Handle assembly for a motor vehicle and method for mounting a door handle

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for mounting a door handle on a vehicle door for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Various devices are known for mounting door handle modules with a concealed or extendable door handle and a door handle mechanism onto a handle recess in the door panel of a motor vehicle door. Such alignment devices, for example, have a cover plate for concealing the door handle and several flexible centering pins projecting perpendicularly from the cover plate and formed integrally with it. These pins allow the cover plate to be positioned precisely on the visible side of the door handle. A sealing device can also be positioned around the door handle in a defined position, creating a gap, via the centering pins. In this configuration, the door handle module can be inserted from the inside of the vehicle door through the handle recess and positioned precisely on the door panel while maintaining a gap. It can then be fixed to the door panel, for example, using screws.The alignment device can then be removed from the outside of the vehicle door. Such an alignment device is known, for example, from documents CN 106 499 272 B and CN 110 485 838 A.

[0003] Document CN 218 406 994 U discloses an alignment device for aligning a door handle on a vehicle door. The alignment device has several fixing means for securing it to the door handle. The door handle can be aligned to a handle receptacle on the vehicle door via spring-loaded centering elements of the alignment device. Such an alignment device has the disadvantage that attaching it to the door handle and removing it after alignment is very time-consuming. Document DE 10 2009 045 874 A1 discloses a handle device for a vehicle door, which has a first handle module that can be positioned on the inside of the vehicle door and a second handle module that can be positioned on the outside of the vehicle door. The handle modules have detent and counter-detent elements that can be engaged with each other to align the handle modules. No additional targeted alignment of the handle modules to the vehicle door is provided.

[0004] Document WO 2023 / 158025 A1 discloses a handle assembly for a motor vehicle, in which an alignment device for an assembly process is arranged on a door handle and covers it from the outside of the handle. The door handle can be positioned on a handle opening in a door panel and aligned with the door panel by means of the alignment device. After the handle assembly is attached to the door panel, the guide cover can be removed. The guide cover ensures a uniform gap between the door handle and the door panel.

[0005] Document CN 114 278 168 A discloses a handle assembly with a handle cover held on a handle frame. A defined multi-axis alignment of the components during assembly and installation in a handle opening of a door panel is supported by a multitude of small alignment elements integrated into the handle assembly. Document EP 4 023 846 A1 discloses a handle assembly in which tolerance compensation between mounting holes and mounting bolts is ensured by an integrated alignment device.

[0006] Known handle assemblies have the disadvantage that aligning the components remains very complex and requires precise manual positioning of the parts to be joined. With flexible alignment devices, the sometimes very delicate centering elements can easily bend and are therefore only reusable to a limited extent.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate, or at least partially eliminate, the disadvantages described above in a handle assembly for a motor vehicle. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for mounting a door handle on a vehicle door that ensures secure alignment of the components in a simple and cost-effective manner and / or require reduced material usage.

[0008] The aforementioned problem is solved by the claims. Accordingly, the problem is solved by a handle assembly for a motor vehicle with the features of independent claim 1 and by a method for mounting a door handle on a vehicle door for a motor vehicle with the features of dependent claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the handle assembly according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a handle assembly for a motor vehicle. The handle assembly comprises a door handle mechanism and a door handle movably held on the door handle mechanism, wherein the door handle is designed for arrangement in a recess of a vehicle door of the motor vehicle, forming a circumferential gap between the door handle and an inner surface of the recess. According to the invention, an alignment device with centering devices for laterally aligning the door handle with the recess is arranged on the handle assembly, wherein the centering devices are movably held on a base body of the handle assembly between an engagement position, in which the centering devices for aligning the door handle with the recess are arranged, and a passive position, in which lateral movement of the door handle with respect to the recess is permitted by the centering devices.

[0010] The handle assembly includes the door handle mechanism, which can be attached to the vehicle door using fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets, or similar. For initial positioning, the door handle mechanism can be attached to the vehicle door using clips. These clips are flexibly mounted, for example, with approximately 3 mm to 4 mm of play in the direction of travel and vertically. This allows the door handle mechanism to first be clipped onto the door frame, then aligned using the alignment device, and finally secured to the vehicle door using the fasteners to fix its position relative to the door. The alignment device can then be moved into its passive position.

[0011] The door handle is attached to the door handle mechanism and held movable by the door handle mechanism, so that the door handle mechanism can be operated via the vehicle handle. The door handle mechanism can include a locking device for opening and closing the vehicle door or a coupling device for mechanically coupling with a locking device for opening and closing the vehicle door.

[0012] The door handle is designed for such an arrangement in the recess of the vehicle door that a circumferential gap, preferably with a constant gap width, is formed between the door handle and the inside of the recess. Preferably, the door handle mechanism allows it to be moved between a concealed position, flush with the door (in which the door handle may be aligned with the recess of the vehicle door), and a protruded position (in which the door handle projects from the recess towards the outside of the vehicle door, for example, to improve ease of operation by a user of the vehicle door).

[0013] The alignment device has several centering devices for laterally aligning the door handle with the recess. Preferably, the alignment device has at least four centering devices distributed around the circumference of the door handle in such a way that the centering devices ensure precise positioning of the door handle relative to the recess on a plane, for example, parallel to an outward-facing grip surface of the door handle. In other words, the centering devices are arranged in such a way that a predefined gap geometry between the door handle and the inside of the recess can be reliably achieved. The alignment device is preferably made of a plastic, particularly preferably of a particularly rigid plastic. The centering device can be chamfered to allow for the easiest possible insertion of the centering elements into the circumferential gap.

[0014] The centering devices are movably mounted on the base body of the handle assembly between the engagement position and the passive position. For this purpose, the centering devices are preferably mounted on the base body in a translationally movable manner. The base body can, for example, be designed as part of the door handle mechanism, such as a housing for the door handle mechanism.

[0015] In the context of the invention, the engagement position is understood to be a position of the centering devices in which a centering geometry of the centering devices is arranged next to the door handle and, in the installed state of the door handle, engages with the inner surface of the recess such that the gap between the door handle and the inner surface of the recess corresponds to a predefined shape. The door handle is thus secured against relative movement to the vehicle door by the centering devices in at least two orthogonal directions, preferably on a plane parallel to the outer surface of the vehicle door. Preferably, in the engagement position, the centering devices project beyond the handle surface of the door handle, which, in the installed state, has the same orientation as an outer surface of the vehicle door and is then preferably aligned with the outer surface of the door.Therefore, there can be several engagement positions for the centering devices.

[0016] In the context of the invention, the passive position is understood to be a position of the centering devices in which, when the door handle is installed, the centering devices are moved away from the gap between the door handle and the inner surface of the recess in such a way that, with the fastening elements released or movable pre-fixing clips in place, lateral movement of the door handle towards the vehicle door is permitted, thus allowing the gap between the door handle and the vehicle door to be changed. Therefore, there can be several passive positions for the centering devices. Removing the alignment device can also be considered a passive position.

[0017] A handle assembly according to the invention has the advantage over conventional handle assemblies that the door handle can be easily aligned to the recess using simple means and in a cost-effective manner, so that a circumferential gap between the door handle and the inside of the recess can be reliably and easily reproducibly adjusted with predefined gap dimensions. Thus, the handle assembly according to the invention is particularly well suited for mass production.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle assembly may be provided with an alignment device that automatically moves the centering devices from the engagement position to the passive position. The return device preferably comprises a spring, such as a coil spring, a disc spring, a torsion spring, or the like. The return device is preferably made of or comprised of a plastic. According to the invention, the return device may be designed as a foam. Alternatively, the return device may be made of or comprised of a metal. The return device allows the centering devices to be moved out of the gap between the door handle and the inner surface of the recess, for example, when the door handle mechanism of the aligned door handle is attached to the vehicle door.This has the advantage that the assembly of the handle assembly on the vehicle door can be further improved using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0019] According to the invention, it is preferred that the alignment device includes a holding device for keeping the centering devices in the passive position and / or in the engagement position. The holding device can, for example, be designed such that it can only be activated after the holding devices have been previously arranged in the engagement position. Holding the centering devices in the passive position prevents them from re-entering the gap between the door handle and the inner surface of the recess after the handle assembly has been aligned and attached to the vehicle door, thus preventing them from becoming visible or generating disruptive noises, such as rattling, during vehicle operation. Such a holding device is particularly advantageous if the alignment device is to remain attached to the handle assembly after the handle assembly has been attached to the vehicle door.A particular advantage of the alignment device remaining in the handle assembly is that the door handle can be easily realigned to the vehicle door at any time, for example, during necessary rework at the factory, customer service, or repairs. No additional tools are required for realignment. The retaining device can, for example, be designed to permanently hold the centering devices in the passive position. For this purpose, the retaining device can, for example, have a predetermined breaking point, breakaway pin, or the like. By holding the centering devices in the engagement position, it is prevented that the centering devices leave the engagement position when the handle assembly is moved towards the recess and thus can no longer adequately support the alignment process. Preferably, the retaining device is designed only for holding and not as a return mechanism.This has the advantage that the assembly of the handle assembly can be further improved using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0020] Preferably, the centering devices are formed monolithically. It is particularly advantageous that the centering devices are connected to each other via a connecting structure, such as a connecting frame, a connecting cross, or the like, wherein the centering devices and the connecting structure are monolithic. The monolithic design allows the centering devices to be moved simultaneously into the engagement position or the passive position. Deviatingly, the connecting structure includes a handle for easier gripping and movement of the connecting structure with the centering devices. This has the advantage of improving the actuation of the alignment device for aligning the door handle with the inside of the recess in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle assembly may be provided with a pressure surface for manually pressing the centering devices into the engagement position. The pressure surface is preferably located at a central point of the alignment device, such as a central region of a connecting structure for joining the centering devices, in order to prevent the centering devices from tilting when a pressure force is applied to the pressure surface. The pressure surface is preferably round or oval. The pressure surface preferably has a diameter of at least 10 mm. Preferably, the pressure surface has a diameter of no more than 20 mm. The pressure surface facilitates moving the centering devices into the engagement position.This has the advantage that the operation of the alignment device for aligning the door handle to the inside of the recess is further improved using simple means and in a cost-effective manner.

[0022] Preferably, the alignment device includes a locking mechanism for engaging the centering devices in the engagement position. This locking mechanism can, for example, be designed like the holding mechanism of a ballpoint pen, so that actuating the locking mechanism secures the centering devices and releases them again by actuating the locking mechanism once more. This has the advantage of further improving the actuation of the alignment device for aligning the door handle with the inside of the recess in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle assembly may be provided in such a way that the alignment device is detachably held on the base body of the handle assembly. Preferably, the handle assembly is designed such that the alignment device can be pulled off the base body over an inner side of the vehicle door, for example by a linear movement. It is preferred that the alignment device can only be pulled off the handle assembly by overcoming a holding force, for example by a friction surface, retaining cam, predetermined breaking point, or the like, so that unintentional falling out of the handle assembly is prevented. A removed alignment device can, for example, be used for another handle assembly. This has the advantage that the manufacturing costs of the handle assembly can be reduced in a simple and cost-effective manner.Furthermore, removing the alignment device has the advantage of preventing rattling caused by the alignment device during operation of the motor vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, the centering devices each have an outwardly facing chamfer. An outwardly facing chamfer is understood to be a chamfer that, during the installation of the handle assembly on the recess, faces the inside of the recess. The chamfers facilitate the positioning of the handle assembly on the recess, as the alignment devices initially enter the recess and only upon further insertion do they engage with the inside of the recess. As they slide along the inside of the recess, they align the door handle with the recess. Thus, only a rough manual alignment of the handle assembly with the recess is required for installation. This has the advantage of further improving the installation of the handle assembly on the recess in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0025] According to the invention, it is preferred that the free end regions of the centering devices are arranged in the passive position within the door handle mechanism. An arrangement within the door handle mechanism preferably means that there is no lateral overlap of the centering devices with the door handle. Thus, the alignment device is not visibly concealed from the outside of the vehicle door. Furthermore, this also prevents rubbing against the door handle when the door handle is operated. This has the advantage that the operation of the door handle and the door handle mechanism can be improved in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a method for mounting a door handle on a vehicle door for a motor vehicle. The method comprises: Providing a handle assembly according to the invention, providing a vehicle door with a recess for the door handle of the handle assembly, moving the centering devices of the handle assembly into the engagement position, moving the handle assembly from an inside of the vehicle door to the recess such that the door handle protrudes into the recess, aligning the door handle to the recess via the centering devices, attaching the door handle mechanism to the vehicle door, and moving the centering devices from the engagement position to the passive position.

[0027] First, the handle assembly and the vehicle door are provided. Within the scope of the invention, "providing the vehicle door" means providing a vehicle door in which no door handle is yet arranged in the recess. The recess is thus designed as a through-hole that is open to both the outside and inside of the vehicle door.

[0028] Moving the centering devices of the handle assembly into the engagement position can, for example, occur before moving the handle assembly from the inside of the vehicle door to the recess. Alternatively, moving the centering devices of the handle assembly into the engagement position can also occur during or after the movement. The handle assembly is preferably moved to the recess until further movement is prevented by a positive locking mechanism, for example, by contact with the inside of the vehicle door by the door handle mechanism. In this state, an end portion of the door handle oriented towards the outside of the vehicle door is preferably positioned within the recess. In this state, the door handle mechanism is preferably pre-fixed to the vehicle door using clips.According to the invention, the alignment device can be designed in such a way that it is also possible to hold the door handle mechanism on the vehicle door with play via the alignment device, for example via the centering elements.

[0029] The centering devices align the door handle with the recess. When the centering devices are inserted into the recess, one or more of them come into contact with the inside of the recess, generating a lateral force on the door handle. This lateral force aligns the door handle within the recess. To facilitate insertion and improve alignment, the centering devices preferably have a centering geometry that faces the inside of the recess. This geometry also improves the sliding motion of the centering devices along the inside of the recess. In the aligned state, the gap between the door handle and the inside of the recess has a predefined shape.

[0030] Once the door handle is aligned in the recess, the door handle mechanism is attached to the vehicle door, preferably on the inside of the door, for example using screws, bolts, or similar fasteners. This prevents the door handle from shifting relative to the recess, for example, by means of a frictional connection. The alignment device is then no longer required, allowing the centering devices to be moved into a passive position, for example, by shifting the centering devices relative to the base body so that they no longer protrude into the gap, by removing the alignment device, or similar means.

[0031] The method according to the invention offers all the advantages already described for a handle assembly for a motor vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. Accordingly, the method according to the invention for mounting a door handle has the advantage over conventional methods that the door handle can be easily aligned to the recess using simple means and in a cost-effective manner, so that a circumferential gap between the door handle and the inside of the recess is reliably and easily reproducibly set with predefined gap dimensions. Thus, the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for mass production.

[0032] A handle assembly according to the invention and a method according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handle assembly according to a preferred embodiment in a passive position; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the handle assembly made of Figure 1 in an engagement position, Figure 3 in a frontal view the handle assembly made of Figure 2 Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the handle assembly. Figure 3 , and Figure 5 in a flowchart a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0033] Elements with the same function and mode of operation are in the Figures 1 to 5 each provided with the same reference numerals.

[0034] In Fig. 1A handle assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in a perspective view from the inside surface I of a vehicle door 5 in the passive position P. The handle assembly 1 comprises a door handle mechanism 2 with a base body 9. The door handle mechanism 2 is arranged on the inside surface I of the vehicle door 5 such that the base body 9 contacts the vehicle door 5 at several points. A door handle 3, held on the door handle mechanism 2 and pointing towards the outside A of the vehicle door 5 (see Figure 1), is attached to the door handle mechanism 2. Fig. 3 ) is not apparent in this view.

[0035] An alignment device 7 with six centering devices 8 is arranged on the base body 9. These centering devices point towards the outer side A of the vehicle door and are movably guided within the base body 9. The centering devices 8 are monolithic and connected to the alignment device 7 via a connecting structure 15. In the passive position P, the centering devices 8 are moved out of the base body 9 towards the inner side I of the vehicle door, so that the centering devices 8 are located outside a recess 4 (see Figure 1). Fig. 3 ) are located at vehicle door 5.

[0036] For actuation, the alignment device 7 has a pressure surface 12 in a central area of ​​the connecting structure 15. By pressing on the pressure surface 12 from the inside of the vehicle door I towards the outside of the vehicle door A, the alignment device 7 can be moved from the passive position P to the engagement position E. To move the alignment device 7 back from the engagement position E to the passive position P, the alignment device 7 has a return mechanism 10.

[0037] To hold the alignment device 7 in the engagement position E, the alignment device 7 has a locking element 13, which can be released again by pressing the pressure surface 12 on the inside of the vehicle door I in the direction of the outside of the vehicle door A. Thus, the operation of the alignment device 7 between the engagement position E and the passive position P is similar to the operation of a ballpoint pen to extend and retract the pen tip.

[0038] In this embodiment, the alignment device 7 has an optional holding device 11, which is designed to hold the alignment device 7 in the passive position P after it has been moved from the engagement position E, in order to prevent unintentional movement into the engagement position E. The reset device 10, holding device 11, and locking means 13 are hidden in this view.

[0039] Fig. 2 The handle assembly 1 is shown. Fig. 1 in the intervention position E. Fig. 3 The handle assembly 1 is made of Fig. 2The diagram is schematically illustrated in a frontal view from the outside of a vehicle door A. In the engagement position E, the alignment device 7 is moved towards the outside of the vehicle door A and held against returning to the passive position P by the locking element 13. A gap with a predefined width is formed between the door handle 3 and an inner surface 6 of the recess 4, in which end regions of the centering devices 8 are arranged, so that the door handle 3 is aligned with the recess 4.

[0040] In Fig. 4 The handle assembly 1 is made of Fig. 3The diagram is shown schematically in a sectional view. The centering devices 8 each have a chamfer 14 facing the adjacent inner surface 6 of the recess, thus facilitating the insertion of the alignment device 7 into the recess 4. Furthermore, the chamfers 14 also improve the alignment of the door handle 3 with the recess 4, as the centering devices 8 can slide more easily along the inner surface 6 of the recess 4. This view clearly shows that the centering devices 8 penetrate the base body 9 of the door handle mechanism 2 from the inside of the vehicle door I to the outside of the vehicle door A.

[0041] Fig. 5Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention in a flowchart. In a first method step 100, a handle assembly 1 according to the invention is provided. The handle assembly 1 comprises the door handle mechanism 2 with the door handle 3 arranged thereon. The alignment device 7 is movably held in the base body 9 of the door handle mechanism 2 between the passive position P and the engagement position E.

[0042] In a second procedural step 200, a vehicle door 5 is provided for a motor vehicle. The vehicle door 5 has a recess 4 for the door handle 3 of the handle assembly 1. The recess 4 extends from the inside of the vehicle door I to the outside of the vehicle door A.

[0043] In a third process step 300, the centering devices 8 of the handle assembly 1 are moved into the engagement position E. This is done, for example, by pressing on the pressure surface 12 of the alignment device 7 against a return resistance of the return device 10 such that the centering devices 8 reach the engagement position E and the locking means 13 holds the centering devices 8 in the engagement position E.

[0044] In a fourth process step 400, the handle assembly 1 is moved from the inside of the vehicle door 5 to the recess 4 such that the door handle 3 projects into the recess 4. This movement preferably continues until the door handle mechanism 2 contacts the vehicle door 5.

[0045] In a fifth process step 500, the door handle 3 is aligned with the recess 4 via the centering devices 8. This can occur, for example, when the handle assembly 1 is moved towards the recess 4. Alternatively, this can occur when the centering devices 8 are moved relative to the base body 9 in the direction of the vehicle door exterior A, if the door handle mechanism 2 is already mounted on the vehicle door 5. During alignment, the door handle 3 is positioned relative to the recess 4 such that a gap between the door handle 3 and the interior surface 6 of the recess has a predefined shape.

[0046] In a sixth process step 600, the door handle mechanism 2 or the base body 9 of the door handle mechanism 2 is attached to the inside of the vehicle door 5. This establishes a relative position of the door handle mechanism 2 to the vehicle door 5 in an aligned state, in which a predefined gap is formed between the door handle 3 and the inside of the recess 6.

[0047] In a seventh process step 700, the centering devices 8 are moved from the outside of the vehicle door A to the inside of the vehicle door I into the passive position P and are preferably held there by the locking device 13, the resetting device 10 and / or the holding device 11. Alternatively, the alignment device 7 can also be pulled off the base body 9 via the inside of the vehicle door I. Reference symbol list

[0048] 1 Handle assembly 2 Door handle mechanism 3 Door handle 4 Recess 5 Vehicle door 6 Recess inside 7 Alignment device 8 Centering device 9 Base body 10 Return device 11 Holding device 12 Pressure surface 13 Detent 14 Chamfer 15 Connection structure 100 first procedural action 200 second procedural action 300 third procedural action 400 fourth procedural action 500 fifth procedural action 600 sixth procedural action 700 seventh procedural action A Vehicle door exterior E Intervention position I Vehicle door interior P Passive position

Claims

1. Handle assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a door handle mechanism (2) and a door handle (3) movably held on the door handle mechanism (2), the door handle (3) being designed for arrangement in a recess (4) of a vehicle door (5) of the motor vehicle, forming a peripheral gap between the door handle (3) and a recess inner face (6) of the recess (4), characterized in that an aligning device (7) having centering devices (8) for laterally aligning the door handle (3) with to the recess (4) is arranged on the handle assembly (1), the centering devices (8) being held on a main body (9) of the handle assembly (1) so as to be movable between an engagement position (E), in which the centering devices (8) are arranged to align the door handle (3) with the recess (4), and a passive position (P), in which a lateral movement of the door handle (3) with respect to the recess (4) is allowed by the centering devices (8).

2. Handle assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the aligning device (7) has a reset device (10) for automatically moving the centering devices (8) from the engagement position (E) to the passive position (P).

3. Handle assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the aligning device (7) has a holding device (11) for holding the centering devices (8) in the passive position (P) and / or in the engagement position (E).

4. Handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering devices (8) are formed monolithically with one another.

5. Handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aligning device (7) has a pushing face (12) for manually pushing the centering devices (8) into the engagement position (E).

6. Handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aligning device (7) has a locking means (13) for locking the centering devices (8) in the engagement position (E).

7. Handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aligning device (7) is detachably held on the main body (9) of the handle assembly (1).

8. Handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering devices (8) each have an outwardly facing bevel (14).

9. Handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that free end regions of the centering devices (8) are arranged within the door handle mechanism (2) in the passive position (P).

10. Method for mounting a door handle (3) on a vehicle door (5) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - providing a handle assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, - providing a vehicle door (5) having a recess (4) for the door handle (3) of the handle assembly (1), - moving the centering devices (8) of the handle assembly (1) into the engagement position (E), - moving the handle assembly (1) from a vehicle door inner face (I) of the vehicle door (5) toward the recess (4) such that the door handle (3) projects into the recess (4), - aligning the door handle (3) with the recess (4) by means of the centering devices (8), - fastening the door handle mechanism (2) to the vehicle door (5), and - moving the centering devices (8) from the engagement position (E) to the passive position (P).