EP4283079A1 - Simplified opening control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (20) comprises a handle (22) arranged on an exterior face of a body panel of the opening (12) and hinged at one of its ends on a base (16) of the panel (14) between a retracted configuration flush with the panel and an extended configuration, the handle (22) comprises a handle body (24) and a handle cover (50) mounted on the handle body (24) to cover an external face of the handle body handle (24). In particular, the hubcap (50) is pivotally mounted on the handle body (24) between a retracted position on the handle body (24) and an deployed position relative to the handle body (24) allowing manual gripping of the handle. hubcap (50), such that the hubcap (50) forms a manual gripping lever acting on the handle body (24) to drive the handle (22) from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and more particularly to exterior opening controls fitted to the openings of such a vehicle. The invention relates to a handle arrangement comprising a “flush” type handle and an exterior opening control comprising such an arrangement.

Motor vehicles are conventionally equipped with openings for closing access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Such openings are for example formed of a rear flap or side doors commonly fitted to a motor vehicle.

Such handles, commonly referred to as "flush", are known to be movable on the opening between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the retracted configuration, the handle is embedded in the opening, flush with the surrounding bodywork, which makes it inaccessible to the user. In the extended configuration, the handle is at least partially emerging from the bodywork, which allows a user to grasp it and/or manipulate it.

In general, the opening control device includes an electrical ejection mechanism for the handle to allow the user to maneuver and hold the handle and open the sash. The electric ejection mechanism comprises for example an electromechanical actuator under the control of a control module of the motor vehicle. The electric ejection mechanism operates from an electrical supply delivered for example by a battery of the motor vehicle and can be controlled electronically remotely using a key, a mobile telephone or any other device allowing remote communication. The handle is then operable by the actuator at least from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration and is conversely operable by the actuator or by a return spring from its extended configuration to its retracted configuration.

However, in the event of a failure of this electrical supply, the electric ejection handle cannot be used and the user is unable to access the interior of the vehicle.

It is therefore necessary to have an emergency mechanism allowing the handle to be mechanically operated.

Prior technique.

It is known in the prior art to arrange a mechanical handle ejection trigger mechanism in order to allow the handle to be maneuvered in the event of an electrical failure.

This mechanism typically includes a push-push mechanism, in which the user pushes the handle lever inward from its flush position until reaching a click position in which a pre-loaded spring is released. Said pre-loaded spring, when released, pushes the handle lever into an ejected, outwardly projecting position.

Such a mechanism is described for example in the document EP 3 620 599 B1 . In this document, the mechanism comprises a so-called “push-push” unit coupled to a mechanical ejection lever by a connecting rod at one of its ends and by a reset lever at the other of its ends.

This mechanism uses a relatively large number of parts, which makes it particularly bulky in an area of generally small available volume. In addition, the complex kinematics connecting the different parts together results in increased sensitivity to any external disturbances (wear, premature aging, shocks, etc.) and a relatively high cost.

The aim of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to propose a compact, robust handle arrangement making it possible to carry out mechanical emergency unlocking in a simple manner.

Description of the invention

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a handle arrangement for an opening of a motor vehicle of the type comprising a handle arranged on an exterior face of a body panel of the opening and articulated at one of its ends on a base secured to the interior face of the opening panel around an axis substantially parallel to the general plane of the panel between a retracted configuration flush with the panel and an extended configuration, the handle comprises a handle body and a mounted handle cover on the handle body to cover an external face of the handle body, characterized in that the hubcap is pivotally mounted on the handle body between a retracted position on the handle body and an deployed position relative to the handle body allowing the manual gripping of the hubcap, the hubcap and the handle body being arranged such that the hubcap forms a manual gripping lever acting on the handle body to drive the handle from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

Thanks to the invention, the handle arrangement thus presents a simple emergency mechanical actuation structure comprising a limited number of parts and which can be obtained at lower costs.

The handle arrangement according to the invention may include one or more of the following features.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle body defines an interior clearance such that the hubcap can pivot towards the inside of the handle body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hubcap pivots inside the handle body until it abuts on an internal bearing surface of the interior clearance in order to jointly cause the pivoting of the handle body with the hubcap.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hubcap is pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation carried by the handle body in order to delimit a front hubcap part, upstream of the axis, forming the part gripping and a rear hubcap part, downstream of the axis extending inside the clearance in the deployed position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle comprises a manual pressure zone which must be pressed manually to rotate the hubcap from its retracted position to its deployed position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hubcap is pivotally coupled to the handle body with a pivot axis and comprises an elastic return means biasing the hubcap into the retracted position on the handle body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the hubcap on the handle body is parallel to the pivot axis of the handle body on the base.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprises a housing, forming the handle support base, delimiting a cavity for receiving the handle movably mounted in the housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle body extends longitudinally between an internal actuation portion of a lock and an external portion that a user can grasp, the external portion comprising a gripping paddle on which the hubcap is mounted.

The invention also relates to an opening control comprising a handle arrangement according to the invention and a motorized electromechanical actuator for electrically driving the handle from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising an opening control according to the invention.

• [Fig. 1] La figure 1 est une vue en perspective et de face d'un ouvrant d'un véhicule automobile comprenant une commande d'ouverture extérieure selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 2] La figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un agencement de poignée selon l'invention équipant la commande d'ouverture extérieure de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig. 3] La figure 3 est une vue en perspective de l'agencement de poignée de la figure 2 au cours d'une ouverture de la poignée par l'intermédiaire d'un enjoliveur de la poignée ;
• [Fig. 4] La figure 4 est une vue en perspective à échelle agrandie d'un dégagement intérieur ménagé à l'intérieur de la poignée de l'agencement de poignée de l'invention ;
• [Fig. 5] La figure illustre une vue (5A) en perspective et une vue (5B) longitudinale de l'agencement de poignée selon l'invention dans la configuration rentrée de la poignée ;
• [Fig. 6] La figure 6 est illustre une vue (6A) en perspective et une vue (6B) longitudinale de l'agencement de poignée selon l'invention en cours de sortie de la poignée ;
• [Fig. 7] La figure 7 est illustre une vue (7A) en perspective et une vue (7B) longitudinale de l'agencement de poignée selon l'invention dans la configuration sortie de la poignée.

The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better, on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments represented by way of non-limiting examples. The description refers to the attached drawings in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a perspective and front view of an opening of a motor vehicle comprising an exterior opening control according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a handle arrangement according to the invention equipping the external opening control of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig. 3 ] There Figure 3 is a perspective view of the handle arrangement of the figure 2 during opening of the handle via a handle cover;
• [ Fig. 4 ] There Figure 4 is an enlarged-scale perspective view of an interior clearance provided within the handle of the handle arrangement of the invention;
• [ Fig. 5 ] The figure illustrates a perspective view (5A) and a longitudinal view (5B) of the handle arrangement according to the invention in the retracted configuration of the handle;
• [ Fig. 6 ] There Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view (6A) and a longitudinal view (6B) of the handle arrangement according to the invention during the extension of the handle;
• [ Fig. 7 ] There Figure 7 is illustrated a perspective view (7A) and a longitudinal view (7B) of the handle arrangement according to the invention in the configuration extended from the handle.

Detailed description of the invention

We represented on the figures 1 to 7 an exterior opening control for an opening of a motor vehicle. The opening is here formed by a side door of the motor vehicle. The opening command is designated by the general reference 10.

In the remainder of the description, the motor vehicle will be designated by the general reference 100 and the opening by the general reference 12.

An orthonormal reference mark is indicated on the figure 1 . It defines a first direction which corresponds to a longitudinal axis X of the vehicle, oriented positively from the front to the rear of the vehicle, a second direction which corresponds to a transverse axis Y of the vehicle and a third direction which corresponds to a vertical axis Z of the vehicle.

Preferably, the opening control 10 is arranged on the side of the opening 12 which is intended to be oriented towards the outside of the motor vehicle 100. On the figure 1 , the control 10 is intended to be mounted on an exterior body panel 14 of the opening 12 which is for example a side door of the motor vehicle 10. The panel 14 comprises a visible exterior face 14E and a hidden interior face 141.

In particular, the exterior opening control 10 comprises a handle arrangement 20. The handle arrangement 20 comprises a handle 22. This handle 22 is arranged on the exterior face 14E of the body panel 14 of the opening 12.

As illustrated, the handle 22 is mounted hinged on a base 16 which is secured to the interior face 14I of the panel 14 of the opening 12. The handle 22 is mounted hinged in rotation on the base 16 around an axis substantially parallel to the general plane of the panel 14. This articulation preferably comprises a pivot connection comprising an axis of the handle 22 carried by the base 16 and around which the handle 22 pivots. Preferably, the axis of the handle 22 extends along the vertical direction Z. The articulation axis will be described as vertical, that is to say substantially parallel to the plane of the exterior panel 14 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the gripping handle 22.

The handle 22 includes a handle body 24 that is configured for gripping by a user. In this exemplary embodiment, the handle body 24 is in the form of a body of generally elongated shape which extends in the longitudinal direction X.

For this purpose, the body 24 of the handle 22 has, on a first side, an external portion 24A which the user can grasp. Opposite the external portion 24E, the handle 22 has, on a second side, an internal portion 24I for the articulated mounting of the handle 22 on the base 16.

The side 24I of the handle 22 which includes the hinge pin will be called the rear side and the opposite side 22E will be called the front side. This orientation from back to front corresponds substantially to an orientation from right to left on the figure 1 .

Furthermore, in the example illustrated on the figure 2 , the internal portion 24I of the handle 22 is provided with a heel 28 for the articulated mounting of the handle 22 on the support 16.

According to the invention, the handle 22 is arranged in an articulated manner on the exterior face of the panel 14 around an axis substantially parallel to the general plane of the panel between a retracted configuration flush with the panel 14 and an extended configuration allowing it to be gripped.

The trim panel 14 intended to be oriented towards the exterior of the motor vehicle 100 has a hollow portion or cutout 18 inside which the handle arrangement 20 is entirely arranged so that the handle 22 is flush with the edges of the the hollow portion 18 when the handle 22 is in the retracted configuration.

This makes it possible to offer the most continuous appearance possible between the handle 22 and the opening 18, which gives this part of the vehicle great visual quality.

Preferably, the handle arrangement 20 comprises a housing body 26 which is intended to be fixed on the internal side 14I of the panel 14 and which forms the base 16 allowing the articulated mounting of the handle 22 on the opening 12. In the In the example illustrated, the handle 22 is intended to be arranged on the external side 14E of the panel 14, while being attached to the base 16 formed by the housing 26 which is arranged on the internal side 14I of the panel 14.

As illustrated in the figure 2 , this housing 26 delimits a cavity 28 for receiving the handle 22 movably mounted in the housing 26. This housing 26 has frontally an open front face 26A on the outside of the opening 12 in the general shape of a frame and a rear wall 26B which is arranged to extend from the internal side 14I of the panel 14 of the opening 12. The housing 26 also comprises in this example a peripheral wall 26P which delimits with the rear wall 26B the cavity 28 for receiving the handle 22 open towards the outside of the opening 12.

In use, the housing 26 is fixed on the internal face 14I of the panel 14 of the opening 12 for example by fixing means 26F which will not be described further in the remainder of the description.

Preferably, the handle 22 is mounted movably between the retracted configuration in which the handle 22 is housed in the housing 26 and the extended configuration in which the handle 22 has come out of the housing 26 towards the outside of the panel 14 so that the user can grasp the handle 22 in order to unlock the opening 12.

As can be seen on the figure 2 , the handle 22 is mounted articulated on the support 26 by the rear end side 22B around the articulation axis extending in the vertical direction Z relative to the housing body 26.

Conventionally, the motor vehicle 10 also comprises an opening lock (not shown) typically mounted on the opening 12 of the vehicle 10 and configured to be actuated mechanically and/or electrically.

Preferably, the handle 22 is intended for operating the opening 12 as well as for the mechanical actuation of opening the lock of the motor vehicle 100.

Generally, the opening of an opening of a motor vehicle is carried out for example by means of a lock comprising a bolt (not shown) secured to the opening capable of cooperating with a striker (not shown) secured to the bodywork. of the vehicle. In practice, the action of releasing the bolt is called opening the lock, which allows the sash to be released. Conversely, closing the lock is the act of holding the bolt in the strike plate, which prevents the sash from being released.

In the example illustrated, on the rear side 22B, the handle 22 is mechanically linked to the lock mechanism (not illustrated in the figures). This allows, thanks to the operation of the handle 22, the mechanical actuation of the opening of the lock and the release of the sash 14. Preferably, the lock is connected to the operating handle 22 by a mechanical connection (also referred to as a transmission assembly) and which allows the mechanical actuation of the opening . The transmission assembly includes for example a traction cable and a return lever not illustrated in the figures.

For this purpose, preferably, the handle 22 comprises, on its rear side 22A, a longitudinal extension actuation branch 30 configured to act on a transmission assembly coupled to the lock mechanism which makes it possible to achieve mechanical opening of the lock of the opening 12.

Preferably, the cavity 28 of the housing body 26 is arranged in the panel 14 of the opening 12 to extend back relative to the exterior surface 14E of the panel 14 and thus receive the gripping handle 22 so as to substantially flower of the exterior surface of panel 14 (or vehicle body skin).

Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the handle 22 has, in the retracted configuration, an exterior surface which defines surface continuity with a surface of the panel 14 of the opening 12 and possibly also continuity of appearance.

In addition, the opening control 10 preferably comprises a seal 40 which generally has the shape of the opening of the cutout 18 of the panel 14 and which is dimensioned to completely surround the external portion 24E of the handle 22.

The exterior opening control 10 preferably further comprises a motorized electromechanical actuator (not shown in the figures) to electrically drive the handle 22 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

According to the invention, the handle 22 further comprises a handle trim 50 mounted on the handle body 24 to cover an external face of the handle body 24. Preferably, the handle trim 50 extends flush with the surface external.

In this example, the external portion 24E of the handle 22 includes a gripping paddle, which generally has a flat and elongated shape. In a manner known per se and generally, the hubcap 50 has the function of presenting a decorative external face 52 visible from the exterior face 14E of the trim panel 14. This hubcap 52 has for example a metallic finish.

The hubcap 52 is mounted on the handle body 24 to cover an external face of the handle body 24, here to cover a face of the external portion 24E of the handle 22 which is visible in the retracted configuration of the handle 22.

In accordance with the invention, the hubcap 50 is pivotally mounted on the handle body 24 between a retracted position on the handle body 24 and an deployed position relative to the handle body 24 allowing manual gripping of the hubcap 50 by a user.

More particularly, the hubcap 50 and the handle body 24 are arranged such that the hubcap 50 forms a manual gripping lever acting on the handle body 24 to drive the handle 22 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

As illustrated in the figure, the hubcap 50 pivots inside the handle body 24 until it abuts on an internal bearing surface of the handle body in order to jointly cause the pivoting of the handle body with hubcap 50.

For example, the handle body 24 delimits an interior clearance 60 delimiting the internal support surface 62 such that the hubcap 52 can pivot towards the inside of the handle body 24.

Preferably, the hubcap 50 is pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation 66 carried by the handle body 24 making it possible to couple the hubcap 50 to the handle body 24 in rotation. This makes it possible to delimit a front hubcap part 56, upstream of the axis 66, forming the gripping part and a rear part 54 of the hubcap, downstream of the axis 66 extending inside the clearance 60 in the deployed position.

In addition, for example, the handle 22 includes a manual pressure zone P which must be pressed manually to rotate the hubcap 50 from its retracted position to its deployed position.

In the example described, the hubcap 50 comprises an elastic return means 64 biasing the hubcap 50 into the retracted position on the handle body 24. This elastic return means 64 comprises for example a torsion spring through which extends the pivot axis of the hubcap 50. Of course, this is in no way limiting.

In the example described, the hubcap 50 comprises a tab forming a guide bearing 58 in rotation of the axis of rotation of the hubcap 50 on the body of the handle 52. In addition, preferably, the pivot axis 66 of the hubcap 50 on the handle 22 is parallel to the pivot axis of the handle 22 on the support 26 and extends in the direction Z.

We will now describe the main operating aspects of the exterior opening control according to the invention with reference to the figures 5 to 7 .

Initially, on the Figure 5 , the handle arrangement 20 is in a retracted configuration flush with the external surface 14I of the body panel 14 of the opening 12. In this retracted configuration, the trim 50 carried by the handle body 24 is in a retracted position so that it forms continuity in appearance and surface with the external surface 14I of the body panel 14.

In a second step illustrated on the Figure 6 , the user wishing to mechanically open the opening 12 of his motor vehicle 10, exerts pressure on the manual pressure zone P identified on the rear side 54 of the trim 50 of the handle 22. This action has the effect of cause the hubcap 50 to tilt towards the inside of the internal clearance 60 of the handle body 24 around its articulation axis. This has the effect of releasing the front side 56 of the hubcap 50 which can then be grasped by the user.

In a third step illustrated on the Figure 7 , the user continues the pivoting of the hubcap 50 inside the internal clearance 60 until it abuts on an internal bearing surface 62 of the handle body 24 in order to jointly cause the pivoting of the handle body 24 by a leverage effect of the hubcap 50 on the body of the handle 24.

The gripping part 24E of the handle body 24 can then be grasped by the user who can access the mechanical opening of the opening 12 of the motor vehicle 100.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described. 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 (11)

Handle arrangement (20) for an opening (12) of a motor vehicle (100) of the type comprising a handle (22) arranged on an exterior face (14E) of a body panel (14) of the opening (12) and articulated at one of its ends on a base (16) secured to the interior face (14I) of the panel (14) of the opening (12) around an axis substantially parallel to the general plane of the panel (14) between a retracted configuration flush with the panel (14) and an extended configuration, the handle (22) comprises a handle body (24) and a handle cover (50) mounted on the handle body (24) to cover an external face of the handle body (24), characterized in that the trim (50) is pivotally mounted on the handle body (24) between a retracted position on the handle body (24) and an deployed position relative to the handle body (24) allowing manual gripping of the hubcap (50), the hubcap (50) and the handle body (24) being arranged such that the hubcap (50) forms a manual gripping lever acting on the handle body (24) for driving the handle (22) from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. Arrangement (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the handle body (24) delimits an interior clearance (60) such that the hubcap (50) can pivot towards the inside of the handle body (24). Arrangement (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the hubcap (50) pivots inside the handle body (24) until it abuts on an internal support surface (62) of the interior clearance (60). ) in order to jointly cause the pivoting of the handle body (24) with the hubcap (50). Arrangement (20) according to claim 2 or 3, in which the hubcap (50) is pivotally mounted around an axis (66) of rotation carried by the handle body (24) in order to delimit a front part (56) hubcap, upstream of the axis (66), forming the gripping part and a rear part (54) of the hubcap, downstream of the axis (66) extending inside the clearance (60 ) in the deployed position. Arrangement (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (22) comprises a manual pressure zone (P) which must be pressed manually to pivot the hubcap (50) from its retracted position to its position deployed. Arrangement (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hubcap (50) is pivotally coupled to the handle body (24) with a pivot pin (66) and comprises elastic return means (62) urging the hubcap (50) in the retracted position on the handle body (24). Arrangement (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (66) of the hubcap (50) on the handle body (24) is parallel to the pivot axis of the handle body (24) on the base (16). Arrangement (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (26), forming the handle support base (16), delimiting a cavity (28) for receiving the handle (22) movably mounted in the housing (26). Arrangement (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the handle body (24) extends longitudinally between an internal actuation portion (24I) of a lock and an external portion (24E) that a user can grasp, the external portion (24E) comprising a gripping pallet on which the hubcap (50) is mounted. An exterior opening control (10) comprising a handle arrangement (20) according to any preceding claim and a motorized electromechanical actuator for electrically driving the handle (22) from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. Motor vehicle (100) comprising an exterior opening control (10) according to the preceding claim.

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