Device for driving a door handle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle in order to move the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, into a second position, in particular an actuating position, said device comprising: an electric drive (16); a gearbox (24) connected downstream of the electric drive (16); and an output gear (23) associated with the gearbox, it being possible to introduce a movement into the door handle by means of the output gear (23), and a means for position detection (30) being associated with at least one gearbox part (20, 21, 22, 23).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device for driving a door handle

[0003] The invention relates to a device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle for moving the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, into a second position, in particular an actuated position, comprising an electric drive, a transmission downstream of the electric drive and a drive gear associated with the transmission, wherein a movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the drive gear.

[0004] One of the aims of automobile manufacturers is to optimize vehicle aerodynamics and achieve the lowest possible air resistance. A door handle mounted on a vehicle has a negative impact on linear airflow if it protrudes from the door. In addition to the aerodynamic disadvantages of a protruding door handle, the design of the vehicle is also affected by a door handle that protrudes from the vehicle.

[0005] To overcome these disadvantages, solutions have become known in which the door handle is flush with the surface of the motor vehicle, and in particular with the side door. DE 10 2015 115 673 A1 discloses a flush-mounted outside door handle, wherein the outside door handle can be moved out of the door surface by means of a corresponding mechanism. In other words, the door handle can be moved back and forth between two different positions. Starting from a flush first position, the door handle can be moved by means of a mechanism into a second position in which the outside door handle protrudes from the door surface. In this second position, the outside door handle can be grasped by the operator, and the door can be opened. To move the outside door handle, a comprehensive mechanism is disclosed which moves the outside door handle in an electrically driven manner.

[0006] The generic prior art is formed by DE 10 216 113 167 A1. This document discloses a device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle to move the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, to a second position, in particular an actuated position, comprising an electric drive, a transmission downstream of the electric drive, and an output gear associated with the transmission, wherein a movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear. The first position of the door handle is the position, which can also be referred to as the initial position, in which the door handle is flush with the outer skin of the body and preferably the side door. The second position designates a position of the door handle after the door handle has performed a translational movement and protrudes from the body of the motor vehicle.In this extended position, the operator is able to operate the door handle and unlock a vehicle lock. The translational movement is achieved by means of an output gear and in conjunction with a rack mounted on the door handle.

[0007] The door handle drives known from the prior art are generally in need of improvement. On the one hand, the prior art has a complex mechanism which in turn appears to be prone to failure and particularly vulnerable to external weather influences. On the other hand, reliable operation cannot be guaranteed using a simple electric drive with a motor and gear, particularly in the event of a power failure. In particular in the event of a power failure, the door handle must be returned to its original position, which means that the door handle must be moved from the de-energised position. The disadvantage here is that the position of the door handle cannot be clearly determined and the mechanism is subjected to great stress if it hits a stop. This is where the invention comes in.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide an improved device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to enable the door handle to be moved safely without placing excessive strain on the mechanism. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective and structurally simple device for driving a door handle.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described below are not limiting; rather, any desired variations of the features described in the description and the subclaims are possible.

[0010] According to patent claim 1, the object of the invention is achieved in that a device for driving, preferably indirectly driving, a door handle of a motor vehicle for moving the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, into a second position, in particular an actuated position, is provided, comprising an electric drive, a gear unit connected downstream of the electric drive, and an output gear associated with the gear unit, wherein a movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear unit, and wherein at least one gear unit part is assigned a means for position detection. By using a means for position detection in a gear unit, it is now possible to draw conclusions about the position of the drive, thereby enabling safe and controlled movement of the door handle.The control system can be designed in such a way that the door handle can not only be moved quickly, but can also be braked gently when it reaches the end position. This shows a further advantage of the design of the device according to the invention, namely that the mechanics are only subjected to minimal stress. By using the means for position detection in the device for driving the door handle, a controlled or regulated movement of the door handle can take place. The mechanics do not necessarily have to be moved against a stop, which in turn places great strain on the mechanics, but can be moved specifically into the rest position or actuated position.

[0011] If, according to the invention, reference is made to a door handle of a motor vehicle, this includes all handles that can be moved by means of a drive. This is not restricted to a door handle, but can also include tailgates, covers, sliding doors or flaps, in fact anywhere where pivoting or movable components are arranged on the motor vehicle and are equipped with a retractable door handle. In this case, the drive does not have to drive the door handle directly, but it is also possible for the drive to actuate a lever chain, whereby the lever chain then actuates the door handle, or opens and closes it.

[0012] In a first position, the door handle assumes a position in which it is preferably flush, i.e. flush with the bodywork. This makes it possible to achieve an optimal aerodynamic surface on the vehicle, while at the same time the door handle does not detract from the vehicle's appearance. Rather, in the flush position, the door handle can be presented as a unit with the vehicle surface, so that it can also be referred to as a disappearing technology. The door handle is only moved out of the flush position when the operator wishes to open the vehicle. To do this, the drive device moves the door handle into a second, extended position, which can also be referred to as the actuating position. In any case, in the second position, the door handle protrudes at least partially from the surface or is spaced from the surface in such a way that the operator can grasp and operate the door handle.The movement of the door handle is not limited to a linear movement, but can also consist of a pivoting movement or a combined movement of a linear, rotary, or pivoting movement. Depending on the arrangement of the door handle, the door handle can thus be made available to the operator in the actuating position.

[0013] The electric drive used is preferably an electric motor, in particular a DC motor. A gearbox is connected downstream of the electric drive, whereby the gearbox is not restricted to one gear stage, but can comprise two, three or more gear stages. Depending on the desired force that should be available to the door handle in order to move the door handle or to generate the fastest possible movement of the door handle, a different gear ratio may be advantageous. Ultimately, an output gear of the gearbox moves the door handle or initiates the movement into the door handle.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the means for position detection is at least partially integrated into a gear part. In the simplest case, the means for position detection can be, for example, a microswitch which interacts with the contour of a gear component. If more than one microswitch is installed, different positions for controlling the movement of the door handle can be detected by means of the microswitch, thus ensuring controlled movement of the door handle. According to the invention, it is now proposed that a means for position detection is integrated into at least one gear part. By integrating the position detection means, a space-saving design can be realized, with the saving of space, particularly in the area of ​​the door handle, representing a decisive advantage. The interior of a door element is equipped with many components, assemblies and drives.Examples include a door module carrier, a window guide, a motor vehicle lock, a closing aid, etc. Due to the large number of components, the space required within the door is limited. If, according to the invention, the position detection means is integrated into a transmission component, the device can be designed with a smaller overall size.

[0015] It has been found that it can be advantageous if the means for detecting position is a magnet, wherein the magnet interacts with a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor. The use of a magnet is very simple; in particular the integration of a magnet into a gear component can be achieved using the simplest of construction means. The gear components are usually made of plastic, although a drive pinion, for example a worm gear, on the drive shaft of the electric motor can alternatively also be made of a metallic material. However, the other gear components are preferably made of plastic. This makes it very simple to place the magnet in a gear wheel of the gear. For example, a recess can be made in a gear component into which the magnet can be inserted.The magnet can be secured using a positive connection, a frictional connection, or a material connection. In addition to using a single magnet, it is also conceivable to integrate two or more magnets into one or more transmission components to obtain additional data about the transmission position.

[0016] If the magnet is a diametrically magnetized magnet, this results in a further embodiment of the invention. Using a diametrically divided magnet, an even more precise position detection of the gear box can be determined, since the diametrically divided magnet allows at least two position values ​​to be detected by means of a sensor. This means that twice the number of signal values ​​are available for position detection, even though only one magnet is used. However, the invention is not restricted to a diametrically magnetized magnet; it is also conceivable that, for example, an axially arcuate magnet is used. What is essential to the invention is that the polarity of the magnet enables the movement of the gear box components to be detected. For example, the movement can be detected by means of a Hall sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the magnet is integrated into the output gear of the transmission. The output gear directly engages the actuation of the door handle, whereby an output shaft on the output gear can be provided with teeth directly associated with the actuation of the door handle. In any case, the door handle can be moved using the output gear as the last transmission component, from the first position to the second position and vice versa. Since the output gear interacts directly with the door handle or is connected to the door handle via a mechanism, a more precise value for the movement of the door handle can be detected at the output gear. The output gear therefore forms an advantageous position in the transmission for reliably detecting the movement of the door handle. The output gear can, for example, have a recess into which a cylindrical magnet can be inserted.As already explained above, the integration of the magnet into the output gear allows for a space-saving arrangement of the magnet and the cylindrical, i.e. symmetrical, design of the magnet also allows for a structurally simpler, because symmetrical, design of the output gear.

[0018] According to the invention, the magnet interacts with a circuit board assigned to the device. The circuit board can be arranged in a housing of the device or be connected to the housing of the device. In any case, a sensor means, in particular at least one Hall sensor, which interacts with the magnet is arranged on the circuit board. Of course, it is also conceivable according to the invention to work with two or more Hall sensors in order to generate a larger number of signals and thus achieve more precise resolution when detecting the position of the door handle. Irrespective of the inclusion of the detecting sensor, the circuit board is arranged in relation to the gearing in such a way that the detection of the movement of the magnet is made possible.

[0019] It can be advantageous and represent a variant of the invention if the device for driving the door handle is arranged in a separate housing. By arranging the device in a separate housing, a modular component for driving the door handle is provided. In other words, the device module can be available for different handles in different vehicles, since the device provides a means for driving the door handle and for detecting the position of the door handle. However, it is also conceivable that the device housing is designed in such a way that at least the circuit board can be installed in or on the housing, wherein it is also conceivable that the housing has an extension into which the circuit board for position detection and / or control is inserted.

[0020] It can also be advantageous if the device housing is sealed, in particular by means of a laser. The device housing is preferably used inside the door and preferably in the area of ​​the door handle. The area of ​​the door handle is exposed to environmental influences because the side windows of the motor vehicle are sealed here but cannot completely close off the interior of the door element. This means that rain or water, for example, can penetrate the door when the motor vehicle is being cleaned and reach the area of ​​the device for driving the door handle. It is therefore important that the device is designed to be protected from moisture. The motor and the gearbox are located in the device housing, which is designed as a shell, for example.If the housing is closed with a housing cover, the cover can be screwed on to create a sealed device housing. Laser welding, particularly circumferential laser welding of the housing cover, eliminates the need for a seal and ensures a sealed closure of the housing. Furthermore, laser bonding the housing and housing cover provides a highly productive process that advantageously supports series production.

[0021] If the gear has a total gear ratio of i = 35 to i = 65, preferably i = 40 to i = 50, and even more preferably i = 45, this results in a variant of the invention. By setting a gear ratio, the actuation speed of the door handle and the available force, i.e. the working torque of the device, can be set. If, for example, a gear ratio of i = 45, preferably i = 46, is set, a working torque of 0.3 Nm can be made available at the output shaft. This makes it possible to generate torques which achieve a blocking torque of greater than 2 Nm at the stop, i.e. in a second position of the door handle, i.e. the actuation position. Depending on the arrangement and design of the door handle and the desired speed, the speed and the force or torque on the door handle can be adjusted by setting the gear ratio.

[0022] As already explained above, an output shaft is assigned to the output gear, wherein the output shaft can advantageously be formed integrally with the output gear. The integral design of the output gear and output shaft allows a reliable output torque to be transmitted and a device for driving the door handle can be provided with the smallest possible number of components. If the magnet is also integrated into the output gear, the output gear has a number of functions. On the one hand, the output gear is used for position detection, and on the other hand, an output torque for moving the door handle is provided via the output gear. The one-piece construction offers an advantageous and structurally favorable option for actuating the door handle. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using an exemplary embodiment.However, the principle applies that the exemplary embodiment does not limit the invention, but merely represents an advantageous embodiment. The features presented can be implemented individually or in combination with other features of the description and the patent claims.

[0023] It shows :

[0024] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a device for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle with a closed housing and an output shaft projecting from the housing,

[0025] Figure 2 is a plan view of the device according to Figure 1 from the perspective of arrow II in Figure 1 without the housing cover,

[0026] Figure 3 is a detailed view of the device without the output pinion and the output shaft, showing the position of the magnet in the device, and

[0027] Figure 4 the output gear with integrated magnet and one-piece molded output shaft.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a device 1 for driving a door handle of a motor vehicle. The device 1 can be fastened by means of screw openings 2, 3, for example to a door module carrier in the area of ​​a door handle. For this purpose, extensions 5, 6 are formed integrally on the housing 4 so that a secure hold for the device 1 is guaranteed. Furthermore, a further receptacle 7 in the form of a downwardly open housing recess is formed on the housing 4, into which, for example, a merely indicated circuit board 8 can be inserted. The receptacle 7 can be closed with a housing cover (not shown), which housing cover can snap into a clip connection 9.

[0029] In this exemplary embodiment, the device 1 is closed with a housing cover 10. An output shaft 11 projects from the housing cover 10 and serves to move the door handle. For this purpose, the output shaft can be driven back and forth in the direction of the arrow PI. The housing cover 10 is welded all the way around to the housing 4 by means of a laser seam. The housing cover 10 in turn has bearing points for the gear components and a form-fitting receptacle 15 for the electric drive 16. Figure 1 also shows a plug socket 17 for making electrical contact with the device 1.

[0030] In Figure 2, the device 1 is shown from the direction of arrow II and without the housing cover 10. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, a screw is driven by an electric motor 18.

[0031] 19, whereby the worm 19 is connected to a worm wheel

[0032] 20 meshes. Worm 19 and worm wire 20 form the first gear stage. A further gear 21 is formed as one piece with the worm gear 20 and meshes with a further gear 22. The further gear 22 in turn has a gear that is not visible and is also connected to the further gear 22. The gear 22 is therefore able to drive the output gear 23. The gear 22 and the concealed, integrally connected gear thus drive the output gear 23. As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment and the description, the gear 24 used here has three gear stages. The output shaft 25 is in turn connected to the output gear 23. In this exemplary embodiment, the output gear 23 and the output shaft 25 are made as one piece and are injection-molded components.In this embodiment, only the worm 19 is made of a metallic material, while the other gear components 20, 21, 22, 23, and 25 are made of plastic. Also worth mentioning is the sealing element 26, which can protect the electric motor 18 from the ingress of grease or oil.

[0033] When the electric motor 18 is energized via the electrical contacts 27, 28, the output gear 23 is actuated via the worm gear stages 19, 20 and the gears 21, 22. The drive mechanism connected to the output gear, in the form of the output shaft 25, can then be used to move the door handle. To achieve a sealed output shaft 25, a sealing ring is provided on the output shaft 25. This sealing ring, in conjunction with the housing cover 10, seals the gear 24 and the electric motor 18.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the housing 4 with part of the gear 24. A magnet 30 can be seen, which is arranged as an integral component of the output gear 23 in the device 1 and in the gear 24. The magnet is diametrically divided along a center line M and has two magnetic poles 31, 32. The magnet 30 also has notches 33, 34, so that a positive connection can be established between the output gear 23 and the magnet 30. Thus, a positive connection can be established between the electromagnet 30 and the output gear 23, so that the magnet 30 can directly follow the movement of the output gear 23.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the output gear 23 with the connected output shaft 25, wherein the magnet 30 integrated into the output gear 23 can also be seen. An extension 35 on the output gear 30 serves as a bearing point for the output gear 23. In this embodiment, the bearing point 35 is accommodated in the housing 4. As can also be clearly seen in Figure 4, a raised portion on the output gear 23 interacts with the notch 33, so that a tongue and groove connection can be formed between the magnet 30 and the output gear 23. The interaction between the magnet 30 and the output gear 23 enables precise positioning of the door handle, and the position of the output gear 23, the output shaft 25, and thus the door handle can be determined using a Hall sensor arranged, for example, on the circuit board 8.This allows the door handle to be moved safely and very precisely, so that the mechanism is subjected to as little stress as possible.

[0036] List of reference symbols

[0037] device

[0038] 2, 3 screw opening

[0039] 4 housings

[0040] 5, 6, 35 extension

[0041] 7, 15 recording

[0042] 8 circuit board

[0043] 9 clips connection

[0044] 10 housing cover

[0045] 11 Output shaft

[0046] 12 laser seam

[0047] 13, 14 bearing points

[0048] 16 electric drive

[0049] 17 socket

[0050] 18 electric motor

[0051] 19 snail

[0052] 20 Worm gear

[0053] 21, 22 gear

[0054] 23 Output gear

[0055] 24 gearboxes

[0056] 25 Output shaft

[0057] 26 Sealing element

[0058] 27, 28 Contact

[0059] 29 Sealing ring

[0060] 30 Magnet

[0061] 31, 32 Pool

[0062] 33, 34 notch

[0063] 36 Increase

[0064] Pl Arrow

[0065] center line

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for driving, in particular indirectly driving, a door handle of a motor vehicle for moving the door handle from a first position, in particular a rest position, into a second position, in particular an actuated position, comprising an electric drive (16), a gear (24) connected downstream of the electric drive (16) and an output gear (23) associated with the gear, wherein a movement can be introduced into the door handle by means of the output gear (23), characterized in that a means for position detection (30) is assigned to at least one gear part (20, 21, 22, 23).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for position detection (30) is at least partially integrated into a gear part (20, 21, 22, 23).

3. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for position detection (30) is a magnet (30), wherein the magnet (30) interacts with a sensor, in particular a Hall sensor.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnet (30) is a diametrically or axially arcuately magnetized magnet (30).

5. Device (5) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the magnet (30) is integrated into the output gear (23) of the transmission (24).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the magnet (30) cooperates with a circuit board (8) associated with the device (1).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the device (1) is arranged in a separate housing (4).

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (4) is connected to a housing cover (10) by means of a laser welding process.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gear (24) has a total gear ratio of i = 35 to i = 65, preferably i = 40 to i = 50, and even more preferably i = 45.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an output shaft (25) is assigned to the output gear (23), in particular is formed integrally with the output gear (23).

Images