EP4215701A1 - External opening control device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (20) comprises a handle (22) and a support (26) of the handle (22) pivotally mounted on the support (26) between at least a retracted position depressed, a retracted flush position and an ejected position, a mechanism (100) for electrically driving the handle (22) in ejection towards its ejected position and/or in retraction towards its flush position comprising a motorized electric linear actuator (110) provided with an actuator arm (120), kinematically coupled with the handle (22), which moves linearly in one direction of electric ejection and in an opposite direction of electric retraction of the handle (22) and a mechanical drive mechanism for the ejection of the handle (22 ), said emergency mechanism, mechanically operable by depression of the handle (22) in its depressed retracted position.

Description

Technical area.

The present invention relates to an opening control device for a motor vehicle door. The invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to an exterior opening control device which comprises an emergency mechanism for mechanical ejection of the handle in the event of failure of the electrical actuation means for unlocking a lock.

In general, an exterior opening control device comprises a fixed support intended to be mounted on the leaf and a handle mounted to move on the support, for example pivotally mounted on the support while being articulated in rotation around an axis.

Generally, the opening control device also comprises a lock unlocking mechanism, which when the handle is operated in traction, allows the unlocking of the lock and thus the opening of the door. The lock conventionally comprises a bolt secured to the door capable of cooperating with a striker secured to the bodywork. When opening the door from outside the vehicle, the bolt is disengaged from the striker plate by actuating the exterior opening control, which causes the door to unhook.

The invention relates more particularly to an opening control device 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 flush 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 device comprises an electric ejection mechanism of the handle to allow the grip of the handle by the user and 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.

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

It is therefore necessary to have a mechanism for triggering mechanical ejection of the handle making it possible to unlock the door of the vehicle, in particular in the event of failure of the mechanism for electrical ejection of the handle of the vehicle.

Prior technique.

An opening control device which comprises a mechanism for moving a handle which can be ejected or retracted either electrically or by manual action is known from the prior art, in particular from the French patent application FR 3 060 630 A1 .

The mechanism described in this application uses a relatively large number of parts and the complex kinematics linking the different parts together results in increased sensitivity to any external disturbances (wear, premature aging, shocks, etc.).

The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to propose an opening control device provided with a handle actuation mechanism that is both electric and mechanical, compact, robust, making it possible in a simple way to perform mechanical emergency unlocking of the opening control device while facilitating a reset of the control device in the flush position of the handle.

Summary of the invention

• une poignée et un support de la poignée montée en pivotement sur le support entre au moins une position rétractée enfoncée, une position rétractée affleurante et une position éjectée,
• un mécanisme d'entraînement électrique de la poignée en éjection vers sa position éjectée et/ou en rétraction vers sa position affleurante comprenant un actionneur linéaire électrique motorisé pourvu d'un bras d'actionneur, couplé cinématiquement avec la poignée, qui se déplace linéairement selon un sens d'éjection électrique et selon un sens opposé de rétraction électrique de la poignée,
• un mécanisme d'entraînement mécanique de l'éjection de la poignée, dit mécanisme de secours, actionnable mécaniquement par enfoncement de la poignée dans sa position rétractée enfoncée,

caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme comprend un organe de verrouillage configuré pour pivoter selon un sens de déverrouillage, après enfoncement de la poignée, d'une configuration de verrouillage à une configuration de déverrouillage du mécanisme de secours et en ce que l'actionneur électrique et l'organe sont configurés de sorte que, après actionnement du mécanisme de secours, le déplacement électrique du bras selon le sens d'éjection de la poignée, est apte à entraîner le pivotement de l'organe de la configuration de déverrouillage à la configuration de verrouillage selon un sens de verrouillage, opposé au sens de déverrouillage, de sorte que le mécanisme de secours est réinitialisé.To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for controlling the opening of a motor vehicle door of the type comprising:

• a handle and a support for the handle pivotally mounted on the support between at least one depressed retracted position, a flush retracted position and an ejected position,
• an electric drive mechanism of the handle in ejection towards its ejected position and/or in retraction towards its flush position comprising a motorized electric linear actuator provided with an actuator arm, kinematically coupled with the handle, which moves linearly in a direction of electric ejection and in an opposite direction of electric retraction of the handle,
• a mechanical drive mechanism for the ejection of the handle, called emergency mechanism, mechanically operable by depression of the handle in its depressed retracted position,

characterized in that the mechanism comprises a locking member configured to pivot in an unlocking direction, after depression of the handle, from a locking configuration to an unlocking configuration of the emergency mechanism and in that the electric actuator and the member are configured so that, after actuation of the emergency mechanism, the electrical movement of the arm in the direction of ejection of the handle is capable of causing the pivoting of the member from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration according to a locking direction, opposite to the unlocking direction, so that the emergency mechanism is reset.

The emergency mechanism is triggered manually by pressing the handle, which causes the mechanical ejection of the handle. Thus, the user in the event of an electrical failure of any origin can access the interior of the vehicle. On the other hand, the emergency mechanism is reset electrically by taking advantage of the motorized actuator of the electric drive mechanism of the handle. This operating strategy with mechanical ejection by manual action and electrical retraction by means of the motorized actuator makes it possible to simplify the opening control device and to limit the number of parts.

A device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electric drive mechanism comprises a pivoting lever for coupling the handle to the arm to the handle and configured to transform the linear translation movement of the arm according to the direction of ejection or retraction into a pivoting movement respectively in ejection or retraction of the handle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arm is extended along its longitudinal direction of movement by one end coming to rest on the member in the unlocking configuration to make it pivot in the locking configuration according to the locking direction.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said emergency mechanism comprising a mechanical ejection lever of the handle configured to pivot, by exerting a first return force from a locking position to a position for ejecting the handle, the member and the lever are configured to pass, following depression of the handle, from the locking configuration in which the lever and the member are engaged in mutual engagement against the first return force of the lever to the unlocking configuration in which the lever and the member disengage from each other which causes, by reaction to a force of the lever exerted on the member, a pivoting of the member in the unlocking direction out of a pivoting path of the lever which is returned to its ejection position under the effect of the first return force.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever is coupled with the handle such that depression of the handle pivots the lever from its locking position to a temporary position, in a direction of depression, in which the lever and the member disengage from each other.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the member and the lever are arranged relative to each other so that, in the locking direction, the member intercepts the lever in its ejection position and guides it towards its blocking position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever and the member cooperate by a reversible attachment system capable of moving from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration to disengage the member and the lever and on the other hand from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration to mutually engage the member and the lever.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment system comprises a first attachment means in the form of a lug and a second attachment means in the form of a relief delimiting complementary recess for receiving the lug, for example by embedding.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the locking configuration, the recess and the lug cooperate by abutment surfaces facing each other respectively producing reaction forces acting in a direction opposite to the respective return forces of the lever and of the member.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second attachment means comprises ramps for unidirectional engagement and disengagement of the lug respectively in and out of the recess.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess comprising a first wall, forming a non-return abutment surface, connected by a step to the engagement ramp and comprises a second opposite wall connected tangentially to the disengagement ramp.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two ramps are asymmetrical with respect to said recess, for example are oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to each other so that during mutual engagement, the lug slides frontally on the engagement ramp until it is lodged in the recess and during disengagement the lug slides laterally along the disengagement ramp out of the recess.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement ramp comprises a surface for intercepting the lug when the member is pivoted in the direction opposite to the direction of release.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the member comprises a body in the general shape of an angular sector comprising a vertex mounted for rotation about a pivot axis and being delimited by a first proximal radial edge for engagement with the lever.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever is provided in a longitudinal direction, substantially perpendicular to a pivot axis of the lever, a distal end comprising a bearing surface against which the handle bears during a pressing action and a proximal end for engagement with the body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support frontally delimiting an open cavity for receiving the handle provided with a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, the member and the lever are mounted on pivot axes arranged on a dorsal side of the bottom wall.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall has a through hole and the lever includes a protrusion to form a coupling support with the handle through the bottom wall.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the member is mounted against a second return force chosen from among a return force by gravity, an elastic return force, by magnetization.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the member is mounted loose in rotation and is caused to pivot in the direction of unlocking once released from the grip of the lever by reaction to a contact force and / or friction exerted by the lever on the member during their mutual disengagement.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig.1
  [Fig.1] représente une vue en perspective d'un ouvrant de véhicule automobile comprenant un dispositif de commande d'ouverture selon l'invention dans une configuration rentrée de la poignée (A) et dans une configuration éjectée de la poignée (B) ;
• Fig.2
  [Fig.2] représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande de la [Fig.1 illustrant la poignée montée dans un support dans une configuration affleurante ;
• Fig.3
  [Fig.3] représente une vue en perspective de dessous du dispositif de commande d'ouverture de la [Fig.2] ;
• Fig.4
  [Fig.4] représente une vue en perspective éclatée du dispositif de commande d'ouverture de la [Fig.2] ;
• Fig.5
  [Fig.5] représente une vue en perspective d'un mécanisme d'éjection mécanique de poignée du dispositif de l'invention ;
• Fig.6
  [Fig.6] représente une vue en perspective d'un levier d'éjection du mécanisme d'éjection de la [Fig.5] ;
• Fig.7
  [Fig.7] représente une vue en perspective d'un organe de retenue du levier d'éjection du mécanisme d'éjection de la [Fig.5] ;
• Fig.8
  [Fig.8] représente une vue partielle en coupe longitudinale du dispositif de commande de la [Fig.2] ;
• Fig.9
  [Fig.9] représente une vue partielle en coupe transversale du dispositif de commande de la [Fig.2] ;
• Fig.10
  [Fig. 10] représente une vue partielle de dessous en perspective à échelle agrandie du mécanisme d'éjection du dispositif de commande de la [Fig.2] dans une configuration de retenue du mécanisme d'éjection ;
• Fig.11
  [Fig.11] représente une vue en coupe longitudinale du dispositif de commande de la [Fig.2] dans une configuration enfoncée de la poignée (« A ») et dans une configuration éjectée de la poignée (« B ») ;
• Fig.12
  [Fig. 12] représente une vue en perspective et de dessous à échelle agrandie du mécanisme d'éjection du dispositif de commande de la [Fig.2] dans une configuration libérée du mécanisme d'éjection.
• Fig.13
  [Fig.13] représente une vue sensiblement analogue à la vue de la [Fig.12] dans une configuration de réinitialisation du mécanisme d'éjection de la [Fig.5] ;
• Fig.14
  [Fig.14] représente une vue partielle en perspective et à échelle agrandie du mécanisme d'éjection en cours de réinitialisation selon trois étapes « A », « B », « C » ;
• Fig.15
  [Fig.15] représente une vue illustrant de façon schématique sept étapes (« A » à « G ») de fonctionnement d'un système d'accrochage réversible du mécanisme d'éjection 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
  [ Fig.1 ] shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle door comprising an opening control device according to the invention in a retracted configuration of the handle (A) and in an ejected configuration of the handle (B);
• Fig.2
  [ Fig.2 ] shows a perspective view of the control device of the [ Fig.1 illustrating the handle mounted in a bracket in a flush configuration;
• Fig.3
  [ Fig.3 ] shows a perspective view from below of the opening control device of the [ Fig.2 ];
• Fig.4
  [ Fig.4 ] shows an exploded perspective view of the opening control device of the [ Fig.2 ];
• Fig.5
  [ Fig.5 ] shows a perspective view of a mechanical handle ejection mechanism of the device of the invention;
• Fig.6
  [ Fig.6 ] shows a perspective view of an ejection lever of the ejection mechanism of the [ Fig.5 ];
• Fig.7
  [ Fig.7 ] is a perspective view of an ejector lever retainer of the [ Fig.5 ];
• Fig.8
  [ Fig.8 ] shows a partial view in longitudinal section of the control device of the [ Fig.2 ];
• Fig.9
  [ Fig.9 ] shows a partial cross-sectional view of the control device of the [ Fig.2 ];
• Fig.10
  [ Fig. 10 ] shows a partial view from below in perspective on an enlarged scale of the ejection mechanism of the control device of the [ Fig.2 ] in a retaining configuration of the ejection mechanism;
• Fig.11
  [ Fig.11 ] represents a view in longitudinal section of the control device of the [ Fig.2 ] in a depressed configuration of the handle ("A") and in an ejected configuration of the handle ("B");
• Fig.12
  [ Fig. 12 ] shows an enlarged perspective and bottom view of the ejection mechanism of the control device of the [ Fig.2 ] in a configuration released from the ejection mechanism.
• Fig.13
  [ Fig.13 ] represents a view substantially analogous to the view of the [ Fig.12 ] in an ejection mechanism reset configuration of the [ Fig.5 ];
• Fig.14
  [ Fig.14 ] shows a partial view in perspective and on an enlarged scale of the ejection mechanism being reset according to three stages "A", "B", "C";
• Fig.15
  [ Fig.15 ] represents a view schematically illustrating seven stages (“A” to “G”) of operation of a reversible attachment system of the ejection mechanism of the [ Fig.5 ].

Description of embodiments

We represented on the figures 1 to 15 an exterior opening control device according to the invention of a motor vehicle opening. In the rest of the description, the exterior opening control device will be designated by the general reference 20, the opening by the general reference 12 and the motor vehicle by the general reference 10.

An orthonormal reference frame is indicated on the [ Fig.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.

We also define in the rest of the description, a "horizontal" plane, the plane orthogonal to the vertical axis Z, a "vertical and frontal plane", the plane orthogonal to the Y axis and a "vertical and transverse" plane, the plane orthogonal to the X axis.

As shown in the [ Fig.1 ] schematically, the opening 12 comprises a door body in the form of a panel 14 which is for example a side door of the motor vehicle 10. This panel 14 comprises in this example a visible outer body skin delimited by the outer face 18E and a non-visible interior trim delimited by the hidden inner face 18I.

In general, as can be seen in the [ Fig.1 [ Fig.2 ].

With reference to the [ Fig.2 ], the handle module 20 comprises a gripping handle 22 and a support 26 on which the gripping handle 22 is mounted articulated to move between a flush retracted configuration and an extended configuration allowing it to be gripped then the unhooking of the opening 12.

For example, as seen in the [ Fig.2 ], the handle 22 is mounted articulated on the support 26 by a rear end part 22D around a hinge pin 24 which extends in the vertical direction Z with respect to the support 26. The hinge pin 24 will be described as vertical, that is to say substantially parallel to the plane of the outer panel 14 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the grip handle 22.

The handle support 26 is adapted to be mounted substantially in correspondence with the recess 16 of the opening 12. Preferably, the support 26 delimits a receiving cavity 28 of the handle 22 in which the handle 22 is mounted to move between the flush retracted configuration and the deployed configuration allowing it to be gripped by a user.

In the example shown in [ Fig.2 ], the support 26 is in the form of a housing body having frontally a front face open on the outside of the opening 12 in the general shape of a frame and a rear wall or bottom 32 which is arranged to extend from the internal side of the panel 14 of the opening. The housing body 26 further comprises in this example a peripheral wall 30 which delimits with the rear wall 32, the cavity 28 for receiving the handle 22 open towards the outside of the opening 12 and emerging frontally substantially in correspondence with the recess 16 of the panel 14 of the opening 12. In the example illustrated in [ Fig.2 ], the casing body forming the support 26 is attached by means 25 for fixing to the panel 14 of the opening 12, arranged at the peripheral edge of the front face of the casing 26.

Preferably, as seen in the [ Fig.1 ], the cavity 28 of the housing body 26 is arranged in the panel 14 of the opening 12 to extend set back relative to the outer surface of the panel 14 and thus receive the gripping handle 22 substantially flush with the outer surface of the panel 14 in its retracted configuration. Preferably, the handle 22 thus has an outer surface which defines surface continuity with a panel surface 14 of the opening 12.

It will be noted that, preferably, the handle 22 shown in detail on the [ Fig.3 [ Fig.4 ], the hinge pin 24 is carried by the internal branch 22.2.

As clearly seen in the [ Fig.1 ], the outer branch 22.1 is in the form of an elongated bar, extending substantially longitudinally in the longitudinal direction X. In a conventional and non-limiting manner, on the outer branch 22.1, the handle 22 includes a gripping paddle, which overall has a flat and elongated shape and which has a side called distal 22D and an opposite side called proximal 22P allowing gripping of the handle 22.

Also, in the example shown in [ Fig.2 ], the opening control device 20 further comprises a peripheral seal 27, configured to surround the visible part of the handle 22 through the recess 16 of the panel 14.

Conventionally, the motor vehicle 10 also comprises a lock (not shown in the figures) typically mounted inside the body of the door of the opening 12 of the vehicle 10 and configured to be actuated mechanically and/or electrically.

Generally, the opening of an opening 12 of a motor vehicle 10 is carried out for example by means of a lock comprising a bolt (not shown) integral with the opening 12 capable of cooperating with a keeper (not shown) integral with the vehicle body 10.

In practice, the action of releasing the bolt is called opening the lock, which allows the unhooking of the opening 12. Conversely, closing the lock is called the fact of maintaining the bolt in the keeper, which prevents the unhooking of the opening. In this context, "locking" or "locking" of the lock means the action of prohibiting the opening of the lock by action on the exterior opening control and by "unlocking" or "unlocking" the reverse operation, which restores the opening of the lock by action on the exterior opening control. For a motor vehicle door, it is conventional to perform these operations by means of an electromechanical actuator and a lock.

As shown in the [ Fig.3 ], the device 20 preferably further comprises a mechanism 100 for electrically driving the handle 22 in ejection towards its ejected position and/or in retraction towards its retracted flush position. In the example illustrated, the mechanism 100 comprises an electric linear actuator 110 provided with an arm 120 which moves linearly in translation in a direction of ejection of the handle 22 and in an opposite direction of retraction of the handle 22.

Preferably, the actuator arm 110 is kinematically coupled with the handle 22, for example by an electric pivot lever 44. This electric pivot lever 44 is as illustrated in [ Fig.3 ] coupled to the handle 22 and to the arm 120. This electric pivoting lever 44 is configured to transform the linear translation movement of the arm 120 according to the direction of ejection or the direction of retraction into a pivoting movement of the handle 22.

As shown in the [ Fig.3 ], the lever 44 is in the form of a finger or a strip extending longitudinally between a hinge end portion 44A on the support 26 and a distal end portion 44B engaged with a receiving notch 122 formed on the actuator arm 120. The lever 44 also has an intermediate portion extending between the two end portions 44A and 44B which is provided with a bearing surface 46 and a hook shape 48 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the finger 44.

In operation, the lever arm 44 is driven in pivoting by the movement of the actuator arm 120 which engages in its notch 122 the distal end 44B of the finger 44. In the direction of ejection, the support surface 46 comes to rest on the handle 22 so that the latter is pivoted in the direction of ejection. In the opposite direction, the hook 48 brings the handle 22 back to its flush retracted position.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower face 221 of the handle 22 comprises a shoulder defining a substantially transverse support wall ([ Fig.3 ]) from which the internal branch 22.2 extends axially and against which the lever bar 44 comes to rest to cause the handle 22 to pivot in ejection via its bearing face 46.

The unlocking of the lock can be performed electrically by means of an electromechanical actuator (not shown in the figures). In this case, the actuator (not shown) comprises for example an electric motor, powered electrically by the main electrical circuit of the vehicle. This electric motor is sized to allow the opening of the lock and the opening under normal electrical operating conditions.

In accordance with the invention and as shown in the figures 3 and 4 , the opening control device 20 further comprises an emergency mechanism 50 for mechanical triggering of the ejection of the handle 22. This emergency mechanism 50 is operable by depression of the handle 22 towards its depressed retracted position. This emergency mechanism 50 is shown in detail in [ Fig.5 ].

According to the invention, the mechanism 50 comprises a locking member 80 configured to pivot in an unlocking direction, after depression of the handle 22, from a locking configuration to an unlocking configuration of the emergency mechanism 50. In addition, the electric actuator 100 and the member 80 are configured so that, after actuation of the emergency mechanism 50, the electric displacement of the arm 102 according to the direction of ejection of the handle 22, is capable of driving the pivoting of the member 80 from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration according to a locking direction, opposite to the unlocking direction, so that the emergency mechanism 50 is reset.

Preferably, the arm 122 is extended along its longitudinal direction of movement by one end 124 coming to rest on the member 80 in the unlocking configuration to cause it to pivot in the locking configuration according to the locking direction.

In addition, in the example described, the emergency mechanism 50 comprises a pivoting lever 60 for ejecting the handle 22. This ejection lever 60 is configured to pivot, by exerting a first return force, in a direction of ejection rotation from a locking position of the handle 22 to an ejection position of the handle 26.

Preferably, the emergency mechanism 50 further comprises an elastic return member 62 of the lever 60, for example a first helical torsion spring. This helical torsion spring 62 comprises one end 62A connected to the lever 60 and another end 62B connected to the support 26 such that the pivoting of the lever 60 in the opposite direction to the direction of ejection causes a torsion of the spring 62. 26 configured to allow the fixing of the end 62B of the torsion spring 62 ([ Fig.4 ]). For example, relief 38 includes a body forming a guide passage through which pass the end 62B of the spring 62, in the general shape of a cable clamp.

Preferably, in the position of the ejection lever 60 for locking the handle 22, the return spring 62 exerts a return force which recalls the ejection lever 60 to its position for ejecting the handle 22. This locking position may preferably correspond to a prestressed state of the return spring 62. In other words, in the position of the ejection lever 60 corresponding to the locking position of the handle return 62 exerts a force on the ejection lever 60 tending to rotate it towards the ejection position.

In addition, the locking member 80 is configured to retain the ejection lever 60 in its locking position. Preferably, the member 80 is pivotally mounted and is configured to pivot in an unlocking direction so that the ejection lever 60 is released from its locking position.

More specifically, the member 80 and the lever 60 are configured to pass, following the depression action of the handle 22, from a first locking configuration of the emergency mechanism 50 in which the lever 60 is retained in its locking position ( figures 8 to 10 ) by the member 80 to a second unlocking configuration of the mechanism 50 in which the lever 60 is in its released position ( figures 11 to 13 ) and is recalled to its ejection position by exerting the first recall effort.

In particular, in the locking configuration of the mechanism 50, the lever 60 and the member 80 are engaged in mutual engagement against the first return force of the lever 60. On the contrary, in the unlocking configuration, the lever 60 and the member 80 are disengaged from each other so that they can move freely along their own trajectories. In particular, the member 80, thus released from its grip with the lever 60, can pivot freely in an unlocking direction out of a trajectory described by the lever 60 towards its ejection position under the effect of its first return force.

In addition, according to the invention, the member 80 moves, in this example by pivoting, in the direction of unlocking, in reaction to a force exerted by the lever 60 on the member 80 following the action of depression of the handle 22. Indeed, the action of depression of the handle 22 drives the ejection lever 60 in a direction of depression opposite to the direction of ejection. The movement of the ejection lever 60 has the effect of transmitting a force to the member 80 which, by reaction to this force, induces a movement of the member 80.

Although in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the member 80 is pivotally mounted, other types of movement (translation, translation and rotation, etc.) can be envisaged while remaining within the scope of the invention.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the member 80 is pivotally mounted against of a second recall effort.

To this end, the emergency mechanism 50 comprises for example an elastic member 81 for returning the locking member 80 from a locking position of the lever 60 to a releasing position of the lever 60, according to the direction of unlocking pivoting.

Alternatively, the second return force of member 80 may be a return force exerted by the gravity provided by the weight of member 80. In this case, member 80 is therefore led to naturally retain, by gravity return effect, a stabilized gravity return position for releasing locking lever 60. For example, retaining member 60 comprises a center of gravity offset with respect to pivot axis A2 of member 80, said axis pivot A2 essentially comprising a horizontal component. The second recall effort can also be a magnetization recall effort.

In addition, in another variant not shown in the figures, the member 80 can be mounted free in rotation and be caused to pivot in the direction of unlocking once released from the grip of the lever 60. The latter, during reciprocal disengagement causes, by reaction to a force exerted on the member 80, a movement of the member 80 in an unlocking direction out of a pivoting path of the lever 60 which is returned to its ejection position. In this case, the member 80 is caused to move in the direction of unlocking by reaction to a force of contact and/or friction with the lever 60 during their mutual disengagement. It is obvious that in the case of this variant, the member 80 can also be subjected to a return force by gravity.

In the cases described above, it may however be desirable to provide an elastic return spring for the member 80 in the unlocking direction so that the return path of the member 80 is controlled so as to limit, or even eliminate, any rebound effects linked for example to too high a speed of movement.

Preferably, the lever 60 and the member 80 are pivotally mounted in substantially orthogonal and non-parallel planes. For example, the lever 60 is pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation A1 substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 24 of the handle 22 which extends substantially in the direction Z. The member 80 is mounted in pivoting around an axis of rotation A2 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction Z, for example, extending in the direction Y.

As seen in the [ Fig.4 ], the mechanism 50 is mounted on a dorsal side of the bottom wall 32 of the cavity 28 of the support 26. For this purpose, the dorsal side of the bottom wall 32 is provided with hinge elements for pivoting the lever 60 on the one hand and the member 80 on the other hand. These elements will be detailed below in this description.

In the example described, the lever 60 comprises a body pivotally mounted around of the first axis A1 fixed relative to the support 26. The lever 60 is provided in a longitudinal direction with a distal end 64 coupled to the handle 22 and a proximal end 66 for engagement with the member 80. The lever 60 is for example made of a single piece of plastic material.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, lever 60 is coupled to handle 22. For example, distal end 64 of lever 60 includes a surface against which handle 22 bears as it is pushed inside cavity 28 to its retracted position.

For this purpose, the bottom wall 32 has a through hole 34 and the lever 60 includes a protrusion 65 to form a coupling support for the lever 60 with the handle 22 through the hole 34. For example, the lever 60 includes an elastomer stop 65 projecting through the hole 34 on the front side of the bottom wall 32. The handle 22 is preferably curved in its proximal part e 22P towards the inside of the receiving cavity 28 of the support 26 by forming a beak 42. For example, the distal end 64 of the lever 60 comprises a receiving cavity for the cylindrical elastomer stop 65.

The proximal 64 and distal 66 ends extend on either side of the pivot axis A1 which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lever 60, for example in a middle portion 68.

As seen in the [ Fig.6 ], the body of the lever 60 has the general shape of a stirrup comprising, at the distal end 64, a stirrup head delimiting the support and coupling surface with the handle 22, at the proximal end 66, a stirrup foot for engagement with the member 80 and, in the middle portion 68, a frame connecting the head and the foot together in the longitudinal direction of the lever 60.

The frame 68 has in the example described a peripheral periphery of generally square or rectangular shape. The lever 60 further comprises two pins 78 projecting laterally on either side of the frame 68 to cooperate with pivoting guide bearings 36 fixed to the support 26. In addition, the lever 60 comprises inside the frame 68, in the extension of one of the pins 78, a rod or tenon 79 forming a support for the first elastic return spring 62.

Referring now to the [ Fig.7 ], the member 80 comprises a body in the general shape of a flange pivoting around the pivot axis A2. For example, member 80 has the general shape of an angular sector comprising a vertex 84 centered on pivot axis A2. The top 84 of the member 80 is in this example mounted for rotation around the axis A2. For this purpose, the member 80 comprises, at the top 84, a bearing 85 for guiding in rotation a shaft 40 fixedly mounted on the support 26 in a transverse direction (Y direction).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the member 80 further comprises two edges extending radially from apex 84, a proximal edge 86 and a distal edge 88, for example connecting apex 84 to a peripheral arc or chord 90.

As shown in the [ Fig.7 ], the member 80 is in the form of a fan in the shape of a quarter disc, extending from the apex 84 to the peripheral arc 90, the apex 84 forming the center of the peripheral arc 80.

In addition, preferably, the lever 60 and the member 80 cooperate together by a reversible attachment system 52 capable of moving on the one hand between the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration to disengage the member 80 and the lever 60 and on the other hand between the unlocking configuration and the locking configuration to mutually engage the member 80 and the lever 60.

By reversible attachment, it is meant that the lever 60 and the member 80 can be engaged and then disengaged, by attachment and detachment of the system 52.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment system 52 comprises a first attachment means 54 and a second attachment means 56 complementary. In the example illustrated, the first means 54 is carried by the lever 60 and the second means 56 is carried by the member 80.

Preferably, the first attachment means 54 is carried by the proximal end of engagement 66 of the lever 60. The first attachment means 54 is in the form of a lug 70 illustrated in detail on the [ Fig.6 ]. The lug 70 is for example attached to the body of the lever 60 by overmolding of plastic material or by any other bonding or welding process. The lug 70 has in the example illustrated a general shape of a tooth 72 provided with a front end face 74 and two opposite side faces 76 and 78.

Preferably, the first attachment means 56 is carried by the proximal edge 86, for example at a radial distance from the top 84, at the end of the proximal edge 86. The second attachment means 54 comprises in the example described a relief 91, in the form of a stud, arranged projecting from the body of the member 80 and delimiting a recess 92 for receiving the lug 70, preferably by embedding the tooth 72 inside the recess 92.

Preferably, the stud 91 also has a front face 91F for interception of the ejection lever 60, shaped for example as a hook, delimiting the recess 92 or the receiving notch in which is housed the lug 70 carried by the proximal end 66 of the ejection lever 60.

Furthermore, as illustrated in [ Fig.7 ], the stud 91 and the pivoting guide bearing 85 are radially interconnected by a stiffening rib 98 projecting axially.

In the locking configuration, the recess 92 and the lug 70 cooperate by abutment surfaces (respectively 92A and 76) facing each other producing respectively antagonistic reaction forces under the effect of the respective return forces of the lever 60 and of the member 80.

Preferably, stud 91 further comprises ramps for unidirectional engagement 94 and disengagement 96 of lug 70 respectively in and out of recess 92. These ramps 94 and 96 unidirectionally define a direction of attachment and a direction of release of lug 70 in and out of recess 92.

Thus, as illustrated in [ Fig.15 ], the arrangement of the ramps 94 and 96 allows the relative movement of the lug 70 along a path defined along the ramps 94 and 96 in a unidirectional manner: following a first part of the path descending towards the recess 92 by the engagement ramp 94 then following a second part of the ascending path out of the recess 92 by the disengagement ramp 96.

To this end, the recess 92 preferably comprises a first wall 92A connected by a step forming a non-return stop to the engagement ramp 94 and comprises a second wall 92B connected tangentially to the disengagement ramp 96. Preferably, the two ramps 94 and 96 are asymmetrical with respect to said recess 92, for example are oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to each other. .

In the preferred embodiment, the engagement ramp 94 comprises a surface for intercepting the lug 70 of the lever 60 in its ejection position, when the member 80 is pivoted in the opposite direction to the direction of release or unlocking. The height of this interception surface is such that its top comes into contact with the lug 70 when the member 80 pivots in the locking direction, as shown in [ Fig.14 ].

Preferably, when the handle 22 is depressed, the lever 60 is pivoted in the opposite direction to the direction of ejection from its prestressed position to a temporary intermediate position. When the handle 22 tilts into depression, this movement causes the upward tilting of the first attachment means 54 by edge-to-edge sliding contact of the lug 70 along the disengagement ramp 96 of the recess 92 so that the lever 60 and the member 80 disengage from each other.

In this intermediate position, the lever 60 disengages from the member 54 which is then free to move, under the effect of the second return force, out of a path described by said lever 60 to reach its ejection position under the effect of the first return force. During mutual disengagement, the lug 70 slides laterally along the disengagement ramp 96 out of the recess 92.

During mutual engagement, the lug 70 is intercepted by the stud 91 of the retaining member 80 and slides frontally (with its front wall 74) along the engagement ramp 94 according to a downward movement which is prolonged until the pin 70 falls into the recess 92 located after the step.

In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the member 80 and the lever 60 are configured to pass from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration following a pivoting drive action of the member 80 in a direction opposite to the unlocking direction, so as to intercept and guide the lever 60 towards its locking position.

To this end, in the example described, the motorized electric actuator 110 is configured to electrically move the member 80 by pivoting against the second return force.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuator arm 120 is extended by an end 124 which is configured to come to rest against the member 80 to cause it to pivot in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. For example, the distal edge 88 of the angular sector forming the member 80 comprises a curved shaped profile in the hollow of which the electric actuator 110 applies the end 124 of arm 120. This has the effect of causing the member 80 to pivot in the opposite direction to its return direction.

Preferably and as can be seen in the figures, the lever 60 and the member 80 are pivotally mounted on the support 26 according to substantially orthogonal planes around respectively first A1 and second A2 substantially orthogonal axes. For example, the first axis A1 is parallel to the vertical direction Z and the second axis A2 is parallel to the transverse direction Y.

We will now describe the main aspects of operation of the control device 20 according to the invention with reference to the figures 1 to 15 .

Initially, the handle 22 is mounted in its flush position, as shown in Figure 1A . In this position, the handle 22 is preferably fully received within the receiving cavity 28 of the support 26.

The emergency mechanism 50 is in the active configuration of locking the ejection lever 60 in its prestressed locking position. In this locking configuration, the lever 60 and the retaining member 80 are engaged in mutual engagement against their first and second return forces.

Indeed, the lever 60 and the retaining member 80 are hooked to each other respectively by the first 54 and second 56 complementary hooking means ([ Fig.15 ], " AT "). The lug 70 of the lever 60 is embedded inside the recess 92 of the retaining member 80. In this active configuration, the lever 60 and the member 80 can only be disengaged from each other by exercising a movement of the lever 60 in a direction of pivoting opposite to the direction of ejection return of the lever 60.

In the event of an electrical failure, the user of the vehicle, wishing to actuate the opening of the opening 12, triggers the emergency mechanism 50 of the device open command 20.

The user then presses on the handle 22, on the side of its proximal end 22P so as to cause its depression and its retraction inside the receiving cavity 28 of the support 26 by pivoting of the handle 22 around its pivot axis 24.

Thanks to the coupling of the ejection lever 60 and the handle 22, as can be seen in the [ Fig.11 ], the lever 60 is pivoted in a direction opposite to its direction of ejection until it reaches a temporary position. This step has the effect of arming the first spring 62.

On the figure 11A , in this temporary position, the distal end 66 of the lever 60 is lowered and the opposite proximal end 64 carrying the first hooking means 54 is lifted upwards.

This makes it possible to create a relative displacement of the lug 70 inside the recess 92 (Positions "B" and "C" of the [ Fig.15 ]). The lug 70 is moved laterally, edge to edge, along the wall 92B of the recess 92 extended by the disengagement ramp 96 which extends tangentially to said wall 92B until it is completely extracted from the recess 92 (Position "D", [ Fig.15 ]).

The lever 60 and the member 80 are elastically returned to the unlocking return configuration in which the ejection lever 60 is free to pivot under the effect of the first return force of the first spring 62. The ejection lever 60 then passes from the temporary position to the ejection position via the initial prestressed position. The lever 60 then causes the ejection of the handle 22 in its ejected position out of the receiving cavity 28 of the support 26 ([ Fig.1 ], position B).

In order to reset the emergency mechanism 50 in the active locking configuration and re-engage the lever 60 and the member 80 in inter-engagement, the motorized electric actuator 100 is engaged. It drives the retainer 80 in a direction opposite to the unlocking direction.

Indeed, as illustrated in [ Fig.13 ], the motorized actuator 110 comprises an arm 120 which is moved in translation in a bearing direction on the distal edge 88 of the retainer 80. In order to ensure prolonged support of the arm 120 on the retainer 80 throughout the pivoting of the member 80, the distal edge 88 has a curved profile producing a lobe increasing the contact and support surface of the arm 120 on the member 80.

The retainer 80 is then pivoted in the opposite direction of unlocking and comes to intercept, during its journey, by the front face 91F of the stud 91, the lever 60 which is in its ejection position.

Specifically, as illustrated in [ Fig.14 ], during interception, the lug 70 of the lever 60 comes into frontal contact by its frontal end 74 against the engagement ramp 94 of the member 80 ([ Fig.14 ], " AT "; [ Fig.15 ], " E ").

The continued pivoting of the member 80 has the effect of causing a relative movement of the lug 70 along the downward engagement ramp 94 in the direction of the recess 92 ([ Fig.14 ], “B”; [ Fig.15 ], "F") until the lug 54 falls into the recess 92 ([ Fig.14 ], " VS "; [ Fig.15 ], “G”).

Of course, 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 (15)

Device (20) for controlling the opening of a motor vehicle door of the type comprising: - a handle (22) and a support (26) of the handle (22) pivotally mounted on the support (26) between at least one depressed retracted position, a flush retracted position and an ejected position, - a mechanism (100) for electric drive of the handle (22) in ejection towards its ejected position and/or in retraction towards its flush position comprising a motorized electric linear actuator (110) provided with an actuator arm (120), kinematically coupled with the handle (22), which moves linearly according to a direction of electric ejection and according to an opposite direction of electric retraction of the handle (22), - a mechanism (50) for mechanically driving the ejection of the handle (22), said emergency mechanism (50), mechanically operable by depression of the handle (22) in its depressed retracted position, characterized in that the mechanism (50) comprises a locking member (80) configured to pivot in an unlocking direction, after depression of the handle (22), from a locking configuration to an unlocking configuration of the emergency mechanism (50) and in that the electric actuator (100) and the member (80) are configured so that, after actuation of the emergency mechanism (50), the electric displacement of the arm (102) according to the direction of ejection of the handle (22), is capable of driving the pivoting of the member (80) from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration according to a locking direction, opposite to the unlocking direction, so that the emergency mechanism (50) is reset. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the electric drive mechanism (100) comprises a pivoting lever (44) for coupling the handle (22) to the arm (120) to the handle (22) and configured to transform the linear translation movement of the arm (120) according to the direction of ejection or retraction into a pivoting movement respectively in ejection or retraction of the handle (22). Device according to the preceding claim, in which the arm (122) is extended along its longitudinal direction of movement by one end (124) coming to rest on the member (80) in the unlocking configuration to cause it to pivot in the locking configuration according to the locking direction. Device according to the preceding claim, in which, said emergency mechanism (50) comprising a mechanical ejection lever (60) of the handle (22) configured to pivot, by exerting a first return force from a locking position to an ejection position of the handle (22), the member (80) and the lever (60) are configured to pass, following depression of the handle (22), from the locking configuration in which the lever (60) and the the member (80) are engaged in mutual engagement against the first return force of the lever (60) to the unlocking configuration in which the lever (60) and the member (80) disengage from each other which causes, by reaction to a force of the lever (60) exerted on the member (80), the pivoting of the member (80) according to the unlocking direction out of a pivoting path of the lever (60) which is returned to its position of ejection under the effect of the first recall effort. Device (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the lever (60) is coupled with the handle (22) so that depression of the handle (22) causes the lever (60) to pivot from its locking position to a temporary position, in a direction of depression, in which the lever (60) and the member (80) disengage from each other. Device (20) according to either of Claims 4 and 5, in which the member (80) and the lever (60) are arranged relative to each other so that, in the locking direction, the member (80) intercepts the lever (60) in its ejection position and guides it towards its locking position. Device (20) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in which the lever (60) and the member (80) cooperate by means of a reversible attachment system (50) capable of changing from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration to disengage the member (80) and the lever (60) and on the other hand from the unlocking configuration to the locking configuration to mutually engage the member (80) and the lever (60). Device (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the attachment system (50) comprises first attachment means (54) having the form of a lug (70) and a second hooking means (56) having the form of a relief (91) delimiting a complementary recess (92) for receiving the lug (70), for example by embedding. Device (20) according to the preceding claim, in which in the locking configuration, the recess (92) and the lug (70) cooperate via abutment surfaces (92A, 76) facing each other, respectively producing antagonistic reaction forces. Device (20) according to claim 8 or 9, in which the second hooking means (56) comprises ramps for unidirectional engagement (94) and disengagement (96) of the lug (70) respectively in and out of the recess (92). Device (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the recess (92) comprising a first wall (92A), forming a non-return abutment surface, connected by a step to the engagement ramp (94) and comprises a second opposite wall (92B) connected tangentially to the disengagement ramp (96). Device (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the two ramps (94, 96) are asymmetrical with respect to said recess (92), for example are oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to each other so that during mutual engagement, the lug (70) slides frontally on the engagement ramp (94) until it is lodged in the recess (92) and during disengagement the lug (70) slides laterally ment along the disengagement ramp (96) out of the recess (92). Device (20) according to any one of Claims 4 to 12, in which the lever (60) is provided, in a longitudinal direction, substantially perpendicular to a pivot axis (A1) of the lever (60), with a distal end (64) comprising a bearing surface against which the handle (22) comes to rest during a depression action and a proximal end (68) for engagement with the member (80). Device (20) according to any one of Claims 4 to 13, in which the support (26) frontally delimiting an open cavity (28) for receiving the handle (22) provided with a bottom wall (32) and a peripheral wall (30), the member (80) and the lever (60) are mounted on pivot axes provided on a dorsal side of the bottom wall (32), for example the bottom wall (32) has an orifice crossing and the lever (60) includes a protrusion to form a coupling support with the handle (22) through the bottom wall (32). Device (20) according to any one of Claims 4 to 14, in which the member (80) is mounted against a second return force chosen from among a return force by gravity, an elastic return force, by magnetization or the member (80) is mounted free in rotation and is caused to pivot in the unlocking direction once released from the grip of the lever by reaction to a contact and/or friction force exerted by the lever (60) on the member (80) during their mutual disengagement.

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