Door lock for a motor-vehicle door

WO2026219429A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-10-22KIEKERT AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/DE2026/100399
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-04-16
Filing Date
2026-03-27
Publication Date
2026-10-22

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Abstract

The invention relates to a door lock (1) for a motor-vehicle door, the door lock comprising: an electronic control unit (2) which is integrated into the door lock (1); an interface (3) for opening the door lock (1) from the interior of the vehicle; and an activatable and deactivatable child safety lock (4) which, in the activated state, prevents the door lock (1) from being opened from the interior of the vehicle, wherein the electronic control unit (2) comprises a receiver module (5) by means of which an activation signal can be received which indicates the presence of a child seat (7) in the interior of the vehicle, and which is designed to activate the child safety lock (4) upon receipt of the activation signal. In this way, the safety and operational reliability of child safety locks in vehicle doors are improved.
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Description

[0001] Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0002] Door lock for a motor vehicle door

[0003] The invention relates to a door lock for a motor vehicle door, with an interface for opening the door lock from inside the vehicle and an activatable and deactivatable child safety lock which, when activated, prevents the door lock from being opened from inside the vehicle.

[0004] The safety of children traveling in vehicles is a central concern of automotive development. Therefore, it is now standard practice, or even legally required, that children in vehicles must be seated in child car seats adapted to their size. Children are particularly likely to be transported in these child car seats in the rear, where there is an increased need for protection. To address this, various safety measures have become established over the past decades, including child seat restraint systems (e.g., Isofix) and child safety locks on the vehicle doors, typically on the rear doors, which prevent the doors from being opened from the inside.

[0005] The child safety lock is a key mechanical safety feature designed to prevent children from independently opening the doors from inside the vehicle while it is moving or stationary. It is typically a mechanically or electromechanically activated locking device located on the respective door lock of the rear doors. When activated, this lock prevents the door from being opened using the interior door handle or the interior door release signal. The child safety lock serves not only to prevent accidents caused by unintentional opening while driving, but also to protect against children leaving the vehicle unsupervised when it is stationary, for example, in hazardous traffic areas. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0006] In practice, however, using child safety locks is not without its challenges. Many vehicle models still require manual activation, for example via a small sliding switch in the door jamb area, accessible only when the door is open. While this method is robust and cost-effective, it requires a conscious action from the vehicle user and is also prone to errors, such as forgetting to activate it or failing to do so when changing vehicles. Electromechanical versions now exist where the child safety lock can be activated via the vehicle's central electrical system or menu. Nevertheless, even with these systems, it remains the user's responsibility to manually activate or deactivate the child safety lock as needed.

[0007] Furthermore, family vehicles often have changing usage scenarios: children are transported at different times and in different vehicles, seats are installed and removed, and several caregivers use the vehicle. In such a dynamic environment, it is quite possible that safety-relevant settings such as child safety locks are accidentally forgotten or incompletely implemented.

[0008] From the perspective of vehicle safety and user-centered system design, this presents a multifaceted problem area. On the one hand, there is a requirement to design the highest and most robust level of child safety in vehicles. On the other hand, this must not come at the expense of comfort, user-friendliness, or everyday practicality. The challenge, therefore, lies in creating technical systems that offer both a high level of protection and intuitive, everyday usability.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to improve the safety and operational reliability of child safety locks in vehicle doors. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are found in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, a door lock for a motor vehicle door is thus provided, with

[0012] an electronic control unit integrated into the door lock

[0013] an interface for opening the door lock from inside the vehicle and

[0014] an activatable and deactivatable child safety lock which, when activated, prevents the door lock from being opened from inside the vehicle, whereby

[0015] The electronic control unit has a receiver module capable of receiving an activation signal indicating the presence of a child seat in the interior of the vehicle, and is designed to activate the child safety lock upon receipt of the activation signal.

[0016] The inventive design of the door lock enables the child safety lock to be automatically activated depending on the actual presence of a child seat in the vehicle interior, thereby achieving situation-appropriate and reliable securing of the rear vehicle doors. For this purpose, the door lock is equipped with an integrated electronic control unit comprising a receiver module. This module is capable of receiving an activation signal indicating the presence of a child seat in the vehicle. The activation signal can be generated by a signal transmitter located in the child seat, such as an RFID transponder or an active transmitter.

[0017] The control unit is designed to activate the child safety lock in the door lock upon receiving such an activation signal. The child safety lock is designed to prevent unauthorized access, for example, by Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0018] Activating a door opener or an electrical switch from inside the vehicle unlocks the door lock. The interface for receiving the door opening signal from inside the vehicle can be either mechanical or electronic, thus supporting different door concepts and operating philosophies. Similarly, the child safety lock itself can be designed as a mechanically or electromechanically activated locking device, ensuring a high degree of flexibility for integration into existing and future vehicle systems.

[0019] The advantages of the invention lie particularly in the increased safety for children traveling in the vehicle, as the risk of accidentally opening the door when a child seat is present is significantly reduced. At the same time, user convenience is increased, since manual activation of the child safety lock is no longer required. Furthermore, integrating the receiver module into the door lock enables independent operation without a mandatory connection to a central vehicle control system, which is particularly advantageous for retrofit solutions or platform strategies with modular door systems.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, the receiver module integrated into the door lock is designed as an RFID module. This module is configured to send out a query signal, which causes an RFID transponder in the child seat to send out a response signal, i.e., the activation signal. The RFID module receives this signal and forwards it to the electronic control unit, which then activates the child safety lock. In this way, bidirectional, wireless communication is established between the door lock and the child seat, enabling the door lock to independently and automatically determine whether a child seat is present in the vehicle interior.

[0021] One advantage of this design lies in the high reliability and interference immunity of RFID systems at short communication distances, such as those typically found between a child seat attached to the rear seat and the one in the vehicle door. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0022] The system consists of a door lock. It requires neither line of sight nor a separate power supply in the child seat, provided a passive RFID transponder is used. At the same time, the RFID module in the door lock can be configured to react only to defined transponders, for example, with a specific identifier, thus preventing false activation by foreign or unassigned signals.

[0023] This technical design allows the child safety lock to be activated automatically in a particularly intuitive way, without requiring any action from the driver. The connection between the child seat and the door lock is contactless and requires minimal maintenance, significantly increasing both comfort and safety in everyday driving. Furthermore, the system architecture allows for retrofitting or vehicle-independent implementation, as no connection to the vehicle's central electronics is necessary.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the receiver module in the door lock is configured to receive an activation signal actively transmitted by a child seat. In this case, the child seat is equipped with its own transmitter, which generates a radio signal at regular intervals or in response to certain events, indicating the presence of the child seat in the vehicle. The receiver module in the door lock detects this signal and, via the electronic control unit, automatically activates the child safety lock in the respective door lock.

[0025] One advantage of this active form of communication lies in the greater design freedom regarding signaling. For example, greater ranges can be achieved, or additional information can be transmitted, such as a specific identifier for the child seat or status data. This allows for even more targeted and reliable activation of the child safety lock, especially in more complex application scenarios, such as with multiple seats or changing child seat types. Furthermore, Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0026] By consciously sending the signal from the child seat, a higher degree of interoperability and system intelligence can be achieved, for example through time-controlled or context-sensitive behavior of the system.

[0027] Furthermore, this design allows for the expansion of functionality to other safety-relevant components or vehicle functions that can also react to the actively transmitted signal. The system remains modular and largely independent of the vehicle itself, as all the detection and control logic is housed locally in the door lock. This makes this variant particularly suitable for retrofit systems or for vehicle platforms with decentralized safety functions.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the receiver module in the door lock comprises a radio receiver module for Bluetooth and / or at least one other active near-field communication protocol. In this embodiment, the wireless communication between the child seat and the door lock is based on established radio standards, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, or comparable protocols, which are designed for energy-efficient communication over short distances. In this case, the child seat is equipped with an active transmitter that is capable of transmitting an activation signal regularly or in response to an event via one of these protocols.

[0029] A functional advantage of this solution lies in the use of widely available and standardized communication technologies, which simplifies system integration and increases interoperability with other components. In particular, Bluetooth-based systems offer robust, interference-resistant, and energy-efficient transmission, making them well-suited for use in vehicle environments. Furthermore, such protocols enable encrypted data transmission and unique addressing of transmitters, ensuring reliable signal assignment to a specific child car seat. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0030] Furthermore, the use of active near-field communication (NFC) opens up additional functionalities, such as bidirectional communication, the transmission of status data, and the ability to be updated. The system can thus not only detect the presence of a child seat and activate the child safety lock, but also react to specific events or configurations. Integration into a Bluetooth-based system also allows for potential connection to other vehicle systems or mobile devices, for example, to display status information. Overall, this design combines a high safety standard with a flexible system architecture and future-proofing.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit in the door lock is configured to interpret a received activation signal as a trigger for activating the child safety lock only if its signal strength exceeds a predefined threshold. This ensures that the child safety lock is only activated when the transmitting child seat is actually in the immediate vicinity of the relevant door lock, i.e., typically inside the vehicle and in the seat position associated with that door lock.

[0032] The technical function of this measure is based, for example, on the evaluation of the received signal strength (Received Signal Strength Indicator, RSSI), which allows conclusions to be drawn about the distance between transmitter and receiver. By setting a suitable threshold value, it can be prevented that distant or nearby signals—for example, from another vehicle or from a child seat placed outside the vehicle—are incorrectly interpreted as relevant activation signals. This plausibility check contributes significantly to increasing system safety and operational reliability. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0033] The advantage of this design lies particularly in increased system accuracy and the prevention of false activations. Furthermore, taking signal strength into account improves everyday usability, as the child safety lock activation is based on actual usage situations in the vehicle and is not triggered by randomly received signals. At the same time, the system remains fully automatic and user-independent, requiring no additional operation.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to issue a visual and / or audible warning when the child safety lock has been activated following the receipt of an activation signal. This feedback function serves to immediately indicate to the driver or user of the vehicle that the child safety lock is active, thus ensuring increased information about the current security status of the vehicle door. The warning can be issued, for example, via a status LED in the door panel area, a symbol in the instrument cluster, or an audible signal.

[0035] One advantage of this measure lies in increased transparency and user-friendliness. By informing the user that the child safety lock has been automatically activated, greater trust in the system's functionality is fostered, along with an opportunity for conscious control. This is particularly important when multiple people use the vehicle or when child seats are installed and removed depending on the situation. The feedback helps to avoid uncertainties and contributes to reducing operating errors or misunderstandings.

[0036] Furthermore, the warning can also be used as security feedback, particularly in situations where automatic activation of parental controls is undesirable or could lead to restrictions. DerKiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0037] The feedback empowers users to take action – for example, by manually deactivating parental controls, provided the system allows this. Overall, this training supports better integration of the security function into user behavior and increases the usability and acceptance of the automated parental control feature.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to automatically deactivate the child safety lock if the activation signal has not been received for at least a predefined period. This function enables a dynamic adaptation of the safety status to the actual usage situation in the vehicle interior. If, for example, the activation signal is no longer detected because the child seat has been removed or is no longer within the relevant detection range, the control unit interprets this as an indication that the child safety lock is no longer required and deactivates it accordingly.

[0039] The advantage of this design lies particularly in the increased ease of use for the user. A permanently activated child safety lock can lead to restrictions in everyday life, for example, when adults or older children want to open the rear doors from the inside. Automatic deactivation when a child seat is not present eliminates the need for manual resetting, reducing operating errors and allowing for more flexible use of the vehicle. Furthermore, this makes the system especially practical for user groups who frequently install and remove child seats, such as families with multiple vehicles or changing caregivers.

[0040] Furthermore, this function supports a high degree of automation and system autonomy. The user does not need to actively monitor or manage parental controls, as these adapt automatically to actual needs. This increases both security and safety. - daKiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0041] No permanent deactivation can be forgotten - as well as user-friendliness by avoiding unnecessary restrictions.

[0042] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured such that the child safety lock is only activated if the received activation signal has a predetermined identifier. The system checks whether the signal originates from an authorized child car seat whose identifier matches a reference value stored in the door lock's control unit. This ensures that only authorized signals trigger the automatic activation of the child safety lock.

[0043] This measure can increase system safety by preventing the child safety lock from being activated by unauthorized or unintended signals. In environments with high vehicle density—such as parking garages, schools, daycare centers, or when using multiple identical child car seats—false reactions can otherwise occur if the system cannot distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate signals. Verification using a unique identifier ensures that only the child car seat registered in the system triggers activation.

[0044] Another advantage of this design lies in the possibility of individual configuration and customization of the system. Users can specifically program or enable certain child car seats, which is particularly helpful in families with multiple vehicles or changing caregivers. At the same time, confidence in the automatic functionality is strengthened, as the activation of the child safety lock remains transparent and controllable. Overall, this function contributes to increased operational safety, the prevention of unintended system reactions, and better integration into complex usage scenarios. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a control signal to a higher-level vehicle unit or a central control unit in order to trigger a safety or status display there. This function enables the integration of the state detected locally in the door lock into the central information or safety management system of the vehicle. For example, the instrument cluster, the infotainment display, or a driver assistance system can display a message indicating that the child safety lock has been automatically activated due to the detection of a child seat.

[0046] The advantage of this design lies particularly in the improved transparency and system feedback for the vehicle user. By forwarding the status signal to a central location, the driver receives clear information about the status of the child safety locks in the vehicle without having to check each door individually. This is especially important in larger vehicles or in situations with multiple occupied child seats. The indication can be visual, audible, or a combination of both, thereby increasing ease of use and safety.

[0047] Furthermore, the central control unit can use the received signal to initiate or log further safety measures, for example, within the framework of fleet management, condition diagnostics, or event recording. Integration into mobile applications or remote diagnostic systems is also enabled. Overall, this advanced technology provides an efficient interface between the local, intelligent child safety control in the door lock and the higher-level vehicle electronics, thus contributing to the vehicle's system-wide safety architecture.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receiving module in the door lock is designed to receive an activation signal, which is provided by Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0049] The signal is transmitted via an inductive or capacitive coupling mechanism. With this type of signal transmission, communication between the child seat and the door lock does not occur via classic radio protocols, but rather via a physical coupling method that uses either electromagnetic fields (inductive) or changes in electric fields (capacitive) to transmit information over short distances.

[0050] One advantage of this technology lies in its high interference immunity and the defined, localized effect of the signal transmission. Since inductive or capacitive coupling only works over very short distances – typically in the centimeter range – it ensures that only child car seats actually positioned in the immediate vicinity of the door lock can trigger an activation signal. This reliably prevents false activations caused by neighboring vehicles or other radio signals in the environment, such as those that could occur in underground parking garages or when using multiple identical systems.

[0051] Furthermore, this design is suitable for systems where targeted, localized coupling between transmitter and receiver is desired, for example, through special contact zones on the back of the child seat and in the door area. The coupling can be maintenance-free, energy-efficient, and tamper-proof. This solution also represents a robust alternative in environments where radio transmissions are restricted or undesirable—for example, due to electromagnetic compatibility concerns. Overall, the use of an inductive or capacitive coupling mechanism increases system safety, precision, and reliability in the detection of a child seat and thus in the automatic control of the child safety device.

[0052] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the door lock additionally has a manual activation or deactivation device for the child safety lock, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to detect the state of Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft.

[0053] This manual device can detect the child lock and take it into account when controlling the child lock. This enables a so-called hybrid operation, in which both automatic and manual control of the child lock function are provided.

[0054] A functional advantage of this design lies in the increased flexibility and user control. Depending on the situation or personal preference, the user can manually activate or deactivate the child safety lock, for example, via a mechanical slider, a button, or an in-vehicle control interface. The electronic control unit recognizes this manual setting and takes it into account when evaluating received activation signals. This allows, for example, the system to prioritize manual deactivation over automatic activation to prevent unintended system interventions. Conversely, the system can also maintain manual activation even if no child seat is detected.

[0055] This design not only increases system safety but also user acceptance, as it prevents operating errors while simultaneously allowing for conscious intervention. Particularly during transitional phases—for example, when retrofitting a child seat or when the vehicle is used by different drivers—hybrid operation ensures an adaptive response from the system to the actual circumstances. The combination of automatic intelligence and manual control thus represents a particularly practical and user-friendly approach.

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. However, it is important to note that these exemplary embodiments do not limit the invention, but merely illustrate its implementation. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0057] The features shown can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description as well as the patent claims, either individually or in combination.

[0058] The drawings show

[0059] Fig. 1 schematically shows a door lock according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a door lock according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for a motor vehicle door. The door lock comprises a locking device 6 by means of which the door lock 1 can be opened and closed. Furthermore, the door lock i is equipped with an electronic control unit 2 integrated into the lock housing, which is responsible for the central control of the functions provided in the lock.

[0061] The door lock has an interface 3 through which an opening signal can be introduced from inside the vehicle, for example by activating a door opener, an electrical switch, or a release button. The opening signal can be mechanical or electronic. To protect children traveling in the vehicle, the door lock also has an activatable and deactivatable child safety lock 4, which, when activated, prevents the door lock i from being unlocked by an opening signal generated from inside the vehicle.

[0062] The electronic control unit 2 is connected to a receiver module 5, which can receive an activation signal. This activation signal indicates that a child seat is located inside the vehicle. The control unit 2 is configured to automatically activate the child safety lock 4 upon detection of such a signal, in order to secure the door against unintentional opening from the inside. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0063] This increases the safety of children traveling in the vehicle without requiring manual intervention from the vehicle user.

[0064] The receiver module 5 is designed as an RFID module. This module sends out a query signal that prompts an RFID transponder 8 integrated into the child car seat to send out a response signal. The response signal is detected by the receiver module 5 and forwarded to the control unit 2. This bidirectional communication enables contactless, reliable, and low-maintenance detection of the child car seat and thus automated activation of the child safety device 4. The use of RFID technology offers the advantage that no separate power supply is required in the child car seat if a passive transponder is used, and that high positioning accuracy can be achieved at short distances.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the receiver module 5 can also be designed to receive activation signals emitted by an active transmitter in the child seat. In this case, the receiver module 5 can, for example, be configured as a radio receiver module for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, or another active near-field communication protocol. Such protocols enable not only secure signal transmission but also the transmission of additional data, such as identification numbers or status information, which offers particular advantages in systems with multiple child seats or alternating use.

[0066] To prevent unintentional activations, for example by neighboring vehicles or external sources, the electronic control unit 2 is designed to activate the child safety lock 4 only when the signal strength of the received activation signal exceeds a predefined threshold. This ensures that the child seat is actually within the relevant proximity of the door lock 1. This function increases system precision and reduces the risk of false reactions. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0067] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 2 is designed to issue a visual and / or audible warning when the child safety lock 4 is activated. This warning can be displayed, for example, via a status LED in the door panel or a warning symbol on the display, reliably informing the vehicle user about the current status of the child safety lock. This increases transparency and user-friendliness and allows for a better understanding of the system's behavior in everyday use.

[0068] Another function is that the control unit 2 can automatically deactivate the child safety lock 4 if no activation signal is received for a defined period. This is particularly important when the child seat has been removed from the vehicle. This automatic reset increases ease of use and prevents the child safety lock from remaining permanently active when there is no longer a need for protection.

[0069] Additionally, the electronic control unit 2 checks the received activation signal for a predetermined identifier. The child safety lock is only activated if this identifier matches a reference value stored in the control unit. This prevents unintended reactions to external or unauthorized signals and ensures that only known or approved child car seats trigger the automatic safety function.

[0070] For integration into higher-level vehicle systems, the electronic control unit 2 can transmit a control signal to a central control unit or another vehicle unit. This allows, for example, the activation of a safety indicator in the instrument cluster or the triggering of logging in the vehicle control unit, which is particularly advantageous for fleet vehicles, diagnostic functions, or user information systems. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0071] In another embodiment, the receiver module 5 can be configured to receive an activation signal that is transmitted not via radio but via an inductive or capacitive coupling mechanism. This type of signal transmission is particularly interference-resistant and limited to short distances, thus enabling the targeted detection of directly adjacent child car seats. This is particularly important in electromagnetically sensitive environments or where increased system safety requirements exist.

[0072] Finally, the door lock 1 also features a manual activation or deactivation device for the child safety lock 4, for example in the form of a mechanical slider. The electronic control unit 2 is able to detect the state of this device and take it into account when controlling the child safety lock. In this way, a so-called hybrid operation can be implemented, in which both automatic and manual interventions are possible. This increases flexibility and user control and allows the driver to consciously influence the system behavior depending on the situation.

[0073] A particular advantage of the configuration shown in Fig. 1 is that all communication takes place directly between the child seat and the door lock 1, without requiring a connection to central control units or the vehicle's electrical system. All components necessary for detecting the child seat and controlling the child safety lock 4 – including the receiver module 5, control unit 2, and any warning and indicator elements – are fully integrated into the door lock. This results in a particularly compact, modular, and vehicle-independent solution that can be retrofitted into existing vehicle systems and flexibly integrated into new platform concepts. The functionality is entirely limited to the door module, thus eliminating the need for any specific infrastructure in the rest of the vehicle.This not only simplifies implementation in different vehicle variants, but also significantly reduces development, approval, and wiring costs. Furthermore, Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft makes this possible.

[0074] This architecture offers a high degree of independence from vehicle manufacturers or vehicle equipment and opens up new possibilities for accessory and retrofit solutions with high safety standards. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft

[0075] Reference symbol list

[0076] 1 door lock

[0077] 2 electronic control units

[0078] 3 Interface for opening the door lock from inside the building 4 Child safety lock

[0079] 5 receiver module

[0080] 6 Locking device

[0081] 7 Child seat

[0082] 8 RFID transponders

Claims

Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Patent claims 1. Door lock (1) for a motor vehicle door, with an electronic control unit (2) integrated in the door lock (1), an interface (3) for opening the door lock (1) from inside the vehicle and an activatable and deactivatable child safety lock (4) which, when activated, prevents the door lock (1) from being opened from inside the vehicle, wherein the electronic control unit (2) has a receiver module (5) with which an activation signal can be received, which indicates the presence of a child seat (7) in the interior of the vehicle, and is designed to activate the child safety lock (4) upon receipt of the activation signal.

2. Door lock (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving module (5) is an RFID module configured to send a query signal to cause an RFID transponder (8) in a child seat (7) to send the activation signal as an RFID signal that can be received by the RFID module.

3. Door lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving module (5) is configured to receive an activation signal actively emitted by a child seat (7).

4. Door lock (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving module (5) has a radio receiving module for Bluetooth and / or at least one other active near field communication protocol.

5. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (2) is configured to respond to a received activation signal. Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft The child lock (4) will only be activated if the signal strength of the activation signal exceeds a predefined threshold.

6. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (2) is configured to issue an optical and / or acoustic warning when the child lock (4) has been activated upon receipt of an activation signal.

7. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (2) is configured to automatically deactivate the child lock (4) when the activation signal has not been received for at least a predefined period of time.

8. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (2) is configured such that the child safety lock (4) is only activated when the activation signal has a predetermined identifier.

9. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (2) is configured to transmit a control signal to a superior vehicle unit or a central control unit in order to trigger a safety or status indicator there.

10. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving module (5) is configured to receive such an activation signal which is transmitted by means of an inductive or capacitive coupling mechanism.

11. Door lock (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the door lock (1) additionally has a manual activation or deactivation device for the child safety lock (4), wherein the electronic control unit (2) is configured to detect and take into account the state of this device.