Vehicle door for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door (5) comprising: a handle element (13) which is on the outside of the door and which is arranged above a door breast (6) of the vehicle door (5) that can be arranged on a body of the vehicle (1) so as to be movable between a closed position (S) and an open position; an operating element (15) which is arranged on the handle element (13) and by means of which, by operation of the operating element (15), a lock can be electrically unlocked, the lock being used to secure the vehicle door (5) in the closed position (S); a cladding element (16) by means of which, at least in the locked position (S) of the vehicle door (5), a vehicle pillar (12) of the body is to be clad towards the outside in the vehicle transverse direction; and a sensor (18), which is provided additionally to the handle element (13) and additionally to the operating element (15) and is spaced apart from the operating element (15), the sensor (18) being covered completely by the cladding element (16) in such a manner that the sensor (18), at least in the closed position (S) of the vehicle door (5), is completely covered by the cladding element (6) towards the outside in the vehicle transverse direction.

Description

[0001] 24-1374 PIF

[0002] 1

[0003] Vehicle door for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, as well as vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a vehicle door for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle with at least one such vehicle door.

[0005] DE 102006 018 187 A1 discloses a retractable door handle on a vehicle door, which is connected to a locking element of a door lock by means of transmission parts. A motor vehicle is known from DE 103 09 821 A1. Furthermore, WO 2007 / 118552 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a vehicle door.

[0006] German patent DE 102020 129 038 A1 discloses an actuating device for an emergency opening of a locking part of a vehicle as being known. Furthermore, the patent discloses

[0007] DE 10 2017 202 114 A1 describes a motor vehicle with at least one side door. Furthermore, WO 2006 / 007916 A1 describes a motor vehicle door.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to create a vehicle door for a vehicle and a vehicle with at least one such vehicle door, so that a particularly advantageous actuation can be realized in a particularly advantageous way.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle door 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.

[0010] 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 car and most especially as a passenger car, the interior of which, also referred to as the passenger compartment, passenger cell or cabin, is formed by a structure designed, for example, as a self-supporting body. This means that the vehicle, in its fully manufactured state, has the structure and the door, also simply referred to as a door, 24-1374 PIF

[0011] 2. The vehicle body has a door, also referred to as a door. In particular, the body has an opening associated with the vehicle door, also referred to as the body opening, which is designed as a passageway. In the fully assembled state of the vehicle, the vehicle door is held against the body and is movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the body between a closed position and at least one open position. This means that, in the fully assembled state of the vehicle, the vehicle door, also referred to simply as a door, can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the body between the closed position and the open position, while the vehicle door is and remains coupled to the body. 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 at least that portion of the body opening.Since the vehicle door is held separately from the body and movable relative to it, meaning that the vehicle door is not an integral part of the body but rather a movable attachment that can be, or is already, mounted on the body, it is also referred to as a wing element. The vehicle door, designed as a wing element, is thus, in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle, separate from the body and is movable, in particular pivotable, when held on the body. The body opening is also referred to as the door opening and is preferably a side door opening, which, for example, is located on the left or right side of the body when viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle pillar. Thus, for example, when the vehicle door is open, a person initially standing in the vicinity of the vehicle and therefore the vehicle door can enter the interior through the accessible portion of the body opening.Furthermore, for example, a person who is initially inside the interior can exit the interior via the released section of the opening and thus reach the surroundings.

[0012] The vehicle door has an external handle which, particularly in the vehicle door's installed position (the position it assumes when the vehicle is fully manufactured) and at least in the closed position, is located above a door sill. In other words, the handle is designed to be located above the door sill in the vehicle's installed position and in the closed position. The door sill is also simply referred to as a sill, window sill, edge, or curb, or the door sill is formed by or coincides with a curb. In particular, the door sill is or forms an edge, 24-1374 PIF

[0013] 3. In particular, a lower edge by which, for example, a window opening (also referred to as a window opening) for a pane of the vehicle door (e.g., a side window) is at least partially limited, especially in the installed position of the vehicle door and at least in the closed position of the vehicle door in the upward direction of the vehicle. The pane in question is translucent.

[0014] For example, a person standing near the vehicle and thus the vehicle door can grasp the handle with their hand, at least partially gripping it, and thereby exert force on the handle and, via the handle, on the vehicle door, in order to manipulate the vehicle door, that is, to move it relative to the vehicle body, particularly to pivot it. For example, the person can exert such force on the vehicle door via the handle that the door can be opened, thus moving it from the closed position to the open position relative to the vehicle body.Furthermore, for example, a person in the vicinity can exert such a force on the handle element and via the handle element on the vehicle door that the vehicle door can be closed by the force, thus moving it from the open position to the closed position.

[0015] The characteristic that the handle element is located on the outside of the door, i.e., is an outside handle element and thus simply an outside door handle, also referred to as an outside handle, means that the handle element is located on an outside of the vehicle door, the outside of which, in the installed position of the vehicle door and at least in the closed position of the vehicle door, faces away from the interior and towards the surroundings, in particular such that, in the installed position of the vehicle door and at least in the closed position of the vehicle door, the outside of the vehicle door points outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle away from the interior and towards the surroundings.

[0016] The vehicle door according to the invention also has a control element arranged on the handle element and thus integrated into the handle element, by means of which, by operating, in particular actuating, the control element, a lock, also referred to as a door lock, by means of which the vehicle door, which can be moved, in particular pivoted, on the vehicle body 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 electrically unlocked. (With other 24-1374 PIF)

[0017] 4

[0018] In other words, the lock can be electrically unlocked by operating, in particular by actuating, the control element. In particular, the lock can be an integral part of the wing element and thus move, in particular pivot, with the wing element relative to the assembly between the closed position and at least one open position. For example, the control element can be a mechanical control element such as a knob, a push button, or a key. For example, the control element is arranged within the handle element, that is, inside the handle element. It is conceivable that the handle element, in particular an inner circumferential surface of the handle element, defines a receiving space, in particular directly, with the control element preferably being arranged in the receiving space.For example, the operating element can be moved relative to a base element of the vehicle door, in particular the handle element, between a first operating element position and a second operating element position, in particular translationally and rotationally. By operating, in particular by actuating, the operating element is moved, for example, from the first operating element position relative to the base element to the second operating element position, thereby electrically unlocking the lock. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the operating element is or has a touch-sensitive surface, whereby the operating element can be operated by a person directly touching the touch-sensitive surface with one of their fingers.For example, the handle element has an outer skin, also referred to as the handle element outer skin, which is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity. It is conceivable that the touch-sensitive surface forms part of the handle element outer skin, and is therefore part of the handle element outer skin.

[0019] The lock can be adjusted, for example, between a locked and an unlocked state. Unlocking the lock moves it from the locked to the unlocked state. If the vehicle door, also referred to as the wing element, is in the closed position, and the lock is in the locked position, the vehicle door is secured in the closed position by the lock, particularly by positive locking, and thus against unwanted movement relative to the body into the open position. To open the vehicle door, i.e., the wing element, and thus move it from the closed to the open position, the operating element is used, particularly by the aforementioned person in the vicinity. This electrically unlocks the lock.

[0020] 5. The locking mechanism electrically converts the sash from the locked to the unlocked state, allowing the lock to release the sash element for movement relative to the body from the closed to the open position. For example, a locking element, such as a locking bolt (also referred to as a lock pin) or a locking bar (also referred to as a lock bolt), is attached to the body, particularly to a vehicle pillar of the body, such as a door pillar (also referred to as a body or body pillar). In the closed position of the sash element and in the locked state of the lock, the lock, in particular a lock latch designed as a rotary and / or fork latch, interacts with the locking element, in particular positively, thereby securing the sash element in the closed position, in particular positively.For example, the lock has a first locking element, which can be, for instance, the aforementioned locking latch, in particular designed as a rotary and / or fork latch. In the closed position of the wing element and in the locked state of the lock, the first locking element interacts with a second locking element, which is, for example, the locking element. The second locking element is attached, at least indirectly, and in particular directly, to the structure, in particular to the vehicle pillar, in such a way that relative movements between the second locking element and the structure, in particular between the second locking element and the vehicle pillar, are prevented. In particular, in the closed position of the wing element and in the locked state of the lock, the first locking element interacts positively with the second locking element.Because the first lock element, in particular a positive locking mechanism, interacts with the second lock element when the door leaf (vehicle door) is closed and the lock is locked, the door leaf, and thus the vehicle door, is secured in the closed position, particularly a positive locking mechanism. For example, the first lock element can be moved between a locking and unlocking position relative to a base element of the lock and, in particular, relative to the second lock element, particularly translationally and / or rotationally. When the door leaf is closed and the lock is locked, the first lock element interacts with the second lock element, particularly a positive locking mechanism, thereby securing the door leaf in the closed position, particularly relative to the door assembly.By unlocking the lock, for example, the first lock element is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, particularly relative to the base element, as shown in 24-1374 PIF.

[0021] 6

[0022] In the unlocking position, the interaction between the first and second locking elements ceases. This releases the sash element for movement relative to the assembly 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, and thus that electrical unlocking of the lock can be effected, is to be understood in particular as meaning that, for example, as a result of operating the control element, an electrically operated lock actuator, which is designed, for example, as an electric motor, is electrically controlled.By controlling the lock actuator, particularly electrically, the lock actuator is electrically operated, so that, for example, the first lock element is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, especially relative to the base element, using electrical energy. 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 energy.The movement of the door leaf, i.e., the vehicle door, from the closed to the open position following the electrical unlocking of the lock can then be effected manually by a person, specifically by the aforementioned person, in particular by the person manually exerting a force, especially a pulling or pushing force, on the door leaf, particularly via the handle, thus moving the door leaf relative to the vehicle body from the closed to the open position. Furthermore, it is conceivable that, as a result of operating the control element, the door leaf, i.e., the vehicle door, can be moved electrically, i.e., using electrical energy, from the closed to the open position relative to the vehicle body, or is moved, particularly after the lock has been unlocked, especially electrically.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, for example, electrically actuated, thereby electrically operating the motion device so that, by means of the motion device, the sash element is moved, in particular pivoted, from the closed position to the open position relative to the structure, using electrical energy and thus electrically. Thus, the lock can be unlocked particularly conveniently, and the sash element can be opened particularly conveniently, i.e., moved from the closed position to the open position. It is conceivable that the control element includes at least one, in particular 24-1374 PIF.

[0023] 7. The device has an electrical or electrically operated sensor that can detect when a person operates, in particular, activates, the control element. If, for example, the sensor detects when a person operates, in particular, activates, the control element—that is, in particular, when a person moves the control element from the first control element position to the second control element position—then, as described above, the lock actuator is activated so that the lock is electrically unlocked. The lock actuator can be part of the door leaf. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor is part of the handle and, in particular, part of the control element. The lock can also be part of the door leaf, i.e., the vehicle door.

[0024] The vehicle door according to the invention also has a trim element, which is formed separately from the handle element and is provided in addition to the handle element. This trim element, at least in the closed position of the vehicle door, at least partially covers the aforementioned vehicle pillar of the body in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The trim element is also referred to as a cover or pillar cover. The vehicle pillar is, for example, a B-pillar of the body, so the trim element is also referred to as a B-pillar cover. In particular, it can be provided that the aforementioned body opening, to which the wing element is assigned, is at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly, and thus at least more than halfway or completely, limited by the vehicle pillar in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards the rear.When the vehicle door is closed, the vehicle pillar is at least partially covered and thus clad by the trim element in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0025] For example, the vehicle door has a structural frame, which forms, for instance, a door pillar, also simply referred to as a column. The door pillar, for example, at least partially limits a window area, also referred to as the window area, at least with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door and its installation position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the door sill 6 at least partially limits the window area, particularly downwards when the vehicle door is installed in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The 24-1374 PIF

[0026] 8

[0027] Window area (window area) is a window opening, also referred to as a window opening, which may be limited, for example, by a window frame of the vehicle door, where the window frame may include the door sill. The door jamb of the vehicle door forms part of the window frame.

[0028] Furthermore, the vehicle door has, for example, a side window, also simply referred to as a window, which, relative to the body of the vehicle door, also referred to as the door frame, is movable in the installed position of the vehicle door and at least with respect to the closing position of the vehicle door in the vehicle's vertical direction, between a window closing position and at least a window open position.

[0029] In the closed position, the side window is at least partially positioned within the window area, 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. Specifically, it is provided that, in the closed position of the side window, the door sill, in the vehicle door's installation position, abuts at least a portion of the side window downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction, particularly at least with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door. The vehicle door, for example, has a recess, also referred to as a window recess or window channel, which, in the vehicle door's installation position and in the closed position, can be at least partially bordered outwards and thus directly towards the surroundings by the vehicle's body shell.In particular, the shaft, when the vehicle door is installed in its closed position and in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is overlapped by the body shell towards the outside and thus towards the surroundings. When the side window is open, at least a portion of the side window, also referred to as a partial window area, is located in the shaft and thus, in particular, outside the window area and the window opening, specifically such that, in the open position relative to the closed position and in the vehicle door's installed position, the partial window area is located below the door sill and thus below the window area and below the window opening.In the closed position of the side window, the window section is arranged outside the shaft and in the window area, in particular such that the window section in the closed position and in the installation position of the vehicle door is arranged in the vehicle vertical direction above the door sill and the window opening 24-1374 PIF.

[0030] 9. at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, it closes. In other words, when the side window is closed, when the vehicle door is closed, and when the vehicle door is installed in its normal position, the door sill closes against the window area in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0031] The trim element at least partially covers and thus conceals the door pillar of the vehicle door, both in the closed and open positions. At least with respect to the closed position of the vehicle door, the door pillar is at least partially covered and thus concealed by the trim element in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In particular, the door pillar is at least partially covered and thus concealed by the trim element in all positions of the vehicle door in the transverse direction of the vehicle, with the transverse direction of the vehicle door coinciding with the transverse direction of the vehicle, at least in the closed position.

[0032] The vehicle door has a complete outer skin, which is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity of the vehicle door and, in particular, the vehicle as a whole; that is, it can be seen and directly touched. The first part of the complete outer skin is formed by the handle element. A second part of the complete outer skin, adjoining the first part of the handle element, is formed by the trim element. The first part of the complete outer skin is also referred to as the first outer skin section. The second part of the outer skin is also referred to as the second outer skin section. The trim element thus has a trim element outer skin, which is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity. The trim element outer skin thus forms the second outer skin section.For example, the outer skin of the trim element connects, in particular directly, to the overall outer skin of the element. Specifically, it is provided that the outer skin of the trim element, when the vehicle door is closed, points outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle and away from the vehicle pillar, i.e., away from the vehicle pillar.

[0033] The vehicle door according to the invention also has at least one additional element provided in addition to the handle element and in addition to the operating element and thus in particular in addition to the operating sensor, and which is separated from the operating element, in particular completely, 24-1374 PIF

[0034] The sensor is spaced 10 times and is completely covered by the trim element such that, at least when the vehicle door is closed, it is entirely concealed by the trim element in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This means that, at least when the vehicle door is closed, the sensor, in particular the entire sensor, is located behind the trim element in the transverse direction of the vehicle and therefore cannot be seen or touched by a person in the vicinity of the vehicle. This allows for a particularly space-saving design of the vehicle door, enabling a particularly advantageous operation of the vehicle door.

[0035] The sensor can, for example, detect at least one event that is distinct from operating the control element. By detecting this event—that is, when the sensor detects it—a function of the vehicle, particularly the vehicle door, can be triggered, distinct from unlocking the lock. This allows for a particularly advantageous actuation in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0036] By arranging, and thus locating, the sensor behind the trim element, a particularly advantageous, especially slim, design of the handle element can be achieved, so that the vehicle door can be handled and operated particularly advantageously via the handle element.

[0037] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a capacitive sensor by means of which a body part of a person approaching the sensor can be detected without contact, that is, without any physical contact between the body part and the sensor. This enables, for example, the aforementioned function. The function is, or includes, for example, unlocking the lock. This means, for example, that the lock can be selectively locked or unlocked, particularly while the lock is in the locked state and, more importantly, while it remains in the locked state.In other words, the lock can be switched between a locked and an unlocked state, particularly while it is in the locked position and especially while it remains in the locked position. For example, if the lock is located at 24-1374 PIF.

[0038] 11. If the lock is initially in the locked state and simultaneously in the locked state, and the event is then detected by the sensor, the lock is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, particularly while the lock is in the locked state and especially while the lock remains in the locked state. For example, if the lock is initially in the unlocked state while in the locked state, and the event is detected by the sensor, the lock is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state, particularly while the lock is in the locked state and especially while the lock remains in the locked state.In the locked state, for example, movement of the first lock element from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented, particularly by positive locking, so that, for example, in the locked state, the first lock element is positively secured against movement from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked state, for example, the first lock element is released for movement from the locked position to the unlocked position.Thus, the following is particularly conceivable: If the lock is simultaneously in the locked and locked states, a locking element, for example, interacts at least indirectly, and in particular directly, in a positive locking manner with the first lock element in the locked position, thereby securing the first lock element against movement from the locked position to the unlocked position, and thus preventing, i.e., suppressing, movement of the first lock element from the locked position to the unlocked position.If the lock is simultaneously in the unlocked and locked states, the locking element does not interact with the first lock element, which is in the locked position. This allows the first lock element to move from the locked to the unlocked position. Therefore, for example, a lock that is initially locked can only be switched from the locked to the unlocked state if and only if the lock has first been unlocked. (The process of switching the lock from the locked to the unlocked state is described in 24-1374 PIF.)

[0039] 12

[0040] The state is also referred to as unlocking or opening the lock, and moving the lock from the unlocked state to the locked state is also referred to as locking or closing the lock.

[0041] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous actuation of the vehicle door, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the sensor is configured to provide an alternating electromagnetic field and to detect a change in the alternating electromagnetic field caused by an object exposed to the alternating electromagnetic field, whereby, for example, the aforementioned function can be effected as a result of detecting the change in the alternating electromagnetic field. Thus, the sensor can, for example, be configured as an NFC sensor (NFC - Near Field Communication).

[0042] Another embodiment is characterized in that the handle element has a first sub-area, also referred to as the first body area or first body part, which forms a first part of the overall element's outer skin and has, for example, a first direction of extension and thus extends along this first direction of extension. The first sub-area projects from the cladding element in a first direction, such that, for example, the first direction coincides with the first direction of extension. In the installed position of the wing element and in the closed position of the wing element, for example, the first direction runs outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle, thus towards the surroundings and away from the interior.

[0043] Furthermore, the handle element preferably has a second sub-section, also referred to as a second body part or second body area, which forms a second part of the overall element outer skin and extends, for example, along a second direction of extension. The second sub-section of the handle element adjoins, in particular directly, the first sub-section of the handle element, especially an end of the first sub-section of the handle element facing away from the cladding element, wherein the second sub-section of the handle element projects from the first sub-section of the handle element in a second direction that extends obliquely or perpendicularly to the first direction and thus coincides, in particular, with the second direction of extension.This means that the second part of the handle element is spaced away from the trim element and arranged in at least partial overlap with the trim element, in particular such that, in the installation position of the vehicle door, at least in the closed position of the vehicle door, the trim element 24-1374 PIF.

[0044] 13 in the transverse direction of the vehicle outwards, and in particular the first direction is at least partially overlapped, i.e., covered, by the second part of the handle element. This allows, for example, a person in the vicinity to grasp the handle element, especially the second part of the handle element, particularly advantageously and ergonomically with their hand, especially to grasp 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 and the trim element. The person can then exert a force particularly advantageously on the handle element, especially on the second part of the handle element, in order to handle the vehicle door particularly advantageously, i.e., to be able to move it relative to the body, especially to pivot it.

[0045] To achieve a particularly advantageous, ergonomic, and comfortable operation of the vehicle door, it is preferably provided that the second part of the handle element projects from the first part in the second direction, resulting in an L-shaped or V-shaped design, particularly when considered as a whole. The parts of the handle element form the L-shape or V-shape, with each part representing one leg of the L-shape or V-shape. It is particularly recommended that the handle element be connected to the trim element, at least indirectly, and especially directly, via the first part.

[0046] To enable particularly convenient operation of the vehicle door, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the operating element is arranged on or within the second part of the handle element. Specifically, it is provided that the operating element is arranged on or near the side of the second part of the handle element facing the trim element, i.e., the side pointing towards the trim element. This allows, for example, the person to conveniently unlock the lock electrically by moving one or more fingers between the second part of the handle element and the trim element and applying a force, particularly a pushing or pulling force, to the second part of the handle element, especially to the side of the second part facing the trim element. This allows the person to activate the operating element 24-1374 PIF.

[0047] 14. Operate the control element and consequently trigger the electrical unlocking of the lock. Furthermore, for example, while moving one or more of their fingers between the second part of the handle element and the cover element, the person can move their finger(s) so close to the sensor, or pass so close to the sensor, that the sensor detects the event, thereby unlocking or opening the lock. If the person then operates the control element, the lock is also electrically unlocked. This is particularly advantageous if the sensor is designed as a capacitive sensor.If the person moves at least one of their fingers between the second part of the handle and the trim panel, this can be detected, for example, by the capacitive sensor. This subsequently unlocks the initially locked lock, particularly while the lock is and remains in the locked position. The person can then use their finger, moved between the second part of the handle and the trim panel, to operate the control element, thereby electrically unlocking the now unlocked lock. This allows for particularly convenient operation of the vehicle door.

[0048] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous actuation of the vehicle door, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the first direction points outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle, at least in the closing position of the vehicle door.

[0049] Another embodiment is characterized by the fact that the second direction points upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction, at least when the vehicle door is in the closed position. This allows for particularly ergonomic operation of the vehicle door.

[0050] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous actuation of the vehicle door in a particularly advantageous way, it is further provided in the invention that the trim element is made of a plastic.

[0051] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the trim element is designed as a single piece, i.e., formed from one component. This allows for particularly smooth operation of the door. 24-1374 PIF

[0052] 15

[0053] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, preferably designed as a motor car, in particular 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.

[0054] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with the accompanying drawing. Figure 1 shows a partial schematic and cutaway perspective view of a vehicle with at least one vehicle door designed as a side door.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a partial schematic perspective view of a vehicle 1, whose interior, also referred to as passenger compartment, passenger cell, or cabin, is formed by a body structure of the vehicle 1, which in this case is designed as a self-supporting body. During a journey, persons such as the driver of the vehicle 1 may be present in the interior. The vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle, in particular a motor car, and most specifically a passenger car. The body of the vehicle 1 has a first lateral opening and a second lateral opening, the first and second openings being located on the same side of the body and thus of the vehicle 1. In this case, the first and second openings are located on the left side of the body when viewed in the forward direction of travel.In the longitudinal direction of vehicle 1, the second body opening adjoins the first body opening to the rear. Each body opening is a through-opening that, when considering the body alone, opens at one end into the interior and at the other end into an environment 2 of the body and thus of vehicle 1 as a whole. In the longitudinal direction of vehicle 1, whose longitudinal direction is illustrated in Fig. 1 by a double arrow 3, a vehicle pillar 4 of the body, partially visible in Fig. 1, is arranged between the first and second body openings. In this case, the vehicle pillar 4 is a B-pillar, which separates the first and second body openings from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in particular completely.When considering only the bodywork, the first opening in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly, and thus at least more than halfway or completely, limited by the vehicle pillar 4 towards the rear. When considering only the bodywork, the second opening in the longitudinal direction of the 24-1374 PIF is limited by the vehicle pillar 4.

[0056] 16

[0057] The front of vehicle 1 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, limited by vehicle pillar 4.

[0058] The first body opening is associated with a vehicle door 5 of vehicle 1, also simply referred to as a door and in this case designed as a side door. The vehicle door 5 is designed separately from the body and is movable, in particular pivotable, and is thus also referred to as a wing element. The vehicle door 5 is held on the body between a closed position and at least one open position, and is therefore movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the body. In the closed position, the vehicle door 5 closes at least a portion of the first body opening. In the open position, the vehicle door 5 releases at least the portion of the first body opening, so that, for example, a person initially in the vicinity 2 of the vehicle door 5 of vehicle 1 can enter the interior through the released portion of the first body opening.Furthermore, for example, a person who is initially inside can exit the interior via the released section of the first opening in the structure and thus reach or enter the surrounding area 2.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows the vehicle door 5 in its closed position designated S and in an installation position of the vehicle door 5, which assumes its installation position in the fully manufactured state of the vehicle 1 having the vehicle door 5.

[0060] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the vehicle door 5 has a door sill 6, 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 vehicle door 5 has a side window 7, also simply referred to as a pane, which is displaceable, i.e., movable, relative to a rough frame of the vehicle door 5 (also referred to as the door frame) and relative to an outer paneling element 8 of the vehicle door 5, at least with respect to the closed position S of the vehicle door 5 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, between a closed window position and at least one open window position.The aforementioned shell structure and the outer paneling element 8 are, for example, components of a base body 9 of the vehicle door 5, wherein the side window 7 is movable relative to the base body 9 and at least with respect to the closed position S in the vehicle's vertical direction between the window closed position and the window open position, in particular translationally. 24-1374 PIF.

[0061] 17

[0062] The vehicle door 5 as a whole has an outer skin 10 that is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity 2, meaning it can be seen and directly touched. The outer paneling element 8 is designed separately from the body shell and, in particular, directly connected to the body shell. The outer paneling element 8 is also referred to as the door trim or door outer panel. At least a first area of ​​the body shell, especially in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5 in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1, is covered and thus clad by the outer paneling element 8 in the outward direction towards the vicinity 2, i.e., in a direction away from the interior. The outer paneling element 8 has an outer skin 11, which forms a first part of the overall outer skin 10.For example, the side window 7 forms a second part of the overall outer skin 10, at least in the closed position. In other words, the second part of the overall outer skin 10 is formed, at least in the closed position, by an outer skin of the side window 7. The vertical direction of the vehicle 1 is illustrated in Fig. 1 by a double arrow 12. Fig. 1 shows the closed position of the side window 7. In this position, a window area, also referred to as the window area, is at least partially bounded by the door sill 6, particularly downwards in the installed position of the vehicle door 5 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the window area is a window opening, also referred to as the window opening, which may be bounded, for example, by a window frame of the vehicle door 5, wherein the window frame may, for example, encompass the door sill 6.In particular, the window frame is, for example, an integral part of the base body 9. In the closed position, the side window 7 is at least partially arranged within the window area, in particular such that the window opening is at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than halfway or completely, closed by the side window 7. In particular, it is provided that, in the closed position of the side window 7, the door sill 6, in the installation position of the vehicle door 5, abuts at least a part of the side window 7 downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, in particular at least with respect to the closed position S of the vehicle door 5.

[0063] The vehicle door 5 has a slot, also referred to as a window slot or window channel, which is located in the installed position of the vehicle door 5 and in the 24-1374 PIF

[0064] 18

[0065] The closed position S of the vehicle door 5 is limited outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle and thus towards the surroundings 2, in particular directly, by the body shell and / or the outer paneling element 8. In particular, the shaft in the installed position of the vehicle door 5 and in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5 outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1 and thus towards the surroundings 2 is overlapped by the outer paneling element 8 and / or the body shell.In the open position of the side window 7, at least one section of the side window 7, also referred to as a window section, is located in the recess and thus, in particular, outside the window area and the window opening. Specifically, the window section is located below the door sill 6, and thus below the window area and below the window opening, in the open position relative to the closed position S and in the installation position of the vehicle door 5 in the vehicle's vertical direction. In the closed position of the side window 7, the window section is located outside the recess and within the window area. Specifically, the window section is located above the door sill 6 in the closed position S and in the vehicle's vertical direction, thus at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly or completely, closing the window opening.In other words, when the side window 7 is closed, when the vehicle door 5 is closed, and when the vehicle door 5 is in the installation position, the door sill 6 connects downwards to the window section in the vehicle 1's vertical direction.

[0066] The vehicle door 5 has an external handle element 13, which is also simply referred to as an external handle. It is evident that the handle element 13, at least with respect to the closed position S of the vehicle door 5 and in the installed position of the vehicle door 5, is arranged at least partially, in particular at least predominantly and thus at least more than halfway or completely, in the vertical direction above the door sill 6.The characteristic that the handle element 13 is arranged on the outside of the door, i.e., is an outside handle element, means that the handle element 13 is arranged on an outer surface AS of the vehicle door 5, the outer surface AS of which, in the installed position of the vehicle door 5 and in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5, faces away from the interior and towards the surroundings 2, and thus, in particular, points outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1 and away from the interior. The handle element 13 has a complete outer skin 14, which forms a third part of the complete outer skin 10. A [missing text] located in the surroundings 24-1374 PIF.

[0067] 19

[0068] A person present in the vicinity can, for example, grasp the handle element 13 with their hand, at least partially gripping it, and subsequently exert a force, in particular a pulling or pushing force, on the handle element 13 in order to open the initially closed vehicle door 5, thus moving it from the closed position S to the open position relative to the body. The overall outer skin 14 is an outer skin that is visually and haptically perceptible to the person present in the vicinity.

[0069] The vehicle door 5 has an operating element 15 arranged on the handle element 13, by means of which, by operating, in particular actuating, the operating element 15, a lock designed here as a door lock can be electrically unlocked. The lock is, for example, a component of the vehicle door 5 and is thus movable with the vehicle door 5 relative to the body between the open position and the closed position S of the vehicle door 5, in particular pivotable with it. By means of the lock, the vehicle door 5 can be held in the closed position S relative to the body and thus secured in the closed position S, so that the vehicle door 5 can be secured by means of the lock against movement relative to the body from the closed position S to the open position. For this purpose, the lock is locked in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5, that is, adjusted in a locked state.By operating the control element 15, the lock can be electrically unlocked, i.e., electrically moved from the locked state to an unlocked state. By moving the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state, the lock releases the vehicle door 5, which is initially in the closed position S, for movement relative to the vehicle body 1 from the closed position S to the open position. Preferably, the control element 15 is arranged at least partially, and in particular at least predominantly, and thus at least more than halfway or completely, in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 above the door sill 6, at least in the closed position S and in the installed position of the vehicle door 5.

[0070] The vehicle door 5 also has a trim element 16, which is formed separately from the handle element 13 and separately from the outer paneling element 8, and which is also referred to as a cover. The trim element 16 has an outer skin 17, which is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity 2. The outer skin 17 forms a quarter of the overall outer skin 10. In Fig. 1, the trim element 24-1374 PIF

[0071] 20

[0072] Figure 16 is shown transparently, so that the vehicle pillar 4, which is at least partially located behind the trim element 16 in the transverse direction of the vehicle in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5, is visible in Figure 1. It can thus be seen from Figure 1 that, at least in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5, the vehicle pillar 4 of the body is at least partially covered and thus concealed by the trim element 16 in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1.

[0073] The vehicle door 5 also has at least one additional sensor 18, provided in addition to the handle element 13 and the operating element 15, which is completely separated from the operating element 15. The sensor 18 is completely covered by the trim element 16 such that, at least in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5 in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1, the sensor 18 is completely covered outwards by the trim element 16.

[0074] In particular, the trim element 16 covers and conceals the sensor 18 in all positions of the vehicle door 5, and especially in the transverse direction of the vehicle door 5, the transverse direction of which coincides with the transverse direction of the vehicle at least in the closed position of the vehicle door 5.

[0075] The lock, while in the locked position, can be switched between a locked and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the lock cannot be moved from the locked to the unlocked state, particularly not by positive locking. In the unlocked state, the lock can be moved from the locked to the unlocked state.

[0076] The vehicle door 5 has a second sensor 19, in addition to the control element 15 and the sensor 18, which is completely separated from the sensor 18 and is, for example, designed as a capacitive sensor. The sensor 19 can detect a body part of a person approaching it without physical contact. By detecting the body part approaching the sensor 19, the lock can, for example, be moved from the locked state to the unlocked state, particularly while the lock is in the locked state and remains in that state. 24-1374 PIF

[0077] 21

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the sensor 19 is also arranged on the handle element 13, for example, such that the sensor 19 is located inside the handle element 13. In an alternative variant, not shown in Fig. 1, it is possible that the sensor 19 is completely covered by the trim element 16, at least in the closed position S of the vehicle door 5 in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1, such that the sensor 19 is completely covered outwards by the trim element 16. In this case, the sensor 19 is completely separated from the control element 15. The sensor 19 is provided in addition to the sensor 18 and the control element 15. For example, the sensor 19 is completely separated from the sensor 18.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first sensor 18 is an NFC sensor (Near Field Communication). In this embodiment, the sensor 18 is configured to provide an alternating electromagnetic field and to detect a change in this field caused by an object exposed to it, i.e., penetrating the field. By detecting the change in the alternating electromagnetic field, at least one function of the vehicle 1, in particular of the vehicle door 5, can be triggered. This function may be different from unlocking or unlocking the lock, or it may be the unlocking process, i.e., moving the lock from the locked to the unlocked state.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the handle element 13 has a first sub-section TB1, also referred to as the first body part, which forms a first part of the overall element outer skin 14. The first sub-section TB1 of the handle element 13 projects from the trim element 16 in a first direction. In the closed position S of the vehicle door 5, this first direction points outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle 1 and thus away from the interior. The handle element 13 also has a second sub-section TB2, also referred to as the second body part, which forms a second part of the overall element outer skin 14.The second sub-area TB2 connects, in particular directly, to an end of the first sub-area TB1 which is turned away from the cladding element 16 in the first direction and extends in a second direction obliquely or perpendicularly to the first direction from the end of the sub-area TB1 and away from the sub-area TB1, so that the second 24-1374 PIF.

[0081] 22

[0082] Sub-section TB2 projects in the second direction from the end of sub-section TB1 and from sub-section TB1 itself. This means that the second sub-section TB2 is spaced away from the trim element 16, particularly in the first direction, and is arranged in at least partial overlap with the trim element 16, such that a sub-section TB3 of the trim element 16 overlaps the second sub-section TB2 of the handle element 13 in the aforementioned first direction. Thus, for example, a person in the vicinity 2 can move at least one of their fingers between sub-section TB3 and sub-section TB2 and thereby, for example, exert force on sub-section TB2 with or via the finger, and thus, for example, open the initially closed vehicle door 5.Furthermore, this allows, for example, the person to operate the control element 15 with their finger, in particular to effect the electrical unlocking of the lock.

[0083] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the operating element 15 is arranged on or in the second sub-area TB2. Furthermore, it is provided that the cladding element 16 is formed in one piece and made of plastic.

[0084] 24-1374 PIF

[0085] 23

[0086] Reference symbol list

[0087] 1 vehicle

[0088] 2 Environment

[0089] 3 Double Arrow

[0090] 4 vehicle column

[0091] 5 vehicle doors

[0092] 6 Door sill

[0093] 7 side window

[0094] 8 Exterior cladding element

[0095] 9 Basic bodies

[0096] 10 Total outer skin

[0097] 11 Outer cladding element outer skin

[0098] 12 Double Arrow

[0099] 13 Handle element

[0100] 14 Total element outer skin

[0101] 15 Control element

[0102] 16 Trim element

[0103] 17 Outer panel element

[0104] 18 Sensor

[0105] 19 second sensor

[0106] AS Outside

[0107] S Closed position

[0108] TB1 first sub-area

[0109] TB2 second sub-area

[0110] TB3 third sub-area

Claims

24-1374 PIF 24 Patent claims 1. Vehicle door (5) for a vehicle (1), comprising a handle element (13) arranged on the outside of the vehicle door (5) above a door sill (6) and movable between a closed position (S) and at least one open position on a body of the vehicle (1), comprising a control element (15) arranged on the handle element (13), by means of which a lock, by means of which the vehicle door (5) is to be secured in the closed position (S), can be electrically unlocked by operating the control element (15), comprising a cover element (16) by means of which, at least in the closed position (S) of the vehicle door (5), a vehicle pillar (12) of the body is to be at least partially covered outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and comprising at least one sensor (18) provided in addition to the handle element (13) and in addition to the control element (15) and spaced apart from the control element (15), which is thus completely covered by the cover element (16),that the sensor (18) is completely covered by the trim element (6) at least in the closed position (S) of the vehicle door (5) in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

2. Vehicle door (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (18) is a capacitive sensor by means of which a body part of a person approaching the sensor (18) can be detected without contact.

3. Vehicle door (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (18) is configured to provide an alternating electromagnetic field and to detect a change in the alternating electromagnetic field caused by an object exposed to the alternating electromagnetic field.

4. Vehicle door (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle element (13) comprises: 24-1374 PIF 25 - a first part (TB1) of an outer skin (14) of the handle element (13) that is visually and haptically perceptible to a person in the vicinity (2) of the vehicle door (5), and which projects in a first direction from the trim element (16); - a second part (TB2) forming a second part of the outer skin (14) and adjoining the first part (TB)1), which extends from the first part (TB1) in a second direction that runs obliquely or perpendicularly to the first direction and is thus spaced away from the cladding element (16) and is arranged in at least partial overlap with the cladding element (16).

5. Vehicle door (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that the operating element (15) is arranged on or in the second sub-area (TB2).

6. Vehicle door (5) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first direction points outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle, at least in the closed position (S).

7. Vehicle door (5) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second direction points upwards in the vehicle direction at least in the closed position (S).

8. Vehicle door (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trim element (16) is made of a plastic.

9. Vehicle door (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trim element (16) is formed in one piece.

10. Motor vehicle (1) with at least one vehicle door (5) according to one of the preceding claims.

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