DE102022104045A1 - Vehicle door for a motor vehicle and method for operating such a vehicle door - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle, with an electronic operating element (3) on the outside of the door, via which an electric door lock (4) can be opened, and with a handle element (5) for opening the vehicle door (1). to create, by means of which a comfortable opening process can be implemented by the operator, the control element (3) is integrated into the handle element (5) and has at least one touch sensor device (8), by means of which a door opening signal for electrically opening the door lock (4) can be produced.The invention also relates to a method for operating such a vehicle door (1).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle door for a motor vehicle with an electronic control element on the outside of the door according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a vehicle door according to the preamble of patent claim 10.

Such a vehicle door is already known, for example, from the Ford Mustang Mach-E (model year 2021). There is an electronic control element on the outside of a door pillar covering of the vehicle door, via which an electric door lock can be unlocked or opened, whereby the vehicle door is opened a short distance from its closed position as a result of the sealing forces. As a result, a handle element becomes accessible, via which the vehicle door can be opened manually. In this case, the grip element extends so as to overlap with a decorative strip at the height of a belt edge of the vehicle door and consequently only becomes free or tangible when the vehicle door is moved out of its closed position.

The problem here is that in order to actuate the door lock using the control element and to open the door manually using the handle element, an uncomfortable gripping position by the operator is required.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a vehicle door and a method for operating it, by means of which a comfortable opening process can be implemented by the operator.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle door having the features of patent claim 1 . Advantageous configurations with favorable developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

The vehicle door according to the invention comprises an external electronic control element, via which an electric door lock can be opened, and a handle element for opening the vehicle door. According to the invention, it is provided here that the operating element is integrated into the handle element and has at least one touch sensor device, by means of which a door opening signal for electrically opening the door lock can be generated. Since the control element or the touch sensor device (English: touch sensor) is integrated into the handle element, it is therefore possible to unlock or open the electric door lock and then manually the vehicle door with just one manual operating attack or without changing the operator's hand to open. In this case, the touch sensor device generates an electrical signal or the like, by means of which the electric door lock or an associated actuator or the like is actuated in order to unlock the door lock. Overall, it is therefore clear that the vehicle door can be opened manually particularly easily and quickly in the present case, in that the electric door lock is first unlocked by touching the touch sensor device of the operating element and then the operator, without having to change his position, directly in the position by means of which the touch sensor device is activated , can manually open the vehicle door further.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the grip element is arranged in the area of a belt edge and/or a door pillar trim. As a result, the handle element can be arranged discreetly in a particularly favorable manner, so that on the one hand this hardly disturbs the aerodynamics of the vehicle in the area of the vehicle door and on the other hand the desire for a vehicle door without a door handle can be realized by only having an extremely small handle element, for example, in the area of the belt edge and/or the door pillar trim is required. However, a door handle in the area below the curb of the vehicle is not required. In this respect, the vehicle door is a handle-less door.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the operating element has at least one display of at least one operating state, an electrical state of charge or the like. Such displays can be designed, for example, as LED strips or the like. In particular, in addition to a charge state of the respective components of the vehicle door, this can also indicate whether the vehicle door is locked or unlocked.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the operating element can be activated by a near-field communication device. Such a near-field communication device can be arranged, for example, within the control element and interact, for example, with a remote control that can be actuated by the operator or which interacts with the on-board near-field communication device when the operator approaches the vehicle.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the vehicle door includes an electric door brake device. Such, instead of bans Dern or mechanical door brakes used electric door brake devices have the particular advantage that the door movement forces can be reduced to the potential energy that occurs, for example, when the motor vehicle is in an inclined position, or down to the respective forces resulting from hinge friction. Furthermore, intelligent holding functions of the vehicle door in different positions are possible with such electric door brake devices, for example depending on an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle door or depending on an approaching movement of the operator to the vehicle.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the vehicle door includes an electric door closing device. As a result, the manual closing of the vehicle door can be considerably simplified, since the sealing forces when the vehicle door is moved into the closed position can be overcome by the door-pulling device.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the vehicle door has an electrical opening device for opening the vehicle door from its closed position over a short distance and against high forces. Such high forces from the closed position of the vehicle door arise, for example, when the door is iced up or after a collision, in particular a side collision. In order to ensure reliable opening of the vehicle door in such a case, the electric opening device according to the invention is of great advantage.

In a further embodiment of the invention, this electric opening device can be designed as part of the electric door lock, for example as part of the electric door closing device with an opposite force effect, or as a separate structural unit, by means of which the vehicle door can be opened a short distance from the closed position when the electric door lock is open can be moved outwards.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if a control device is integrated into the vehicle door, which is designed to control the electronic operating element, the electric door lock, the electric door brake device, the electric door pull device and the electric opening device. Such a control device provided inside the door with a corresponding electronic architecture allows the desired functions to be implemented in a particularly favorable manner.

The invention also includes a method for operating such a vehicle door, the advantages of which can be derived from the advantages of the vehicle door already described.

Further features of the invention result from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawings.

The only figure shows a detail side view of a passenger car with a front and a rear vehicle door on each side of the vehicle, which are designed with symbolically indicated components for electrical or electronic control of the vehicle door.

The figure shows a front and a rear vehicle door 1, 2 of a passenger car. Although the present invention is explained in connection with these vehicle doors 1, 2, it is also conceivable that the vehicle door is designed differently than the pivoting doors that are hinged at the front in the present case, but instead, for example, as a vehicle door that can be moved or designed as a tailgate, rear door or the like.

In the present case, the front vehicle door 1 is designed in a basic variant, the rear vehicle door 2 with corresponding special equipment.

The front vehicle door 1 includes a symbolically indicated electronic operating element 3 on the outside of the door, via which an operator or vehicle occupant, in particular the driver here, can gain access to the vehicle interior. This operating element 3 can be used to control an electric door lock 4 , which is also indicated only symbolically, of the front vehicle door 1 and can accordingly be unlocked or opened. Accordingly, the present electric door lock 4 is equipped, for example, with an electric actuator or the like actuating element or drive, so that the electric door lock 4 is unlocked as a result of a corresponding signal initiated by the operating element 3 or can also be locked if necessary.

In the present case, the operating element 3 is integrated into a handle element 5 , which is also indicated only extremely schematically and which is arranged in the region of a curb 6 in the present case. As an alternative to this, the handle element 5 can also be arranged at a different location, in particular in the area of a rear door pillar panel 7 of the front vehicle door 1 .

The grip element 5 can in particular be formed as an outermost small wing or the like in the area of the edge 6 and, for example, protrudes obliquely upwards, which is formed far smaller than shown in the single figure. The size in the only figure is therefore not true to scale, but rather much larger than the actual handle element 5 for the sake of clarity.

The operating element 3 can be protected, for example, on an inner side of the grip element 5 facing away from the outside and can therefore be arranged largely hidden from the outside. However, the control panel 3 is arranged in such a way that it is correspondingly visible to the operator when approaching the vehicle. However, an arrangement of the control panel 3 that is visible and accessible from the outside is also possible.

In the present case, the control element 3 comprises at least one touch sensor device 8, which is also referred to as a touch sensor system. This touch sensor device 8 can react, for example, as an inductive sensor device to direct finger contact or, for example, as a capacitive sensor device to a corresponding approach by means of a finger or the like. Other solutions for the present touch sensor device 8 are also conceivable, for example using a piezo or PTC button, or a button that is covered by a metal cover (English: metal over cap).

If, for example, the corresponding contact sensor device 8 is touched manually when the operating element 3 is activated, a door opening signal for electrically unlocking or opening the door lock 4 is generated and the vehicle door is thereby only opened outwards from the closed position shown here as a result of the sealing forces acting on the outside of the vehicle. Since the operating element 3 or the touch sensor device 8 is integrated in the handle element 5, the operator does not need to reach around to open the vehicle door 1 further manually, but can use the handle element 5 to effect the corresponding pivoting movement of the vehicle door 1, which is designed here as a pivoting door. In other words, it is therefore possible for the operator of the front vehicle door 1 to trigger the opening process of the door lock 4 with just a single movement, first by touching the touch sensor device 1 and then without further gripping by means of the grip element 5, in which the operating element 3 with the Touch sensor device 9 is integrated, moved further into the open position. This allows the vehicle door 1 to be opened particularly easily, quickly and conveniently.

Furthermore, the vehicle door 1 includes a schematically indicated electric door brake device 9, which is presently arranged in the front area of the vehicle door 1 close to its door pivot axis. In contrast to a tether or a mechanical door brake, the advantage of such an electric door brake device 9 is that door movement forces can be reduced to possible potential energy caused by the vehicle being on a slope and the resulting forces, as well as to forces resulting from hinge friction. In other words, it is consequently possible to reduce the door opening movement by those forces which act on the vehicle door 1, for example, due to an inclined position of the vehicle, or by forces which are introduced, for example, by hinge friction. In addition, such an electric door brake device 9 allows the vehicle door to be held at different opening pivot angles or opening states. In particular, the open position or the opening pivot angle can also be adjusted here, depending on the side from which a vehicle seat occupant approaches the vehicle.

A door-closing device 10 is also integrated into the vehicle door 1 , which in the present case is associated with the electric door lock 4 arranged schematically at the rear end of the vehicle door 1 . Such a door-closing device 10, which is usually referred to as soft-close in English, enables, by means of a corresponding catch device and a drive, for example an electric drive, that the vehicle door can be closed when it is closed, in particular when it is closed manually using the handle element 5, and after a position has been reached just before the closed position is caught and moved against the sealing forces of the door seal of the vehicle door 1 into the closed position. In particular, when manually closing the vehicle door 1 can thus be avoided by a significant manual effort to reach the closed position the vehicle door 1 only has to be brought close to the closed position, after which the door closing device 10 takes over the final closing process in the closed position. As an alternative to integrating the door closing device 10 into the electric door lock 4, a separate design of this structural unit would also be conceivable here.

Below the door lock 4 at the rear end of the vehicle door 1 there is also a schematically indicated opening device 11 for opening the vehicle door 1 from its closed position over a short distance against high forces, for example of up to 1000 N. This opening device 11 can therefore be used to generate forces in particular in the event of an emergency opening due to ice or a crash in order to overcome the closed position of the vehicle door 1 . Corresponding forces, which result, for example, from icing of the vehicle door 1 or from a collision, in particular a side collision of the motor vehicle in the area of the vehicle door 1, are correspondingly overcome. For this purpose, the opening device 11 has, for example, a corresponding drive so that corresponding forces can be applied between the vehicle door 1 and the body shell of the motor vehicle by means of a plunger or the like in order to open the vehicle door 1 from its closed position. The opening device 11 must interact with the electric door lock 4 and the door closing device 10 in the sense that the electric door lock 4 or the door closing device 10 must be separated or opened accordingly from the vehicle door 1 .

The electric opening device 11 can be designed as part of the electric door lock 4 and can be represented, for example, by the opposite direction of movement of the door closing device 10, ie outwards in the direction of travel. A separate design of the opening device 11 is also conceivable.

A near-field communication device (NFC) 12 is preferably also integrated into the control element 3 and is provided or designed to communicate, for example, with a remote control element of an operator, in particular the driver. The control element 3 can be activated and switched on accordingly by a corresponding, possibly manual signal or by the operator approaching the vehicle (English comfort access), so that it is switched on to carry out the other functions. Conversely, the control panel 3 can also be deactivated by means of the wireless data exchange between the near-field communication device 12 and a remote control or the like, for example by manually operating the remote control or by moving away from the vehicle. Of course, it is also conceivable for the near-field communication device 12 to be arranged not in the area of the operating element 3 but at a different location on the vehicle.

Furthermore, at least one display of at least one operating state, an electrical charge state or the like is integrated into the operating element 3 . This at least one display 13 can therefore be used to indicate to an operator of the vehicle door 1 that the vehicle door 1 is open or closed, that it is functioning properly, or the like. The state of charge, for example, of the electrical units of the vehicle door 1 or of the entire vehicle can also be displayed. In addition, further electronic displays, sensors or the like can be integrated into the operating element 3 .

Finally, a control device 14 integrated into the vehicle door 1 can be seen, which is designed to control the electronic operating element 3, the electric door lock 4, the electric door brake device 9, the electric door closing device 10 and the electric opening device 11 accordingly.

A corresponding electronic architecture of the individual components within the vehicle door 1 is required for this. Accordingly, the control device 14 is designed to activate the control element 3 with corresponding signaling by means of a remote control element and corresponding wireless data transmission via the near-field communication device 12 and then to bring about an electrical opening of the door lock 4 when the touch sensor device 8 of the control element 3 is touched. Furthermore, the control device 14 is designed to control the manual door opening movement by means of the door braking device 9 with regard to the door movement forces and the opening pivot angle. In addition, the control device 14 is designed to activate or control the door closing device 10 when the door is closed manually until the vehicle door 1 has reached its closed position again. The control device 14 is also designed to correspondingly control the opening device 11 in the event of icing or in the event of a crash. Finally, the control device 14 is also designed to deactivate the operating element 3 when there is a corresponding signal or when the operator or the remote control is removed. The control device 14 can use the signals from other sensors, cameras or the like, which are integrated discretely in the vehicle door 1, for example or are arranged elsewhere in the vehicle or outside of the vehicle.

Analogously to the front vehicle door 1 , the rear vehicle door 2 also has an electronic control element 3 on the outside of the door, via which an electric door lock 4 can be opened, the control element being integrated into the handle element 5 . With regard to the specific design of the grip element 5 with the operating element 3, reference is made to the statements regarding the design of the front vehicle door 1.

In contrast to the embodiment for the front vehicle door 1, the operating element 3 in the present case has at least one sensor device 15 for automatically opening the vehicle door 2 by means of a door drive 17, only indicated schematically, in an automatic mode and a sensor device 16 for manually opening the vehicle door 2 by means of the handle element 5 and with support by a door operator 17 in a servo mode.

Accordingly, in the present case, the rear vehicle door 2 can be opened by actuating the sensor device 15 in an automatic mode or by actuating the sensor device 16 in an assisting servo mode. For this purpose, a common door drive 17 can be used for the automatic mode and the servo mode. As an alternative to this, however, it would also be conceivable to use separate door drives to implement the automatic mode and the servo mode.

In the present case, the door drive 17 is arranged schematically in the front area of the rear vehicle door 2 near the door pivot axis. In this case, the door drive 17 has a corresponding electric motor, actuator or similar actuating means, by means of which an automatic mode or a servo mode is activated as a result of the respective actuation of the sensor device 15 or 16 . The door drive 17 also assumes the function of a door braking device, i.e. it limits, for example, the respective opening positions or opening pivot angle of the vehicle door 2. In addition, the door drive may also assume the function of the door closing device 10, as is described in connection with the front vehicle door 1. However, analogous to the embodiment according to 1 - A separate door closing device 10 may be provided, as is the case here. In this respect, reference is made to the explanations in connection with the front vehicle door 1 for the function of the door-closing device 10 .

How the sensor device 15 or the sensor device 16 is actuated, both of which can be embodied as touch sensor devices, as has already been described in connection with the exemplary embodiment based on the front vehicle door 1, a signal is first sent to open or unlock the electric Door lock 4, so that the vehicle door 2 is opened as a result of the sealing forces acting through the door seal or is subsequently either opened automatically in automatic mode by means of the door drive 17 or can be opened accordingly when the sensor device 16 is actuated, as is already the case with the front vehicle door 1 has been described. Here again, it is advantageous that there is no need to manually change grip between operating the sensor device 16 and opening the vehicle door 2 by actuating the handle element 5 .

While the door drive 17 automatically takes over the entire opening process of the vehicle door 2 when opening in automatic mode, the door drive 17 acts in the manner of the door brake device of the front vehicle door 1 with regard to the limitation of the door opening or corresponding door stops. In addition, the door drive 17 can provide appropriate support in terms of force , so that a light touch is sufficient to move the vehicle door 2 . Accordingly, both potential energy acting on the vehicle door 2 and hinge frictional forces can be absorbed with the door drive 17 in the servo mode.

Overall, it is thus clear that an operating element 3 integrated into the handle element 5 is created, in which on the one hand automatic actuation of the vehicle door 2 and on the other hand servo-assisted actuation of the vehicle door 2 both when opening and when closing is possible. The respective mode can also be different or changed when the door is opened or closed. For this purpose, only the corresponding sensor device 15, 16 must be touched.

Analogously to the front vehicle door 1, a corresponding opening device 11 is also provided for the rear vehicle door 2 to overcome forces, for example as a result of ice or an accident. In this respect, too, reference is made to the explanations in connection with the front vehicle door 1 . Corresponding displays 13 with regard to the open or closed state of the vehicle door 2, the state of charge or also with regard to the automatic or servo mode can also be provided in the present operating element 3 of the rear vehicle door 2. In this respect, reference is made to the statements Reference is made to this in connection with the front vehicle door 1 .

In addition, we also refer to the explanations in connection with the front vehicle door 1 with regard to the near-field communication device 12 .

A plurality of sensors 18 for monitoring the surroundings, detecting obstacles or the like are also provided in particular in the rear vehicle door 2 . These sensors are required in particular for generating signals, based on which the door drive 17 can be controlled both in automatic mode and in servo mode. Such sensors 18 are also provided in the front vehicle door 1 to control the door brake device 9 or other components.

The individual electrical or electronic components of the rear vehicle door 2 are also controlled in the present case by means of a control device 14 which is designed to control the electronic operating element 3 , the electric door lock 4 , the door drive 17 and the electric opening device 11 . A corresponding electronic architecture of the individual components within the vehicle door 1 is required for this.

Accordingly, the control device 14 is also designed here to generate a corresponding signal by means of the near-field communication device 12 by actuating a remote control element or approaching the same to the vehicle in order to activate the control element 3 . Furthermore, the control device 14 is designed to first activate the electric door lock 4 and to generate a corresponding unlocking or opening process, depending on the actuation of the sensor device 15 or 16 when the vehicle door 2 is opened, and then depending on the actuation of the sensor device 15 or 16 To control door drive 17 in automatic mode or in servo mode. In addition, the control device 14 is designed to activate the opening device 11 in the event of icing or in the event of a crash.

Reference List

1

vehicle door

2

vehicle door

3

control element

4

door lock

5

grip element

6

curb

7

door pillar trim

8th

touch sensor device

9

door braking device

10

door pull device

11

opening device

12

near field communication facility

13

Advertisement

14

control device

15

sensor device

16

sensor device

17

door drive

18

sensors

Claims (10)

Vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle, with an electronic control element (3) on the outside of the door, via which an electric door lock (4) can be opened, and with a handle element (5) for opening the vehicle door (1), characterized in that the control element ( 3) is integrated into the handle element (5) and has at least one touch sensor device (8), by means of which a door opening signal for electrically opening the door lock (4) can be generated. Vehicle door (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the grip element (5) is arranged in the region of a belt edge (6) and/or a door pillar trim (7). Vehicle door (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the operating element (3) has at least one display (13) of at least one operating state, an electrical state of charge or the like. Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (3) can be activated by a near-field communication device (12). Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle door (1) comprises an electric door brake device (9). Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle door (1) comprises an electric door closing device (10). Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle door (1) is an electric opening direction (11) for opening the vehicle door (1) from its closed position over a short distance and against high forces. Vehicle door (1) after claim 7 , characterized in that electrical opening device (11) is designed as part of the electric door lock (4) or as a separate structural unit. Vehicle door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device (14) is integrated into the vehicle door (1) and is designed to control the electronic operating element (3), the electric door lock (4), the electric door brake device (9) to control the electric door pull device (10) and the electric opening device (11). Method for operating a vehicle door (1) for a motor vehicle, in which an electric door lock (4) is opened via an electronic operating element (3) on the outside of the door, characterized in that at least one is integrated into a handle element (5) of the vehicle door (1). Touch sensor device (8) a door opening signal for electrically opening the vehicle door (1) can be generated.

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