Patent Publication Number: US-9422752-B2

Title: Motor vehicle door with tamper-proof safety mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2012 023 656.5, filed Nov. 28, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The technical field relates to a motor vehicle door having a door lock and an actuating unit mechanically coupled to the door lock and with a tamper-proof safety mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Motor vehicle doors, which make possible entering the passenger cell of a motor vehicle, are to have a high degree of tamper-proof and anti-theft safety. Accordingly, various test standards exist which represent the various tampering scenarios, which the motor vehicle door should oppose with a maximum of resistance. 
     Thus,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show a popular closing mechanism of a motor vehicle door. Here, the motor vehicle door comprises a supporting door structure  12 , on which an actuating unit  20  is arranged. Spaced from the actuating unit  20 , a door lock  14  is provided, which can be releasably brought into engagement with a lock shackle provided on the body side which is not shown here. 
     The actuating unit  20  in this case is mechanically coupled to the door lock  14  by means of two connecting links  16 ,  18 . Here, the connecting link  16  constitutes an actuating rod, by means of which with unlocked lock  14  for example through actuating a door handle  22  formed on the actuating unit  20  the lock  14  can be opened for releasing the lock shackle. The connecting link  16  thus transmits the mechanical movement of the handle  22  to the lock  14 . 
     In addition, the lock  14  is lockable and unlockable via the further connecting link  18 . For example, the connecting link  18  on the part of the actuating unit  20  is operationally connected to a locking cylinder or to a central locking device. Through a tension or compression loading of the connecting link  18 , the door lock  14  can be optionally transferred from a locked into an unlocked configuration, or vice versa, from an unlocked into a locked configuration. 
       FIG. 1  furthermore shows a possible tampering scenario of the motor vehicle door according to the so-called Thatcham test. Using a tampering tool  44 , a locking cylinder provided for example in the region of the door handle  22  can be pierced or forcibly pushed in. The tampering tool  44  rammed into the actuating unit  20  can then function as a lever. By pivoting for example the tampering tool  44  from the configuration shown in  FIG. 1  downwards, the actuating unit  20  can be subjected to an approximately opposite yet noteworthy shift  46  and position change towards the top. 
     This position change furthermore can be accompanied by a tensile loading  48  of the connecting link  18 , as a result of which the lock  14  is transferable for example from a locked into an unlocked configuration. Through a following actuation of the handle  22 , the door could then be opened without problem and almost free of destruction. 
     Furthermore, a device for arresting a closing cylinder housing in a closing cylinder receptacle in a component mounted in a door is known from EP 1 176 271 A2. Here, a component, which can also carry the handle of the door, forms a receptacle for a closing cylinder housing. Here, the component furthermore forms a counter stop for a spreading tongue, which is pivotally mounted on the locking cylinder housing and, either by means of an additional spring or formation of spring steel, is force-loaded in the direction of spreading-out from the circumference of the closing cylinder housing. Such a device can protect the locking cylinder housing merely against tensile forces acting in cylinder longitudinal direction. 
     In this regard, at least one object is to provide a motor vehicle door with an improved burglar-proof safety mechanism or tamper-proof safety mechanism. This should be integratable into existing door configurations if possible and implementable with low production and assembly expenditure, if possible. The tamper-proof safety mechanism is to be characterized furthermore by a high mechanical strength and by a robust construction. 
     SUMMARY 
     The motor vehicle door provided in this regard comprises a supporting door structure and a door lock, with which the door can be brought into engagement with a lock shackle provided in the region of a door opening on the body side and accordingly is closeable or lockable. Furthermore, the motor vehicle door comprises an actuating unit, which is arranged on the door structure spaced from the door lock and with which at least one connecting link is mechanically coupled to the door lock. 
     The actuating unit in this case comprises for example a door handle that is actuatable by the end user and a closing cylinder or a comparable locking element in order to be able to optionally transfer the door lock which is operationally connected therewith into a locking or unlocking position. Both the actuating of a door handle and/or of a closing cylinder or of a central locking system can be transferred to the door lock in the provided manner by means of the at least one connecting element. 
     In addition, the motor vehicle door comprises a holding part supporting itself on the door structure, which is designed in order to limit a position change of the actuating unit due to external application of force. Here, the holding part is preferably formed separately from the actuating unit and functions as a tamper-proof safety mechanism. By effectively contributing to the position stabilization or position fixing of the actuating unit, the latter can merely be moved to a highly limited degree for example through forces acting from the outside relative to the door structure, but above all only to a very limited degree relative to the door lock. 
     The movement limitation of the actuating unit that is providable via the separate holding part can largely prevent or reduce a movement or tensile loading accompanied by this of the at least one connecting link that is operationally connected to the lock to a degree, that a movement of the connecting link, which is ultimately not entirely avoidable, is in no case sufficient for transferring the door lock for example out of a locking configuration into the unlocking configuration. 
     Here, the holding part can be formed as a movement-limiting stop but also as an anti-rotation safeguard for the actuating unit. In that the holding part is embodied as a separate component that is detached from or independent of the remaining functionality of the actuating unit, already existing motor vehicle door concepts can possibly be also provided or retrofitted with such a holding part. It is at least conceivable that the holding part can be implemented in existing motor vehicle door arrangements. Thus, already existing motor vehicle model series can be modified in the already running production with such a holding part for improving the anti-theft and tamper-proof behavior. 
     According to a further embodiment, the holding part is arranged adjoining the actuating unit on the door structure subject to adhering to a predetermine spacing. The holding part is embodied as a separate component relative to the actuating unit and is specifically and separately arranged on the door structure. In this regard, it constitutes a movement or position-limiting stop for the actuating unit. In that the holding part is arranged subject to maintaining a predetermined spacing from the actuating unit, the holding part during normal operation of the motor vehicle door has no influence on the functioning of the actuating unit and of the door lock operationally connected therewith whatsoever. 
     The predetermined spacing preferentially amounts to a few millimeters, in particular about 1 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 2 mm to about 3 mm, so that taking into account invariable component and assembly tolerances a clear spacing between the actuating unit and the holding part assigned to it can be maintained. The arrangement of the holding part at a predetermined spacing from the actuating unit can counteract the development of possible noises caused through vibration. 
     Spacing between the holding part and the actuating unit however is dimensioned smaller than an actuating amplitude of a connecting link extending between the actuating unit and the door lock provided for unlocking the lock. The spacing between the actuating unit and the holding should therefore be dimensioned in such a manner that shifting or rotating of the actuating unit for example due to external application of force is blockable before an unlocking position of the lock is reached. 
     According to a further embodiment, the holding part has a shaping that corresponds to an outer contour portion of the actuating unit. Here it proves to be advantageous if the holding part and the outer contour portion of the actuating unit assigned to it or directly facing it come to mutually bear against one another over as large as possible an area. In this way, possible concentrated loads can be reduced and an external force otherwise leading to a position change of the actuating unit can be effectively counteracted. 
     According to a further embodiment, the holding part can project into an intermediate space formed between the actuating unit and the door structure at least in regions. Thus, the holding part can extend approximately wedge-like between an inside of the door structure and a corresponding portion of the actuating unit. In this regard, the holding part can also counteract a possible pulling-away force directed in vehicle transverse direction (y) and acting on the actuating unit. 
     In general, the holding part is designed in order to fix the actuating unit with respect to its position in a door plane formed by the door structure. With closed vehicle door, the door plane substantially extends in vehicle vertical direction (z) and in vehicle longitudinal direction (x), consequently parallel to the plane of a side window arranged in the region of the door. 
     According to a further embodiment it is provided that the holding part is assigned to a side of the actuating unit that faces away from the at least one connecting link. In this way, the holding part can effectively prevent that spacing between actuating unit and door lock is enlarged for example due to external application of force. Accordingly, the holding part can contribute to limiting in terms of amplitude possible tensile forces on the at least one connecting link caused in particular due to external application of force. 
     According to a further embodiment, the holding part can furthermore comprise a V-shaped or S-shaped cross-sectional geometry. Individual legs of a V or S-shaped cross-sectional geometry in this case can be connected to the door structure on the one hand and on the other hand facing the actuating unit be formed adapted to an outer contour portion of the actuating unit. 
     Naturally, the holding part should be formed as dimensionally stable as possible and in a flexurally and torsionally stiff manner. Advantageously, the holding part is therefore formed as a metal component, for example as a solid metal cast component. However, it is also conceivable to form the holding part from a comparatively dimensionally stable and consequently high-strength metal plate. 
     According to a further embodiment thereof, the holding part facing the actuating unit comprises a bearing leg, which substantially extends parallel to an outer contour portion of the actuating element located opposite. The shaping and orientation of stop leg and outer contour portion which correspond to one another makes possible a comparatively large bearing surface in the event of a load, so that any forces externally acting in the actuating unit can be absorbed as best as possible and discharged into the door structure. 
     With an approximately S-shaped configuration of the holding part, it is provided according to a further development that a center piece of the holding part adjoining the bearing leg substantially extends perpendicularly to the adjoining outer contour of the actuating unit. By means of an S-shaped configuration and with a centerpiece substantially extending perpendicularly to the outer contour portion of the actuating unit, a particular resistance is provided for the holding part to an external application of force. Furthermore, the dimensioning, in particular the size and/or the wall thickness of the holding part can be reduced in an advantageous manner for example for weight reduction through such a geometrical design. 
     According to a further embodiment, at least one reinforcement rib or reinforcement bead can also be provided in a transition region from the centerpiece to the adjoining bearing leg and/or to an adjoining fastening leg of the holding part. By introducing such a rib or a bead formed through stamping in the bent transition from the centerpiece to one of the adjoining legs, bearing legs or fastening legs, the flexural and torsional stiffness of the holding part can be further reinforced. 
     According to a further embodiment, the holding part is furthermore fastened to the door structure via at least two fastening points which are spaced from one another. A multiple fastening is provided for the holding part to the door structure, which can be fastened with adequate strength and structural stiffness to any supporting components of the door structure. Here it is provided in particular that the holding part is fastened to the door structure in a materially joined manner. In particular, the holding part can be multiply welded and/or glued to the door structure. 
     According to a further embodiment, the holding part can be connected in particular to a window well reinforcement of the door structure. The window well reinforcement in this case runs approximately horizontally, based on the vehicle vertical direction (z) approximately above the actuating unit. With a fastening leg facing the door structure, the holding part can for example be multiply fastened along the window well reinforcement, in particular welded thereto. 
     Additionally or alternatively holding part according to a further configuration can also be connected to a door outer panel via a further fastening point in a materially joined manner. The fastening point in this case can in particular be formed as a glued joint, so that the holding part for example at a predetermined spacing from the window well reinforcement is connectable in addition to a further component of the door structure, namely to an outer door panel. In this regard, the holding part which can be multiply fastened to different components of the door structure can also contribute to the structural stiffening of the entire door structure. 
     According to a further embodiment, a motor vehicle is finally provided, which comprises at least one previously described motor vehicle door with a holding part supporting itself on the respective door structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing Figs., wherein like numerals denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  a sectioned representation through a motor vehicle door according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  a representation of the motor vehicle door according to  FIG. 1  with an actuating unit levered upwards; 
         FIG. 3  a sectioned representation through a motor vehicle door with a holding part supporting itself on the door structure and providing a tamper-proof safety mechanism in a basic configuration; 
         FIG. 4  a representation corresponding to  FIG. 3  during or after an external application of force on the actuating unit of the motor vehicle door; 
         FIG. 5  a perspective representation of the holding part fastened to a window well reinforcement; and 
         FIG. 6  an enlarged cross section along A-A through the holding part according to  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. 
     In the configuration of a motor vehicle door  10  shown in the  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 6 , a holding part  24  formed approximately S-shaped in cross section is fastened to the door structure  12  above an actuating unit  20 . Through this arrangement, a tampering attempt by means of a tampering tool  44  described in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  can be effectively counteracted. Provided that in this case the tampering tool  44  is now moved from the basic position shown in  FIG. 3  downwards, the actuating unit  20  can only be moved upwards by a significantly smaller dimension compared with the representation according to  FIG. 2 , namely until the actuating unit  20  comes to bear against a bearing leg  30  of the holding part  24  projecting downwards in a movement-limiting manner, such as is shown for example in  FIG. 4 . 
     In this regard, the holding part  24  has a movement-limiting and position-fixing effect on the actuating unit  20 . At best, the actuating unit  20  can only be moved upwards by a comparatively small amount. Consequently, the connecting link  18  can only be shifted upwards by a correspondingly reduced amount with respect to its movement amplitude. A tensile load  48  on the connecting link  18  can be clearly reduced in this regard. 
     The tensile load  48  acting on the connecting link  18  as a result of the slight shifting of the actuating unit is not adequate for unlocking the door lock  14  and accordingly unsuitable. Consequently, the motor vehicle door  10  provided with such a tamper-proof safety mechanism cannot be opened with a method described and sketched in the  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in the enlarged representation according to  FIG. 6 , the holding part  24  comprises a bearing leg  30  running approximately parallel to an outer contour portion  32  of the actuating unit  20  located opposite. The bearing leg  30  and the outer contour portion  32  are arranged at a predetermined spacing  26  from one another in a basic position shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . At least in portions, they run substantially parallel to one another. 
     Furthermore, the bearing leg  30  extends at least in regions in an intermediate space  28  formed by door structure  12  and actuating unit  20 . Thus, the outer contour portion of the actuating unit  20  projects slightly to the inside viewed in vehicle transverse direction (y), so that a type of undercut is formed, in which the bearing leg  30  of the holding part  24  can supportingly engage. 
     The already mentioned spacing  26  between bearing leg and outer contour portion in this case is dimensioned in such a manner that merely a minimal relative movement between actuating unit  20  and holding part  24  is possible, but which with respect to amplitude is not sufficient in order to unlock the door lock  14 . The arrangement of actuating unit  20  and holding part  24  at a predetermined spacing  26  is advantageous with respect to invariable component and/or assembly tolerances and can counteract the development of interfering noises possibly brought about by vibration. 
     Adjoining the bearing leg  30 , the holding part  24  comprises a centerpiece  33 , which extends approximately perpendicularly to the outer contour portion  32  of the actuating unit  20 . Because of this, the holding part  24  can provide a particularly high resistance force to a position change of the actuating unit  20  caused due to external application of force. 
     The transition region between the centerpiece  33  and the bearing leg  30  of the holding part  24  is furthermore provided with a reinforcement rib  35 , which according to the representation according to  FIG. 5  can also be formed as a recessed bead. By means of the reinforcement rib or bead  35 , the structural stiffness and flexural strength of the holding part  24 , taken in isolation, can be increased. 
     On the other end, facing away from the bearing leg  30 , the holding part  24  comprises a fastening leg  31 , which is connected to a supporting component of the door structure  12  with two fastening points  34 ,  36  spaced approximately in vehicle longitudinal direction (x). Preferably, the fastening leg  31  is directly welded to a window well reinforcement  40  of the door structure  12 . 
     Spaced from this, a further fastening point  38  can be additionally provided, via which the fastening leg  31  can be glued for example to an outer door panel  42 . Through the multiple fastening of the holding part  24 , in particular to different components, such as for example the window well reinforcement  40  and the outer door panel  42  of the door structure  12 , the structural stiffness of the door structure  12  as a whole can also be increased. 
     In addition, forces which are externally introduced into the actuating unit  20  via a tampering tool  44  can be particularly reliably discharged into the door structure  12  via the holding part  24  by way of the multiple fastening points  34 ,  36 ,  38  approximately arranged in a triangle. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary and detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.