Door handle and procedure

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle (10) for a motor vehicle with an adjustment device (12) by which a handle element (14) of the door handle (10) can be adjusted between a working position and a rest position, wherein in the rest position the handle element (14) can be inserted into a receptacle (16) and in the working position the handle element (14) can be extended from the receptacle (16), and with a vibration device (18) by means of which a vibration of the handle element (14) can be performed depending on the working position and / or rest position, wherein the vibration can be performed before an adjustment from the working position to the rest position. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a door handle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a door handle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method.

[0002] From DE 10 2016 113 167 A1, a door handle for a motor vehicle is known which is movable between a first position, in particular a rest position, and a second position, in particular an actuating position. The door handle includes an electric drive for moving the door handle into at least one of the two positions. In addition, a vibration device is provided which causes the door handle to vibrate in a predetermined position, in particular in the actuating position. This vibration device is at least partially implemented by the electric drive.

[0003] These vibrations thus act as haptic feedback about the locking status of a vehicle and / or indicate the imminent initiation of a door closing process. A warning is therefore issued that the door closing process is about to begin.

[0004] The object of the invention is to further develop a door handle in such a way that particularly ergonomic and safe handling of the door handle is made possible.

[0005] This problem is solved by means of a door handle having the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the door handle according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the door handle are used to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a door handle for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with an adjustment device by which a handle element of the door handle can be adjusted between a working position and a rest position. In the rest position, the handle element can be inserted into a receptacle, while in the working position it can be extended from the receptacle. Furthermore, the door handle includes a vibration device by means of which a vibration of the handle element can be effected depending on the working position and / or rest position.

[0007] To solve the problem of the invention, it is provided that vibration can be performed when the handle is moved from the operating position to the resting position. This function activates or provides haptic feedback before the door handle retracts, which is not known in the prior art. Before the door handle retracts automatically, it is vibrated for a predetermined period, for example, by a vibration device similar to the vibration alarm of a mobile phone / smartphone. This vibration haptically warns the user of a potential risk of entrapment. This function could optionally be activated by the user via a menu. In other words, a warning is issued that a door closing process has already started.

[0008] This is particularly advantageous as it reduces the risk of injury. The haptic warning, supported by the resulting vibration sound, is also suitable for people with visual impairments. The vehicle's appearance and design are not negatively affected by this feature. Furthermore, the vibration can be modified, for example, to a pulsating or progressively stronger vibration, to further enhance user awareness.

[0009] Additionally, a lighting system can be installed that enables flashing in combination with vibration. Before the door handles retract automatically, the existing lighting system / handle illumination is switched to a flashing mode for a predetermined period to visually warn the vehicle user of a potential risk of entrapment. This function can also be optionally activated by the user via a menu. Furthermore, it is possible to use audible signals in combination with the visual and haptic warnings to further enhance safety.

[0010] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0011] This shows: Fig. 1 A perspective view of a possible design of a retractable door handle with a vibration device.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a retractable door handle 10 for a motor vehicle with an integrated vibration device 18. The door handle 10 is integrated into a vehicle door 22, with the handle element 14 being mechanically coupled to the adjustment device 12. The adjustment device 12 enables the handle element 14 to be moved, in particular translationally, between an extended working position P1 and a retracted rest position P2. In alternative embodiments, rotational or other adjustments may also be provided.

[0013] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows the handle element 14 in the operating position P1, in which it protrudes from the receptacle 16 integrated into the vehicle door 22. The receptacle 16 is designed such that the handle element 14 disappears completely into it in the rest position P2, so that the door handle 10 shown here is flush with the vehicle door 22.

[0014] The vibration device 18 is integrated into the adjustment device 12 and / or the handle element 14 and consists of a compact actuator designed to vibrate the handle element 14 as needed. These vibrations can be controlled by the adjustment device 12 and occur depending on the position of the handle element 14. It is particularly noteworthy that the vibration can be activated before the handle element 14 transitions from the operating position P1 to the rest position P2, in order to warn the user of potential pinching.

[0015] The pinching could occur if the user's hand or fingers are located between the handle element 14 and the vehicle door 22 when the handle element 14 is retracted from the operating position P1 to the rest position P2.

[0016] Additionally, a lighting device 20 can be integrated in the immediate vicinity of the handle element 14. This lighting device 20 can operate in conjunction with the vibration device 18 by emitting a flashing signal to visually alert the user to the impending movement of the handle element 14. The combination of haptic and visual warning significantly increases the safety and user-friendliness of the door handle 10.

[0017] The vibration device 18 and the lighting device 20 therefore not only provide a warning system, but also serve as a preventive measure to alert the user in good time to the impending movement of the handle element 14. These functions reduce the risk of the user injuring their hand.

[0018] Finally, an electronic computing device 24 can be integrated, allowing the user to adjust various settings as desired. This electronic computing device 24 could, for example, control the intensity and frequency of the vibration device 18 and configure the duration and pattern of the lighting device 20. Through a user-friendly interface, possibly accessible via the vehicle's central infotainment system or via a mobile phone, the user could customize these parameters to adjust the door handle 10 according to their personal preferences and needs.

[0019] In summary, the invention proposes a reduction of the risk of entrapment in electrically retractable external door handles by means of haptic / acoustic warning. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2016 113 167 A1

[0002]

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