EP4112855A1 - Method of ejecting a flush handle under freezing conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

The method of ejecting an opening control (10) comprising a support mounted on the sash (50) and forming a cavity with an opening, a handle (12) mounted movably between a retracted position flush in the cavity and a position ejected outside the cavity and a member (20) for moving the handle (12) between the two positions comprises a step (100, 104) of emitting an ejection control signal (W0 ) of the handle (12). When at least one freezing condition is verified, the method comprises a step (110) of transmitting 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.

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of exterior opening controls for the opening of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

The invention relates more particularly to an opening control with a “flush” type handle, that is to say that the support on which the handle is movably mounted forms a cavity capable of receiving the handle in the retracted configuration. In this retracted configuration, the outer surface of the handle is flush with the outer surface of the outer wall of the opening. In the extended or deployed configuration, the handle emerges at least partially from the cavity of the support so as to be able to be gripped by a user of the vehicle in order to open the door. To do this, the user can move the handle further outward to control the door lock.

In general, the opening control comprises an electric ejection mechanism of the handle to allow the grip of the handle by the user and thus the opening of the leaf. The electric ejection mechanism operates from an electric power supply delivered for example by a battery of the motor vehicle and can be remotely controlled electronically using a key, a mobile telephone or any other device allowing remote communication.

This flush arrangement or "flush", known in the automobile, makes it possible to enhance the style of the vehicle and reduces aerodynamic drag.

However, in certain winter conditions, a layer of ice can form on the outside of the vehicle and come to block the ejection of the handle which, in its flush position, is then not accessible to gripping by the user.

The published patent document US 8701353 B2 discloses a “flush” type handle device for motor vehicle doors. This device comprises motorization of the handle, namely that the latter is moved from a position where it is retracted to a deployed or extended position. The reverse movement is ensured by a spring or by the motorization in question. This device may also include de-icing means such as a resistive element arranged in the handle in question. It is also proposed to operate the electric motor to move the handle slightly outward to break the ice. This operation is for example carried out periodically according to predefined criteria and preferably in combination with the use of a heating element.

The disadvantage due to the de-icing process of the prior art is that it turns out to be inefficient in breaking the ice in a sufficiently short time, in particular in that they generally also require the use of a heating element, the heating time of which can be relatively long. This more or less long wait then produces in the user discomfort and a feeling of mediocre quality of the motor vehicle due to prolonged blocking of the opening of his motor vehicle.

The object of the invention is to overcome the problem of blockage by the formation of ice of a handle of the "flush" type in a simple, economical and effective manner.

To this end, the subject of the invention is in particular a method for ejecting an opening control from a motor vehicle door that is likely to be rendered inoperative by frost, the opening control comprising a support mounted on the opening and forming a cavity with an opening, a handle mounted to move between a retracted position flush in 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 transmitting a handle ejection control signal with a predefined setpoint amplitude to generate electrical energy for driving ejection of the handle by the displacement member, characterized in that, when at least one freezing condition is verified, the method comprises a step of transmitting a forcing signal comprising at least one series of pulses oscillating between a high state and a low state, the high or low state being defined a with a forcing amplitude greater in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude to generate electrical energy for driving the handle by the displacement member respectively in ejection in an ejection direction in the high state or in retraction in a sense of retraction in the low state in order to release the handle by a series of alternating jerks.

By virtue of the method for ejecting the specific handle in the event of freezing weather conditions, the handle can be released from its grip of freezing by a forcing signal according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the series of forcing signal pulses has an alternating gate pattern oscillating between high and low states.

In a preferred embodiment, each pulse has a substantially vertical rising edge and falling edge.

In a preferred embodiment, the ejection command signal comprises a ramp profile until reaching the setpoint amplitude value.

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.

In a preferred embodiment, the forcing amplitude is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint amplitude and preferably 2 times greater.

In a preferred embodiment, the forcing signal pulses have a frequency greater than 1 Hz and preferably greater than 2 Hz.

In a preferred embodiment, in freezing conditions, the method comprises a step of sudden release, during a falling edge of the forcing signal, of the action of a spring on the handle acting to return the handle in the direction of retraction and out of the freezing condition, the method comprises a step of progressive release of the action of the spring on the handle.

Another subject of the invention is a control unit of a motor vehicle for implementing the ejection method according to the invention, comprising a data storage module and a processor, characterized in that the storage module comprises a software module comprising software instructions whose execution by the processor makes it possible to implement the corresponding steps of a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

Finally, the subject of the invention is a software module which can be loaded into a data storage module of a control unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the software module comprises software instructions for carrying out the method steps according to the invention, when the software instructions are executed by the control unit.

• [Fig.1] : la [Fig.1] est une vue en perspective d'un ouvrant de véhicule automobile comprenant une commande d'ouverture pour la mise en œuvre d'un protocole pour briser la glace selon l'invention ;
• [Fig.2] : la [Fig.2] est une vue en perspective de la commande d'ouverture de la [Fig.1] ;
• [Fig.3] : la [Fig.3] est une vue en perspective de la commande d'ouverture sur l'ouvrant du véhicule dans laquelle la poignée est éjectée après mise en œuvre du protocole pour briser la glace ;
• [Fig.4] : la [Fig.4] représente un diagramme illustrant les différentes étapes d'un protocole pour briser la glace selon l'invention.
• [Fig.5] : la [Fig.5] représente un chronogramme illustrant la chronologie des principales étapes en fonction du temps du protocole pour briser la glace de la [Fig.4].
• [Fig.6] : la [Fig.6] représente une vue détaillée du chronogramme de la [Fig.5].

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig.1 ] : the [ Fig.1 ] is a perspective view of a motor vehicle door comprising an opening control for the implementation of a protocol for breaking the glass according to the invention;
• [ Fig.2 ] : the [ Fig.2 ] is a perspective view of the [ Fig.1 ];
• [ Fig.3 ] : the [ Fig.3 ] is a perspective view of the opening control on the opening of the vehicle in which the handle is ejected after implementation of the protocol for breaking the glass;
• [ Fig.4 ] : the [ Fig.4 ] represents a diagram illustrating the different steps of a protocol for breaking the ice according to the invention.
• [ Fig.5 ] : the [ Fig.5 ] represents a chronogram illustrating the chronology of the main steps according to the time of the protocol to break the ice of the [ Fig.4 ].
• [ Fig.6 ] : the [ Fig.6 ] represents a detailed view of the chronogram of the [ Fig.5 ].

We have represented on the [ Fig.1 ] an opening control of a motor vehicle door according to the invention. The opening control is designated by the general reference 10. The opening control 10 is intended to be mounted on an exterior panel 50 of the bodywork of an opening which is for example a vehicle side door.

The opening control 10 essentially comprises, for example, a fixed support or casing 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 with respect to the panel, around a geometric pivot axis Al, on the support. Al pivot axis is in substantially vertical service position and extends parallel to the general plane of the outer panel.

In the example described, the support has a generally parallelepipedal shape and is adapted to be housed in a cutout or a 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. . The support is also, in this example, open on the side of its outer face and delimits the cavity intended to house the handle 12.

The handle 12 is shown in detail in [ Fig.2 ]. In the example described, the handle 12 has an outer portion 12.1 that the user can grasp and, unlike the outer portion 12.1, the handle 12 has an inner portion 12.2 which is intended to extend inside housing housing. In a conventional and non-limiting manner, on the outer portion 12.1, the handle 12 includes a handle 14 for gripping, which overall has a flat and elongated shape.

In the example described, the handle 12 is of the "flush" type, that is to say that the cavity of the support is sized to receive the handle 12 flush in a retracted or 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 opening 50. In the extended or deployed configuration, the handle 12 comes out at least partially from the cavity of the support so as to be able to be grasped. by a vehicle user to open the door. To do this, the user can pull the handle 12 further outwards in order to control the door lock. In the flush position, the outer surface of the opening control 10 coincides with the outer surface of the opening.

In this example, the opening control 10 is intended to cooperate with a lock (not shown) of the door of the motor vehicle capable of adopting a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Conventionally, the pivoting of the handle 12 around its axis of articulation Al actuates the lock in one or the other of its two locked or unlocked configurations via a kinematic drive chain (not shown in the figures).

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

In the example shown in [ Fig.2 ], the opening control 10 further comprises a member 20 for moving the handle in pivoting allowing electrical actuation of the ejection and/or retraction of the handle 12.

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

The electrical actuation part 22 comprises in this example an electric actuator which preferably comprises a linear actuator provided with one end cooperating with the mechanical actuation part 24.

As shown in the [ Fig.2 ], the mechanical actuating part 24 is in the form of a pivoting lever 26 preferably mounted tilting around the pivot axis Al of the handle 12. Thus, in the example described, the pivoting lever 26 is connected to the handle 12 by at least one common axis of rotation Al fixed relative to the housing.

This pivoting lever 26 has for example the general shape of a stirrup through which the internal 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 delimiting an armature inside which the internal branch 12.2 of the handle 12 can be introduced.

In the example described, this stirrup 26 can pivot around an axis Al common to the handle 12 which is integral with the casing. In this example, the stirrup 26 has the overall frontal shape of a general hoop inside which the internal branch 12.2 is introduced in a direction of insertion substantially perpendicular or slightly oblique to the plane containing the hoop.

The opening control 10 further comprises a return member connected to the bracket 26. This return member acts to return the bracket 26 to a rest position corresponding to the retracted configuration of the handle 12. This return member preferably comprises a stirrup spring having two outer legs and a central part.

The mechanical part 24 also comprises 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 via 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 .

In order to allow the control of the opening control authorizing the ejection or the retraction of the handle 12, in a conventional manner, the motor vehicle also generally comprises a control unit, forming part of an assembly commonly referred to as "computer board" of the motor vehicle. This control unit comprises a module for storing at least one main software module comprising software instructions allowing the control of the ejection and retraction movement of the handle 12. The control unit also comprises in a conventional and known manner a processor which allows the implementation of the main software module for controlling the movement of the handle 12.

According to the invention, the control unit of the motor vehicle further comprises an additional software module, loaded into its storage module, comprising software instructions whose execution by the processor makes it possible to implement the steps of a opening protocol in the event of freezing weather conditions, hereinafter referred to as "freezing protocol".

A description will now be given below, with reference to the flowchart illustrated in [ Fig.4 ], operation of the opening control in normal conditions (excluding freezing conditions for example) and in freezing conditions.

Initially, handle 12 is in its flush position and ejector lever spring 26 is in a rest position.

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

On the [ Fig.5 ], the control signal W0 for the ejection of the handle 12 has been shown under normal conditions (excluding freezing) of the opening control. This control signal W0 has a duration D0 and comprises a voltage ramp starting for example from a 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 a gradual, progressive and non-brutal ejection of the handle 12.

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 spring of the ejection lever, for example by resting against the lever 26. The electric actuator 22 then causes the pivoting of the lever 26 until the handle 12 is positioned in the final ejected position.

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 operate the lock cable.

Conversely, the user of the motor vehicle can, for example, give a closing order to the on-board computer of the motor vehicle which sends a retraction control signal to the actuator 22. This order causes the cylinder of the actuator to move. 22 in a direction opposite to the direction of ejection of the handle 12. During the retraction phase of the handle 12, the actuator 22 is for example supplied with an opposite polarity which allows the movement of the ejection arm 28 in the reverse. The ejection arm 28 then preferably accompanies the movement of the stirrup 26 that the return spring tends to mechanically return to a retracted rest position.

The method according to the invention preferably comprises a step 102 of verifying the ejection of the handle 12. In the event that the ejection of the handle 12 succeeds, the method comprises a step 112 of stopping the ejection protocol of the handle 12.

Otherwise, the "freeze" protocol is implemented. For example, on the [ Fig.3 ], we see that the handle 12, ejected, is in a frozen environment and the handle 12 is covered with a layer of frozen water. It is therefore understood that such a layer of gel can oppose the movement of the handle 12 in ejection.

Preferably, the “freezing” protocol comprises at least a first step 104 of launching a first attempt to eject the handle 12. As illustrated in [ Fig.5 ], this first ejection attempt comprises an ejection control signal W0 as described above.

If the ejection of the handle 12 is successful, the method comprises a step 114 of finalizing the ejection of the handle 12 and a final step 112 of stopping the protocol.

In the event of failure of the ejection of the handle 12, the method preferably comprises a step 106 of checking for 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.

In the event that 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 apart for example by a duration D1.

In accordance with the invention, the high "H" or low "L" state is defined with a greater forcing amplitude V1 or V2 in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude Vc in order to generate electrical energy for driving the handle 12 by the displacement member 20 respectively in ejection in an ejection direction in the state up or in retraction in a retraction direction in the down state in order to release the handle 12 by a series of alternating jerks.

Preferably, the voltage V1 or the forcing voltage V2 is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint voltage Vc and preferably 2 times greater. For example, voltages V1 and V2 have opposite signs but preferably have the same absolute value.

Preferably, as illustrated in the figure, the forcing signal WF has an alternating slotted profile oscillating between the high “H” and low “L” states.

Indeed, in this example, each pulse has a substantially vertical rising edge and a falling edge, that is to say slightly inclined with respect to the vertical axis. The change of high or low state therefore takes place suddenly over a very short period of time and not gradually in the form of a ramp as for the ejection control signal W0.

The pulses of the forcing signal WF have a frequency greater than 1 Hz and preferably greater than 2 Hz. For example, the pulses of the signal have a frequency comprised between 1 Hz and 5 Hz.

In freezing condition, the passage from the high state to the low state, that is to say during a falling edge of the forcing signal WF, causes a sudden release of the action of the spring of the lever 26 on the handle 12 acting to return the handle 12 in the direction of retraction while out of freezing condition, the release of the action of the spring on the handle 12 is progressive. It is therefore understood that the forcing signal WF causes several sudden alternating jolts of high amplitude likely to exceed the resistance to ejection of the handle 12 produced by the layer of gel.

At the end of the series of pulses W1 and W2, if the handle 12 is ejected, the method comprises the step of finalizing the ejection 114. Otherwise, the method comprises a step 108 of launching a second attempt to eject handle 12. As shown in [ Fig.5 ], this second ejection attempt comprises an ejection control signal W0 as described above.

In the case where the ejection is blocked but the freezing condition is not verified at the end of the verification step 106, the method comprises the step 108 of launching a second ejection test 108 .

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

Claims (10)

Method for ejecting an opening control (10) from a motor vehicle sash (50) liable to be rendered inoperative by frost, the opening control (10) comprising a support mounted on the sash (50) and forming a cavity with an opening, a handle (12) movably mounted between a retracted position flush in the cavity and a position ejected outside the cavity and a member (20) for moving the handle (12 ) between the two positions, in which the method comprises a step (100, 104) of transmitting an ejection control signal (W0) of the handle (12) with a predefined setpoint amplitude (Vc) to generate electrical energy for driving ejection of the handle (12) by the displacement member (20), characterized in that, when at least one freezing condition is verified, the method comprises a step (110) of emission of 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 (V1, V2) greater in absolute value than the setpoint amplitude (Vc) to generate electrical energy of drive of the handle (12) by the displacement member (20) respectively in ejection in a direction of ejection in the high state or in retraction in a direction of retraction in the low state in order to release the handle (12 ) by a series of alternating jolts. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the series of pulses (W1, W2) of the forcing signal (WF) has an alternating slotted profile oscillating between the high and low states. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein each pulse has a substantially vertical rising edge and falling edge. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the ejection command signal (W0) comprises a ramp profile until reaching the setpoint amplitude value (Vc). A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the freezing condition is the detection of an outside temperature below a critical temperature, for example a critical temperature of 5°C. A method according to any preceding claim, in in which the forcing amplitude (V1, V2) is at least 1.5 times greater than the setpoint amplitude (Vc) and preferably 2 times greater. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pulses of the forcing signal (WF) have a frequency greater than 1 Hz and preferably greater than 2 Hz. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in freezing conditions, the method comprises a step of sudden release, during a falling edge of the forcing signal (WF), of the action of a spring on the handle (12) acting to return the handle (12) in the direction of retraction and out of the freezing condition, the method comprises a step of progressive release of the action of the spring on the handle (12). Motor vehicle control unit for implementing the ejection method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a data storage module and a processor, characterized in that the storage module comprises a software module comprising software instructions whose execution by the processor makes it possible to implement the corresponding steps of a method according to any one of the preceding claims. Software module loadable into a data storage module of a control unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the software module comprises software instructions for carrying out the method steps according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, when the software instructions are executed by the control unit.

Images