Wing element for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a wing element (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising at least one base element (4), and a handle element (7) which is separate from the base element (4) and can be moved relative to the base element from a starting position (AS) into an actuated position, making it possible to unlock a lock (12) by means of which the wing element (2), which can be mounted on a body of the vehicle (1) for movement between a locked position and at least one open position, can be secured in the locked position. The wing element (2) also comprises a locking device (19) which is separate from the base element and separate from the handle element, and which can be moved relative to the base element (4) and relative to the handle element (7) from a securing position (ST), in which the handle element (7) is secured by means of the securing device (19) to prevent the handle element (7) from moving out of the starting position (AS) into the actuated position, into a release position, in which the securing device (19) allows the handle element (7) to move out of the starting position (AS) into the actuated position.

Description

[0001] Wing element for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle and vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a wing element for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one such wing element.

[0003] WO 2007 / 118552 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a vehicle door comprising a lower door section and an upper window section separated by a window sill. WO 2020 / 01137 A1 discloses a device for operating a vehicle door, including a sensor device configured to detect a force acting on the vehicle door and to generate corresponding sensor data. Furthermore, DE 102017202 114 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with at least one side door comprising a door body. WO 2006 / 007916 A1 also discloses a motor vehicle door with an inner module and an outer module.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a wing element for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, as well as a vehicle with at least one such wing element, so that a particularly advantageous actuation of the wing element can be realized in a particularly advantageous way.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a wing element having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a wing element for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. This means that the vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a motor car and most especially as a passenger car, has the wing element in its fully manufactured state. The wing element is understood to be a structural component that is movably, in particular pivotably, held or mounted on a body of the vehicle, for example, a self-supporting body, the interior of which is formed by the body, also referred to as the passenger cell, passenger compartment, or cabin. Thus, in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle, the wing element is formed separately from the body and is movably, in particular pivotably, mounted on the body. In particular, the wing element is associated with an opening in the body.The wing element can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the structure between a closed position and at least one open position. In the closed position, the wing element closes at least a portion of the structure opening. In the open position, the wing element releases at least that portion of the structure opening. In particular, the wing element can be, for example, a door, especially a side door, so that the structure opening is designed, for example, as a side or rear door opening. Thus, for example, in the open position of the wing element, a person initially located in the vicinity of the structure and the wing element can enter the interior through the released portion of the structure opening.Furthermore, for example, when the wing element is in the open position, a person initially inside the vehicle can exit through the exposed section and thus access the surroundings. It is also conceivable that the wing element is a flap such as a tailgate or a front flap. For example, the wing element could be a trunk lid, a trunk cover, or a hood. Thus, the opening in the vehicle body could be a side or rear door opening, or a front or rear storage compartment opening, so that, for example, a storage compartment, such as the trunk, at the front or rear of the vehicle could be accessed through the exposed section of the opening when the wing element is in the open position.It is evident that the wing element is a separate component, designed separately from the main structure, which is movable, particularly pivotable, and can be attached to or arranged on the main structure. The wing element comprises at least one base element, which is preferably rigid, i.e., dimensionally stable. Preferably, the base element is designed as a solid body. The wing element also comprises a handle element, designed separately from the base element and dimensionally stable, i.e., rigid and designed as a solid body, which is preferably arranged on an outer surface of the wing element in its installed position and in the closed position, and is thus an external handle element, particularly on the outside of the door. Especially when the wing element is designed as a door, the handle element is a door handle, particularly an external door handle.The wing element assumes its installed position in the fully assembled state of the vehicle comprising the wing element and the superstructure. The handle element is movable relative to the base element from a starting position to an actuating position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. Preferably, the handle element is held, in particular at least indirectly or directly, on the base element such that the handle element is movable relative to the base element from the starting position to the actuating position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. This means, in particular, that preferably the handle element is held at least indirectly on the base element, and thus at least indirectly connected to the base element, and can be moved from the starting position to the actuating position relative to the base element, while the handle element is and remains held on the base element, and thus remains connected to the base element.

[0007] By moving the handle element from the starting position to the operating position relative to the base element, a lock by means of which the wing element, which can be arranged or is arranged on the vehicle body and is movable, in particular pivotable, between the closed position and the at least one open position, is to be secured in the closed position, in particular relative to the body, can be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely mechanically and thus without the use of electrical energy.

[0008] In principle, it is conceivable that the wing element, in particular the handle element, has an operating element by which the lock can be electrically unlocked by operating, in particular by pressing, the operating element. Especially when the wing element is designed as a door, the lock is a door lock, or is also referred to as a door lock. In particular, the lock can be an integral part of the wing element and thus be movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the assembly between the closed position and at least one open position. In particular, the operating element can be, for example, a mechanical operating element such as a knob, a push button, or a button.For example, the operating element can be movable relative to a corresponding base element of the sash element, in particular the handle element, between a first operating element position and a second operating element position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. By operating, in particular by actuating, the operating element, the operating element is moved, for example, from the first operating element position relative to the base element of the sash element, in particular the handle element, to the second operating element position, thereby unlocking the lock, thus effecting an electrical unlocking of the lock. The lock can 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., converted.If the sash is in the closed position and the lock is engaged, the sash is secured in the closed position by the lock, thus preventing any unwanted movement relative to the structure into the open position. To open the sash, i.e., to move it from the closed to the open position, the operating element is operated, particularly by a person nearby. This electrically unlocks the lock, thus electrically switching it from the locked to the unlocked position, so that the lock releases the sash, allowing it to move from the closed to the open position relative to the structure.For example, a locking element, such as a locking bolt (also called a lock bolt or locking bar), is attached to the structure, particularly to a vehicle pillar of the structure, such as a door pillar (also called a body or superstructure pillar). In the closed position of the sash element and in the locked state, the lock, in particular a rotary and / or fork latch of the lock, interacts with the locking element, in particular in a positive-locking manner, thereby securing the sash element in the closed position, in particular in a positive-locking manner. For example, the lock has a first locking element, which can be, for example, the aforementioned fork and / or rotary latch. The locking element is also referred to as the second locking element.In the closed position of the wing element and in the locked state of the lock, the first lock element interacts with the second lock element, in particular in a positive-locking manner, thereby securing the wing element in the closed position, particularly relative to the vehicle body. In particular, the second lock element is attached, at least indirectly, and in particular directly, to the vehicle body, especially to a vehicle pillar, in such a way that relative movements between the second lock element and the vehicle body, in particular the vehicle pillar, are prevented. For example, the first lock element can be moved relative to a base of the lock and in particular relative to the second lock element between a locked position and an unlocked position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally.In the closed position of the sash and in the locked position of the first lock element, the first lock element interacts with the second lock element, particularly in a positive-locking manner, thereby securing the sash element in the closed position, especially relative to the frame. When the lock is unlocked, for example, the first lock element is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, in which the interaction between the first and second lock elements ceases. This releases the sash element for movement relative to the frame from the closed position to the open position.The characteristic that the lock can be electrically unlocked by operating, in particular by actuating, the control element means, in particular, that an electrically operated lock actuator, which may be designed as an electric motor, is activated, in particular electrically driven, as a result of operating the control element. This activation of the lock actuator causes the lock actuator to be electrically operated, so that the first lock element is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of the lock actuator, in particular using electrical energy and thus electrically. This means that the first lock element is moved electrically from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby unlocking the lock electrically, that is, using the aforementioned electrical energy, which, for example, supplies the lock actuator.Following the electrical unlocking of the lock, the movement of the sash element from the closed position to the open position can, for example, be effected manually by a person, or by the aforementioned person, in particular by the person manually exerting a force, especially a tensile and / or compressive force, on the sash element, particularly via the handle element, thus moving the sash element relative to the structure from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, as a result of operating the control element, the sash element can be moved electrically, i.e., using electrical energy, from the closed position to the open position relative to the structure, particularly after the lock has been unlocked.For this purpose, an electrically operated motion device is provided, which includes, for example, the aforementioned electrically operated lock actuator and / or at least one other electrically operated actuator. As a result of operating the control element, the motion device is activated, particularly electrically, thereby electrically operating the motion device. This allows the motion device to move, in particular pivot, the sash element relative to the frame from the closed position to the open position using electrical energy. Thus, the lock can be unlocked with particular ease, and the sash element can be opened with particular ease, i.e., moved from the closed position to the open position.It is conceivable that the operating element is or comprises a touch-sensitive surface, and that the operating element can be operated by a person touching the touch-sensitive surface with one of their fingers. It is conceivable that the sash element has at least one sensor, in particular an electrically operated sensor, by means of which an operation of the operating element, for example by a person, can be detected. If, for example, an operation of the operating element by a person is detected by means of the sensor, that is, in particular a movement of the operating element by a person from the first operating element position to the second operating element position, then, in particular as described above, the lock actuator is activated so that the lock is electrically unlocked by means of the lock actuator. The lock actuator can be part of the sash element.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor is a component of the wing element, in particular the operating element. Additionally, the lock could be a component of the wing element.

[0009] In principle, it is possible, for example as a result of a vehicle accident, that the control element and / or the sensor and / or the lock actuator may no longer receive electrical power, because, for example, the power supply to the control element and / or the lock actuator and / or the sensor is damaged, interrupted, or destroyed. In that case, the lock may no longer be able to be unlocked electrically, because, for example, the lock actuator can no longer operate and / or because, for example, the sensor can no longer detect any operation or activation of the control element.

[0010] To achieve a particularly high level of security and thus particularly advantageous operation of the wing element, the handle element is movable relative to the base element from its initial position to its operating position. By moving the handle element from its initial position to its operating position, the lock can be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely mechanically and thus without the use of electrical energy. The handle element is therefore an emergency release element or can function as such, whereby the lock can be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely mechanically, by means of the emergency release element and by moving it from its operating position to its initial position.Thus, for example, after the aforementioned vehicle accident, a person in the vicinity of the vehicle could move the handle from its initial position to the operating position relative to the base element, thereby mechanically, and in particular purely mechanically, unlocking the lock. Subsequently, this person could easily and quickly open the wing element and thus gain access to the interior and, for example, provide first aid to a person inside.

[0011] The wing element has a locking device that is separate from the base element and the handle element. This locking device is movable relative to both the base element and the handle element from a locking position to a release position, particularly translationally and / or rotationally. In the locking position, the locking device secures the handle element against movement from its initial position to the operating position. This means that in the locking position, the locking device prevents movement of the handle element from its initial position to the operating position. In the release position, however, the locking device allows movement of the handle element from its initial position to the operating position. In other words, in the release position, the locking device releases the handle element for movement from its initial position to the operating position.This prevents, for example, unwanted or accidental movements of the handle from its initial position to the operating position in a normal vehicle condition, provided that no vehicle accident occurs in this normal condition. In particular, the locking position prevents unwanted movement of the handle from its initial position to the operating position, and thus an unwanted mechanical unlocking of the lock, when a person grasps the handle and exerts force on it and, via the handle, on the wing element in order to manipulate it—that is, to move it relative to the vehicle body and, for example, to open or close it.

[0012] For example, the safety device can only be moved from the locking position to the release position, thereby allowing movement of the handle element from the starting position to the operating position, if and when a sensor device of the vehicle detects an actual accident of the vehicle and / or if an electronic computing device of the motor vehicle determines that the probability of an accident of the vehicle in the future exceeds a threshold that can be specified or predetermined.

[0013] The wing element also features an actuator, also referred to as an actuator, which is designed separately from the base element, the handle element, and the locking device. Preferably, the actuator is provided in addition to the aforementioned lock actuator. The wing element also features a coupling element, designed separately from the base element, the handle element, the locking device, and the actuator, which is designed as a solid body and is inherently rigid, i.e., dimensionally stable. For example, the coupling element is designed as a rod.

[0014] Within the scope of this disclosure, the characteristic that an element, such as the coupling element, is inherently rigid and thus dimensionally stable, is understood to mean that this inherently rigid element is not flexible like, for example, a piece of fabric or a tensioning element such as a rope, and therefore cannot transmit compressive forces. Rather, the element retains its shape independently when considered in isolation and, like a rod, can transmit both tensile and compressive forces. The locking device can be driven by the actuator via the inherently rigid coupling element and thereby moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. For this purpose, the locking device can be coupled to the actuator via the coupling element.

[0015] The coupling element comprises a receptacle formed by a plastic material and thus, in particular, directly bounded by the plastic, and a through-opening, which may, for example, be formed by the plastic material and thus, in particular, directly bounded. The through-opening opens into the receptacle at one end, i.e., at its first end. The through-opening opens into the surroundings of the coupling element at its other end, i.e., at its second end, opposite the first end. The receptacle is a first through-opening that is continuous along an imaginary first line of passage and thus completely penetrates the coupling element. The through-opening is a second through-opening that is continuous along a second line of passage and thus completely penetrates the coupling element, with the lines of passage being parallel to each other.When the term "through opening" is used before and after, it refers, unless otherwise specified, to the second through opening. The second through opening extends along a third through opening, perpendicular to both the first and second through openings, such that, viewed along the third through opening, it opens at one end into the receiving area and at the other end into or around the coupling element, particularly when considering only the coupling element. When the term "around" is used below, it refers, unless otherwise specified, to the area surrounding the coupling element.

[0016] The wing element also features a connecting element that is separate from the locking device, the coupling element, the handle element, and the base element. This connecting element penetrates the receptacle, particularly along the first straight line. Each straight line is an imaginary straight line. The connecting element can be inserted into the receptacle through the second opening, specifically along the third straight line.This means that, for example, in a method for manufacturing the wing element, the connecting element and coupling element are moved relative to each other in such a way that the connecting element, which is initially arranged outside the receptacle and outside the second through-opening, is pushed through the second through-opening, particularly along the third through-opening line, and thus, in particular, inserted into the receptacle along the third through-opening line. It is conceivable, for example, that in the method the coupling element and the connecting element are moved relative to each other in such a way that the coupling element is moved relative to the connecting element, particularly while the connecting element remains stationary.By inserting the connecting element through the second through-opening into the receptacle, the coupling element can be hooked into the connecting element, or vice versa, thus coupling the two elements. As the connecting element is inserted into the receptacle, it penetrates the receptacle, particularly along the first straight path. The coupling element is connected to the locking device via the connecting element, so that by moving the coupling element relative to the base element, particularly in a translational manner, the locking device can be actuated and thus moved relative to the base element from the locked position to the released position. The coupling element is movable relative to the base element, particularly in a translational manner, by means of the actuator.The coupling element is supported, or can be supported, by the plastic on the locking device. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling element is supported, or can be supported, by the plastic on the connecting element. This prevents unwanted noises, such as rattling, which can result from relative movements between the coupling element and the connecting element and / or from relative movements between the coupling element and the locking device. This allows for a particularly smooth and quiet, especially noiseless, movement of the locking device from the locked position to the released position via the coupling element and the actuator. This ensures particularly advantageous actuation of the wing element.

[0017] Particularly when the wing element is designed as the aforementioned door, especially a side door, the wing element has a door sill, also simply referred to as a parapet or window sill. Specifically, the sill is or forms an edge, especially a lower edge, by which, for example, a window opening for a pane, particularly a translucent pane, especially a side window, of the wing element is at least partially bounded, particularly in the installed position of the wing element and in the closed position of the wing element in the vehicle's vertical direction. The wing element assumes its installed position in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle containing the wing element.In order to achieve a particularly advantageous actuation of the wing element, it is preferably provided that the handle element is arranged above the door sill in the vehicle's vertical direction, at least in the starting position and preferably also in the actuation position, particularly in the installation position of the wing element and in the closed position of the wing element.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second through-opening has a first extension extending along an imaginary first straight line running in an imaginary plane, while the receptacle has a second extension extending along a second imaginary straight line running in the imaginary plane and parallel to the first straight line. The second extension is larger than the first extension. Thus, the receptacle is designed as an elongated slot along the second straight line, allowing, for example, the connecting element to be arranged in different positions within the receptacle along the second straight line. This allows, for example, manufacturing-related and / or unavoidable tolerances to be compensated for, enabling the locking device to be driven quickly and precisely via the actuator using the coupling element, and thus moving from the locked position to the released position.This allows for advantageous actuation of the wing element. Furthermore, this enables the wing element to be manufactured simply, quickly, and cost-effectively, since the coupling element can be easily and therefore quickly and cost-effectively connected to the connecting element. In particular, it is provided that the first straight line runs perpendicular to the second straight line, and, for example, the second straight line runs perpendicular to the first straight line.

[0019] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second through-opening is continuous along a third line running in the plane and perpendicular to the first line and perpendicular to the second line, which is, for example, the third through-opening line, and opens at one end into the receptacle and at the other end into the vicinity of the coupling element. This allows the coupling element to be securely and easily connected to the connecting element, enabling a safe and defined movement of the locking device via the coupling element by means of the actuator.

[0020] In order to advantageously drive the locking device and the coupling element by means of the actuator and thus achieve particularly advantageous actuation of the wing element, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the receptacle and the (second) through-opening are continuous along a respective fourth straight line running perpendicular to the plane. For example, a first of the fourth straight lines is the first through-line, and a second of the fourth straight lines is the second through-line.

[0021] Another embodiment is characterized in that the coupling element is held at a distance from the locking device by means of the connecting element. This is achieved, for example, by shortening a thread of the screw element, which is designed, for example, as an external thread, i.e., by making it so short that such a screw connection, in which the coupling element is held in direct contact with the locking device, is prevented. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connecting element has a spacer area, for example, designed as a shoulder, by means of which the coupling element is held at the aforementioned distance from the locking device.This ensures that the coupling element is movable relative to the locking device and vice versa, so that, for example, when the locking device moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the coupling element can move relative to the locking device and vice versa. This guarantees safe movement of the locking device from the locked position to the unlocked position, thus ensuring particularly advantageous actuation of the wing element.

[0022] For example, the distance runs along a distance line that runs parallel to the respective fourth line.

[0023] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic is elastically deformable, in particular with a rubber-like elasticity. This advantageously avoids unwanted noises, especially rattling noises, thus ensuring particularly favorable actuation of the wing element.

[0024] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plastic is a polyoxymethylene (POM), which makes it particularly advantageous to avoid unwanted noise.

[0025] To ensure a particularly secure coupling of the coupling element to the locking device, thereby enabling advantageous actuation of the wing element, and to avoid unwanted noise, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the coupling element has a base body made of a material different from the plastic, which is overmolded with the plastic. Preferably, the material is a metallic material, such as a light metal, in particular aluminum, or steel.

[0026] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the connecting element is a screw element which is screwed, especially directly, to the locking device. This allows the coupling element to be securely connected to the locking device via the connecting element, so that the locking device can be reliably moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by means of the actuator. This ensures advantageous actuation of the wing element. For example, the screw element has a first thread, which is, for instance, designed as an external thread. The locking device has, for example, a second thread corresponding to the first thread, and preferably designed as an internal thread, with the threads preferably being screwed directly together, i.e., screwed directly into one another.This ensures a firm and therefore secure connection between the coupling element and the safety device.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a motor car and most especially as a passenger car, which has at least one wing element 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.

[0028] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic perspective view of a vehicle;

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a first component of a

[0031] wing element of the vehicle;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a second assembly unit of the

[0033] Wing element;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a partial schematic perspective view of a

[0035] Handle element of the wing element;

[0036] Fig. 5 shows a partial schematic side view of a

[0037] Coupling element of the wing element;

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a partial schematic side view of the

[0039] Coupling element;

[0040] Fig. 7 shows a partial schematic top view of the coupling element; Fig. 8 shows a partial schematic side view of the

[0041] Coupling element;

[0042] Fig. 9 shows a partial schematic top view of the

[0043] Coupling element;

[0044] Fig. 10 shows a partial schematic rear view of the coupling element; and

[0045] Fig. 11 shows a partial further schematic rear view of the

[0046] Coupling element.

[0047] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic perspective view of a vehicle 1, in this case a passenger car, whose interior, also referred to as the passenger compartment, passenger space, or cabin, is formed by a body structure of the vehicle 1, for example, a self-supporting body. During a journey, persons such as the driver of the vehicle 1 can be present in the interior. The body structure has a side opening designed as a passageway, which, as will be explained in more detail below, is designed as a side door opening. A wing element of the vehicle 1, designed as a side door 2 in the embodiment shown in the figures, is associated with the body opening, and the side door 2 is also simply referred to as a door or vehicle door.The wing element, i.e., the side door 2, is movable, in particular pivotable, and is held on the body. It can be moved, in particular pivoted, between a closed position shown in Fig. 1 and at least one open position relative to the body. In the closed position, the side door 2 closes at least a portion of the body opening. In the open position, the side door 2 releases this portion, allowing a person initially located in the vicinity 3 of the vehicle 1, and thus of the side door 2, to enter the interior via the released portion. Furthermore, a person initially located in the interior can exit the interior via the released portion when the side door 2 is open, thus reaching the vicinity 3. Fig. 2 shows that the side door 2 has a first base element 4, which is inherently rigid and designed as a solid body.For example, the first base element 4 is designed as a base plate. In particular, the base element 4 is a first support, more specifically a first support plate. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the wing element, i.e., the side door 2, has a second base element 5, designed separately from the base element 4, which is inherently rigid and designed as a solid body. In particular, the base element 5 is a second plate. For example, the base element 5 is a second support, more specifically a second support plate. The wing element, i.e., the side door 2, also has a handle element 7, designed separately from the base elements 4 and 5, which is held at least indirectly on the base element 4, in particular bypassing the base element 5, such that the handle element 7 can be moved from a starting position AS to an actuating position relative to the base elements 4 and 5, in particular translationally and / or rotationally.The feature that the handle element 7 is held at least indirectly on the base element 5, bypassing the base element 5, means that the handle element 7 is held on the base element 4, or not only via the base element 5. By moving the handle element 7 from the initial position AS to the operating position, a lock (not shown in the figures) can be unlocked mechanically, in particular purely mechanically and thus without the use of electrical energy. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the lock is a door lock by means of which the side door 2, which is arranged on the body of the vehicle 1 and is movable, in particular pivotable, between the closed and open positions, is secured in the closed position relative to the body. The lock is therefore a door lock.The lock is an integral part of the wing element, i.e., the side door 2, so that the lock can move along with the side door 2 relative to the structure, in particular pivoting along with it.

[0049] Figure 4 shows that the side door 2 has a locking device 19, which is separate from the base elements 4 and 5 and separate from the handle element 7. This locking device comprises a first locking element 20 and a second locking element 21. The locking device 19 is held against the first base element 4, bypassing the second base element 5, such that it can be moved relative to the base elements 4 and 5 from a locking position ST to a release position, in particular translationally and / or rotationally. In the locking position ST, the locking device 19 secures the handle element 7 against movement from the initial position AS to the operating position. In the release position, the locking device 19 allows movement of the handle element 7 from the initial position AS to the operating position.The locking element 20 is held on the base element 4, bypassing the base element 5, such that the locking element 20 can be pivoted about an element pivot axis relative to the base elements 4 and 5 from a first position S1 to a second position and is thus movable. The second locking element 21 is held on the base element 4, bypassing the base element 5, such that the second locking element 21 can be displaced from a third position S3 to a fourth position relative to the base elements 4 and 5 and is thus movable. In the locking position ST of the locking device 19, the locking element 20 is in the first position S1 and the locking element 21 is in the third position S3.By moving the locking device 19 from the locking position ST to the release position, the locking element 20 is or becomes movable from the first position S1 to the second position, and the second locking element 21 is or becomes movable from the third position S3 to the fourth position. Thus, in the release position of the locking device 19, the locking element 20 is in the second position, and in the release position of the locking device 19, the locking element 21 is in the fourth position. In the third position S3, the locking element 21 secures the handle element 7 against movement from the initial position AS to the operating position, bypassing the locking element 20. In the fourth position, the locking element 21 allows movement of the handle element 7 from the initial position AS to the operating position.The locking elements 20 and 21 are designed separately and coupled to each other, such that the locking element 21 can be driven by the locking element 20 and thereby moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position, while the locking element 21 can be driven from the first position S1 to the second position by pivoting the locking element 20 and thereby moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position. In other words, if the locking element 20 is pivoted from the first position S1 to the second position, the locking element 21 is thereby moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position.

[0050] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the side door 2 has an actuator 23, also referred to as an actuator, which is formed separately from the base elements 4 and 5, separately from the handle element 7, and separately from the locking device 19. The actuator is held on the second base element 5, in particular bypassing the first base element 4. The side door 2 also has a rigid coupling element 24, formed separately from the base elements 4 and 5, separately from the handle element 7, separately from the locking device 19, and separately from the actuator 23. In the embodiment shown in the figures, this coupling element 24 is designed as a connecting rod. The locking element 20 can be driven by the actuator 23 via the coupling element 24 and thereby pivoted from the first position S1 to the second position.Thus, the safety device 19 can be driven by the actuator 23 via the coupling element 24 and thereby moved from the locking position ST to the release position. In this case, the coupling element 24 is coupled to the actuator 23 and, in particular, bypassing the safety element 21, to the safety element 20, so that the safety element 21 can be driven by the coupling element 24 via the safety element 20 by the actuator 23 moving the coupling element 24, and thereby moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a first assembly 12, comprising the handle element 7 and the base element 4. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a second assembly 22, comprising the second base element 5, the actuator 23, and, for example, the coupling element 24. It is conceivable that the base elements 4 and 5 are formed separately from one another and connected to each other by means of at least one connecting element, which is formed separately from the base elements 4 and 5 and is designed, for example, as a screw element, in particular as a screw. In particular, the base elements 4 and 5 are connected to each other in such a way that relative movements between the base elements 4 and 5 are prevented.

[0052] Figures 4 to 9 show that the coupling element 24 has a receptacle 26 formed by a plastic 25 and thus, in particular, directly, bounded, which is also referred to as the first through-opening, and the coupling element 24 has a second through-opening 27 which opens at one end, i.e., at a first end E1, into the receptacle 26 and at the other end, i.e., at its second end E2 opposite the first end E2, into or into a surrounding area 28 of the coupling element 24, particularly when considering only the coupling element 24. The receptacle 26 is continuous along a first straight line, at least when considering only the coupling element 24, and thus completely penetrates the coupling element 24 along the first straight line, particularly when considering only the coupling element 24.The second through-opening 27 is continuous along a first through-line, at least when considering only the coupling element 24, and thus completely penetrates the coupling element 24 along the second through-line, where the first and second through-lines are parallel to each other and perpendicular to a plane that, for example, coincides with the plane of Fig. 5. When considering only the coupling element 24, the second through-opening 27 is continuous along a third through-line, illustrated by a double arrow 29, such that the through-opening 27 opens into the receptacle 26 at one end and into the surroundings 28 at the other.The third line of passage runs perpendicular to the first line of passage and perpendicular to the second line of passage, with the third line of passage lying in the aforementioned plane. Because the passage opening 27 opens at one end into the receptacle 26 and at the other end into or the surroundings 28, the receptacle 26, viewed along its circumferential direction around the first line of passage, is open at, in particular, precisely at a point where the passage opening 27 is located. Except for this point, the receptacle 26 is closed along its circumferential direction and is bounded, in particular directly, by the coupling element 24.The side door 2 also has a connecting element 30, which is separate from the base elements 4 and 5, the handle element 7, the locking device 19, and the coupling element 24. This connecting element 30 penetrates the receptacle 26, particularly along the first straight section of the passage, and in particular completely. This couples the coupling element 24 to the connecting element 30, which in turn connects the coupling element 24 to the locking device 19. In this case, the connecting element 30 connects the coupling element 24 to the locking element 20, and thus, via the locking element 20, to the locking device 19, by bypassing the locking element 21. Figures 10 and 11 show that the coupling element 24 can be supported, or is supported, by the plastic 25 on the locking element 20 and thus on the locking device 19.Furthermore, the coupling element 24 can be supported or supported on the connecting element 30 via the plastic 25. Preferably, the plastic 25 is an elastically deformable plastic, in particular a rubber-elastic plastic, wherein the plastic 25 can, for example, be POM (polyoxymethylene).

[0053] As can be seen from Fig. 2, for example, the handle element 7 is coupled or can be coupled to the lock via a pull element 35. The pull element 35 is a flexible element, wherein the pull element 35 is, for example, a rope or a cable pull, in particular a Bowden cable. By moving the handle element 7 from the initial position AS to the operating position, the lock can be moved mechanically, in particular purely mechanically, from the locked position to the unlocked position via the pull element 35.

[0054] Figures 5 and 6 show that the opening 26 has a first extension running along an imaginary first line, which is illustrated by a double arrow 31 and lies in the aforementioned plane. The opening 27 has a second extension running along a second line, which is illustrated by a double arrow 32, lies in the aforementioned plane, and is parallel to the first line. The first line is perpendicular to the first line of passage and perpendicular to the third line, and the second line is perpendicular to the second line of passage and perpendicular to the third line of passage. The first extension is greater than the second extension, so the second extension is less than the first extension.Viewed in the plane and along the first straight line, the receptacle 26 is thus designed as an elongated hole, which allows tolerances, especially positional tolerances, to be compensated for. The connecting element 30 can be pushed through the through-opening 27, particularly along the third straight line, and thus inserted into the receptacle 26, particularly along the third straight line. This occurs, for example, in a method for manufacturing the side door 2.In this method, the coupling element 24 and the connecting element 30, which is already held, for example, on the locking device 19, in particular on the locking element 20, are moved relative to each other, particularly while the connecting element 30 is held on the locking device 19, in particular on the locking element 20, such that the connecting element 30 is pushed through the passage opening 27, in particular along the third straight line, and thereby inserted into the receptacle 26, in particular along the third straight line. For this purpose, the coupling element 24 is moved relative to the locking device 19, in particular while no relative movements occur between the locking device 19 and the connecting element 30 and while the connecting element 30 is held on the locking device 19, in particular on the locking element 20.It is evident that the coupling element 24 has a receiving element 33 that is at least substantially C-shaped, and which includes the receptacle 26 and the through-opening 27. At least a part of the receiving element 33 is formed by the plastic 25, at least in such a way that the plastic 25 forms at least the receptacle 26 and thereby, in particular, directly defines it. For example, the coupling element 24 has a base body formed from a material different from the plastic 25 and, for example, a metallic material, which, for example, forms a metal clip. The plastic 25 is connected to the base body, in particular in such a way that the base body is overmolded, overmolded, or injection-molded with the plastic 25. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the plastic 25 forms a plastic body, in particular formed separately from the base body, which is connected to the base body, in particular by screws and thereby connected.The basic body can be seen, for example, in Figs. 10 and 11 and is labelled 34.

[0055] Figures 9, 10, and 11 show that the connecting element 30 has a first sub-section TB1 with an outer circumference, in particular a first outer diameter, and a second sub-section TB2, which adjoins the first sub-section TB1, in particular directly, with a second outer circumference, in particular a second outer diameter. The first outer circumference is larger than the second outer circumference, and sub-section TB2 penetrates the receptacle 26. Sub-section TB1 can be supported, or is supported, in particular along the first straight line of passage, in particular directly, on the plastic 25. The coupling element 24, in particular the receiving element 33, and most especially the plastic 25, has a first section B1 and at least one second section B2, which adjoins the first section B1, in particular directly, wherein two second sections B2 are provided, which are spaced apart from each other, in particular along the second straight line.The respective second area B2 is set back from the first area B1, particularly when viewed along the first straight line. In its final assembly position shown in the figures, the sub-area TB1, and thus the connecting element 30, overlaps at least partially with the respective area B2 in an overlap direction parallel to the third straight line and straight, illustrated by arrow 34. This allows the connecting element 30 to be supported, or is supported, by the respective area B2 in the overlap direction via its sub-area TB1. As a result, the connecting element 30 cannot be moved out of the receptacle 26 in the overlap direction, thus forming a pull-off and rotation protection mechanism. This ensures that the coupling element 24 remains securely coupled to the connecting element 30 and, via this, to the locking device 19. It is conceivable that the entire receptacle 33 is formed by the plastic 25.For example, while the connecting element 30 is pushed through the through-opening 27 and thus inserted into the receptacle 26, the connecting element 30 is already held on the locking device 19, in particular on the locking element 20, in particular in such a way that relative movements between the locking device 19 and the connecting element 30 are prevented.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting element 30 is designed as a screw element, in particular as a screw, such that the connecting element 30 has a first thread, in particular designed as an external thread. A second thread corresponding to the first thread and, for example, designed as an internal thread, is provided on the locking device 19, in particular on the locking element 20, wherein the threads are screwed together, in particular directly. This means that the connecting element 30 is screwed, in particular directly, to the locking device 19, in particular to the locking element 20. In particular, after the connecting element 30 has been inserted into the receptacle 26, the screw is rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the locking device 19, whereby the coupling element 24 is connected, i.e., coupled, to the locking device 19 by means of the screw.The axis of rotation coincides, for example, with the first straight line or runs parallel to the first straight line. By rotating the connecting element 30, i.e., the screw, about the axis of rotation and relative to the locking device 19, the connecting element 30 is screwed to the locking device 19, in particular to the locking element 20. Preferably, this screwing takes place after the connecting element 30 has been inserted into the receptacle 26.For example, to prevent the coupling element 24, which in this case is designed as a connecting rod, from detaching from the coupling element 30 after the connecting element 30 has been inserted into the receptacle 26 and before the connecting element 30 has been screwed to the locking device 19, the coupling element 24, and in particular the connecting element 30, has a locking element, also referred to as a clip or clips, by means of which the connecting element 30 is locked, i.e., clipped, when it is inserted into the receptacle 26. The clip is formed, for example, by the plastic 25.

[0057] For example, after the connecting element 30 is inserted into the receptacle 26, the connecting element 30, which is designed as a screw, is tightened. Preferably, it is provided that the coupling element 24, in particular the plastic 25, is held at a distance from the locking device 19, in particular the locking element 20, by means of the connecting element 30, in particular along the first straight line of passage, so that the locking device 19 and the coupling element 24 can move relative to each other with low friction, in particular without friction, when the locking device 19 is moved from the locked position ST to the released position.For this purpose, for example, the connecting element 30 has a spacer element designed, for example, as a step, by means of which the coupling element 24, in particular the receiving element 33 and especially the plastic 25, is held at the aforementioned distance to the locking device 19, in particular the locking element 20.

[0058] The rotation, and in particular the tightening, of the connecting element 30 around its axis of rotation and relative to the locking device 19 can be used, for example, in the method for manufacturing the side door 2 to ensure the safe manufacture of the side door 2. For example, in this method, the rotation, and in particular the tightening, of the connecting element 30 around its axis of rotation and relative to the locking device 19 is detected and monitored, so that the rotation of the connecting element 30 around its axis of rotation and relative to the locking device 19 can be documented. This ensures that the connecting element 30 is connected to the locking device 19 in a predetermined and therefore desired manner, and thus the coupling element 24 is connected to the locking device 19 in a predetermined and therefore desired manner, in particular by screwing it in.For example, an image of at least a partial area can be captured using a camera and / or at least one geometric aperture, in which the connecting element 30, the locking device 19, in particular the locking element 20, and the coupling element 24 are each at least partially arranged. Based on the image, it can be checked and thus ensured that, in particular, after and / or before and / or during the rotation of the connecting element 30, the coupling element 24 is connected to the connecting element 30. It is evident that by inserting the connecting element 30 into the receptacle 26, the coupling element 24 can be connected to the connecting element 30 in such a way that the coupling element 24 is hooked or engaged into the connecting element 30, or vice versa. From Fig.Figures 7 to 9 clearly show that areas B2 form or are so-called humps, which prevent the connecting element 30 from slipping out of the receptacle 26 in the overlap direction. Sub-area TB1 is a screw head of the connecting element 30, and sub-area TB2 is a screw shank of the connecting element 30, also referred to as a shaft, with the first thread located on the shaft. In particular, the connecting element 30 can be supported or is supported by sub-area TB1 on the plastic 25. The side door 2 has an outer skin, also referred to as the overall outer skin 10, which is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity 3, and thus can be seen and directly touched. A first area of ​​the overall outer skin 10 is formed by an outer skin of the handle element 7, also referred to as the handle element outer skin.A second area of ​​the overall outer skin 10 is formed by an outer cladding element 9 of the side door 2, which is also simply referred to as a cladding element.

[0059] To achieve a particularly advantageous haptic feel and, in particular, an ergonomic and comfortable operation of the side door 2, the handle element 7 has a first sub-section, also referred to as the first body part, which forms a first part of the handle element's outer skin and has a first extension direction, thus extending along this first extension direction. It is conceivable that the first sub-section of the handle element 7 projects from a base body of the side door 2 in or along this first extension direction. For example, in the installed position of the side door 2 and in the closed position, the first extension direction runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1, specifically outwards and thus towards the surroundings 3. The base body is, for example, the outer paneling element 9.Furthermore, the handle element 7 preferably has a second sub-section, also referred to as a second body part, which forms a second part of the handle element's outer skin. The second sub-section of the handle element 7 adjoins the first sub-section of the handle element 7, in particular an end of the first sub-section of the handle element 7 facing away from the base body, wherein the second sub-section of the handle element 7 projects from the first sub-section of the handle element 7 in a second direction of extension that is oblique or perpendicular to the first direction of extension. This means, for example, that the second sub-section of the handle element 7 is spaced apart from the base body and arranged in at least partial overlap with the base body. It is also conceivable that the base body is a further cladding element of the side door 2, wherein the further cladding element forms, for example, a third section of the overall outer skin 10.In particular, the second part of the handle element 7 extends along the second direction of extension. For example, in the installed position of the side door 2 and in the closed position of the side door 2, the second direction of extension runs upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, or the second direction of extension points upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1. For example, in the installed position of the side door 2, which assumes its installed position when the vehicle 1, with the side door 2, is fully assembled, and in the closed position of the side door 2, the second part of the handle element 7 extends inwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1 and thus towards the interior by the base body and thus, for example, by a part of the second and / or third area of ​​the overall outer skin 10.This allows, for example, a person located in the vicinity 3 to grasp the handle element 7, in particular the second part of the handle element 7, particularly advantageously and ergonomically, especially by grasping behind it, in such a way that, for example, the person can move at least one or more of their fingers between the second part of the handle element 7 and the base body. The person can then exert a force on the handle element 7 in a particularly advantageous way in order to handle the side door 2 particularly advantageously, that is, to be able to move it relative to the structure, in particular to pivot it.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second part of the handle element 7 projects from the first part in the second direction of extension, resulting in the handle element 7 being L-shaped or V-shaped, particularly when considered as a whole. The parts of the handle element 7 form the L-shape or V-shape, with each part being the respective leg of the L-shape or V-shape. The handle element 7 is connected to the base body via the first part, with the first part being connected to the base body at least indirectly.

[0061] The side door 2 has a door sill 36, also referred to as a parapet or window sill, which is also called a curb edge or forms a curb edge of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the side door 2 includes a translucent side window 37, also simply referred to as a pane, which is displaceable relative to the base body and relative to the outer paneling element 9, at least in the closed position of the side door 2, in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1. In particular, the side window 37 can be moved, i.e., shifted, at least in the closed position, in the side door 2 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 between a closed position of the side window 37 (shown in Fig. 1) and an open position (not shown) relative to the base body and relative to the outer paneling element 9, particularly translationally.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 position, a window area 38, also referred to as the window area, is at least partially bounded by the door sill 36, particularly in the installed position of the side door 2 and in the closed position of the side door 2 in the upward direction of the vehicle 1. Figure 1 shows the installed position and the closed position of the side door 2, with the side door 2 assuming its installed position in the fully assembled state of the vehicle 1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the window area 38, which is also referred to as the window area, is a window opening, also referred to as a window opening, which may be bounded, for example, by a window frame of the side door 2, the window frame of which may, for example, include the door sill 36.In the closed position, the side window 37 is at least partially arranged within the window area 38, in particular such that the window opening is at least partially, and especially at least predominantly and thus at least more than halfway or completely, closed by the side window 37. In particular, it is provided that, in the closed position of the side window 37 and in the installed position of the side door 2 and in the closed position of the side door 2, the door sill 36 adjoins the side window 37 downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction. It can be seen that the handle element 7 is arranged above the door sill 36, at least in the initial position AS and preferably also in the operating position and at least in the closed position of the side door 2 in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the handle element 7 is an external door handle, in particular a door-side handle, which is referred to as an external door handle. The side door 2 has an outer surface A which, in the installed position of the side door 2 and in the closed position of the side door 2, faces outwards, particularly in the transverse direction of the vehicle, away from the interior and towards the surroundings 3. The handle element 7 is arranged on the outer surface A.

[0063] The final assembly position of the connecting element 30 inserted into the receptacle 26 can be a nominal position, also referred to as the first position L1, which is illustrated by solid lines in Fig. 6. However, due to the aforementioned tolerances, the final assembly position of the connecting element 30 inserted into the receptacle 26 can be a second position L2, which differs from the nominal position, or a third position L3, which differs from both the nominal position and the second position L2. Positions L2 and L3 are illustrated by dashed lines in Fig. 6.

[0064] Reference symbol list

[0065] 1 vehicle

[0066] 2 side doors

[0067] 3 Environment

[0068] 4 Basic element

[0069] 5 Basic element

[0070] 7 Handle element

[0071] 9 Exterior cladding element

[0072] 10 Total outer skin

[0073] 11 first construction unit

[0074] 19 Safety device

[0075] 20 first safety element

[0076] 21 second safety element

[0077] 22 second building unit

[0078] 23 Actuator

[0079] 24 coupling element

[0080] 25 plastic

[0081] 26th recording

[0082] 27 Passage opening

[0083] 28 surroundings

[0084] 29 Double Arrow

[0085] 30 connecting element

[0086] 31 Double Arrow

[0087] 32 Double Arrow

[0088] 33 Recording element

[0089] 34 Arrow

[0090] 35 traction elements

[0091] 36 Door parapet

[0092] 37 Side window

[0093] 38 window area

[0094] B1 first area

[0095] B2 second area

[0096] AS starting position

[0097] A Outside

[0098] ST Closing position S1 first position

[0099] S3 third position

[0100] L1 first layer

[0101] L2 second layer

[0102] L3 third layer

[0103] E1 first end

[0104] E2 second end

[0105] B1 first area

[0106] B2 second area

[0107] TB1 first sub-area

[0108] TB2 second sub-area

Claims

Patent claims 1. Wing element (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising at least one base element (4), comprising a handle element (7) formed separately from the base element (4), which is movable relative to the base element from a starting position (AS) to an operating position, whereby a lock (12), by means of which the wing element (2), which can be movably arranged on a body of the vehicle (1) between a closed position and at least one open position, is to be secured in the closed position, is to be mechanically unlocked, comprising a locking device (19) formed separately from the base element and separately from the handle element, which is movable relative to the base element (4) and relative to the handle element (7) from a locking position (ST), in which the handle element (7) is secured against movement from the starting position (AS) to the operating position by the locking device (19), to a release position,in which the locking device (19) permits movement of the handle element (7) from the initial position (AS) to the actuating position, with an actuator (23) formed separately from the base element (4), separately from the handle element (7) and separately from the locking device (19), and with a self-rigid coupling element (24) formed separately from the base element (4), separately from the handle element (7), separately from the locking device (19) and separately from the actuator (23), via which the locking device (19) can be driven by the actuator (23) and thereby moved from the locking position (ST) to the release position, wherein the coupling element (24) has a receptacle (26) formed by a plastic (25) and a through-opening (27) opening at one end into the receptacle (26) and at the other end into a surrounding area (28) of the coupling element (24),and wherein the receptacle (26) is penetrated by a connecting element (30) which is formed separately from the locking device (19) and separately from the coupling element (24) and which can be inserted or is inserted into the receptacle (26) via the through-opening (27), by means of which the coupling element (24), which is supported or can be supported on the locking device (19) and / or the connecting element (30) via the plastic (25), is connected to the locking device (19).

2. Wing element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage opening (27) has a first extension extending along an imaginary first straight line running in an imaginary plane, wherein the receiving (26) has a second extension extending along an imaginary second straight line running in the imaginary plane and parallel to the first straight line, which is larger than the first extension.

3. Wing element (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the through-opening (27) is continuous along a third straight line running in the plane and perpendicular to the straight lines and opens along the third straight line at one end into the receptacle (26) and at the other end into the surroundings (28).

4. Wing element (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the receptacle (26) and the passage opening (27) are continuous along a respective fourth straight line perpendicular to the plane.

5. Wing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (24) is held at a distance from the locking device (19) by means of the connecting element (30).

6. Wing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic (25) is elastically deformable.

7. Wing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic (25) is a polyoxymethylene.

8. Wing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (24) has a material made of a material different from the plastic (25). The base body (34) is formed from the material and is overmolded with the plastic (25).

9. Wing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (30) is a screw element which is screwed to the locking device (19).

10. Vehicle (1) comprising at least one wing element (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images