Flush interior vehicle door control arrangement

Abstract

A vehicle door control arrangement 10 for permitting opening of a vehicle door 12, the arrangement 10 including a door handle means 14. A control mechanism 16 is locatable in the door 12, and operable by movement of the door handle means 14 to cause door latching means to disengage from the closed position. A door handle movement means 18 is provided, operable to selectively move the door handle means 14 between a rest position in which the door handle means 14 is located substantially within the door 12, and an operable position in which the door handle means 14 extends outwardly from the door 12 such that the door handle means 14 can be manually engaged by a person. Operating means 20 is provided to detect when it is required to open the door, and in response to cause the door handle movement means 18 to move the door handle means 14 from the rest position to the operable position.

Claims

1. A vehicle door control arrangement for permitting opening of a vehicle door, the vehicle door control arrangement comprising: a door handle; a door handle movement assembly operable to selectively move the door handle between a rest position in which the door handle is locatable substantially within a vehicle door, and an operable position in which the door handle extends outwardly from the vehicle door such that the door handle can be manually engaged by a person; an operating unit to detect when it is required to open the vehicle door, and in response to cause the door handle movement assembly to move the door handle from the rest position to the operable position; and a control mechanism locatable in the vehicle door and operable by movement of the door handle to cause a door latch to disengage from a closed condition, wherein the door handle is configured such that it can operate the control mechanism even if not in the operable position, wherein the control mechanism includes a link connecting the door handle to the door latch and a cable extends from the link to the door latch, and further wherein a slidable connection is provided between the door handle and the link.

2. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, in which the operating unit is configured to detect movement of a person in the vicinity of the vehicle door control arrangement.

3. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, in which the operating unit is operable by touch at a particular location.

4. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit operably connected to the door handle movement assembly and the operating unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that after the handle has been in the operable position for a required time, the door handle movement assembly will automatically move the handle back to the rest position.

5. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit operably connected to the door handle movement assembly and the operating unit, wherein the control unit is configured to only permit operation of the door handle movement assembly to move the door handle to the operable position when it is detected that a vehicle is not moving.

6. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit operably connected to the door handle movement assembly and the operating unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that a signal is emitted if the handle moves to the operable position and/or if it is detected that the handle cannot, or should not, be moved to either the operable or rest positions.

7. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 6, in which the signal is audible or visual.

8. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit operably connected to the door handle movement assembly and the operating unit, wherein the control unit is configured to detect if the handle is obstructed when returning to the rest position, and if an obstruction is detected the handle returns to the operable position for a required time period.

9. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit operably connected to the door handle movement assembly and the operating unit, wherein the control unit is configured to detect if a load is being applied to the handle by a person, and to not move the handle to the rest position when a load is detected.

10. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, in which the handle is slidably moveable between the rest and operable positions.

11. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the door handle movement assembly further comprises a linear actuator for slidably moving the handle between the rest and operable positions.

12. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 11, in which a connection is provided between the handle and the linear actuator which enables a person to turn the handle relative to the linear actuator, and in which a pivotal mounting is provided for the handle on the connection to the linear actuator to permit the handle to be pivotally mounted.

13. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, in which the slidable connection moves relative to the link as the handle moves between the rest and operable positions.

14. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, in which the handle is linearly moveable between the rest and operable positions.

15. The vehicle door control arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the link of the control mechanism is a cranked link.

16. A vehicle door including: a vehicle door control arrangement for permitting opening of the door, the vehicle door control arrangement comprising: a door handle; a door handle movement assembly operable to selectively move the door handle between a rest position in which the door handle is locatable substantially within the door, and an operable position in which the door handle extends outwardly from the door such that the door handle can be manually engaged by a person; an operating unit to detect when it is required to open the door, and in response to cause the door handle movement assembly to move the door handle from the rest position to the operable position; and a control mechanism locatable in the door and operable by movement of the door handle to cause a door latch to disengage from a closed condition, and the door handle is configured such that it can operate the control mechanism even if not in the operable position, wherein the control mechanism includes a link connecting the door handle to the door latch and a cable extends from the link to the door latch, and further wherein a slidable connection is provided between the door handle and the link.

17. The vehicle door according to claim 16 in which the door handle is an interior door handle.

18. The vehicle door according to claim 16, wherein the link of the control mechanism is a cranked link.

19. A vehicle comprising: a door; and a vehicle door control arrangement for permitting opening of the door, the vehicle door control arrangement comprising: a door handle; a door handle movement assembly operable to selectively move the door handle between a rest position in which the door handle is locatable substantially within the door, and an operable position in which the door handle extends outwardly from the door such that the door handle can be manually engaged by a person; an operating unit to detect when it is required to open the door, and in response to cause the door handle movement assembly to move the door handle from the rest position to the operable position; and a control mechanism locatable in the door and operable by movement of the door handle to cause a door latch to disengage from a closed condition, and the door handle is configured such that it can operate the control mechanism even if not in the operable position, wherein the control mechanism includes a link connecting the door handle to the door latch and a cable extends from the link to the door latch, and further wherein a slidable connection is provided between the door handle and the link.

20. The vehicle accordingly to claim 19, wherein the link of the control mechanism is a cranked link.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic block diagram of the main components of a vehicle door control arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating operation of the arrangement of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the arrangement of FIG. 1 in a rest position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a similar view to FIG. 3 but in an operable condition;

(6) FIG. 5 is a similar view to FIG. 4 and with the arrangement in use;

(7) FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 3 installed in a vehicle door in a rest condition;

(8) FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic interior view of a vehicle door incorporating the apparatus of FIG. 3 in a rest condition;

(9) FIGS. 8 and 9 are respectively similar views to FIGS. 6 and 7 but with the apparatus in an operable position;

(10) FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the components of the apparatus of FIG. 3;

(11) FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view of a car incorporating a vehicle door control arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

(12) FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view from above of a vehicle door arrangement according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

(13) FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) The Figures illustrate a first vehicle door control arrangement 10 for permitting opening of a vehicle door 12, the arrangement 10 including a door handle means 14, connectable to a door latching means (not shown), a control mechanism 16 locatable in the door 12 operable by movement of the door handle means 14 to cause the door latching means to disengage from a closed position, door handle movement means 18 operable to selectively move the door handle means 14 between a rest position (FIGS. 3, 6 and 7) in which the door handle means is located substantially within the door 12, and an operable position (FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9) in which the door handle means 14 extends outwardly from the door 12, such that the door handle means 14 can be manually engaged by a person, and operating means 20 to detect when it is required to open the door, and in response to cause the door handle movement means 18 to move the door handle means 14 from the rest position to the operable position.

(15) FIG. 1 shows the principal components of the arrangement 10 in diagrammatic form and shows a control unit 22, identified as a “Controller” in this drawing, which is shown diagrammatically in the door 12 of a car 24 in FIG. 11, but the control unit 22 could be located anywhere within the car as required.

(16) A proximity sensor 26 in the form of an infrared sensor is connected to the control unit 22, and can detect movement of a person's hand or other body part in close proximity thereto, to send a signal if the person wishes to open the door 12. Typically the proximity sensor can detect movement spaced around 0.5 to 5 cm, therefrom. The sensor 26 is also touch sensitive such that a person can also touch the sensor 26 to send a signal that they wish to open the door. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the sensor 26 is located in the door trim panel 98, at a conventional location for a vehicle door handle.

(17) A door ajar switch 28 is provided as is conventional to provide an indication that the door 12 is open. A start/stop switch 30 is also connected to the control unit 22. An output from the control unit 22 connects to a stepper driver 32 which is a micro stepping bipolar stepper motor driver for driving the door handle movement means 18 in the form of a linear actuator 34. The stepper driver 32 includes a current sensor 36 with an output to the control unit 22. The current sensor 36 checks for any fault conditions, and also for instance for any obstructions which may be detected. The linear actuator 34 includes position sensors 38 in the form of hall sensors mounted within the linear actuator 34.

(18) A power supply 40 with a 12 volt DC input 41 is provided which provides a 12 volt output 42 to the linear actuator 34, and 5 volt outputs 43 to the control unit 22 and sensors 36, 38.

(19) FIGS. 3-5 and 10 best show the mechanical components of the arrangement 10. The door handle means 14 is in the form of a cranked handle 44 with a relatively broad stem 46 and a narrower cross piece 48. An extension 50 extends from the stem 46 away from the cross piece 48 and has a pair of parallel arms 52 defining a space therebetween, with aligned holes 54 towards the end of the arms 52.

(20) The control mechanism 16 includes a link member 56 with a generally V-shape profile. The link 56 has a longer arm 58 with a longitudinal slot 60 extending from its free end. The arm 58 slidably locates between the handle arms 52, with a first pin 62 extending between the holes 54 locating in the slot 60.

(21) A pivotal mounting is provided at the apex of the V by a through hole 66. The other shorter arm 68 provides at its end a spaced pair of webs 70 with aligned through holes 72, which can locate a block 74 on the end of a cable 76 operably connected to a door latching means for the door 12. The shape of the link member 56 enables the arrangement 10 to locate in the door 12. It also enables a manual override if required of the arrangement 10 with less effort than otherwise would be the case.

(22) The handle 44 is pivotally mounted adjacent the connection between the stem 46 and cross piece 48, by a second pin 79, to one end of a cranked bracket 78. The opposite end of the cranked bracket 78 mounts a plate 80 with a central hole 82 which mounts a distal end 84 of the linear actuator 34. The plate 80 also mounts a carriage 86 which is slidably moveable along an elongate guide rail 88 which is mountable on a bracket 90 mountable in the vehicle door 12.

(23) The guide 88 is mountable extending along an upper face as shown in FIG. 10 of the bracket 90, and a mounting bracket 92 is provided at the lower end of the upper face as shown in FIG. 10. The bracket 92 mounts the proximal end 94 of the linear actuator 34. Accordingly the distal end 84 of the linear actuator 34 can be moved away from the proximal end 94, and is slidably guided by the carriage 86 moving along the guide 88. Operation of the linear actuator 34 and hence relative movement of the distal end 84, causes the handle 44 to slidably move relative to the link 56.

(24) By extension of the linear actuator 34 as shown for instance in FIG. 4, the handle 44 is caused to move away from the link 56 and outwardly from the door 12 such that it can be engaged by a user. When the linear actuator 34 is fully retracted the handle 44 lies substantially flush with the inner face of the door 12. FIGS. 6 and 8 respectively show the handle 44 locating in, and extending from an opening 96 in a trim panel 98 of the door 12. The opening 96 is located adjacent the sensor 26.

(25) The vehicle door control arrangement 10 can operate as follows as described in relation to the flow chart shown in FIG. 2. At the start 100 a check 102 is made as to whether the electrical system is working. If not a mechanical override 104 is permitted. If the handle 44 is flush within the door 12, by pushing on the end of the stem 46 adjacent across the cross piece 48, the handle 44 can pivot outwardly relative to the cranked bracket 78 to provide a sufficient part of the cross piece 48 to be manually turned by a person for instance within the car 24, to enable opening of the door 12 even if the arrangement 10 is inoperable.

(26) The mechanical override is best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 and show a second, slightly different arrangement 210, but where similar components to the arrangement 10 have similar reference numerals. In the second arrangement 210 the pivotal mounting 212 is clearly shown, and if a force is applied as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12, or the person's finger 214 in FIG. 13, the handle 44 can pivot outwardly such that the cross piece 48 can be accessed to manually open the door 12.

(27) If it is detected that the electrical system is working, the control unit will run a check 106 as to whether the vehicle is moving. If so the door 108 will not be permitted to open by the latching arrangement, nor will the arrangement be operable to cause the handle 44 to move to an operable position.

(28) If it is detected that the vehicle is not moving, a check 110 is made as to whether a signal is provided for the arrangement to move the handle 44 to an operable position, and whether the proximity sensor 26 is triggered at step 112. If yes the linear actuator 34 is operated at 114 to cause the handle 44 to move outwardly relative to the door 12. A check 116 is made by the current sensor 36 to see if the handle 44 is obstructed, as may be detected by an increased current flow in the linear actuator 34. If an obstruction is detected at 116 the linear actuator 34 will be reversed in movement 118 to retract the handle 44 back into the door 12.

(29) If no obstruction is detected the handle 44 will move to an operative position 120 as shown for example in FIG. 4, and retained there at for a set length of time such as ten seconds.

(30) The handle 44 can then be rotated as shown in FIG. 5. This causes the handle 44 to pivot about the distal end of the linear actuator 34. This causes the link 56 to be moved to the left as shown in FIG. 5 and by the arrow, which causes the cable 76 to be pulled and the door latching means to be operated.

(31) A check 122 is then made as to whether a load is being applied to the handle 44 such as shown in FIG. 5 to open the door 12. If such a load is detected the handle 44 will be retained 124 in the operable position, and a further check 122 is subsequently made.

(32) If it is detected that no load is being applied to the handle 44 a check 126 is then made as to whether the proximity sensor 26 is triggered. If so a further check 128 is made as to whether the car 24 is moving. If the car 24 is not moving the handle 44 will be retained 130 for a further ten seconds in the operable position. If though it is sensed that the vehicle is moving or the proximity sensor 26 is not triggered, the handle 44 will be moved back 132 into the door 12 by the linear actuator 34.

(33) If as the handle 44 is being retracted it is detected that the handle 44 is obstructed 134, the handle 44 will return 136 to the fully operable position for a further three seconds and a further attempt will be made to retract the handle 44.

(34) If no obstruction 134 is detected but a load is detected 138 being applied to the handle 44, again the handle 44 will return 136 to a fully operable position. If no obstruction or load is detected the handle 44 will be fully retracted 140 to a flush position and operation of the arrangement 10 stops 142.

(35) It is to be realised that any of the set lengths of time may be selectively adjusted if required.

(36) There is thus described a vehicle door control arrangement, a door including such an arrangement, a vehicle including one or more doors with such an arrangement which in normal use can provide a flush interior to the door, and also a method of controlling a vehicle door. The handle though can readily be caused to move to an operable position and enable conventional opening of the door.

(37) As indicated safety checks are built into reverse movement of the handle if obstructions are checked, and to prevent use of the handle if the vehicle is moving. Also retraction of the handle is prevented if the handle is in use.

(38) It may be required to provide an indication that the handle 44 is in or has moved to the operable position or that the proximity sensor 26 has recognized a signal from a user in the vehicle, and so the handle 44 is about to, or is moving to, the operable position. This tells the user they have made a successful gesture. A sound may be provided in the form of any conventional beep or other sound. Alternatively or in addition, a visual indication may be provided such as a light 144 (FIG. 9) can be provided which could for instance mean that the distal end of the handle 44 is lit, or any or all of the handle 44 could be lit.

(39) In addition, and as previously mentioned, a signal may be emitted if it is detected that the handle cannot, or should not, be moved to either the operable or rest positions, for example up detection of an obstruction. Such a signal may be audible and or visual. For example, the light 144 may be caused to change colour when an obstruction is detected and/or a sound may be provided.

(40) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to a particular example, it should be appreciated that modifications to the example given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example a different arrangement could be used for moving the handle between the operable and rest positions. The handle may move in a different direction relative to the door. A different connection may be provided between the arrangement and the door latching arrangement.

(41) The arrangement may include a proximity sensor, a touch sensitive sensor or a combined unit operable by proximity or touch.

(42) For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the controller/control unit described herein can comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and/or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers.

(43) Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

(44) Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

(45) Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

(46) Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.