DOOR HANDLE HAVING A MOVABLE EMERGENCY OPENING ELEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle (10) for a vehicle door (100) of a motor vehicle, which door handle has a movable emergency opening element (11), which can be brought into a mechanical operative connection with a locking system (101) of the vehicle door (100), wherein the emergency opening element (11) has a traction means (12) for actuating the locking system (101), in particular for unlocking and/or for opening the vehicle door (100). The emergency opening element (11) is movable between at least two positions (I, II), namely a rest position (I), in which the emergency opening element (11) is fastened to the door handle (10), and an operating position (II), in which the emergency opening element (11) can be actuated by a user in order to actuate the locking system (101) by pulling on the traction means (12), and further comprising a triggering device (14) for the emergency opening element (11) in order to automatically transfer the emergency opening element (11) from the rest position (I) into the operating position (II), in particular in an emergency situation, wherein the emergency opening element (11) is arranged on an underside of the door handle (10).

Claims

1. A door handle for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising: a movable emergency opening element which can be brought into a mechanical operative connection with a closure system of the vehicle door, wherein the emergency opening element comprises a traction means for actuating the closure system, and wherein the emergency opening element is movable between at least two positions, specifically a rest position, in which the emergency opening element is fastened to the door handle, and an operating position, in which the emergency opening element can be actuated by a user, in order to actuate the closure system by pulling on the traction means, and a release apparatus for the emergency opening element, in order to transfer the emergency opening element automatically out of the rest position and into the operating position, wherein the emergency opening element is arranged on a lower side of the door handle.

2. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the closure system is designed as a keyless go system or as a keyless entry system.

3. The door handle according to either claim 1, wherein the door handle is configured as a fixed external door handle of a motor vehicle.

4. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element is loaded, by means of an actuator, out of the rest position and into the operating position.

5. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the traction means is configured for mechanically actuating the closure system.

6. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the traction means is configured in the type of a Bowden cable or a chain.

7. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element comprises at least an loss-prevention means, clip and/or clamping element, a bayonet connection, a joint or a hinge, for holding the emergency opening element loss resistent in the operating position.

8. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the release apparatus comprises an arresting element for the emergency opening element, which is movable between at least two positions, specifically an arrested position in which the arresting element secures the emergency opening element in the rest position and a release position, in which the arresting element releases the emergency opening element in order to be transferred into the operating position.

9. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the arresting element is loaded, by means of an actuator, out of the release position and into the arrested position.

10. The door handle according to claims 1, wherein the arresting element is held on the emergency opening element by means of an actuator, wherein the actuator generates a release force on the emergency opening element when the arresting element is transferred out of the arrested position and into the release position, which force carries the emergency opening element out of the rest position and into the operating position.

11. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element comprises a slot for acting mechanically on the emergency opening element, and to transfer the emergency opening element into the operating position, by means of inserting an opening means into the slot.

12. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the release apparatus comprises a release means in order, in the event of an accident, to act on the emergency opening element, and to transfer the emergency opening element into the operating position.

13. The door handle according to claim 12, wherein the release means is configured in the form of a shape memory alloy element, a permanent or electric magnet, or a piezo element.

14. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the release apparatus can be connected to at least one emergency situation sensor or crash sensor, wherein it is possible for the release apparatus to be activated in order to transfer the emergency opening element into the operating position.

15. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element and the traction means are interconnected directly or via a connection means.

16. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is formed in the manner of a receptacle, a hook, an eyelet, a clamp or a clip, in order to engage on the traction means.

17. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element and the traction means are configured integral.

18. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein at least the door handle and/or the emergency opening element is/are configured of a plastics material.

19. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element is arranged in an opening of the door handle, wherein a sealing element, is provided at least on the emergency opening element and/or on the door handle.

20. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein the emergency opening element comprises a cover element for covering an opening of the door handle in which the emergency opening element is arranged, and in that the emergency opening element comprises a fastening element that can be brought in mechanical connection with the release apparatus and the traction means.

21. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein at least the door handle or the emergency opening element, comprise an coating.

22. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein at least one proximity sensor, is integrated in the door handle, in order to detect a user approaching the motor vehicle.

23. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein a control unit is provided for the release apparatus, in order to actuate the release apparatus.

24. The door handle according to claim 1, wherein an emergency power supply is provided for the release apparatus, and in that the emergency power supply comprises at least one capacitor, a Goldcap capacitor, an accumulator or a foil accumulator in order to supply the release apparatus with energy.

25. An emergency opening system for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising: a door handle for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, comprising a movable emergency opening element which can be brought into a mechanical operative connection with a closure system of the vehicle door, wherein the emergency opening element comprises a traction means for actuating the closure system, and wherein the emergency opening element is movable between at least two positions, specifically a rest position, in which the emergency opening element is fastened to the door handle, and an operating position, in which the emergency opening element can be actuated by a user, in order to actuate the closure system by pulling on the traction means, and a release apparatus for the emergency opening element, in order to transfer the emergency opening element automatically out of the rest position and into the operating position, wherein the emergency opening element is arranged on a lower side of the door handle and a closure system at least for locking and unlocking or for opening and closing the vehicle door.

26. The emergency opening system according to claim 25, wherein a security system is provided for the closure system in order to request authorization of a user.

27. The emergency opening system according to claim 25, wherein a control unit is provided for the closure system which unit is integrated in a central control unit of the motor vehicle.

Description

[0034] Further measures and advantages, as well as technical features, of the invention can be found in the claims, the following description and the drawings. In this case, different features may be advantageous alone and in any desired combination, without departing from the scope of the invention. The following figures are detailed depictions of multiple exemplary embodiments of the door handle according to the invention. In the figures:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a door handle according to the invention on a vehicle door,

[0036] FIG. 2a is a schematic illustration of an emergency opening element according to the invention in a side view,

[0037] FIG. 2b is a schematic illustration of the emergency opening element according to the invention in a front view,

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the emergency opening element according to the invention in a rest position on the door handle, and

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the emergency opening element according to the invention in an operating position, released from the door handle.

[0040] In the following figures, identical reference characters are used for the same technical features, even in different exemplary embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a door handle 10 according to the invention, on a vehicle door 100, said handle being designed having a movable emergency opening element 11. A closure system 101 is furthermore indicated schematically on the vehicle door 100. In this case, the closure system 101 may be designed for unlocking and locking a door lock (not shown) and/or for opening and closing the vehicle door 100. In this case, the door handle 10 may be part of a security system in the motor vehicle.

[0042] It is essential, according to the invention, for the emergency opening element 11 to be arranged on a lower side of the door handle 10. The emergency opening element 11 can be transferred into an operating position II most reliably from this position under the door handle 10, as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the emergency opening element 11 can be moved downwards into the operating position II, such that the emergency opening element 11 cannot jam and can be more easily released from the door handle 10. It is thus also easier for an accident volunteer to pull the emergency opening element 11.

[0043] In this case, the accident volunteer can easily and comfortably built-up traction downwards using his own weight. Furthermore, it is thus possible to take account of the fact that the emergency opening element 11 can be actuated in a space-saving manner along the outer face of the vehicle door 100 in the case of there being limited space around the vehicle. In particular in the case of accidents in which the motor vehicle stops in a position having the vehicle door 100 close to an obstacle, this may be important in order for it to be possible to open the vehicle door 100 mechanically using the emergency opening element 11. The emergency opening element 11 can also be found more easily owing to the arrangement thereof under the door handle 10. This results because a downwardly extending emergency opening element 11 can be optically more prominent on the door handle 10 than an emergency opening element 11 on the front or above the door handle 10, when the door handle 10 is viewed from above.

[0044] According to the invention, the emergency opening element 11 is mounted so as to be movable between at least two positions: a rest position I in which the emergency opening element is fastened to the door handle 10 and which is shown in FIG. 3, and an operating position II in which the emergency opening element 11 is freely accessible from the outside, as shown in FIG. 1 and subsequently in FIG. 4. In the operating position II, the emergency opening element 11 can be actuated by a user in order to actuate the closure system 101 by pulling on the emergency opening element 11 and/or a traction means 12 fastened thereto, which is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0045] The door handle 10 shown may be a fixed door handle 10 which can be actuated using sensors, for example in a contactless manner, in order to open the vehicle door 100. According to the invention, the closure system 101 may be formed on the vehicle door 100 in the manner of a keyless entry system or a keyless go system without a locking cylinder, and may be connected to a security system for an authorization request. In normal operation, the closure system 101 serves for automatically unlocking the vehicle door 100 without active intervention by an authorized user and for automatically opening the vehicle door 100. If the electronics 20 in the motor vehicle is no longer functioning owing to an accident, and/or if the vehicle battery is drained, the automatic actuation of the closure system 101 cannot be achieved, because the energy for operating the proximity sensors 23 or for the security request is not available. In this case, the invention provides a reliable option for actuating the closure system 101 even without a locking cylinder, as is explained in detail in the following, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0046] FIGS. 2a and 2b show the emergency opening element 11 according to the invention, which can be brought into a mechanical operative connection with a closure system 101 of the vehicle door 100. In this case, the emergency opening element 11 comprises a cover element 11a for areally covering an opening in the door handle 10 in which a fastening element 11b of the emergency opening element 11 is arranged. In this case, the cover element 11a is matched to the shape of the door handle 10 in order to form a smooth, flush surface of the door handle 11. In this case, the cover element 11a is designed in the form of a flat or slightly curved plateau to which a fastening element 11b is molded in the manner of a projection, which element can be inserted, as a pin, into the corresponding opening on an installation element 10.1 of the door handle 10. Installation of the emergency opening element 11 on the door handle 10 can be significantly simplified thereby. Various mechanical means 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 are formed on the fastening element 11b, which means can interact with a release apparatus 14, a traction means 12 and a spring element 18. In this case, the cover element 11a and the fastening element 11b form each a monolithic and integral component which may be formed from a plastics material by means of an injection-molding process for example. In this case, the door handle 10 and the cover element 11a may comprise a chromium or paint coating which can optionally be used for sealing the interior of the door handle 10. It is furthermore conceivable that a seal 19 may additionally be provided on the inside of the cover element 11a or on a complementary surface on the installation element 10.1.

[0047] A slot 16 may be provided on the cover element 15 in order to raise the emergency opening element 11, and then be able to pull said element more comfortably, by means of engaging for example an edge of an emergency key or another suitable tool in the slot 16. A connection means 11.1 for connecting to the traction means 12, for example in the form of a through-opening 11.1, may be provided on the fastening element 11b, through which opening the traction means 12, for example in the form of a Bowden cable 12, is guided, and is fastened using a complementary connection means 12.1, for example in the form of a loop 12.1. The connection means 11.1 on the emergency opening element 11 and the complementary connection means 12.1 on the traction means 12 together form a loss-prevention means 13 for the emergency opening element 11, which loss-prevention means ensures that the emergency opening element 11 is held in the operating position II on the door handle 10 and is not lost, even if the emergency opening element 11 is pulled out. As an alternative to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the connection means 11.1 can be configured in the form of a hook on which the loop 12.1 can be fastened. In addition, a plurality of further embodiments for the connection means 11.1 and the complementary connection means 12.1 are conceivable, which can create a loss-prevention means 13 and which can ensure a for example form- and/or force-locking, preferably releasable, connection between the emergency opening element 11 and the traction means 12. It is alternatively also conceivable, however, that the emergency opening element 11 and the traction means 12 may be integrally interconnected, for example by means of an adhesive, or may even be formed as a single integral component from one material or from one composite material. It is furthermore conceivable that the traction means 12 may be formed of a resilient material which can transmit a tensile force over a non-straight path. A latching element 13 can furthermore be used as an additional loss-prevention means 13, which latching element is indicated by way of example in FIG. 4, between the installation element 10.1 and the cover element 11a. According to the invention, the traction means 12 leads out of the door handle 10 and to the closure system 101, in order to mechanically actuate the closure system 101 by pulling on the traction means 12. The operational functioning of the closure system 101 can per se equally be mechanical, electrical or electromechanical.

[0048] Furthermore, a mating latching means 11.2, for example in the form of a notch 11.2, may be provided on the fastening element 11b in order to interact in a form- and/or force-locking manner with an arresting element 15 in the rest position I of the emergency opening element 11. As an alternative to a notch 11.2, any desired form- and/or force-locking means is conceivable, which can interact with the arresting element 15. Furthermore, the fastening element 11b may be designed having a spring holding means 11.3 for holding a spring element 18 thereon. In this case, the spring holding means 11.3 is formed in the manner of a projection 11.3, on which the spring element 18 can be supported. Alternatively, the spring holding means 11.3 may be formed in the manner of a hook, in which the spring element 18 can rest. The functioning of the arresting element 15 and of the spring element 18 will be explained in the following with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0049] In this case, FIG. 3 shows the emergency opening element 11 according to the invention in the rest position I, and FIG. 4 shows said element in the operating position II. FIG. 3 furthermore shows a release apparatus 14 comprising an arresting element 15, by means of which the emergency opening element 11 is secured in that a latching means 15.1, for example in the form of a latching means 15.1, in which the notch 11.2 on the emergency opening element 11 engages as a mating latching means 11.2. The arresting element 15 can be raised out of the notch 11.2, in order to release the emergency opening element 11. According to the invention, the arresting element 15 has two positions: an arrested position 1, in which the arresting element 15 holds the emergency opening element 11 in the rest position I in a form- and/or force-locking manner (see FIG. 3), and a release position 2, in which the arresting element 15 releases the emergency opening element 11 in order to be transferred into the operating position I (see FIG. 4). In this case, it is advantageous that the emergency opening element 11 remains securely fixed in the rest position II and no rattling sounds arise, even in travel mode of the motor vehicle. If the arresting element 15 is pulled in the direction -R, as shown in FIG. 4, the arresting element 15 is thus transferred from the arrested position 1 into the release position 2. In this case, the arresting element 15 is guided so as to be linearly movable, on special rails 10.2 on the installation element 10.1 or on the door handle 10, in order to allow for stable transfer of the arresting element 15 from the arrested position 1 into the release position 2, and thus to perform a reliably transfer of the emergency opening element 11 out of the rest position I and into the operating position II. The emergency opening element 11 is thus freed and conveyed into the operating position II by spring element 18, by means of the action of a release force K, with the result that the emergency opening element 11 is released suddenly from the door handle 10. Alternatively it is nonetheless conceivable, however, that it may be possible to raise the emergency opening element 11 using the suitable tool that can engage in the slot 16 in the direction B.

[0050] The emergency opening element 11 is loaded, by means of the spring element 18, out of the rest position I and into the operating position II, in the direction A. In this case, the spring element 18 is formed in the manner of a torsion spring, one leg of the spring element 18 being supported on the spring holding means 11.3 of the emergency opening element 11 and another leg of the spring element 18 being supported on the arresting element 15. The spring element 18 thus loads the arresting element 15 out of the release position 2 and into the arrested position 1, in the direction R. A preload force is generated between the two legs, which force ensures that a release force K acts on the emergency opening element 11 when the latching means 15.1 on the arresting element 15 is released from the mating latching means 11.2 on the emergency opening element 11, which force allows the emergency opening element 11 to suddenly come off the door handle 10. In this case, the spring element 18 is arranged on a cam 18.1 on the installation element 10.1.

[0051] A specially designed release means 17, for example in the form of a shape memory alloy element, can allow for the arresting element 15 to be able to be moved into the release position 2, i.e. in the direction -R counter to the tensioning force R of the spring element 18, in order to release the emergency opening element 11. In this case, the release means 17 is formed in the manner of a wire, from a shape memory alloy, which wire is guided in the interior of the door handle 10 on corresponding guide means 17.1, 17.2 in the form of hooks. After an emergency situation is identified by an emergency situation sensor 22 (shown schematically), the release means 17 can be energized by a control unit 20, as a result of which said element can heat up and thus mechanically deform, in particular contract. The mechanical deformation of the shape memory alloy element 17 is used, according to the invention, to transfer the arresting element 15 into the release position 2. In order to obtain the necessary energy, an emergency power supply 21, for example in the form of a battery, may be provided in the door handle 10. Alternatively, it is likewise conceivable that the emergency situation may be able to be used for the emergency power supply 21, for example the deformation energy of the door panel may be converted into electrical energy, or the like. The mating latching means 15.1 is released from the latching means 11.1 in the direction -R and thus releases the emergency opening element 11. In addition it may be possible, according to the invention, for the release means 17 to be able to make use of various technologies in order to be actuated in an emergency situation. In this case, mechanical, electrical, combined electromagnetic or electromechanical, and pyrotechnical actuation of the release means 17 is conceivable.

[0052] In this case, the control unit 20 shown in the door handle 10 may function as a special control unit 20 for the release apparatus 14. Alternatively it is also conceivable, however, that the control unit 20 may be arranged in a central control unit 20 of the motor vehicle. In this case, the control unit 20 may also be designed for actuating the emergency situation 22 and the proximity sensor 23. In this case, the proximity sensor 23 may form part of a security system in the motor vehicle, for executing an authorization request.

[0053] Finally, it should also be noted that the embodiments and variants of the door handle 10 according to the invention shown here can be combined with one another as desired, provided said combinations do not explicitly mutually exclude themselves.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0054] 10 door handle [0055] 10.1 installation element [0056] 10.2 rails on the installation element for an arresting element [0057] 11 emergency opening element [0058] 11.1 connection means [0059] 11.2 mating latching means/notch [0060] 11.3 spring holding means [0061] 11a cover element [0062] 11b fastening element [0063] 12 traction means [0064] 12.1 complementary connection means/loop [0065] 13 loss-prevention means [0066] 14 release apparatus [0067] 15 arresting element [0068] 15.1 latching means/lug [0069] 16 slot [0070] 17 release means/shape memory alloy element [0071] 17.1 guide means [0072] 17.2 guide means [0073] 18 spring element [0074] 19 sealing element [0075] 20 control unit/electronics [0076] 21 emergency power supply [0077] 22 emergency situation sensor [0078] 23 proximity sensor [0079] 100 vehicle door, vehicle hatch, body [0080] 101 closure system [0081] I rest position of the emergency opening element [0082] II operating position of the emergency opening element [0083] 1 arrested position of the arresting element [0084] 2 release position of the arresting element [0085] A direction for automatically transferring the emergency opening element into the operating position [0086] B direction for engaging in the slot [0087] K release force [0088] R tensioning force