented in this case. Regardless, the motor vehicle has a vehicle body 1 and a vehicle hatch 2 that is movable relative to the vehicle body 1. The vehicle hatch 2 is specifically a vehicle door, and particularly a front side door 2. The vehicle hatch or side door 2 can be swung open relative to the vehicle body 1 about axis A. This is typically achieved manually after the side door 2 is pushed open relative to the vehicle body 1.
[0031] In order to open the side door 2 of the motor vehicle, the opening units 3 and 4 are implemented. The opening units 3 and 4 are basically composed of the opening element 3 and the corresponding drive device 4. It can be seen that the opening element 3 can move linearly with the help of the drive device 4, but this is not a limitation.
[0032] During the pushing process, the pushing element 3 performs, in particular, it can... Figure 2The movement, as understood in the text, is specifically along the direction of movement R, which in this particular example is substantially perpendicular to the surface orientation of the vehicle hood or side door 2. Here, the aforementioned pushing element 3 extends from... Figure 2 The sunken position, indicated by the dashed line, is moved to the removed position, indicated by the solid line (and vice versa).
[0033] Through the movement of the pushing element 3, in this example, the pushing element moves toward the vehicle body 1 or the B-pillar 5 there. Thus, according to this embodiment and referring to... Figure 2 The push-opening units 3 and 4 are located at the side edge of the vehicle hood or the side door 2. In this example, the side edge of the vehicle hood 2 mentioned is the side edge adjacent to the B-pillar 5.
[0034] Once pushed aside, component 3 occupies its space. Figure 2 The position indicated by the solid line creates a gap between the vehicle body 1 and the vehicle hood or side door 2, allowing the user to grasp the vehicle hood or side door 2 through this gap and manually swing it fully relative to the vehicle body 1 around its axis A. Therefore, this is particularly useful in handle-less vehicle hoods 2, i.e., in vehicle hoods where external door handles have been eliminated for aerodynamic reasons.
[0035] Here, when the vehicle hood or side door 2 equipped with the push-opening element is opened relative to the vehicle body 1, the push-opening element 3 can remain in its position. Figure 2 The solid line indicates the retracted position. Once the vehicle hood or side door 2 is closed, the drive mechanism 4 is manipulated to move the push-open element 3 to its retracted position. Of course, if another signal ensures that the drive mechanism 4 is engaged and the push-open element 3 moves to the retracted position, it can also occupy the retracted position regardless of whether it is closed or not. This signal can come from a switch, handle, etc., located on the vehicle hood 2 or inside the vehicle body 1.
[0036] Now, according to the present invention, the push-opening element 3 is equipped with an illumination unit 6. Here, the illumination unit 6 is generally arranged along the linear movement direction R of the push-opening element 3 or extends along the mentioned movement direction R. Furthermore, the illumination unit 6 is generally not located on the front or upper surface of the square push-opening element 3 in this embodiment. That is, the illumination unit 6 generally illuminates the area behind the vehicle hood or the vehicle side door 2. Most of the time, it also illuminates downwards and towards the interior of the vehicle body 1.
[0037] For this purpose, according to this embodiment, the lighting unit 6 has a total of three LEDs 6a, 6b, and 6c. Here, LED 6a illuminates the area behind the vehicle and is typically designed to emit red light in order to serve a warning function. Thus, the red light emitted by LED 6a into the rear area is advantageously received and noticed by other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc., approaching from behind the vehicle. It is also helpful in this regard that, when swaying around axis A, this movement particularly draws attention to the pushing element 3 along with the lighting unit 6 and the vehicle hood 2.
[0038] In addition, the lighting unit 6 is equipped with another LED 6b. This LED 6b points towards the vehicle hood or the side door 2. Figure 2 The swing zone S is indicated in the diagram. In this way, users who want to enter the area are informed, particularly of the ground features in the swing zone S and any obstacles that may be present there. For this purpose, LED 6b is typically a white LED.
[0039] According to this embodiment, the lighting unit 6 is also equipped with another third LED 6c. According to this embodiment, the third LED 6c is located on the end side of the square push-open element 3. In contrast, LED 6a is arranged on the rear side and LED 6b is arranged on the lower side of the square push-open element 3.
[0040] By mounting the LED 6c on the end side of the push-open element 3, and considering that the LED 6c typically emits white light, the lighting unit 6 ensures that the LED 6c is directed towards the interior of the vehicle body 1. This is particularly advantageous for illuminating the interior space during possible loading / unloading processes or when getting into the vehicle.
[0041] according to Figure 1 This indicates that, in addition to pushing open units 3 and 4, a vehicle locking device 7 is additionally implemented. In this example, the vehicle locking device 7 is a vehicle lock 7. In this embodiment, the vehicle lock 7 is designed as a so-called electronic lock, that is, it has an electrically driven device by which a locking mechanism (not explicitly shown) including a locking pawl and a rotating locking fork can be opened. Here, the vehicle lock 7 at the vehicle hood or vehicle side door 2 interacts with a lock retainer 8 installed at the B-pillar 5 of the vehicle body 1.
[0042] Now, within the scope of this embodiment, the push-opening element 3 includes a drive device 4; that is, the entire push-opening unit 3, 4 is part of the vehicle locking device, and according to this embodiment, it is part of the vehicle lock 7. In other words, the push-opening units 3, 4 are integrated into the vehicle lock 7. This is, of course, only applicable to this specific example and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, an energy storage unit 9 is implemented, by means of which the required electrical energy can be supplied to the lighting unit 6.
[0043] According to especially Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the energy storage unit 9 is integrated into the vehicle locking device or vehicle lock 7. In this way, the energy storage unit 9 can not only supply the necessary electrical energy to the lighting unit 6, but also, in principle, can be used for emergency opening of the vehicle lock 7, specifically in the event of failure of the main energy source located inside the vehicle body 1. Furthermore, through this design, the energy storage unit 9 can also supply the necessary electrical energy to the push-open units 3 and 4 during emergency operation.
[0044] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0045] 1. Motor vehicle body
[0046] 2. Motor vehicle side door
[0047] 3. Push the component away
[0048] 4. Drive unit
[0049] 5 B-pillar
[0050] 6 lighting units
[0051] 6a, 6b, 6c LEDs
[0052] 7 Motor vehicle locking device
[0053] 8 Locking retainers
[0054] 9 Energy Storage Units
Claims
1. A motor vehicle comprising: at least one vehicle hatch (2) movable relative to a vehicle body (1); and a push-opening unit (3, 4) comprising a push-opening element (3) having a corresponding drive mechanism (4), wherein, The drive mechanism (4) enables the push-opening element (3) to be moved, at least into the recessed position and the removed position, relative to the vehicle body (1) and / or the vehicle hood (2). Its features are, The push-opening element (3) has a lighting unit (6) and an energy storage unit (9) for supplying energy to the lighting unit (6). The energy storage unit (9) is integrated into the vehicle locking device (7). The energy storage unit (9) not only supplies the lighting unit (6) with the required electrical energy, but also serves for the emergency opening of the vehicle locking device (7). The push-opening element is received in a recess in the retracted state. This recess is located in the vehicle hood, so that the push-opening element equipped with the lighting unit moves together with the vehicle hood during the opening process. The lighting unit and the push-opening element together occupy an exposed position in the open state, and the movement of the lighting unit together with the vehicle hood enhances the warning function.
2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-open element (3) is designed to move linearly.
3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (6) extends along the linear moving direction (R) of the push-open element (3).
4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (6) has at least one LED (6a) that illuminates the rear area.
5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (6) has at least one LED (6b) pointing to the swing area (S) of the vehicle hood (2).
6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lighting unit (6) is equipped with at least one LED (6c) pointing into the interior of the vehicle body (1).
7. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The push-open element (3), together with the drive device (4), is a component of the motor vehicle locking device (7).
8. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The push-open element (3), together with the drive device (4), is a component of the motor vehicle locking device (7).