System for controlling access to a vehicle

Abstract

System (36) for controlling access to a vehicle (10) with a vehicle body (14) defining a vehicle interior (28), a vehicle exterior (26) and an access opening (30), and an access door (32) configured to selectively cover and expose at least a portion of the access opening (30), the system (36) comprising: a locking mechanism (40) configured to selectively attach the access door (32) to the vehicle body (14) and to detach the access door (32) from it; a cable (46) configured to actuate the locking mechanism (40) and thereby release the access door (32) from the vehicle body (14); a door presenter (48) configured to move the access door (32) away from the vehicle body (14); a mechanism (50) configured to operate the cable (46) and the door presenter (48) sequentially; an electric motor (44) configured to drive the mechanism (50) such that the access door (32) is moved away from the vehicle body (14) by the door presenter (48) after the access door (32) is released; and wherein the mechanism (50) additionally comprises a first lever (56) and a second lever (58) configured to pivot a common pivot point (P) defined by a pivot shaft (60); the first lever (56) engages with the electric motor (44) and is configured to operate the door presenter (48); and the second lever (58) is configured to operate the cable (46).

Description

[0001] The present description is directed at an integrated system for releasing and presenting a vehicle door.

[0002] A typical vehicle has at least one side door to allow occupants access to the vehicle interior. Generally, such side doors either swing open relative to the vehicle body or slide open relative to it. A side door typically has a locking mechanism to hold it closed until entry into or exit from the vehicle is required. The door locking mechanism is typically operated by an exterior door handle to gain access to the vehicle interior and by an interior door handle to allow the occupant to exit.

[0003] Furthermore, vehicles often feature enclosed cargo areas located either at the front or rear of the vehicle body. The design of such cargo areas typically includes a hinged loading door, such as a trunk lid or tailgate, for security and convenient access. Generally, cargo doors, similar to the locking mechanisms of the side doors, use latches to keep the space closed until access is required. In modern vehicles, the locking mechanisms for both the side doors and the cargo doors are often power-operated.

[0004] DE 10 2011 015 669 A1 describes a vent with which a flap or hood of a motor vehicle is brought from the closed position into a position in which a gap is created between the upper edge of the opening and the lower edge of the flap.

[0005] DE 20 2017 104 564 U1 describes a vehicle door system.

[0006] It can be considered a task to specify an improved system for controlling access to a vehicle.

[0007] A system according to the invention is used to control access to a vehicle with a vehicle body that defines a vehicle interior, a vehicle exterior, and an access opening. The vehicle also has an access door to selectively cover and expose at least a portion of the access opening. The system includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively attach the access door to and detach it from the vehicle body. The system also includes a cable configured to actuate the locking mechanism, thereby detaching the access door from the vehicle body. The system further includes a door presenter configured to move the access door away from the vehicle body. The system also includes a mechanism configured to actuate the cable and the door presenter sequentially.The system further includes an electric motor configured to drive the mechanism so that, after the access door has been released, the door presenter pushes the access door away from the vehicle body. The mechanism comprises a first lever and a second lever configured to pivot around a common pivot point defined by a pivot shaft. The first lever engages with the electric motor and is configured to actuate the door presenter, and the second lever is configured to actuate the cable.

[0008] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an energy storage device configured to generate electrical energy and an enabling switch in electrical communication with the interlock and the energy storage device, configured to activate the electric motor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system additionally includes an electronic control system operatively connected with the release switch, the electric motor and the energy storage device, and is configured to control the operation of the electric motor in response to the actuation of the release switch.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mechanism includes an elastic element configured to bias the first lever against the second lever and to allow independent movement of the first lever relative to the second lever after the locking mechanism is released.

[0011] In one embodiment, the elastic element is a torsion spring centered on the pivot shaft and configured to allow the first lever to actuate the door presenter after the second lever has released the lock.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mechanism further includes a stop device configured to limit the movement of the second lever after the locking mechanism has been released.

[0013] In one embodiment, the access door includes a door edge with an operator contact pad that provides a surface for pulling up the access door.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the locking mechanism, cable, door presenter, mechanism and electric motor is arranged at the access door.

[0015] In one embodiment, the access opening is either a side entrance configured for access to the vehicle interior or an opening to a loading area.

[0016] In one use case, a vehicle can contain the system described above. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a vehicle with a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment with corresponding access doors according to the present disclosure and with a system for controlling access to the vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 is a partial perspective rear view of an exemplary vehicle with the system for controlling access to it, illustrating a three-body sedan design with a fully enclosed trunk and a trunk lid to cover it. Fig. Figure 3 is a partial rear view of an alternative embodiment of the vehicle with the system for controlling access to it, illustrating an example of a tailgate design with a partially enclosed trunk and a tailgate to cover it. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic close-up view of the system for controlling access to the vehicle, showing a mechanism configured to actuate a door locking cable and a door presenter sequentially with an embodiment of the mechanism, according to the disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic close-up view of the system for controlling access to the vehicle with a mechanism configured to actuate a door locking cable and a door presenter with a further embodiment of the mechanism sequentially, according to the disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic, perspective close-up of a partial view of the system for controlling access to the vehicle, which shows a partially cutaway view of an embodiment of the mechanism configured to actuate the door locking cable and the door presenter sequentially, according to the disclosure.

[0017] Referring to the drawings, where identical reference numbers refer to identical components, shows Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle 10 positioned relative to a road surface 12. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 14. The vehicle body 14 generally defines six body sides. The six body sides include a first body end or front end 16, an opposite second body end or rear end 18, a first side body side or left side 20, a second side body side or right side 22, an upper body section 24, which may include a vehicle roof, and an underbody section (not shown), which generally faces the road surface 12. The left side 20 and the right side 22 are generally parallel to each other and arranged with respect to a virtual longitudinal axis X of the vehicle 10, spanning the distance between the front end 16 and the rear end 18.

[0018] The body sides 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, together with the underbody section, define a vehicle exterior 26. The body 14 also defines a vehicle interior 28, which includes a passenger compartment 28A. The passenger compartment 28A is designed to accommodate vehicle occupants and their accessories. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 also includes at least one access opening 30, defined by the body 14, which provides access to the vehicle interior 28. As shown, the vehicle body 14 defines five individual access openings 30. The vehicle 10 also includes a number of access doors 32, one door for each of the access openings 30. Accordingly, each access door 32 is configured to selectively cover and expose at least a portion of the respective access opening 30 to control passage between the vehicle exterior 26 and the vehicle interior 28. As shown, four of the access openings are side entrances configured to provide access to the passenger compartment 28A, while the fifth opening provides access to a cargo space 34. A corresponding access door 32 is provided to selectively cover and expose at least a portion of the access opening 30 into the cargo space 34.

[0019] The cargo space 34 can be configured as a separate compartment, such as a fully enclosed trunk, for example in a traditional three-cabin sedan design, while the respective access door 32 can be configured as a hinged trunk lid, as in Fig. 2 shown. The access door 32 can also be used as a tailgate (shown in Fig. 3) be configured for a fully or partially enclosed trunk, with at least one side of the trunk being open towards the passenger compartment 28A. As shown, the tailgate type of the access door 32 is pivotally mounted at the rear end 18 of the vehicle body 14 for a substantially vertical pivoting movement, such as a lift door. Additionally, the access door 32 can be configured as a tailgate, pivotally mounted at the rear end 18 of the vehicle body 14 for a substantially horizontal pivoting movement, such as a swing-out door (not shown). Although the cargo space 34 is primarily described and shown in the figures as being located at the rear 18 of the vehicle body 14, such a cargo space can also be located near the front end 16.Such a front-positioned cargo space 34 (not shown) can be used, for example, in a rear-engine or mid-engine vehicle. The disclosed tailgate is of the type commonly used for accessing the interiors and storage compartments in vans, station wagons, and SUVs.

[0020] Vehicle 10 also includes a system 36 for controlling access to vehicle 10. System 36 includes an energy storage device 38 (shown in Fig. 1) such as a battery, for generating electrical energy used to power various vehicle systems, such as the powertrain, lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the system 36 also includes a locking mechanism 40 for each of the access doors 32. Each locking mechanism 40 is configured to selectively attach the access door 32 to the vehicle body 14 and to detach the access door from it. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the system 36 can also include a number of release switches 42, each of which is in electrical communication with a corresponding interlock 40 and the energy storage device 38. The release switch 42 can be located at or near a corresponding access door 32 on the outside 26 of the vehicle body 14.

[0021] System 36 also includes an electric motor 44, which is mounted on the access door 32 and electrically connected to the energy storage device 38. The release switch 42 is configured to activate the electric motor 44 and thus actuate the lock 40. Accordingly, each lock 40 is energy-operated to facilitate access to the respective access opening 30 via the access door 32 using the electrical energy generated by the energy storage device 38. The release switch 42 can be configured as a push button, haptic sensor, or other suitable device, conveniently positioned for access by the driver or vehicle occupants. As shown, each access door 32 includes a door jamb 32A with an operator contact pad 32B, which provides a suitable surface for the driver or passenger to manually open the access door to gain access to the passenger compartment 28A.The release switch 42 and the contact pad 32B together are intended to function as and replace a conventional door handle. Thus, system 36 eliminates the need for a conventional door handle located on the outside 26 of the access door 32. Therefore, as shown, vehicle 10 is characterized by the absence of a conventional door handle on the outside 26 of the vehicle.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the system 36 additionally includes a cable 46, a door presenter 48, and a mechanism 50, each of which can be arranged and mounted on the access door 32. The cable 46 is configured to actuate the lock 40, thereby releasing the access door 32 from the vehicle body 14 for access to the vehicle interior 28. The door presenter 48 is configured to push and move or shift the access door 32 away from the vehicle body 14 by a predefined distance D. The distance D is configured to allow sufficient access to the operator contact pad 32B on the door edge 32A. Such movement of the access door 32 after actuation of the release switch 42 is intended to present the door, and in particular the contact pad 32B, to the operator of the vehicle 10. The mechanism 50 is configured to operate the cable 46 and the door presenter 48 sequentially.As shown, the electric motor 44 is mounted remotely from the locking mechanism 40 and configured to supply power to the mechanism 50, so that the access door 32 is pushed away from the vehicle body 14 after the access door is released by the door presenter 48.

[0023] As shown, the electric motor 44 generates a motor torque T and outputs the torque via a gearbox 54. The mechanism 50 may include a first lever 56 and a second lever 58 configured to pivot or rotate a common pivot point P defined by a pivot shaft 60. As shown, the first lever 56 includes a toothed surface 56A engaging with the gear 54. The first lever 56 is configured to pivot over an arc θ and transmit the motor torque T into an applied force F to actuate or drive the door presenter 48. The second lever 58 is configured to actuate the cable 46, thereby actuating the latch 40 to release the access door 32. The mechanism 50 may additionally include an elastic element 62 operatively positioned between the first lever 56 and the second lever 58.The elastic element 62 is configured to bias the first lever 56 against the second lever 58 and, after the release of the lock 40, to allow independent movement of the first lever relative to the second lever. As shown, the elastic element 62 can be a torsion spring centered on the pivot shaft 60. Such a torsion spring 62 is specifically configured to allow the first lever 56 to actuate the door presenter 48 after the release of the lock 40 by the second lever 58. Accordingly, a single electric motor 44 is required and is used to operate the system 16 at the respective access door 32. The use of one electric motor 44 for both releasing the lock 40 and moving the door 32 results in a reduction in the cost and mass of the system 36.

[0024] With continued reference to Fig. 4. The mechanism 50 may additionally include a stop device 64. The stop device 64 is designed for use with the elastic element 62 and is configured to limit the movement of the second lever 58 after the release of the lock 40. In particular, due to the preload of the elastic element 62, when subjected to the torque T of the electric motor, the first and second levers 56, 58 can pivot essentially together about the pivot point P until the second lever 58 contacts the stop device 64. Once the lock 40 is released by the cable 46, the second lever 58 contacts the stop device 64 within a relatively short additional rotation and ceases to rotate.However, due to the elastic connection between the first lever 56 and the second lever 58 through the elastic element 62, the first lever can continue to rotate against the elastic element and exert the force F to actuate the door presenter 48.

[0025] In a separate embodiment, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows that, instead of the elastic element 62, the cable 46 can include a follow-through compensator 66 configured to allow the mechanism 50 to actuate the door handle 48 after the lock 40 has been released. Such a cable 46 design would allow the first and second levers 56, 58 to be attached to each other and pivot together around the pivot point P. The design of such a follow-through compensator 66 can be implemented as a pull-rod spring. As shown, the pull-rod spring generally includes a helical spring 68 held between two brackets 70, 72, arranged to compress the helical spring when the cable 46 is under tension. The helical spring 68 experiences strong compression when the tension in the cable 46 exceeds a certain value, thereby increasing the effective length of the cable.The tension in cable 46 generally exceeds a certain value when the locking mechanism 40 reaches the end of its movement after being fully unlocked. In conjunction with cable 46, the use of the overrun compensator 66 allows the second lever 58 to continue rotating with the first lever 56 after the locking mechanism 40 has been released. Alternatively, the mechanism 50 can use an actuator 73-1, which is driven by a ball screw 73-2 (see figure). Fig. 6) is connected to and configured with the electric motor 44 to pull the cable 46 in order to release the lock 40 and then to operate the door presenter 48.

[0026] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the system 36 can additionally include an electronic control unit 74 in operative connection with the enable switch 42, the electric motor 44, and the energy storage device 38. The control unit 74 can be a standalone unit or part of an electronic control unit (ECU) that regulates the operation of the vehicle's various systems, such as the powertrain, lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The control unit 74 is located on the vehicle 10 and includes a processor and easily accessible non-volatile memory. Instructions for controlling the operation of the system 36 are programmed or recorded in the memory of the control unit 74, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions from memory during the operation of the vehicle 10.The control unit 74 is also in electronic communication with the release switch 42 and is generally programmed to control the operation of the electric motor 44 in response to the activation of the release switch by the operator of the vehicle 10.

Claims

[1] System (36) for controlling access to a vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body (14) defining a vehicle interior (28), a vehicle exterior (26) and an access opening (30), and an access door (32) configured to selectively cover and expose at least a portion of the access opening (30), wherein the system (36) comprises: a locking mechanism (40) configured to selectively attach the access door (32) to the vehicle body (14) and to detach the access door (32) from it; a cable (46) configured to actuate the locking mechanism (40) and thereby release the access door (32) from the vehicle body (14); a door presenter (48) configured to move the access door (32) away from the vehicle body (14); a mechanism (50) configured to operate the cable (46) and the door presenter (48) sequentially; an electric motor (44) configured to drive the mechanism (50) such that the access door (32) is moved away from the vehicle body (14) by the door presenter (48) after the access door (32) is released; and wherein the mechanism (50) additionally comprises a first lever (56) and a second lever (58) configured to pivot a common pivot point (P) defined by a pivot shaft (60); the first lever (56) engages with the electric motor (44) and is configured to operate the door presenter (48); and the second lever (58) is configured to operate the cable (46). [2] System (36) according to claim 1, further comprising: an energy storage device (38) configured to generate electrical energy; and a release switch (42) which is in electrical communication with the interlock (40) and the energy storage device (38) and is configured to activate the electric motor (44). [3] System (36) according to claim 2, further comprising an electronic control (74) in functional connection with the release switch (42), the electric motor (44) and the energy storage device (38), and configured to control the operation of the electric motor (44) in response to actuation of the release switch (42). [4] System (36) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism (50) additionally includes an elastic element (62) configured to preload the first lever (56) against the second lever (58) and to allow independent movement of the first lever (56) with respect to the second lever (58) after the release of the locking mechanism (40). [5] System (36) according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element (62) is a torsion spring (62) centered on the pivot shaft (60) and configured to enable the first lever (56) to actuate the door presenter (48) after the release of the lock (40) by the second lever (58). [6] System (36) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism (50) additionally includes a stop device (64) configured to limit the movement of the second lever (58) after the release of the lock (40). [7] System (36) according to claim 1, wherein the access door (32) includes a door edge (32A) with an operator contact pad (32B) which provides a surface for pulling up the access door (32). [8] System (36) according to claim 1, wherein each of the locking mechanism (40), cable (46), door presenter (48), mechanism (50) and electric motor (44) is arranged on the access door (32). [9] System (36) according to claim 1, wherein the access opening (30) is one of a side entrance configured to allow access to the vehicle interior (28) and an opening to a cargo space (34).

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