ELECTRIC DOOR HANDLE FOR A VEHICLE DOOR, INSPECTION PROCEDURES AND CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric door handle for a vehicle door, a control method for a controlled movement of such an electric door handle and a calibration method for calibrating such an electric door handle.

[0002] It is known that vehicles can be equipped with electric door handles as an alternative to mechanical door handles. For example, vehicles are known whose door handles can be electrically moved between a retracted position for driving the vehicle and an extended position for opening the door. These known electric door handles have in common that they have mechanical opening kinematics so that, in the extended position, they can transmit an activation force to an opening mechanism for unlocking the corresponding vehicle door. This allows the user of such known electric door handles to grasp the door handle, pull it outwards, and thereby perform a mechanical unlocking process.

[0003] US 10 487 547 B2 discloses a door handle that can be rotated relative to a housing. The door handle is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the pivot pin. The door handle is moved by a motor and an arm. The pivot pin provides mechanical support for the door handle.

[0004] EP 3 498 953 A1 relates to a gear mechanism for a vehicle door handle, which is designed to be attached to a handle on one side. The gear mechanism comprises a shaft designed to be connected to the handle and a mechanism designed to transmit an output torque of an electric motor into a rotational movement of the shaft. The gear mechanism further comprises a braking mechanism that frictionally engages a rotating element of one of the transmission stages of the mechanism when the shaft reaches a rotational braking position.

[0005] US 2017 / 089102 A1 discloses an exterior handle device for a vehicle. An exterior handle is preloaded by a spring.

[0006] WO 2019 / 091899 A1 relates to a vehicle door handle comprising a coupling device with a handle. The handle is connected to a spring.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known solutions is that a significant amount of design effort is required to ensure the mechanical correlation between the unlocking, on the one hand, and the movement of the electric door handle for activating this unlocking, on the other. Furthermore, the mechanical characteristics during the unlocking process are specific to the mechanism used. Varying the characteristics, particularly the force distribution, is not possible with the known solutions.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to ensure the greatest possible adjustability of an electric door handle for a vehicle door in a cost-effective and simple manner.

[0009] The above object is achieved by an electric door handle having the features of claim 1, a control method having the features of claim 8, and a calibration method having the features of claim 17. Further features and details of individual embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the electric door handle according to the invention are of course also considered to be described in connection with the control method according to the invention and the calibration method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0010] According to the invention, an electric door handle for a vehicle door is proposed, which is equipped with a base body for arrangement in the vehicle door. A handle is movably mounted on the base body within a range of motion, wherein the range of motion extends between a mechanically defined first end position and a mechanically defined second end position, and the mobility is ensured by a handle bearing. Furthermore, the electric door handle has an electric drive for moving the handle between the two end positions. The position of the handle between the two end positions can be detected using at least one sensor.The electric drive is equipped with a gear mechanism for load-free positioning of the handle in a gripping position, spaced from the end positions, and for load-free positioning of the handle in a driving position, spaced from the end positions and spaced from the gripping position. The handle bearing is designed without any mechanical support in the driving position and the gripping position.

[0011] An electric door handle according to the invention is based on the core idea that the electric door handle is designed for an electrically performed movement. In particular, two functional positions can be distinguished from one another. Firstly, there is the driving position, i.e. the position in which the handle is arranged when the vehicle is in a moving state. Different from this is a gripping position in which a user of the electric door handle can grip the handle and then open the door. In the simplest case, this is passive gripping, whereby pulling results in an opening movement of the vehicle door. As will be explained later, the gripping can also be designed as active gripping in order to trigger and / or carry out an unlocking process of the vehicle door before the opening movement of the vehicle door.

[0012] The movement possibilities of the handle extend between the first end position and the second end position, which are mechanically defined and can, for example, have the stops explained later.

[0013] A core concept of the invention is that at least two of the described functional positions, namely the driving position on the one hand and the gripping position on the other, can be positioned load-free with the help of the electric drive via the gear device. In other words, the electric drive alone and in particular independently of other mechanical components can position the handle in the driving position as well as in the gripping position. The only force acting on the handle in the driving position and gripping position is a holding force of the electric drive, which holds the handle in the corresponding functional position. In contrast to known solutions, no separate switching elements, mechanical elements, or kinematic lever elements are required to assume and maintain these positions.

[0014] The fact that the positioning of the handle in at least the functional positions of driving position and gripping position can now be achieved exclusively with the electric drive via the gear device results in a number of advantages.

[0015] A first advantage is that the load-free positioning allows for a largely free selection of positions. For example, a different driving position and / or a different gripping position can be achieved for different vehicles, different vehicle users, and even different vehicle doors. This free selectability allows such an electric door handle to be customized for a vehicle or used as a higher-level module for a variety of different vehicles, and then specified and / or calibrated in a controlled manner. It is therefore possible to provide a compact, modular component as an electric door handle that can be used in a customized manner for different vehicles.

[0016] Another major advantage of load-free positioning is that no mechanical correlation is required for the opening and / or unlocking mechanism of the vehicle door. Rather, it is sufficient if the door is unlocked and / or opened by a separate, particularly purely electrical, opening and / or unlocking mechanism. The opening and / or unlocking is triggered when at least one sensor detects the handle positioning relevant to the desired unlocking or opening. In addition to greater variability and flexibility in the use of the electric door handle, the elimination of mechanical correlation or additional microswitches also makes it smaller, lighter, and therefore more cost-effective to integrate into a vehicle.

[0017] Last but not least, it should be noted that with the aid of an electric door handle according to the invention, different profiles in the movement characteristics of the electric door handle can also be set. In particular, if counterforces are to be applied to the handle by the electric drive during an activation movement to unlock the door handle, these can be essentially freely adjusted. For example, to unlock a vehicle door, the user can move the handle from the gripping position to an unlocking position. For this movement, the user applies an activation force to the handle. The electric drive can then apply a counterforce in a variable and freely adjustable manner, so that the ease and / or stiffness of this movement can essentially be freely adjusted.If the vehicle on which the electric door handle is installed is, for example, a large SUV, a stiff movement characteristic and a correspondingly high counterforce may be desired, depending on the vehicle type. If the vehicle is a compact vehicle, for example, a lower counterforce is also possible, which, for the user, appears as a smooth movement of the handle from the gripping position to the unlocking position.

[0018] As can be seen from the above explanation, the electric door handle is now designed without a mechanically defined zero position and can, in particular, be positioned in the two or more functional positions mentioned above in a load-free manner. This enables a multitude of different customizations, as will be explained in more detail later with details on the specific designs. The mechanical limits for this freedom of movement are determined by the two mechanically defined end positions.

[0019] The drive is provided, for example, by means of a DC motor and can, in particular, include a pivoting movement between the end positions. In particular, the entire embodiment of the electric door handle is designed free of a locking mechanism and / or an unlocking mechanism, and in particular also free of a microswitch. The described sensor means for detecting the position of the handle can, for example, be an angle sensor, an absolute position sensor, and / or a relative position sensor, which provides a corresponding physical and / or electrical detection functionality depending on the actual application situation.

[0020] It can be advantageous if the handle bearing of an electric door handle is designed without a lever mechanism. This further emphasizes the load-free positioning option and reduces the effort, design complexity, and required installation space for the electric door handle. In particular, mechanical stops and friction from mechanically interacting levers of a lever mechanism for intermediate positions are avoided.

[0021] It is further advantageous if, in an electric door handle of the present invention, the base body has a grip recess, wherein the first end position is arranged within the grip recess and the second end position is arranged outside the grip recess. The handle can thus be moved into and out of the grip recess. Here, too, this particularly involves a pivoting movement, wherein the pivot axis for this pivoting movement is preferably arranged outside the grip recess and within the base body. This large range of movement leads to a multitude of independent, load-free functional positions of the handle, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0022] It is further advantageous if, in an electric door handle according to the invention, the sensor means is integrated into the electric drive. In particular, this can be an angle sensor, which, for example, can be provided in the form of an electric stepper motor in an electric drive. The integration of at least one sensor means into the electric drive allows the remaining part of the electric door handle to be designed free of, or essentially free of, sensor means. This concentrates the necessary complexity on the electric drive and reinforces the already repeatedly explained advantages of compact design, lightweight construction, and cost-effective manufacturing options.

[0023] It is furthermore advantageous if, in an electric door handle according to the invention, the base body has a first stop for the first end position and / or a second stop for the second end position. These are preferably mechanical stops that provide surface contact with a corresponding counter-surface of the gear device and / or the handle. However, these stops are preferably not reached during normal operation, since the corresponding counterforces and reset options of the electric drive prevent the handle from being positioned in the end positions. The stops can preferably provide protection against unwanted damage, in particular in the event of force being applied to the handle, and / or offer safety in the event of a failure of the electric drive.

[0024] It is further advantageous if, in an electric door handle according to the invention, the electric drive has the gear device for additional load-free positioning in at least one of the following positions spaced apart from the end positions: Unlocking position between gripping position and second end position, display position, defense position against mechanical stress on the handle, protection position between the driving position and the first end position.

[0025] The above list is not exhaustive. The individual positions are correlated in particular with a first end position inside a handle recess and a second end position outside a handle recess of the base body. The unlocking position represents the end of an unlocking movement of the handle from the gripping position, as will be explained in more detail later. In its positioning, it performs a signaling function, for example, indicating to an unlocking mechanism that it should electrically unlock the vehicle door. An indicator position allows communication between the user of the electric door handle and the vehicle. For example, a visualization can take place when the handle is moved into a display position by the electric drive.This can be used to indicate, for example, that the vehicle is not yet locked or that another functional situation has or has not yet occurred. For example, the display position can be used to inform the driver that a lighting situation on the vehicle, a locking function, or something similar has or has not been achieved. Conversely, it is also possible for a movement, such as pressing the handle along the movement range, by the user of the electric door handle in the opposite direction to send a signal to the vehicle. For example, pressing the door handle several times can be used as an output signal to lock the vehicle.Separate sensors, such as touch-sensitive elements in the door handle area, can be avoided in this way, allowing additional signaling functionality to be integrated into the electric door handle without additional design effort. A defensive position can, for example, be used to protect against mechanical stress. If, for example, a person leans against the vehicle and also against the handle, the handle can be moved into a defensive position, which is perceived in particular as a knocking movement on the part of the body leaning against the handle. Last but not least, a protective position is also possible, which can be retracted into a handle recess between the driving position and the end position.For example, if the vehicle is in a crash or pre-crash situation, this protective position can increase the likelihood that the handle will not be torn off or otherwise damaged during the crash.

[0026] Further advantages can be achieved if, in an electric door handle according to the present invention, the gear device and the handle bearing form a pivot axis for a pivoting movement of the handle over at least a portion of the range of motion, in particular over the entire or substantially the entire range of motion. This pivot axis is preferably located within the base body and outside a grip recess. The pivoting movement allows for a particularly compact design and can additionally or alternatively be combined with a translational movement.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a control method for a controlled movement of a handle of an electric door handle according to the invention, comprising the following steps: Determining the current position of the handle in the range of motion, detecting a target position of the handle in the range of motion, moving the handle to the target position in the range of motion by applying a moving force using the electric drive, holding the handle in the reached target position with a holding force using the electric drive.

[0028] A control method according to the invention offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to an electric door handle. The current position of the handle is determined in particular by using the sensor means. The detection of a target position can be ensured, for example, by means of a specification from a control system of the vehicle. For example, the handle can be in a driving position while the user of the vehicle approaches the vehicle. Detection of an action by the user of the vehicle or simply approaching with a key in the user's pocket can trigger detection of the target position in the form of the gripping position in a control method according to the invention. The handle is then moved to this target position, for example in the form of the gripping position.To achieve this movement, the electric drive applies the required force to the handle. Once the handle has reached its target position, this position remains stable as a load-free position only as long as the electric drive also applies the required holding force. This clearly shows how freely variable both the positioning and the force application are in the respective target position of the handle, which is designed as a functional position.

[0029] It is advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, upon detection of an externally applied activation force for moving the handle from the target position, in particular in the form of the gripping position, a defined counterforce is generated by means of the electric drive to counteract the activation force. For example, it is possible for the handle to be gripped by the user and moved into an unlocking position. The defined counterforce is therefore a defined resistance to this movement, which can be perceived by the user as the handle moving easily or sluggishly. In other words, it is now possible to variably adjust the force characteristics during the movement of the handle and, in particular, to simulate different mechanical characteristics by applying different counterforce curves of the electric drive.The counterforce and thus the characteristics of the door handle movement can therefore be freely adjusted.

[0030] Further advantages can be achieved if, in a control method according to the invention, the counterforce over a movement section of the handle is smaller than the activation force in order to permit the defined movement of the handle. This therefore makes it possible to generate a resultant force which permits the desired movement, in particular taking into account a maximum permitted movement speed. Here, too, it is possible to set a force characteristic and / or a movement characteristic in a defined manner and to control it electronically. It is of course possible for the counterforce to be provided not constantly, but variably along a curve, for example to electronically simulate a mechanical click sensation of a mechanical unlocking kinematics over an incline.

[0031] Further advantages can be achieved if, in a control method according to the invention, the movement force, the holding force and / or in particular a counterforce is specifically adapted for at least one of the following application variants: Type of vehicle, make of vehicle, position of vehicle door, person's benefit.

[0032] The above list is not exhaustive. For example, door handles with varying degrees of stiffness can be simulated for different vehicle types. A door handle for an SUV can be equipped with a stiffer operating characteristic thanks to the electric drive, while a compact car can be provided with a smooth operating characteristic thanks to the same electric drive. It is possible to use the identical electric door handle without this structural identity becoming apparent during use. Different characteristics can also be set on the electric door handle for different vehicle manufacturers, and thus different brands. It is also possible to provide different characteristics for different vehicle doors on the same vehicle.For example, if child seats are installed in the rear seats, the electric door handles on the corresponding rear vehicle doors can be designed to be smoother than those on the front vehicle doors for parents. Adjustments and thus individualization can also be made available for different users, for example, identifiable by assigned vehicle keys.

[0033] Further advantages can be achieved if, in a control method according to the invention, the course of the activation force and / or the course of the pulling speed of the handle is determined over the movement section of the handle under the influence of the activation force. This creates a live measurement and / or a real-time measurement, which can be fed back into the control method. Adaptation to the current situation is thus cost-effective and easy, so that mechanical damage and / or the undesired reaching of one of the end positions can be avoided, particularly with high effectiveness.

[0034] It is further advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, a movement duration is determined, in particular for the movement from the current position of the handle to the target position of the handle. The movement duration can therefore be monitored and preferably compared with a predetermined maximum movement duration. If, for example, the movement from the gripping position to the driving position is too slow, this may be related to a pinching situation. This makes it possible to detect such a situation without additional pinching sensors, thus providing the necessary protection against pinching. It can also be determined, for example, that if the movement in the extension direction is too slow, this may indicate an icing situation, which can be counteracted with a defined de-icing movement of the electric door handle.

[0035] Further advantages can be achieved if a control method according to the invention detects a crash situation and / or a pre-crash situation and moves to a crash position and / or a pre-crash position as the target position for the handle. In particular, a distinction is made between pre-crash and crash, so that in the pre-crash situation a protective position against the handle being torn off or damaged can be assumed and maintained throughout the crash situation. At the end of the crash, the handles can be automatically extended into a gripping position, for example to make it easier for emergency services to access the vehicle. It is also possible to adopt different protective positions for the different doors in order to further increase the probability of the easiest possible access.

[0036] It is also advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, a display position is approached as the target position for outputting a visual and / or haptic signal. Both the position itself and the movement to this position can represent this visual and / or haptic signal. For example, a tapping motion can be performed with the handle, which can be perceived haptically by the user. A visual waving motion or moving to a defined, recognizable waving position can also add a signaling functionality to the control method.

[0037] It is further advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, the application of an activation force generates a movement of the handle, which is recorded as a signal input. As already explained, a reverse signaling from the user to the vehicle can take place here. For example, vehicle functions such as locking, activating a parking light, opening a trunk, closing the windows, or opening or closing other doors can be signaled here as a function request. It may also be possible for the electric drive to act as a generator in order to be able to provide the described functionality even in a powerless situation, for example in conjunction with an electrical capacitor.

[0038] A further subject of the present invention is a calibration method for calibrating an electric door handle according to the invention for use in a control method according to the invention, comprising the following steps: Detecting a position signal of a current position of the handle, determining a current position of the handle with reference to at least one of the two end positions, setting the current position signal in relation to the determined current position of the handle.

[0039] A calibration method according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to an electric handle according to the invention and a control method according to the invention. The position to be detected can also be actively approached. In the simplest case, this can be one or even both of the end positions. However, it is also possible to deliberately approach a calibration position that lies between the end positions and can be checked using separate testing equipment. The desired calibrated position is preferably as flush as possible with the exterior of the vehicle's body, for example, in the driving position.

[0040] Such a calibration procedure can be further developed so that the current position is determined in at least one of the following ways: Using a test device to generate a determination of the handle, camera images, in particular from a vehicle-mounted camera device.

[0041] The above list is not exhaustive. For example, test equipment can be used to ensure a defined, flush positioning of the handle with the vehicle's outer skin. For example, an adhesive tape can be applied over the handle, so that a temporary end position is mechanically defined for this calibration situation. Camera images can also be evaluated to determine when, during a service drive from the first end position toward the second end position, a flush alignment with the vehicle's outer skin is possible, thus enabling the driving position to be set.

[0042] Further advantages, features, and details of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1 an embodiment of an electric door handle according to the invention in the driving position, Fig. 2 the embodiment of the Figure 1 in the first end position, Fig. 3 the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 in second end position, Fig. 4 the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 in gripping position, Fig. 5 the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 4 in a display position, Fig. 6 the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 5 in a protective position, Fig. 7 the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 in a calibration situation, Fig. 8 the course of a force-displacement curve when using an electric door handle and Fig. 9 the time course of the individual positions using an example.

[0043] In Figure 1A door handle 100 is schematically shown, which can be attached to a vehicle via a base body 20. A grip recess 22 is formed in the base body 20, in which the handle 30 is arranged flush with the outer skin of the vehicle in the illustrated driving position. To enable the handle 30 to move, a handle bearing 32 is coupled to a gear device 42, so that movement to desired target positions for the handle 30 is possible with the aid of an electric drive 40. Position detection is predetermined here by a sensor means 50, for example in the form of an angle sensor.

[0044] In the Figures 2 and 3 Two possible end positions EP1 and EP2 are shown schematically. Figure 2shows the correlation between these two end positions EP1 and EP2, which specify the maximum range of motion BB. In order to specify the end positions EP1 and EP2 in a mechanically defined manner, a first stop A1 is specified for the first end position EP1 and a second stop A2 is specified for the second end position EP2. During normal operation of the electric door handle 10, these two end positions EP1 and EP2 are advantageously to be understood as mechanical protective positions, which are preferably never assumed or only in exceptional situations.

[0045] The Figure 4 shows a gripping position GP, ​​in which, for example, the handle 30 can be reached into or under. In this position, an unlocking movement can now be performed, for example, by pulling the handle 30 further out of this gripping position GP, ​​in the direction of the second end position EP2, with a gripping movement.

[0046] The Figure 5 shows a possible display position AP, which is visually distinguishable from the gripping position GP. A movement to this display position AP can signal the user of the electric door handle 10 in the form of a waving motion.

[0047] The Figure 6 shows schematically a protective position SP, in which the handle 30 is retracted further into the grip recess 22 against unwanted mechanical impairment or damage in order to be able to provide an increased protective effect.

[0048] The Figure 7shows a possibility with a test device 200, which temporarily limits the movement of the handle 30. If the handle 30 is now moved toward the second end position EP2 for a calibration procedure, the test device 200 sets a new, temporarily mechanically defined end position as the travel position FP. As soon as this temporarily mechanically defined end position is reached, the calibration can set this position as the travel position FP, and the test device 200 can be removed again.

[0049] In the Figure 8 It is clearly visible schematically how a freely adjustable force characteristic can be set by such an electric door handle 10, for example. From a driving position FP (not shown in the Figure 8) the handle 30 is moved into the gripping position GP with the aid of a movement force BK. There the handle 30 is held with the holding force HK. If the user of the electric door handle 10 now grasps the handle 30 and pulls it further outwards in the direction of an unlocking position ERP, they apply an activation force AK until unlocking is achieved. The electric drive 40 applies a counterforce GK to the handle 30 which increases over the travel until a maximum is reached at the unlocking position ERP. There the movement of the handle 30 is either ended or a clicking sensation is achieved for the user through a significant reduction of the counterforce GK over the further travel.As the path continues, it is clearly visible that even before the second end position EP2 is reached, the counterforce GK increases sharply in order to ensure a maximum blocking effect against the handle 30 actually reaching this second end position EP2.

[0050] In the Figure 9is shown schematically how the individual angular positions can be assumed over time. For example, the travel position FP can be defined as the zero position here. During this movement, for example a service movement of the handle 30, the movement takes place from the second end position EP2 via an unlocking position ERP, a display position AP, a gripping position GP, ​​a travel position FP, a protection position SP into the first end position EP1. Of particular importance is the range of movement between the unlocking position ERP into the travel position FP and the movement duration BD required for this. If this is longer than a defined specification or a defined limit value, this can be due, for example, to a pinching situation, which can be determined here solely via the time and position progression and without a separate clamping sensor.

[0051] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. List of reference symbols

[0052] 10Electric door handle 20Base body 22Grip recess 30Handle 32Handle bearing 40Electric drive 42Gearbox 50Sensor means 200Test equipment BKMovement force HKHolding force AKActivation force GKCounterforce BDMovement duration BBMovement range GPGrip position FPDrive position APDisplay position SPProtection position ERPRelease position EP1First end position EP2Second end position A1First stop A2Second stop

Claims

1. Electric door handle (10) for a vehicle door, comprising a base body (20) for arrangement in the vehicle door, wherein a handle (30) is mounted on the base body (20) so as to be movable in a movement range (BB) between a mechanically defined first end position (EP1) and a mechanically defined second end position (EP2) by means of a handle bearing (32), further comprising an electric drive (40) for a movement of the handle (30) between the two end positions (EP1, EP2) and at least one sensor means (50) for detecting the position of the handle (30) between the two end positions (EP1, EP2), wherein the electric drive (40) has a gear device (42) for load-free positioning of the handle (30) in a gripping position (GP) of the handle (30) at a distance from the end positions (EP1, EP2) and for the load-free positioning of the handle (30) in a driving position (FP) at a distance from the end positions (EP1, EP2) and from the gripping position (GP), characterised in that the handle bearing (32) is designed to be free of mechanical support in the driving position (FP) and the gripping position (GP).

2. Electric door handle (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the handle bearing (32) is designed to be free of a lever mechanism.

3. Electric door handle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base body (20) has a grip recess (22), wherein the first end position (EP1) is arranged within the grip recess (22) and the second end position (EP2) is arranged outside the grip recess (22).

4. Electric door handle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor means (50) is integrated into the electric drive (40).

5. Electric door handle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base body (20) has a first stop (A1) for the first end position (EP1) and / or a second stop (A2) for the second end position (EP2) .

6. Electric door handle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electric drive (40) has the gear device (42) for additional load-free positioning in at least one of the following positions at a distance from the end positions (EP1, EP2): - unlocking position (ERP) between gripping position (GP) and second end position (EP2) - indicator position (AP) - defensive position against mechanical loading of the handle (30) - protective position (SP) between the driving position (FP) and the first end position (EP1).

7. Electric door handle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gear device (42) and the handle bearing (32) form a swivel axis for a swivelling movement of the handle (30) over at least a partial section of the movement range (BB), in particular over the entire or substantially the entire movement range (BB) .

8. Control method for a controlled movement of a handle (30) of an electric door handle (10) with the features of one of the claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - determining the current position of the handle (30) in the movement range (BB), - registering a target position of the handle (30) in the movement range (BB), - moving the handle (30) to the target position in the movement range (BB) by applying a moving force (BK) by means of the electric drive (40), - holding the handle (30) in the reached target position with a holding force (HK) by means of the electric drive (40).

9. Control method according to claim 8, characterised in that, on detection of an externally applied activation force (AK) for the movement of the handle (30) from the target position, in particular in the form of the gripping position (GP), a defined counterforce (GK) acting counter to the activation force (AK) is generated by means of the electric drive (40).

10. Control method according to claim 9, characterised in that the counterforce (GK) over a movement section of the handle (30) is less than the activation force (AK) in order to allow a defined movement of the handle (30).

11. Control method according to one of the claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the moving force (BK), the holding force (HK) and / or in particular a counterforce (GK) is specifically adapted for at least one of the following application variants: - type of the vehicle - make of the vehicle - position of the vehicle door - user.

12. Control method according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the curve of the activation force (AK) and / or the curve of the pulling speed of the handle (30) is determined over the movement section of the handle (30) under the influence of the activation force (AK) .

13. Control method according to one of the claims 8 to 12, characterised in that a movement duration (BD), in particular for the movement from the current position of the handle (30) to the target position of the handle (30) is determined.

14. Control procedure according to one of the claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a crash situation and / or a pre-crash situation is registered and a crash position and / or a pre-crash position is approached as the target position for the handle (30).

15. Control method according to one of the claims 8 to 14, characterised in that an indicator position (AP) is approached as a target position for an output of a visual and / or haptic signal.

16. Control method according to one of the claims 9 to 15, characterised in that a movement of the handle (30) is generated by the introduction of an activation force (AK) which is registered as a signal input.

17. Calibration method for calibrating an electric door handle (10) with the features of one of the claims 1 to 7 for use in a control method with the features of one of the claims 8 to 16, comprising the following steps: - registering a position signal of a current position of the handle (30), - determining a current position of the handle (30) with reference to at least one of the two end positions (EP1, EP2), - setting the current position signal in relation to the determined current position of the handle (30).

18. Calibration method according to claim 17, characterised in that the current position is determined in at least one of the following ways: - using a test means (200) to generate a determination of the handle (30) - camera images, in particular from a vehicle-mounted camera device.