WO2017125653A1

WO2017125653A1 - External opening control of a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2017125653A1
Application number: PCT/FR2016/053595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brice ALRIC; Yves Teston
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2016-01-21
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2017-07-27
Also published as: FR3047035B1; EP3405633A1; FR3047035A1; EP3405633B1; CN108541288B; CN108541288A

Abstract

The invention relates to an external opening control of a motor vehicle door. The control includes a pivoting handle (4) with an outer surface flush with the outer surface of the door. The handle (4) is movable from a retracted position into a deployed position in order to be pivoted further by a user with a view to unlocking the corresponding openable body section. The control likewise includes a mobile actuator (14) deploying the handle (4); means for returning the handle (4) to the retracted position thereof; a one-way coupling system (16) configured to couple the actuator (14) with the handle (4) in the direction of deployment of the actuator (14) and to uncouple the actuator (14) from the handle (4) in the retraction direction of the actuator (14); and means for damping (26) the retraction of the handle.

Description

EXTERNAL OPENING CONTROL OF MOTOR VEHICLE

The invention relates to an opening control handle of an opening. More specifically, the invention proposes a motorized deployment opening control. The invention also relates to an opening with an opening control whose handle is flush with the outer surface of the opening. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle provided with an external opening control of an opening.

For aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons, a control handle for opening a motor vehicle door may be flush type. Such a handle has an outer surface at the outer surface of the door, so that it does not show a grip. It must be previously output, or deployed, to be entered by a user. This outward pivoting movement is driven by a motor driving the exit and storage of the handle. DE1020131 12706 and DE102008030580 disclose retractable vehicle door handles.

WO2012 / 021782 A2 discloses a vehicle door handle. In the retracted position, the handle is flush with the outer surface of the door. It is driven by a motor between stowed position and an output position where a user can manipulate it to open the corresponding door. A drive mechanism connects the handle to the motor. The mechanism includes a connecting rod and a spring. This compresses when the motor causes the handle to deploy, but the handle remains locked in the retracted position. This arrangement offers the advantage of not damaging the engine of the vehicle despite the blockage.

However, the security of such a solution is limited. Indeed during the closing movement, the handle can jam the fingers of the user. The latter may suffer an injury. This generates a fear of the user, hence an anxiety effect detrimental to the perceived quality of the vehicle. The object of the invention is to solve at least one of the problems posed by the prior art. The invention also aims to improve safety a motorized handle for opening. Moreover, the invention aims at a simple and compact solution.

The invention relates to a set for opening opening control, in particular for a vehicle door, the assembly comprising: a support; a handle which is movable at least between a retracted position and a deployed position 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 retracting direction; remarkable in that it further comprises a one-way coupling system from the handle to the actuator, the system being configured so that in the direction of deployment the actuator drives the handle, and in the retraction direction the actuator is uncoupled from the handle.

According to particular embodiments, the assembly may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or according to all the possible technical combinations:

- The assembly comprises return means configured to move the handle to its retracted position; and means for damping the movement of the handle towards its retracted position.

- The damping means are disposed within the one-way coupling system.

- The handle comprises a main elongation, the assembly comprising a pivot articulating the handle whose pivot axis is generally perpendicular to the main elongation of the handle.

- The set includes two pivots; including a fixed pivot and a movable pivot offset relative to the fixed pivot.

- The one-way coupling system includes a freewheel mechanism.

- The assembly comprises a first rod integral with the handle, and a second rod engaged with the actuator, the coupling system joining 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 at the interface between said levers.

- The damping means are energy dissipation.

- The opening command is an external command.

- The handle is a swivel handle.

- The actuator is able to rotate the handle by at least 10 °, or at least 25 °, or at least 45 °.

- The damping means oppose the recall means

- The handle is movable to an unlocking position, including unlocking the door; the deployed position being between the unlocking position and the retracted position.

- The system comprises a housing in which are arranged the damping means and locking elements in rotation.

- The housing forms a ring around the junction between the first rod and the second rod.

- The assembly comprises at least one pivot remote from the actuator, optionally in connection with the handle.

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

- The second rod comprises a pinion driven by the actuator, possibly by the rack.

- The return means comprise a spring, optionally attached to the handle or the freewheel system.

- The assembly is configured so that the damping means are inactive in the direction of deployment of the actuator and / or the handle.

- The damping means and the coupling system are coaxial.

The invention also relates to a vehicle opening comprising an assembly, remarkable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention, Optionally the opening and the handle comprise substantially parallel pivot pins.

The subject of the invention is also a vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising an opening with an opening opening control assembly, remacheable in that the assembly is in accordance with the invention, possibly the handle comprises a first outer surface. with a contour, and the opening comprises a second outer surface which is tangent to the first surface over the entire contour.

The invention improves the safety of an opening control handle of a motor vehicle door. Indeed, the closing kinematics of the handle becomes independent of that of the actuator. The position of the handle is decoupled from the configuration of the actuator. The latter can become simpler, more economical; just like its control circuit.

The retraction torque of the handle becomes less than the opening torque due to the one-way coupling system. Also, the retraction movement of the handle may be slower, softer than the deployment one. This removes the anxiety effect despite rapid deployment. In addition, the decoupling makes it possible to pull more the handle to unlock the opening; without acting against the actuator. The invention maintains the hold between the actuator and the handle, so that the actuator manages to open the handle even if the handle is slightly blocked. The invention provides a compact assembly. The transmission system and the damping means can be integrated in a ring forming a connection between the rods. In parallel, reliability and mass are optimized. In addition ; assembly, control, and supply costs are decreasing.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given by way of example and with reference to the drawings among which:

Figure 1 shows an opening with a handle according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the opening and the handle along an axis 2-2 plotted in Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates an assembly for open sash control according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a front view of an opening opening control assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

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

Figure 1 shows an opening 1 provided with a pivoting handle 4. The opening 1 may be an opening 1 of the vehicle (not shown), including a motor vehicle. However, other applications are possible.

The opening 1 may correspond to a door for a passenger, or to a trunk flap. A window can translate in the opening 1, and possibly scan the handle 4. The handle 4 is that of an opening command of the opening, for example an external command. The opening control may comprise a locking and unlocking device (not shown) of the opening, which is controlled by the actuation of the handle 4. The control can engage with a keeper (not shown) secured to the body of the vehicle. According to an alternative of the invention, the handle is an interior control handle, that is to say arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The handle 4 can be integrated in the outer surface 6 of the opening 1. Its contour 5 matches the outer surface 6. A constant clearance separates the handle 4 from the outer surface 6 of the opening all along the contour 5. Thus, the continuity of the outer surface 6 is generally preserved and the presence of the handle 4 is more discreet. This improves the perceived quality.

Figure 2 shows a section of the opening 1 and the handle 4 illustrated in Figure 1. The cut is made along the axis 2-2 plotted in FIG.

The handle 4 is shown in solid line when in the retracted position in the opening 1, or home position; and in dotted lines in deployed position, or operative position, wherein the handle protrudes from the outer surface 6 of the opening 1. This deployed position may be a first deployed position. Optionally, the handle can be moved to a second deployed position (shown in phantom) after manipulation by a user. This other movement may correspond to an unlocking movement of the associated opening 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 opening 1. This type of assembly is also referred to by the Anglo-Saxon term "flush". For this purpose, the opening 1 has a pocket 10 housing the handle 4 in retracted position. The pocket may be formed by a stirrup (not shown) which is hinged the handle 4. The stirrup may form a support for the handle 4 to bind to the opening. The handle 4 can be totally arranged in the pocket 10 in the retracted position. The periphery of the pocket 10 is tangent to the outer surface of the handle over its entire perimeter. The outer surfaces may have a surface continuity, so that the handle is integrated into the general outer surface of the leaf. In the deployed position, the handle 4 protrudes with respect to the opening 1.

The handle 4 can be vertical pivot axis 12. This axis 12 may be parallel to that of the opening 1. The handle 4 can be connected to the opening 1 with a set of rods or levers, so that its instantaneous center of rotation describes a curve. Since the handle 4 is integrated in the opening 1 so as to limit its grip from the outside when it is in the retracted position, an actuator 14 allows it to be taken out of its pocket 10 so that it can be manipulated by a user. The actuator 14 is advantageously rigidly connected to the opening 1 and contained in its thickness.

To allow the return of the handle 4 in the pocket, return means (not shown) are provided. They can be at the pivot axis 12. Alternatively, they can be at a distance. In this configuration, they can be hooked to the opening and the handle. The return means may comprise an elastic element, such as a spring.

According to a variant of the invention, the handle is a handle movable in translation. The actuator can release the handle by translating it perpendicularly to the outer surface of the opening. The unlocking movement of the opening can also be a translational movement.

Figure 3 shows a set for opening control of the opening according to a first embodiment of the invention. The opening (not shown for the sake of clarity) and the associated elements may correspond to those of Figure 1. The assembly is represented from the front, for example from inside the vehicle.

The actuator 14 may be electric. According to an alternative, it can use another energy, such as compressed air. The actuator 14 is here of the rotary type. Its pivot axis 15 can be offset relative to that 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 to its deployed position, where it occupies itself an extended position. The actuator 14 can be moved in a retraction direction that allows the retraction of the handle 4 in the opening. The assembly includes a one-way coupling system 16, also known as a one-way transmission system. The system 16 may include a freewheel mechanism. This type of mechanism is well known to those skilled in the art. The system 16 may include a mechanism with a pawl placed inside a ring gear. In one direction of rotation the pawl allows the rotation of the outer ring, in the other direction the pawl abuts against the internal teeth of the ring gear so as to stop the rotation. Or, the system 16 may comprise a mechanism with balls or rollers placed in a ramp hub. In one direction of rotation, the balls or the rollers exit the ramps so as to block an outer ring, in the other direction the ring is free to rotate. The 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, it communicates or not the movements of the actuator 14 to the handle 4. The coupling system 16 thus forms a selective, unidirectional transmission. By this means, the actuator 14 manages to release the handle 4, then the coupling system 16 releases them from each other. The actuator 14 can then carry out its return movement alone. Since the actuator 14 is only engaged with the handle 4 during deployment, the risk of injuring the fingers of the user during the retraction is eliminated. The handle 4 and the actuator 14 can be connected by means of a set of levers, for example with a first lever 18 secured to the handle 4, and a second lever 20 secured to the actuator 14. levers (18; 20) can be parallel. The pivot axes (12; 15) are arranged at the ends of the second lever 20, so that the first axis 12 is movable. In addition to a first rod 22 and a second rod 24, which are respectively integral with the handle 4 and the actuator 14, still make it possible to connect the handle 4 to the actuator 14. The rods (22, 24) are coaxial and between the levers (18; 20). They are arranged on either side of the coupling system 16, so as to be sometimes kinematically connected, sometimes free to rotate relative to each other depending on the direction of rotation of the actuator 14. In the direction of deployment of the actuator, the rods and the levers are rigidly connected to each other. During retraction the levers pivot relative to each other.

Insofar as the handle 4 is subjected to the return means (not shown) when the actuator 14 is retracted, damping means 26 are provided to slow down the return of the handle 4. The damping means 26 are calibrated depending on the mechanical action of the return means, and the desired return time to reduce the anxiety effect of the handle 4. The damping means 26 may comprise a braking fluid, for example a viscous fluid generating a resistance when relative rotation between the handle 4 and the actuator 14. The fluid may be in contact with the ratchet or of the coupling system 16. Alternatively or in addition, the damping means 26 may comprise friction surfaces cooperating so as to oppose the relative rotation between the handle 4 and the actuator 14. act of sets of rotor disks and stator, arranged in the manner of a clutch. At least one of the friction surfaces may be a surface of the coupling system. Thus, it is possible to integrate the damping means 26 in the coupling system 16. Advantageously, the assembly comprises a housing 28 forming a chamber receiving at least the coupling system 16 and optionally the damping means 26.

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

According to an alternative of the invention, the damping means can be remote from the coupling system. They can be in contact with the first lever and / or the handle. According to another alternative, the second lever may be a toothed cam driving a pinion formed on the second rod.

Figure 4 shows the opening control assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention. The opening (not shown for the sake of clarity) and the associated elements may correspond to those of Figure 1. This FIG. 4 repeats the numbering of the preceding figures for identical or similar elements, however, the numbering is incremented by 100. Specific numbers are used for the elements specific to this embodiment.

The actuator 1 14 may be linear. It may comprise a slide 130 movable in translation relative to the body of the actuator. This slide 130 can cooperate with the second rod 124. The latter may have a pinion 132 rotated by the toothing of a rack formed on the slide 130. According to an alternative of the invention, the slide may comprise a pusher driving in rotation a cam formed in place of the pinion.

The first rod 122 can be directly in contact with the handle 104. The rods (22; 24) can be articulated in rotation with respect to the opening, and fixed in translation. The pivot axis 1 12 of the handle 104 may be common with that of the second rod 124.

FIG. 5 is a top view and is a view according to the second embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 4.

The coupling system 1 16 is disposed between the handle 104 and the actuator 1 14. The first rod 122 is flush with the handle 104. It is spaced from the slide 130 whose profile of the toothing is here visible. The translation T of the slide 130 allows a pivoting P of the handle 104 by at least 30 °, which allows it to be sufficiently removed from its opening for a user to handle it. Depending on the stroke of the slide 130, it is possible to rotate the handle 104 by 90 °.

Claims

An opening opening control assembly (1), particularly for a vehicle door, the assembly comprising:

- a support ;

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

- an actuator (14; 1 14) movable in a deployment direction so as to drive the handle (4; 104) to its deployed position, and movable in a retracting direction;

characterized in that it further comprises

a one-way coupling system (16; 1 16) of the handle (4; 104) to the actuator (14; 1 14), the system (16; 1 16) being configured so that

in the deployment direction the actuator (14; 1 14) drives the handle (4; 104), and

in the retraction direction the actuator (14; 1 14) is uncoupled from the handle (4; 104).

An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises biasing means configured to move the handle (4; 104) to its retracted position; and damping means (26) for moving the handle (4; 104) to its retracted position.

An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the damping means (26) are disposed within the one-way coupling system (16; 1 16).

Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the handle (4; 104) comprises a main elongation, the assembly comprising a pivot articulating the handle (4; 104) whose pivot axis (12; 1 12) is generally perpendicular to the main elongation of the handle (4; 104). 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein it comprises two pivots; including a fixed pivot (15) and a movable pivot (12) offset relative to the fixed pivot.

6. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the one-way coupling system (16; 1 16) comprises a freewheel mechanism.

7- assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a first rod (22) integral with the handle (4; 104), and a second rod (24) engaged with the actuator ( 14; 1 14), the coupling system (16; 1 16) joining the first rod (22) to the second rod (24).

8- assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuator is a rotary actuator (14) or a linear actuator (1 14).

9- Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle (4; 104) comprises a first lever (18), and the actuator (14; 1 14) comprises a second lever (20), the coupling system (16; 1 16) being at the interface between said levers (18; 20).

10- Vehicle, especially automobile, comprising an opening (1) with an opening opening control assembly, characterized in that the assembly is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 9, optionally the handle (4; 104) comprises a first outer surface (8) with a contour (5), and the opening (1) comprises a second outer surface (6) which is tangent to the first surface (8) over the entire contour (5).