Actuating mechanism for actuating vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating a vehicle door, said actuating mechanism having a manually actuatable handle part which can be transferred between an initial position, in which the handle part is preferably completely submerged in an outer skin of the vehicle, and an actuated position, in which the handle part is preferably completely submerged in the outer skin of the vehicle; in the actuated position, the handle part at least partially or partially protrudes out of the outer skin of the vehicle, so that a gripping area is formed between the handle part and the exterior of the vehicle. The actuation mechanism also has an actuator associated with the handle member, the actuator being configured to transfer the handle member from its initial position to its actuated position as desired. In particular, according to the invention, the actuator is embodied as a rotary drive with a rotationally drivable drive wheel, the actuator having a transmission, by means of which a rotary movement of the drive wheel can be changed or changed into a linear movement of the handle part.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating a vehicle door, in particular for unlocking and opening a vehicle door. The present invention also relates to a vehicle having an actuating mechanism for unlocking and opening a vehicle door.

[0002] In the automotive industry in particular, vehicle doors and flaps are increasingly no longer opened or closed solely manually, i.e., mechanically. Instead, the doors are increasingly opened or closed, and in particular unlocked, automatically, particularly electrically. For example, electric motors are used to drive the mechanisms for unlocking or locking the doors and flaps as desired. To generate the opening or closing signals to these electric drives or associated control devices, switches may be provided that generate the desired signals when actuated by the user. These switches can be designed as buttons that generate the aforementioned signals when pressed by the user.

[0003] In addition to unlocking the switch, the handle also needs to be pulled so that the door can be opened after unlocking. Handles and buttons are often difficult to reach with just a single hand movement, so unlocking and opening the door usually have to be done separately.

[0004] For the reasons stated above, the object of the present invention is to provide an actuating mechanism for actuating a vehicle door, which can unlock and simultaneously open the door with a single movement. The novel actuating mechanism should blend seamlessly into the overall appearance of the vehicle and be particularly unnoticeable to the observer.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating, in particular unlocking and opening, a vehicle door, wherein the actuating mechanism has the following items:

[0007] a manually actuatable handle element, which is transferable between an initial position, in which the handle element is preferably completely sunken into the vehicle outer skin, in particular into the vehicle door, and an actuated position, in which the handle element at least partially or partially protrudes from the vehicle outer skin, so that a gripping area is formed between the handle element and the exterior of the vehicle, into which gripping area a hand or at least one finger of a user can at least partially enter; and

[0008] An actuator, in particular an electric actuator, associated with the handle part, which actuator is configured for transferring the handle part from its initial position to its actuated position and vice versa as required.

[0009] The actuator of the present invention is particularly distinguished in that the actuator is implemented as a rotary drive device having a drive wheel that is driven or can be driven in a rotational manner, wherein the actuator has a transmission mechanism, and the rotational movement of the drive wheel can be converted or converted into a linear movement of the handle part via the transmission mechanism.

[0010] According to the implementation method of the actuating mechanism of the present invention, it is proposed that the transmission mechanism has a first connecting rod element and at least one second connecting rod element, wherein the first connecting rod element and the at least one second connecting rod element are respectively in operative connection with the drive wheel via a first end area and in operative connection with a connecting element associated with the handle part via an opposite second end area.

[0011] In this regard, it is conceivable that the drive wheel is at least partially embodied as a gear, in particular a sector gear and preferably a spur gear, in particular a sector gear, and wherein a sector gear and preferably a sector gear is provided at the first end region of the first connecting arm and at the first end region of the at least one second connecting arm, respectively, and the corresponding connecting arm is in operative connection with the drive wheel via the sector gear.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to the last-mentioned embodiment variant, provision can be made for the second end region of the first coupling element and the at least one second coupling element to be in operative connection with a coupling element associated with the handle part via a closed cam mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, the closed cam mechanism has: a first guide groove, in which a guide pin or T-nut arranged at the second end region of the first connecting rod element is at least partially or partially received; and a second guide groove, in which a guide pin or T-nut arranged at the second end region of the at least one second connecting rod element is at least partially or partially received.

[0014] It is conceivable here that the first guide groove and the second guide groove extend at least partially or regionally and at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal displacement direction of the handle part.

[0015] An implementation of the actuation mechanism according to the invention provides that the handle part is connected to the coupling element in a pivotable manner about a rotation axis extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal displacement direction of the handle part.

[0016] In this regard, it is proposed that the handle part is connected to the coupling element via a bearing, in particular a radial bearing, and is configured so that it can be pivoted relative to the coupling element between an initial position of the handle part and an actuated position of the handle part, preferably only in the actuated position of the handle part, in particular in the case of manual actuation of the handle part.

[0017] In a development thereof, it is proposed that the bearing is assigned a spring element, in particular in the form of a torsion spring, which is configured to preload the handle part into its initial position, preferably only in the actuated position of the handle part.

[0018] According to an implementation of the actuating mechanism of the present invention, it is provided that the actuating mechanism further comprises a first sensor device, which is configured to generate an electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door using the handle component.

[0019] In an embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention, the first sensor device is configured for detecting a pivoting movement of the handle part relative to the coupling element, in particular in the actuated position of the handle part, and for generating an electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door.

[0020] In this context, it is provided that the handle part is in an operative connection with the linkage element, so that a movement generated, in particular when the handle part is manually actuated, is transmitted or can be transmitted to the first sensor device in order to trigger it.

[0021] It is particularly preferably provided that the actuating mechanism further comprises a first sensor device which is configured to generate an electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door using the handle part.

[0022] In principle, it is conceivable that the actuating mechanism has a cover which, in the initial position of the handle part, closes and covers the handle part substantially flush with the vehicle outer skin or the outer side of the vehicle.

[0023] According to a first embodiment variant of the actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism is configured to move the handle component relative to the vehicle outer skin on a first plane so as to transfer the handle component between an initial position and an actuated position, and wherein the actuating mechanism is connectable to the vehicle outer skin so as to prevent the handle component from moving relative to the vehicle outer skin outside the first plane.

[0024] According to a second alternative embodiment of the actuation mechanism, it is provided that the actuation mechanism is configured to transfer the handle element relative to the vehicle outer skin between an initial position and an actuation position, so that the handle element is moved out of the vehicle outer skin on the one hand and away from the outside of the vehicle on the other hand.

[0025] Preferably, the handle part has an actuation surface, wherein the first sensor device is configured for generating an electrical signal when the actuation surface is touched or deformed, and wherein the actuation surface is oriented towards the handle area in the actuated position of the handle part.

[0026] In particular, the first sensor device can have a switch, in particular a microswitch, an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0027] According to an implementation of the actuation mechanism of the present invention, the actuation mechanism includes a second sensor device configured to detect the approach of an authorized operator and, upon detection of the authorized operator, generate a control signal to move the handle member to the actuated position. The second sensor device may be, for example, an RFID tag or an NFC sensor that remotely communicates with the vehicle key.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism does not include a Bowden cable. In other words, the actuating mechanism according to the present invention is simply a so-called "E-Latch" configured to generate an electronic unlocking signal. Therefore, no mechanical unlocking is provided in the actuating mechanism described below, thereby minimizing the space required for the actuating mechanism. However, the use of the actuating mechanism allows for the provision of a mechanical emergency unlocking mechanism elsewhere.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an actuating mechanism for actuating, in particular unlocking and opening, a vehicle door, wherein the actuating mechanism has the following items:

[0030] an actuating device for opening a vehicle door, in particular comprising a door handle; and

[0031] a first sensor device configured to generate an electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door using the actuation means,

[0032] The actuating device is transferable between an initial position in which it is sunken into a vehicle outer skin, in particular in a vehicle door, and an actuating position in which it protrudes from the vehicle outer skin, creating a gripping area between the actuating device and the exterior of the vehicle.

[0033] The actuating mechanism has an actuating element, activation of which results in the generation of an electronic unlocking signal. The actuating mechanism can be used in particular on the one hand to generate an electrical signal and at the same time to pull, ie, open, the vehicle door after the vehicle door has been unlocked by the electrical signal.

[0034] The actuator can be raised and lowered in the vehicle's exterior, so that in its initial position it is invisible to the user or can only be seen with difficulty. In addition to aesthetic advantages, this also yields aerodynamic advantages, since the actuator can be arranged, in its initial position, particularly flush with the exterior skin and thus does not protrude beyond it. To actuate the actuator, it can be moved into an actuation position in which at least a portion of the actuator protrudes from the vehicle's exterior skin. In this actuation position, the actuator should be at least sufficiently far from the vehicle's exterior to create a gripping area between the vehicle's exterior and the user-facing surface of the actuator. The user can use this gripping area to grip the actuator around / from behind and open a vehicle door or flap.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism comprises a cover element which, in its initial position, terminates substantially flush with the vehicle's outer skin and covers the actuating means. The cover element can be either directly attached to the actuating means or formed separately. In the case of a separate element, the cover element can, for example, be pivotally attached to the vehicle's outer skin and opened by moving the actuating means into its actuating position.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes an electrical actuator that is connected to the actuation element and is configured to move the actuation element between an initial position and an actuated position. Thus, for example, the actuation element can automatically move from its initial position to its actuated position as soon as an authorized user of the vehicle approaches the vehicle. A vehicle having the actuation mechanism described herein can trigger a welcome gesture as soon as the user approaches the vehicle.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism is configured to rotationally transfer the actuating element between an initial position and an actuated position. By rotating the actuating element between the initial position and the actuated position, the actuating element can be designed to be particularly simple and compact to operate. In particular, the actuating element can be connected to an electric motor directly or via a simple kinematic mechanism to transfer the actuating element between its final positions.

[0038] Alternatively, the actuating mechanism may be configured to translate the actuating element between an initial position and an actuated position. The translational translation from the initial position to the actuated position allows, for example, the actuating element to be sealed to the vehicle outer skin in a simple manner even in its actuated position, thereby effectively preventing foreign objects or water from penetrating the interior of the vehicle outer skin.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism is configured to move the actuating device (relative to the vehicle outer skin) generally in a first plane to transfer the actuating device between an initial position and an actuated position, wherein the actuating mechanism is capable of being connected to the vehicle outer skin so as to prevent the actuating device (relative to the vehicle outer skin) from moving outside the first plane.

[0040] In other words, according to this embodiment, the actuator is only movable along a first plane. In directions of movement outside the first plane, for example, perpendicular to the first plane, the actuator mechanism, and therefore the actuator, is substantially rigidly connected to the outer skin. According to this embodiment, while the actuator is movable between two final positions, it is used to transmit force to the vehicle door in all other directions, for example, to pull the door open after unlocking. In other words, in the actuated position, the actuator appears to the user as a fixed door handle that can be used to open or close the vehicle door.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism is configured to transfer the actuating means (relative to the vehicle outer skin) between an initial position and an actuated position such that the actuating means is moved away from the vehicle outer skin on the one hand and away from the exterior of the vehicle on the other hand. Accordingly, during the transfer to the actuated position, the gripping area can be designed to be sufficiently large.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the actuator device includes an actuating surface, wherein the first sensor device is configured to generate an electrical signal when the actuating surface is touched or deformed, and wherein the actuating surface is oriented toward the gripping area when the actuator device is in the actuated position. Depending on the design of the first sensor device, the actuating surface can be designed in various ways. Thus, a capacitive sensor can have a fixed actuating surface, where a user's contact with the actuating surface triggers a response from the first sensor device. In contrast, when using a microswitch, a deformable actuating surface can be used, which is pressed against the microswitch either directly or via a kinematic mechanism to generate the electrical signal. The actuating surface is oriented toward the vehicle's outer skin or exterior so that when the user grasps the actuator device from behind (i.e., in the gripping area), the actuating surface is automatically touched / activated. This makes it very simple for the user to simultaneously control unlocking via the actuating surface and open the now-unlocked door by pulling the actuator device.

[0043] As already indicated above, the first sensor device can have a switch, in particular a microswitch, an inductive sensor or a capacitive sensor.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism has a second sensor device which is configured to detect the approach of an authorized operator and, upon detection of the authorized operator, to generate a control signal to transfer the actuating means into the actuated position.

[0045] In other words, the second sensor device is used to automatically detect the presence of a user and output a control signal as a result thereof, which ultimately causes the actuating member to move to its actuated position. The second sensor device may be, for example, an RFID tag or an NFC sensor that remotely communicates with the car key.

[0046] The invention also relates to a vehicle having a vehicle outer skin and an actuating mechanism of the type described above, wherein the handle part is recessed into the vehicle outer skin, in particular in a vehicle door, in an initial position and projects from the vehicle outer skin in an actuating position, so that a gripping area is formed between the handle part and the exterior of the vehicle.

[0047] In this context, it is conceivable that the handle part, in the actuated position, protrudes from the vehicle outer skin at the level of the A-pillar, B-pillar or C-pillar of the vehicle.

[0048] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the vehicle has at least one door window, wherein the door window is accommodated in the vehicle outer skin in an especially liftable manner and is in contact with the window seal, and wherein the handle part protrudes beyond the window seal in the actuated position so that a gripping area is formed between the handle part and the window.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the actuating mechanism according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the attached figure:

[0051] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an actuating mechanism according to the invention for actuating a vehicle door, in particular embodied as an outer door, is shown schematically and in an isometric exploded view;

[0052] Figure 2 Schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism of the present invention in a state where the handle component is in an initial position, in which the handle component is completely sunk into the vehicle outer skin in the vehicle door;

[0053] Figure 3 The actuating mechanism of the present invention is schematically shown in the handle part (from Figure 2 an exemplary embodiment in which the handle component is transferred from an initial position (shown) to an actuated position, in which the handle component at least partially or partially protrudes from the outer door, so that a gripping area is created between the handle component and the exterior of the vehicle, into which a hand or at least one finger of a user can at least partially be inserted;

[0054] Figure 4 The exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism is schematically shown in the following state, in which the handle component (from Figure 3 The actuation position shown is in an activated state for actuating, in particular unlocking and opening, the vehicle door;

[0055] Figure 5 Schematically shown in side view according to Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of an actuation mechanism of

[0056] Figure 6 Schematically shown in side view according to Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 Schematically shown in side view according to Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 Schematically shows the Figure 2 Detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 Schematically shows the Figure 3 Detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 10 Schematically shows the Figure 4 Detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 11 Schematically and in isometric view, according to Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 12 Schematically and in isometric view, according to Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 13 Schematically and in isometric view, according to Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 14 An exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism of the present invention is shown schematically and in a side view, with the handle component in an initial position;

[0065] Figure 15 The actuating mechanism of the present invention is shown schematically and in side view when the handle part is in the position according to Figure 14 The initial position and basis Figure 16 an exemplary embodiment of the state of an intermediate position between the actuation positions;

[0066] Figure 16 An exemplary embodiment of the actuation mechanism is shown schematically and in side view with the handle member in the actuated position; and

[0067] Figure 17 An exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism of the present invention is shown schematically and in a side view, wherein the handle part (from Figure 16 The actuation position shown starts in the active state where the door is actuated.

[0068] The exemplary embodiment of an actuating mechanism 1 according to the invention shown in the figures serves for actuating a vehicle door, in particular for unlocking and opening a vehicle door, in particular an exterior door.

[0069] For this purpose, a manually actuatable handle part 2 is used, which can be transferred between an initial position and an actuated position. Figure 2 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 11 and Figure 14 1 shows the actuating mechanism 1 with the handle part 2 in the initial position. In the initial position, the handle part 2 of the actuating mechanism 1 is preferably completely sunken into the vehicle outer skin, in particular into the vehicle door.

[0070] exist Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 12 and Figure 16 , the actuation position of the handle part 2 of the actuation mechanism 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. In the actuation position of the handle part 2, the handle part 2 at least partially or partially protrudes from the vehicle outer skin, so that a gripping area is created between the handle part 2 and the exterior of the vehicle, into which a user's hand or at least one finger can at least partially be inserted to actuate the handle part 2.

[0071] For example, Figure 4 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 13 and Figure 17 The handle part 2 is shown in its actuated position (ie when the handle part 2 is "activated") for actuating the vehicle door.

[0072] The actuating mechanism 1 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures has, in addition to the handle part 2, an actuator (or actuator) 3 associated with the handle part 2. The actuator is in particular an electric actuator 3. The actuator 3 is configured to transfer the handle part 2 from its initial position to its actuated position and vice versa as required.

[0073] In particular, the actuator 3 of the exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism 1 according to the invention is embodied as a rotary drive and has a drive wheel 4 which is driven or can be driven in rotation.

[0074] Furthermore, the actuator 3 of the actuator mechanism 1 according to the present invention has a transmission mechanism 5, via which the rotational motion of the drive wheel 4 of the actuator 3 can be or is converted into a linear motion of the handle part 2. In other words, the rotational motion of the drive wheel 4 of the actuator 3 is converted into a linear motion of the handle part 2 by means of the transmission mechanism 5.

[0075] For example, according to Figure 1 Exploded view, but also based on Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 As can be seen from the diagram of FIG, the transmission mechanism 5 has a first linkage element 6 and a second linkage element 7, wherein the first and second linkage elements 6, 7 are each in operative connection via a first end region to the drive wheel 4 of the actuator 3 and via an opposite second end region to a coupling element 14 associated with the handle part 2. The coupling element 14 is preferably a coupling element 14 serving as an “intermediate piece”.

[0076] The drive wheel 4 of the actuator 3, which is in particular an electric drive, is at least partially designed as a gear, in particular a gear segment, and preferably as a spur gear, in particular a spur gear segment. A gear segment, preferably a spur gear segment, is provided at the first end region of the first linkage arm 6 and at the first end region of the second linkage arm 7, respectively, via which the respective linkage arm 6, 7 is operatively connected to the drive wheel 4.

[0077] From the basis Figure 1 Exploded views and especially from Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 It can be seen from the illustration that the second end regions of the first and second coupling elements 6 , 7 are each in operative connection via a closed cam mechanism with a coupling element 14 associated with the handle part 2 .

[0078] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided that the closed cam mechanism has a first guide groove 8, in which a guide pin 10 or a T-nut arranged at the second end region of the first coupling element 6 is at least partially or partially accommodated. In the same way, the closed cam mechanism has a second guide groove 9, in which a guide pin 10 or a T-nut arranged at the second end region of the at least one second coupling element 7 is at least partially or partially accommodated.

[0079] In particular, it is provided here that the first and second guide grooves 8 , 9 extend at least partially or regionally and at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal displacement direction of the handle part 2 .

[0080] The handle part 2 itself is connected to the coupling element 14 in a pivotable manner about a rotation axis extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal displacement direction of the handle part 2, so that the handle part can be transferred in its actuation position and in particular can be pivoted into an activated actuation position.

[0081] To this end, it is particularly proposed that the handle part 2 is connected to the connecting element 14 via a bearing 15, in particular a radial bearing, and is configured so that it can pivot relative to the connecting element 14 between an unactuated actuation position of the handle part 2 and an actuated (activated) actuation position of the handle part 2, preferably only in the actuation position of the handle part 2, in particular in the case of manual actuation of the handle part 2 (when the handle part is in the actuation position).

[0082] Especially based on Figure 1 It can be seen from the exploded view that the bearing 15 is assigned a spring element 16 , in particular in the form of a torsion spring, which is configured to bias the handle part 2 into its unactuated actuated position, preferably only in the actuated position of the handle part 2 .

[0083] exist Figure 16 Schematically and in side view, an exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1 with the handle part 2 in its unactuated actuating position. Figure 17 , the actuating mechanism 1 is shown in a state in which the handle part 2 is in contrast in the actuated actuating position.

[0084] Figure 16 Zhongyu Figure 17 A comparison between the illustrations in FIG shows that: in order to make the handle part 2 from Figure 16 The unactuated actuated position is transferred to the Figure 17 In the actuated actuated position, the handle part 2 is pivoted via the pivot axis defined by the bearing 15 . Here, the end stop 18 delimits the movement displacement or the pivot path of the handle part 2 .

[0085] Based on the fact that the handle part 2 is in an actuated position in which it has not been actuated (e.g. Figure 16 ) to an actuated position (as it is for example in Figure 17 14 ), the first sensor device 11 is activated by a pivoting movement of the handle part 2 in the actuated position of the handle part 2, which generates an electrical signal to unlock the vehicle door. The first sensor device 11 is particularly configured to detect a corresponding pivoting movement of the handle part 2 relative to the coupling element 14, particularly in the actuated position of the handle part 2, and to generate an electrical signal to unlock the vehicle door.

[0086] To this end, a connecting rod element 17 is used which is correspondingly associated with the handle part 2 and is in operative connection with the handle part 2 so that the movement of the handle part 2, in particular when the handle part 2 is manually actuated, is transmitted or can be transmitted to the first sensor device 11 to trigger the first sensor device.

[0087] The first sensor device 11 is, in particular, a switch, preferably a microswitch.

[0088] However, other implementation variants are also conceivable in principle, such as inductive and / or capacitive sensors, wherein in such alternative implementation variants the connecting rod element 17 associated with the handle part 2 or in an operative connection thereto could possibly also be omitted.

[0089] Preferably, the first sensor device 11 is configured such that an electrical signal is generated by the first sensor device to unlock the vehicle door only when it is detected simultaneously by means of the second sensor device 13 (preferably an inductive or capacitive sensor) that the user's hand or at least one finger has been inserted into the gripping area (the gripping area is formed between the handle part 2 and the outer side of the vehicle when the handle part 2 is in its actuated position; that is, the handle part 2 protrudes at least partially or partially from the outer skin of the vehicle so that a corresponding gripping area is formed between the handle part 2 and the outside of the vehicle, into which the user's hand or at least one finger can be at least partially inserted).

[0090] Preferably, the actuating mechanism 1 has a cover 19 which, in the initial position of the handle part 2, closes substantially flush with the vehicle outer skin or the outer side of the vehicle and covers the handle part 2 at least partially or partially, e.g. Figure 2 As can be seen from the diagram.

[0091] In general, the actuating mechanism 1 is configured to move the handle part 2 relative to the vehicle outer skin in a first plane so as to transfer the handle part 2 between an initial position and an actuated position, wherein the actuating mechanism 1 can be connected in particular to the vehicle outer skin so as to prevent the handle part 2 from moving relative to the vehicle outer skin outside the first plane. For this purpose, in particular, the end stop 18 already mentioned is used.

[0092] On the other hand, the actuating mechanism 1 is configured to transfer the handle component 2 between an initial position and an actuated position relative to the vehicle outer skin, so that the handle component 2 is moved out from the vehicle outer skin on the one hand and away from the outside of the vehicle on the other hand, so that the handle component 2 is transferred from the non-actuated actuating position to the actuated actuating position.

[0093] According to an alternative embodiment, it is generally conceivable that the handle part 2 has an actuation surface 12, wherein the first sensor device 11 is configured to generate a corresponding electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door when the actuation surface 12 is touched or deformed by a user, in particular a hand or finger of the user. In this case, the actuation surface 12 should be oriented in particular toward the gripping area in the actuated position of the handle part 2.

[0094] As already mentioned, it is in principle conceivable that the actuating mechanism 1 has a second sensor device 13, which is configured to detect the approach of an authorized operator / user and (upon detection of an authorized operator / user) to generate a control signal to transfer the handle part 2 from the initial position to the actuated position.

[0095] However, the present invention is not limited in principle to the second sensor device 13 being configured to detect the approach of an authorized operator. In principle, it is also conceivable that the second sensor device 13 is embodied as a capacitive sensor device, for example, and only detects the approach of an operator.

[0096] The solution according to the invention, as illustrated by means of the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, is distinguished in particular by the fact that the actuating mechanism 1 is provided without Bowden cables or similar movable mechanical elements for transmitting the mechanical movements and the compressive and tensile forces.

[0097] The invention also relates to a vehicle having an outer door and an actuating mechanism 1 of the type described above, wherein the handle part 2 is sunken into the outer door in an initial position and wherein the handle part 2 protrudes from the vehicle outer skin / outer door in the actuated position, so that a gripping area is formed between the handle part 2 and the exterior of the vehicle.

[0098] In particular, for example, Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen from the illustration of , in the actuated position the handle part 2 protrudes from the vehicle outer skin at the level of an A-pillar, B-pillar or C-pillar 100 of the vehicle.

[0099] The vehicle further comprises a door window 101, which is received or can be received in the vehicle outer skin, in particular in a liftable manner, and which contacts a window seal 102. It is provided that the handle part 2 projects beyond the window seal 102 in the actuated position, so that the aforementioned gripping area is formed between the handle part 2 and the door window 101.

[0100] The actuating mechanism 1 according to the invention, as shown in the accompanying figures, is distinguished in particular by the use of a rotary drive in order to move the handle, or more precisely the handle part 2 , parallely and outwardly by the desired stroke.

[0101] The parallel movement required for this is achieved by connecting both connecting rods 6 and 7 to the drive wheel 4. The connecting rods 6 and 7 drive the intermediate piece 14 in parallel along a defined path (for example, diagonally). The handle 2 is rotatably mounted on the intermediate piece 14. The upward movement of the intermediate piece 14 triggers the second (outward) movement of the handle 2. This is achieved by a guide bevel in the housing. The extended handle 2 allows a shorter outward stroke, which is triggered by a microswitch. A dome spring can be added to produce tactile feedback.

[0102] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments of the actuating device 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, but rather results from an overview of all features disclosed therein.

[0103] List of Reference Numerals

[0104] 1 Actuating mechanism

[0105] 2 handle parts

[0106] 3 Actuators

[0107] 4 drive wheels

[0108] 5 Transmission mechanism

[0109] 6 First connecting rod element

[0110] 7 Second connecting rod element

[0111] 8 Cam mechanism / first guide groove

[0112] 9 Cam mechanism / second guide groove

[0113] 10 Guide pin

[0114] 11 First Sensor Device

[0115] 12 Actuating surface for the first sensor device

[0116] 13 Second sensor device

[0117] 14 Connecting elements / middleware

[0118] 15 bearings

[0119] 16 Spring element

[0120] 17 Connecting rod element

[0121] 18 End stops

[0122] 19 Cover

[0123] 100 B-pillar

[0124] 101 Doors and Windows

[0125] 102 Window Seals

Claims

1. An actuating mechanism (1) for actuating, in particular unlocking and opening, a vehicle door, in particular an exterior vehicle door, wherein the actuating mechanism (1) comprises: a manually actuatable handle part (2), which can be transferred between an initial position and an actuated position, in which the handle part (2) is preferably completely sunken into the vehicle outer skin, in particular in the vehicle door, and in which the handle part (2) at least partially or partially protrudes from the vehicle outer skin, so that a gripping area is formed between the handle part (2) and the exterior of the vehicle, into which a hand or at least one finger of a user can at least partially penetrate; as well as - an actuator (3), in particular an electric actuator (3), associated with the handle part (2), the actuator being configured to transfer the handle part (2) from its initial position to its actuated position and vice versa as required, It is characterized in that The actuator (3) is configured as a rotary drive device having a driving wheel (4) that is driven or can be driven in a rotational manner, wherein the actuator (3) has a transmission mechanism (5), and the rotary movement of the driving wheel (4) can be converted or converted into a linear movement of the handle part (2) via the transmission mechanism.

2. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, The transmission mechanism (5) comprises a first connecting rod element (6) and at least one second connecting rod element (7), wherein the first connecting rod element and the at least one second connecting rod element (6, 7) are respectively in operative connection with the drive wheel (4) via a first end region and in operative connection with a coupling element (14) associated with the handle part (2) via an opposite second end region.

3. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 2, The drive wheel (4) is at least partially configured as a gear, in particular a sector gear and preferably a spur gear, in particular a sector gear, and wherein a sector gear and preferably a sector gear is provided at the first end region of the first connecting arm (6) and at the first end region of the at least one second connecting arm (7), respectively, and the corresponding connecting arms (6, 7) are in operative connection with the drive wheel (4) via the sector gear.

4. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 2 or 3, The second end regions of the first link element and the at least one second link element (6, 7) are respectively operatively connected to a coupling element (14) associated with the handle part (2) via a closed cam mechanism.

5. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 4, The closed cam mechanism has a first guide groove (8), in which a guide pin or a T-nut arranged at the second end area of ​​the first connecting rod element (6) is at least partially or partially received; and the closed cam mechanism has a second guide groove (9), in which a guide pin or a T-nut arranged at the second end area of ​​the at least one second connecting rod element (7) is at least partially or partially received.

6. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 5, The first guide groove and the second guide groove (8, 9) extend at least partially or partially and at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal displacement direction of the handle part (2).

7. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, The handle part (2) is connected to the coupling element (14) in a pivotable manner about a rotation axis extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal displacement direction of the handle part (2).

8. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 7, The handle part (2) is connected to the connecting element (14) via a bearing (15), in particular a radial bearing, and is configured so that it can pivot relative to the connecting element (14) between an unactuated actuated position of the handle part (2) and an actuated actuated position of the handle part (2), preferably only in the actuated position of the handle part (2), in particular when the handle part (2) is manually actuated.

9. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 8, A spring element (16), in particular in the form of a torsion spring, is associated with the bearing, the spring element being configured to bias the handle part (2) into its unactuated actuated position, preferably only in the actuated position of the handle part (2).

10. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The actuating mechanism (1) further comprises a first sensor device (11) which is configured to generate an electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door using the handle component (2).

11. An actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 10 and at least one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first sensor device (11) is configured to detect a pivoting movement of the handle part (2) relative to the connecting element (14), in particular when the handle part (2) is in an actuated position, and to generate an electrical signal to unlock the vehicle door.

12. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 11, The handle part (2) is in operative connection with the connecting rod element (17) so that the movement of the handle part (2), especially when the handle part (2) is manually actuated, is transmitted or can be transmitted to the first sensor device (11) to trigger the first sensor device.

13. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The actuating mechanism (1) has a cover which, in the initial position of the handle component (2), closes and covers the handle component (2) substantially flush with the vehicle outer skin or the exterior of the vehicle.

14. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The actuating mechanism (1) is configured to move the handle component (2) relative to the vehicle outer skin on a first plane so that the handle component (2) is transferred between the initial position and the actuating position, and the actuating mechanism (1) is connectable to the vehicle outer skin to prevent the handle component (2) from moving relative to the vehicle outer skin outside the first plane.

15. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The actuation mechanism (1) is configured to transfer the handle component (2) between the initial position and the actuation position relative to the vehicle outer skin, so that the handle component (2) is moved out of the vehicle outer skin on the one hand and away from the outside of the vehicle on the other hand.

16. An actuating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 and at least according to claim 10, wherein the handle part (2) has an actuating surface (18), wherein the first sensor device (11) is configured to generate an electrical signal when the actuating surface (18) is touched or deformed, and wherein the actuating surface (18) is oriented toward the gripping area in the actuating position of the handle part (2).

17. Actuation mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16 and at least according to claim 16, wherein the first sensor device (11) comprises: Switches, in particular micro switches, inductive sensors and / or capacitive sensors.

18. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The actuation mechanism (1) has a second sensor device, which is configured to detect the approach of a particularly authorized operator and to generate a control signal when a particularly authorized operator is detected to transfer the handle part (2) from the initial position to the actuation position.

19. Actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The actuating mechanism (1) is configured without a Bowden cable or similar movable mechanical element for transmitting mechanical movement and pressure and tension forces.

20. An actuating mechanism (1) for actuating, in particular unlocking and opening, a vehicle door, wherein the actuating mechanism (1) has the following items: - an actuating device for opening a vehicle door, in particular comprising a door handle; as well as - a first sensor device (11) configured to generate an electrical signal for unlocking the vehicle door using the actuation means, wherein the actuating means is transferable between an initial position and an actuating position, in which the actuating means is sunk into a vehicle outer skin of the vehicle, in particular into a vehicle door; In the actuated position, the actuating means protrudes from the vehicle outer skin such that a gripping area is formed between the actuating means and the exterior of the vehicle.

21. A vehicle having a vehicle outer skin and an actuating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the handle component (2) is sunken into the vehicle outer skin, in particular in a vehicle door, in the initial position, and protrudes from the vehicle outer skin in the actuating position, so that a gripping area is formed between the handle component (2) and the exterior of the vehicle.

22. The vehicle according to claim 21, The handle component (2) protrudes from the outside of the vehicle at the height of an A-pillar, a B-pillar or a C-pillar (100) of the vehicle in the actuating position.

23. A vehicle according to claim 21 or 22, The vehicle has at least one door window (101), wherein the door window (101) is received in an especially liftable manner outside the vehicle and is in contact with a window seal (102), and wherein the handle part (2) protrudes beyond the window seal (102) in the actuated position so that a gripping area is formed between the handle part (2) and the door window (101).

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