VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle door handle for motor vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle door handle with a handle for sensor-controlled triggering of a vehicle function.

[0002] Motor vehicles, especially automobiles, have various types of exterior door handles for opening, closing, and generally operating vehicle doors and hatches. Conventional door handles on the vehicle's exterior typically feature a gripping area positioned above a recessed section of the exterior panel, providing a gripping area for the user. This gripping area is connected to a handle housing that can be fixed and mounted to the vehicle. The handle housing may be designed as a support that is mounted on the inside of a door panel to provide a secure mounting point for the gripping area.

[0003] There are mechanically operated vehicle door handles, which transmit a change in position upon activation via a mechanical chain to a lock mechanism. There are also electronic vehicle door handles (eLatch) with sensors to convert user actions into electrical signals and unlock the door by electronically transmitting these signals.

[0004] The most common design for vehicle door handles uses handles that protrude from the vehicle's exterior at all times. However, there are also vehicle door handles that can be positioned in different functional positions on the door. These door handles can be retracted from the vehicle's exterior when not in use, so that they are flush with the door surface and only extend from the exterior or door panel when needed to allow the user access. This fulfills aesthetic requirements on the one hand, and on the other hand, it also offers technical benefits, particularly aerodynamic improvements and reductions in wind noise, since the door handles retract into the vehicle's exterior when not in use and are flush with it.

[0005] These extendable or retractable vehicle door handles have coupling means and a motor, the motor being located on the handle housing behind the door skin or at another position on the vehicle. The coupling means act between the handle and the motor in such a way that, driven by the motor, the handle can be moved relative to the handle housing between a rest position and an extended operating position. In the rest position, the vehicle door handle is retracted into the vehicle skin, and an outward-facing surface of the handle is flush with a surface of the adjacent body sections.

[0006] Such a vehicle door handle is known, for example, from WO 2014 / 049026 A1. The handle of such vehicle door handles can be equipped with sensor components that detect actuation forces acting on the handle in the extended operating position and derive actuation signals from these forces. For this purpose, a wired interface is provided on the handle housing, through which the actuation signals can be output to a vehicle control system. Such a wired interface allows connection to the vehicle's wiring harness and control system. Furthermore, communication means can be provided in the handle that detect a mobile communication device approaching the handle and can provide actuation signals derived from communication established between the communication means and the communication device.For example, some vehicle door handles are known to provide a wireless near-field interface (e.g., NFC). When a user approaches with a mobile communication device that supports this communication standard, data can be exchanged via the communication channels in the handle, which, for example, confirms the legitimacy of an access request, allowing the mobile communication device to be used as a vehicle key.

[0007] Due to the numerous degrees of freedom of such systems, the design of retractable vehicle door handles is complex and costly.

[0008] Document US 2013 / 127185(A1) describes a lock assembly with a handle assembly that includes a retaining bar. The retaining bar can move perpendicular to the outer surface of the lock assembly. It can switch between a retracted position, in which its outer surface is nearly flush with the outer surface, and an extended position. The system includes a position sensor that detects the presence of an operator and signals the handle assembly to extend the retaining bar.

[0009] Document US 2014 / 047773(A1) describes a handle assembly for a vehicle door, comprising a housing and a retaining bar that moves linearly in a plane between the retracted and extended positions. The system includes a cam mechanism that converts the rotary motion of a motor into a linear motion of the retaining bar.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a more robust and cheaper variant for retractable vehicle door handles.

[0011] The problem is solved by a vehicle door handle with the features of claim 1.

[0012] The vehicle door handle according to the invention is characterized in that the handle is coupled to the housing in a positionally fixed and free-moving manner over its entire extension, both in the actuating position and in the rest position, and is locked against deflection with respect to the handle housing.

[0013] In contrast to vehicle door handles, which in the rest or operating position allow or require the user to change the position of the handle in order to detect actuation, the invention provides for adjustability of the handle between the two positions, but without allowing any changes in the position of the handle relative to the handle housing in either position. This means that no pivoting, tilting, or translational movement of the handle is required to actuate the vehicle door handle according to the invention. Instead, only electronic components integrated into the handle are used to detect actuation forces or to utilize data communication for actuation detection.

[0014] In this context, "locking the handle against deflection" means that no mechanical adjustments are provided to allow the handle to be operated in either the rest or operating position. The handle is fixed in both the rest and operating positions in such a way that the operating forces do not result in any movement relative to the handle housing. The locking mechanism must be designed to ensure the handle's stability only under typical user gripping forces.

[0015] The handle is firmly connected to a carrier plate, with the coupling means engaging the carrier plate so that the carrier plate and handle together can be moved between the rest position and the actuation position.

[0016] The support plate is designed to close the opening in the vehicle's outer skin when the handle is moved into the operating position, an opening that is covered by the handle itself in the resting position. Furthermore, such a support plate provides additional stabilization for the entire structure.

[0017] The handle can be designed in any configuration, in particular as a handlebar-like handle or in the form of an extending or folding, one-sided cantilevered arm. However, it is always stipulated that the handle's outer surface must be flush with the surrounding bodywork when in its resting position.

[0018] The sensor components to be installed in the handle for detecting applied actuation forces can include all types of sensors known from vehicle door handles, in particular capacitive or inductive sensors, or even mechanical switching devices with microswitches and rocker switches or pistol grips. Piezoelectric elements, which detect force acting on the handle, are also suitable.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the handle of the vehicle door handle is formed along its longitudinal extent with a central grippable section and on both sides thereof with connecting projections, i.e. in the form of a bracket, wherein the handle is coupled to the handle housing on both sides of the central grippable section, i.e. with both ends of the bracket, via coupling means and can be locked in both the actuating position and the rest position.

[0020] Such bow-shaped handles ensure stable storage of the handle on the vehicle and are particularly safe in terms of use, as it is not possible to thread, for example, straps of bags or garments around a free end of the handle.

[0021] Preferably, the vehicle door handle has controllable locking devices that lock and hold the handle in the rest position and / or the operating position. In addition to the motor drive, this embodiment provides that mechanical locking elements secure the position of the handle in the rest position and / or the operating position. These can be, for example, locking pins or releasable detent devices that move into the path of movement between the rest position and the operating position of the handle as soon as they are actuated. To move the handle from one position to the other, the locking effect can be released by actuating the locking devices, the change of position is carried out, and if necessary, the locking devices are reactivated in the other position to secure the position of the handle again.The same locking devices can be used for each of the two positions, or different locking devices can be provided for the rest position and the operating position.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means of the vehicle door handle and the motor are designed such that the handle is locked in position in the rest position and / or the actuating position by frictional forces and the braking force of the motor.

[0023] With a suitable design of the coupling elements and the motor drive, these components can generate sufficient locking forces for handling when the motor's drive energy is removed (i.e., when current is deactivated), so that the braking force of the motor, in combination with the frictional forces of the coupling elements, ensures adequate locking. It is also possible to use the motor as a brake by selectively applying current, thereby maintaining the magnetic fields within the motor at a constant state.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle door handle has sensor components in the form of inductive sensors and / or capacitive sensors and / or mechanical switches.

[0025] Capacitive sensors are proven sensors used in vehicle door handles. They allow for contactless detection as soon as a user approaches, enabling early detection of operating actions. Inductive sensors detect very small material deformations in the handle area, registering changes in the sensor's position relative to adjacent metal parts. Mechanical switches can be used in combination with such sensors or independently. Examples of mechanical switching concepts for handles include microswitches with protective covers made of elastic material, or pistol grips with microswitches or rocker switches in the handle area.

[0026] In a preferred design of the vehicle door handle, the communication means in the handle are designed for a near-field communication standard, in particular the NFC communication standard. Since handles on vehicles are located in exposed positions, wireless contact with communication devices in such a handle is particularly intuitive for a user. They are accustomed to accessing the handles and accept the handle with its integrated near-field communication device as a familiar access point.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, emergency unlocking means are also provided on the vehicle door handle, which, when force is applied to the emergency unlocking means, bring the handle from the rest position into the operating position independently of the motor.

[0028] In situations where, due to malfunctions in the vehicle's electrical system, the handle cannot be properly extended from its resting position to the operating position, the operable emergency release mechanism allows the handle to be extended from its resting position to the operating position. For example, a covered access area can be located next to the handle, which, after removing the cover, allows the handle to be gripped from the side. Alternatively, a Bowden cable can be provided, which is connected to the handle so that pulling the cable extends the handle. The actuation point of the emergency release does not necessarily have to be located next to the vehicle door handle, but can also be located elsewhere on the vehicle, for example, in the rear or underneath the vehicle.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1schematically shows the placement of vehicle door handles according to the invention on a vehicle; Figure 2a shows in a schematic representation a vehicle door handle according to the invention with a handle in rest position; Figure 2b shows the vehicle door handle Figure 2a with the handle in the operating position; Figure 3a shows the vehicle door handle Figure 2a in a semi-transparent representation; Figure 3b shows the vehicle door handle Figure 3b in a semi-transparent representation; Figure 4 shows the arrangement of a vehicle door handle according to the invention next to the locking cylinder of a motor vehicle; Figure 5a shows an embodiment of the invention in a perspective front view; Figure 5b shows the arrangement Figure 5a , with the outward-facing cover of the handle removed; Figure 5c shows the arrangement from the Figures 5a and 5b in a perspective rear view; Figure 6ashows essential components of the embodiments with the housing removed; Figure 6b shows the arrangement Figure 6a in a perspective front view; Figure 6c shows the arrangement from the Figure 6a and 6b under supervision; Figure 7a shows, in the form of a schematic diagram, the arrangement of communication tools in the user interface; Figure 7b shows in a schematic diagram the arrangement of a first mechanical switch in a handle; Figure 7c A schematic diagram shows the design of the handle of a vehicle door handle according to the invention with pistol grip actuation.

[0030] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 with doors 2, on which vehicle door handles 3 are arranged. These vehicle door handles 3 are each equipped with handles 4, which are guided through corresponding recesses in the outer skins of the doors 2.

[0031] In Figure 2aThe figure shows a section of door 2 in which the vehicle door handle 3 is located. The door panel 6 forms the outer skin of door 2 and the handle 4 is located in the Figure 2a In the rest position. In this rest position, the surface of the handle 4 is flush with the surrounding door panel 6. On the back of the door panel 6, i.e., on the inside of the door, a housing 8 is arranged, which is fixed to the door panel 6 and accommodates coupling means and a motor for driving the handle 4.

[0032] In Figure 2b is the arrangement made of Figure 2aThe figure shows the handle 4 in the operating position, i.e., in an extended position relative to the door panel 6. The handle 4 is designed as a grab bar, with a central, grippable section and bar ends arranged on both sides, allowing a user to grip the handle from behind. This double-sided connection of the central grippable section of the handle reduces the risk of entanglement behind the free ends of the handle compared to handles with a single, cantilevered gripping section.

[0033] Figure 3a shows the arrangement Figure 2ain a semi-transparent illustration. The handle 4 is again in its rest position, i.e., in a position where the outward-facing cover of the handle is flush with the surrounding door panel 6. As can be seen in this illustration, the handle 4 is arranged on a carrier plate 7, which serves as a mounting plate for the handle 4 and moves the handle 4 from its rest position to its operating position. Coupling means (not shown here) are arranged on the carrier plate 7, which couple the carrier plate to a motor drive (not shown here) to move the carrier plate 7 from its rest position (in Figure 3a ) into the operating position (in Figure 3b to transfer.

[0034] As in Figure 4 As shown, in addition to the handle 4, further functional components may also be arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle door handle. z. B.a locking cylinder 10. This can be housed in the same housing which accommodates the coupling means and the motor for the handle 4, but the locking cylinder 10 is designed to be spaced apart from the movable handle itself, so that no complex mechanical chains of action are routed through the handle 4.

[0035] Figure 5aFigure 1 shows a more specific embodiment of a vehicle door handle according to the invention in a first illustration. Here, the housing 20a, 20b is designed with an upper housing part 20a and a lower housing part 20b. Mounting points 21a, 21b and 21c are provided to fix the housing 20a, 20b to an inner side of the vehicle door. A handle 4 is shown in its rest position, retracted into the housing 20a, 20b. A wired interface 25, which can be connected to the vehicle control system, transmits control signals to the vehicle door handle and forwards detected sensor signals and communication signals to the vehicle system via the interface.

[0036] The handle, whose cover is in Figure 5bThe handle 4 contains sensor components 27a, which are arranged on a circuit board located in the handle. Additionally, communication means 27b for near-field communication are arranged on the circuit board. The sensor components 27a and the communication means 27b are mounted in the handle 4 in such a way that they are adjusted together with the handle, i.e., moved from the rest position to the operating position.

[0037] Figure 5c Figure 1 shows the embodiment of the vehicle door handle in a rear oblique view. Again, the two housing parts 20a and 20b are shown, as well as the mounting points 21a and 21b.

[0038] In Figure 6a are from the same perspective as in Figure 5cThe essential components of the vehicle door handle are shown, although the housing parts 20a and 20b are hidden to allow a view of the internal components of the vehicle door handle. The handle 4 is rigidly connected to a carrier plate 35. The carrier plate 35 is coupled to a motor drive 32 via coupling means 30a, 30b, 31. By driving the motor 32, the coupling means 30a, 30b, 31 can be adjusted such that the handle 4, together with the carrier plate 35, is moved from the rest position to the actuating position. For this purpose, the coupling means 30a, 30b, 31 are, as shown in Figure 5cThe handle 4 is coupled to a recess in the housing for pivoting, thus allowing the handle 4 to be adjusted relative to the housing 20a, 20b. The coupling means 30a, 30b, 31 have lever arms 30a and 30b on one side of the handle 4, which are coupled to the housing 20a, 20b. On the other longitudinal end of the handle, the support plate 35 is coupled to a driveable lever arm 31. By applying force from the motor 32 to the lever arm 31 and pivoting the lever arm 31, the handle 4 is extended from its rest position to the actuated position, with the lever arms 30a, 30b being mechanically coupled and defining the path of movement of the handle 4.By means of the coupling means, the handle 4 extends from its rest position to the extended position, whereby the lever arms 30a, 30b are pivoted in their respective bearings in the housing, while the lever arm 31 converts the force input from the motor 22 into a pivoting movement.

[0039] Figure 6b shows the arrangement Figure 6a in a front view. In this illustration, the coupling means, which include the lever arms 30a and 30b as well as 31, are more clearly visible.

[0040] In Figure 6c is the same arrangement as in the Figure 6a and 6b shown, but in a top view.

[0041] In all of the Figure 6a , 6b and 6c It becomes clear that the coupling means 30a, 30b and 31 engage the carrier plate 35, which is firmly connected to the handle 4 or formed integrally with it.

[0042] These illustrations also show that the mechanical design effort for this vehicle door handle according to the invention is significantly less than for comparable, retractable vehicle door handles, since no actuation movements are required for user operation. Neither in the rest position nor in the actuation position of the handle 4 is it intended to pivot relative to the housing or to deflect it translationally for actuation. Only the adjustment from the rest position to the actuation position is ensured by the mechanical components, which allow for an extremely simple design. Furthermore, all actuation signals are received by the electronic components in the handle 4 and output to a vehicle control system via interface 25.

[0043] The Figures 7a, 7b and 7cThey show different designs of a handle with integrated electronic components.

[0044] In Figure 7a A sectional view of a handle is shown to visualize the location of a near-field communication (NFC) device within the handle. An NFC device enables communication between this handle and a mobile communication device, such as a user's smartphone. This allows the user to transmit control signals to the vehicle, for example, to trigger actions such as unlocking or locking the vehicle.

[0045] Figure 7bThe figure shows a sectional view of a handle with a control surface facing the vehicle on the inside of the handle, designed as a mechanical rocker switch. Such a rocker transmits manual actuation to a microswitch and generates corresponding switching signals without the handle itself moving relative to its actuation position; only the switch components are adjusted relative to the handle.

[0046] Figure 7c Figure 1 shows a further alternative embodiment of a handle according to the invention, in which the handle is equipped in its central, actuated section with a pistol grip, which is also coupled to a microswitch or another switching sensor. Here too, the handle is fixed in its actuated position; the switching components are pulled into the vehicle interior along with the handle when the handle moves from the actuating position to the rest position.

Claims

1. Vehicle door handle (3) with a handgrip (4) for sensor-controlled activation of a vehicle function, wherein the handgrip (4) is coupled to a handle housing (20, 20a, 20b) that can be mounted on a vehicle, wherein coupling means (30a, 30b, 31) and a motor (32) are provided, wherein the motor (32) is arranged on the handle housing (20, 20a, 20b) or on the vehicle, and wherein the coupling means (30a, 30b, 31) coupling the handgrip (4) and the motor (32) in such a way that the handgrip (4) can be moved by the motor (32) relative to the handle housing (20a, 20b) between a rest position and an extended operating position, wherein the vehicle door handle (3) is designed for mounting in a body recess of a vehicle in such a way that a cover surface of the handgrip (4) is flush with a cover surface of an adjacent body section in the rest position, wherein the handgrip - has sensor components (27a) which detect an actuation force acting on the handgrip and provide derived actuation signals, and / or - communication means (27b) which detect a mobile communication device in the vicinity of the handgrip and provide actuation signals derived from a communication established between the communication means and the communication device, wherein the sensor components (27a) and / or the communication means (27b) are coupled to a wired interface associated with the handle housing (20a, 20b), via which the actuation signals can be output to a vehicle-side control system, characterised in that the handgrip (4) is firmly connected to a carrier plate (35) and the coupling means (30a, 30b, 31) engage with the carrier plate (35) so that the carrier plate together with the handgrip (4) can be moved between the rest position and the operating position and the handgrip (4) is coupled to the handle housing (20, 20a, 20b) immovably fixed and free of play, and locked against displacement relative to the handle housing (20, 20a, 20b), wherein the carrier plate is designed to close off, when the handgrip is in the operating position, the opening in the outer skin of the vehicle which is covered by the handgrip itself in the rest position.

2. Vehicle door handle according to claim 1, wherein the handgrip has a central rear grip section (4a) along its longitudinal extension and a connecting projection (4b, 4c) on each side thereof (4b, 4c) on either side of it, to which the coupling means are connected, so that the handgrip is coupled to the handle housing (20, 20a, 20b) via the coupling means on both sides of the central rear grip section (4a) and can be locked in both the operating position and the rest position.

3. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein controllable blocking means are provided which lock the handgrip in the rest position and / or the actuating position and hold it in a fixed position.

4. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling means and the motor are designed such that the handgrip is held in a fixed position in the rest position and / or the operating position by frictional forces and the braking force of the motor.

5. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor components comprise an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor and / or a mechanical switch.

6. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication means are designed for near-field communication, in particular communication according to the NFC standard.

7. Vehicle door handle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling means are coupled to actuable emergency release means which, when force is exerted on the emergency release means, move the handgrip from the rest position to the actuating position independently of the motor.