Electric handle for car door panel

Abstract

To provide a handle for a door panel of an automobile that enables a user to voluntarily unlock the door panel.SOLUTION: A handle 1 for a door panel 2 of an automobile includes a support 10 and a grip part 3. The grip part 3 is fixed on a lever 6 and moves from a resting position A to a deployed position B, and from the deployed position B to a block release position C. The handle 1 includes a first detector 7. The first detector 7 detects a user and transmits a first signal to an electric control unit 15 in response to a detection of the user. The handle 1 includes a second detector 11. The second detector 11 detects a displacement of the grip part 3 from the deployed position B to the block release position C, and transmits a second signal in response to the detection of the displacement. The electric control unit 15 controls unlocking of an electrically-driven latch 16 in response to a reception of the second signal after the reception of the first signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle for a vehicle door panel and to a method for unlocking a door panel equipped with such a handle. [Background technology]

[0002] Some vehicles are equipped with handles that are inset into the doors. These handles can improve aesthetic effects because they blend in with the rest of the door and are very integrated. This type of handle can also improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle while in operation because it forms a flush surface with the vehicle door.

[0003] There are two types of snap-in type handles: mechanical and electric.

[0004] Known door panel handles conventionally comprise a support intended to be fixed to the door and a grip intended to be connected to the support by a hinge, the joint being either horizontal or, more commonly, vertical.

[0005] The gripping portion is disposed substantially parallel to the support and can rotate or move relative to the support between a rest position in which it is fitted into the door and an open position in which it is inclined relative to the support and extends the door.

[0006] The door panel handle also includes a device that can be actuated to move the handle, housed in the support, to the deployed position.

[0007] Such handles are connected to a latch on the vehicle door by a mechanical link, e.g., a cable called a Bowden cable. When a user opens the vehicle door, they pull the handle, exerting a force on the Bowden cable to release access to the vehicle. This type of mechanical link between the handle and the latch has drawbacks. For example, in the event of a severe collision with another vehicle, the acceleration experienced during such an accident can cause the vehicle door to open even though no traction force is being applied to the handle, and therefore the Bowden cable, when the handle is in its rest or extended position.

[0008] Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a handle that connects to a latch without using a Bowden cable. The handle includes a gripping portion with extending front and rear ends and an outer surface that is flush with the exterior surface of the door in the folded position. The handle includes a curved support arm that slides within a guide along a path defined by the curve of the support arm between the stowed and extended positions. The support arm may include a rack driven by an electric pinion. The gripping portion may include a sensor for unlocking the door and displacing the gripping portion in response to a signal. A user can further pull the gripping portion to a position that opens the door. The set may include a pocket for storing the gripping portion, and the pocket may include a lamp for backlighting the latch barrel or handle, making it accessible in the event of a mechanical failure. The invention of Patent Document 1 also relates to a method for operating a door handle by extending the gripping portion to a first extended position in response to an electronic signal and then unlocking the latch in response to a mechanical signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] GB Patent Application Publication No. 2548146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, there is a risk that a vehicle accident may activate the sensor and cause the door to open due to the acceleration experienced by the vehicle.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by providing a handle for a motor vehicle door panel, the handle comprising a support and a gripping portion, the gripping portion being fixed to a lever and adapted to move from a rest position to a deployed position and from the deployed position to an unlocked position, the handle comprising a first detector adapted to detect a user and to send a first signal to an electric control unit in response to the detection of the user, the handle comprising a second detector adapted to detect displacement of the gripping portion from the deployed position to the unlocked position and to send a second signal in response to the detection of the displacement, the electric control unit adapted to control unlocking of an electric latch in response to receiving the second signal after receiving the first signal.

[0012] Therefore, the user can voluntarily unlock the door panel.

[0013] The gripper is adapted to move from a rest position to a deployed position by detecting, for example, a magnetic card or a mobile phone in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0014] The user moves the grip from the deployed position to the unblocked position.

[0015] The electrical control unit may refer to a specific control unit in the door panel or a general control unit in the vehicle.

[0016] According to one possibility, the electric control unit is adapted to control the unlocking of the electric latch on condition that the second signal is received within a predetermined time interval starting from the reception of the first signal.

[0017] This allows the user to safely open the door panel. If a second signal arrives after the time interval has elapsed, unlocking will not be triggered.

[0018] According to another possibility, this time interval is less than 2 seconds, in particular less than 1 second, and even a few milliseconds.

[0019] By a few milliseconds we mean less than 500 milliseconds, especially less than 20 milliseconds.

[0020] According to yet another possibility, the lever is adapted to be displaceable from a passive position in which the arm of the lever is at a distance from the second detector to an intermediate position in which the arm is in contact with the second detector, and from this intermediate position to an active position in which the arm exerts a force on the second detector.

[0021] Such an arrangement allows for immediate processing of user communicated actions.

[0022] Advantageously, the arm of the lever is adapted to be displaced from the passive position to the intermediate position simultaneously with the displacement of the gripper from the rest position to the deployed position, and from the intermediate position to the active position simultaneously with the displacement of the gripper from the deployed position to the unblocked position.

[0023] Cooperation between the lever and the gripper allows the arm of the lever to be positioned relative to the second detector according to the exact position of the gripper.

[0024] Further advantageously, the first and second signals are transmitted to the electrical control unit via an electrical connector.

[0025] This allows the two electrical terminals of the first detector and the second detector to be coupled together.

[0026] More advantageously, the first detector is arranged inside the grip.

[0027] Such an arrangement allows direct contact between the first detector and the user.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the second detector is arranged on the support or on the gripper.

[0029] This arrangement ensures safety regarding the accessibility of the second detector.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the first detector is a capacitance sensor of the user gripping the grip portion.

[0031] The capacitance sensor can transmit a first signal only when the user grasps the grip portion.

[0032] The first detector may be a contact detector, a trigger, a button, or a deformable micro-button.

[0033] According to yet another embodiment, the second detector is a trigger, a button, or a deformable micro-button.

[0034] The second detector can send a second signal to unlock the door panel latch.

[0035] In another embodiment, a mechanism for pushing the gripper is adapted to displace the gripper from the rest position to the deployed position.

[0036] In electrical actuation, if the displacement of the gripper from the rest position to the deployed position is incorrect, the gripper can be mechanically displaced.

[0037] In another embodiment, the movement of the gripper from the rest position to the unblocked position is a rotational or translational movement.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the handle includes a counterweight mechanism.

[0039] This mechanism can reliably reduce the acceleration experienced by the steering wheel in the event of, for example, a car accident.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, the support comprises an antenna.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the support comprises a lighting module.

[0042] This module illuminates the gripper to visualize its position.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method for opening a door panel of a vehicle by means of a handle, the method comprising: moving the gripper from a rest position to a deployed position; detecting a user with a first detector; receiving a first signal by the electrical control unit in response to detecting the user; a second detector detecting a displacement of the gripper from the deployed position to the unblocked position; receiving a second signal by the electrical control unit in response to detecting the displacement of the gripper; and after receiving the first signal, in response to receiving the second signal, the electrical control unit unlocks the power latch.

[0044] Advantageously, a time interval is defined for receiving the second signal, starting from the reception of the first signal, and unlocking is triggered on condition that the electronic control unit receives the second signal within the time interval.

[0045] This allows the user to safely open the door panel.

[0046] More advantageously, the time interval is less than 2 seconds, in particular less than 1 second, and even a few milliseconds.

[0047] A few milliseconds means less than 500 milliseconds, especially less than 20 milliseconds.

[0048] Advantageously, the power latch unlocks: moving the gripper from the deployed position to the unblocked position; maintaining the gripper in an unblocked position; activating a function of recognizing a user by the electronic control unit by transmitting a continuous signal from the second detector; and unlocking the electric latch if the user is recognized.

[0049] Even more advantageously, if the vehicle is unlocked, the step of recognizing the user is optional.

[0050] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail through the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a handle taken along its longitudinal axis in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a handle 1 for a door panel 2 of a motor vehicle. The gripper 3 is shown in three different positions: a position flush with the door panel 2, called the rest position A, a deployed position B, and an unblocked position C. From the rest position A, through the deployed position B, to the unblocked position C, the gripper 3 moves away from the door panel 2. The gripper 3 moves away from the door panel 2 by rotating. It should be noted that the gripper 3 can also be translated.

[0053] The handle 3 has a first portion 4 adapted to be held by a user and a second portion 5 arranged parallel to the handle 3 and adapted to come into contact with a lever 6 having a rotation axis D. The first portion 4 has a first detector 7, in this case a capacitance sensor. The lever 6 has a first end 8 connected to the second portion 5 of the handle 3 and an arm-like second end 9 opposite the first end 8. A support 10 separates the space and accommodates the components of the handle 1.

[0054] A second detector 11, which is a button, is arranged on the support 10 and is directed radially inward relative to the arm-shaped second end 9. "Inward" should be understood as the opposite side of the door panel 2, which is the outside of the vehicle. This second detector 11 is also arranged so as to be in contact with the arm-shaped second end 9 of the lever 6.

[0055] A return means 19 , which is a spring, is arranged between the first end 8 and the arm-like second end 9 of the lever 6 , more particularly around the axis of rotation D of the lever 6 .

[0056] The first detector 7 and the second detector 11 are connected to a connector 12 by electrical connections 13 and 14 respectively.

[0057] The connector 12 is also connected to an electric control unit 15 , which is connected to an electric latch 16 .

[0058] An actuator 17 arranged on the support 10 and directed radially outward relative to the second part 5 of the gripping portion 3 includes a branch 18 adapted to be displaced along the rotation axis E so as to come into contact with the second part 5 of the gripping portion 3.

[0059] The opportunity is given to set the movement time of the gripper 3 from the rest position A to the deployed position B. The same applies to the retraction time of the gripper 3 from the deployed position B to the rest position A.

[0060] Optional components not described can be combined into handle 1.

[0061] The lock can be attached to the steering wheel 1 that opens to the outside of the car. The lock can also be located on the inside of the steering wheel 1.

[0062] A counterweight can be attached to the handle 1, which can reduce the acceleration experienced in the event of a car accident, for example.

[0063] An antenna can be attached to the support 10 to improve the quality and range of recognition of the user.

[0064] Finally, a lighting module can be fixed inside the support 10 to improve the user's visibility of the handle 1 in the dark.

[0065] Of course, these options are not limiting.

[0066] The operation of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0067] A user near the vehicle electrically moves the gripper 3 from the rest position A to the deployed position B, for example using a key or an app on a mobile phone. The actuator 17 then moves about the rotation axis E until it exerts a pressing force on the second part 5 of the gripper 3, displacing the gripper 3 to the deployed position B.

[0068] The user can also mechanically displace the grip part 3 from the rest position A to the deployed position B, for example by pressing on the grip part 3 .

[0069] When the grip part 3 is in its deployed position B, the user grasps the grip part 3 and transmits a first signal S1 via the first detector 7 (D1) through the connector 12 to the electronic control unit 15 (UEC). Displacement of the grip part 3 from the rest position A to the deployed position B displaces the lever 6 from the passive position to an intermediate position, which is indicated by contact between the arm-like second end 9 of the lever 6 and the second detector 11.

[0070] Next, the user pulls the grip 3 to move it from the deployed position B to the unlocked position C. This action is performed voluntarily by the user, displacing the lever 6 from the intermediate position to the active position and pressing the second detector 11 (D2), which then transmits a second signal S2 through the connector 12 to the electric control unit 15 (UEC). This second signal S2 is transmitted after the first signal S1, unlocking the electric latch 16 (SER) and allowing the door panel 2 to be opened.

[0071] The return of the gripper 3 from the deployed position B to the rest position A is effected by return means 19 .

[0072] The time interval ΔT for receiving the second signal S2 after receiving the first signal S1 is programmed according to the organization system used by the vehicle. In other words, depending on the type of vehicle, the user is given a specific time interval ΔT for transmitting the second signal S2 starting from transmitting the first signal S1. If the time interval ΔT elapses after transmitting the first signal S1 without transmitting the second signal S2, the electric latch 16 (SER) cannot be unlocked. To unlock the electric latch 16 (SER) and allow the door panel 2 to be opened, the user restarts the procedure by transmitting the first signal S1 and then, within the time interval ΔT, transmitting the second signal S2.

[0073] It should be noted that the time interval ΔT cannot be shorter than the minimum time required for the electronic control unit 15 (UEC) to acknowledge the information transmitted by the user.

[0074] In other words, the minimum time required is the time for receiving the confirmation of the electric control unit 15 (UEC) to the electric latch 16 (SER) plus the time for transmitting the information sent by the user to the electric control unit 15 (UEC) via the first signal S1.

[0075] If the vehicle's electrical control unit 15 (UEC) is in sleep mode, i.e., if the vehicle has not been used for a long period of time, the first detector 7 cannot be activated and the door panel 2 cannot be opened. In such a case, to restart the electrical control unit 15 (UEC), the second detector 11 must be activated, for example, by moving the gripper 3 from the deployed position B to the unblocked position C.

[0076] If the first detector 7 fails, it cannot transmit the second signal S2, and therefore the door panel 2 cannot be opened. A solution has been proposed. In fact, the user can overcome this problem by pulling the gripper 3 from the deployed position B to the unlocked position C and holding it there for a few seconds. This effectively presses the second arm-shaped end 9 against the second detector 11 (D2). A continuous signal is sent to the electronic control unit 15 (UEC), which activates another function of the electronic control unit 15 (UEC). This additional function can improve user recognition, for example by searching for a connected key or magnetic card specific to the vehicle, which unlocks the electric latch 16 (SER) of the door panel 2 and allows the door panel 2 to be opened. If the vehicle is already unlocked, this user recognition is optional. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 handle 2 door panels 3 Gripping part 4 Part 1 5 Part 2 6 Lever 7. First detector 8 First end 9 Second end 10. Support 11 Second detector 12 Connectors 13, 14 Electrical connections 15 Electrical control unit 16 Electric Latch 17 Actuators 18 Branches 19 Return means A rest position B Deployed position C Unblocking position D, E rotation axis S1 1st signal S2 2nd signal ΔT time interval

Claims

1. A handle (1) for a door panel (2) of a motor vehicle, the handle (1) comprising a support (10) and a gripping portion (3), the gripping portion (3) being fixed to a lever (6) and adapted to move from a rest position (A) to a deployed position (B) and from the deployed position (B) to an unblocked position (C), the handle (1) comprising a first detector (7) adapted to detect a user when the gripping portion (3) is in the deployed position (B) and to transmit a first signal (S1) to an electric control unit (15) in response to the detection of the user, the handle (1) comprising a second detector (1 ... a second signal (S2) in response to the detection of the displacement, and the electric control unit (15) controls the unlocking of the electric latch (16) in response to receiving the second signal (S2) after receiving the first signal (S1); and the lever (6) is adapted to displace an arm (9) of the lever (6) from a passive position at a distance from the second detector (11) to an intermediate position at which the arm (9) contacts the second detector (11), and from the intermediate position to an active position at which the arm (9) exerts a force on the second detector (11).

2. 2. The handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric control unit (15) is adapted to control the unlocking of the electric latch (16) on condition that the second signal (S2) is received within a predetermined time interval (ΔT) starting from the reception of the first signal (S1).

3. 2. The handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (9) of the lever (6) is adapted to be displaced from the passive position to the intermediate position simultaneously with the displacement of the gripping portion (3) from the rest position (A) to the deployed position (B), and to be displaced from the intermediate position to the active position simultaneously with the displacement of the gripping portion (3) from the deployed position (B) to the unblocked position (C).

4. 4. The steering wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first signal (S1) and the second signal (S2) are transmitted to the electric control unit (15) via an electric connector (12).

5. 5. Handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first detector (7) is arranged inside the grip part (3).

6. 6. Handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second detector (11) is arranged on the support (10).

7. The handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first detector (7) is a capacitance sensor that detects when a user is gripping the handle (3).

8. A handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second detector (11) is a trigger, a button or a deformable micro-button.

9. A handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gripping portion (3) is displaced from a rest position (A) to a deployed position (B) by a mechanism for pushing the gripping portion (3).

10. Handle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna is attached to a support (10).

11. 11. The handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the handle (1) is provided with a counterweight mechanism, which ensures that in the event of a motor vehicle accident, the counterweight mechanism reduces the accelerations experienced by the handle (1).

12. A method for opening a door panel (2) of a motor vehicle using a handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: moving the gripping part (3) from a rest position (A) to a deployed position (B); Detecting a user by a first detector (7); receiving a first signal (S1) by an electronic control unit (15) in response to detecting the user; a second detector (11) detecting a displacement of the gripping portion (3) from the deployed position (B) to an unblocked position (C); receiving a second signal (S2) by the electronic control unit (15) in response to detecting a displacement of the gripper (3); and after receiving the first signal (S1), the electric control unit (15) unlocks the electric latch (16) in response to receiving the second signal (S2).

13. 13. The method for opening a door panel (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that a time interval (ΔT) is defined starting from the reception of the first signal (S1) and for the reception of the second signal (S2), and unlocking is triggered on the condition that the electric control unit (15) receives the second signal (S2) within the time interval (ΔT).

14. 14. The method for opening a door panel (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the time interval (ΔT) is less than 2 seconds.

15. 15. The method for opening a door panel (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the time interval (ΔT) is less than 1 second.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the time interval (ΔT) is less than 500 milliseconds or less than 20 milliseconds.

17. The electric latch (16) is unlocked by moving the gripping portion (3) from the deployed position (B) to the unblocked position (C); maintaining the gripping portion (3) in the unblocking position (C); activating a function of recognizing the user by the electronic control unit (15) by transmitting a continuous signal from the second detector (11); The door opening method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, further comprising the step of unlocking the electric latch (16) when the user is recognized.

18. A method for opening a door panel (2) of a motor vehicle using a handle, comprising: moving the gripping part (3) from a rest position (A) to a deployed position (B); Detecting a user by a first detector (7); receiving a first signal (S1) by an electronic control unit (15) in response to detecting the user; a second detector (11) detecting a displacement of the gripping portion (3) from the deployed position (B) to an unblocked position (C); receiving a second signal (S2) by the electronic control unit (15) in response to detecting a displacement of the gripper (3); and after receiving the first signal (S1), in response to receiving the second signal (S2), the electric control unit (15) unlocks the electric latch (16); A handle (1) for a door panel (2) of a motor vehicle, said handle (1) comprising a support (10) and a gripping portion (3), said gripping portion (3) being fixed to a lever (6) and adapted to move from a rest position (A) to a deployed position (B) and from the deployed position (B) to an unblocked position (C), the handle (1) is equipped with a first detector (7), which is configured to detect a user when the grip portion (3) is in the deployed position (B) and to transmit a first signal (S1) to an electronic control unit (15) in response to the detection of the user; the handle (1) is equipped with a second detector (11), which detects displacement of the grip portion (3) from the deployed position (B) to the unlocked position (C) and transmits a second signal (S2) in response to the detection of the displacement; and the electric control unit (15) controls the unlocking of the electric latch (16) in response to receiving the second signal (S2) after receiving the first signal (S1). Here, the electric latch (16) is unlocked by: moving the gripping portion (3) from the deployed position (B) to the unblocked position (C); maintaining the gripping portion (3) in the unblocking position (C); activating a function of recognizing the user by the electronic control unit (15) by transmitting a continuous signal from the second detector (11); and unlocking the electric latch (16) when the user is recognized.

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