Patent Description:
Electronic handles for vehicle doors generally comprise a switch configured to activate a latch mechanism, such as electronic latch, to unlatch the vehicle door.

Some users prefer having an electronic handles with a handle lever configured to be actuated by a user according to a reduced strength with respect to classical mechanical handles, thereby activating the electronic latch mechanism.

Such electronic handles requires a battery to be useable. In case of a low battery or a crash, the electronic handle is not useable and it is not possible for a user to enter the vehicle.

Thus, back-up systems are arranged in electronic handles to enable to unlatch the vehicle door. Such back-up systems may be mechanical or electrical. In case of a mechanical back-up system, system usually comprises a handle lever cooperating with an activation lever which in turn cooperates with the latch mechanism.

<CIT> discloses an unlocking device for a vehicle flap.

<CIT> discloses an unlocking device for a vehicle door and a method for operating such an unlocking device.

An object of the disclosure is to provide an electronic handle with a back-up in case of loss of battery which is efficient and easy for the user to activate.

The present disclosure aims to resolve at least a part of the above mentioned technical problem.

To this end, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic handle for a vehicle door, the handle comprising:.

Thanks to the magnetic retainer, the position of the grip is stabilized relatively to the bracket and the vehicle door in the first configuration, in a normal use. Non-esthetic gaps between an external part of the grip and an external surface of the door panel are reduced.

The position of the grip is also stabilized relatively to the bracket and the vehicle door in the second configuration when not activated, i.e. during a crash, the door of the vehicle does not open.

Indeed, when the pulling force applied on the grip does not exceed the predetermined force, the movement of the grip is limited and the grip is therefore more stable.

Therefore, in normal use, the user has a sensation of a fixed and stable handle.

After a crash or in case of a lack of electrical power, the user is able to open the vehicle door by pulling the grip with a force that exceed the predetermined force.

Therefore, the position of the grip is stabilized in case of a normal use and when not activated, but can easily be moved to open the vehicle door if needed.

In the first configuration, the magnetic retainer holds the grip in the first position when a pulling force, lower that the predetermined force, is applied on the grip.

Therefore, in the first configuration, the electronic system is activated without the grip being moved, whereas in the second configuration, the back-up system is activated by the displacement of the grip from the first position to the second position.

Moreover, thanks to the magnetic retainer stabilizing the grip, the number of component of the handle may be reduced, and/or the size of the components may be reduced.

Additionally, the magnetic retainer has no impact on the functional volume of the existing handles.

Another advantage is that the system can be used on different kinds of handle, for example, a handle which grip has an axis of rotation extending in the left-right direction or a handle which grip has an axis or rotation extending in a front-back direction, called a swing handle.

The predetermined force corresponds to a magnetic force generated by the magnetic retainer.

The grip may be attached to the bracket at least via the magnetic retainer.

According to one embodiment, the predetermined force is comprised between <NUM> and <NUM> Newtons.

The predetermined force may be comprised between <NUM> and 500N.

The predetermined force may be comprised between <NUM> and 200N.

The predetermined force may be comprised between <NUM> and 175N.

The predetermined force may therefore be sufficient to hold the grip in the first position, for example during a crash, but may allow the user to open the door easily if needed.

The predetermined force may be adapted to the needs by changing the magnetic retainer's dimensions/performances.

According to one embodiment, the magnetic retainer comprises a magnetic element, such as a magnet, and a ferromagnetic element.

The magnetic retainer is therefore independent from the main battery and is an easy solution to hold the grip in the first position.

For example, the magnetic element is fixed to the grip and the ferromagnetic element is fixed to the bracket, or vice versa.

When the pulling force is higher than the magnetic force, the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element move apart from each other, thus allowing the movement of the grip from the first position to the second position.

In the first position of the grip, the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element are closer to each other than in the second position. According to one embodiment, in the first position, the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element are in contact. According to one embodiment, in the first position, the magnetic element and the ferromagnetic element are directly in contact.

According to one embodiment, the grip comprises:.

For example, the external part may protrude from the external surface of the vehicle door.

For example, the external part may be flushed on the external surface of the vehicle door.

According to one embodiment, the magnetic retainer is disposed the closest to the applied pulling force. The magnetic retainer may therefore be more efficient.

According to one embodiment, the grip comprises an internal part fixed to the connecting part, the internal part being rotatably mounted on the bracket, when the grip is moved from the first position to the second position, the internal part rotates relatively to the bracket.

For example, the internal part of the grip is rotatably mounted on the bracket via a pivot bearing.

According to one embodiment, the back-up system comprises a cable or a rod, attached to the internal part of the grip, and to the latch.

The cable or the rod may be configured to cooperate with the latch to open the door.

An advantage is that the back-up system is activated mechanically and is therefore independent from the main battery of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the grip is configured to move on a stroke between the first position and the second position and wherein the electronic handle comprises at least one spring configured to bias the grip toward the first position over at least a biasing part of the stroke.

Thanks to the at least one spring, when the grip is pulled with a pulling force greater than the predetermined force and starts moving from the first position to the second position, the spring resists the movement of the grip, which improves the sensation of the user.

According to one embodiment, the biasing part of the stroke extends from the first position.

Therefore, immediately when the grip starts moving from the first position to the second position, the spring is configured to start biasing the grip toward the first position, and therefore improving the sensation of the user.

According to one embodiment, the biasing part of the stroke extends from an intermediate position of the stroke, the intermediate position being disposed between the first and the second positions.

In this example, the at least one spring is configured not to bias the grip toward the first position over at least a non-biasing part of said stroke, wherein the non-biasing part of the stroke extends from the first position to the intermediate position, and wherein the biasing part of the stroke extends from the intermediate position, i.e. the end of the non-biasing part of the stroke.

In other words, the spring is configured to start biasing the grip toward the first position when the grip has completed at least one part of the stroke between the first position and the second position.

In this example, the sensation of the user is improved by an absence of resistance during the non-biasing part of the stroke, followed by the presence of a resisting force during the biasing part of the stroke.

According to one embodiment, the electronic handle comprises an additional spring configured to bias the grip toward the first position over at least an additional biasing part of the stroke, wherein the additional biasing part of the stroke extends from the first position or from an additional intermediate position disposed between the first and the second positions.

The additional spring may be configured not to bias the grip toward the first position over at least an additional non-biasing part of the stroke, the additional biasing part of the stroke being extending from the additional intermediate position, i.e., the end of the additional non-biasing part of the stroke.

The additional intermediate position may be different from the intermediate position.

The biasing part and the additional biasing part may overlap from the intermediate position or the additional intermediate position.

The resisting force resisting the pulling force generated by the springs may therefore be adapted to the desired sensation of the user. In addition, the spring and the additional spring may be smaller than the spring if the spring were the only spring.

According to one embodiment, the electronic handle comprises at least one damper configured to amortize shocks and noise when the grip is moved to the second position or when the grip is returned to the first position.

Thanks to the at least one damper, the noise and the shock are absorbed and the sensations of the user are improved.

Another object of the present disclosure is a vehicle door comprising an electronic handle according to any of the above-mentioned features.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle door comprises a first panel, a second panel, the first panel and the second panel forming internal door space, the bracket of the handle and the internal part of the grip of the handle being arranged inside the internal door space, the first panel comprising an internal surface delimiting the internal door space and an external surface opposed to the internal surface, the external part of the grip being arranged on the external surface of the first panel.

The grip may protrude from the external surface of the first panel, or be flushed on the external surface of the first panel.

Since the position of the grip is stabilized relatively to the bracket and the vehicle door in the first configuration, non-esthetic gaps between an external part of the grip and an external surface of the door panel are reduced.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle door comprises a latch, the electronic handle being configured to cooperate with the latch to open the door.

According to one embodiment, in the first configuration, the electronic system is configured to cooperate with the latch to open the door when activated.

The electronic system is configured to cooperate with the latch electronically.

According to one embodiment, in the second configuration, the back-up system is configured to cooperate with the latch when activated.

When the grip is moved via a pulling force higher than the predetermined force, the back-up system may be activated mechanically. In addition to the above-mentioned advantages, the back-up system may therefore be independent from the main battery of the vehicle.

A possible embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of nonlimiting examples with reference to the appended figures.

In the following description, positioning terms such as front, back, left, right, etc., refer to an orthogonal basis comprising the following three directions: front-back, left-right and top-bottom. In this description, theses three directions correspond to the usual directions attached to the motor vehicle. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the directions front-back, left-right and top-bottom could be any set of arbitrary directions forming an orthogonal basis.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic handle <NUM> is mounted on a vehicle door. The vehicle door comprises a first panel <NUM> and a second panel (not shown). The first and second panels are facing each other. The first and second panels are forming an internal door space <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first panel <NUM> is an external panel, i.e. arranged outside the vehicle, and the second panel is an internal panel, i.e. arranged inside the vehicle. In other embodiments, the first panel <NUM> may be an internal panel, and the second panel may be an external panel. The electronic handle <NUM> is therefore adapted to be an external handle or an internal handle. The first panel <NUM> comprises an external surface 2a and an internal surface 2b. The internal surface 2b partially defines the internal door space <NUM> and the external surface 2a is opposite to the internal surface 2b.

The electronic handle <NUM> comprises a bracket <NUM>, configured to be arranged inside the internal door space <NUM>, and a grip <NUM>. In this embodiment, the grip <NUM> at least partially protrudes from the external surface 2a of the first panel <NUM>. In another embodiment, the grip <NUM> may be flushed on the extermal surface 2a of the first panel <NUM>.

Refering ot <FIG>, the grip <NUM> is moveably mounted on the bracket <NUM>. The grip <NUM> is able to be moved between a first position FP and a second position SP. In <FIG>, the first position FP is represented in solid lines and the second position SP is represented by dotted lines. In this embodiment, the grip <NUM> is rotatable relatively to the bracket <NUM> around a axis of rotation A, shown in <FIG>.

In this embodiment, the axis of rotation A of the grip <NUM> extends in the front-back direction. In other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the grip <NUM> may extend in the left-right direction.

The grip <NUM> is able to be moved on a stroke S from the first position FP to the second position SP when a pulling force is applied on the grip <NUM> by a user. Indeed, the grip <NUM> is intended to be grasp by a user to open the door.

The grip <NUM> comprises an external part 7a, arranged on the external surface 2a of the first panel <NUM> of the vehicle door, a connecting part 7b fixed to the external part 7a, and an internal part 7c, fixed to the connecting part and rotatably mounted on the bracket <NUM>. The internal part 7c of the grip <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> may be connected via a pivot bearing. The internal part 7c is arranged inside the internal door space <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the handle <NUM> further comprises two magnetic retainers <NUM>, configured to hold the grip <NUM> in the first position FP when a pulling force applied on the grip <NUM> by a user is lower that a predetermined force corresponding to a magnetic force generated by the magnetic retainers <NUM>. The magnetic retainers <NUM> are also configured to release the grip <NUM> and allow a movement from the first position FP to the second position SP in response to a pulling force applied on the grip <NUM> by the user that is higher than the predetermined force.

One magnetic retainer <NUM> will be described here below. The reference numbers concerning the described magnetic retainer apply to the other magnetic retainer.

In this embodiment, the magnetic retainer <NUM> comprises a magnetic element, such as a magnet <NUM>, and a ferromagnetic element <NUM>. In this embodiment, the magnet <NUM> is fixed to the connecting part 7b of the grip <NUM> and the ferromagnetic element <NUM> is fixed to the bracket <NUM>, for example by screws or any other fixing means known by the skilled person. In another embodiment, the magnet <NUM> may be fixed to the bracket <NUM>, and the ferromagnetic element <NUM> may be fixed to the connecting part 7b of the grip <NUM>, for example by screws or any other fixing means known by the skilled person. Therefore, the connecting part 7b of the grip <NUM> is attached to the bracket <NUM> at via the magnetic retainer <NUM>. Indeed, the magnetic retainer <NUM> may be arranged the closest to the applied pulling force to increase its efficiency.

In another embodiment, the magnetic retainer <NUM> may comprise an electromagnetic member, such as an electromagnet, configured to generate a magnetic force corresponding to the predetermined force.

In this embodiment, the predetermined force is 150N.

Since two magnets <NUM> are used in this embodiment, each of the magnet may generate half the predetermined force. For example each of the magnets <NUM> generate a force of 75N.

In other embodiments, the magnetic retainer <NUM> may comprise only one magnet, or several magnets, for example three or five magnets. In case the magnetic retainer <NUM> comprises several magnets, the sum of the magnetic forces generated by each magnets correspond to the predetermined force, i.e. in this embodiment, 150N.

The magnet <NUM> may the cylindrical. The diameter of the cylinder may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, the diameter of the cylinder is <NUM>. The height of the cylinder may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, the height of the cylinder is <NUM>. The dimensions of the magnet <NUM> are adapted to the desired magnetic force it generates. In other embodiments, the magnet <NUM> may have any other suitable forms.

The ferromagnetic element <NUM> may be a ferromagnetic plate screwed to the bracket <NUM>. The ferromagnetic element <NUM> may be made of steel or pure iron for example. The ferromagnetic plate may have a thickness comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>. In this embodiment, the thickness of the ferromagnetic plate is <NUM>. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic element <NUM> may have any other suitable forms.

The handle <NUM> may comprise at least one spring <NUM> configured to bias the grip <NUM> toward the first position when the grip <NUM> is moving from the first position FP to the second position SP. The at least one spring <NUM> may be mounted between the internal part 7c of the grip <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>. For example, the at least one spring <NUM> is mounted in the pivot bearing.

<FIG> represent diagrams showing the forces resisting the pulling force applied on the grip <NUM> during the stroke S of the grip <NUM> from the first position FP to the second position SP.

In one embodiment represented in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> comprises one spring <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is configured to be in a rest position or in a working position. In the working position, the spring <NUM> is configured to bias the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP. In other words, in the working position, the spring <NUM> is configured to resist the pulling force applied on the grip <NUM> by the user. The spring <NUM> is configured to be in the working position, and therefore biases the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP, over at least one biasing part BP of the stroke S of the grip <NUM>.

In the embodiment represented on <FIG>, the biasing part BP extends from the first position FP to the second position SP, i.e. the spring <NUM> is in the working position, biasing the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP, over the entire stroke S of the grip <NUM>. In other words, the biasing part BP of the stroke S corresponds to the entire stroke S of the grip <NUM>. As shown on <FIG>, the biasing force resisting the pulling force increases from the first position FP to the second position SP. According to a first alternative of this embodiment, the spring <NUM> may start biasing the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP when the grip <NUM> starts being moved from the first position FP to the second position SP, i.e. the biasing force at the first position FP may be proximate to 0N. According to a second alternative of this embodiment, the spring <NUM> may already be applying a biasing force to the grip <NUM> when the grip <NUM> is in the first position FP, i.e. before the grip <NUM> starts moving toward the second position SP.

As depicted on <FIG>, when a pulling force higher than the predetermined force, i.e. 150N in this embodiment, is applied on the grip <NUM>, the magnetic force holding the grip <NUM> in the first position FP decreases, and the grip <NUM> starts its stroke S from the first position FP to the second position SP. At the same time, the spring <NUM> biases the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP with a biasing force that increases. Until the biasing force and the magnetic force reach the same value, 10N in this example, the resisting force resisting the pulling force is the magnetic force generated by the magnetic retainer <NUM>. After the magnetic force and the biasing force have reached the same value, 10N in this example, the resisting force resisting the pulling force is the biasing force, generated by the spring <NUM>. The biasing force continues increasing to reach its maximum value at the end of the stroke of the grip <NUM>, i.e. when the grip <NUM> reaches the second position SP.

The maximum value of the biasing force is defined by the type of spring <NUM> mounted in the handle <NUM>. As depicted on <FIG>, the maximum value of the biasing force may be, for example, between 75N and 125N.

Another embodiment is represented on <FIG>. The embodiment represented on <FIG> differs from the embodiment represented on <FIG> in that the biasing part BP of the stroke S may extend from an intermediate position IP, disposed between the first and second positions FP, SP. The part of the stroke S that is between the first position FP and the intermediate position IP, is a non-biasing part NBP of the stroke S, i.e., in which the spring <NUM> is in the rest position, not biasing the grip <NUM>. In other words, the spring <NUM> is moved to the working position after the grip <NUM> has completed the non-biasing part NBP of the stroke S. For example, the non-biasing part NBP of the stroke S represent at least <NUM>% of the stroke S between the first position FP and the second position SP.

Another embodiment is represented on <FIG>. The embodiment represented on <FIG> differs from the embodiments represented on <FIG> and <FIG> in that the handle <NUM> comprises an additional spring. As the spring <NUM>, the additional spring is configured to bias the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP over an additional biasing part ABP of the stroke S. The additional spring may also be configured not to bias the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP over an additional non-biasing part ANBP of the stroke S.

The additional non-biasing part ANBP may extend from the first position FP to an additional intermediate position AlP, disposed between the first and the second positions FP, SP. The additional biasing part ABP may extend from the additional intermediate position AlP to the second position SP.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the biasing part BP of the stroke S, i.e. when the spring <NUM> is biasing the grip <NUM> toward the first position FP, extends from the first position FP, i.e. the biasing part BP corresponds to the entire stroke S. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the additional non-biasing part ANBP extends from the first position FP to the additional intermediate position AlP. For example, at the additional intermediate position AlP, the grip <NUM> has completed at least <NUM>% of the stroke S. In one embodiment, at the additional intermediate position AlP, the grip <NUM> has completed at least <NUM>% of the stroke S.

In this embodiment, the biasing part BP and the additional biasing part ABP overlap from the additional intermediate position AlP to the second position SP. Therefore, the biasing force of the spring <NUM> and the biasing force of the additional spring are added over the additional biasing part ABP.

As shown in <FIG>, the sum of the biasing forces of the spring <NUM> and the additional spring reaches a value between <NUM> and 125N. Therefore, the spring <NUM> and the additional spring may be smaller, in this embodiment, than they are in the embodiments depicted on <FIG> and <FIG>.

In other embodiments, the additional biasing part ABP may extend from the first position FP. In this case, the additional non-biasing part ANBP does not exist, and the biasing part BP and the additional biasing part ABP may overlap over the entire stroke S.

In other embodiments, the biasing part BP may extend from the intermediate position IP, and the additional biasing part ABP may extend from the additional intermediate position AIP. The intermediate position IP and the additional intermediate position AIP may be different. Alternatively, the intermediate position IP and the additional intermediate position AIP may be the same position. These positions may be adapted to the desired sensation by the user.

The handle <NUM> further comprises an electronic system configured to electronically cooperate with a latch for opening the vehicle door when activated in a first configuration corresponding to a normal use. The electronic system is configured to activate in response to a detection of a pulling force applied on the grip <NUM> that is lower than the predetermined force. Therefore, in the first configuration, the grip <NUM> stays in the first position FP. For example, the range of the pulling force is from <NUM> Newton to the value of the predetermined force. Therefore, only the presence of the hand of the user on the grip <NUM> allows the opening of the door.

In the first configuration, when the electronic system is activated, the vehicle door may be opened via an electronic signal.

The electronic system may comprise a pulling force sensor, for example arranged in the external part 7a of grip <NUM>. The electronic system may also comprise a transmitter, configured to communicate with the sensor. When the sensor detects a pulling force, the transmitter may send a signal to a receiver of the latch to open the vehicle door. The signal may be transmitted via a wire or wirelessly.

The handle <NUM> further comprises a back-up system <NUM> configured to cooperate with the latch for opening the vehicle door when activated in a second configuration corresponding to an emergency or a lack of electrical power. The back-up system <NUM> is activated when the grip <NUM> is moved from the first position FP to the second position SP.

In this embodiment, in the second configuration, when the back-up system <NUM> is activated, the vehicle door may be opened mechanically. The back-up system may comprise a transmitting element, such as a cable <NUM> or a rod linked, to the internal part 7c of grip <NUM> on one end 19a, and to the latch on the other end. Therefore, when the grip <NUM> is moved from the first position FP to the second position SP, the internal part 7c of the grip <NUM> rotates, and therefore pulls the cable <NUM> to activate the latch and open the vehicle door. The movement of the grip <NUM> from the first position FP to the second position SP, may also allow to uncover a lock, that may be arranged below the grip when the grip <NUM> is in the first position FP. The user may therefore be able to unlock the door with a back-up key. An advantage of this configuration is that the user will intuitively understand that an action is needed to unlock the door, and the introduction of the back-up key into the lock is eased.

In other embodiments, when the back-up system <NUM> is activated, the vehicle door may be opened electrically, using an emergency battery, disconnected from the main vehicle battery. In this case, the magnetic retainer <NUM> may comprise an electromagnet instead of a magnet.

Thanks to the magnetic retainer <NUM>, the position of the grip <NUM> is stabilized relatively to the bracket <NUM> and to the vehicle door in the first configuration, in normal use. In addition, thanks to the magnetic retainer <NUM>, in the first configuration, an external part <NUM> of the grip <NUM> is retained closely to the external surface 2a of the first panel <NUM>. Non-esthetic gaps between the external part <NUM> of the grip <NUM> may therefore be reduced in the first configuration.

The position of the grip <NUM> is also stabilized relatively to the bracket <NUM> and the vehicle door in the second configuration when not activated, i.e. during a crash, the door of the vehicle does not open. Indeed, when the pulling force applied on the grip <NUM> does not exceed the predetermined force, the grip <NUM> does not move and is therefore stable.

After a crash or in case of a lack of electrical power, the user is still able to open the vehicle door by pulling the grip <NUM> with a force that exceed the predetermined force. Therefore, the position of the grip is stabilized in case of a normal use and when not activated, but can easily be moved to open the vehicle door if needed.

In addition, in case the door is locked, the user may access the lock to unlock the door with a back-up key when the grip <NUM> is in the second position.

In the first configuration, the magnetic retainer <NUM> holds the grip in the first position FP when a pulling force lower that the predetermined force is applied on the grip <NUM>. Therefore, the electronic system is activated without the grip <NUM> being moved, whereas in the second configuration, the back up system is activated by the displacement of the grip <NUM> from the first position FP to the second position SP.

In addition, the handle <NUM> may comprise dampers configured to amortize shocks and noise when the grip <NUM> is moved to the second position SP or when the grip <NUM> is returned to the first position FP.

The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples but it rather comprises all the technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claim 1:
Electronic handle (<NUM>) for a vehicle door, the handle (<NUM>) comprising:
- a bracket (<NUM>);
- a grip (<NUM>) movably mounted on the bracket (<NUM>) between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP), the grip (<NUM>) being configured to be moved from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) when a pulling force is applied on the grip (<NUM>) by a user;
- a magnetic retainer (<NUM>) configured to hold the grip (<NUM>) in the first position (FP);
- an electronic system configured to electronically cooperate with a latch for opening the vehicle door when activated in a first configuration corresponding to a normal use,
- a back-up system (<NUM>) configured to cooperate with the latch for opening the vehicle door when activated in a second configuration corresponding to an emergency or a lack of electrical power,
wherein the electronic system is configured to activate in response to a detection of a pulling force applied on the grip (<NUM>) that is lower than a predetermined force; and
wherein the magnetic retainer (<NUM>) is configured to hold the grip (<NUM>) in the first position (FP) if a pulling force applied on the grip (<NUM>) that is lower than the predetermined force and to release the grip (<NUM>) and allow a movement from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) to activate the back-up system (<NUM>) in response to a pulling force applied on the grip (<NUM>) that is higher than the predetermined force.