CN108541288B

CN108541288B - External opening control for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN108541288B
Application number: CN201680079399.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布莱斯·阿尔里克; 伊夫·泰斯托恩
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
Current assignee: PSA Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2016-01-21
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2020-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-21
Also published as: FR3047035B1; EP3405633A1; FR3047035A1; CN108541288A; EP3405633B1; WO2017125653A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an external opening control for a door of a motor vehicle. The control includes a pivoting handle (4) having an outer surface flush with the outer surface of the door. The handle (4) is movable from a retracted position and then to a deployed position for further pivoting by a user to unlock the respective openable member. The control further comprises: a movable actuator (14) for deploying the handle (4); a return member that returns the handle (4) towards its retracted position; a unidirectional coupling system (16) configured to couple the actuator (14) to the handle (4) in a deployment direction of the actuator (14) and to decouple the actuator (14) from the handle (4) in a retraction direction of the actuator (14); and a damping member (26) for damping retraction of the handle.

Description

External opening control for a motor vehicle

Technical Field

The invention relates to an opening control with a handle for an openable part. More precisely, the invention proposes a motorized deployment opening control. The invention also relates to an openable member having an opening control, the handle of the opening control being flush with the outer surface of the openable member. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle provided with an external opening control for an openable member.

Background

For aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons, the handle for the opening control of the door of a motor vehicle may be flush. Such a handle has an outer surface at the level of the outer surface of the door, so that the handle is not exposed from the handle. The handle must be extended or unfolded in advance so as to be grasped by the user. This outward pivotal movement is driven by a motor that controls the extension and retraction of the handle.

Documents DE102013112706 and DE102008030580 disclose retractable handles for vehicle doors.

Document WO2012/021782 a2 discloses a handle for a vehicle door. In the retracted position, the handle is flush with the outer surface of the door. The handles are driven by the motor between a retracted position and an extended position in which a user can manipulate the handles to open the respective doors. A drive mechanism connects the handle to the motor. The mechanism includes a link and a spring. The spring compresses when the motor causes the handle to be deployed, but the handle is latched in the retracted position. This arrangement provides the advantage that the vehicle motor is not damaged even if latched.

However, the security of this solution is limited. In fact, the handle may catch the user's fingers during the closing movement. This latter may be injured. This can lead to a fear for the user, thereby causing anxiety consequences that adversely affect the perceived quality of the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems brought by the prior art. Another object of the invention is to improve the safety of motorized handles for openable members. Furthermore, the invention relates to a simple and compact solution.

The invention relates to an assembly for the opening control of an openable member, in particular a vehicle door, said assembly comprising: a support; a handle movable at least between a retracted position and a deployed position deployed relative to the support for manipulation by a user; an actuator movable in a deployment direction to drive the handle to its deployed position and movable in a retraction direction; the assembly is characterized in that it further comprises a unidirectional coupling system for coupling the handle to the actuator, said system being configured so that the actuator drives the handle in the deployment direction and the actuator is decoupled from the handle in the retraction direction.

According to a particular embodiment, said components may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or according to all possible technical combinations:

-the assembly comprises a return member configured for moving the handle towards its retracted position; and a damping member for damping movement of the handle towards its retracted position.

-said damping member is arranged inside said unidirectional coupling system.

-the handle comprises a main extension, the assembly comprising a pivot articulated to the handle, the pivot axis of the pivot being generally perpendicular to the main extension of the handle.

-the assembly comprises two pivots; including a fixed pivot and a movable pivot offset from the fixed pivot.

-said unidirectional coupling system comprises a free wheel mechanism.

The assembly comprises a first rod secured to the handle, and a second rod engaged with the actuator, the coupling system connecting the first rod to the second rod.

-the actuator is a rotary actuator or a linear actuator.

The handle comprises a first lever and the actuator comprises a second lever, the coupling system being located at the interface between the levers.

-the damping member dissipates energy.

-the open control is an external control.

-the handle is a pivoting handle.

-said actuator is capable of pivoting the handle by at least 10 °, or by at least 25 °, or by at least 45 °.

-the damping member is opposite to the return member.

The handle can be moved up to an unlocking position, in particular of the openable member; the deployed position is between the unlocked position and the retracted position.

The system comprises a housing in which a damping member and a rotary blocking element are arranged.

The housing forms a loop around the junction between the first and second rods.

The assembly comprises at least one pivot, possibly associated with the handle, at a distance from the actuator.

-the linear actuator comprises a rack driving the coupling system.

The second lever comprises a pinion driven by an actuator, possibly by a rack.

The return member comprises a spring, optionally attached to a handle or a free wheel system.

The assembly is configured such that the damping member is inactive in the deployment direction of the actuator and/or the handle.

-the damping member and the coupling system are coaxial.

The invention also relates to an openable member for a vehicle comprising an assembly, characterised in that the assembly is according to the invention, optionally the openable member and the handle comprise substantially parallel pivot axes.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an openable member having an opening control assembly for the openable member, characterized in that the assembly is according to the invention, optionally the handle comprises a first outer surface having a profile, and the openable member comprises a second outer surface tangential to the first surface over the entire profile.

The invention improves the safety of an opening control handle of a motor vehicle door. In fact, the kinematics of the closing of the handle becomes independent of the kinematics of the actuator. The position of the handle is separated from the arrangement of the actuator. This latter can be made simpler and more economical; just like its control circuit.

Due to the one-way coupling system, the retraction torque of the handle becomes smaller than the opening torque. Thereby, the retraction movement of the handle may be slower and softer than the deployment movement. Thus, despite the rapid deployment, the consequences of anxiety are eliminated. Furthermore, the separation allows further pulling of the handle to unlock the openable member without acting on the actuator.

The present invention maintains engagement between the actuator and the handle such that the actuator opens the handle even with a slight latch of the handle. The present invention provides a compact assembly. The transmission system and the damping member may be integrated in a ring forming the connection between the rods. At the same time, reliability and quality are optimized. In addition; assembly, control and supply costs are reduced.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 presents an openable element with a handle according to the invention.

Figure 2 presents a cross-sectional view of the openable member and handle along the axis 2-2 drawn in figure 1.

Fig. 3 shows an assembly for the opening control of the openable member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a front view of an assembly for opening control of an openable member according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a top view of a pivoting handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an openable member 1 provided with a pivoting handle 4. The openable member 1 may be an openable member 1 of a vehicle (not shown), in particular a motor vehicle. However, other applications are possible.

The openable member 1 may correspond to a passenger door, or even a trunk door. The glass can translate in the openable member 1 and possibly sweep over the handle 4. The handle 4 is a handle for an opening control (e.g., an external control) of the openable member. The opening control may comprise a locking and unlocking device (not shown) of the openable member, controlled by actuation of the handle 4. The control may be engaged with a striker (not shown) secured to the vehicle body. According to a variant of the invention, the handle is an internal control handle, that is to say is arranged in the cab of the vehicle.

The handle 4 may be integrated in the outer surface 6 of the openable member 1. The contour 5 of which matches the outer surface 6. A constant gap separates the handle 4 from the outer surface 6 of the openable member along the profile 5. Thus, the continuity of the outer surface 6 is generally maintained and the presence of the handle 4 is less noticeable. This improves the perceived quality.

Fig. 2 shows a section through the openable member 1 and the handle 4 shown in fig. 1. The cross-section is taken along the axis 2-2 drawn in fig. 1.

When the handle 4 is in the retracted or rest position in the openable member 1, the handle 4 is shown in solid lines; and the handle 4 is shown in broken lines when the handle is in a deployed or operating position projecting relative to the outer surface 6 of the openable member 1. This deployed position may be the first deployed position. Alternatively, the handle may be moved into the second deployed position (shown in dotted lines) as a result of manipulation by the user. This further movement may correspond to an unlocking movement of the associated openable member 1. The first deployed position may be between the second deployed position and the retracted position.

The outer surface 8 of the handle 4 is flush with the outer surface 6 of the openable member 1. This type of installation is also denoted by the english term "flush". For this purpose, the openable member 1 has a recess 10 which receives the handle 4 in the retracted position. The pocket may be formed by a yoke (not shown) to which the handle 4 is hinged. The yoke may form a seat for the handle 4 for connecting the handle 4 to the openable member. The handle 4 may be disposed entirely within the pocket 10 in the retracted position. The contour of the recess 10 is tangent to the outer surface of the handle over its entire circumference. The outer surface may have a continuity of surfaces such that the handle is integrated in the overall outer surface of the openable member. In the deployed position, the handle 4 protrudes with respect to the openable member 1.

The handle 4 may be on the vertical pivot axis 12. This axis 12 may be parallel to the axis of the openable member 1. The handle 4 may be connected to the openable member 1 by means of a set of rods or levers so that its instantaneous centre of rotation describes a curve. Since the handle 4 is integrated in the openable member 1 so as to limit its grip from the outside when it is in the retracted position, the actuator 14 allows the handle 4 to be extended from its recess 10 so as to be accessible to the user. The actuator 14 is advantageously rigidly connected to the openable member 1 and housed in its thickness.

To allow the handle 4 to return into the pocket, a return member (not shown) is provided. The return member may be at the level of the pivot axis 12. Alternatively, the return member may be spaced a distance therefrom. In such a configuration, the return member may be attached to the openable member and the handle. The return member may comprise a resilient element, such as a spring.

According to a variant of the invention, the handle is a translationally movable handle. The actuator may extend the handle by translating the handle perpendicular to an outer surface of the openable member. The unlocking movement of the openable member may also be a translational movement.

Fig. 3 shows an assembly for the opening control of the openable member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The openable members (not shown for clarity) and associated elements may correspond to those of figure 1. The components are shown from the front, for example from the vehicle interior.

The actuator 14 may be electrical. According to a variant, it may use another energy, such as the energy of compressed air. The actuator 14 is here of the rotary type. Its pivot axis 15 may be offset with respect to the pivot axis of the handle 4. The actuator 14 is movable in two directions between at least two positions. In the deployment direction, it drives the handle 4 until it reaches its deployed position, where it occupies itself in the deployed position. The actuator 14 is movable in a retraction direction allowing the handle 4 to be retracted into the openable member.

The assembly includes a one-way coupling system 16, also referred to as a one-way transmission system. The system 16 may include a free-wheel mechanism. Mechanisms of this type are well known to those skilled in the art. The system 16 may include a mechanism having a pawl disposed within a crown. In one direction of rotation, the pawl allows the rotation of the outer crown and in the other direction the pawl abuts against the inner teeth of the crown to stop its rotation. Or even, the system 16 may include a mechanism with balls or rollers placed in a ramped hub. In one direction of rotation the balls or rollers clear the ramps to block the outer crown, in the other direction the crown is free to rotate.

A coupling system 16 is placed between the handle 4 and the actuator 14. It is connected to each of them. Depending on the direction of rotation of the actuator 14, the coupling system 16 may or may not transmit the movement of the actuator 14 to the handle 4. The coupling system 16 thus forms a one-way selective transmission. In this way, the actuator 14 tries to extend the handle 4 and then the coupling system 16 releases them from each other. The actuator 14 can then perform its return movement alone. Since the actuator 14 is only engaged with the handle 4 during deployment, the risk of injury to the user's fingers during retraction is eliminated.

The handle 4 and the actuator 14 may be connected by means of a set of levers, for example using a first lever 18 secured to the handle 4 and a second lever 20 secured to the actuator 14. The levers (18; 20) may be parallel. The pivot axis (12; 15) is arranged at the end of the second lever 20 such that the first axis 12 is movable. In addition to this, the first and

second rods

22, 24, which are secured to the handle 4 and the actuator 14, respectively, allow to connect the handle 4 to the actuator 14. The rods (22; 24) are coaxial and located between the levers (18; 20). They are arranged on both sides of the coupling system 16 so as to be able to be connected, sometimes kinematically, and sometimes freely rotatable with respect to each other according to the direction of rotation of the actuator 14. In the deployment direction of the actuator, the rod and the lever are rigidly connected to each other. During retraction, the levers pivot relative to each other.

Damping member 26 is provided to slow the return of handle 4 as long as handle 4 is acted upon by a return member (not shown) when actuator 14 is retracted. The damping member 26 is calibrated according to the mechanical action of the return member and the desired return time to reduce the consequences of anxiety caused by the handle 4.

The damping member 26 may comprise a brake fluid, such as a viscous fluid that creates resistance during relative rotation between the handle 4 and the actuator 14. The fluid may contact the detents or rollers of the linkage system 16. Alternatively or additionally, the damping member 26 may comprise a cooperating friction surface to resist relative rotation between the handle 4 and the actuator 14. This may be a set of rotor and stator discs arranged in the manner of a clutch. At least one of the friction surfaces may be a surface of the coupling system. Thus, the damping member 26 may be integrated into the coupling system 16. Advantageously, the assembly comprises a housing 28, the housing 28 forming a chamber housing at least the coupling system 16 and optionally the damping member 26.

The pivot axis 12 of the handle 4 may pass through the coupling system 16 and/or the damping member 26. The damping member 26 is engaged with the first rod 22 and with the first lever 18. The coupling system 16 forms a separation between the rods (22; 24).

According to a variant of the invention, the damping element may be spaced from the coupling system by a distance. These damping members are in contact with the first lever and/or the handle. According to another variant, the second lever may be a toothed cam which drives a pinion formed on the second rod.

Fig. 4 shows an assembly for opening control according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The openable members (not shown for clarity) and associated elements may correspond to those of figure 1. This figure 4 repeats the numbering of the previous figures for the same or similar elements, but with 100 increased numbering. Specific numbering is used for specific elements of this embodiment.

Actuator 114 may be linear. It may comprise a slide 130 which is capable of translational movement relative to the body of the actuator. This slider 130 may cooperate with the second lever 124. This latter may have a pinion 132, the pinion 132 being driven in rotation by the teeth of a rack formed on the slider 130. According to a variant of the invention, the slider may comprise a push rod which drives in rotation a cam formed instead of a pinion.

The first lever 122 may be in direct contact with the handle 104. The rod (22; 24) can be hinged in rotation and fixed in translation with respect to the openable member. The pivot axis 112 of the handle 104 may be common with the pivot axis 112 of the second lever 124.

Fig. 5 shows an assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention as shown in fig. 4 in a top view.

A coupling system 116 is disposed between handle 104 and actuator 114. The first lever 122 is flush with the handle 104. Spaced from the slider 130, where the profile of the teeth of the slider 130 can be seen. Translation T of the slider 130 allows at least 30 ° of pivoting P of the handle 104, which allows it to protrude sufficiently from its openable member for manipulation by a user. The handle 104 may be pivoted 90 deg. depending on the travel of the slider 130.

Claims

1. An assembly for the opening control of an openable member (1), the assembly comprising:

-a support;

-a handle (4, 104) movable at least between a retracted position and a deployed position deployed with respect to the support for manipulation by a user;

-an actuator (14; 114) movable in a deployment direction to drive the handle (4; 104) to its deployment position, and movable in a retraction direction;

characterized in that said assembly further comprises:

a one-way coupling system (16; 116) for coupling the handle (4; 104) to the actuator (14; 114), the one-way coupling system (16; 116) being configured such that:

the actuator (14; 114) drives the handle (4; 104) in the deployment direction, and

in the retraction direction, the actuator (14; 114) is decoupled from the handle (4; 104),

the assembly comprises: a return member configured for moving the handle (4; 104) towards its retracted position; and a damping member (26) for damping movement of the handle (4; 104) towards its retracted position,

the damping member (26) is disposed inside the unidirectional coupling system (16; 116).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said handle (4; 104) comprises a main extension, said assembly comprising a pivot hinging said handle (4; 104), the pivot axis (12; 112) of said pivot being generally perpendicular to said main extension of said handle (4; 104).

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly comprises two pivots; the two pivots are a fixed pivot (15) and a movable pivot (12) offset with respect to the fixed pivot.

4. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said unidirectional coupling system (16; 116) comprises a free-wheel mechanism.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first rod (22) secured to said handle (4; 104) and a second rod (24) engaged with said actuator (14; 114), said one-way coupling system (16; 116) connecting said first rod (22) to said second rod (24).

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a rotary actuator or a linear actuator.

7. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (4; 104) comprises a first lever (18) and the actuator (14; 114) comprises a second lever (20), the unidirectional coupling system (16; 116) being located at the interface between the first lever (18) and the second lever (20).

8. Vehicle comprising an openable member (1) with an assembly for opening control of the openable member, the vehicle being characterized in that the assembly is according to one of claims 1 to 7, optionally the handle (4; 104) comprises a first outer surface (8) having a profile (5), and the openable member (1) comprises a second outer surface (6) tangential to the first outer surface (8) over the entire profile (5).