Device for actuating a motor vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for actuating a motor vehicle door (1), in particular a push-pull motor vehicle door handle. Said device is equipped with a main body (4), which can be rotated about an axis (6), for mechanical coupling to a motor vehicle lock (2) of the motor vehicle door (1). The device also has a stiffening element (10, 11, 12) for the main body (4). According to the invention, the stiffening element (10, 11, 12) is arranged as a rod-type stiffening element (10) at least around a portion of the circumference of the main body (4) and therefore, in the event of any unauthorised manipulation of the main body (4), penetrates at least in some regions into a surround (5) which receives the main body (4).

Description

[0001] Kiekert AG

[0002] P24089WO

[0003] 1

[0004] Description

[0005] Device for operating a motor vehicle door

[0006] The invention relates to a device for operating a motor vehicle door, in particular a push-pull motor vehicle door handle, with a base body rotatable or pivotable about an axis, which has a connection for, for example, a Bowden cable for mechanical coupling with a motor vehicle lock of the motor vehicle door, and with at least one stiffening element for the base body.

[0007] For convenience and to improve the aerodynamics of vehicle doors, most modern vehicle locks are opened electrically. This means that a sensor in or on the vehicle door is activated, and a control unit receives a signal from this sensor to trigger an electric motor inside the lock. This electric motor typically disengages a locking pawl that is engaged with a rotary latch. This allows the rotary latch to open with spring assistance, releasing a previously engaged locking bolt, which is usually connected to the vehicle body.As a result, the vehicle door in question can be opened, for example, by the person wishing to enter grasping a door leaf through a gap to the vehicle body and simply swinging it open. This can also be done using a handle permanently attached to the door leaf.

[0008] For such electrically operated vehicle locks, vehicle manufacturers generally require so-called mechanical redundancy. This means that in the event of a failure of the electric drive, for example, due to a power outage (Kiekert AG), the lock will also function as a backup.

[0009] P24089WO

[0010] 2

[0011] If the vehicle battery has failed, cables have been severed in an accident, etc., mechanical door opening must still be possible. This is generally achieved by the device described above. In fact, the prior art typically uses push-pull vehicle door handles for this purpose, i.e., those that first release the base body by applying pressure ("push") so that the base body, which can rotate or pivot around its axis, can then be pulled ("pull"). This pulling action on the base body, via the Bowden cable connected to it, ensures that the vehicle lock is opened purely mechanically and redundantly. In this example, the Bowden cable acts on the locking pawl and lifts it from its detent engagement with the rotary latch, as is described in detail in DE 102004042444 A1.

[0012] The generic and therefore closest prior art according to DE 102016010229 A1 deals with such a device, which comprises the base body and a separate component designed as a stiffening element. The component in question is fixedly arranged in a cavity formed in the base body. The stiffening element can be made of fiber-reinforced plastic and / or a metallic material.

[0013] The current state of the art has generally proven effective, but still offers room for further improvements. A fundamental problem with such devices and corresponding door handles is that they can be used to mechanically open the vehicle's door lock. Therefore, special anti-theft measures are necessary. For this purpose, the base unit is generally locked against its surrounding frame. This can be achieved via a plunger that interacts with the base unit. In the event of a failure of the vehicle's electrical power supply, as previously described by Kiekert AG...

[0014] P24089WO

[0015] 3

[0016] For the reasons described above, and accordingly in connection with an emergency operation, the locking mechanism is generally automatically released, so that the base body is generally free from the surrounding area and can be subjected to pressure and pull to open the vehicle lock.

[0017] However, even when the base body is locked relative to the surrounding frame, i.e., during normal operation of the vehicle lock and the usual electromechanical opening, the risk of tampering still exists. For example, a screwdriver blade can be used to pry open a gap between the base body and the surrounding frame, thereby disengaging the lock and pivoting the base body open. As a result, the vehicle lock is then open, or can be opened by pivoting the now free base body open. This is where the invention comes in.

[0018] The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a device in such a way that the theft protection is improved compared to previous methods.

[0019] To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes, starting from a generic device, that the stiffening element is arranged as a rod stiffening element at least partially circumferentially of the base body and thereby, in the event of any unauthorized manipulation of the base body, penetrates at least partially into the surrounding area that receives the base body.

[0020] According to the invention, the stiffening of the base body is not achieved with a surface stiffening as described in DE 10 2016 010 229 A1. Rather, the stiffening element is designed as a rod-shaped stiffening element, i.e., it has a longitudinally extended rod-like form. Furthermore, and significantly, the rod-shaped stiffening element is partially circumferential to the Kiekert AG

[0021] P24089WO

[0022] 4

[0023] arranged in the base body.

[0024] The rod stiffening element ensures that the gap inevitably remaining between the base body and the surrounding frame is at least partially closed. This makes manipulation by a screwdriver or its blade and penetration into the gap more difficult. Furthermore, according to the invention, such screwdriver manipulations cause the rod stiffening element to penetrate the surrounding frame. For this purpose, the rod stiffening element is provided on at least one longitudinal edge of the base body. Typically, two rod stiffening elements are implemented on opposite longitudinal edges of the base body.

[0025] This means that any manipulation with the screwdriver or its blade, when penetrating the gap between the base body and the surrounding frame, will cause the base body to either tilt or shift upwards or downwards. In all these possible cases, the rod stiffening element on the relevant longitudinal edge, or on the two opposing longitudinal edges of the base body, ensures that the rod stiffening element, in particular on the longitudinal edge opposite the manipulation, penetrates the surrounding frame. This wedges the base body in place with the help of the surrounding frame, because the rod stiffening element penetrates the surrounding frame and consequently further blocks the base body from any movement.

[0026] The described manipulation scenario does not necessarily require that the stiffening element in question be provided on both longitudinal edges of the base body. Rather, it is generally sufficient if the stiffening element is arranged in a region of the base body around its circumference that corresponds to a typically used Kiekert AG

[0027] P24089WO

[0028] 5

[0029] The manipulation point is opposite. In any case, the design according to the invention ensures that, due to the manipulation of the base body, the base body is fixed to the receiving frame by means of the rod stiffening element and blocked by means of the frame.

[0030] This virtually eliminates any tampering, even if an additional locking mechanism on the base body has been previously manipulated. Despite this, the base body can still be forced open against its surrounding frame using a combined push / pull motion to open the vehicle lock in an emergency. Furthermore, the design is usually such that the stiffening rod is generally "harder" than the surrounding frame, allowing it to penetrate the frame and block the base body. For this purpose, the stiffening rod is typically made of metal, while the surrounding frame is made of plastic. These are the key advantages.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, in addition to the at least one partial circumferential rod stiffening element, at least one further surface stiffening element can be implemented. The invention is based on the understanding that the base body is generally made of plastic. The same applies to the surrounding frame that accommodates the base body. To control, for example, manipulations of the base body across its surface, the at least one further surface stiffening element is provided. This element is generally embedded in the base body or provided on its surface. In this context, the surface stiffening element can also fulfill an aesthetic design function.

[0032] For this purpose, the usual approach is to design the surface stiffening element in a grid-like manner, for example, using a metal mesh. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that Kiekert AG

[0033] P24089WO

[0034] 6

[0035] The surface stiffening element has individual stiffening webs that, for example, essentially fill the surface of the base body in a ring-like fashion. That is, in this case, the base body is equipped with a ring stiffening structure made of stiffening webs. One or more stiffening webs can also be combined with the metal mesh. This stiffens the base body and allows its rod stiffening element to easily penetrate the surrounding structure during any manipulation.

[0036] This means that the surface stiffening element (and also the rod stiffening element) is generally made of metal, with common metals such as iron, steel, brass, copper, aluminum, etc., proving suitable. Combinations are also conceivable, of course. The metallic design of the surface stiffening element also makes it suitable for additional functions. For example, the surface stiffening element can also be used as a heating element to implement an icebreaker function. In this case, any ice layers on the base body or its surroundings can be melted by the heating element. Alternatively or additionally, the metallic surface stiffening element can also be used as an antenna element to implement a proximity sensor for an operator.used for wireless data communication with the operator.

[0037] In the latter variant, the invention is based on the understanding that a sensor in the form of an antenna can be embedded in an external door handle or the special door handle realized according to the invention. With the aid of this antenna, wireless communication with, for example, a transponder can take place between the operator and, for example, an operator when the operator is in close proximity to the door handle in question. Common standards such as NFC (Near Field Communication) data transmission can be used for this purpose. In this way, not only can the approach of an operator wishing to gain access be detected, but Kiekert AG

[0038] P24089WO

[0039] 7

[0040] Additionally, an authorization check of the user seeking access is performed. If this check is successful, the vehicle lock located in or on the vehicle door is unlocked electrically under normal operating conditions. The subsequent electrical opening of the vehicle lock generally occurs when the user activates a sensor to open the vehicle lock. This sensor can also be located on or near the door handle.

[0041] As already explained, the base body, as well as the rim, is generally made of plastic. To make any tampering as difficult as possible, high-strength plastics such as polycarbonate (PC) are used. Furthermore, the invention allows for the use of fiber-reinforced plastics. In this case, reinforcing fibers are embedded in the plastic. These reinforcing fibers can be glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, etc.

[0042] Finally, to improve tamper resistance, the general approach is to ensure that the base body and its surrounding frame are essentially flush and conceal a recess. This recess can, for example, house a plunger that locks the base body against the surrounding frame during normal operation. Only when switching from normal operation to emergency operation, such as in the event of a battery or accumulator failure in the vehicle, does the plunger release the base body from the surrounding frame. The base body can then be swung out by the described combined pressure / tension action, thus providing the desired mechanically redundant opening of the vehicle lock.

[0043] The invention also relates to the use of the known device Kiekert AG

[0044] P24089WO

[0045] 8

[0046] for operating a motor vehicle door, for emergency operation of the motor vehicle lock in the event of a vehicle battery failure, for example in the event of a crash.

[0047] The result is a device for operating a motor vehicle door, and in particular a push-pull motor vehicle door handle, which is both functional and simple in design, and which also boasts particularly effective tamper resistance. This is essentially due to the fact that, with the help of at least one stiffening rod element, any attempts to manipulate the base body result in the base body wedging itself against the surrounding frame and thus being blocked. This is where the main advantages lie.

[0048] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that illustrates only one embodiment; the drawing shows:

[0049] Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention in an unpressurized state in an overview in conjunction with a manipulation attempt,

[0050] Fig. 2 shows an opening process using the device according to Fig. 1 and

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a partial rear view of the object according to Fig. 2 in connection with an attempted manipulation.

[0052] The figures show a device for operating a motor vehicle door 1. This is actually a so-called push-pull motor vehicle door handle, which generally serves for the emergency operation of a motor vehicle lock 2 indicated in Fig. 2. The motor vehicle lock 2 is located inside the motor vehicle door 1 and serves to lock the motor vehicle door 1 against a motor vehicle body (not shown). The motor vehicle lock 2 is according to Kiekert AG.

[0053] P24089WO

[0054] 9

[0055] In this embodiment, the vehicle lock 2 is connected to a base body 4 of the device via a cable or Bowden cable 3. Furthermore, the vehicle lock 2 is an electric lock, meaning that a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and pawl is opened electrically or by an electric motor during normal operation. In contrast, the previously described vehicle door handle is typically used for emergency operation.

[0056] In fact, the base body 4 is rotatably mounted on or in the vehicle door 1 about an axis 6 relative to a frame 5. The frame 5 may be inserted into an opening of the vehicle door 1. According to the exemplary embodiment, the frame 5 and the base body 4 are each made of plastic. Particularly stiff and strong plastics such as polycarbonate (PC) have proven especially advantageous here. If necessary, reinforcing fibers in the respective plastic can also provide additional stiffening.

[0057] The base body 4 closes a recess 5a in the rim 5. Inside the recess 5a, a plunger 7 can be seen in Fig. 2. This plunger is equipped with a front contour that engages with a corresponding counter contour on the inside of the base body 4, locking the base body 4 against the rim 5. This occurs during normal operation, i.e., when the vehicle lock 2 is opened electrically. A control unit 8, which controls the vehicle lock 2, is provided for this purpose and evaluates signals from a sensor 9. The sensor 9 may be a push button or the like.

[0058] As soon as an operator activates sensor 9, this is interpreted by the control unit 8 as a request to open the vehicle and (provided the operator's authorization has been previously verified) results in the vehicle lock 2 being opened in normal operation using the internal electric motor drive. For this purpose, the electric motor drive is operated by Kiekert AG.

[0059] P24089WO

[0060] 10

[0061] The drive normally engages the locking pawl, which is lifted from its detent position by the rotary latch. Under normal operating conditions, this requires that both the sensor 9 and the control unit 8, as well as the electromechanical drive inside the vehicle lock 2, are supplied with the necessary electrical energy from a vehicle battery (not shown). If this battery fails, the vehicle lock 2 can still be operated or opened in an emergency using the base body 4 or the push-pull vehicle door handle located there.

[0062] In normal operation, the plunger 7 ensures that the rectangular base body 4, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, is locked against the surrounding frame 5. In emergency operation or during emergency operation, this is no longer possible because the locking mechanism on the plunger 7 is also disengaged. To apply force to the base body 4 and the Bowden cable 3 connected to it for the mechanical opening of the vehicle lock 2, it is necessary to subject the base body 4 to a combined push / pull force. For this purpose, the base body 4 is first released relative to the plunger 7 by the push force and can then be rotated about its axis 6 into the partially pivoted position shown in Fig. 2.

[0063] If, starting from this partially open position of the base body 4 relative to the receiving frame 5, the base body 4 is further subjected to pulling force in the direction indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2, this pulling force is transmitted via the Bowden cable 3 connected to the base body 4 to the vehicle lock 2. As a result, the Bowden cable 3, under tension, causes the pawl to be lifted from its engagement with the rotary latch, allowing the locking mechanism consisting of the rotary latch and pawl to open mechanically. This occurs as part of the emergency opening or emergency operation of the vehicle lock 2, specifically Kiekert AG.

[0064] P24089WO

[0065] 11

[0066] mechanically redundant.

[0067] As already explained, the base body 4 has a connection for the Bowden cable 3 for its mechanical coupling with the vehicle lock 2 of the vehicle door 1. In addition, according to the invention, at least one stiffening element 10, 11, 12 is provided for the base body 4.

[0068] According to the exemplary embodiment, two metallic rod stiffening elements 10 and two metallic surface stiffening elements 11, 12 are implemented, which stiffen the base body 4 and are intended to make manipulation more difficult. The design is such that the respective rod stiffening element 10 is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the base body 4 and, in the event of any unauthorized manipulation of the base body 4, penetrates at least partially into the frame 5 that holds the base body 4. This can best be understood by referring to Figures 1 and 3, which illustrate such manipulation using a screwdriver 13, the blade of which forcibly penetrates a slot between the base body 4 and the frame 5.

[0069] In fact, according to the exemplary embodiment, the design is such that the base body 4 and the surrounding frame 5 that receives it are essentially flush with each other. Nevertheless, during normal operation and with the base body 4 locked relative to the surrounding frame 5, a gap is observed between the base body 4 and the surrounding frame 5 using the plunger 7. Any manipulations using the screwdriver 13 indicated in Figures 1 and 3 are typically carried out by driving the screwdriver 13 with its blade into the gap between the base body 4 and the surrounding frame 5, and thereby attempting to break the locking mechanism of the base body 4 using the plunger 7 and pivot the base body 4 relative to the surrounding frame 5, so that the vehicle lock 2Kiekert AG

[0070] P24089WO

[0071] 12

[0072] can be opened mechanically.

[0073] According to the invention, such a scenario is essentially prevented by one or both rod stiffening elements 10. In fact, the two rod stiffening elements 10 are longitudinally extended and rod-shaped, and are provided on both sides of opposite longitudinal edges of the base body 4. As a result, when manipulating the base body 4 with the screwdriver 13 at a manipulation point 14 indicated in Fig. 3, the base body 4 is displaced downwards, as indicated by an arrow there. This thrust applied to the base body 4 by means of the screwdriver 13 as a manipulation tool causes the rod stiffening element 10 opposite the manipulation point 14 to penetrate the frame 5 surrounding the base body 4. This is possible because the metallic rod stiffening element 10 is harder than the plastic frame 5.This wedges or blocks the base body 4 with the help of the border 5 during the described manipulation attempt.

[0074] In addition to the two rod stiffening elements 10 on the opposing longitudinal edges of the base body 4, further tamper resistance is achieved within the scope of the invention by the provision of the two metallic surface stiffening elements 11, 12. In this case, the respective surface stiffening element 11, 12 can be formed in a grid-like manner from, for example, a metal mesh, which is only indicated in the corresponding Fig. 2. Most often, individual stiffening webs 11, 12 are implemented here, which, in the case of stiffening webs 11, can substantially fill the surface of the base body 4 in a ring-like fashion. According to the exemplary embodiment, the surface stiffening elements 11, 12 are each embedded in the base body 4.In addition to the ring-shaped stiffening webs 11, a central stiffening web 12 is also realized according to the embodiment, which is received in a hollow bore 4a of the base body 4 or received Kiekert AG.

[0075] P24089WO

[0076] 13

[0077] can be.

[0078] In this embodiment, the surface stiffening elements 11, 12 can perform additional functions. For example, it is conceivable that the surface stiffening elements 11, 12 could be used as a heating element to implement an icebreaker function and / or as an antenna element to implement a proximity sensor for an operator or for wireless data communication with the operator. For this purpose, the surface stiffening elements 11, 12 are each connected to the control unit 8 in this embodiment. The surface stiffening elements 11, 12 can be made entirely of a single metal, for example, iron, steel, brass, aluminum, etc.

[0079] As previously explained, during normal operation and with a functioning battery inside the vehicle, the vehicle lock 2 is opened electrically or by an electric motor. After an authorization check by an operator seeking access, the sensor 9 is activated by the operator. This is interpreted as an opening signal by the control unit 8, which then activates the electric motor drive inside the vehicle lock 2 to open the lock electrically. During normal operation, the base body 4 is locked against the outer frame 5. This is ensured by the plunger 7, which is actuated accordingly by the control unit 8. Therefore, the vehicle lock 2 cannot be opened mechanically during normal operation.

[0080] If, on the other hand, the accumulator fails, for example due to a defect or a crash, the system switches to an emergency operation or emergency opening of the vehicle lock 2. Correspondingly, the plunger 7 releases the base body 4, or the locking mechanism is released. This allows the base body 4 to be first released from its surrounding rim 5 by a combined push / pull force and then moved in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 2. Kiekert AG

[0081] P24089WO

[0082] 14

[0083] The pivoting movement of the base body 4 relative to the surrounding frame 5 that receives and supports it causes the Bowden cable 3 connected to the base body 4 to be subjected to tension, thus enabling the vehicle lock 2 to be opened mechanically and redundantly. Of course, this mechanical pulling movement originating from the base body 4 can also be transmitted to the vehicle lock 2 in other ways, for example, by means of a linkage. However, this is not shown.

[0084] Any manipulations during normal operation by the screwdriver 13 shown in the figures as an exemplary manipulation tool are prevented according to the invention by the fact that the base body 4 is blocked at the manipulation point 14 by the at least one rod stiffening element 10 relative to the rim 5 during such manipulations. Kiekert AG

[0085] P24089WO

[0086] 15

[0087] Reference symbol list

[0088] Motor vehicle - Door 1

[0089] Motor vehicle lock 2

[0090] Bowden cable 3

[0091] Basic body 4

[0092] Border 5

[0093] Mulde 5a

[0094] Axis 6

[0095] Pestle 7

[0096] Control unit 8

[0097] Sensors 9

[0098] Stiffening element 10, 11, 12

[0099] Surface stiffening element 11, 12 Stiffening webs 11

[0100] Screwdriver 13

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for operating a motor vehicle door (1), in particular a push-pull motor vehicle door handle, with a base body (4) rotatable about an axis (6), which has a connection for, for example, a Bowden cable (3) for mechanical coupling with a motor vehicle lock (2) of the motor vehicle door (1), and with at least one stiffening element (10, 11, 12) for the base body (4), characterized by the fact that the stiffening element (10, 11, 12) is arranged as a rod stiffening element (10) at least partially circumferentially on the side of the base body (4) and thereby, in the event of any unauthorized manipulation of the base body (4), penetrates at least partially into a surround (5) that receives the base body (4).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod stiffening element (10) is provided on at least one longitudinal edge of the base body (4), in particular two rod stiffening elements (10) are realized on both sides on the opposite longitudinal edges of the base body (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in addition to the at least one partial circumferential stiffening element (10), at least one further surface stiffening element (11, 12) is provided.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the surface stiffening element (11 , 12) is formed in a grid-like manner from, for example, a metal mesh.

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the surface stiffening element (11 , 12) has individual stiffening webs (11 , 12) which, for example, ring-like, substantially fill the surface of the base body (4).

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the surface stiffening element (11 , 12) performs additional functions, for example as a heating element to implement an icebreaker function and / or as an antenna element to implement a proximity sensor for an operator or for wireless data communication with the operator.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rod stiffening element (10) and the surface stiffening element (11 , 12) are made of a metal, for example iron, steel, brass, aluminium and combinations thereof.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base body (4) is made of a plastic, in particular a high-strength plastic such as polycarbonate (PC), optionally reinforced by embedded reinforcing fibers.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the base body (4) and the surrounding rim (5) receiving it are substantially flush with each other and cover a recess (5a) with, for example, a plunger (7) locking the base body (4).

10. Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 9 for emergency operation of the motor vehicle lock (2) in the event of failure of a motor vehicle battery, for example in the event of a crash.

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