Vehicle door for a vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle, as well as vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door (1) for a vehicle, comprising a handle element (17) located on the outside of the door, above a door sill (9) of the vehicle door (1), wherein the handle element (17) is movably held on the base body (4) relative to a base body (4) of the vehicle door (1) between a rest position (R) and at least one first actuation position (B1). By moving the handle element (17) from the rest position (R) to the first actuation position (B1), a lock, by means of which the vehicle door (1), which can be movably arranged on a vehicle body between a closed position and at least one open position, is secured in the closed position, can be electrically unlocked. The handle element (17) is movable relative to the base body (4) from the first actuation position (B1) to a second actuation position (B2), thereby mechanically unlocking the lock.The first operating position (B1) lies between the rest position (R) and the second operating position (B2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle door for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one such vehicle door.

[0002] WO 2007 / 118552 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a vehicle door having a lower door part and an upper window part separated by a window sill. WO 2020 / 01137 A1 discloses a device for actuating a vehicle door of a vehicle, comprising a sensor device configured to detect a force acting on the vehicle door and generate corresponding sensor data. Furthermore, DE 10 2017 202 114 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with at least one side door having a door body. Furthermore, WO 2006 / 007916 A1 discloses a motor vehicle door with an inner module and an outer module. Furthermore, DE 10 2010 101 164 A1 discloses a door handle unit for actuating a lock of a door or a hatch.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door for a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one such vehicle door, so that a particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door can be realized in a particularly simple manner.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle door having the features of patent claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of patent claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle door, also simply referred to as a door and designed, for example, as a side door, for a vehicle preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a motor vehicle and most particularly as a passenger car. This means that the vehicle, whose interior, also referred to as the passenger cell or passenger compartment, is formed, for example, by a vehicle structure designed, in particular, as a self-supporting body, comprises the structure and the vehicle door in its fully manufactured state. The vehicle door has a handle element on the outside of the door which, in particular in the installed position of the vehicle door, which assumes its installed position in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle, is arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle above a door sill of the vehicle door. The handle element is also referred to as an outside handle, outside door handle or outside handle element.When the vehicle is fully manufactured, the vehicle door is held on the body so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted, on the body, so that the vehicle door can be moved, in particular pivoted, on the body or is arranged, i.e. is held or is held. In particular, a body opening of the body is assigned to the vehicle door, the body opening of which is in particular a door opening. If the vehicle door is a side door, the door opening is a lateral door opening which, for example, is arranged on a left or right side of the body or of the vehicle, viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The vehicle door can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the body between a closed position and at least one open position. The vehicle door assumes its installed position when the vehicle having the vehicle door is fully manufactured and when the vehicle door is in the closed position.In the closed position, at least a portion of the body opening is closed by the vehicle door. In the open position, the vehicle door releases the portion of the body opening so that, for example, when the vehicle door is open, a person can enter or exit the interior via the released portion of the body opening. In particular, it is provided that the handle element is arranged above the door sill in the installed position of the vehicle door and thus in the vertical direction of the motor vehicle relative to the closed position of the vehicle door. The door sill is also simply referred to as a sill or window sill or edge or beltline, or the door sill is formed by a beltline or coincides with the beltline.In particular, the door sill is or forms an edge, in particular a lower edge, by which, for example, a window opening (also referred to as a pane opening) for a pane, in particular for a side window, of the vehicle door is at least partially delimited. In particular, in the installed position of the vehicle door and thus, relative to the closed position of the vehicle door, downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0006] For example, a person in the vicinity of the vehicle and thus the vehicle door can grasp the handle element with their hand and, for example, at least partially grasp it and, for example, subsequently exert a force, in particular a tensile force or a compressive force, on the handle element and thus, via the handle element, on the vehicle door in order to thereby handle the vehicle door, i.e., in particular, to be able to move it relative to the body, in particular to pivot it. For example, the person can exert such a force on the vehicle door via the handle element that the vehicle door can be opened by the force, thus moving it from the closed position into the open position relative to the body.Furthermore, for example, a person in the vicinity can exert such a force on the handle element and thus on the vehicle door that the vehicle door is closed by the force, thus moving it from the open position into the closed position. The feature that the handle element is arranged on the outside of the door or on the outside, thus being an outside or outside-door handle element and thus an outside door handle, is to be understood that the handle element is arranged on an outside of the vehicle door, the outside of which, in the installed position of the vehicle door and thus at least in the closed position of the vehicle door, faces away from the interior and towards the surroundings.

[0007] In order to be able to realize particularly advantageous operation, i.e., actuation of the vehicle door, in particular via the handle element, in a particularly simple manner, the invention provides that the handle element is held on the base body so that it can move relative to a base body of the vehicle door between a rest position and at least one first actuation position. This means that the handle element can be moved, in particular pivoted and / or moved in translation, relative to the base body between the rest position and the first actuation position, while the handle element is connected to the base body, i.e., held on the base body.By moving the handle element from the rest position to the first actuating position, a lock, also referred to as a door lock, can be electrically unlocked. By means of this lock, the vehicle door, which can be arranged or arranged on the vehicle body in a movable, in particular pivotable, manner between the closed position and at least one open position, is secured in the closed position, in particular relative to the body. This means that the lock can be electrically unlocked by moving the handle element from the rest position to the first actuating position.For example, to open the vehicle door, which is initially in the closed position and thus closed and secured by the lock in the closed position, particularly relative to the body, a person nearby moves the handle element relative to the base body from its rest position to the first actuated position, thereby electrically unlocking the lock. The base body is also referred to as the door body.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the grip element is movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the base body from the first actuating position into a second actuating position, wherein it is provided in particular that the grip element is held on the base body so that it can be moved relative to the base body from the first actuating position into the second actuating position, such that the grip element can, for example, be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the base body from the first actuating position into the second actuating position while the grip element is held on the base body. In particular, it is conceivable that the grip element is held on the base body so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the base body between the first actuating position and the second actuating position.By moving the handle element relative to the base body from the first actuating position into the second actuating position, the lock can be mechanically unlocked, in particular purely and thus preferably without the use or utilization of electrical energy. In other words, by moving the handle element relative to the base body from the first actuating position into the second actuating position, the lock can be mechanically unlocked, in particular purely mechanically and thus without the use of electrical energy. The first actuating position lies between the rest position and the second actuating position, such that the handle element can be moved, in particular pivoted and / or translated, relative to the base body from the rest position via the first actuating position into the second actuating position.In other words, the handle element moves into the first actuating position on its way from the rest position to the second actuating position. In other words, the handle element can be moved relative to the base body along a path of movement from the rest position to the second actuating position, the rest position and the second actuating position lying on the path of movement. In other words, the path of movement includes the rest position and the second actuating position. The first actuating position also lies on the path of movement, so that the path of movement also includes the first actuating position, the first actuating position lying on the path of movement between the rest position and the second actuating position.

[0009] Thus, the rest position, the first actuating position, and the second actuating position are positions of the movement path, wherein the grip element enters or assumes these positions when the grip element is moved from the rest position to the second actuating position. Preferably, the rest position and the second actuating position are respective end positions of the grip element, which can be moved relative to the base body into the respective end position but cannot be moved beyond the respective end position. The first actuating position is an intermediate position located on the movement path between the rest position and the second actuating position.

[0010] In order to be able to realize particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door, one embodiment of the invention provides that a purely mechanical unlocking of the lock is avoided when the handle element is moved from the rest position into the first actuating position. In the invention, the handle element has at least a dual function: Firstly, the handle element can be used to unlock the lock electrically and thus particularly conveniently and, for example, to subsequently be able to handle the vehicle door easily, ergonomically and thus advantageously using the handle element. For this purpose, the handle element is moved from the rest position into the first actuating position, whereby a movement of the handle element into the second actuating position is avoided, so that a purely mechanical unlocking of the lock is avoided.On the other hand, the handle element can function, be designed, or be used as an emergency release control element, whereby the emergency release control element is also referred to as an emergency release or emergency release element. This is explained in more detail below.

[0011] By means of the lock, the vehicle door, which can be arranged or is arranged on the body of the vehicle so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, between the closed position and at least one open position, can be secured or secured in the closed position, in particular relative to the body, such that an undesired movement of the vehicle door from the closed position to the open position is prevented. By unlocking the lock, the lock releases the vehicle door for movement from the closed position to the open position. In particular, the lock can be part of the vehicle door, so that the lock can, for example, be moved, in particular pivoted, along with the vehicle door relative to the body between the closed position and the open position. The lock can, for example, be adjusted between a locked state and an unlocked state.By unlocking the lock, the lock is moved from the locked state to the unlocked state, i.e., transferred.

[0012] If, for example, the vehicle door is in the closed position and the lock is in the locked state, the vehicle door is secured in the closed position by the lock and thus against any undesired movement into the open position relative to the body. It can be seen that the vehicle door is a wing element which can be arranged or is arranged on the body so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted, between the open position and the closed position. The vehicle door (wing element) is in particular an attachment part formed separately from the body and which is or is held on the body so that it can be moved between the open position and the closed position.In order to open, for example, the vehicle door which is initially closed and thus initially in the closed position, and thus to move it from the closed position into the open position, the handle element is moved relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position, in particular without moving the handle element into the second actuating position, in particular by the person in the vicinity, for example by the person exerting a force, in particular a compressive force or tensile force, on the handle element with his or her hand.By moving the handle element relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position, in particular while a movement of the handle element into the second actuating position does not occur, the lock is electrically unlocked, i.e. electrically transferred from the locked state to the unlocked state, so that the lock releases the vehicle door for a movement relative to the body from the closed position to the open position. For example, a locking element such as a locking bolt (also referred to as a lock bolt) or a lock bracket (also referred to as a striker) is attached to the body, in particular to a vehicle pillar of the body, for example designed as a door pillar and also referred to as a body or body pillar.In the closed position of the vehicle door and in the locked state of the lock, for example, the lock, in particular a fork latch of the lock, interacts with the locking element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, whereby the vehicle door is secured or secured in the closed position, in particular in a form-fitting manner. For example, the lock has a locking element, which can be, for example, the aforementioned fork latch. In the closed position of the vehicle door and in the locked state of the lock, for example, the locking element interacts with the locking element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, whereby the vehicle door is secured or secured in the closed position, in particular in a form-fitting manner.For example, the lock element can be moved relative to a base element of the lock and in particular relative to the locking element between a locking position and an unlocking position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. In the closed position of the vehicle door and in the locked position of the lock element, the lock element interacts with the locking element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, whereby the vehicle door is to be secured or is secured in the closed position. By or upon unlocking the lock, for example, the lock element is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position, in which interaction between the lock element and the locking element ceases. As a result, the vehicle door is released for movement relative to the body from the closed position to the open position.

[0013] The feature that the lock can be electrically unlocked by moving the handle element relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position, in particular while a movement of the handle element into the second actuating position is omitted, is to be understood in particular as meaning that, for example, as a result of the movement of the handle element relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position, in particular while a movement of the handle element into the second actuating position is omitted, an electrically operable actuator, in particular an electric motor, is controlled, in particular electrically.By controlling the first actuator, also referred to as the lock actuator, the first actuator is electrically operated, so that, for example, the switching element is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of the first actuator, in particular using electrical energy and thus electrically. This means that the lock element is moved electrically from the locked position to the unlocked position, whereby the lock is unlocked electrically, i.e., using the aforementioned electrical energy.A movement of the vehicle door from the closed position to the open position following the electrical unlocking of the lock can, for example, be effected manually by a person in the vicinity, in particular by the person manually exerting a force, in particular a tensile force or a compressive force, on the handle element and thus moving the vehicle door relative to the structure from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, it is conceivable that as a result of the movement of the handle element relative to the base body from the rest position to the first actuating position, in particular while a movement of the handle element to the second actuating position is omitted, the vehicle door can be or is moved electrically, i.e. using electrical energy, from the closed position to the open position relative to the structure, in particular after the window has been unlocked, in particular electrically.For this purpose, for example, an electrically operated movement device is provided which, for example, has the aforementioned, electrically operated first actuator and / or at least one further electrically operated actuator. As a result of the movement of the handle element relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position, in particular while a movement of the handle element into the second actuating position does not occur, the movement device is, for example, controlled, in particular electrically, whereby the movement device moves, in particular pivots, the vehicle door from the closed position to the open position using electrical energy and thus electrically relative to the structure. The lock can thus be unlocked particularly conveniently, and the vehicle door can be opened particularly conveniently, i.e. moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0014] Since the handle element has to be moved relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position in order to electrically unlock the lock, an excessively complex connection of the handle element to the base body can be avoided, so that the electrical unlocking of the lock can be implemented cost-effectively.

[0015] In order to be able to electrically unlock the lock particularly cost-effectively and thus achieve particularly advantageous operation or operability of the vehicle door in a particularly simple manner, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the vehicle door has an operating element which is designed, for example, as a switch or has a switch. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the operating element is designed as a sensor, in particular as a Hall sensor, or comprises a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor. The operating element can be actuated by moving the handle element relative to the operating element and relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position by means of the handle element, wherein the lock can be electrically unlocked by actuating the operating element, i.e. an electrical unlocking of the lock can be effected.

[0016] The operating element can, for example, be a mechanical operating element such as a knob, a pushbutton, a key, or a switch, so that the operating element is movable, for example, relative to a base, such as the base body of the wing element, wherein, for example, the operating element is held on the base, in particular on the base body, at least indirectly, in particular directly. For example, the operating element is formed separately from the base. In principle, it would be conceivable for the operating element to be held immovably on the base, or for the operating element to be held movable, in particular pivotably, on the base, in particular on the base body.In particular, when the operating element is a mechanical operating element, such as a knob, a button, a key, or a switch, the operating element is movable, for example, relative to the base between an initial position and an operating position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. By actuating the operating element as described above, the operating element is moved relative to the base from the initial position into the operating position, as a result of which the lock can be electrically unlocked, thus causing the lock to be electrically unlocked. In particular, the operating element is closed, for example, by moving the handle element relative to the base body from the rest position into the first actuating position, as a result of which the lock can be electrically unlocked.In particular, the operating element can detect a movement of the handle element from the rest position to the first actuating position. For example, if the operating element detects the movement of the handle element from the rest position to the first actuating position, the lock can be electrically unlocked. In particular, it is conceivable for the operating element to be designed as a touch-sensitive surface or to comprise a touch-sensitive surface. The operating element can be actuated by touching the touch-sensitive surface and thereby detects, for example, the movement of the handle element from the rest position to the first actuating position.

[0017] For example, the operating element is or comprises the aforementioned sensor, also referred to as a detection sensor, which can be operated electrically or electronically or can be an electrical or electronic sensor. By means of the sensor, for example, the movement of the handle element from the rest position into the first actuated position can be detected, wherein as a result of the detection of the movement of the handle element from the rest position into the first actuated position by the sensor, the lock can be electrically unlocked. If, for example, the sensor detects that the handle element is moved from the rest position into the first actuated position, the first actuator is controlled, for example, so that the lock is electrically unlocked by means of the first actuator. The first actuator can, for example, be a component of the vehicle door.

[0018] In principle, it would be conceivable, for example as a result of an accident, that the operating element and / or the sensor and / or the first actuator can no longer be supplied with electrical energy or electrical current, because, for example, a power supply by means of which the operating element and / or the first actuator and / or the sensor can be supplied with electrical energy is damaged, interrupted, or destroyed. In this case, the lock can no longer be electrically unlocked, because, for example, the first actuator can no longer be operated and / or because, for example, a movement of the handle element from the rest position to the first actuated position can no longer be detected by means of the operating element, in particular by means of the detection sensor, and / or because, for example, the electrical unlocking of the lock can no longer be effected by means of the operating element.However, since the invention provides that the handle element can be moved from the first actuating position, i.e. in particular from the rest position via the first actuating position, into the second actuating position relative to the base body, whereby the lock can be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely mechanically, the handle element is or functions (also) as an emergency release operating element. This makes it possible, on the one hand, for the lock to be mechanically unlocked, i.e. in particular emergency unlocked, particularly if the power supply has failed. To do this, for example, the person in the vicinity moves the handle element, which is initially in the rest position, from the rest position via the first actuating position into the second actuating position. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly high level of security, so that particularly advantageous and safe operation can be achieved.Secondly, the use of an additional, separate emergency release control element can be avoided, allowing particularly advantageous and safe operation of the vehicle door in a space-saving, weight-saving, and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, a particularly advantageous visual impression of the vehicle door and the vehicle as a whole can be achieved, since, for example, any impairment of the visual impression of the vehicle caused by an additional, separate emergency release control element can be avoided.

[0019] In order to avoid undesired and, for example, unnecessary movements of the handle element into the second actuating position and thus ensure particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the vehicle door has an actuating device which provides a force threshold which must be overcome in order to move the handle element from the first actuating position into the second actuating position. Thus, for example, the force threshold is or forms a resistance, also referred to as a stop or designed as a stop, wherein, for example, the person in the vicinity who moves the handle element from the rest position into the first actuating position relative to the base body perceives the resistance haptically and thus as a stop.This allows the person to be given haptic feedback, whereby the person is haptically informed that the person has moved the handle element from the rest position into the first actuation position. To move the handle element from the rest position into the first actuation position, a first force acting on the handle element, in particular in an actuation direction, is sufficient. However, the first force, which acts on the handle element in particular in the actuation direction, is not sufficient to overcome the force threshold, so that the first force, which acts on the handle element in particular in the actuation direction, is not sufficient to move the handle element from the first actuation position into the second actuation position. The first force is, for example, a first, external force which is exerted on the handle element, in particular in the actuation direction, for example by the aforementioned person in the surroundings.In order to overcome the force threshold and thus to move the handle element from the first actuating position into the second actuating position relative to the base body, a second force which is greater than the first force must be exerted on the handle element and in particular in the actuating direction, wherein, for example, the person in the surrounding area can exert the second force on the handle element, in particular in the actuating direction, so that, for example, the second force is an external force.

[0020] In order to be able to realize particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the handle element has an outer skin that can be perceived visually and haptically by the person in the vicinity of the vehicle door, in particular of the vehicle as a whole. The outer skin of the handle element is also referred to as the handle element outer skin. In other words, the person in the vicinity can see the outer skin with their eyes and thus perceive it visually, and the person in the vicinity can, for example, directly touch the outer skin with their hand, in particular with their fingers, and thus perceive it haptically, in particular when the vehicle door and in particular of the vehicle as a whole are fully manufactured.The outer skin is thus a surface of the handle element that is visually and haptically perceptible by the person in the surrounding area, or is formed by such a surface. In particular, it is conceivable for the vehicle door as a whole to have an outer skin that is visually and haptically perceptible by the person in the surrounding area, also referred to as the overall outer skin, whereby the previous and following statements regarding the handle element outer skin are also readily applied to the overall outer skin and vice versa. When reference is made previously and below to the outer skin, this means the handle element outer skin, unless otherwise stated. In this case, the handle element outer skin is, for example, a first part of the overall outer skin.For example, the vehicle door has a shell, also referred to as a door shell, wherein it is conceivable, particularly when the vehicle is fully manufactured, for the vehicle door to be held or held on the body of the vehicle so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, via the shell. In other words, for example, the vehicle door is held or held on the body so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, via the shell. For this purpose, it is provided, for example, that the vehicle door has at least a first hinge part, which is, for example, at least indirectly, in particular directly, fastened, in particular fixed, to the bodyshell. The first hinge part is, for example, a component of a hinge, also referred to as a door hinge, which also has a second hinge part, which is designed, in particular, separately from the first hinge part.The second hinge part is or can be fastened at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the body of the motor vehicle, in particular to the aforementioned vehicle pillar. The hinge parts are movable, in particular pivotable, connected or connectable to one another, so that the bodyshell can be arranged or arranged, i.e. held or retained, on the body via the hinge and the bodyshell of the vehicle door as a whole, in particular pivotable. For example, the bodyshell is formed at least partially from a metallic material. In particular, it is conceivable for the bodyshell to be a component of the base body, so that the base body encompasses the bodyshell. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the vehicle door, in particular the base body, to have at least one outer paneling element, also simply referred to as a paneling element.For example, the outer paneling element is formed separately from the bodyshell and, in particular, is attached directly to the bodyshell. The outer paneling element is also referred to as door paneling or outer door paneling. At least one area of ​​the bodyshell is covered and thus lined by the outer paneling element, particularly with regard to the closed position of the vehicle door and very particularly in the installed position of the vehicle door towards the surroundings and thus towards the outside, i.e. in a direction pointing away from the interior of the vehicle. In this case, for example, the outer paneling element has an outer skin, also referred to as the paneling outer skin, whereby the previous and following statements regarding the handle element outer skin and the overall outer skin are also readily transferable to the paneling outer skin and vice versa. In this case, for example, the paneling outer skin is or forms a second part of the overall outer skin of the vehicle door.In particular, it is conceivable that at least a part of the outer paneling element and thus of the paneling outer skin in the installation position of the vehicle door and thus in particular in the closed position of the vehicle door in the vertical direction of the vehicle adjoins the window opening and / or the door sill downwards.

[0021] In order to be able to realize particularly advantageous operation, in particular actuation, of the vehicle door, it is advantageously provided that the handle element has a first partial region which forms a first part of the handle element outer skin and is also referred to as the first body part, which has a first direction of extension and thus extends along the first direction of extension. It is conceivable for the first partial region to protrude from the base body in or along the first direction of extension. The first direction of extension is also referred to as the first direction. In the installed position of the vehicle door and thus in the closed position of the vehicle door, for example, the first direction runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle, in particular outwards and thus towards the surroundings. It is therefore preferably provided that the first partial region protrudes in the first direction from the base body, in particular from the outer paneling element.

[0022] Furthermore, the grip element preferably has a second partial region, also referred to as a second body part, which forms a second part of the grip element outer skin. The second partial region of the grip element adjoins the first partial region of the grip element, in particular an end of the first partial region of the grip element facing away from the base body, wherein the second partial region of the grip element protrudes from the first partial region of the grip element in a second direction of extent running obliquely or perpendicular to the first direction of extent (first direction), which is also referred to as the second direction. As a result, for example, the second partial region is spaced from the base body and arranged in at least partial overlap with the base body. In particular, the second partial region extends along the second direction of extent.In the installed position of the vehicle door and thus in the closed position of the vehicle door, for example, the second direction (second extension direction) runs upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, or the second direction points upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle. For example, in the installed position of the vehicle door and thus in the closed position of the vehicle door, the second partial area of ​​the handle element overlaps inward in the transverse direction of the vehicle and thus toward the interior by the base body and thus, for example, by a portion of the outer paneling.As a result, for example, the person in the vicinity can grasp the handle element, in particular the second partial area of ​​the handle element, with their hand in a particularly advantageous and ergonomic manner, in particular by engaging behind it, in particular such that, for example, the person can move at least one or more of their fingers between the second partial area of ​​the handle element and the base body. The person can then exert a particularly advantageous force on the handle element in order to thereby handle the vehicle door in a particularly advantageous manner, i.e., in particular, to be able to move it, in particular pivot it, relative to the body.

[0023] In order to be able to realize a haptically particularly advantageous and in particular ergonomic and comfortable operation of the vehicle door, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that, because the second partial region protrudes from the first partial region in the second direction of extent, the handle element, in particular overall and thus viewed as a whole, is L-shaped or V-shaped and thus has an L-shape or a V-shape. The partial regions of the handle element form the L-shape or the V-shape, wherein the partial regions of the handle element are respective legs of the L-shape or the V-shape. In particular, it is provided that the handle element is connected to the base body via the first partial region of the handle element.

[0024] In order to be able to operate the handle element and thus the vehicle door particularly easily and advantageously, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the handle element can be pivoted about the same pivot axis relative to the base body between the rest position and the first actuating position and can be pivoted from the first actuating position into the second actuating position.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a car and most particularly as a passenger car, which has at least one vehicle door according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0026] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a vehicle door of a vehicle; and Fig. 2 shows a partial schematic plan view of a handle element of the vehicle door according to a second embodiment.

[0027] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a detail in a schematic sectional view of a wing element designed as a vehicle door 1 of a vehicle, which in the present case is designed as a passenger car and is also referred to as a motor vehicle or motor vehicle, the interior 2 of which, also referred to as a passenger cell or passenger compartment, is formed by a body of the vehicle, which is designed in particular as a self-supporting body. The vehicle has the vehicle door 1, which is also simply referred to as a door. The vehicle door 1 is a wing element, which in the present case is designed as the vehicle door 1. The vehicle door 1 is also simply referred to as a door and is in the present case a side door. The vehicle door 1 is assigned a body opening of the body, wherein the body opening in the case of the Fig. 1 is designed as a lateral door opening of the body. The vehicle door 1 is held, and thus arranged, on the body between a closed position and at least one open position relative to the body, in particular pivotable. The vehicle door 1 assumes its installed position in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle having the vehicle door 1 and in the closed position of the vehicle door 1, wherein the installed position and thus the closed position of the vehicle door 1 in Fig. 1. In the closed position, at least a partial area of ​​the body opening is closed by the vehicle door 1. In the open position, the vehicle door 1 releases at least the partial area of ​​the body opening, so that, for example, a person initially located in an environment 3 of the vehicle and thus the vehicle door 1 can enter the interior 2 via the released partial area of ​​the body opening. Furthermore, for example, the person initially located in the interior 2 can exit the interior 2 via the released partial area of ​​the body opening and thus reach the environment 3.

[0029] The vehicle door 1 has a base body 4, also referred to as the main body or door body, which has a door shell, also referred to as the door shell, Fig. 1 partially visible shell 5. Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the vehicle door 1. The vehicle door 1 is held movably, in particular pivotably, on the body of the vehicle via the bodyshell 5. The base body 4 has at least one outer panel element 6, also referred to simply as a paneling element, which is formed separately from the bodyshell 5 and, in particular, directly connected to the bodyshell 5. The outer panel element 6 is also referred to as a door panel or outer door panel. At least a first region of the bodyshell 5 is covered and thus covered by the outer panel element 6, in particular with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1, towards the environment 3 and thus towards the outside, thus in a direction pointing away from the interior 2. The vehicle door 1 can have a Fig. 1, which is formed separately from the outer paneling element 6 and is provided in addition to the outer paneling element 6. For example, the paneling element is held at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the body shell 5. In particular, it is conceivable that at least a second region of the body shell 5, at least with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1, is overlapped by the paneling element and thus covered, i.e., covered, at least with respect to the surroundings 3 and thus towards the outside. The vehicle door 1 has an outer skin 7, also referred to as the overall outer skin, which in the Fig. 1 is visually and haptically perceptible by the person present in the surrounding area 3. A first part of the overall outer skin 7 is formed by an outer skin of the outer paneling element 6, also referred to as the paneling outer skin 8, and a second part of the overall outer skin 7 is formed by an outer skin of the paneling element, also referred to as the cladding element outer skin. For example, the cladding element is formed from a plastic. For example, the cladding element is designed as a panel, or the cladding element is also referred to as a panel.In particular, it can be provided that by means of the trim element in the closed position of the vehicle door 1, a vehicle pillar of the body, designed in particular as a B-pillar, is at least partially overlapped and covered in the transverse direction of the vehicle towards the outside and thus towards the surroundings 3, so that the trim element is referred to, for example, as a B-pillar cover.

[0030] Particularly good looking Fig. 1 that the vehicle door 1 has a door sill 9, also referred to as a parapet or window sill, which also refers to the beltline or forms a beltline of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle door 1 comprises a side window 10, also simply referred to as a pane, which is displaceable relative to the bodyshell 5 and relative to the outer paneling element 6, at least with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1, in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In particular, the base body 4 comprises, for example, the bodyshell 5, the outer paneling element 6, and the trim element. Furthermore, the base body 4 can comprise, for example, the side window 10. It is conceivable that, for example, a third part of the overall outer skin 7 is formed by an outer skin of the side window 10, also referred to as the outer pane skin 11. The vehicle vertical direction is illustrated by a double arrow 12 and is also referred to as the z-direction or z.The transverse direction of the vehicle is illustrated by a double arrow 13, the transverse direction of which is also referred to as the y-direction or y. In particular, the side window 10 can be positioned, at least with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1, in the vertical direction of the vehicle between a position shown in . Fig. 1 shown, closed position and a not shown, open position relative to the bodyshell 5 and relative to the outer paneling element 6 and also relative to the cladding element, in particular translationally, i.e. displaced. The open position is also referred to as the window open position, and the closed position is also referred to as the window closed position. In this case, a window area 14, also referred to as the window area, is at least partially delimited by the door sill 9, in particular downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle in the installed position of the vehicle door 1. In this case, the installed position of the vehicle door 1 in Fig. 1, wherein the vehicle door 1 assumes its installation position in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle (vehicle) having the vehicle door 1 and in the closed position of the vehicle door 1. In the Fig. 1, the window area (window area 14) is a window opening, also referred to as a window opening, which can be delimited, for example, by a window frame of the vehicle door 1, wherein the window frame can, for example, encompass the door sill 9. In particular, the window frame is, for example, a component of the base body 4. In the closed position, the side window 10 is at least partially arranged in the window area 14, in particular such that the window opening is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely closed by the side window 10. In particular, it is provided that in the closed position (window closed position) of the side window 10, the door sill 9 adjoins the side window 10 downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle in the installed position of the vehicle door 1.

[0031] Out of Fig. 1 also shows that the vehicle door 1 has a shaft 15, also referred to as a window shaft or pane shaft, which, in the installed position of the vehicle door 1 and thus in the closed position of the vehicle door 1, is formed in the transverse direction of the vehicle outwards and thus towards the surroundings 3, in particular directly, by the bodyshell 5 and / or the outer paneling element 6. In particular, in the installed position of the vehicle door 1 and thus in the closed position of the vehicle door 1, the shaft 15 is overlapped in the transverse direction of the vehicle outwards and thus towards the surroundings 3 by the outer paneling element 6 and / or the bodyshell 5.In the open position of the side window 10, a partial area of ​​the side window 10, also referred to as the partial window area, is arranged in the shaft 15 and thus in particular outside the window area 14, in particular such that the partial window area in the open position is arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle below the door sill 9 and also below the window area 14, in particular with respect to the installation position of the vehicle door 1 and in particular with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1. In the closed position (closed window position) of the side window 10, the partial window area is arranged outside the shaft 15 and in the window area 14, in particular such that the partial window area is arranged above the door sill 9 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in particular at least with respect to the installation position and thus to the closed position of the vehicle door 1.In other words, in the window closed position, the door sill 9 adjoins the window section downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle. For example, in the closed position (window closed position) of the side window 10, the window area 14 or the window opening is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than half or completely, closed by the window section.

[0032] The vehicle door 1 further comprises a handle element 17 on the outside of the door, which is also referred to as an outside handle or outside door handle. The handle element 17 is arranged in the installed position of the vehicle door 1 and thus, with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1, in particular at least partially and very preferably at least predominantly or completely, in the vertical direction of the vehicle above the door sill 9. The feature that the handle element 17 is arranged on the outside of the door or on the outside, and is therefore an outside or outside door handle element, is to be understood that the handle element 17 is arranged on an outside side AS of the vehicle door 1, the outside side AS of which, in the installed position of the vehicle door 1 and thus in the closed position of the vehicle door 1, faces away from the interior 2 and towards the surroundings 3.The person located in the environment 3 can, for example, grasp the handle element 17 with his or her hand and, in doing so, at least partially grasp it and subsequently exert a force, in particular a tensile force or compressive force, on the handle element 17 in order to, for example, open the initially closed vehicle door 1, thus moving it from the closed position into the open position relative to the body.

[0033] The handle element 17 has an outer skin, also referred to as handle element outer skin 18, which is visually and haptically perceptible by the person located in the environment 3 of the vehicle door 1, in particular of the vehicle as a whole, and which, for example, forms a fourth part of the overall outer skin 7, thus being in particular a fourth part of the overall outer skin 7.

[0034] In order to be able to operate the vehicle door 1 in a particularly simple and particularly advantageous manner, the handle element 17 has a first partial area TB1, also referred to as the first body area or first body part, with a first extension direction, which is also referred to as the first direction and in Fig. 1 is illustrated by an arrow 19. The first partial area TB1 extends along the first direction. Fig. 1, it is provided that the first partial area TB1 protrudes in the first direction (arrow 19) from the base body 4, in particular from the trim element. In particular, the first direction runs in the installed position of the vehicle door 1 and thus, with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door 1, in the vehicle transverse direction, in particular outwards. The handle element 17 also has a second partial area TB2, which is also referred to as the second body area or second body part. The second partial area TB2 protrudes in a Fig. 1 by an arrow 20, which is also referred to as the second direction, from the first partial region TB1. The second partial region TB2 extends along the second direction of extension. The arrows 19 and 20 show that the first direction and the second direction run perpendicular or obliquely to one another, wherein in the present case the second direction points upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in particular in the installed position of the vehicle door 1 and thus relative to the closed position of the vehicle door 1. In particular, the second partial region TB2 adjoins an end of the first partial region TB1 facing away from the base body 4, in particular along the first direction, so that or as a result of which, in the first embodiment, the handle element 17, in particular viewed as a whole, is L-shaped and thus, in particular viewed as a whole, has an L-shape.The L-shape is formed by the subregions TB1 and TB2. Thus, the handle element 17 is L-shaped in the first embodiment. The subregions TB1 and TB2 are respective legs of the L-shape, with the handle element 17 being connected to the base body 4, in particular to the shell 5, via the subregion TB1. The subregion TB2 adjoins the subregion TB1, in particular in this case such that the subregion TB2 adjoins an end of the first subregion TB1 facing away from the base body 4, in particular along the first direction.

[0035] In order to be able to realize particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door 1 in a particularly simple manner, the handle element 17 is held on the base body 4 so as to be movable relative to the base body 4 of the vehicle door 1 between a rest position R and a first actuating position B1. By moving the handle element 17 from the rest position R into the first actuating position B1, a lock, by means of which the vehicle door 1, which can be arranged or is arranged movably on the body of the vehicle between the closed position and the at least one open position, is to be secured in the closed position relative to the body, can be electrically unlocked. The lock, also referred to as a door lock, is for example a component of the vehicle door 1 and can therefore be moved, in particular pivoted, with the vehicle door 1 relative to the body of the vehicle between the open position and the closed position of the vehicle door 1.By means of the lock, the vehicle door 1 can be held in the closed position relative to the body and thus secured in the closed position, so that the vehicle door 1 can be secured by means of the lock against movement relative to the body from the closed position to the open position. For this purpose, the lock is or is locked in the closed position of the vehicle door 1, i.e. adjusted to a locked state of the lock. By moving the handle element 17 relative to the base body 4 from the rest position R into the first actuating position B1, in particular while a movement of the handle element 17 into a second actuating position B2 of the handle element 17 is omitted, the lock can be electrically unlocked, i.e. electrically brought, i.e. transferred, from the locked state to an unlocked state of the lock.By moving the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state, the lock releases the vehicle door 1, which is initially in the closed position, for a movement from the closed position to the open position relative to the body of the motor vehicle (vehicle).

[0036] The handle element 17 is also movable relative to the base body 4 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2, in particular such that the handle element 17 is held on the base body 4 so as to be movable relative to the base body 4 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2. In particular, it is provided that the handle element 17 is held on the base body 4 so as to be movable relative to the base body 4 between the first actuating position B1 and the second actuating position B2. By moving the handle element 17 relative to the base body 4 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2, the lock can be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely and thus without the use of electrical energy. Fig. 1 it can be seen that the first actuating position B1 lies between the rest position R and the second actuating position B2, and is therefore arranged such that the handle element 17 can be moved, in particular pivoted, from the rest position R via the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2. Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the handle element 17 is pivotable about the same pivot axis SA relative to the base body 4 between the rest position R and the first actuating position B1 and pivotable from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the vehicle door 1 also has an operating element 21, which in the first embodiment is designed as a switch, in particular as a microswitch. The handle element 17 is movable relative to the operating element 21 and relative to the base body 4 between the first actuating position B1 and the rest position R, in particular pivotable about the pivot axis SA. By moving the handle element 17 relative to the base body 4 and relative to the operating element 21 from the rest position R into the first actuating position B1, the operating element 21 can be actuated by means of the handle element 17, for example by the aforementioned switch being closed or being closed by moving, in particular pivoting, the handle element 17 relative to the base body 4 and relative to the operating element 21 from the rest position R into the first actuating position B1.By actuating, in particular closing, the operating element 21, the lock can be or will be electrically unlocked. For example, the operating element 21 is formed separately from the body shell 5 and is held at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the body shell 5.

[0038] In Fig. 1 shows a transmission element 22 of the vehicle door 1, particularly schematically. For example, the transmission element 22 is flexible, in particular a flexible traction means. For example, the transmission element 22 can be a cable, in particular a cable pull, such as a Bowden cable. The transmission element 22 is coupled at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the handle element 17 and thus indirectly, in particular directly, to the lock. In particular, the transmission element 22 can be moved along with the handle element 17. If, for example, the handle element 17 is moved from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2, the transmission element 22 is thereby moved along with the handle element 17.By moving the transmission element 22 in this way, the lock can, for example, be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely mechanically, and in other words, by moving, in particular pivoting, the handle element 17 relative to the base body 4 from the actuating position B1 into the actuating position B2, the lock can be unlocked, in particular purely mechanically, via the transmission element 22. For example, when moving, in particular pivoting, the handle element 17 relative to the base body 4 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2, a force can be transmitted to the lock via the transmission element 22, which can be unlocked or is unlocked, in particular purely mechanically, by means of the force.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the vehicle door 1 is designed such that when the handle element 17 is moved from the rest position R into the first actuating position B1, whereby a movement of the handle element 17 into the second actuating position B2 is omitted, a purely mechanical unlocking of the lock is omitted, so that when the handle element 17 is moved from the rest position R into the actuating position B1 without moving the handle element 17 into the actuating position B2, a purely mechanical unlocking of the lock via the transmission element 22 is omitted.

[0040] Out of Fig. 1 shows that, for example, in the first embodiment, the pivot axis SA runs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or in a plane spanned by the vehicle's transverse direction and the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The vehicle's longitudinal direction is also referred to as the x-direction or denoted by x.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a partial schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the vehicle door 1. In the second embodiment, for example, the pivot axis SA runs in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Fig. 2, the vehicle's longitudinal direction is illustrated by a double arrow 23. The actuating position B2 is also referred to as the overtravel position, since the handle element 17 must be moved, for example, starting from the rest position R into the first actuating position B1 and beyond the first actuating position B1 in order to move the handle element 17 into the actuating position B2 and thereby unlock the lock, in particular purely mechanically.

[0042] An actuating device of the vehicle door 1 (not shown in the figures) provides, for example, a force threshold which must be overcome, for example, by a person wishing to move the handle element 17 from the first actuating position B1 to the second actuating position B2 in order to move the handle element 17 from the actuating position B1 to the actuating position B2. The person can, for example, exert a first force in an actuating direction on the handle element 17 in order to thereby move the handle element 17 from the rest position R to the first actuating position B1.The force threshold opposes the first force and thus the movement of the handle element 17 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2, in particular in such a way that the first force is not sufficient to overcome the force threshold, so that the first force is, for example, not sufficient to move the handle element 17 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2. In order to move the handle element 17 from the first actuating position B1 into the second actuating position B2 and thus overcome the force threshold, the person must exert a second force on the handle element 17 in the actuating direction that is greater than the first force. This makes it possible to avoid undesired and, for example, unnecessary movements of the handle element 17 into the actuating position B2, so that particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door 1 can be ensured in a particularly simple manner. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle door 2 Interior 3 Surroundings 4 base bodies 5 Shell 6 Exterior paneling element 7 Total outer skin 8 Outer skin planking 9 Door parapet 10 side window 11 Outer pane skin 12 double arrow 13 Double arrow 14 Window area 15 shaft 17 Handle element 18 Handle element outer skin 19 Arrow 20 Arrow 21 Control element 22 Transmission element 23 Double arrow AS outside B1 first operating position B2 second operating position R Rest position SA swivel axis TB1 first section TB2 second sub-area QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2007 / 118552 A1

[0002] WO 2020 / 01137 A1

[0002] DE 10 2017 202 114 A1

[0002] WO 2006 / 007916 A1

[0002] DE 10 2010 101 164 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vehicle door (1) for a vehicle, with a handle element (17) arranged on the outside of the door above a door sill (9) of the vehicle door (1), wherein: - the handle element (17) is held on the base body (4) so ​​as to be movable relative to a base body (4) of the vehicle door (1) between a rest position (R) and at least one first actuating position (B1); - by moving the handle element (17) from the rest position (R) into the first actuating position (B1), a lock, by means of which the vehicle door (1), which can be arranged on a body of the vehicle so as to be movable between a closed position and at least one open position, is to be secured in the closed position, can be electrically unlocked; - the handle element (17) is movable relative to the base body (4) from the first actuating position (B1) into a second actuating position (B2), whereby the lock can be mechanically unlocked; and - the first actuating position (B1) is between the rest position (R) and the second actuating position (B2). [2] Vehicle door (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that when the handle element (17) moves from the rest position (R) into the first actuating position (B1), a purely mechanical unlocking of the lock does not occur. [3] Vehicle door (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an operating element (21) which can be actuated by moving the handle element (17) from the rest position (R) into the first actuating position (B1) by means of the handle element (17) relative to the operating element (21), wherein the lock can be electrically unlocked by actuating the operating element (21). [4] Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byan actuating device which provides a force threshold which must be overcome in order to move the handle element (17) from the first actuating position (B1) into the second actuating position (B2), so that a first force acting on the handle element (17) is sufficient to move the handle element (17) from the rest position (R) into the first actuating position (B1), and so that in order to move the handle element (17) from the first actuating position (B1) into the second actuating position (B2) and to overcome the force threshold, a second force which is greater than the first force must be exerted on the handle element (17). [5] Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handle element (17) has: - an outer skin (18) which can be visually and haptically perceived by a person in the vicinity (3) of the vehicle door (1); - a first partial region (TB1) forming a first part of the outer skin (18) of the handle element (17) with a first direction of extension (19); and - a second partial region (TB2) forming a second part of the outer skin (18) of the handle element (17) and adjoining the first partial region (TB1), which second partial region protrudes from the first partial region (TB1) in at least one second extension direction (20) extending obliquely or perpendicularly to the first extension direction (19). [6] Vehicle door (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the handle element (17) is L-shaped or V-shaped. [7] Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the handle element (17) about a pivot axis (SA): - is pivotable relative to the base body (4) between the rest position (R) and the first actuating position (B1); and - can be pivoted from the first operating position (B1) into the second operating position (B2). [8] Vehicle, with at least one vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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