Vehicle door for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a door outer side, a handle element (3) arranged above a door beltline (6) of the vehicle door (1), an electrically unlockable lock integrated into the vehicle door, and an operating element (32), wherein the operating element is assigned to the handle element (3) and wherein the lock can be unlocked by means of the operating element and wherein the handle element (3) has a means (25, 33, 34) for illuminating the handle element (3) and / or the vehicle door (1).

Description

[0001] 1 27 November 2025

[0002] Description

[0003] Vehicle door for a motor vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a vehicle door for a motor vehicle, comprising a handle element arranged on the outside of the door, above a door sill of the vehicle door, an electrically unlockable lock integrated into the vehicle door, and an operating element, wherein the operating element is associated with the handle element and wherein the lock can be unlocked by means of the operating element.

[0005] Motor vehicles, and especially passenger vehicles, are constantly evolving in terms of usability. This involves an interplay between usability and the changing design of the vehicle. If the designer aims to create an appealing exterior, this appealing design must be combined with comfortable usability for the user. For example, a smooth, flat surface on a vehicle door might be advantageous from a design perspective, but at the same time, easy, ideally intuitive, operation of the vehicle must be ensured.

[0006] If electrically unlockable locks are used in motor vehicles, unlocking the lock and consequently opening the vehicle door can also be achieved using a radio signal or a switching device as an operating element. Electrically unlockable locks, also referred to as automotive locks or locking systems, thus offer the possibility of dispensing with an external door handle or a handle element for mechanically unlocking the lock. However, if a handle element is not desired, it is possible to position it in such a way that the outer contour of the vehicle door is not altered, whereby a control signal can also be generated by means of an operating element in the handle element.It is therefore possible to arrange a handle element on the vehicle door and to assign a control element to the handle element in such a way that an electrical signal is generated by means of the control element to open the electrically unlockable lock. Such a handle element for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle is known from the outset.

[0007] DE 10 2022 127 590 A1 discloses a handle element arranged on the outside of a vehicle door, wherein the handle element is arranged above a door sill in the area of ​​a B-pillar of the motor vehicle. The handle element is thus located outside a base body or outer paneling of the door element. The handle element, which can also be described as an external handle or door handle, projects beyond the outer paneling of the vehicle door and is subdivided into two sections. A first section projects from the base body of the vehicle door, whereas a second section of the handle element extends essentially parallel to a B-pillar of the motor vehicle. An operating element is integrated into the second section of the handle element. The operating element is arranged on an inner surface of the handle element facing the B-pillar of the motor vehicle. An electrical [function / function] can be operated by means of the operating element.

[0008] A signal is generated that can be used to unlock the lock electrically.

[0009] The handle element known from the prior art protrudes integrally from the vehicle door. Due to weather conditions and / or lighting conditions, this can be particularly confusing for an unfamiliar user of the vehicle, as to how to operate the vehicle. The user cannot always immediately deduce from the arrangement of the handle element that it is used to open the vehicle door. Providing the user with an operating aid for opening the vehicle door can be helpful in this regard. This is where the invention comes in.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an improved handle element with high functionality. In particular, the object of the invention is to enable the user of the motor vehicle to operate it easily. Even in poor visibility or adverse weather conditions, such as snow on the handle element, easy operation of the motor vehicle should be possible at all times.

[0011] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any number of variations of the features described in the description and in the dependent claims are possible. 4 27 November 2025

[0012] According to claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved by providing a vehicle door for a motor vehicle, comprising a handle element arranged on the outside of the door above a door sill of the vehicle door, an electrically unlockable lock integrated into the vehicle door, an operating element, wherein the operating element is associated with the handle element and wherein the lock can be unlocked by means of the operating element and wherein the handle element has a means for illuminating the handle element and / or the vehicle door.

[0013] The design according to the invention now makes it possible to visualize the handle element for the operator. Thanks to the illumination, even in poor visibility conditions or snowfall, the operator can be shown where to initiate the opening of the door element. Similarly, the indicator can visually convey to the operator that, for example, the vehicle has not yet locked. The illumination thus serves both to locate the handle element and to illuminate the vehicle door. Depending on the arrangement of the handle element, the area around the vehicle door, as well as the ground in front of the vehicle door, can also be illuminated. In any case, the illumination of the handle element provides a visual means for operating the vehicle. 5 27 November 2025

[0014] The handle is mounted above the door sill on the vehicle door and extends at least partially into the interior of the door. It has proven advantageous for the handle to have its own power supply for illumination. The handle is part of the operating mechanism for the electrically unlocked lock in the vehicle door. The handle itself, via a movable section, sends a control signal to the vehicle lock. This signal can be used to initiate actions such as unlocking, unlocking, locking, child safety, and / or anti-theft protection. The handle is powered by the vehicle's electrical system.The power supply present in the handle element and the connection to the vehicle lock and / or a control unit can be used to supply power to the lighting in the handle element.

[0015] It can be advantageous if the handle element has at least one electrical component carrier. The handle element projects into the interior of the vehicle door and is provided with an electrical component carrier, which is preferably located in an electrical component carrier housing. The electrical component carrier can have various functions. On the one hand, the electrical component carrier can have electrical and / or electronic components that communicate with a control unit and / or the vehicle lock. For this purpose, a connector can be arranged on the electrical component carrier, which is connected to a 6 27 November 2025

[0016] The socket of the electrical component carrier housing is connected so that a plug, which is connected, for example, to the vehicle lock and / or a control unit in the vehicle door, can be connected. The electrical component carrier also has at least one sensor, in particular a proximity sensor or a force sensor, wherein the handle element, and in particular a support plate of the handle element, interacts with the sensor to generate a control signal. The electrical component carrier thus provides a power supply in the handle element.

[0017] The power supply of the electrical component carrier can advantageously be used to arrange at least one light source, preferably an LED, on the electrical component carrier. The arrangement or positioning of light sources on the electrical component carrier can serve as a structurally simple and cost-effective means of illuminating the handle element and / or the vehicle door. The electrical component carrier is rigidly connected to a body shell and / or a module carrier in the vehicle door and is held in a fixed position. A handle element and a support plate carrying the handle element can move to generate a control signal for the vehicle lock. However, these movements ultimately result only in a slight tilting motion of a few degrees, less than 10°, preferably less than 5°, of the handle element.The slight movement of the handle part of the handle element allows the light source to be held securely in place on the handle element. Consequently, the handle element and / or the handle part 7 (November 27, 2025) and / or the vehicle door can be illuminated by means of the light sources on the electrical component carrier.

[0018] A particularly advantageous embodiment has proven to be one in which the light from the lamp can be directed into a handle portion of the handle element. The handle element has a section that protrudes from the vehicle door. This protruding portion is referred to as the handle portion. The operator can grasp the handle portion and transmit a corresponding control signal to the vehicle control system and / or the lock. The handle portion is also the part of the handle element that is visually indicated to the operator, thus facilitating easy operation of the vehicle with visual support in poor visibility conditions and / or, for example, on snow. The indicator can also be used to signal to the operator, for example, that a control signal has been initiated.The handle can be moved slightly by a few degrees towards and away from a window of the vehicle door or a door frame by means of a tilting motion. For this purpose, the handle is movably mounted on a support plate. The light from the bulb can be directed into the handle; for example, only one bulb can be mounted on the electrical component carrier, and the light is directed into the handle via a light guide.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the handle element comprises at least one light-guiding element, wherein the light from the light source can be directed into the light-guiding element. The light-guiding element is in contact with the light source and can extend from the arrangement of the light source on the electrical component carrier into the handle part. The slight movement of the handle part can be taken into account, with an incidence surface on the light-guiding element being designed such that the slight movement of the handle part has no influence on the light intensity when illuminating the handle element. The light-guiding element is associated with the handle element, and the light-guiding element can also be formed integrally with the handle part, so that the light-guiding element is mounted directly when the handle part is installed.It is possible not only to illuminate the handle element, the handle part, and / or the vehicle door, but also to display symbols within the handle. These symbols could be warning signals, informational messages, or other indicators, providing the operator with immediate information alongside the illumination. LEDs are the preferred light source, and these can emit different colors, thus providing ambient lighting by illuminating the handle element. Furthermore, the different colors can also serve as indicators and / or warning signals.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light-guiding element is arranged at least partially between the handle part and a seal for the handle part. As already explained above, the handle part is located above the vehicle door or an outer door panel. (November 27, 2025)

[0021] The handle is located in the area of ​​the door sill of the vehicle door. Since the handle can move relative to the vehicle door, the outer door panel, or the outer door trim, a seal is necessary between the handle and the outer door panel. The handle is inserted into a mounting opening in the vehicle door, and this opening is sealed by a seal between the handle and the mounting opening. Advantageously, a light-guiding element can be arranged between the seal and the handle. The light-guiding element can be a separate component between the seal and the handle, or, for example, it can be formed integrally with the handle. The light-guiding element can extend towards the light source, thus enabling illumination of the light-guiding element itself.According to the invention, it is also conceivable that two or more light sources are arranged on the electrical component carrier to ensure, for example, a higher light intensity and / or more uniform illumination of the light-guiding element. The arrangement between the handle and the seal can also serve as a design element to emphasize the handle's position on the vehicle door.

[0022] If the light-guiding element is arranged at least partially circumferentially around the handle part, a further embodiment of the invention results. As described above, the light-guiding element can extend into the handle part and / or form part of the handle part. Advantageously, however, the light-guiding element can also form at least a partially circumferential edge for the 10 27 November 2025

[0023] Forming the handle element. Depending on the design of the motor vehicle and / or the handle element and / or the vehicle door, a partially circumferential or even completely circumferential arrangement of a light guiding element on the handle element may be advantageous.

[0024] In one embodiment, the light-guiding element can be configured in two, three, or more parts. Depending on the configuration of the handle element, one, two, or more light sources can be arranged on the electrical component carrier, interacting, for example, with one, two, or more light-guiding elements. This allows for the use of a separate light source, for instance, to indicate a pulse integrated into the handle, while another light source directs light into a light-guiding element located around the perimeter between the light source and the handle. Depending on the handle's configuration, different illumination and / or indications can thus be achieved. For example, it can also be advantageous for the light-guiding element to illuminate a surface of the handle and / or its outer edge.The handle can be formed integrally with the light guide element or connected to the handle in a separate assembly step. A significant advantage of illuminating the handle and / or the vehicle door is that it provides the operator with a display function. Symbols, warnings, and / or illumination of the handle itself can facilitate the operator's use of the vehicle. Furthermore, visual indicators can be provided to the operator, which may also relate to vehicle safety. For example, displaying a locking mechanism and / or child safety lock, to name just a few examples, can visually indicate to the operator that the function has been engaged in the lock or vehicle.It can also provide easier access to the vehicle in poor visibility conditions and / or visually display the vehicle's function to the operator.

[0025] The handle element, or at least a part of the handle element that protrudes from the vehicle door, is located above a door sill. The door sill is defined as the transition between the metallic part of the outer door panel and the window area. This transition area typically contains a seal to prevent moisture from penetrating the interior of the vehicle door. The handle element thus protrudes between the base body, i.e., the metallic outer door panel, and the window area. The vehicle door may also have a window frame above the base body that surrounds the window area and seals it tightly. Preferably, the handle element is then located at least partially or completely within the door frame, and in particular along a section of the door frame extending from the base body.

[0026] To define the orientation of the handle element in relation to the vehicle door and the vehicle, a coordinate system is typically placed inside the vehicle. This system has an X-axis running lengthwise along the vehicle, a Y-axis extending horizontally and laterally, and a Z-axis describing a vertical direction relative to a flat surface on which the vehicle rests. The handle element is positioned above the door sill and extends laterally from the sill, so that, relative to the coordinate system, it extends at least partially in the Y-direction. It has proven advantageous for the handle element to also extend partially in the Z-direction, so that, relative to the coordinate system, it extends obliquely in the YZ-direction towards the vehicle door.The Z-direction can also be referred to as the vertical direction, whereas the Y-direction can be described as the vehicle's transverse direction. The X-direction can then be described as the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0027] As mentioned above, only a portion of the handle element protrudes from the vehicle door. It has proven advantageous if the operating element can be actuated by means of a tilting movement, in particular a tilting movement along the door sill, of the handle element. The operating element is thus achieved by a complete movement of the outer part of the handle element, which can also be referred to as the handle section, outer handle, or grip. The operator can grasp the handle section and pivot it relative to the door sill. Pivoting is possible both towards the window or door frame and towards the outer door skin or door trim. Thus, two tilting directions of the handle element are possible, allowing for the generation of different signals for controlling the lock. Advantageously, 13 27.By November 2025, the locking and unlocking of the lock will be generated electronically, thus controlling the lock. When the lock is locked, any mechanical actuators of the vehicle lock are deactivated. Preferably, locking the lock prevents manual opening of the locking mechanism. When unlocking the lock, a locking mechanism within the vehicle lock is released, thereby freeing the vehicle door.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the handle is mounted on a carrier plate. The handle itself serves the operator to actuate the control element. The handle is connected to the carrier plate as a separate component, with the carrier plate itself being part of the operating concept of the handle element. The carrier plate thus serves to receive the handle and is designed such that the combination of handle and carrier plate enables the control element to be actuated.

[0029] If the support plate extends into an interior area of ​​the vehicle door, and is attached to the vehicle door, particularly to the door frame, a further embodiment of the invention results. The support plate serves both to accommodate the handle or the grip accessible to the operator and simultaneously as a mounting means for the handle element. The support plate extends from the door sill into the interior area of ​​the vehicle door. The door is formed from an outer door panel and at least one inner door panel as the door frame. If a door frame is present, the support plate can also extend between the outer door panel and the door frame into the interior area. The support plate allows the handle element to be positioned and secured in place.The support plate holds the handle in such a way that the handle can perform the aforementioned tilting movement. In other words, the handle is held by the support plate, which in turn allows the handle to move.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the support plate is movably attached to the vehicle door, at least in certain areas, so that the handle part mounted on the support plate is movable. The support plate extends into the interior of the vehicle door and, being made of sheet steel, is able to hold the handle part in position within the door sill. When the invention refers to a tilting movement or mobility of the handle element, this refers only to slight movements of a few degrees, preferably less than 10 degrees. 0and even more preferably <5°, to be understood. The support plate thus holds the handle almost rigidly in the area of ​​the door sill, but the support plate allows a tilting movement, i.e., a back-and-forth movement of the operating element. Preferably, the support plate is attached to the vehicle door frame with at least two fasteners, preferably screws.

[0031] A preferred embodiment results when the support plate is constructed in multiple parts and has a first mounting area for the handle element, a second actuation area for the control element, and a third flexible area. The support plate extends into the 15 27 November 2025

[0032] The handle element protrudes into the interior of the vehicle door, with a first mounting or receiving area for the handle element projecting from the outer door panel. The handle element can be mounted onto this mounting or receiving area. For this purpose, the handle element is preferably mounted over the carrier plate and, for example, snapped into place with the carrier plate. For this purpose, locking elements can be provided on the carrier plate and / or on the handle element, which enable the handle element to be fixed to the carrier plate. If the locking elements are arranged inside the handle element, an outer surface can be generated solely by the handle element, which advantageously seals the carrier plate completely and in relation to the outer door panel.In a preferred embodiment, a seal can be provided between the handle element and the outer door panel and / or the door sill and / or a door frame, so that the handle part with the seal provides the mounting handle element.

[0033] The carrier plate has a second actuation area for the control element. The handle, as described above, is at least partially movable, preferably tiltable, and mounted on the vehicle door. The second area of ​​the carrier plate, extending into the interior of the vehicle door, forms the actuation area for the control element. When the handle is moved, the second actuation area is designed to be rigid and immovable in such a way that it can follow the movement of the handle. In other words, the movement of the handle also moves the carrier plate in the second actuation area. This movement of the carrier plate can be used to actuate the control element, which is, for example, a sensor.

[0034] The support plate has a third flexible area that serves, on the one hand, to position the support plate and hold it securely in the vehicle door, and on the other hand, to ensure the flexibility or movement of the first mounting area and the second actuation area. The third flexible area extends from the second actuation area further into the vehicle door and forms the lower end of the support plate. Preferably, the third area is conically tapered and equipped at its end, i.e., at the lower end opposite the handle part, with at least one mounting opening for fixing the support plate. One lower end of the support plate is fixed to the vehicle door frame. From this fixing point, the flexible areas of the support plate, or at least one web, preferably two or more narrow webs, extend to the actuation area.

[0035] The actuation area itself can be equipped with a guide so that the handle can only be deflected in one direction. Starting from the lower fixing point of the support plate, the support plate extends across the flexible area to the rigid actuation area and ultimately to the mounting area for the handle. The handle can also be described as the operator's grip. Overall, the three sections of the support plate complement each other in such a way that the handle is designed for use on November 17, 2025.

[0036] The operator is provided with a mechanism to apply a force to the mounting plate, whereby the handle transfers the force to the mounting area and sets the second actuation area in motion. A guide within the actuation area allows the mounting fixture and the actuation area to move, and the third flexible area enables this movement while simultaneously securing the mounting plate.

[0037] It should also be noted that the flexible area may preferably be equipped with two struts that have a corresponding thickness and width to allow movement of the actuation area; the third flexible area consequently allows movement of the first and second areas, in relation to the outer door panel.

[0038] As described above, only slight movements are initiated into the handle and thus the mounting plate. However, since highly sensitive sensors are used, even a push or pull movement applied to the control unit can be detected by the sensor element. Inductive or force-sensing sensors, for example, can be used.

[0039] The operating element can be actuated by means of the carrier plate. The carrier plate can be subdivided into at least three sections. A lower end, i.e., an end of the carrier plate opposite the operating element, is fixedly connected to the body of the vehicle door. The one, two, or more webs extending from the fixing area allow the actuating area to move within the vehicle door. The movement of the preferably rigidly designed first and second sections of the carrier plate can be used to detect the movement of the actuating area by means of a sensor element and to generate a corresponding signal for controlling the electric lock.The design of the carrier plate, at least in part, as a fixed but movable operating element arranged in the vehicle door, can be used to enable unlocking and thus opening of the door, or, for example, to initiate locking of the vehicle.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the carrier plate has a bend that overlaps the operating element, in particular a sensor. The carrier plate extends essentially linearly within the vehicle door in the direction of the fixing point. If the actuation area has a bend, it is possible to overlap a sensor element by means of the bend and a corresponding extension along the bend. For this purpose, a circuit board or an electronic component carrier can be arranged parallel to the carrier plate, thus bringing the sensor element into contact with the bend in the area of ​​the bend. The bend therefore allows for a high degree of flexibility in the arrangement of the sensor relative to the carrier plate.If, for example, a preload is introduced into a sensor by means of bending, this preload can be defective, so that, depending on the force applied to the carrier sheet, a signal attenuation or signal amplification can be detected by the sensor element. The detection of the voltage fluctuation recorded by the sensor can then be carried out until November 27, 2025.

[0041] It is used to control the lock and, in particular, to introduce different signals into the lock.

[0042] If the control element is mounted on an electrical component carrier, the electrical component carrier being housed within an electrical component carrier housing, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention results. The carrier plate serves, on the one hand, to mount the control element and, on the other hand, can also serve to mount a housing for the electrical component carrier or a control board. The control board, as an electrical and / or electronic component, must be protected from moisture. A closed housing protects the sensitive electrical and / or electronic components, thus ensuring a long service life for the control element overall. The housing is preferably made of plastic and can be mounted and / or held by the carrier plate.

[0043] If the bend in the carrier plate extends into the electrical component carrier housing and engages with the control element, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention can be achieved. The extension of the carrier plate or the bend in this embodiment allows the control element to exert a force on the sensor. Furthermore, this embodiment offers the possibility of arranging the sensor and / or the electrical component carrier in a protected manner within the vehicle door. In particular, a seal for the window located in the area of ​​the door sill allows moisture to penetrate into the interior of the vehicle door. The electrical and / or electrotechnical components must be protected from this moisture.

[0044] The inventive design of the vehicle door, with the handle element arranged in the area of ​​the door sill, provides a handle element that is robust against external influences and suitable for operating a lock even under extreme conditions. Furthermore, the design offers a high degree of flexibility in the structural, i.e., design-related, construction of the vehicle door due to its connection in the area of ​​the door sill.

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. However, it is important to note that this exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents a variant of the invention. Furthermore, any modifications to the features named and shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings are possible.

[0046] It shows:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a vehicle door with a handle element shown separately from the vehicle door before the handle element is mounted in the vehicle door.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows the control element mounted in the vehicle door according to Fig. 1, 21. November 27, 2025

[0049] Fig. 3 shows the handle element, consisting of the handle part and the support plate, in an exploded view that is at least partially visible.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the handle part and

[0051] Fig. 5 shows the handle part in a three-dimensional representation in a view of the electrical component carrier housing.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of part of a vehicle door 1. Visible are a door outer panel 2, a handle element 3, a door frame 4, and a window area 5. The door outer panel 2 terminates in a door sill 6, which has a mounting opening 7 for the handle element 3. In this embodiment, the vehicle door 1 has a door frame 4, along which a window seal 8 extends. As indicated by arrow P, the handle element 3 is inserted into the mounting opening 7 in the direction of arrow P and mounted to the vehicle door 1 by means of screw holes 9, 10.

[0053] The handle element 3 has a handle part 11, an actuation area 12 and a flexible area 13.

[0054] After the handle element s 3 is mounted, the handle part 11 lies flush against the outer door panel 2, with only the handle part 11 still visible, as shown in Fig. 2. Next to the window seal 8, in the 22 27. November 2025

[0055] Fig. 2 shows another window seal 32 in the area of ​​the door sill 6. Fig. 2 thus shows the position of the mounted handle element s 3 in the vehicle door 1.

[0056] Figure 3 shows parts of the handle element 3, specifically a carrier plate 14 and the handle part 11. The handle part 11 has an angled contour 15, which allows for easy gripping by the operator, as the angled shape extends the handle part 11 away from the door frame 4. The handle part 11 is attached to a first mounting area 16 and completely surrounds the mounting area 16. Snap-in contours 17, 18 are visible in the mounting area 16. These interact with recesses (not shown) in the interior of the handle part 11, enabling a positive-locking connection between the mounting area and the handle part 11. The actuating area 12 is integrally connected to the mounting or receiving area 16. The actuating area 12 is reinforced, with ribs 19, 20 being formed into the carrier plate 14 to strengthen it.The mounting area 16 and the actuation area 12 thus form an inelastic, rigid part of the carrier plate 14.

[0057] The flexible area 13 of the support plate 14 adjoins the actuation area 12. A mounting opening 22 in the form of a bore 22 is formed at a lower end 21 of the support plate 14. The support plate 14 can be firmly connected to a rough structure of the vehicle door by means of the bore 22. Another bore 23 in the support plate 14, and in particular in the actuation area 12 of the support plate 14, serves for the elastic mounting of the support plate 14 and allows a tilting movement in the direction of arrows Pl, P2 of the handle part 11. The support plate 14 is thus fixed and firmly positioned, or held, only by means of the bore 22.The bore 23 allows for the fastening of the support plate 14. By means of an elastic mounting of the support plate 14 using an elastic element, such as a sealing ring, the support plate 14 can be attached to the structural frame. The elastic ring element received in the bore 23 allows the actuating area 12 to move back and forth, albeit only partially, in the direction of arrows Pl, P2. Furthermore, a bend 24 is visible in the support plate 14, which is formed as a single piece from the support plate 14.

[0058] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the handle part 11. The handle part 11, a light guide element 25, and a seal are partially visible. The light guide element 25 and the seal 26 are preferably formed around the entire circumference of the handle part 11. The seal 26 is preferably formed around the entire circumference of the mounting opening, so that a sealing connection to the mounting opening 7 can be achieved. The light guide element 25, on the other hand, can also be formed only on one side of the handle part and extend along an outer edge 27 and / or into a surface 28 of the handle part 11.

[0059] Figure 5 shows the handle element 3 as a pre-assembled unit. Visible are the handle part 11, the support plate 14, an EKT housing 29, a housing cover 30, and an electrical component carrier 27 (shown with dashed lines). November 27, 2025

[0060] 31, a sensor 32 arranged on the electrical component carrier 31, and two light sources 33, 34, which can be, for example, LED light sources. The light sources 33, 34 are mounted on the electrical component carrier 31 together with the sensor 32 and project into the area of ​​the handle part 11, so that illumination of the light guiding element 25 is possible.

[0061] The inventive design of the handle element s 3 makes it possible to actuate the sensor element 32 inside the vehicle door 1, so that both the sensor 32 and the electrical component carrier 31 are protected from environmental influences and can be actuated. The partially flexible design of the carrier plate 14 allows the sensor element 32 to be actuated, with the areas of the handle element s 3 to be protected being located inside the vehicle door.

[0062] Furthermore, the light source 33, 34 enables the illumination of the handle element 3 or the handle part 3, and can also provide a function indicator for the handle part or handle element 3. For example, the light guide can visually indicate the function of unlocking or locking the lock. In addition, the light source 33, 34 can also show the operator, for example in the dark, where to grasp the vehicle door 1 to enter the vehicle. Besides the purely display function, a warning function and / or a notification can also be provided by means of the light source 33, 34.

[0063] The status of light sources 33 and 34 is displayed in the control unit 11. November 27, 2025

[0064] Reference symbol list

[0065] 1 vehicle door

[0066] 2 Door exterior trim

[0067] 3 handle element

[0068] 4 door frames

[0069] 5 disc area

[0070] 6 Door sill

[0071] 7 Mounting opening

[0072] 8, 32 Disc seal

[0073] 9, 10 screw opening

[0074] 11 Handle part

[0075] 12 Area of ​​activity

[0076] 13 flexible area

[0077] 14 Carrier plate

[0078] 15 Angle contour

[0079] 16 Assembly area

[0080] 17, 18 Rast contour

[0081] 19, 20 groove

[0082] 21 End of the carrier plate

[0083] 22.23 bore

[0084] 24 bends

[0085] 25 light guiding element

[0086] 26 Seal

[0087] 27 outer wall

[0088] 28 surface

[0089] 29 Electrical component carrier housings

[0090] 30 Case Covers

[0091] 31 Electrical component carriers

[0092] 32 Sensor

[0093] 33, 34 light bulbs

[0094] P,P1,P2 Arrow

Claims

November 26-27, 2025 Patent claims 1. Vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a door outer surface above a door sill (6), a handle element (3) arranged on the vehicle door (1), an electrically unlockable lock integrated into the vehicle door (1), an operating element, wherein the operating element is assigned to the handle element (3) and wherein the lock can be unlocked by means of the operating element, characterized in that the handle element (3) has a means for illuminating (25, 33, 34) the handle element (3) and / or the vehicle door (1).

2. Vehicle door (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle element (3) has a power supply for the illumination (25, 33, 34).

3. Vehicle door (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle element (3) has an electrical component carrier (31).

4. Vehicle door (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one light source (33, 34) , preferably an LED (33, 34) , is arranged on the electrical component carrier (31).

5. Vehicle door (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the light of the light source (33, 34) can be directed into a handle part (11) of the handle element s (3).

6. Vehicle door (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the handle element (3) 27 27 November 2025 has at least one light guiding element (25) and the light from the light guiding element (25) can be introduced into the light guiding element (25).

7. Vehicle door (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the light guiding element (25) is arranged at least partially between the handle part (11) and a seal (26) for the handle part (11).

8. Vehicle door (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the light guiding element (25) is arranged at least partially circumferentially on the handle part (11).

9. Vehicle door (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the light guiding element (25) is formed in two or more parts.

10. Vehicle door (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the light guiding element (25) illuminates a surface (28) of the handle part (11) and / or an outer edge (27) of the handle part (11).

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