Door for motor vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a door (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a gripping element (14) arranged on the outside of the door and at least one operating element (16) integrated into the gripping element (14) for electrically locking and / or unlocking a lock of the door (10), the gripping element (14) can be displaced at least partially automatically from an outer skin region (22) of the vehicle door (10) relative to the outer skin region (22) between a shielding position (P1) and an operating position (P2); in the shielding position, the holding element (14) cannot be held; in the operating position, the gripping element (14) and the operating element (16) can be gripped and / or operated. The invention further relates to a method for electrically locking and / or unlocking a lock of such a vehicle door (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle door for an automobile as described in the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a method for electrically locking and / or unlocking a vehicle door lock. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the gripping element, known as the "winglet," is either placed in a groove or directly set or arranged on the waist (Brüstung) in the B-pillar area.

[0003] A vehicle door with a gripping element has been disclosed in the prior art. The gripping element has an operating element integrated in the gripping element, and the gripping element protrudes on the outside of the vehicle door and on the waist of the vehicle door for gripping. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle door that is substantially invisible and can be comfortably locked and / or unlocked.

[0005] According to the invention, this task is solved by a vehicle door having the features described in claim 1 and by means of the method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The door, gate, or side door of an automobile, particularly a passenger car, according to the invention includes a gripping element or "winglet" integrated therein for electrically locking and / or unlocking the door. The gripping element, also referred to as an outer handle or door outer handle, allows the door to be moved or pivoted from a closed position to an open position, for example, by pulling. In the closed position, the door at least closes a portion of the structural opening. In the open position, the door releases this portion of the structural opening, allowing, for example, occupants to enter or exit the interior space through the released portion of the structural opening while the door is in the open position.

[0007] To address the objective of this invention, a vehicle door that is substantially invisible and comfortably locked and / or unlocked is provided. According to the invention, the gripping element is capable of emerging from the outer skin area of ​​the door and, relative to this area, at least partially automatically shifts between a concealed position and an operating position. In the concealed position, the gripping element is not grippable; in the operating position, the gripping element and the operating element are grippable and / or operable. Through the partially automatic shift of the gripping element, operation of the door corresponding to the gripping element, and thus electric locking and / or unlocking, is provided more conveniently and aesthetically for the user or personnel. The user no longer needs to search for or manually manipulate the gripping element; instead, the shift is at least partially automatic, and especially fully automatic, as long as the user is near the door.

[0008] To achieve an aesthetically pleasing integration of the grip element into the vehicle design and thus eliminate versions that permanently protrude from the side of the car, the solution proposed according to the invention provides a particularly concealed and therefore aesthetically pleasing shading location. In this shading location, the grip element is thus substantially invisible or unseen, and is, for example, obscured. In particular, the grip element is arranged flush with the outer skin area on a flat surface, thereby significantly altering the visibility of the grip element to the point of being invisible. This results in a clean, seamless appearance of the vehicle surface, free from interfering elements that could affect the exterior design.

[0009] Therefore, according to the invention, in the concealed position, the gripping element is moved in and / or folded flush with the adjacent skin area. Here, to achieve a seamless and aesthetically pleasing transition from the gripping element to the adjacent skin area, the gripping element should, in particular, be at least partially and automatically displaced in the concealed position to be flush with the adjacent skin area. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a cover provided on the gripping element or by means of a dedicated concealing element made of the same material as the skin area, said cover or concealing element being configured to achieve a substantially seamless transition after the gripping element is displaced. These concealing elements are particularly constructed to minimize possible gaps or seams and provide an improved transition between the gripping element and the surrounding surface or skin. Furthermore, they provide protection against water and dirt, especially for the operating elements. By embedding or displacing the gripping element flush with the skin surface in the concealed position, a particularly harmonious and virtually invisible integration with the skin surface or vehicle surface is achieved or provided. Therefore, this contributes to the side profile of the vehicle and thus to the aesthetic design of the vehicle or car, thereby minimizing intrusive elements or gaps or seams.

[0010] Therefore, the grip element only becomes visible when it is moved to the operating position, allowing the user to easily and comfortably operate the grip element and thus lock and / or unlock the lock. This locking and / or unlocking can be achieved, for example, by manually pulling and / or pressing the grip element, or by activating the mechanical and / or electronic locking system of the door using an integrated operating element.

[0011] The opening of the car door can therefore be achieved, for example, by having the door initially flush with the vehicle body in the closed position, with the lock engaged or disengaged. In this case, the gripping elements are in a concealed position, also flush with the outer skin area, and are therefore virtually invisible. This creates a nearly stepless surface on the side of the vehicle, contributing to the desired aesthetic design of the vehicle or automobile.

[0012] To open the door and bring it to the open position, for example, for getting in, the gripping element is moved from a covered position to an operating position. This makes the gripping element visible and graspable, while the integrated operating element becomes operable. The user can then use the operating element to unlock the door or lock it if the vehicle is closed. Subsequently, the gripping element can be used to move the door from the closed position to the open position by pulling and / or pivoting the door.

[0013] Furthermore, the use of drives, actuators, or mechanical structures or mechanisms is specified to achieve reliable displacement of the gripping element. These components are reliably arranged in corresponding receptacles or retaining devices to achieve smooth function. The displacement or movement of the gripping element from the side of the vehicle toward the user enables ergonomic operation because the gripping element is displaced or placed in an ergonomic and efficient position for the user.

[0014] Security is also improved by the invisible locking and / or unlocking of the doors. Potential thieves or unauthorized personnel have difficulty identifying or manipulating the gripping elements because they are concealed and inconspicuous in a covered location.

[0015] The actuator, mover, or mechanical structure can have a variety of technical implementations. For example, it can be an electric motor controlled by a control device. Alternatively, a hydraulic or pneumatic system can be used to actuate the movement of the lock, wherein the operating element and / or gripping element can be manipulated by a control device. The selection of a suitable actuator depends on a number of factors, such as size, function, weight, and preset displacement.

[0016] Therefore, by integrating the gripping element into a receiving portion provided for this purpose on the door in accordance with the invention, the locking and unlocking of the door and the displacement of the gripping element are realized, thereby harmonizing the design with the function and providing a particularly advantageous task solution.

[0017] Furthermore, by combining a grip element with operating components or a "smartwing" that is significantly smaller than the exterior door handle with a novel kinematic mechanism, it is possible to provide an operating area that is flush with the interior surface of the door skin, along with a significantly reduced recess in the door skin. This is especially true in frameless doors.

[0018] Overall, the solution according to the invention provides an effective combination of comfort, aesthetics, and safety. It achieves practical and invisible locking and / or unlocking of vehicle doors, thereby improving the driving experience and vehicle design.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is arranged in an adjacent area below the door waist of the vehicle door. Thus, the vehicle door has a gripping element on the outer side of the door, which is arranged, particularly in the door mounting position, below the door waist along the vehicle height direction. The door waist can also be simply referred to as the waist, window waist, edge, or door edge, or the door waist is formed by or coincides with the door edge. In particular, the door waist is or forms an edge, particularly a lower edge, through which at least partially defines, for example, a window opening (also called a window glass opening) for the door, particularly a side window, particularly in the door mounting position and relative to the closed position along the vehicle height direction. A particular advantage of this arrangement is the possible space utilization of the door base structure, which can be used particularly cost-effectively to form a receiving portion for the gripping element. Furthermore, since this area is already known to the user, it can be intuitively reached to reposition the gripping element without requiring the user to search for the handle in other potentially more complex ways. For example, the gripping element can also be equipped with a light-emitting element to further improve operability.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is specified to be linearly displaced to an operating position for gripping and / or providing the operating element. One possible implementation of the predetermined displacement of the gripping element is that, when the gripping element is displaced to the operating position, a linear movement is first performed. Here, the gripping element is linearly displaced and has been configured in a handle shape with a cover so that it is substantially invisible in the concealed position. Thus, linear displacement is only required toward the user. The gripping element is displaced from the housing and can therefore be used. This linear displacement is particularly relative to the outer skin region, and especially perpendicular to the flat surface formed by the outer skin region.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is specified to be rotatable relative to an axis and at a distance from that axis to an operating position for gripping and / or providing the operating element. Therefore, other embodiments and variations, as well as rotational options, are also possible for displacing the gripping element to the operating position. Various mechanisms, directions of movement, and folding functions can be used to adapt the gripping element to vehicle design requirements and user-friendliness. In particular, rotational removal about the axis is particularly performed along a circular circumference of movement provided by the distance.

[0022] For this purpose, guide rails, shafts, rotary actuators, other displacement components, and control devices are arranged.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping element has a sensor device for at least partially automatic displacement between a shielded position and an operating position. One possible implementation is to use a proximity sensor in the sensor device. This proximity sensor detects that a user is approaching the vehicle and automatically triggers the gripping element to move from the shielded position to the operating position. For example, the proximity sensor may be constructed based on infrared, ultrasonic, or other detection technologies.

[0024] Another implementation involves extending GPS functionality to the gripping element. This allows the vehicle to identify the user's position relative to the vehicle and, for example, set a security mode accordingly for the displacement of the gripping element. This can be used in conjunction with vehicle entry detection or anti-theft protection.

[0025] Furthermore, the gripping element may have a communication interface that establishes a wireless connection with external vehicle devices, such as ID transmitters or identification transmitters, keys, or wireless terminal devices like mobile phones. Through this connection, the gripping element can be automatically controlled and moved between a concealed position and an operational position. For example, an identification transmitter or key can act as a trigger to move the gripping element to the operational position upon identification.

[0026] Therefore, the use of sensor devices enables automatic, particularly comfortable and safe movement of the gripping element between different positions.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating element is provided with another sensor device for manipulation. This other sensor device enables the operating element to be activated or operated in a particularly comfortable, intuitive, and substantially contactless manner.

[0028] In the first embodiment, an electromechanical sensor is used in the sensor device, which can be activated by only a substantially minute deformation or slight pressure. This means that the user only needs to lightly touch or press on the operating element to trigger the desired function. The electromechanical sensor detects minute mechanical changes and sends a corresponding signal to activate the operating element and thus operate the lock.

[0029] The second embodiment specifies that a capacitive sensor is used in the sensor device, which enables substantially contactless manipulation. The capacitive sensor can detect the user's approach or touch without direct contact, and thus can accordingly activate or operate the operating element. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting changes in capacitance between the sensor and the user.

[0030] Here, the sensor device is configured to be activated only in the operating position. In the shielded position, the operating element and the sensor device are protected, especially from weather and external influences. This ensures the functionality of the operating element in the shielded position and further protects it from unauthorized operation or manipulation by a third party. The integrated sensor device for operating the operating element enables comfortable and user-friendly operation of the door. By selecting appropriate sensor technology, the operation can be achieved without contact or with minimal force.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is displaceable to an emergency position for manual unlocking of the lock. Thus, when the gripping element is linearly moved out to the operating position, it can be further pulled out or rotated to the emergency position to similarly unlock or lock the lock without requiring the operating element. This embodiment allows the user to manually unlock the lock when electronic or automatic operation is unavailable or malfunctions. The emergency position provides additional safety and ensures door operability in emergency situations. After manual unlocking or locking, the gripping element can be displaced back to the normal operating or shielded position to restore normal operation.

[0032] Finally, in another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is configured to be coupled to the central locking system of the vehicle. In particular, not only the gripping element but also the operating element can be electronically coupled and thus connected to an electronic computing device for signal exchange, which in turn can be coupled to or is capable of being coupled to the central locking system. This enables the opening and thus unlocking of the door to also unlock or lock the entire vehicle. By coupling the gripping element and the operating element to the electronic computing device, a communication interface is established between these components and the central locking system. This achieves coordinated control of door locking and unlocking. The operating element can transmit corresponding signals to the electronic computing device, which in turn transmits information to the central locking system to perform the desired action. This can include locking or unlocking the door, and simultaneously locking or unlocking the entire vehicle.

[0033] This coupling enables integrated and synchronized door locking and unlocking, thereby improving comfort and safety. Users can open the doors and simultaneously unlock the entire vehicle by manipulating the grip element. Other functions of the central locking system, such as activation or deactivation of alarm systems, can also be coupled when needed.

[0034] In addition, an electronic computing device can be installed, which is electronically coupled or capable of being coupled to all components required for the electric unlocking or locking of the door locks. This electronic computing device can control and synchronize all relevant components, including controllers, motor drives, and other necessary components. Therefore, this electronic computing device acts as a central control system and forms the interface between the gripping elements, operating elements, and other components required for locking and unlocking. The electronic computing device receives signals from various input components, processes them, and transmits corresponding control commands to the connected components. Thus, the electronic computing device controls and synchronizes all functions of the motor drive, enabling locking and unlocking of the lock. It can also integrate other components, such as sensors, actuators, and control units, to provide a comprehensive and reliable system.

[0035] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for electrically locking and / or unlocking a vehicle door using a gripping element disposed on the outer side of the door, the gripping element having an operating element integrated therein. Specifically, to electrically lock and / or unlock the lock, the gripping element is extended from the outer skin area of ​​the door and at least partially automatically shifts between a concealed position and an operating position relative to the outer skin area; in the concealed position, the gripping element is not grippable; in the operating position, the gripping element and the operating element are grippable and / or operable.

[0036] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof described above in the specification, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the description of the drawings and / or shown only in the drawings, may be used not only in their respective disclosed combinations, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 One embodiment of the car door is shown in a comparison of two perspective views, in which the gripping element is in a shielded position and an operating position; and

[0038] Figure 2 Another implementation of the door is shown in a comparison of two perspective views, in which another gripping element is also in the shielded and operating positions.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, identical and functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 An embodiment of the door 10 is shown in a comparison of two perspective views, in which the gripping element 14 is in a shielded position P1 and an operating position P2.

[0041] Accordingly, a door 10 for an automobile is shown, including a gripping element 14 arranged on the outside of the door and at least one operating element 16 integrated in the gripping element 14 for electrically locking and / or unlocking the door 10 in the two positions P1, P2.

[0042] Furthermore, the grip element 14 is arranged or positioned below the door waist 12 along the vehicle height direction x. Thus, the grip element is at an ergonomic grip height that is comfortable and easily accessible to the user. Therefore, the grip element 14 is arranged in the adjacent region 18 below the door waist 12 of the door 10. The grip element 14 is configured to extend from the outer skin region 22 of the door 10 and automatically, at least partially, relative to the outer skin region 22. Figure 1 The shielding position P1 shown (where the holding element is inaccessible) is... Figure 1 The gripping element 14 is shifted between operating positions P2 (not shown) where it can be gripped and operated. This is achieved by arranging and applying invisible control devices, actuators, and / or electronic computing devices. Through these components, the shifting of the gripping element 14 is controlled and automated.

[0043] In the shielded position P1 shown, the grip element 14 is therefore invisible and moves in flush with the door 10. This protects the grip element from external influences and helps create a seamless skin area 22 on the vehicle surface. If needed, the grip element 14 can be moved to the operating position P2 by activating a control device or other mechanism. In the operating position P2 (not shown), the grip element is accessible to the user and allows for simple and comfortable operation.

[0044] Therefore, in the shielded position P1, the grip element 14 is flush-mounted into or folded into the outer skin region 22. This creates a seamless and aesthetically pleasing surface because the grip element 14 is flush with the surrounding vehicle structure. For even better integration, the outer shield 15 of the grip element 14 is made of the same material as the adjacent outer skin region 22. This achieves a harmonious appearance and minimizes any possible gaps 17 or seams between the grip element 14 and the outer skin region 22. The seams or gaps 17 are very narrow and can even be virtually invisible. This design feature helps to provide a clean and seamless vehicle surface through which the grip element 14 is presented in a particularly inconspicuous and integrated manner.

[0045] Therefore, the gripping element 14 can be linearly displaced to achieve gripping and / or provide the operating element 16 in the operating position P2. For this purpose, a sensor device 24 is integrated, configured as, for example, a proximity sensor. This sensor device 24 detects the approach of a person or ID transmitter, and thus enables partial automatic displacement of the gripping element 14 between the shielded position P1 and the operating position P2. Through this sensor function, the gripping element 14 can automatically shift to the operating position P2 based on the presence or authorization of a person, or vice versa, without manual control.

[0046] Furthermore, the grip element 14 may have light-emitting elements 28, which are arranged, for example, along the contour. This enables a visual highlighting of the grip element 14 and information about the status of the door 10.

[0047] exist Figure 1 The image also shows, in another perspective view, the gripping element 14 in the operating position P2, where it is linearly displaced relative to the outer skin region 22, and particularly perpendicular to the flat surface of the adjacent outer skin region 22. Therefore, in this operating position, the gripping element 14 can hold and / or the operating element 16 can be operated by the user.

[0048] In particular, the grip element 14 also has additional wings 21 to make the hand grip more ergonomic. For example, the linear pull-out movement of the grip element 14 enables more comfortable operation and manipulation of both the operating element 16 and the grip element 14 itself.

[0049] The operating element 16 itself may have another sensor device 26 configured to manipulate the operating element 16. This may be a capacitive sensor capable of non-contact operation. Alternatively, an electromechanical sensor may be used, which detects slight deformation or contact and activates the operating element 16 accordingly.

[0050] By integrating this other sensor device 26, simple and intuitive operation of the operating element 16 can be achieved without direct physical interaction to operate the lock of the door 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the gripping element 14 can be moved to the emergency position P3 to enable manual unlocking and / or locking of the lock. In this emergency position P3, the gripping element 14 is positioned to allow the user to manually unlock or lock the door 10. This is particularly useful in situations where, for example, the electronic locking or unlocking function fails or an alternative manual operation is required.

[0052] Furthermore, the gripping element 14 can be coupled to the vehicle's central locking system. This enables synchronized control of locking and unlocking of the door 10. The gripping element 14 can be arranged or coupled to... Figure 1 An electronic computing device, not shown, communicates with the locking system and triggers desired actions, such as locking or unlocking.

[0053] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the door 10 is shown in a comparison of two other perspective views, in which another gripping element 14 is also in the shielded position P1 and the operating position P2.

[0054] In the shielded position P1, the gripping element 14 may be in a hidden or flat position, in which the gripping element is inaccessible to the user or blocks access to the operating unit 16 located below.

[0055] The gripping element 14 is rotatable relative to axis A and at a distance r from axis A to the operating position P2 for gripping and / or providing the operating element 16.

[0056] Therefore, in the operating position P2, the gripping element 14 has been moved out of the shielded position P1 and rotated relative to axis A. Here, the gripping element moves or shifts along a circumference around axis A or along a circular trajectory Ar around the axis. This makes the operating element 16 accessible to the user, and the gripping element 14 can now be held.

[0057] Accordingly, the gripping element 14 is configured to rotate relative to axis A, and this rotation moves the gripping element 14 from the shielded position P1 to the operating position P2 and back. During this rotation, the gripping element 14 thus maintains a predetermined distance r from axis A, meaning that it maintains a constant distance during its displacement around axis A, thereby providing an ergonomic gripping space 20 for inserting fingers.

[0058] All these features contribute to the design of a comfortable and user-friendly door 10 that is both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional.

[0059] In summary, the present invention describes a removable gripping element 14, referred to as a "Winglet", for a side door or door 10 of an automobile.

[0060] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0061] 10 doors

[0062] 12 car door waist

[0063] 14 gripping components

[0064] 15 Covering parts

[0065] 16 operating elements

[0066] 17 gaps

[0067] 18 regions

[0068] 20 grip space

[0069] 21 Wings

[0070] 22 outer skin area

[0071] 24 sensor devices

[0072] 26 Another sensor device

[0073] 28 light-emitting elements

[0074] P1 shading position

[0075] P2 Operation Position

[0076] Axis A

[0077] r spacing

[0078] Ar circular trajectory

Claims

1. A door (10) for a motor vehicle, having a holding element (14) arranged on the outside of the door and at least one operating element (16) integrated into the holding element (14) for electric locking and / or unlocking of a lock of the door (10), characterized in that the holding element (14) is at least partially automatically displaceable relative to a skin area (22) of the door (10) out of the skin area (22) between a concealed position (Pl) in which the holding element (14) is not graspable and an operating position (P2) in which the holding element (14) and the operating element (16) are graspable and / or operable. The holding element (14) is arranged in an immediate area (18) below a door waist (12) of the door (10).

2. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The holding element (14) is linearly displaceable into the operating position (P2) for grasping and / or providing the operating element (16).

3. The vehicle door (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The holding element (14) is rotatable relative to an axis (A) and at a distance (r) from the axis (A) into the operating position (P2) for grasping and / or providing the operating element (16).

4. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (14) has a sensor device (24) for at least partially automatic displacement between the concealed position (Pl) and the operating position (P2).

5. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating element (16) has a further sensor device (26) for actuating the operating element (16).

6. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (14) and / or the operating element (16) have an ergonomic contour.

7. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (14) is displaceable into an emergency position (P3) for manual locking and / or unlocking of the lock.

8. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The holding element (14) is configured to be coupled to a central locking system of the motor vehicle.

9. The vehicle door (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 10. A method for electric locking and / or unlocking of a lock of a door (10) for a motor vehicle by means of a holding element (14) arranged on the outside of the door, the holding element having an operating element (16) integrated into the holding element, For electric locking and / or unlocking of the lock, the holding element (14) is at least partially automatically displaced relative to a skin area (22) of the door (10) out of the skin area (22) between a concealed position (Pl) in which the holding element (14) is not graspable and an operating position (P2) in which the holding element (14) and the operating element (16) are graspable and / or operable. characterized in that ​

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