EP1469149A1 - Actuating device for a wing - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a stress sensor (6) coupled to a handle (5) for receiving stress provided on the handle. The handle movably linked to a base plate (4) is actuated in an opening direction (Fb) or an opposite direction (Fa), to control opening or closing of a vehicle door. The sensor produces detection signals when the handle is actuated in either of the opening or opposite directions.

Description

The present invention relates to a device actuator for a vehicle opening, comprising a base intended to be arranged on the outside of said opening and a handle movably linked to said base and able to be actuated in a direction of opening to control an opening of said opening.

In motor vehicles, many functionalities are developed to automate certain actions, so to make the use of the vehicle less and less restrictive for the user and to avoid unintentional omissions, especially in the vehicle security actions. In this context, we know including keyless entry and start systems free ”.

A hands-free access system consists of an identifier portable intended to be carried by an authorized user of the vehicle and a communication device on board the vehicle. These two organs are capable of performing a two-way remote dialogue for authenticate the user. When authentication is successful, the on-board communication device controls unlocking doors. It is known, for example from DE10052308A, to initiate communication in response to the pull of a handful of door, which can be detected using a coupled mechanical switch to the handle. It is also known to trigger communication by response to the presence of the user's hand in the vicinity of the door handle, which can be detected using a capacitive sensor or infrared. All of these detectors have drawbacks.

In particular, mechanical contactors are devices who age quickly. In addition, switching the contactor requires a certain displacement, which must be regulated by making a compromise between the contactor response time, which is proportional to the displacement to be performed, and the probability a fortuitous switching, of origin for example vibratory, which depends in the opposite direction on the movement to be carried out.

Capacitive and infrared sensors require microcontroller, so they have a cost and a consumption relatively high electric power. In addition, these sensors are often too sensitive, in the sense that any object approaching the door handle is perceived as the user's hand. This results in triggers nuisance consuming energy. In addition, due of electrostatic interactions, capacitive sensors can exhibit a different answer depending on the clothing worn by the user. Finally, all these sensors are sensitive to the environment (frost, corrosion, dust, dirt).

The invention aims to remedy at least some of these disadvantages.

For this, the invention provides a device of the type mentioned first, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one strain sensor coupled to said handle and arranged so as to receive at least one constraint resulting in the production of least one detection signal in response to actuation of said handle in at least one direction from said opening direction and an opposite direction.

A stress sensor has the advantage of reacting to a effort, without significant displacement being necessary. So it is possible to detect an actuation of the handle in the direction of the opening, which is the normal movement of a handle from its rest position, but also in the opposite direction, even if no significant handle stroke is expected in this direction. It It also follows that the response time of the sensor can be very short. However, detection requires a real effort to be made on the handle, so that remote nuisance trips are avoided.

Preferably, said stress sensor is arranged to so as to receive a first constraint resulting in the production of a first detection signal in response to actuation of said handle in said opening direction and to receive a second constraint resulting in the production of a second detection signal in response to actuation of said handle in said direction opposite. This configuration is particularly advantageous, since a single sensor can detect and distinguish two types actuation of the handle, for example to control actions different. This is not possible with the other aforementioned sensors. In particular, two mechanical contactors would be required to detect the two types of actuation of the handle.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said a stress sensor is arranged in said handle. So the sensor can detect traction or pressure exerted on the handle.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided a kinematic chain intended to connect said handle to a lock of said opening, said stress sensor being arranged in said kinematic chain. Such a kinematic chain can have many shapes and a greater or lesser number of moving parts coupled so as to transmit the movement of the handle up to a lock, such as levers, rods, wheels, etc. There is usually one or more several locations, in particular at the interfaces between these parts, allowing integration of the sensor. The sensor then receives the constraints from the opening handle through the kinematic chain or the portion of kinematic chain located between it and him.

Advantageously, said stress sensor is arranged between two levers of said kinematic chain which are prestressed towards each other. Preferably in this case, one of said levers is rigidly linked to said handle. So the force exerted on the handle is well transmitted to the sensor, without games delaying or dampen this transmission.

Many kinds of stress sensors exist and can be used in the invention. Advantageously, said sensor stress is a piezoelectric sensor having at least one variable electrical characteristic depending on the constraints it receives. For example, the variable electrical characteristic is a force electromotive whose amplitude and sign depend on the pressure received. The sensor can also be piezoresistive, having a resistance electric variable according to the stress. Piezoelectric sensors have a lower cost than capacitive sensors or infrared. They are less sensitive to environmental conditions. They have a small footprint and can be designed with various forms, which facilitates their integration into the device.

Preferably, said strain sensor does not produce said or each detection signal only in response to a variation of said constraint. In other words, the sensor is indifferent to the constraints static. As a result, a change in configuration of the moving parts of the actuating device, for example following phenomena of thermal expansion or contraction, does not affect the operation of the sensor, so a re-calibration procedure is avoided.

Advantageously, a pre-treatment circuit is provided. connected to said stress sensor to format said signal detection or said detection signals. This circuit can for example be integrated into the handle or its base.

Preferably, a connected control unit is provided said stress sensor and able to control at least one action of activation of the vehicle in response to the detection signal which is produced in response to actuation of said handle in said opening direction.

The term activation action designates any action which prepares the vehicle for next use. Many actions can be ordered in this way. According to one particular embodiment of the invention, said at least one setting action in operation includes at least one action among the trigger a radio frequency transmission to a portable identifier, switching on a vehicle or car radio lighting and adjusting automatic movement of a moving element of said vehicle, for example reversing a seat to facilitate boarding or deploying a mirror.

Preferably, a connected control unit is provided said stress sensor and able to control at least one action of deactivation of the vehicle in response to the detection signal which is produced in response to actuation of said handle in said opposite direction. This control unit can be another or preferably the same as that mentioned above.

The term deactivation action designates any action which prepares the vehicle for a period of inactivity. Many actions can be ordered in this way. According to one particular embodiment of the invention, said at least one setting action off function includes at least one action from closing opening of the vehicle, in particular the windows, the locking of opening of the vehicle, switching off a vehicle lighting or a radio, the automatic adjustment of a mobile element of said vehicle, for example the retraction of a rear view mirror, and the activation of an alarm.

The invention applies to any opening of a vehicle, such as a door or a tailgate.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un véhicule équipé d'un dispositif d'actionnement selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif d'actionnement du véhicule de la figure 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, vu en perspective depuis le côté intérieur,
• la figure 3 représente schématiquement l'installation électrique du dispositif de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 représente un dispositif d'actionnement convenant pour le véhicule de la figure 1, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, vu en coupe selon le plan vertical indiqué par les lignes IV de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est un schéma électrique plus détaillé du circuit de la figure 3.

The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and without limitation. , with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle equipped with an actuating device according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents the device for actuating the vehicle of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, seen in perspective from the interior side,
• FIG. 3 schematically represents the electrical installation of the device of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 represents an actuating device suitable for the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to a second embodiment of the invention, seen in section along the vertical plane indicated by the lines IV of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 5 is a more detailed electrical diagram of the circuit of FIG. 3.

In Figure 1, there is shown schematically and partially a vehicle 18 having a roof wall 19, a wall of floor 20 and a side door 1, which carries a lock 2 and a handle assembly 3.

Figure 2 shows the handle assembly 3 according to a first embodiment. The handle assembly 3 includes a base 4 which is intended to be fixed on the external surface of the door 1 according to the known technique. The handle assembly 3 includes also a pivoting handle 5 which is connected to the base 4 by an axis vertical pivoting not shown and which is recalled by a spring not shown to the rest position shown on the figure 2. The arrow Fb represents the direction of the force that the user exerts on the handle 5 to open the door 1, that is to say a force of traction. The arrow Fa represents the direction of the force exerted the user on the handle 5 to close the door 1, that is to say a pushing force. The handle 5 is functionally connected to the lock 2 by a kinematic chain 17. This kinematic chain 17 makes it possible to known manner, to transmit the tensile movement of the handle 5 to lock 2 to trigger the release of the bolt from the lock 2 and thus open the door 1. Such a kinematic chain can be carried out using a number of levers and / or rods, a in a manner known per se. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 2, the drive train 17 has a first lever arm 21 which is rigidly fixed to the handle 5 and which is engaged so sliding through the base 4 towards the inside of the door 1. The arm lever 21 carries an actuating tab 22 intended to cooperate with a pivoting lever not shown.

The handle 5 is a hollow plastic body in which placed a piezoelectric sensor 6. With reference to FIG. 3, the piezoelectric sensor 6 schematically comprises a crystal piezoelectric 10 placed between two electrodes 8a and 8b. A captor suitable is available from MURATA. A wire of electrode 7a connects electrode 8a to a pre-treatment circuit 9. A wire of electrode 7b connects electrode 8b to the pre-treatment circuit 9. As visible in Figure 2, circuit 9 is an electronic module housed in the handle 5. Between the electrodes 8a and 8b, the piezoelectric sensor 6 produces a voltage U which depends on the variation of the stress of pressure exerted on the electrode 8a or the electrode 8b. More precisely in response to an increase in pressure on the electrode 8a, which tends to bend the piezoelectric crystal 10, the voltage signal U takes the form shown schematically in figure 11a. Conversely, in response to an increase in pressure on the electrode 8b, which tends to bend in the opposite direction the crystal 10, the signal of voltage U takes the form shown schematically in figure 11b. In other words, in response to two opposing constraints, the sensor 6 produces two signals of opposite signs.

Thus, when the user pulls the handle 5 by exerting a force Fb, his hand applies pressure through the wall of the handle 5 on electrode 8b. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 5 has a flexible membrane on its inner face covering the piezoelectric sensor 6. However, such a membrane is not necessary, because the handle 5 made in the form of a hollow body in plastic has sufficient flexibility for the force to be transmitted to the sensor 6. Conversely, when the user pushes the door by exerting the force Fa on the handle 5, the slight bending elastic of handle 5 is sufficient to produce a detectable pressure on the electrode 8a. A separate voltage signal U is thus obtained depending on whether the force Fa or Fb is exerted on the handle 5. The displacement of the handle 5 which is necessary for this detection can be made very low by a corresponding setting of the detection threshold of sensor 6. If a static pressure is exerted on the electrode 8a or 8b, no signal from tension doesn't last long term. Indeed, the piezoelectric sensor 6 responds only to stress variations.

Referring to Figure 3, the preprocessing circuit 9 puts form the voltage signal U to transmit it on a cable link 12 also shown in Figures 1 and 2. Pre-treatment performed by circuit 9 consists in detecting the edges respectively rising and falling edges in the voltage signal U it receives entrance. At the output on the connecting cable 12, each rising edge is translated by a slot on the first wire 12a, while each front descending is translated by a slot on the second wire 12b. So in response to a pressure on the electrode 8a, the voltage signal 11a is translated in the form of a first slot on wire 12a followed in the time of a second slot on wire 12b. Conversely, in response to pressure on the electrode 8b, the output voltage signal is constituted of a first slot on wire 12b followed in time by a second slot on the wire 12a, which are shown in broken lines. The circuit 9 can also include a filter to eliminate noise of vibratory origin.

Circuit 9 could be made in the form of a programmed microcontroller.

In FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the pre-treatment circuit 9 which has the advantage of being relatively little expensive. The piezoelectric sensor 6 is represented in the form of a equivalent electrical circuit including a voltage generator 30 in series with a resistor 31. The type of sensor used produces a signal voltage U which always has a substantially sinusoidal shape in response to a variation in stress, two opposite sinusoids being obtained in response to two constraints of opposite directions. The signal from voltage U is produced between the electrode wires 7a and 7b. Between wire 7a and ground, a rectifier group 32a formed by a resistor and a diode Zener in parallel, ensures that the potential of wire 7a is positive if the voltage U is positive and zero if voltage U is negative. Between wire 7b and ground, the rectifier group 32b makes the potential of the wire 7b zero if the voltage U is positive and positive if voltage U is negative. The diodes Zener are also used to clip the output voltage of sensor 6 to a level less than the maximum admissible input voltage by amplifiers 33a and 33b. The clipping level is defined by the inverse threshold of the diodes Zener, which is for example 8.2 V in the embodiment represented.

Then, the processing of the signal obtained on wires 7a and 7b Is similar. An operational amplifier 33a, respectively 33b, linearly amplifies the potential of the wire 7a, respectively 7b, potentials which are therefore always positive or zero. A comparator 34a, respectively 34b, compare the signal at the output of amplifier 33a or 33b at a predetermined positive threshold, for example 5 V, which is imposed by a voltage divider bridge 35.

Thus, on the output of comparator 34a, which is connected to the wire 12a, a tilting of 0 to 12 V is obtained as soon as the voltage U crosses upwards a predetermined positive threshold, which can be set with the bridge voltage divider 35 and the amplification ratio of amplifier 33a, and a return to 0 V as soon as the voltage U falls below this positive threshold.

Conversely, on the output of comparator 34b, which is connected to wire 12b, there is a switch from 0 to 12 V as soon as the voltage U crosses down a predetermined negative threshold, which can be adjusted with the voltage divider bridge 35 and the amplification ratio of the amplifier 33b, and a return to 0 V as soon as the voltage U returns above of this negative threshold.

Between the non-inverted input of comparator 34a and / or 34b and the mass, an optional capacity can be provided, shown as example in figure 36, to filter out parasites.

The connecting cable 12 has a connector 13 which allows it to be connected to a control unit 14, for example a microcontroller. According to the order of arrival of the slots on the wires 12a and 12b, the control unit 14 is informed of the appearance of a effort on the handle 5 and also the direction of this effort.

Vehicle 18 is equipped with a hands-free access system. When the door 1 is locked and the user equipped with the appropriate portable identifier approaches and pulls the handle 5 in the direction of the arrow Fb, the control unit 14 controls a transmitter on board 15 of vehicle 18 to send an interrogation signal to destination of the portable identifier. A two-way dialogue, by radio link, is then engaged in a manner known per se.

The control unit 14 can also be connected to actuators, like the actuator shown diagrammatically in the figure 16 in FIG. 1. Thus, in response to a pull on the handle 5 in the direction of the arrow Fb, the control unit 14 can control different actions for putting the vehicle into service, for example the deployment of a rear view mirror, the recoil of a seat to facilitate the ascent on board passengers, switching on interior lighting, etc. Conversely, in response to a pushing force exerted on the handle 5 in the direction of arrow Fa, the control unit 14 can control various actions to decommission the vehicle. For example, these decommissioning actions may be locking the lock 2, switching off the headlights, lifting the windows, etc.

It is also possible to program the unit of command 14 to command separate actions depending on the number of presses or the number of pulls exerted on the handle 5. For example, a simple push on the handle 5 will cause the door 1 locked and a double push, in a brief predetermined time interval, will result in the conviction of all the doors or the super-conviction.

FIG. 4 represents a handle assembly 103 according to a second embodiment, which can be used in place of the assembly handle 3 above. Elements analogous to those of the first mode of achievement carry the same reference figure increased by 100 and do not are not described again.

In the second embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor 106 is not in the handle 105, but it is fixed on the surface facing the base 104 of the actuating tab 122 to the end of the lever arm 121. A lever 123, forming part of the above-mentioned kinematic chain, is mounted on a pivot around an axis 124 secured to the base 104. A spring, not shown, constrains the lever 123 in the direction of arrow R, so as to press the lever arm 125 against the actuating tab 122. The piezoelectric sensor 106 is thus permanently prestressed between the lever arm 125 and the lug actuator 122, which press on their respective electrodes.

From the rest position shown in Figure 4, the handle 105 can be pulled in the opening direction of the door, which creates an increase in the instantaneous pressure between the electrodes of the piezoelectric sensor 106 and causes the production of a first voltage signal. From the rest position shown in Figure 4, the handle 105 can also be pushed in the closing direction of the door, because the handle 105 rests on the base 104 through a elastic buffer 126, for example made of rubber. Such a push creates a decrease in the instantaneous pressure between the electrodes of the piezoelectric sensor 106 and causes the production of a second separate voltage signal. The operation is also identical to that of the first embodiment which has been described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. The piezoelectric sensor can also be placed in any point of the kinematic chain where it will receive a stress variation in one direction when the handle is pulled and a variation in stress in the opposite direction when the handle is pushed. The sensor can in particular be arranged between two parts of the kinematic chain or of course or in one piece.

In an alternative embodiment suitable for one and the other embodiment, the electronic pre-processing module is housed in the base of the handle assembly, which is also a body hollow in this case.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not there in no way limited and that it includes all the technical equivalents of means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the part of the invention.

Claims (14)

Actuating device for a vehicle opening (1) (18), comprising a base (4, 104) intended to be arranged on the outside of said opening and a handle (5, 105) movably connected to said base and able to be actuated in an opening direction (Fb) to control an opening of said opening, characterized in that it comprises at least one piezoelectric strain sensor (6, 106) having at least one electrical characteristic variable in depending on the stresses it receives, said stress sensor being coupled to said handle and arranged to receive at least one stress causing the production of at least one detection signal (11b, 11a) in response to an actuation of said handle in at least one direction among said opening direction (Fb) and an opposite direction (Fa). Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said stress sensor (6, 106) is arranged so as to receive a first stress causing the production of a first detection signal (11b) in response to an actuation of the said handle in said opening direction (Fb) and to receive a second constraint causing the production of a second detection signal (11a) in response to actuation of said handle in said opposite direction (Fa). Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said strain sensor (6) is arranged in said handle (5). Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises a kinematic chain (17) intended to connect said handle (105) to a lock (2) of said opening, said stress sensor (106) being arranged in said kinematic chain. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said strain sensor (106) is arranged between two levers (121, 123) of said kinematic chain which are prestressed towards one another. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that one of said levers (121) is rigidly connected to said handle (105). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the said stress sensor (6, 106) produces the said or each detection signal (11a, 11b) only in response to a variation of the said stress. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a pre-processing circuit (9) connected to said stress sensor (6, 106) for shaping said detection signal or said signals detection. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said pre-processing circuit receives as input the said detection signal or the said detection signals in the form of a voltage signal produced between two electrodes of the said stress sensor, the said circuit pretreatment being able to detect the rising edges and the falling edges respectively in said voltage signal which it receives as input and to translate each rising edge by a niche on a first wire and each falling edge by a niche on a second wire a connecting cable at the output of said pre-treatment circuit. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said rising edges are detected as an upward crossing of a first predetermined threshold and that said falling edges are detected as a downward crossing of a second predetermined threshold. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (14) connected to said strain sensor (6, 106) and capable of controlling at least one action to activate the vehicle in response to the detection signal (11b) which is produced in response to actuation of said handle in said opening direction (Fb). Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the said at least one action for putting into operation comprises at least one action among the triggering of a radio frequency transmission intended for a portable identifier, the switching on of a vehicle lighting and automatic adjustment of a mobile element of said vehicle. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (14) connected to said strain sensor (6, 106) and capable of controlling at least one action to deactivate the vehicle in response to the detection signal (11a) which is produced in response to actuation of said handle in said opposite direction (Fa). Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the said at least one deactivation action comprises at least one action among the closing of the vehicle opening elements, the locking of the vehicle opening elements, the extinction of a vehicle lighting, the automatic adjustment of a mobile element of said vehicle and the activation of an alarm.

Images