Handle for a door leaf for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle (1) of a door leaf (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a gripping element (3) comprising an external surface which is directed towards the exterior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and an internal surface which is directed towards the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the gripping element (3) being movable in relation to a support (4) and fixed to at least one lever (5, 6) which is configured to displace the gripping element (3), the gripping element (3) being flush with the door leaf (2) in a closure position, the handle (1) comprising a detection device (18) which is configured to detect a pressure applied to the gripping element (3) and to send, when such a pressure is detected, a signal for opening the door leaf (2) to an opening device which is configured to open the door leaf (2), the detection device (18) being arranged in relation to the gripping element (3) at the side of an internal surface of the gripping element (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to door handles for motor vehicles, and more particularly to handles flush with the door of a motor vehicle. A type of motor vehicle door is known which lacks a mechanical door handle, the handle being replaced by an electric opening device. The electric opening device can be controlled by a contactless interface or by a touch interface such as a capacitive or inductive sensor, for example, to allow the user to control the opening of the door.

[0002] In addition, to compensate for the absence of a mechanical handle and therefore of a gripping element allowing the opening of the door, the door is equipped with a motorized tilt-opening system, or ejection system, which is designed to move the door from a closed position, in which the door is flush with the peripheral frame formed by the vehicle's body, to a tilt-open position to allow a user to grasp the edge of the door in order to open the door completely.

[0003] Various systems for opening doors are known, including one which includes a rack attached to the vehicle frame and an actuator attached to the opening.

[0004] The actuator consists of a frame which is mounted on the opening and a pinion which meshes with the rack, the pinion being driven by an electric motor.

[0005] Thus, the rotational drive of the pinion allows the opening to move between its closed position and a partially open position.

[0006] The rack and pinion tilt-and-turn system described here is arranged near the front edge of the opening and the hinge of the opening, so as not to obstruct access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0007] It is also known to offer an automated opening system with an electric actuator, which includes an electric actuator with a body mounted on the vehicle frame and a movable rod whose free end is mounted on the opening.

[0008] Thus, the cylinder is adapted to move the opening between its closed position and its partially open position.

[0009] The gas spring-operated tilt-and-open system described here is arranged near the front edge of the opening and the hinge of the opening, so as not to obstruct access to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0010] However, this type of handle has several disadvantages.

[0011] Indeed, this type of handle does not provide a solution for opening the vehicle's door in the event of an electronic failure, as the handle remains flush with the door.

[0012] Furthermore, the touch-type interface for opening the vehicle's door can be activated independently of a user's will.

[0013] French patent application FR 2 958 962 describes an interior door handle having a push button positioned behind the handle so that it can be operated by pushing the handle inwards towards the door.

[0014] US patent application 2017 / 306662 describes a push button flush with the outer surface of a motor vehicle door, to control a door opening control unit.

[0015] Patent application US2004 / 135380A1 describes a door handle for an automobile.

[0016] The invention aims to resolve at least one of these drawbacks by providing a door handle for a motor vehicle, comprising a gripping element having an outer surface facing outwards from the vehicle's passenger compartment and an inner surface facing inwards from the vehicle's passenger compartment, said gripping element being movable relative to a support and fixed to at least one lever configured to move said gripping element, said gripping element being flush with said door in the closed position, wherein said handle includes a sensing device configured to detect pressure exerted on the gripping element and to send, when such pressure is detected, an opening signal to an opening device configured to open the door, the sensing device being disposed relative to the gripping element on the side of the inner surface of the gripping element.

[0017] The opening signal is therefore sent intentionally by a user. This results in pressure being applied to the gripping element.

[0018] The chances of unintentional opening are therefore nil, unlike with a touchscreen interface where a simple touch would trigger the opening. Advantageously, the detection device includes a button configured to be in contact and against the gripping element when a predetermined pressure is applied to the gripping element, on an electronically opening zone on the outer surface of said gripping element, and an electrical sensor configured to generate the opening signal when the button is moved. The electrical sensor thus sends the opening signal only if a predetermined pressure is applied to the gripping element.

[0019] The button serves as an interface between the electrical sensor and the gripping element, providing additional safety regarding the pressure to be exerted on the gripping element.

[0020] Advantageously still, the gripping element is movable between the flush closed position and a deployed position in which it can be manually operated by a user to be moved thereafter to an opening position of the opening to mechanically open said opening, the gripping element moving from the closed position to the deployed position by pressure exerted by the user on a mechanical opening zone of the outer surface of said gripping element, the mechanical and electronic opening zones being distinct.

[0021] These features allow for the mechanical opening of the door. In case of a malfunction, access to the vehicle remains possible.

[0022] In addition, separate opening zones are defined on the gripping element, allowing the user to choose between electronic or mechanical opening of the door.

[0023] According to one possibility, the mechanical and electronic opening zones are located on the gripping element such that pressure exerted on the electronic opening zone causes a displacement of said gripping element in a first direction and pressure exerted on the mechanical opening zone causes a displacement of said gripping element in a second direction, distinct from the first direction.

[0024] According to another possibility, the movement of the gripping element, when pressure is exerted on the mechanical or electronic opening area, is a rotation, the second direction of movement being a rotation opposite to the first direction of movement.

[0025] According to the invention, the gripping element is connected to the support via two levers, the gripping element being connected by a first pivot joint with the first lever and by a second pivot joint with the second lever.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, a first lever includes an oblong hole and a second lever includes an orifice, the two levers being connected by at least one connecting rod, the at least one connecting rod being parallel to the oblong hole.

[0027] The connecting rod allows the two levers to be coupled so that when the gripping element moves, the two levers move according to the movement of the gripping element.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the first mechanical opening zone is disposed on the outer surface of the gripping element located between the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the second electronic opening zone is located opposite the first mechanical opening zone with respect to the position of the first pivot joint.

[0030] Since the two opening zones are separate, both mechanical and electronic, the user has the option of opening the vehicle's door mechanically or electronically. Specifically, the electronic opening zone is located on the outer face of the gripping element, on the side opposite the support.

[0031] The invention will be described in more detail through the various figures presented below, which will facilitate its understanding. [ Fig. 1 ] represents a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of a handle in the position flush with the opening, according to the invention. Fig. 2 [ ] represents a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of a handle in an electronic opening position of the opening, according to the invention. Fig. 3 [ ] represents a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of a handle in an extended position, according to the invention. Fig. 4 ] represents a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis, of a handle in a position flush with the opening, according to another embodiment which is not part of the present invention.

[0032] There figure 1 shows a handle 1 in a position flush with an opening 2, for example, of a motor vehicle. The flush position is a closed position of the handle 1.

[0033] The handle 1 includes a gripping element 3. This gripping element 3 is flush with the opening 2.

[0034] The handle 1 also includes a support 4 to which the gripping element 3 is connected, via two levers 5 and 6.

[0035] These levers 5 and 6 are configured to move the gripping element 3 in a rotary motion.

[0036] The handle 1 also includes a detection device 18 consisting of a button 7 and an electrical sensor 8.

[0037] The button 7 is against the gripping element 3, on an inner face of the gripping element 3, on the side of the support 4.

[0038] Button 7 includes an arm 9, arranged parallel to the opening 2.

[0039] The button 7 is received and held by the support 4, and has a compression spring 10 configured to return the button 7 to an initial stop position against the gripping element 3, when the button 7 is compressed.

[0040] The electrical sensor 8 is positioned under the arm 9 of the button 7, that is to say on the same axis as the latter, along a transverse axis Y, so that the arm 9 can come into contact with the electrical sensor 8.

[0041] Each lever 5 and 6 has a first part 11 fixed to the gripping element 3 by a pivot joint and a second part 12 fixed to the support 4.

[0042] The second part 12 is in pivot connection between the support 4 and the gripping element 3. This second part 12 includes a torsion spring 13.

[0043] Levers 5 and 6 have an angled shape.

[0044] The first part 11 of the first lever 5 is linked to an area of ​​the support 4 located opposite the gripping element 3. The first part 11 of the second lever 6 is linked to an area of ​​the support 4 offset from the gripping element 3.

[0045] A connecting rod 16 couples the two levers 5 and 6; This coupling is made at the ends of the connecting rod 16.

[0046] Indeed, each end of the connecting rod 16 is in articulated connection with a corresponding lever 5,6, one of whose articulated connections has an oblong hole 14a, arranged parallel to the connecting rod 16.

[0047] The connecting rod 16 allows the levers 5 and 6 to be moved relative to each other, in accordance with the movement of the gripping element 3.

[0048] Indeed, the oblong hole 14a thus gives the connecting rod 16 a play along a longitudinal direction of said connecting rod.

[0049] The forces transmitted by the connecting rod are therefore exerted in a balanced manner on both lever 6 and lever 5 so that the risk of jamming is minimized.

[0050] There figure 2 shows the handle 1, whose gripping element 3 is no longer in a flush position with respect to the opening 2.

[0051] Indeed, the gripping element 3 is slightly inclined relative to the opening 2. As a result, the arm 9 of the button 7 is in contact with the electrical sensor 8. The compression spring 10 is compressed against the support 4 receiving the button 7.

[0052] The gripping element 3 performed a rotational movement towards the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment, via the second part 12 of the lever 6.

[0053] This movement of the gripping element 3 is due to pressure exerted on an electronic opening zone 15 located on the outer face of the gripping element 3.

[0054] More specifically, this electronic opening zone 15 is located downstream of the axis of rotation along the longitudinal axis X of the handle 1, of the second part 12 of the lever 5.

[0055] There figure 3 shows handle 1 in the deployed position.

[0056] This deployed position is reached in the opposite direction to the position of handle 1 illustrated in the figure 2 .

[0057] Indeed, the mechanical opening area 17 for moving the gripping element 3 into the deployed position is different.

[0058] The mechanical opening zone 17 is arranged upstream of the axis of rotation along the longitudinal axis X of the handle 1, of the second part 12 of the lever 5.

[0059] In other words, the mechanical opening zone 17 is located between the two pivot links of the levers 5 and 6, i.e. between the second parts 12 of each lever 5 and 6.

[0060] The electronic opening zone 15 is located opposite the mechanical opening zone 17.

[0061] This deployed position is configured to provide access to a lock, not shown, allowing the motor vehicle to be unlocked when it has an electrical failure.

[0062] There figure 4 shows a handle 1 according to a second embodiment which is not part of the present invention.

[0063] Unlike handle 1 described previously, this one has only one lever 6.

[0064] Consequently, this handle 1 is not configured to adopt a deployed position.

[0065] The first part 11 and the second part 12 of the lever 6 include a torsion spring 13.

[0066] Lever 6 does not have a connecting rod 16.

[0067] The electronic opening zone 15 is therefore located between the first part 11 of the lever 6 and an end of the gripping element 3 furthest from the lever 6. This second embodiment does not include a mechanical opening zone.

[0068] The two embodiments shown in the figures feature handles that can rotate. According to another embodiment, not shown, the handle can be translationally movable.

[0069] In the following paragraphs, the operation of the present invention is explained, initially with reference to the first embodiment.

[0070] When the handle 1 is in a position flush with the opening 2 of the motor vehicle, the detection device 18 is in contact and against the gripping element 3.

[0071] A user can exert pressure in the electronic opening area 15 of the gripping element, in order to move the gripping element 3 so that the gripping element 3 moves the button 7, which in turn makes contact with the electrical sensor 8 via its arm 9.

[0072] The electrical sensor 8, when it detects pressure exerted in the electronic opening zone 15 of the gripping element 3, sends an opening signal of the opening 2 to an opening device of the opening 2.

[0073] This opening device allows the second opening of the vehicle to be opened, for example by means of a second opening ejection system.

[0074] It should be noted that the opening device can also lower a window of the opening 2.

[0075] When the motor vehicle experiences an electrical failure, the opening 2 cannot be opened by the device previously described.

[0076] To remedy this, the user applies pressure to the mechanical opening area 17 of the gripping element 3, moving the gripping element 3 into a deployed position.

[0077] This deployed position allows access to the lock of opening 2, allowing the user to unlock opening 2 using a suitable key.

[0078] Once the opening 2 is unlocked, the user manually pulls on the gripping element 3, causing the gripping element 3 to move into the opening position of the opening 2.

[0079] According to the second embodiment, which is not part of the present invention, the handle does not have a means of opening by pressure on the mechanical opening area.

Claims

1. A handle (1) of a door leaf (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a gripping element (3) comprising an external surface facing the outside of the vehicle passenger compartment and an internal surface facing the inside of the vehicle passenger compartment, said gripping element (3) being movable relative to a support (4) and fixed to at least one lever (5,6) configured to displace said gripping element (3), said gripping element (3) being flush with said door leaf (2) in a closed position, said handle (1) comprising a detection device (18) configured to detect a pressure exerted on the gripping element (3) and to send, when such pressure is detected, an opening signal of said door leaf (2) to an opening device configured to open the door leaf (2), the detection device (18) being disposed relative to the gripping element (3) on the side of an internal surface of the gripping element (3), the handle being characterized in that, in said handle, the gripping element (3) is connected to the support (4) via two levers (5,6), the gripping element being connected by a first pivot connection with the first lever (5) and by a second pivot connection with the second lever (6).

2. The handle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detection device (18) comprises a button (7) configured to be in contact and in abutment with said gripping element (3) when a predetermined pressure is exerted on the gripping element (3), on a first electronic opening zone (15) of the external surface of said gripping element (3), and an electric sensor (8) configured to generate the opening signal during the displacement of the button (7).

3. The handle according to claim 2, wherein the gripping element (3) is movable between the flush closed position and a deployed position in which it can be actuated manually by a user to then be displaced to an opening position of the door leaf (2) to mechanically open said door leaf (2), the gripping element (3) being displaced from the closed position to the deployed position by a pressure exerted by the user on a second mechanical opening zone (17) of the external surface of said gripping element (3), the first electronic opening zone (15) and the second mechanical opening zone (17) being distinct.

4. The handle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first electronic opening zone (15) and the second mechanical opening zone (17) are located on the gripping element (3) so that a pressure exerted on the first electronic opening zone (15) causes a displacement of said gripping element (3) in a first direction and a pressure exerted on the second mechanical opening zone (17) causes a displacement of said gripping element (3) in a second direction, distinct from the first direction.

5. The handle (1) according to claim 4, wherein the displacement of the gripping element (3), when a pressure is exerted on the first electronic opening zone (15) or the second mechanical opening zone (17), is a rotation, the second displacement direction being a reverse rotation of the first displacement direction.

6. The handle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first electronic opening zone (15) is disposed on an outer face of said gripping element (3), on the side opposite to the support (4).

7. The handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first lever (6) comprises an oblong hole (14a) and a second lever (5) comprises an orifice (14b), the two levers (5, 6) being connected by at least one tie-rod (16), the at least one tie-rod (16) being parallel to the oblong hole (14a).

8. The handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second mechanical opening zone (17) is disposed on the external surface of the gripping element (3) disposed between the first pivot connection and the second pivot connection.

9. The handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electronic opening zone (15) is located opposite the second mechanical opening zone (17) relative to the position of the first pivot connection.

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