METHOD FOR EJECTING A FLUSH HANDLE UNDER FROST CONDITIONS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of external opening controls for vehicle openings, particularly for motor vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a flush-mounted handle opening mechanism, meaning that the support on which the handle is movably mounted forms a cavity suitable for receiving the handle in its retracted position. In this retracted position, the outer surface of the handle is flush with the outer surface of the door panel. In the extended or deployed position, the handle protrudes at least partially from the cavity in the support so that it can be grasped by a vehicle user to open the door. To do this, the user can move the handle further outward to operate the door lock.

[0003] Generally, the opening mechanism includes an electric ejection mechanism for the handle, allowing the user to grasp it and thus open the door. The electric ejection mechanism operates using a power supply, for example, from a vehicle battery, and can be remotely controlled electronically via a key, mobile phone, or any other device enabling remote communication.

[0004] This flush or "flush" arrangement, known in the automotive industry, enhances the style of the vehicle and reduces aerodynamic drag.

[0005] However, in certain winter conditions, a layer of ice may form on the outside of the vehicle and block the ejection of the handle which, in its flush position, is then not accessible for the user to grasp.

[0006] US patent document 8701353 B2 discloses a flush-type handle device for motor vehicle doors. This device includes a motorized handle mechanism that moves the handle from a retracted position to an extended position. The reverse movement is achieved by a spring or the motor itself. The device may also include defrosting means, such as a resistive element within the handle. It is also proposed that the electric motor be activated to slightly move the handle outward to break up ice. This operation is performed periodically, for example, according to predefined criteria and preferably in combination with a heating element.

[0007] The drawback of prior art defrosting methods is their ineffectiveness in breaking ice quickly enough, particularly because they generally also require a heating element that can take a relatively long time to heat up. This more or less lengthy wait then causes discomfort for the user and a feeling of poor vehicle quality due to the prolonged blockage of the vehicle's opening mechanism. The document US10435924B1 describes a motor vehicle door handle comprising an actuator configured to move the handle to a deployed position and a controller that can detect the presence of a layer of ice on the handle. CN105133969A describes a door handle and a method for opening the handle in freezing conditions that requires amplified force to break the layer of ice.

[0008] The invention aims to overcome the problem of blockage due to ice formation in a "flush" type handle in a simple, economical and efficient manner.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates in particular to a process according to the main claim.

[0010] Thanks to the specific handle ejection process in case of freezing weather conditions, the handle can be released from its freezing grip by a forcing signal according to the invention.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the series of pulses of the forcing signal has an alternating square wave profile oscillating between high and low states.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, each pulse has a substantially vertical rising edge and falling edge.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the ejection control signal includes a ramp profile until the setpoint amplitude value is reached.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the freezing condition is the detection of an outside temperature below a critical temperature, for example a critical temperature of 5°C.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the forcing amplitude is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint amplitude and preferably 2 times greater.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the pulses of the forcing signal have a frequency greater than 1 Hz and preferably greater than 2 Hz.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, under freezing conditions, the method includes a step of abrupt release, during a falling front of the forcing signal, of the action of a spring on the handle acting to return the handle in the direction of retraction and outside freezing conditions, the method includes a step of progressive release of the action of the spring on the handle.

[0018] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle control unit for implementing the ejection process according to the invention, comprising a data storage module and a processor, characterized in that the storage module includes a software module comprising software instructions, the execution of which by the processor enables the implementation of the corresponding steps of a process according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0019] The invention finally relates to a software module that can be loaded into a data storage module of a control unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the software module includes software instructions for carrying out the process steps according to the invention, when the software instructions are executed by the control unit.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig.1 ] : there [ Fig.1 ] is a perspective view of a motor vehicle opening comprising an opening control for implementing a protocol for breaking the glass according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] : there [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view of the opening command of the [ Fig.1 ] ; ] Fig.3 ] : there [ Fig.3 ] is a perspective view of the opening control on the vehicle's door in which the handle is ejected after the protocol for breaking the glass has been implemented; [ Fig. 4 ] : there [ Fig. 4 [ ] represents a diagram illustrating the different steps of a protocol for breaking the ice according to the invention. Fig. 5 ] : there [ Fig. 5] represents a chronogram illustrating the chronology of the main steps according to the protocol time to break the ice of the [ Fig. 4 ]. Fig. 6 ] : there [ Fig. 6 ] represents a detailed view of the chronogram of the [ Fig. 5 ].

[0021] We have represented on the [ Fig.1 ] an opening control for a motor vehicle opening according to the invention. The opening control is designated by the general reference 10. The opening control 10 is intended to be mounted on an exterior body panel 50 of an opening which is, for example, a side door of a vehicle.

[0022] The opening control 10 essentially comprises a fixed support or housing with a receiving cavity (not shown in the figures) and a handle 12 designed to be movably mounted inside the cavity. In operation, the support is intended to be fixed to the opening 50. In the example described, the handle 12 is mounted articulated relative to the panel, around a geometric pivot axis Al, on the support. The pivot axis Al is in its operating position substantially vertical and extends parallel to the general plane of the outer panel.

[0023] In the example described, the support has a generally parallelepiped shape and is designed to fit into a cutout or recess in the outer panel of the opening 50, such that its outer face is flush with the surface of the outer panel of the opening. Furthermore, in this example, the support is open on its outer face and defines the cavity intended to house the handle 12.

[0024] Handle 12 is shown in detail on the [ Fig. 2 In the example described, the handle 12 has an external portion 12.1 that the user can grasp, and opposite the external portion 12.1, the handle 12 has an internal portion 12.2 that is designed to extend inside the housing. Typically, but not exclusively, the external portion 12.1 includes a gripping paddle 14, which is generally flat and elongated.

[0025] In the example described, the handle 12 is of the "flush" type, meaning that the cavity in the support is sized to receive the handle 12 flush in a retracted configuration. In this retracted configuration, the outer surface of the handle 12 is flush with the outer surface of the outer wall of the door panel 50. In the extended configuration, the handle 12 protrudes at least partially from the cavity in the support so that it can be grasped by a vehicle user to open the door. To do this, the user can pull the handle 12 further outward to operate the door lock. In the flush position, the outer surface of the opening control 10 coincides with the outer surface of the door panel.

[0026] In this example, the opening control 10 is designed to cooperate with a lock (not shown) on the vehicle's door, which can be in a locked and an unlocked configuration. Typically, pivoting the handle 12 around its pivot axis A1 actuates the lock into one of its two locked or unlocked configurations via a drive kinematic chain (not shown in the figures).

[0027] To that end, as illustrated on the [ Fig. 2 The opening control 10 preferably includes a return lever 16. In the example described, this return lever 16 comprises a rotating cage and a return shaft, as well as a return spring intended to be housed inside the rotating cage. The rotating cage includes, for example, a means for retaining one end of a Bowden cable (not shown).

[0028] In the example shown on the [ Fig. 2 ], the opening control 10 further includes a pivoting handle movement element 20 allowing electrical actuation of the ejection and / or retraction of the handle 12.

[0029] We will now describe in detail the moving element 20 of the opening control 10 for pivoting the handle 12 in ejection and / or retraction. This moving element 20 comprises an electrical actuation part 22 and a mechanical actuation part 24.

[0030] The electrical actuation part 22 in this example includes an electrical actuator which preferably includes a linear cylinder having an end cooperating with the mechanical actuation part 24.

[0031] As illustrated on the [ Fig. 2], the mechanical actuation part 24 is in the form of a pivot lever 26 preferably mounted to pivot around the pivot axis Al of the handle 12. Thus, in the example described, the pivot lever 26 is connected to the handle 12 by at least one common axis of rotation Al fixed relative to the housing.

[0032] This pivoting lever 26, for example, has a general stirrup shape through which the inner portion 12.1 of the handle 12 can be engaged ([ Fig. 2 ]). Thus, in the example described and illustrated in detail on the [ Fig. 2 ], the stirrup 26 preferably includes a body delimiting a frame inside which the inner arm 12.2 of the handle 12 can be inserted.

[0033] In the example described, this stirrup 26 can pivot about a common axis A1 with the handle 12, which is fixed to the housing. In this example, the stirrup 26 has, from the front, a general arched shape within which the inner arm 12.2 is inserted in an insertion direction substantially perpendicular or slightly oblique to the plane containing the arch.

[0034] The opening control 10 further includes a return element connected to the bracket 26. This return element acts to return the bracket 26 to a rest position corresponding to the retracted configuration of the handle 12. This return element preferably includes a bracket spring having two outer tabs and a central part.

[0035] The mechanical part 24 further includes a transverse ejection arm 28 which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the handle 12. In the embodiment of the invention, the linear cylinder of the mechanical actuator 22 cooperates with the lever 26 via the transverse ejection arm 28 which is configured to drive the lever 26 against the return force of the spring of the ejection lever 26, for example by coming to rest against the lever 26.

[0036] To enable the control of the opening mechanism that allows the ejection or retraction of handle 12, the motor vehicle typically includes a control unit, part of an assembly commonly referred to as the vehicle's "on-board computer." This control unit includes a storage module containing at least one main software module with software instructions for controlling the ejection and retraction of handle 12. The control unit also includes, in a conventional and well-known manner, a processor that implements the main software module for controlling the movement of handle 12.

[0037] According to the invention, the motor vehicle control unit further includes an additional software module, loaded into its storage module, comprising software instructions whose execution by the processor enables the implementation of the steps of an opening protocol in case of freezing weather conditions, hereinafter referred to as the "frost protocol".

[0038] We will now describe below, with reference to the organizational chart illustrated on the [ Fig. 4 ], the operation of the opening control under normal conditions (excluding freezing conditions for example) and under freezing conditions.

[0039] Initially, the handle 12 is in its flush position and the ejection lever spring 26 is in a rest position.

[0040] During step 100, the user of the motor vehicle gives an opening command to the on-board computer and the control unit delivers an ejection control signal from the handle 12 with a predefined setpoint amplitude Vc. This results in the generation of electrical drive energy to eject the handle 12 by the handle 12 movement element 20. The control signal is, for example, a voltage signal of amplitude "Vc" ([ Fig. 4 supplying the actuator 22 with electrical energy. In this example, the actuator 22 then converts this electrical energy into mechanical energy for the longitudinal movement of its cylinder.

[0041] On the [ Fig. 5Figure ], represents the WO control signal for ejecting handle 12 under normal (frost-free) opening conditions. This WO control signal has a duration D0 and includes a voltage ramp starting, for example, from zero voltage and reaching a voltage plateau Vc corresponding to the setpoint amplitude voltage. The voltage ramp of this WO control signal allows, in particular, for a gradual, progressive, and non-abrupt ejection of handle 12.

[0042] In this preferred embodiment, during the ejection phase of the handle 12, the actuator 22 transmits a movement via the cylinder to the ejection arm 28. The ejection arm 28 is configured to drive the lever 26 against the return force of the ejection lever spring, for example by bearing against the lever 26. The electric actuator 22 then causes the lever 26 to pivot until the handle 12 is positioned in the final ejected position.

[0043] Lever 26, which was held in its rest position by its return spring, is then moved until handle 12 reaches its ejection position. In this ejection position, the user can pull handle 12 and operate the return lever 16 to actuate the lock cable.

[0044] Conversely, the vehicle user can, for example, give a closing command to the vehicle's on-board computer, which sends a retraction command signal to the actuator 22. This command causes the actuator cylinder 22 to move in the opposite direction to the ejection direction of the handle 12. During the retraction phase of the handle 12, the actuator 22 is, for example, supplied with the opposite polarity, which allows the ejection arm 28 to move in the opposite direction. The ejection arm 28 then preferably follows the movement of the caliper 26, which the return spring tends to mechanically return to a retracted rest position.

[0045] The method according to the invention includes a step 102 of verifying the ejection of the handle 12. In the event that the ejection of the handle 12 is successful, the method includes a step 112 of stopping the protocol of ejecting the handle 12.

[0046] Otherwise, the "freeze" protocol is implemented. For example, on the [ Fig.3 [ ], we see that the ejected handle 12 is in a frozen environment and is covered with a layer of frozen water. It is therefore understandable that such a layer of ice can impede the movement of the ejected handle 12.

[0047] According to the invention, the "freeze" protocol includes at least a first step 104 of launching a first attempt to eject the handle 12. As illustrated in the [ Fig. 5 ], this first ejection attempt includes an ejection control signal WO as described above.

[0048] If the ejection of handle 12 is successful, the process includes a step 114 for finalizing the ejection of handle 12 and a final step 112 for stopping the protocol.

[0049] In the event of failure to eject the handle 12, the method according to the invention includes a step 106 for verifying a freezing condition. This freezing condition may include the detection of a temperature below a critical temperature, such as an outside temperature of 5°C.

[0050] In the case where at least the freezing condition is verified the control unit delivers, during a forcing step 110 a forcing signal comprising at least one series of pulses W1 oscillating between a high state "H" and a low state "L", and preferably two series of pulses W1 and W2, spaced for example by a duration D1.

[0051] According to the invention, the high state "H" or low state "L" is defined with a forcing amplitude greater than V1 or V2 in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude Vc in order to generate electrical drive energy of the handle 12 by the displacement member 20 respectively in ejection in an ejection direction in the high state or in retraction in a retraction direction in the low state in order to release the handle 12 by a series of alternating shocks.

[0052] Preferably, the forcing voltage V1 or V2 is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint voltage Vc, and preferably twice greater. For example, the voltages V1 and V2 have opposite signs but preferably the same absolute value.

[0053] Preferably, as illustrated in the figure, the WF forcing signal has an alternating square wave profile oscillating between the high "H" and low "L" states.

[0054] Indeed, in this example, each pulse exhibits a rising edge and a falling edge that are essentially vertical, meaning they are only slightly inclined relative to the vertical axis. The change of state, high or low, therefore occurs abruptly over a very short period, and not gradually in the form of a ramp as with the WO ejection control signal.

[0055] The pulses of the WF forcing signal have a frequency greater than 1 Hz and preferably greater than 2 Hz. For example, the signal pulses have a frequency between 1 Hz and 5 Hz.

[0056] Under freezing conditions, the transition from the high to the low state, i.e., during a descending front of the WF forcing signal, causes a sudden release of the spring action of lever 26 on handle 12, which acts to return handle 12 in the retraction direction. Outside of freezing conditions, the release of the spring action on handle 12 is gradual. It is therefore understandable that the WF forcing signal causes several abrupt, alternating shocks of high amplitude, capable of exceeding the resistance to ejection of handle 12 produced by the layer of ice.

[0057] Following the series of pulses W1 and W2, if the handle 12 is ejected, the process includes the ejection completion step 114. Otherwise, the process includes a step 108 of launching a second ejection attempt of the handle 12. As illustrated in the [ Fig. 5], this second ejection attempt includes an ejection control signal WO as described above.

[0058] In the event that the ejection is blocked but the freezing condition is not verified at the end of the verification step 106, the process includes step 108 of launching a second ejection test 108.

[0059] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments within the grasp of a person skilled in the art may also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for ejecting an opening control (10) of a motor vehicle opening element (50) capable of being rendered inoperable by freezing, the opening control (10) comprising a support mounted on the opening element (50) and forming a cavity with an aperture, a handle (12) movably mounted between a retracted position flush with the cavity and an ejected position outside the cavity, and a member (20) for moving the handle (12) between the two positions, wherein the method comprises a step (100, 104) of emitting a control signal (W0) for ejecting the handle (12) with a predefined setpoint amplitude (Vc) to generate electrical energy to drive the ejection of the handle (12) by the movement member (20), and a step (102) of verifying the ejection of the handle (12), such that if the ejection of the handle (12) is successful, the method comprises a step (112) of stopping the ejection protocol of the handle (12), and otherwise, a "freezing" protocol is implemented comprising at least a first step (104) of launching a first ejection test of the handle (12), such that if the ejection of the handle (12) is successful, the method comprises a step (114) of finalising the ejection of the handle (12) and a final step (112) of stopping the "freezing" protocol, and such that if the ejection of the handle (12) fails, the method comprises a step (106) of verifying a freezing condition, and in that when at least one freezing condition is verified, the method comprises a step (110) of emitting a forcing signal (WF) comprising at least a series of pulses (W1, W2) oscillating between a high state (H) and a low state (L), the high state (H) or low state (L) being defined by a forcing amplitude (V1, V2) greater in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude (Vc) to generate electrical energy for driving the handle (12) by the movement member (20) respectively for ejection in an ejection direction in the high state or for retraction in a retraction direction in the low state in order to release the handle (12) by a series of alternating shaking motions.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the series of pulses (W1, W2) of the forcing signal (WF) has a crenelated alternating profile oscillating between high and low states.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each pulse has a substantially vertical leading edge and trailing edge.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection control signal (W0) comprises a ramp profile until the setpoint amplitude value (Vc) is reached.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the freezing condition is the detection of an outside temperature less than a critical temperature, for example a critical temperature of 5°C.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the forcing amplitude (V1, V2) is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint amplitude (Vc) and preferably 2 times greater.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pulses of the forcing signal (WF) have a frequency greater than 1 Hz and preferably greater than 2 Hz.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, under freezing conditions, the method comprises a step of sudden release, during a trailing edge of the forcing signal (WF), of the action of a spring on the handle (12) acting to return the handle (12) in the retraction direction, and under non-freezing conditions, the method comprises a step of progressive release of the action of the spring on the handle (12).

9. A motor vehicle control unit for implementing the ejection method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a data storage module and a processor, characterised in that the storage module comprises a software module comprising software instructions, the execution of which by the processor makes it possible to implement the corresponding steps of a method according to any of the preceding claims.

10. A software module that can be loaded into a data storage module of a control unit according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the software module comprises software instructions for carrying out the method steps according to any of claims 1 to 8, when the software instructions are executed by the control unit.