Method for ejecting a "flush" handle under freezing conditions

Abstract

The method for ejecting an opening control (10), comprising a support mounted on the opening (50) and forming a cavity with an opening, a handle (12) movably mounted between a retracted position flush with the cavity and a position ejected from the cavity, and a member (20) for moving the handle (12) between the two positions, includes a step (100, 104) of emitting an ejection control signal (W0) for the handle (12). When at least one freezing condition is met, the method includes a step (110) of emitting a forcing signal (WF) comprising at least one series of pulses (W1, W2) oscillating between a high state and a low state, in order to release the handle (12) by a series of alternating jerks. Abbreviated: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Method for ejecting a "Flush" handle under freezing conditions.

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

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a flush-mounted handle opening control, meaning that the support on which the handle is movably mounted forms a cavity suitable for receiving the handle in the retracted position. In this retracted position, the outer surface of the handle is flush with the outer surface of the door's outer wall. 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 control includes an electric handle ejection mechanism to allow the user to grasp the handle and thus open the door. The electric ejection mechanism operates from a power supply provided, for example, by a vehicle battery and can be remotely controlled electronically using a key, a 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, under 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 grasping by the user.

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

[0007] The disadvantage of the prior art de-icing method is that it proves to be ineffective in breaking the ice within a sufficiently short time, particularly in that they These systems generally also require the use of a heating element, which can take a relatively long time to heat up. This wait, which can be quite lengthy, then causes discomfort for the user and a feeling of poor vehicle quality due to the prolonged jamming of the vehicle's opening mechanism.

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

[0009] To this end, the invention relates in particular to a method for ejecting an opening control for a motor vehicle door that may be rendered inoperative by freezing, the opening control comprising a support mounted on the door and forming a cavity with an opening, a handle mounted movable between a retracted position flush with the cavity and a position ejected outside the cavity and a member for moving the handle between the two positions, in which the method comprises a step of emitting a control signal to eject the handle with a predefined setpoint amplitude to generate electrical drive energy to eject the handle by the moving member, characterized in that, when at least one freezing condition is met, the method comprises a step of emitting a forcing signal comprising at least a series of pulses oscillating between a high state and a low state,The high or low state is defined with a forcing amplitude greater in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude to generate electrical energy to drive the handle by the moving element, respectively ejecting it in the direction of ejection in the high state or retracting it in the direction of retraction in the low state in order to release the handle by a series of alternating jerks.

[0010] Thanks to the specific handle ejection method 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 profile of square waves 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 recall 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:

[0021] [Fig-1]: [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an opening of a motor vehicle including an opening control for implementing a protocol for breaking the ice according to the invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] : [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the opening control of [Fig.1];

[0023] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the opening control on the vehicle opening in which the handle is ejected after implementation of the protocol to break the glass;

[0024] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] represents a diagram illustrating the different steps of a protocol for breaking the ice according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] represents a chronogram illustrating the chronology of the main steps as a function of the time of the protocol to break the ice of [Fig.4].

[0026] [Fig.6] : [Fig.6] represents a detailed view of the chronogram of [Fig.5].

[0027] Figure 1 shows an opening control for a motor vehicle door according to the invention. The opening control is designated by the general reference numeral 10. The opening control 10 is intended to be mounted on an exterior body panel 50 of a door, which is, for example, a side door of a vehicle.

[0028] The opening control 10, for example, essentially comprises a fixed support or a housing having a receiving cavity (not shown in the figures) and a handle 12 intended to be movably mounted inside the cavity. In service, the support is intended to be fixed to the opening 50. The handle 12 is, in the example described, mounted articulated relative to the panel, around a geometric pivot axis Al, on the support. The pivot axis Al is in its service position substantially vertical and extends parallel to the general plane of the outer panel.

[0029] In the example described, the support has a generally parallelepiped shape and is adapted to be housed in 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.

[0030] The handle 12 is shown in detail in [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.

[0031] In the described example, 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 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.

[0032] In this example, the opening control 10 is intended to cooperate with a lock (not shown) on the opening of the motor vehicle, which can adopt a locked and an unlocked configuration. Conventionally, pivoting the handle 12 around its articulation axis A1 actuates the lock into one of its two locked or unlocked configurations via a drive kinematic chain (not shown in the figures).

[0033] To this end, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the opening control 10 preferably includes a return lever 16. This return lever 16 comprises, in the described example, a rotating cage and a return shaft, as well as a return spring intended to be housed inside the rotating cage. The rotating cage comprises for example a means of retaining one end of a Bowden cable (not shown).

[0034] In the example illustrated in [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.

[0035] We will now describe in detail the moving member 20 of the opening control 10 for pivoting the handle 12 in ejection and / or retraction. This moving member 20 comprises an electrical actuation part 22 and a mechanical actuation part 24.

[0036] The electrical actuation part 22 in this example comprises an electrical actuator which preferably comprises a linear cylinder having an end cooperating with the mechanical actuation part 24.

[0037] As illustrated in [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.

[0038] 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 in [Fig.2], the stirrup 26 preferably comprises a body defining a frame into which the inner arm 12.2 of the handle 12 can be inserted.

[0039] 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 arch 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 by means of 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.

[0042] In order to enable the control of the opening mechanism allowing the ejection or retraction of the handle 12, in a conventional manner, the motor vehicle also generally includes a control unit, which is part of an assembly commonly referred to as the "on-board computer" of the motor vehicle. This control unit includes a storage module containing at least one main software module comprising software instructions enabling the control of the ejection and retraction of the handle 12. The control unit also includes, in a conventional and known manner, a processor that enables the implementation of the main software module for controlling the movement of the handle 12.

[0043] 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 allows the implementation of the steps of an opening protocol in case of freezing weather conditions, hereinafter referred to as the "frost protocol".

[0044] We will now describe below, with reference to the flowchart illustrated in [Fig.4], the operation of the opening control under normal conditions (excluding freezing conditions for example) and under freezing conditions.

[0045] Initially, the handle 12 is in its flush position and the ejection lever spring 26 is in a rest position.

[0046] During step 100, the vehicle user gives an opening command to the on-board computer, and the control unit delivers an ejection control signal for handle 12 with a predefined setpoint amplitude Vc. This results in the generation of electrical drive energy for ejection of handle 12 by the handle 12 movement element 20. The control signal is, for example, a voltage signal of amplitude "Vc" ([Fig. 4]) supplying electrical energy to the actuator 22. In this example, the actuator 22 then converts this electrical energy into mechanical energy for longitudinal displacement of its cylinder.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the control signal W0 for ejecting handle 12 under normal (frost-free) opening conditions. This control signal W0 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 control signal W0 allows, in particular, for a gradual, progressive, and non-abrupt ejection of handle 12.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The lever 26, which was held in the rest position by its return spring, is then moved until the handle 12 reaches its ejection position. In this ejection position, the user can pull the handle 12 and act on the return lever 16 to actuate the lock cable.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The method according to the invention preferably includes a step 102 for 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 for stopping the ejection protocol of the handle 12.

[0052] Otherwise, the "freeze" protocol is implemented. For example, in [Fig. 3], the ejected handle 12 can be seen 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.

[0053] Preferably, the "freeze" protocol includes at least a first step 104 of launching a first ejection attempt of the handle 12. As illustrated in [Fig.5], this first ejection attempt includes an ejection control signal W0 as described above.

[0054] In case of successful ejection of the handle 12, the process includes a step 114 of finalizing the ejection of the handle 12 and a final step 112 of stopping the protocol.

[0055] In the event of failure to eject the handle 12, the method preferably 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.

[0056] 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 DI.

[0057] In accordance with the invention, the high state “H” or low state “L” is defined with a greater forcing amplitude VI or V2 in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude Vc in order to generate electrical energy to drive 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.

[0058] Preferably, the forcing voltage VI or V2 is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint voltage Vc and preferably twice greater. For example, the voltages VI and V2 have opposite signs but preferably the same absolute value.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Indeed, in this example, each pulse has a rising edge and a falling edge that are substantially vertical, that is to say, only slightly inclined with respect 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 ejection control signal W0.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Under freezing conditions, the transition from the high to the low state, i.e., during a falling edge of the forcing signal WF, 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 forcing signal WF causes several abrupt, alternating shocks of high amplitude, capable of exceeding the resistance to ejection of handle 12 produced by the layer of ice.

[0063] Following the series of pulses W1 and W2, if the handle 12 is ejected, the method includes the ejection finalization step 114. Otherwise, the method includes a step 108 of launching a second ejection attempt of the handle 12. As illustrated in [Fig.5], this second ejection attempt includes an ejection control signal W0 as described above.

[0064] In the case where 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.

[0065] 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 defined by the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for ejecting an opening control (10) of a motor vehicle door (50) that may be rendered inoperative by freezing, the opening control (10) comprising a support mounted on the door (50) and forming a cavity with an opening, a handle (12) movably mounted between a retracted position flush with the cavity and a position ejected out of the cavity, and a handle (20) movement member (20) between the two positions, wherein the method comprises a step (100, 104) of emitting an ejection control signal (W0) of the handle (12) with a predefined setpoint amplitude (Vc) to generate electrical drive energy to eject the handle (12) by the movement member (20), and a step (102) of verifying the ejection of the handle (12), characterized in that, in the event that the ejection of the handle (12) is successful,The method includes a step (112) for stopping the handle (12) ejection protocol, and if it fails, a "freeze" protocol is implemented comprising at least a first step (104) for initiating a first attempt to eject the handle (12), such that if the handle (12) ejection is successful, the method further includes a step (114) for finalizing the handle (12) ejection and a final step (112) for stopping the protocol, and if the handle (12) ejection fails, the method includes a step (106) for verifying a freeze condition, and in that when at least one freeze condition is met, the method includes a step (110) for emitting a forcing signal (WF) comprising at least one series of pulses (W1, W2) oscillating between a high state (H) and a low state (L), the high (H) or low (L) state being defined with a forcing amplitude (VI,V2) greater in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude (Vc) to generate electrical energy to drive the handle (12) by the moving 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 jerks.

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

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, in in which each impulse presents a rising front and a falling front that are substantially vertical.

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

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

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

7. A method according to any one 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. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, under freezing conditions, the method comprises a step of abrupt release, at a falling front of the forcing signal (WF), of the action of a spring on the handle (12) acting to recall the handle (12) in the direction of retraction and outside 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 process according to any one of the preceding claims, 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.

10. Software module loadable 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 any one of claims 1 to 9, when the software instructions are executed by the control unit.

Images