Door operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a door actuating device for controlling a door locking system (18), comprising: an actuating surface (6) for applying an actuating force (F) by a user; comprising sensor means (8) for detecting the actuating force (F) and providing an unlocking signal to the door locking system (18) via the operating circuit (17) when a predetermined first minimum force is detected; and a second switching device (14) comprising a mechanical switching element (15) which can be closed when a predetermined second minimum force, which is greater than the first minimum force, is applied, and wherein an unlocking signal can be supplied to the door locking system via an associated emergency circuit (19) as the mechanical switching element (15) is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door operating device. Background Technology

[0002] Modern motor vehicles increasingly feature electric door locking systems. These systems include electrically driven actuators that operate locking elements that can move between a locked and a released position. To operate the door locking system, a door operating device is provided, located within the vehicle's interior space in the door area, such as on the door trim, making it accessible to a person sitting next to the door. This door operating device may be, for example, a button, and generates a corresponding switching signal when the device is operated / actuated to open the door. This switching signal then controls and energizes the door unlocking system or its actuator integrated into the operating circuit, thereby unlocking the door.

[0003] For example, such an electric door operating device has a corresponding switching mechanism that includes a sensor component that detects the operating force applied to the operating surface of the door operating device. If a predetermined force level is applied and determined, i.e., a corresponding minimum force is determined, the sensor component provides a corresponding signal to a microcontroller, which then operates the door locking system or its actuator, thereby driving the actuator by the operating circuit and unlocking the door. Tactile feedback signals are provided to the user by means of an actuator associated with the operating surface, indicating that a corresponding control signal has been generated and output. However, an additional safety feature is required that allows the door locking system to be operated even when it cannot be operated via the electric door operating device including the switching mechanism and its associated sensor component—for example, because the vehicle is partially or completely underwater and, for example, the operating circuit is no longer available, and only an emergency circuit exists (which has only a few selected operating components connected and can only provide a limited amount of power for a limited time). In this scenario, it's conceivable to install an additional, purely mechanical door-opening device, such as a small emergency lever, which would connect to the door locking system via a Bowden cable, as is common practice. However, since this mechanical door-opening device is only intended for emergency use for redundancy, this is an extremely costly design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an improved door operating device.

[0005] To address this problem, the present invention provides a door operating device for controlling a door locking system. The door operating device includes: an operating surface for applying an operating force by a user; a first switching device including a sensor component for detecting the operating force and, upon detecting a predetermined first minimum force, providing an unlocking signal to the door locking system via a working circuit; and a second switching device including a mechanical switching element capable of closing when a predetermined second minimum force greater than the first minimum force is applied, wherein, upon closing the mechanical switching element, an unlocking signal is provided to the door locking system via an associated emergency circuit.

[0006] On one hand, the door operating device according to the invention includes a first switching device comprising a sensor component assigned to an operating surface. This sensor component allows detection of the force applied by a user pressing the operating surface with their finger. The sensor component is also configured to, for example, output an unlock signal to the door locking system via a built-in microcontroller when it detects that the user has pressed the operating surface with a predetermined first minimum force. As described above, the operating device is integrated / integrated into a working circuit via which the sensor component operates, and the door locking system or its actuator is also connected. If an unlock signal is provided, the actuator is powered via the working circuit and unlocks the door.

[0007] In the door operating device according to the invention, an emergency safety function is provided via a second switching device. This second switching device includes a mechanical switching element that can be closed when a predetermined second minimum force greater than a first minimum force is applied. With the closure of the mechanical switching element, a corresponding unlocking signal is provided to the door unlocking system and its actuator via an emergency circuit, thereby enabling the door unlocking system to be powered and driven via the emergency circuit during emergency operation and to unlock. Because a mechanical switching element is involved, which closes the emergency circuit for the door locking system or its actuator in the operating area, power is not required to power the door operating device to ensure this emergency function. Power supply and control are achieved because the emergency circuit or the corresponding connection to the door locking system and its actuator is mechanically and actively closed by the mechanical switching element.

[0008] Therefore, the door operating device according to the invention has two independent, approximately parallel switching devices: a first electronic switching device including a sensor component and a second mechanical switching device including a mechanical switching element. The first switching device is integrated into the operating circuit and controls the operation of the door locking system or its actuator via the operating circuit, while the second switching device is integrated into the emergency circuit and controls the door locking system or its actuator via the emergency circuit. Both switching devices can be operated through the same operating element (i.e., the operating surface). Different operations are ultimately controlled only by the operating force to be applied. In normal operation, when there is operating current and the door locking system can be operated in normal operation, only a slight press of the operating surface with at least one first minimum force is required. The sensor component detects whether the minimum force has been reached and controls the microcontroller that outputs an unlocking signal. However, in an emergency where there is no operating current and only an emergency current is provided, the same operating surface can be operated and pressed on the door operating device to operate the door locking system, but with a significantly greater force. The operating surface is assigned a second switching device or its mechanical switching element, which is operated when the operating surface is pressed with a second minimum force greater than the first minimum force. Subsequently, the mechanical switching element closes and the door locking system is activated via the emergency circuit. Therefore, the door operating device according to the invention allows for inductive operation and control of the door locking system via the operating circuit during normal operation, and allows for mechanical inductive operation and control of the door locking system via the emergency circuit during emergency operation.

[0009] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the touch surface is arranged on a support member movably supported on a retaining member, wherein movement of the support member enables operation of the switch. The support member, together with the touch surface, is fixed in position to the retaining member in its basic position, thereby allowing the touch surface to be easily pressed with a first minimum force without movement of the support member relative to the retaining member. However, in an emergency, when the touch surface is pressed with a significantly greater force and at least a predetermined second minimum force, the support member moves away from its basic position and relative to the retaining member, thereby closing the mechanical switch. That is, mechanical movement of the support member closes the mechanical switch.

[0010] The switch itself is advantageously arranged on the retaining member and can be operated via an operating section provided on the supporting member. This operating section may be, for example, a protruding arm or pin, which is spaced apart from the mechanical switch in its basic position, but moves against the switch and closes it during movement of the supporting member.

[0011] According to an improved embodiment of the invention, the load-bearing member itself is fixed in its basic position by a retainer acting between the load-bearing member and the retaining member, which is detachable upon reaching a second minimum force. That is, the load-bearing member is detachably fixed to the retaining member by the retainer, which is designed to maintain fixation under small forces and release fixation under forces at least equivalent to the second minimum force.

[0012] The retaining element can be, for example, a magnetic element; that is, a corresponding magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet, is arranged on the supporting member as on the retaining member. This permanent magnet interacts magnetically in the basic position and securely fixes the supporting member accordingly. However, this magnetic fixation can be overcome by applying sufficient force, allowing the supporting member to move away from its basic position. The magnetic element also allows the supporting member to return to its basic position if necessary.

[0013] Alternatively, the retainer can also be a locking element or a clamping element. That is, the carrying member is locked or clamped to the retaining member via a corresponding locking or clamping element. This locking or clamping connection is designed to be sufficiently stable under a small force, but only opens under a correspondingly larger force (i.e., at least a second minimum force). This opening can be reversible, meaning the carrying member can be locked back in its basic position after one operation. This opening can also be irreversible, resulting in damage to the locking or clamping element.

[0014] The first minimum force should be in the range of 1.5 N to 4.0 N, especially in the range of 2.0 N to 3.0 N, preferably about 2.5 N. The second minimum force should be in the range of 8.0 N to 12.0 N, especially in the range of 9.0 N to 11.0 N, preferably about 10 N. It is essential to ensure that there is always a sufficiently large difference between the first and second minimum forces to prevent accidental operation of the mechanical switching element under only slightly strong pressure.

[0015] The travel of the switching element should be between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, i.e., as small as possible. Since the switching element is intended for emergency use, excessive travel is undesirable. Consequently, the movement of the supporting member relative to the holding member (i.e., the travel of the supporting member) is also correspondingly small, so that the slight movement of about 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm is sufficient to close the mechanical switching element.

[0016] In addition to door operating devices, the present invention also relates to an interior component of a motor vehicle, the interior component including at least one door operating device of the type described above. Typically, each door of a motor vehicle (and, if necessary, a rear cover) is equipped with or assigned such door operating devices, so that each opening—through which occupants inside the vehicle can exit the vehicle in an emergency—can be unlocked via such secure door operating devices.

[0017] Interior components are preferably door trim, especially the armrests of such door trim. This design ensures that door operating devices are within easy reach of occupants seated near the door.

[0018] Finally, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one door interior component of the type described above. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and from the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the door operating device according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the circuit structure is shown, and

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the principle of a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a door operating device 1 according to the invention is shown, implemented as a switch or button. The door operating device includes a retaining member 2, which is, for example, can-shaped and made of plastic. The door operating device also includes a support member 3, also made of plastic, which is engaged in the retaining member 2. The support member 3 is fixed in its basic position to the retaining member 2 by means of retaining elements 4—in the illustrated example, a magnetic element 5. However, these retaining elements 4 can be released, allowing the support member 3 to be pressed into the retaining member 2. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the support member 3 is fixed in its basic position by means of a locking element or a clamping element, instead of the magnetic element 5.

[0024] The supporting member 3 has a touch surface 6, which a user can press with their finger to operate and apply an operating force F. A first switching device 7, including a sensor component 8, is arranged within a cavity defined by the retaining member 2 and the supporting member 3, i.e., the interior. The sensor component includes a sensor surface 9 disposed below the operating surface 6, which functions as a force sensor and is implemented, for example, as a strain gauge, and detects the operating force F applied to the operating surface 6. A capacitive sensor element 10 is assigned to the sensor surface 9, however, this capacitive sensor element is optional. Through the capacitive sensor element 10, it is possible to detect whether a finger is actually pressed onto the operating surface 6 and thus performs an intentional operation, or whether the operating surface is simply accidentally touched by a body part such as the elbow. Furthermore, an actuator 11 is provided, which sends a tactile signal to a structure located above the actuator when a minimum force (e.g., about 2.5 N) is detected through the sensor surface 9. This tactile signal can be sensed by the finger still resting on the touch surface 6, thereby providing feedback to the user that their operation request or control request has been received. The actuator may be, for example, a piezoelectric element, thus also integrating active tactile functionality. A lighting device 13, such as an LED, may also be provided to backlight the operating surface.

[0025] Furthermore, sensor component 8 includes a microcontroller 12 that outputs a control signal as an unlocking signal to a door locking system. This door locking system includes an electric actuator connected to a working circuit, which is then powered through the working circuit to release the locking element of the door locking system, thereby enabling the door to open. Therefore, sensor component 8 is part of a first switching device 7 that provides an electrical control signal (i.e., an unlocking signal) to energize the actuator of the door locking system. This represents normal operation for unlocking the door. If a person in the vehicle wants to open the door, they simply need to lightly press the touch surface 6 with their finger. Sensor surface 9 determines the strength of the force. If the force reaches a relatively low first minimum force, for example, 2.5 N, a corresponding detection signal is output to the microcontroller 12, which then provides an unlocking signal to the door locking system or its actuator, thereby operating the actuator through the working circuit. Simultaneously, tactile feedback signals are provided to the user through the actuator 8.

[0026] However, the door operating device 1 according to the invention is also equipped with an emergency function. For this purpose, a second switching device 14 is provided, which includes a mechanical switching element 15 operable in an emergency. This mechanical switching element closes an emergency circuit, in which a door locking system or its actuator is integrated. Thus, in an emergency, with only an emergency current available, the actuator of the door locking system can be briefly controlled and operated via the emergency circuit. This emergency function is provided when normal operation is not possible, i.e., when the operating circuit is not activated or the operating current is unavailable.

[0027] The mechanical switch 15 is operated by a support member 3, which has an operating section 16 arranged adjacent to the switch 15 (e.g., a simple switch). As described above, although the support member 3 is secured by retainers 4, these retainers 4 can be released if a sufficiently large force is applied to the operating surface 6. That is, if the user presses the operating surface 6 with sufficient force in an emergency (e.g., applying a second minimum force of about 10 N), the support member 3 moves away from its basic position and is slightly pressed into the retainer 2. In this minute movement (e.g., within the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm), the operating section 16 moves against the mechanical switch 15 and closes the mechanical switch. This occasional and extremely brief closure of the switch 15 generates a brief switching edge (Schaltflanke), or emergency current edge (Notstromflanke), which is sufficient to energize the actuator of the door locking system and unlock the door. Therefore, even in an emergency, when only an emergency power supply with a normal emergency current of less than 0.02 A is available, and no working power supply with a normal operating current of greater than 0.02 A is available, the associated door can be safely opened from the interior space via the door operating device 1.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the basic circuit structure is shown. A first switching device 7 is shown, through which the operating current can be switched via the operating circuit 17 to the door locking system 18, or to the actuator of the door locking system. A second switching device 14, i.e., an emergency switch device, is also shown, through which the emergency current can be switched via the emergency circuit 19 to the door locking system 18 or the actuator in an emergency.

[0029] at last, Figure 3 A motor vehicle 20 according to the invention is shown, which has two doors 21, each door having an interior component 22 with a handrail 23, wherein the door operating device 1 according to the invention is integrated in each handrail 23 and is therefore within reach of a person sitting near the door 21.

Claims

1. A door operating device for controlling a door locking system (18), the door operating device comprising: Operating surface (6) for the user to apply operating force (F); The system includes a first switching device (7) comprising a sensor component (8) for detecting an operating force (F) and providing an unlocking signal to the door locking system (18) via a working circuit (17) upon detection of a predetermined first minimum force; and a second switching device (14) comprising a mechanical switching element (15) capable of closing the mechanical switching element when a predetermined second minimum force greater than the first minimum force is applied, wherein the closing of the mechanical switching element (15) enables the door locking system to provide an unlocking signal via an associated emergency circuit (19).

2. The door operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch surface (6) is arranged on the support member (3) which is movably supported on the holding member (2), wherein the switch (15) can be operated by the movement of the support member (3).

3. The door operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch (15) is arranged on the retaining member (2) and can be operated via the operating section (16) provided on the bearing member (3).

4. The door operating device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The load-bearing member (3) is fixed in its basic position by a retainer (4) that acts between the load-bearing member (3) and the retaining member (2), and the retainer (4) can be released when a second minimum force is reached.

5. The door operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The retaining element (4) is a magnetic element (5); or the retaining element (4) is a locking element or a clamping element.

6. The door operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first minimum force is 1.5 N to 4.0 N, and the second minimum force is 8.0 N to 12.0 N.

7. The door operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The travel of the switch (15) is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

8. An interior component for a motor vehicle, the interior component comprising at least one door operating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. The interior component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The interior components are door trim (22), and in particular, the armrests (23) of such door trim (22).

10. A motor vehicle comprising at least one interior component (22) according to claim 8 or 9.

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