Vehicle door for a motor vehicle and method for providing a ramp for opening a motor vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle (50), comprising: at least one door leaf (2), and at least one suspension device (3), wherein the at least one door leaf (2) is movably mechanically connected to the at least one suspension device (3) and can be attached to a vehicle opening (51) of the motor vehicle (50) by means of the at least one suspension device (3), and wherein at least one door leaf (2) has a plurality of segments (4), wherein the segments (4) are nested within each other, such that the segments (4) are telescopically extendable and thereby, at least in an extended state with the vehicle door (1) open, form a ramp (5) for bridging a height difference between a floor level (52) of the motor vehicle (50) and a surface (10) outside the motor vehicle (50) and furthermore, can be stowed in the at least one door leaf (2) when not in use, wherein the vehicle door (1) comprises at least one further door leaf (13), wherein the at least one door leaf (2) and the at least one further door leaf (13) are arranged on and connected to the at least one suspension device (3) in such a way that the at least one door leaf (2) and the at least one further door leaf (13) have opposite opening directions, wherein the at least one further door leaf (13) also has a plurality of further segments (16), wherein the further segments (16) are nested within each other, so that the further segments (16) can be extended telescopically, wherein the at least one further door leaf (13) is designed and arranged on the at least one suspension device (3) such that the at least one further door leaf (13) forms a weather roof (19) at least when the vehicle door (1) is open.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle door for a motor vehicle and a method for providing a ramp for opening a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] Devices are known for transporting a wheelchair into the interior of a motor vehicle. Examples include ramps and lifting platforms. Lifting platforms for buses are known, for example, from WO 92 / 21532 A1 or US 4,281,744 A.

[0003] From US Patent 6,378,927 B1, a stowable loading ramp for a vehicle is also known. This ramp comprises a tailgate that can be operated between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, an upper flap that is hinged to the tailgate, a lower flap that is hinged to the upper flap, and wherein the upper and lower flaps can be operated between a stowed horizontal position and an extended, downward-angled ramp position.

[0004] GB 844 636 A is known to be a combination of loading ramp and rear door for vehicles used to transport livestock.

[0005] From EP 1 930 196 A1 a vehicle is known with a rear vehicle door on which a loading ramp is formed.

[0006] A vehicle access ramp system is known from US Patent 10,040,385 B2. It provides methods, devices, and systems to facilitate the entry and exit of various objects and persons to and from a vehicle. In some variations, a ramp system is provided that can be integrated into an existing part of a vehicle and that maintains the functionality of the existing part.

[0007] From DE 20 2015 101 740 U1, a vehicle door system for a living cabin of a caravan or a motor caravan is known, with at least two door leaves, wherein the door leaves can be used to close an entry and / or exit opening of the living cabin in a closed position or to release it in an open position, with at least one opening means connected to the door leaves, wherein the opening means is designed such that the door leaves can be moved at least in the horizontal direction.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of improving a vehicle door for a motor vehicle and a method for providing a ramp for opening a motor vehicle.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle door having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0010] In particular, a vehicle door for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising at least one door leaf and at least one suspension device, wherein the at least one door leaf is movably mechanically connected to the at least one suspension device and can be attached to a vehicle opening of the motor vehicle by means of the at least one suspension device, and wherein the at least one door leaf has a plurality of segments, wherein the segments are nested within each other, so that the segments are telescopically extendable and thereby form, at least in an extended state when the vehicle door is open, a ramp for bridging a height difference between the ground level of the motor vehicle and a surface outside the motor vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, a method for providing a ramp for opening a motor vehicle is provided in particular, wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least one vehicle door according to the invention, comprising: opening the at least one door leaf of the at least one vehicle door, extending the telescopic segments of the at least one door leaf, arranging the telescopically extended segments so that a ramp is formed to bridge a height difference between the ground level of the motor vehicle and a surface outside the motor vehicle.

[0012] The vehicle door and its design allow for the easy provision of a ramp, particularly for loading and unloading a wheelchair. This is achieved by incorporating telescopically extendable segments in the door panel. When extended, these segments form a ramp to bridge a height difference between the vehicle's floor level and a surface outside the vehicle. Because the segments can be telescopically nested within one another, the ramp can be stored within the door panel when not in use.

[0013] The vehicle door requires minimal space, as the ability to store the segments within at least one door leaf reduces the amount of installation space needed inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the ramp can be securely stored within at least one door leaf, preventing damage to the ramp.

[0014] The material used to construct a vehicle door can, in principle, be any material, provided it is suitable for forming a vehicle door and a ramp. In particular, one or more materials are chosen that are commonly used in motor vehicles, especially in the bodywork.

[0015] The at least one suspension device serves in particular to suspend or hook and support the at least one door leaf and to form a mechanical connection between the at least one door leaf and the body of the motor vehicle. The at least one suspension device may include a door frame. The at least one door leaf can lie flush against the door frame, at least when the vehicle door is closed. The at least one door leaf is mechanically movably connected to the at least one suspension device. The at least one door leaf can perform a translational and / or rotational movement relative to the at least one suspension device. The at least one door leaf can be opened and closed by means of the movable connection to the at least one suspension device.

[0016] When the vehicle door is closed, at least one door leaf seals off the vehicle opening.

[0017] The ramp formed by the segments when the vehicle door is open allows barrier-free access through the vehicle opening into the interior of the vehicle, so that, for example, a wheelchair user can roll in or out of the interior of the vehicle with a wheelchair.

[0018] A contour of an outer surface of the vehicle door, in particular an outward-facing side of the at least one door leaf when the vehicle door is closed, continues or integrates into an outer contour of the motor vehicle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the vehicle door comprises at least one pivot joint, wherein the at least one door leaf and the at least one suspension device are mechanically connected to each other via the at least one pivot joint. The at least one pivot joint is arranged on the at least one suspension device such that one axis of rotation of the at least one pivot joint runs horizontally at ground level or along the lower part of the vehicle opening, allowing the at least one door leaf to be pivoted downwards about the horizontal axis of rotation for opening. After the at least one door leaf has been opened, it is already in a position in which the ramp can be formed by extending the segments.

[0020] The ramp can be designed as follows, for example. In a first step, at least one door leaf is partially lowered by pivoting it upwards, so that it does not yet touch the ground outside the vehicle. In a second step, the segments of the door leaf are extended. In a third step, the door leaf is fully lowered, so that an outer segment touches the ground outside the vehicle. The ramp is then ready for use. To retract the ramp, the described steps are carried out in reverse order: the door leaf is raised, then the segments are fully retracted, and the door leaf is pivoted back upwards around the hinge, thus closing the vehicle door.

[0021] In one embodiment, the vehicle door comprises at least one linear guide, wherein the at least one door leaf and the at least one suspension device are mechanically connected to each other via the at least one linear guide. This allows the at least one door leaf to be opened in a space-saving manner. For this purpose, for example, one linear guide is arranged on each side of the vehicle opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one pivot joint is mechanically connected to the at least one door leaf and the at least one linear guide. This allows the at least one door leaf to be moved translationally and rotationally relative to the at least one suspension device.

[0023] The at least one linear guide may comprise a rail which is arranged on the suspension device, in particular a door frame. Furthermore, the at least one linear guide may comprise a rolling element, e.g., a ball or a cylinder. The rolling element may be connected to the at least one door leaf, so that the at least one door leaf can be moved translationally and / or rotationally with respect to the at least one suspension device.

[0024] By moving the rolling element along the rail, the vertical position of the at least one door leaf, or more precisely, the rolling element itself, can be linearly shifted. Additionally, the at least one door leaf can be rotated around the rolling element, allowing it to rotate relative to the at least one suspension device about an axis of rotation. Thus, the at least one door leaf can be moved linearly and / or rotationally, simultaneously and / or alternately. This simultaneous and / or alternating linear and / or rotational movement allows the at least one door leaf to be opened in such a way that, when opening or closing, it sweeps through a smaller volume of space than would be the case with purely rotational movement.This is advantageous when there is only a small space available for extending or retracting the ramp.

[0025] The at least one linear guide can be designed such that the maximum possible linear displacement of the at least one door leaf depends on whether the at least one door leaf has already rotated to open / close the entrance. This prevents unimpeded linear displacement and unwanted contact of the at least one door leaf with the floor when opening / closing.

[0026] The at least one door leaf can further comprise at least one guide element which, during simultaneous / alternating linear and / or rotary movement of the at least one door leaf, guides it on a track so that unwanted contact between the at least one door leaf and the surface outside the motor vehicle can be prevented.

[0027] It may be provided that at least one guide element assists the closing process. For this purpose, at least one guide element may, for example, comprise a gas spring.

[0028] In one embodiment, the vehicle door includes at least one ramp actuator for extending and / or retracting the segments of the at least one door leaf. The at least one ramp actuator can be, for example, electromechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic. For instance, the ramp actuator can include a spindle drive powered by an electric motor. The ramp actuator can also include electromechanical (lifting) cylinders, electromechanical actuators, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic cylinders. The at least one ramp actuator enables the segments to be extended and retracted automatically.

[0029] It is specifically provided that the at least one ramp actuator is arranged inside the at least one door leaf. It may also be provided that at least one control element for controlling the at least one ramp actuator is arranged on at least one side surface of the at least one door leaf.

[0030] The at least one ramp actuator can also be designed such that the overall length of the ramp can be varied by means of a stepped gearbox. This allows the overall length of the ramp to be adapted to a difference in height.

[0031] In one embodiment, the vehicle door includes at least one door leaf actuator for opening and / or closing the at least one door leaf. The door leaf actuator can be, for example, electromechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic. In particular, the door leaf actuator can include electromechanical (lifting) cylinders, electromechanical actuators, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic cylinders. If a linear guide is present, the door leaf actuator can, for example, include a linear drive or chain drive combined with it. The at least one door leaf actuator enables the at least one door leaf to be opened and closed automatically.

[0032] The at least one door leaf actuator can be designed such that the at least one door leaf can be opened and closed in stages. This allows different positions of the at least one door leaf to be set, such as an intermediate position without contact with the floor, where the segments can be extended or retracted without obstruction.

[0033] It may be provided that at least one control element for controlling the at least one door leaf actuator is arranged on at least one side surface of the at least one door leaf.

[0034] The at least one door leaf actuator is connected to the at least one ramp actuator via a signaling system. This ensures, for example, that the at least one door leaf actuator can only close the at least one door leaf if it has received a signal from the at least one ramp actuator indicating that the segments are fully retracted, etc. This prevents damage to the ramp and / or other parts of the vehicle when the at least one door leaf is closing.

[0035] In one embodiment, the vehicle door includes at least one handle element for opening and / or closing the vehicle door and / or for telescopically extending and / or retracting the segments. This allows the vehicle door, in particular the at least one door leaf, to be opened and closed manually. Specifically, with a suitable arrangement of the at least one handle element on the at least one door leaf or on an outer segment, the segments can be manually pulled out and pushed back in.

[0036] The vehicle door is designed to comprise at least one additional door leaf, wherein the at least one door leaf and the at least one additional door leaf are arranged on and connected to the at least one suspension device such that the at least one door leaf and the at least one additional door leaf have opposite opening directions. In particular, the at least one door leaf is designed to pivot about at least one pivot joint with a horizontal axis of rotation located on a lower side of the vehicle opening, and the at least one additional door leaf is designed to pivot about at least one pivot joint with a horizontal axis of rotation located on an upper side of the vehicle opening. The at least one door leaf then opens by pivoting downwards, and the at least one additional door leaf by pivoting upwards.

[0037] The ratio of the dimensions of at least one door leaf to at least one other door leaf can, in principle, be arbitrary. For example, the dimensions of the at least two door leaves can be identical, resulting in a ratio of, say, 50:50 for the vehicle opening. Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one door leaf has larger dimensions than at least one other door leaf. This allows for larger segment dimensions of the at least one door leaf, enabling individual segments to have a larger area and thus providing a larger ramp (with the same number of segments).

[0038] In one embodiment, the at least one door leaf can be flush with the at least one other door leaf when the vehicle door is closed.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one door leaf can overlap at least partially with the at least one other door leaf when the vehicle door is closed.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one door leaf and at least one further door leaf are arranged on the same linear guide(s). This reduces the design complexity.

[0041] It is envisaged that the at least one additional door leaf also has a plurality of further segments, wherein the further segments are nested within one another so that they can be extended telescopically. The further segments of the at least one additional door leaf can be designed analogously to the further segments of the at least one door leaf.

[0042] In one embodiment, the vehicle door has an additional ramp actuator and / or an additional door leaf actuator for the at least one further door leaf. The additional ramp actuator and / or the additional door leaf actuator can be designed analogously to the at least one ramp actuator and / or the at least one door leaf actuator, respectively. It is possible that the ramp actuators and / or the door leaf actuators share at least some common components.

[0043] In one embodiment, the at least one further door leaf has at least one holding device, e.g., a gas spring. The at least one holding device can be combined with a guide element.

[0044] It is provided that at least one additional door leaf is designed and attached to at least one suspension device in such a way that it forms a weather canopy, at least when the vehicle door is open. This protects the ramp from the elements when extended; for example, it prevents rain from hitting the ramp or provides shade in strong sunlight.

[0045] The vehicle door may be equipped with a transport device that allows a wheelchair to be moved up or down a ramp using a motorized system. This transport device may, for example, include a powered cable or belt pulley system that is attached to the wheelchair, enabling it to be pulled into the vehicle's interior or lowered down the ramp from the vehicle's interior.

[0046] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is created, comprising at least one vehicle door according to any of the described embodiments.

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vehicle door; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the vehicle door; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the vehicle door.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vehicle door 1. The vehicle door 1 comprises a door leaf 2 and a suspension device 3. The suspension device 3 is arranged on a vehicle opening 51 of a motor vehicle 50 and mechanically connected to the motor vehicle 50 there. The door leaf 2 is mechanically movable and connected to the suspension device 3 via two pivot joints 6. The door leaf 2 can thereby be pivoted about a pivot axis 7 located at the bottom of the vehicle opening 51 and thus be opened and closed.

[0049] The door leaf 2 has a plurality of segments 4, the segments 4 being nested within one another. This allows the segments 4 to be extended and retracted telescopically. When the segments 4 are extended, a ramp 5 is formed, which can bridge a height difference between the ground level 52 of the vehicle 50 and a surface 10.

[0050] A wheelchair user can use ramp 5 to manually or motorizedly drive a wheelchair through the vehicle opening 51 into the interior of the motor vehicle 50.

[0051] The vehicle door 1 may include a ramp actuator 8 for extending and / or retracting the segments 4 of the door leaf 2. The ramp actuator 8 can operate, for example, electromechanically, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically. For instance, an electric motor with a spindle drive can cause the segments 4 to extend and retract.

[0052] The vehicle door 1 may include at least one door leaf actuator 9 for opening and / or closing the at least one door leaf 2. The ramp actuator 9 may, for example, operate electromechanically, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically.

[0053] The actuators 8, 9 allow the door leaf 2 to be automatically unfolded and folded back in, and the segments 4 to form the ramp 5 to be automatically retracted or extended.

[0054] The vehicle door 1 includes, in particular, a control unit (not shown) for controlling the ramp actuator 8 and / or the door leaf actuator 9. The control unit can be designed as a combination of hardware and software, for example, as program code executed on a microcontroller or microprocessor. The control unit specifically controls the automated opening and closing of the vehicle door 1 and the automated extension and retraction of the ramp 5. Furthermore, the vehicle door 1 can have sensors (not shown) that monitor the control of the ramp actuator 8 and / or the door leaf actuator 9, with the acquired sensor data being supplied to the control unit for this purpose.

[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle door 1 can include at least one control element (not shown), at least to cancel the opening or closing of the door leaf 2 and / or the automated extension or retraction of the segments 4. It can also be provided that the vehicle door is fully manually controlled via the at least one control element.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the vehicle door 1. The embodiment shown is similar to that in the Fig. 1. The embodiment shown is designed as follows; the same reference numerals denote the same features and terms.

[0057] Unlike the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vehicle door 1 additionally has a linear guide 11 on both its right and left sides. The pivot joints 6 are designed, for example, as rolling bearings (not shown) guided in the linear guide 11. This allows the door leaf 2 to be moved both translationally and rotated about the pivot joint 6 along the linear guide 11 in a vertical direction over almost the entire length of a side edge of the vehicle opening 51 or the suspension device 3. This reduces the space required for the door leaf 2 when opening and closing, as it can slide up and down in a curved motion, as schematically illustrated by the dashed lines representing intermediate positions of the door leaf 2.

[0058] It may be provided that the vehicle door 1 includes a handle element 12 for opening and / or closing the vehicle door 1 and / or for telescopically extending and / or retracting the segments 4.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vehicle door 1. The embodiment shown is largely the same as that in the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is designed as follows; the same reference numerals denote the same features and terms. The vehicle door 1 additionally comprises a further door leaf 13. This further door leaf 13 includes further pivot joints 14 arranged at an upper edge of the vehicle opening 51, so that the further door leaf 13 can be pivoted about a further horizontal axis 15. This allows the door leaf 2 and the further door leaf 13 to be pivoted in opposite opening directions and thus opened.

[0060] The additional door leaf 13 comprises further segments 16, which can be extended and retracted. This allows the length of the additional door leaf 13 to be changed in order to enlarge or reduce the size of a weather roof.

[0061] The additional door leaf 13 may be provided with a holding device 17, e.g., a gas spring. The at least one holding device 17 may be combined with a guide element 18.

[0062] It is provided that the further door leaf 13 is designed and arranged on the at least one suspension device 3 in such a way that the further door leaf 13 forms a weather roof 19 at least when the vehicle door 1 is open.

[0063] The vehicle door 1 may include at least one additional ramp actuator (not shown) for extending and retracting the further segments 16. Furthermore, the vehicle door 1 may include at least one additional door leaf actuator (not shown) for opening and closing the further door leaf 13. These additional actuators allow the further door leaf 13 to be automatically unfolded and folded back in, and the further segments 16 to be automatically retracted and extended, particularly to form a weather roof.

[0064] The vehicle door 1 makes it possible to provide a ramp 5 in a flexible way, especially in a space-saving way, particularly for a wheelchair user. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle door 2 door leaf 3 Suspension device 4 segments 5 Ramp 6 Swivel joint 7 axis of rotation 8 Ramp actuators 9 Door leaf actuator 10 Subsurface 11 Linear guide 12 handle elements 13 additional door leaf 14 further swivel joint 15 horizontal axis 16 further segments 17 Holding device 18 Guide element 19 Weatherproof roof 50 motor vehicles 51 Vehicle opening 52 floor height

Claims

[1] Vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle (50), comprising: at least one door leaf (2), and at least one suspension device (3), wherein the at least one door leaf (2) is movably mechanically connected to the at least one suspension device (3) and can be attached to a vehicle opening (51) of the motor vehicle (50) by means of the at least one suspension device (3), and wherein at least one door leaf (2) has a plurality of segments (4), wherein the segments (4) are nested within each other, such that the segments (4) are telescopically extendable and thereby, at least in an extended state with the vehicle door (1) open, form a ramp (5) for bridging a height difference between a floor level (52) of the motor vehicle (50) and a surface (10) outside the motor vehicle (50) and furthermore, can be stowed in the at least one door leaf (2) when not in use, wherein the vehicle door (1) comprises at least one further door leaf (13), wherein the at least one door leaf (2) and the at least one further door leaf (13) are arranged on and connected to the at least one suspension device (3) in such a way that the at least one door leaf (2) and the at least one further door leaf (13) have opposite opening directions, wherein the at least one further door leaf (13) also has a plurality of further segments (16), wherein the further segments (16) are nested within each other, so that the further segments (16) can be extended telescopically, wherein the at least one further door leaf (13) is designed and arranged on the at least one suspension device (3) such that the at least one further door leaf (13) forms a weather roof (19) at least when the vehicle door (1) is open. [2] Vehicle door (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the vehicle door (1) comprises at least one pivot joint (6), wherein the at least one door leaf (2) and the at least one suspension device (3) are mechanically connected to each other via the at least one pivot joint (6). [3] Vehicle door (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vehicle door (1) comprises at least one linear guide (11), wherein the at least one door leaf (2) and the at least one suspension device (3) are mechanically connected to each other via the at least one linear guide (11). [4] Vehicle door (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle door (1) includes at least one ramp actuator (8) for extending and / or retracting the segments (4) of the at least one door leaf (2). [5] Vehicle door (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle door (1) includes at least one door leaf actuator (9) for opening and / or closing the at least one door leaf (2). [6] Vehicle door (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle door (1) includes at least one handle element (12) for opening and / or closing the vehicle door (1) and / or for telescopically extending and / or retracting the segments (4). [7] Motor vehicle (50) comprising at least one vehicle door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Method for providing a ramp (5) for a vehicle opening (51) of a motor vehicle (50), wherein the motor vehicle (50) comprises at least one vehicle door (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: Opening of at least one door leaf (2) of at least one vehicle door (1), Extension of the telescopic segments (4) of the at least one door leaf (2), Arranging the telescopically extended segments (4) to form a ramp (5) for bridging a height difference between a ground level (52) of the motor vehicle (50) and a surface (10) outside the motor vehicle (50), Opening of at least one further door leaf (13) so that the at least one further door leaf (13) forms a weather roof (19) at least when the vehicle door (1) is open.

Images