Device for driving a door handle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle in order to move the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, to a second position, in particular an actuation position, comprising: an electric drive (16); a transmission (24) connected downstream of the electric drive (16); an output gear (23) associated with the transmission mechanism, a movement being able to be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear (23), and a position recognition device (30) being associated with at least one transmission mechanism component (20, 21, 22, 23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle so that the door handle moves from a first position, in particular a rest position, to a second position, in particular an operating position, the device comprising: an electric drive device; a transmission mechanism connected downstream of the electric drive device; an output gear associated with the transmission mechanism, wherein movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear. Background Art

[0002] Automobile manufacturers strive to optimize vehicle aerodynamics and achieve as little air resistance as possible on the motor vehicle. Here, if the door handles arranged on the motor vehicle protrude beyond the door, the door handles have a negative impact on the straight-line flow. In addition to the aerodynamic disadvantages of protruding door handles, the design of the motor vehicle is also affected by the door handles protruding from the motor vehicle.

[0003] In order to overcome these disadvantages, solutions are known in which the door handle is closed flush with the surface of the motor vehicle, in particular the side door. Thus, DE 10 2015 115 673 A1 discloses an outer door handle that is flush with the surface, wherein the outer door handle can be moved out of the door surface by means of a corresponding mechanical device. In other words, the door handle can be moved back and forth between two different positions. Starting from a first position that is flush with the surface, the door handle can be moved by means of a mechanical device to a second position in which the outer door handle protrudes from the door surface. In this second position, the outer door handle can be gripped by the operator and the door can be opened. In order to move the outer door handle, a relatively large mechanical device is disclosed, which moves the outer door handle in an electrically driven manner.

[0004] This type of prior art is represented by DE 10 216 113 167 A1. This document discloses a device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle so that the door handle moves from a first position, in particular a rest position, to a second position, in particular an actuating position, the device comprising: an electric drive; a transmission connected downstream of the electric drive; an output gear associated with the transmission, wherein the movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear. The first position of the door handle is a position which can also be referred to as an initial position, in which the door handle is flush with the outer cover surface of the vehicle body, preferably a side door. The second position is the position of the door handle after the door handle has performed a translational movement and protrudes beyond the vehicle body. In this extended position, the operator can manipulate the door handle and unlock the vehicle lock. Here, the translational movement is implemented by means of the output gear and in cooperation with a toothed rack arranged on the door handle.

[0005] The drive devices of door handles known from the prior art are generally open to improvement. On the one hand, the prior art has a complex mechanical device, which is susceptible to interference and, in particular, to external weather influences, and on the other hand, in particular in the event of a power failure, cannot ensure reliable operation with the aid of a simple electric drive device with a motor and a transmission. In particular, in the event of a power failure, the door handle must be moved back to its initial position, wherein the door handle must be moved out of the currentless position. The disadvantage here is that the position of the door handle cannot be clearly determined and the mechanical device is subjected to particularly high loads when a stop is hit. On this basis, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to be able to reliably move the door handle without the mechanism being overloaded. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device for driving a door handle which is economical and of simple construction.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. It should be pointed out that the embodiments described below are not restrictive, but rather any possible variations of the features described in the description and the dependent claims are possible.

[0008] According to claim 1, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a device for driving, preferably indirectly driving, a door handle of a motor vehicle so that the door handle moves from a first position, in particular a rest position, to a second position, in particular an actuating position, the device comprising: an electric drive; a transmission connected downstream of the electric drive; an output gear associated with the transmission, wherein the movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear, wherein at least one transmission component is provided with a position recognition device. By installing the position recognition device in the transmission component, it is now possible to infer the position of the drive, thereby enabling the door handle to be moved reliably and in a controlled manner. The control can be designed in such a way that the door handle can not only be moved quickly, but also a smooth braking of the door handle can be achieved when the end position is reached. Another advantage of the device structure according to the invention is shown here, namely that the mechanical device is only slightly loaded. By installing the position recognition device in the device for driving the door handle, a controlled or regulated travel of the door handle can be achieved. The mechanical device does not forcibly move against the stop, which in turn subjects the mechanical device to particularly high loads, but can be moved in a targeted manner into the rest position or the actuating position.

[0009] If, according to the invention, a door handle of a motor vehicle is mentioned, all handles that can be moved by means of a drive are covered. This is not limited to door handles, but can also include tailgates, covers, sliding doors or hatches, that is, any location where a component that is arranged on the motor vehicle in a pivotable or movable manner and is equipped with a retractable door handle is arranged. In this case, the drive does not have to drive the door handle directly, but the drive can also load a lever system, wherein the lever system then actuates or opens and closes the door handle.

[0010] In the first position, the door handle occupies a position in which the door handle is preferably closed flush with the vehicle body, i.e. flush with the surface. This allows an optimal aerodynamic surface to be achieved on the motor vehicle, and at the same time the door handle does not interfere with the appearance of the motor vehicle. More precisely, the door handle can be presented as a whole with the motor vehicle surface in the flush position, so that it is also possible to talk about hidden technology. The door handle is only moved out of the flush position in the following case, i.e., the operator wants to open the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the device for driving the door handle travels to the second position of the move-out, which can also be called the operating position. In any case, the door handle protrudes from the surface or protrudes from the surface in the second position at least partially in the following way, i.e., the operator can hold and operate the door handle. Here, the movement of the door handle is not limited to linear movement, but can also be a swinging movement or a movement composed of linear movement, rotational movement or swinging movement. Therefore, according to the arrangement of the door handle, the door handle can be provided to the operator in the operating position.

[0011] The electric drive used is preferably an electric motor, in particular a DC motor. A transmission is connected downstream of the electric drive, wherein the transmission is not limited to one transmission stage, but can include two, three or more transmission stages. Depending on the desired force, which should be applied to the door handle in order to move the door handle or to produce the fastest possible movement of the door handle, other gear ratios may be advantageous. Finally, the output gear of the transmission moves the door handle or introduces the movement into the door handle.

[0012] In an advantageous design variant of the present invention, the position recognition device is at least partially integrated into the transmission mechanism component. In the simplest case, the position recognition device can be, for example, a micro switch, which works together with the contour of the transmission mechanism component. If more than one micro switch is installed, different positions can be detected by means of the micro switch to control the movement of the door handle, and thus the controlled movement of the door handle can be ensured. Now according to the present invention, it is proposed that the position recognition device is integrated into at least one transmission mechanism component. By integrating the position recognition device, a space-saving structure can be achieved, wherein "saving space in particular in the area of ​​the door handle" is a very important advantage. The interior of the door element is equipped with a plurality of components, assemblies and drive devices. For example, door module brackets, window glass guides, motor vehicle locks, closing auxiliary devices, etc. can be cited here. Due to the large number of components, the space requirement in the door is limited. Now according to the present invention, if the position recognition device is integrated into the transmission mechanism component, the device as a whole can be designed to be smaller in terms of structure.

[0013] It has been proved to be advantageous that the position recognition device is a magnet, wherein the magnet and the sensor, in particular the Hall sensor, work together. The installation of the magnet can be realized in the simplest way, in particular, "integrating the magnet into the transmission mechanism component" can be realized using the simplest structural measures. The transmission mechanism component is made of plastic in most cases, wherein the drive pinion on the drive shaft of the motor, such as the worm gear, can also be made of metal material instead. However, preferably, other transmission mechanism components are made of plastic. Therefore, the magnet can be placed in the gear of the transmission mechanism in the simplest structural way. For example, a groove can be installed in the transmission mechanism component, and the magnet can be inserted into the groove. A positive locking part, a force locking part or a material locking connection part can be used as a measure for fixing the magnet. Of course, in addition to installing a magnet, it is also conceivable that two or more magnets are integrated in one or more transmission mechanism components in order to obtain other data about the transmission mechanism position.

[0014] If the magnet is a radially magnetized magnet, another design variant of the present invention is obtained. A more accurate position recognition of the transmission mechanism can also be determined by a radially separated magnetized magnet, because at least two position values ​​can be detected by a radially separated magnetized magnet with the aid of a sensor device. Therefore, although only one magnet is used, a double number of signal values ​​for identifying the position is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to radially magnetized magnets, and it is also conceivable to use, for example, axially arc-shaped magnets. It is important for the present invention that the movement of the transmission mechanism components can be detected by the polarity on the magnet. For example, the movement can be detected with the aid of a Hall sensor.

[0015] In a design variant of the present invention, the magnet is integrated into the output gear of the transmission mechanism. The output gear is directly used to operate the door handle, wherein the output shaft arranged on the output gear can have a toothing, which is directly used to operate the door handle. In any case, the door handle can be moved by means of the output gear as a component of the last transmission mechanism, and the door handle can be moved from a first position to a second position, and vice versa. Since the output gear directly cooperates with the door handle or is connected to the door handle by a mechanical device, more accurate values ​​for moving the door handle can be detected on the output gear. Therefore, the output gear forms an advantageous position in the transmission mechanism in order to reliably detect the movement of the door handle. Here, the output gear can, for example, have a groove, into which a cylindrical magnet can be inserted. As mentioned above, a space-saving arrangement of the magnet can be achieved by integrating the magnet into the output gear, and a simple structure of the output gear due to symmetry can also be achieved by the cylindrical, i.e. symmetrical structure of the magnet.

[0016] According to the invention, the magnet interacts with a circuit board assigned to the device. The circuit board can be arranged in the housing of the device or connected to the housing of the device. In any case, a sensor device, in particular at least one Hall sensor, is arranged on the circuit board, which interacts with the magnet. Of course, according to the invention, it is also conceivable to work with two or more Hall sensors in order to generate a greater number of signals and thus obtain a more precise resolution within the scope of the position detection of the door handle. Independently of the receiving part of the sensor that performs the detection, the circuit board is arranged relative to the transmission mechanism in such a way that the movement of the detection magnet can be achieved.

[0017] In a design variant of the invention, it may be advantageous if the device for driving a door handle is arranged in a separate housing. Arranging the device in a separate housing provides a modular component for driving a door handle. In other words, a device module can be provided for different handles in different vehicles, since the device provides a position detection device for driving a door handle and for the door handle. However, it is also conceivable that the device housing is designed in such a way that at least a circuit board can be mounted in or on the housing, wherein it is also conceivable that the housing has an extension into which a circuit board for position detection and / or control is inserted.

[0018] It is also advantageous that the device housing is sealed, in particular sealed by means of laser. The device housing is preferably installed inside the door, preferably in the area of ​​the door handle. The area of ​​the door handle is subject to environmental influences, because the side window glass of the motor vehicle is sealed, but the inner cavity of the door element cannot be completely sealed. Therefore, for example, rainwater or water when cleaning the motor vehicle may penetrate into the door and may reach the area of ​​the device for driving the door handle. Therefore, it is important that the device is designed to be moisture-proof. A motor and a transmission mechanism are arranged in the device housing designed as a shell, for example. Now if the housing is closed by means of a housing cover, the cover can be screwed to achieve a sealed device housing, and by using laser welding, in particular circumferential laser welding, on the one hand, the use of a sealing portion can be abandoned, and on the other hand, the sealing closure of the housing can be ensured. In addition, a high-efficiency method is provided by laser connection of the housing with the housing cover, which supports mass production in an advantageous manner.

[0019] If the total transmission ratio of the transmission mechanism is i = 35 to i = 65, preferably i = 40 to i = 50, and more preferably i = 45, a design variant of the present invention is obtained. By setting the transmission ratio, the operating speed of the door handle and the force provided, that is, the working torque of the device can be set. If, for example, the transmission ratio is set to i = 45, preferably i = 46, a working torque of 0.3 Nm can be provided on the output shaft. As a result, the following torque can be generated, which achieves a locking torque greater than 2 Nm on the stop, that is, in the second position of the door handle, that is, in the operating position. Depending on the arrangement and embodiment of the door handle and the desired speed, the speed and force or torque on the door handle can be set by setting the transmission ratio.

[0020] As mentioned above, the output gear is provided with an output shaft, wherein the output shaft can advantageously be formed in one piece with the output gear. The integral formation of the output gear and the output shaft allows reliable output torque to be transmitted, and a device for driving a door handle can be provided with the least possible number of components. Furthermore, if a magnet is integrated into the output gear, a series of functions are assigned to the output gear. On the one hand, the output gear is used to identify the position, and on the other hand, the output torque is provided via the output gear to move the door handle. In this case, the integrated structure provides an advantageous and structurally economical feasible solution for operating the door handle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention is described in detail below based on an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following principle applies, namely, the embodiment does not limit the invention, but only shows an advantageous design form. The features shown can be implemented alone or in combination with other features of the description and the claims.

[0022] The figure shows:

[0023] 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle, which device has a closed housing and an output shaft protruding from the housing,

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device according to FIG. 1 from the perspective of arrow II in FIG. 1 without the housing cover,

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the device without the output pinion and the output shaft, wherein the position of the magnets in the device can be seen, and

[0026] FIG. 4 shows the output gear with integrated magnets and an integrally formed output shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG1 shows a three-dimensional view of a device 1 for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle. The device 1 can be fastened, for example, to a door module support in the region of a door handle by means of threaded holes 2, 3. For this purpose, extensions 5, 6 are integrally formed on the housing 4, so that a secure holding of the device 1 can be ensured. Furthermore, a further receptacle 7 in the form of a housing recess open downwards is formed on the housing 4, into which, for example, a circuit board 8, which is only schematically shown, can be inserted. The receptacle 7 can be closed with a housing cover (not shown), wherein the housing cover can be locked into a snap connection 9.

[0028] In this embodiment, the device 1 is closed with a housing cover 10. An output shaft 11 protrudes from the housing cover 10, wherein the output shaft 11 is used to move the door handle. For this purpose, the output shaft can be driven back and forth in the direction of the arrow P1. The housing cover 10 is welded to the housing 4 circumferentially by means of a laser weld. The housing cover 10 also has a bearing for a transmission component and a positively locking receiving portion 15 for an electric drive 16. In addition, a socket 17 for electrical contact with the device 1 can be seen in FIG. 1.

[0029] In FIG. 2 , the device 1 is presented from the direction of the arrow II and without the housing cover 10. Identical components have the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, a worm 19 is driven by means of an electric motor 18, wherein the worm 19 meshes with a worm wheel 20. The worm 19 and the worm wire 20 form a first transmission stage. Another gear 21 is integrally formed on the worm wheel 20 and meshes with another gear 22. Another gear 22 in turn has a gear not shown, which is also connected to the other gear 22. Therefore, the gear 22 can drive the output gear 23. Therefore, the gear 22 and the covered integrally connected gear drive the output gear 23. As can be seen from the embodiment and the description, the transmission mechanism 24 used here has three transmission stages. An output shaft 25 is connected to the output gear 23. In this embodiment, the output gear 23 and the output shaft 25 are manufactured in one piece and are made as injection molded components. In this embodiment, only the worm 19 is made of metal material, wherein the other transmission mechanism components 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 are made of plastic. Also to be noted is the sealing element 26 which protects the electric motor 18 from penetrating grease or oil.

[0030] If the motor 18 is energized via the electrical contacts 27, 28, the output gear 23 is actuated via the worm gear stages 19, 20 and the gears 21, 22. The drive device in the form of an output shaft 25 connected to the output gear can then be used to move the door handle. In order to achieve a sealed output shaft 25 as a whole, a sealing ring is provided on the output shaft 25, which cooperates with the housing cover 10 to seal the transmission 24 and the motor 18.

[0031] FIG. 3 now shows the housing 4 and a part of the gear mechanism 24. The magnet 30 can be seen, which is arranged in the device 1 and the gear mechanism 24 as an integral component of the output gear 23. The magnet is radially divided along the center line M and has two poles 31, 32. The magnet 30 also has cutouts 33, 34, so that a positive connection can be established between the output gear 23 and the magnet 30. Thus, a positive connection can be established between the electromagnet 30 and the output gear 23, so that the magnet 30 can directly follow the movement of the output gear 23.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows the output gear 23 and the connected output shaft 25, wherein the magnet 30 integrated into the output gear 23 can be seen at the same time. In this case, the extension 35 on the output gear 30 serves as a bearing point for the output gear 23. In this embodiment, the bearing point 35 is received in the housing 4. As can also be clearly seen in FIG. 4, the projection on the output gear 23 interacts with the cutout 33, so that a tongue-and-groove connection can be formed between the magnet 30 and the output gear 23. The mutual cooperation between the magnet 30 and the output gear 23 allows the door handle to be positioned precisely, and the position of the output gear 23, the output shaft 25 and thus the door handle can be determined by means of a Hall sensor arranged on the circuit board 8, for example. A reliable movement of the door handle can thus be achieved and the door handle can be moved very precisely, so that the mechanical device is subjected to the smallest possible load.

[0033] List of reference numerals:

[0034] 1 Equipment

[0035] 2, 3 threaded holes

[0036] 4 Housing

[0037] 5, 6, 35 extension

[0038] 7.15 Reception Department

[0039] 8 Circuit Board

[0040] 9 Snap-on connection

[0041] 10 Housing cover

[0042] 11 Output shaft

[0043] 12 Laser welding

[0044] 13, 14 Supporting parts

[0045] 16 Electric drive

[0046] 17 Socket

[0047] 18 Motor

[0048] 19 Worm

[0049] 20 Worm gear

[0050] 21, 22 Gear

[0051] 23 Output gear

[0052] 24 Transmission mechanism

[0053] 25 Output shaft

[0054] 26 Sealing element

[0055] 27, 28 contacts

[0056] 29 Sealing ring

[0057] 30 Magnet

[0058] 31, 32 Magnetic poles

[0059] 33, 34 incision

[0060] 36 Protrusion

[0061] P1 Arrow

[0062] M Centerline

Claims

1. A device (1) for driving, in particular indirectly driving, a door handle of a motor vehicle so as to move the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, to a second position, in particular an operating position, the device comprising: an electric drive device (16); a transmission mechanism (24) connected downstream of the electric drive device (16); an output gear (23) associated with the transmission mechanism, wherein: The movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear (23). It is characterized in that A position recognition device (30) is provided for at least one transmission mechanism component (20, 21, 22, 23).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The position detection device (30) is integrated at least partially into the transmission components (20, 21, 22, 23).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The position detection device (30) is a magnet (30), wherein the magnet (30) interacts with a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The magnet (30) is a radially magnetized magnet or an axially arc-shaped magnet (30).

5. The device (5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The magnet (30) is integrated into the output gear (23) of the transmission (24).

6. The device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The magnet (30) interacts with a printed circuit board (8) associated with the device (1).

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The device (1) is arranged in a separate housing (4).

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The housing (4) is connected to the housing cover (10) by means of a laser welding process.

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The total transmission ratio of the transmission mechanism (24) is i=35 to i=65, preferably i=40 to i=50, and more preferably i=45.

10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that An output shaft (25) is provided for the output gear (23), and in particular, the output shaft is formed integrally with the output gear (23).

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