US20230211725A1

US20230211725A1 - Motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: US20230211725A1
Application number: US17/996,519
Authority: US
Inventors: Thorsten Bendel
Original assignee: Kiekert AG
Current assignee: Kiekert AG
Priority date: 2020-04-21
Filing date: 2021-02-16
Publication date: 2023-07-06
Also published as: EP4139169A1; CN115667656A; WO2021213565A1; WO2021213566A1; CN115697767A; EP4139551A1; EP4139551B1; US20230211724A1

Abstract

A motor vehicle, which is equipped with at least one motor vehicle panel that can be moved with respect to the motor vehicle body. An adjusting unit which comprises an adjusting element with an associated drive is also provided. The adjusting element can be moved relative to the motor vehicle body and/or the motor vehicle panel into at least one retracted and extended position with the aid of the drive. According to the invention, the adjusting element comprises a lighting unit.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one motor vehicle panel that can be moved with respect to a motor vehicle body, and comprising an adjusting unit which comprises an adjusting element with an associated drive, wherein the adjusting element can be moved with respect to the motor vehicle body and/or the motor vehicle panel into at least one retracted and extended position with the aid of the drive.
The motor vehicle panel that can be moved with respect to the motor vehicle body is, within the scope of the invention and not restrictively, a motor vehicle front hood, a motor vehicle tailgate, a motor vehicle charging flap, a motor vehicle tank flap, etc. As a rule, motor vehicle panels, motor vehicle doors, and in particular motor vehicle side doors are considered. These are equipped with the adjusting unit which generally ensures that an associated panel leaf or door leaf is opened after an unlocking and opening process of the associated motor vehicle door.
The adjusting movement of the panel leaf or door leaf takes place at least to the extent that a gap regularly arises between the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door in question and the motor vehicle body, through which the door leaf can be gripped manually and pivoted open in the example. Such a procedure is recommended in particular for handleless motor vehicle doors, i.e., those that do not have an outside door handle, mostly for aerodynamic reasons.
For this purpose, the adjusting unit and thus also the adjusting element can be attached both to the motor vehicle body and to the motor vehicle panel or even to both components. As a rule, the motor vehicle panel is equipped with the adjusting unit. The adjusting unit is typically located in the lateral edge region of the motor vehicle panel, for example in the region of the side edge of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door, which (in the case of a front motor vehicle side door) faces a B-pillar. As a result, the adjusting element can move against the B-pillar in the extended position and thus ensure the desired adjusting movement of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door with respect to the motor vehicle body.
A generic motor vehicle, as described in DE 10 2018 129 403 A1, concerns a driven door presenter system for a motor vehicle. With the aid of the door presenter system, the vehicle door can be moved relative to the vehicle body between a closed position, a presented position and a fully open position. For this purpose, the known door presenter system has an actuator that is connected to the vehicle body or the vehicle door. As a result, a reduced complexity with reduced costs should be observed overall.
A comparable motor vehicle is described in DE 10 2015 003 918 A1. In this case, it is a motor vehicle latch that is equipped with an additional adjusting device. As a result, a vehicle part accommodating the motor vehicle latch can be moved from a closed position into an open position. For this purpose, the adjusting device is at least partially integrated into the motor vehicle latch. In this way, the motor vehicle part can be brought into a defined position in order to avoid damage or incorrect operation. A simple and inexpensive solution is also provided.
The state of the art has proven itself in principle. However, with the known teachings and the motor vehicle panels that are adjusted, there is the general problem that the motor vehicle panel in question is usually swung open manually. This represents a serious source of danger, for example for other motor vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists approaching from behind. Such a source of danger is present in particular in unfavorable visibility conditions, in rain, at night, etc.
Motor vehicle doors that are equipped with a lighting apparatus are already known in the state of the art according to DE 20 2013 005 022 U1. However, the known lighting apparatus is part of an electronic module, which in turn is designed as a plug-in module and engages with at least one plug-in pin in a plug-in receptacle of a recess in the outer door panel. The recess is mostly filled in. With a view to intended motor vehicle panels without door handles, the known solution is ultimately not suitable because a recessed grip in the outer door panel for an outer door handle is typically used as the recess that accommodates the lighting apparatus.
The further state of the art according to DE 20 2006 004 187 U1 relates to an apparatus which comprises at least one vehicle component and a latch unit. The latch unit is also equipped with a lighting unit. Ultimately, this should take over the function of door warning lights and also serve to increase the comfort of boarding, parking, or loading. For this purpose, the lighting unit protrudes at least partially through a recess in the vehicle component. The vehicle component is typically a tailgate of a passenger vehicle. In this case, too, modifications to the tailgate in the form of the recess are required again in order to equip the known lighting unit with the desired function.
Such modifications to the motor vehicle panel reduce the willingness of motor vehicle manufacturers to install such lighting units on the one hand and result in increased costs on the other. This is where the invention comes in.
The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a motor vehicle in such a way that modifications are avoided as far as possible and a perfect warning function is nevertheless implemented, and that with little overall effort.
To solve this technical problem, a generic motor vehicle is characterized within the scope of the invention in that the adjusting element has a lighting unit.
At this point, the invention is based on the knowledge that the motor vehicle panel and, in particular, the motor vehicle door that can be moved with respect to the motor vehicle body can advantageously be designed without handles, i.e., can perform their desired function without an outer door handle on an outer door panel. This is ensured by the adjusting unit, with the help of which the handleless motor vehicle panel and, in particular, the motor vehicle door can be opened with the formation of a gap relative to the motor vehicle body at least to such an extent that a user is able to swing open the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door completely through the gap.
The invention now uses the obligatory adjusting element that is provided anyway in this context in that it is equipped with the lighting unit. Not only can the lighting unit take on the desired and previously mentioned warning function, but also act and be used in such a way that the comfort of boarding, parking, or loading is thereby increased.
For this purpose, the adjusting element is generally accommodated in a recess in the retracted state. The recess is typically found in the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door that can be moved with respect to the motor vehicle body. This ensures that the adjusting element equipped according to the invention with the lighting unit is moved together with the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door during the opening process. As a result, the lighting unit together with the adjusting element assumes an exposed position in the open state on the one hand and any warning function is reinforced by the movement of the lighting unit together with the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door. In addition, as a result, i.e., by the movement of the lighting unit during the opening process, it is also possible to increase the comfort of boarding or parking, as will be described in more detail below.
As a rule, the adjusting element is designed to be linearly movable. This means that, in order to change from the retracted to the extended position, the adjusting element is moved linearly with respect to the recess. The travel direction of the adjusting element associated with this is typically oriented perpendicularly to the surface region of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door. In addition, the adjusting element is generally located on a side edge of the panel leaf or door leaf, usually on a side edge adjacent to the B-pillar of the motor vehicle body.
Here, the invention is based on the knowledge that typically at least the front motor vehicle side door or driver's door is equipped with such an adjusting unit in order to be able to open the motor vehicle as a whole. Of course, all motor vehicle panels or motor vehicle doors can also be equipped with such an adjusting unit. In addition, the adjusting element can generally also be moved and acted upon up to an intermediate position between the retracted and the extended position with the aid of the drive.
The lighting unit generally extends along the linear travel direction of the adjusting element. In this way, the lighting unit becomes increasingly visible when the adjusting element is moved with respect to the recess. As a result, the vehicle user can additionally check the proper functioning of the adjusting element. This is only given if the lighting unit is exposed completely with respect to the recess in the extended position of the adjusting element.
Various measures are provided in order to realize and implement the previously mentioned different functions of the lighting unit in the sense of a warning function, a boarding function, a parking function, or a loading function. In fact, the lighting unit has at least one LED that emits light in a rear region of the motor vehicle. With the help of this LED, which usually emits red, a warning function can be displayed which, through its radiation behavior in the rear region of the motor vehicle, ensures that motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc. approaching from here can adjust to the motor vehicle panel that is open with respect to the motor vehicle body.
In addition, there is the possibility that the lighting unit alternatively or additionally has at least one LED directed toward a pivoting region of the motor vehicle panel. With the help of this lighting unit, which is usually designed as a white light LED, the overall comfort of boarding and parking can be increased. This is because the swiveling region is illuminated by swinging open the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle door, so that any obstacles present at this point, a puddle of water, etc. can be easily detected by a user willing to enter.
Furthermore, the lighting unit is advantageously equipped with at least one LED directed into the interior of the motor vehicle body. In this case, the loading comfort can be increased by such an LED, which typically also emits in the white range, because the interior of the motor vehicle body is at least partially illuminated with its help. In this case, the invention generally works together with all three LEDs.
The adjusting element, including the drive, can advantageously be a component of a motor vehicle locking device and preferably a motor vehicle latch, as is already generally described in DE 10 2015 03 918 A1. This has the advantage that assembly is simplified overall because the adjusting unit and the obligatory motor vehicle latch do not have to be assembled separately on or in the flap leaf or door leaf, but rather a single assembly step is sufficient within the scope of this variant. In addition, the motor vehicle latch is in any case arranged on a side edge of the flap leaf or door leaf and is therefore in a position that is particularly suitable for the attachment of the adjusting unit.
There is another possibility here that the adjusting element does not hit the B-pillar, but rather a latch holder connected to the B-pillar. In general, the adjusting element can also interact with a door seal.
The integration of the adjusting element, including the drive, in the motor vehicle locking device and preferably the motor vehicle latch has the further advantage that, in addition to the assembly, the manufacturing costs are also reduced. This is because the adjusting element or the adjusting unit and the motor vehicle latch can use a common housing. In addition, an additional energy storage unit is generally provided for supplying energy to the lighting unit. This energy storage unit can also be integrated into the motor vehicle locking device and advantageously the motor vehicle latch. As a result, the energy storage unit can be used both for any emergency operation of the motor vehicle latch and the adjusting unit. Herein lie the substantial advantages.
As a result, a motor vehicle is described which is equipped with an adjusting unit for the motor vehicle panel. By equipping the adjusting element with the lighting unit, the adjusting unit takes on an additional function in addition to its original adjusting function, namely it can be used as a warning notice. This also makes boarding, parking, or loading of the motor vehicle easier. Herein lie the substantial advantages.
The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to drawings which show only one exemplary embodiment. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the motor vehicle according to the invention having the adjusting unit,

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal section of the object from FIG. 1 , and

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the adjusting unit.

A motor vehicle is shown in the figures. The motor vehicle is not restricted to a passenger car. In principle, a truck can also be implemented at this point. Either way, the motor vehicle has a motor vehicle body 1 and a motor vehicle panel 2 that can be moved with respect to the motor vehicle body 1. The motor vehicle panel 2 is specifically a motor vehicle door and in particular a front motor vehicle side door 2. The motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 can be pivoted open about an axis A with respect to the motor vehicle body 1. This is usually done manually after the motor vehicle side door 2 has been opened with respect to the motor vehicle body 1.
In order to be able to open the motor vehicle side door 2, an adjusting unit 3, 4 is implemented. The adjusting unit 3, 4 consists essentially of an adjusting element 3 and an associated drive 4. It can be seen that the adjusting element 3 can be moved linearly with the aid of the drive 4, which of course is not restrictive.
In the course of the adjusting process, the adjusting element 3 performs a movement, which can be seen in particular in FIG. 2 , specifically along a travel direction R which is predominantly oriented perpendicular to the surface extension of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 in the specific example. The adjusting element 3 in question changes from a retracted position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 to an extended position shown in solid lines (and vice versa).
Due to the movement process of the adjusting element 3, said adjusting element moves against the motor vehicle body 1 or a B-pillar 5 located there in the example. This is because the adjusting unit 3, 4 is arranged on a side edge of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 according to the exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2 . The side edge of the motor vehicle panel 2 in question is that which is oriented adjacent to the B-pillar 5 in the example.
As soon as the adjusting element 3 has assumed its extended position shown as a solid line in FIG. 2 , a gap is set, between the motor vehicle body 1 and the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2, through which a user can grasp the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 and manually swing said door fully open about its axis A with respect to the motor vehicle body 1. This is particularly the case with handleless motor vehicle panels 2, i.e., those that do without an outside door handle for aerodynamic reasons.
The adjusting element 3 can remain in its extended position, shown as a solid line in FIG. 2 , when the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 equipped herewith is opened in comparison to the motor vehicle body 1. As soon as the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 is closed, the drive 4 is controlled in such a way that the adjusting element 3 is transferred to its retracted position. Of course, this retracted position can also be assumed independently of this, as soon as another signal ensures that the drive 4 is acted upon and the adjusting element 3 is transferred to the retracted position. This signal may come from a switch, a handle, etc. on the motor vehicle panel 2 or inside the motor vehicle body 1.
According to the invention, the adjusting element 3 is now equipped with a lighting unit 6. This lighting unit 6 is usually arranged along the linear travel direction R of the adjusting element 3 or extends along the travel direction R in question. In addition, the lighting unit 6 is usually not located on a front or top surface of the adjusting element 3 which is cuboid in the exemplary embodiment. This means that the lighting unit 6 generally radiates into a rear region of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2. Radiation downward and in the direction of the interior of the motor vehicle body 1 is usually also implemented.
For this purpose, the lighting unit 6 according to the exemplary embodiment has a total of three LEDs 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c. The LED 6 a radiates into the rear region of the motor vehicle and is typically designed to glow red in order to be able to assume a warning function. This is because the red light of the LED 6 a radiating in the rear region is advantageously picked up and registered by other motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc. approaching the motor vehicle from behind. The fact that the adjusting element 3, together with the lighting unit 6 and the motor vehicle panel 2, is particularly taken into account when pivoting about the axis A due to the movement also contributes to this.
The lighting unit 6 is also equipped with a further LED 6 b. This LED 6 b is directed toward a pivoting region S of the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 indicated in FIG. 2 . In this way, a user willing to enter is informed in particular about the condition of the ground in the pivoting region S and any obstacles located there. For this purpose, the LED 6 b is usually a white light LED.
According to the exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit 6 is then also equipped with a further, third LED 6 c. According to the exemplary embodiment, this third LED 6 c is located on an end face of the cuboid adjusting element 3. In contrast, the LED 6 a is arranged on the back and the LED 6 b is arranged on the underside of the cuboid adjusting element 3.
By attaching the LED 6 c to the front side of the adjusting element 3 and due to the fact that this LED 6 c usually emits white light, the lighting unit 6 ensures that the LED 6 c in question is directed toward the interior of the motor vehicle body 1. As a result, the interior is particularly advantageously illuminated for any loading processes or for getting in.
It is clear from FIG. 1 that, in addition to the adjusting unit 3, 4, a motor vehicle locking device 7 is also implemented. In the example, the motor vehicle locking device 7 is a motor vehicle latch 7. In the exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle latch 7 is designed as a so-called electric latch, i.e., it has an electric motor drive, with the aid of which a locking mechanism (not expressly shown), consisting of a pawl and catch, can be opened. The motor vehicle latch 7 on the motor vehicle panel or motor vehicle side door 2 interacts with a latch holder 8 attached to the B-pillar 5 of the motor vehicle body 1.
Within the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting element 3 including the drive 4, i.e., the entire adjusting unit 3, 4, is a component of the motor vehicle locking device and, according to the exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle latch 7. This means that the adjusting unit 3, 4 is integrated into the motor vehicle latch 7. Of course, this only applies in the specific example case and is not to be understood as limiting. In addition, an energy storage unit 9 is also implemented, with the help of which the lighting unit 6 can be supplied with the required electrical energy.
It can be seen from the illustration in particular in FIG. 1 that the energy storage unit 9 is integrated into the motor vehicle locking device or the motor vehicle latch 7. In this way, not only can the energy storage unit 9 supply the lighting unit 6 with the required electrical energy, but it is in principle also available for an emergency opening of the motor vehicle latch 7, namely in the event that a main power source arranged inside the motor vehicle body 1 should fail. In addition, due to this design, the adjusting unit 3, 4 can also be supplied with the required electrical energy by the energy storage unit 9 during emergency operation.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Motor vehicle body
2 Motor vehicle side door
3 Adjusting element
4 Drive
5 B-pillar
6 Lighting unit
6 a, 6 b, 6 c LED
7 Motor vehicle locking device
8 Latch switch
9 Energy storage unit

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising:

a motor vehicle panel and a motor vehicle body, wherein the motor vehicle panel is movable with respect to the motor vehicle body, and comprising

an adjusting unit comprising an adjusting element with an associated drive, wherein the adjusting element is movable with respect to at least one of the motor vehicle body and/of the motor vehicle panel into a retracted position and an extended position with the aid of the drive, wherein the adjusting element has a lighting unit.

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element is positioned in a recess in the retracted state.

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element is linearly movable with respect to the recess.

4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit extends along a linear travel direction of the adjusting element.

5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit has at least one LED which radiates into a rear region of the motor vehicle.

6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit has at least one LED directed toward a pivoting region of the motor vehicle panel.

7. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit has at least one LED directed toward an interior of the motor vehicle body.

8. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element including the drive is part of a motor vehicle locking device including a motor vehicle latch.

9. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storage unit for supplying energy to the lighting unit.

10. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the adjusting element is part of a motor vehicle locking device, and the energy storage unit is integrated into the motor vehicle locking device.

11. The motor vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the recess is located in the motor vehicle panel such that the lighting unit moves together with the motor vehicle panel.

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein a travel direction of the adjusting element is perpendicular to a surface region of the motor vehicle panel.

13. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element is located on a side edge of the motor vehicle panel adjacent to a B-pillar of the motor vehicle body.

14. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element is movable with respect to at least one of the motor vehicle body and the motor vehicle panel into an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position with the aid of the drive.

15. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting element has a cuboid configuration.