VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns a door leaf handle for a vehicle.

[0002] Some vehicles are equipped with a handle recessed in their door. These handles allow obtaining an improved aesthetic effect because they merge with the rest of the door, and are therefore very discrete. This type of handle also allows improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle when it is moving, thanks to its flush position relative to the vehicle door.

[0003] These recessed handles are available in mechanical versions and motorized versions.

[0004] The known door leaf handles conventionally comprise a bracket intended to be attached on the door and a gripping element connected to the support by a hinge. This latter can be horizontal or vertical, which is more common.

[0005] The gripping element is movable in rotation or in translation relative to the support between a rest position in which it is positioned substantially parallel to the bracket and recessed in the door (or flush with an outer face of a door panel), and an open position of the door in which it is inclined relative to the support and therefore deployed.

[0006] Such a handle is connected to a latch present on the door of the motor vehicle by a mechanical link, for example by a Bowden cable. When a user wishes to open the door of his motor vehicle, he pulls on the gripping element, exerting therefore a force on the Bowden cable and thus unlocking access to the vehicle an opening the door. This type of mechanical link between the handle and the latch has a drawback. For example, in case of violent contact with another vehicle and when the gripping element is in its rest or deployed position, the acceleration undergone during such an accident may cause the vehicle door to be opened even though no traction was exerted by a user on the gripping element and therefore on the Bowden cable.

[0007] A handle, connected to a latch without Bowden cable has therefore been proposed in GB 2 548 146. This handle comprises a gripping element extended with front and rear ends and an outer surface flush with the outer surface of a door in a folded position. The handle comprises a curved support arm that slides in a guide along a path defined by the curve of the support arm between the stowed positions and the deployed positions. The support arm may include a rack driven by a motorized pinion. The gripping element may comprise a sensor for unlatching the door and displacing the gripping element in response to a signal. The user can further pull the gripping element into a position to open the door. The set may comprise a pocket for stowing the gripping element, which may comprise a latch barrel accessible in case of mechanical failure or a lamp for backlighting the handle. The invention also concerns a method allowing to operate a door handle by extending the gripping element to a first deployed position in response to an electronic signal, then by unlatching a latch in response to a mechanical signal.

[0008] However, an accident of the vehicle may cause an accidental actuation of the sensor and therefore an unwanted opening of the door due to the acceleration effect undergone by the vehicle and actuation by inertia of the sensor.

[0009] Document EP 3 835 519 B1 discloses a handle assembly comprising a bracket attached to a door and a movable gripping element configured to displace between a rest position, a deployed position, and an unlatching position. A switch is activated by a displacement of the gripping element from the deployed position to the unlatching position, this activation allowing an opening of the door.

[0010] However, the activation stroke (i.e., the displacement between the deployed position and the unlatching position) is quite long.

[0011] The present invention aims at overcoming the above cited disadvantages by providing a door leaf handle for a motor vehicle comprising: a bracket configured to be attached to a door structure, a gripping element, movable in rotation relative to the bracket, configured to displace from a rest position to a deployed position, and from a deployed position to an unlatching position, the gripping element comprising a first end forming a centre of rotation of the gripping element and a second end comprising a first portion forming a prehension area of the gripping element and a second portion forming an interface between the first and the second end, a detector, attached to the bracket, configured to detect a displacement of the gripping element from a deployed position to an unlatching position and to send a signal in response to the detection of said displacement, the second portion of the gripping element comprising an actuation lever positioned on the second end and configured to activate the detector being placed in front of the actuation lever, when the gripping element is displaced from a deployed position to an unblocking position.

[0012] Thanks to this configuration, the detector and the associated actuation lever which is configured to activate this detector, are placed as far as possible from the centre of rotation of the gripping element, allowing to minimize the necessary rotation angle which is mandatory to activate the detector and then unlock and open the door. The handle stroke (i.e., the gripping element stroke) can therefore be reduced and divided up to four times in comparison with a door handle known from the prior art.

[0013] According to some optional features of the door leaf handle according to the invention taken solely or in combination: a displacement of a distal endpoint of the second end of the gripping element from the deployed position to the unlatching position can be comprised between 5 millimetres and 9 millimetres, preferably substantially equal to 6 millimetres; the lever can be configured to displace from a passive position, in which it is at a distance from the detector to an intermediate position in which it is substantially in contact with the detector, and from the intermediate position to an active position, in which it exerts a force on the detector; the lever can be attached to the gripping element, for example by clipping, gluing or force fitting; the lever can comprise a camshaft configured to actuate the detector; the camshaft can comprise a bevelled end configured to actuate the detector when the gripping element is displaced from the deployed position to the unlatching position; the actuation lever can comprise a main body configured to attach the actuation lever to the gripping element, the camshaft extending from an end of the main body; the main body can have a U-shape and can comprise several holes configured to cooperate with several pads of the gripping element; the gripping element can be configured to displace from its rest position to its deployed position by a mechanism for pushing the gripping element; the detector can comprise an elastic tongue configured to be pushed by the lever when the gripping element is displaced from the deployed position to the unlatching position; the detector can comprise a push-button, a deformable micro-button, an inductive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor or a strain gauge sensor; and the detector can form a switch configured to be displaced between a first position corresponding to a closed status of a vehicle door and a second position corresponding to an open status of the vehicle door.

[0014] The invention is also related to a motor vehicle door comprising a door leaf handle according to the invention.

[0015] The invention will be described in more detail through the figures presented below, which will facilitate its understanding. Figure 1 is a front view of a front face of a door leaf handle according to the invention. Figure 2 is a front view of a back face of a door leaf handle according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is an expanded view of a part of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a sectional view of a door leaf handle according to the first embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is an expanded view of a part of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a view in perspective of a door leaf handle according to the first embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is an expanded view of a part of figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a column wearing a lever according to the invention. Figure 9 is a view in perspective of a door leaf handle according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is an expanded view showing the interaction between the detector and the actuation lever in two positions, according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a door leaf handle 1 for a motor vehicle. A gripping element 3 (shown in three different positions in figure 4) is attached to a bracket 4. This bracket is configured to be attached to a door structure (not shown on figures), for example by screwing the bracket 4 to the door structure, and can comprise a reversible inertial device.

[0017] The gripping element 3 can be placed in particular in three positions: a position in which the gripping element is flush with the door leaf and called rest position A, a deployed position B and an unlatching position C. These three positions are shown on figures 3 to 6, illustrating the whole door leaf handle 1 (figures 3 and 5) or an expanded view of one part of the handle leaf door 1 (figures 4 and 6).

[0018] From the rest position A to the unlatching position C, passing through the deployed position B, the gripping element 3 moves away from the door leaf. This gripping element 3 is configured to deviate from the door leaf according to a rotational movement. A centre of rotation 5, formed by a first end 6 (opposite to second end 7 forming a prehension area of the gripping element 3) of the gripping element 3, is visible in figure 4, and is placed ahead the prehension area.

[0019] A detector 8, comprising a push-button 9 on the example shown on the figures 3 to 7, 9 and 10, is attached to the bracket 4 and directed radially inwards relative to the second end 7 of the gripping element 7. «Inwards» must be understood as opposite to the door leaf, the latter being in contact with the outside of the motor vehicle. This detector 8 is also disposed so as to come into contact with an actuation lever 10, carried by the gripping element 3, more precisely by the second portion of the second end 7.

[0020] In other words, the first end 6 forms a centre of rotation 5 and the first portion of the second end 7 forms the prehension area (i.e., the part grasped by a user) of the gripping element. The second portion of the second end 7 is at the interface between the first end and the first portion of the second end 7. The interaction between the detector 8 and the actuation lever 10 happens at this level.

[0021] The detector 8 can for example be clipped, glued, welded or screwed to the bracket 4. In the present embodiment, the detector 8 can be formed by a switch with the push-button 9 configured to be displaced between a first position corresponding to a closed status of a vehicle door (push-button outside and switch open) and a second position corresponding to an open status of the vehicle door (push-button pushed inside and switch closed).

[0022] The actuation lever 10, shown alone in figure 8, comprises: A main body 12', which can be a U-shaped main body as illustrated on figure 8, which is designed to be attached, for example by clipping, to the gripping element 3. The main body 12' can have, at its two ends, one or several holes 16 cooperating with pads 18 at the gripping element 3 surface in order to attach the actuation lever 10 to the gripping element 3 as shown on figures 6 and 7; A camshaft 12", formed by a protuberance extending from an end of the main body 12', perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the main body 12'. This cam shaft 12" has an actuation end 20 having a slender form, as a bevelled form, adapted to actuate the detector 8 when the gripping element 3 passes from the deployed position B to the unlatching position C.

[0023] Obviously, the actuation lever 10 design could be adapted in function of the gripping element 3 and bracket 4 design.

[0024] As explained above, the gripping element 3 can take in particular three positions A, B and C. Thus, the actuation lever 10, attached or forming a part of this gripping element 3, can also take these three positions (see particularly figures 5 to 7). In the rest position A, the actuation lever 10 is, in a passive position, distant from the detector 8. In the deployed position B, the actuation lever 10 is, in an intermediate position, close to the detector 8 but not in contact with the actuation means (i.e., the push-button 9 or a touch sensitive surface), or in contact with this latter without exerting any force on it. In the unlatching position C, the actuation lever 10 actuates, via a direct contact and a force exerting on it, the detector 8, for example thanks to a contact between the push-button 9 which is pushed by a camshaft 12 forming a part of the actuation lever 10. These three positions are shown on figures 4 and 5. More precisely, the push-button 9 can be pushed by an elastic tongue13 (shown on figure 5), this elastic tongue 13 being pushed by the camshaft 12" of actuation actuation lever 10.

[0025] In the rest position A, the camshaft 12" can be located at approximatively 22 mm to the detector 8. Thanks to a first rotation of the gripping element 3 approximatively comprised between 10 and 12 degrees, the camshaft 12" is in contact with the elastic tongue 13 of the detector 8, but there is still approximatively 1mm of space between the detector 8 and the camshaft 12. Thanks to a second rotation of the gripping element 3 approximatively comprised between 1 and 2 degrees corresponding to a displacement of the camshaft 12" of only 3mm, the detector is activated by the camshaft 12" of the lever 10. This second rotation corresponds to a displacement of the distal endpoint 3' of the second end 7 of gripping element 3 comprised between 5 mm and 9 mm, preferably substantially equal to 6 mm. This displacement is four times lower than a displacement according to the devices known from the prior art.

[0026] The actuation lever 10 can, as described above, be attached to the gripping element 3, for example clipped to the gripping element 3.

[0027] It can alternatively be formed as a one-part piece together with the gripping element 3, as shown on figures 9 and 10. In this embodiment, the actuation lever 10 is moulded as one part of the gripping element 3. The door leaf handle 1 works in the same way than the first embodiment (three positions, etc.). In the example illustrated on figures 9 and 10, the actuation lever 10 has a shape different from the first embodiment. The main body 12' extends perpendicularly to the gripping element 3, gripping element placed at a first end of the main body 12'. The camshaft 12" extends perpendicularly to the main body 12', from a second end of this latter. The camshaft comprises a globe-shape actuation end 20 in order to actuate the detector 8, on figure 10 thanks to the elastic tongue 13. In this embodiment, the displacement of the actuation lever 10 (and of the camshaft 12") between the deployed position B and the unlatching position C is comprised between 5 mm and 8mm, preferably substantially equal to 6,5mm.

[0028] A return means, for example a spring, can be arranged between the gripping element 3 and the bracket 4 to automatically displaced the gripping element from the unlatching position to the deployed position when a user stops to pull the gripping element 3 to open the door, or from the deployed position B to the rest position A.

[0029] An actuator (not shown) can be disposed against the bracket 4 and directed radially outwards relative to the gripping element 3, including a displacement means, for example a branch, configured to displace the gripping element 3 from the rest position A to the deployed position B.

[0030] The possibility of setting the time of extraction of the gripping element 3 from its rest position A to its deployed position B is given. This also applies to the time of retraction of the gripping element 3 from its deployed position B to its rest position A.

[0031] Other optional and not shown elements can be integrated in such a door leaf handle 1.

[0032] A lock can be assembled on the door leaf handle 1, opening on the outside of the motor vehicle. This lock can also be located inside the door leaf handle 1.

[0033] A counterweight can be installed in the door leaf handle 1, thus reducing the acceleration movement undergone during an accident of the motor vehicle for example.

[0034] An antenna may be implemented in the bracket 4, improving the quality and range of a user recognition.

[0035] Finally, a lighting module can be anchored inside the bracket 4, providing increased visibility to the user of the door leaf handle 1 in the dark.

[0036] Of course, these options are not limiting.

[0037] In the following part, the operation of a door leaf handle according to the invention is detailed.

[0038] A user of the motor vehicle, present in a determined area, close to the motor vehicle, displaces the gripping element 3 from its rest position A to its deployed position B, in a motorized manner using a key, for example, or an application for mobile phone. This displacement could be done by a recognition of the user near to the vehicle, for example because this user has the key of the vehicle. It is also possible for the user to mechanically displace the gripping element 3 from its rest position A to its deployed position B, by pushing the gripping element 3 for example.

[0039] An actuator then displaces the gripping element 3 from a rest position A to a deployed position B in order to allow the user to grasp the second end of the gripping element 3. This first rotation places the lever 10, and consequently the camshaft 12, close to the detector 8, moving to a passive position to an intermediate position. The intermediate position can correspond to a contact between the camshaft 12 and the elastic tongue 13 of the detector 8.

[0040] The user then pulls on the gripping element 3, so as to displace it from its deployed position B to its unblocking position C. This action, voluntarily performed by the user, causes the lever 10 to displace from its intermediate position to an active position corresponding to the unlatching position of the gripping element 3.

[0041] This displacement allows to the lever 10, via its camshaft 12, to press the detector 8 (push-button 9 or another actuation means).

[0042] The return of the gripping element 3 from the deployed position B to the rest position A can be performed by a return means.

[0043] According to the type of vehicle, a certain time interval ΔT is given to the user to pull the gripping element and consequently to send the signal to open the door. In case of exceeding the time interval ΔT without sending this signal, the unlatching of the electric latch 16 is not possible. In order to be able to unlatch the electric latch 16, and therefore open the door, the user must restart the procedure.

[0044] It should be noted that the time interval ΔT cannot be less than the minimum time required for the electric control unit to confirm the information sent by the user to displace the gripping element from the rest position A to the deployed position B.References List

[0045] 1: door leaf handle 3: gripping element 3': distal endpoint 4: bracket 5: centre of rotation 6: first end 7: second end 8: detector 9: push-button 10: actuation lever 11: connector 12': main body 12": camshaft 13: elastic tongue 14: reversible inertial device 16: holes 18: pads 20: actuation end A: rest position B: deployed position C: unlatching position D: axis of rotation X: first expanded view Y: second expanded view

Claims

1. Door leaf handle (1) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a bracket (4) configured to be attached to a door structure, - a gripping element (3), movable in rotation relative to the bracket, configured to displace from a rest position (A) to a deployed position (B), and from a deployed position (B) to an unlatching position (C), the gripping element (3) comprising a first end (6) forming a centre of rotation (5) of the gripping element (3) and a second end (7) comprising a first portion forming a prehension area of the gripping element (3) and a second portion forming an interface between the first and the second end, - a detector (8), attached to the bracket (4), configured to detect a displacement of the gripping element (3) from the deployed position (B) to the unlatching position (C) and to send a signal in response to the detection of said displacement, characterized in that the second portion of the gripping element (3) comprises an actuation lever (10) positioned on the second end (7) and configured to activate the detector (8), being placed in front of the lever (10), when the gripping element (3) is displaced from a deployed position (B) to an unlatching position (C).

2. Door leaf handle (1) according to claim 1, wherein a displacement of a distal endpoint (3') of the second end of the gripping element (3) from the deployed position (B) to the unlatching position (C) is comprised between 5 millimetres and 9 millimetres, preferably substantially equal to 6 millimetres.

3. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (10) is configured to displace from a passive position, in which it is at a distance from the detector (8) to an intermediate position in which it is substantially in contact with the detector (8), and from the intermediate position to an active position, in which it exerts a force on the detector (8).

4. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (10) is attached to the gripping element (3), for example by clipping, gluing or force fitting.

5. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (10) comprises a camshaft (12) configured to actuate the detector (8).

6. Door leaf handle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the camshaft (12") comprises a bevelled end configured to actuate the detector (8) when the gripping element (3) is displaced from the deployed position (B) to the unlatching position (C).

7. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation lever (10) comprises a main body (12') configured to attach the actuation lever (10) to the gripping element (3), the camshaft (12") extending from an end of the main body (12').

8. Door leaf handle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the main body (12') has a U-shape and comprises several holes configured to cooperate with several pads of the gripping element (3).

9. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping element (3) is configured to displace from its rest position (A) to its deployed position (B) by a mechanism for pushing the gripping element (3).

10. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector comprises a elastic tongue (13) configured to be pushed by the lever (10) when the gripping element (3) is displaced from the deployed position (B) to the unlatching position (C).

11. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (8) comprises a push-button (9), a deformable micro-button, an inductive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor or a strain gauge sensor.

12. Door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (8) forms a switch configured to be displaced between a first position corresponding to a closed status of a vehicle door and a second position corresponding to an open status of the vehicle door.

13. Motor vehicle door comprising a door leaf handle (1) according to any of the preceding claims.