EP3194695B1 - Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention is directed to a door handle assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a handle support mounted on the inside of a door or flap of the motor vehicle, a handle for opening the door or flap of the motor vehicle, flush with the door or flap and in an actuated position in a rest position is disposed protruding from the door or flap, a handle from the rest position to the actuating position and back moving lever member whose first longitudinal end is pivotally mounted on the handle support and whose second longitudinal end supports the handle, and a transmission element which is movably mounted on the handle support and is operatively connected to the lever element, wherein for a current-driven normal operation, the transmission element from a basic position to a first normal operating position, in which the transmission element moves the handle via the lever element in the actuation position, rei n is electrically driven movable, and wherein an actuation of the handle arranged in its operating position opens a vehicle-side lock.

Such door handle assemblies for a motor vehicle may be embodied as an internal or external handle, wherein the present invention relates to a door handle assembly for an exterior handle. Such door handle assemblies have a variety of different constructions and embodiments. The inventive design of a door handle refers to such structures in which the handle support on the back of the door, ie inside the motor vehicle, is attached. The handle attached to the handle support is in such embodiments usually protruding from the door and disturbs both the aesthetic impression of the vehicle and the vehicle aerodynamics. To avoid these disadvantages, door handle assemblies are known in the art known in which the outside of the handle in its rest position, in which it is not needed, approximately flush with the outer contour of the door, so strakbündig runs. Such a handle can be transferred to open the door or a vehicle-mounted lock in an operating position in which the handle protrudes from the outer contour of the door.

A door handle assembly of the type described input is, for example, for electric cars from Tesla Motors Inc. and from the DE 10 2013 212 198 A1 known. This known door handle assembly has a flush in its rest position arranged handle, which is motor-driven movable from the rest position into an actuating position. Such a handle is preferably used in electric cars, in which the handle extends exclusively with a current-driven drive from its strakbündigen rest position, in which the handle for reducing the air resistance is disposed in the actuation position when a legitimate user approaches the vehicle. As soon as the handle is no longer needed, it returns to the rest position and thus disappears into the body so as not to create any air resistance. The disadvantage is that the handle in a failure of the motor drive can not be moved and the opening of a door is almost impossible, which is quite problematic for safety reasons.

The invention has for its object to provide a solution that provides a door handle assembly in a structurally simple manner, which is inexpensive to manufacture and in which the handle can be moved even in case of failure of the motor drive and is operable to open the door.

In a door handle assembly of the type referred input, the object is achieved in that for a powerless emergency operation, the transmission element from the home position to an emergency operating position in which the transmission element, the lever element at least to move the Handle pivoted into the actuation position, is designed to be movable.

Advantageous and expedient refinements and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention provides a door handle assembly of a motor vehicle is available, which is characterized by a functional design and has a compact and inexpensive construction. In the door handle assembly according to the invention, the movement of the transmission element in both the normal operation mode and the non-current emergency mode ensures that the handle is in the operating position in which it protrudes from the door or flap of the vehicle and operated by a user can to open the vehicle-side lock. With the door handle assembly according to the invention, it is consequently possible to open the door or flap of the vehicle purely manually even in the event of failure of the electrical supply. As a result, even in an emergency, such as a powerless emergency operation, a full functionality of the door handle assembly is given and maintained during normal operation, nevertheless, a maximum of aerodynamic advantages.

A structurally particularly simple way of realizing that actuation of the handle opens the vehicle-side lock consists in an embodiment of the invention in that a rotatably mounted on the handle support opening lever is coupled to the lock, wherein an actuation of the arranged in its operating position handle the opening lever a neutral position moves into an opening position opening the lock.

For the current-driven normal operation of the door handle assembly is provided in an embodiment of the invention that the door handle assembly has at least one drive, which moves the transmission element at least from the basic position in the first normal operating position in the current-driven normal operation. By the current-driven movement of the transmission element is the with the transmission element motion-coupled lever member pivoted at its first longitudinal end, whereby the handle is extended to the operating position and protrudes from the door or flap.

To increase the comfort of the door handle assembly according to the present invention, it is advantageous in another embodiment, if at least one proximity sensor is arranged in the handle and / or on the handle carrier, which is formed with the drive information-connected so that in the current-driven normal operation of the proximity sensor at Detecting the approach or touch of a legitimate user activates the drive and then this moves the transmission element from the home position to the first normal operating position.

In the case of the door handle arrangement according to the invention, the comfort can be further increased if, in the normal operation of the current-operated operation, the at least one proximity sensor reverses the lock from a locking position to an unlocked position when approaching or touching a legitimized or authorized user. This allows keyless access for the vehicle.

So that the user in the current-driven normal operation does not have to apply a high manual force to open the lock, the invention provides in a further embodiment that a detection means is provided, which is formed in such an information-connected to the drive that in the current-driven normal operation upon detection a manual actuation of the handle arranged in its actuating position, the detection means activates the at least one drive for moving the transmission element from the first normal operating position to a second normal operating position in which the transmission element cooperates with the vehicle-side lock opening lever. The opening of the lock is therefore in the current-driven normal operation with the help of the drive, which further increases the comfort for the user.

A structurally particularly compact and space-saving design is for the door handle assembly according to the invention in Further embodiment possible in that the opening lever is rotatably mounted on a rotatably mounted on the handle carrier gear, wherein the gear is in engagement with a toothed rod mounted on the transmission element.

In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if, during a movement of the transmission element from the first to the second normal operating position, the rack moved by the transmission element at least for a part of its path of movement drives the gear and urges the opening lever in the opening position. A movement of the transmission element in the current-driven normal operation thus moves the rack, whereby the gear meshing with the rack gear is rotated, on which the opening lever is rotationally fixed, so that ultimately the opening lever pivots to its open position, thereby opening the lock.

The transmission element moves from the home position on the first normal operating position to the second normal operating position along the handle carrier, but a movement coupling between the transmission element and the rack (ultimately for the deflection of the opening lever) only between the first and second normal operating position, but not between the home position and the first normal operating position is desired. For this reason, the invention provides in a further embodiment of the door handle assembly, that the rack has a movement pin which is inserted in a recess in the transmission element, wherein the rack is movable relative to the transmission element in the recess.

The invention provides in a further embodiment that the transmission element is biased in the direction of the first emergency operating position and a locking means is pivotally mounted on the transmission element, which blocks a movement of the transmission element from the basic position in the emergency operating position in a detent position. The transmission element is thus biased in the direction of the emergency operating position, for which purpose, for example, a spring element can be used, thus in the currentless Emergency operation an automatic movement of the transmission element from the home position is possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the handle in the currentless emergency operation from the strikbündigen rest position is movable into an unlocked position in the door or flap. For example, the locking means may have been moved in the unlocking position from its locking position, so that a movement of the transmission element in the direction of the emergency operating position is possible.

So that this movement of the transmission element is controlled in the direction of the emergency operating position and not accidental, is provided in an embodiment of the invention that in the unlocking a trained on the lever element Entriegelungsansatz extending beyond the first longitudinal end, which defines a pivot axis for the lever element, from the second longitudinal end extends away, the locking means urges out of its detent position, so that the biased in the direction of the emergency operating position transmission element can move to the emergency operating position.

A structurally particularly simple way to extend the handle from its rest position, both for the current-driven normal operation and for the current emergency operation is that the transmission element in its movement from the basic position in the direction of the first normal operating position the Entriegelungsansatz along a first Ausschwenkfläche and at its movement from the home position in the direction of the emergency operating position the Entriegelungsansatz along a second Ausschwenkfläche such moves that the lever member pivots about the pivot axis and moves the handle in the actuated position. The respective Ausschwenkfläche the transmission element ensures that the lever member is pivoted and thereby exposing the handle so that it protrudes from the door or flap and can be handled by a user.

Accordingly, the invention provides in a further embodiment of the door handle assembly that the first Ausschwenkfläche and the second Ausschwenkfläche are each formed as an obliquely away from the handle carrier leading surface, which urges the Entriegelungsansatz from the handle support away on movement of the transmission element in the first normal operating position or in the emergency operating position and thereby pivots the handle in the actuation position.

In order to open the lock of the door handle assembly in the currentless emergency operation, the invention provides in a further embodiment that the handle is operatively coupled or connected via a handling element with the opening lever such that in the currentless emergency operation by an actuation of the operating position arranged handle the handle urges the handling element against the opening lever and moves it from the neutral position to the open position.

Structurally, it is of particular advantage if the movements of the transmission element for both operating cases are substantially identical. Accordingly, the invention provides that the movement of the transmission element from the home position, at least in the first normal operating position is a linear movement, which extends to the movement of the transmission element from the home position at least in the emergency operating position in an opposite direction. Consequently, the basic position represents a kind of middle position from which the transmission element moves either in the current-driven normal operation in the direction of the first normal operating position or in the current emergency operation in the direction of the first emergency operating position, wherein there is a single linear movement path for both movements and the basic position of the transmission element in the center the movement path is provided.

Finally, the invention provides in an advantageous manner that the handle support an emergency lock cylinder is attached, which is accessible in the actuated position of the handle from the outside for a mechanical emergency key to unlock the lock. In this way, the lock can then be unlocked before it is to be opened manually.

It is understood that the features to be explained above and below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

• Figur 1 eine Seitenansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit mehreren erfindungsgemäßen Türgriffanordnungen,
• Figur 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Tür mit strakbündig angeordneter Handhabe,
• Figur 3 eine vergrößerte, perspektivische Ansicht auf die Tür mit ausgestellter Handhabe,
• Figur 4 eine Rückansicht auf die Tür mit daran angebrachtem Griffträger und einer Schlossbaugruppe,
• Figur 5 eine vergrößerte Ansicht auf eine Türgriffanordnung ohne Darstellung der Tür,
• Figur 6 eine Baugruppe der Türgriffanordnung mit einem Übertragungselement in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• Figur 7 eine perspektivische Einzelteildarstellung der Baugruppe aus Figur 6,
• Figur 8 eine Draufsicht auf das Übertragungselement aus den Figuren 6 und 7,
• Figur 9 eine schematische Rückansicht auf die Anordnung von Bauteilen der Türgriffanordnung mit der Handhabe in Ruheposition,
• Figur 10 eine seitliche Ansicht der Anordnung aus Figur 9,
• Figur 11 eine schematische Rückansicht auf die Anordnung von Bauteilen der Türgriffanordnung für den strombetriebenen Normalbetrieb mit der Handhabe in Betätigungsposition,
• Figur 12 eine seitliche Ansicht der Anordnung aus Figur 11,
• Figur 13 eine schematische Rückansicht auf die Anordnung von Bauteilen der Türgriffanordnung für den strombetriebenen Normalbetrieb mit betätigter Handhabe,
• Figur 14 eine seitliche Ansicht der Anordnung aus Figur 13,
• Figur 15 eine vergrößerte Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung mit der Handhabe in Ruheposition,
• Figur 16 eine vergrößerte Rückansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung mit der Handhabe in Ruheposition,
• Figur 17 eine seitliche Schnittansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung mit der Handhabe in Ruheposition,
• Figur 18 eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Türgriffanordnung für einen stromlosen Notbetrieb mit der Handhabe in Entriegelungsposition,
• Figur 19 eine weitere seitliche Schnittansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung für den stromlosen Notbetrieb mit der Handhabe in Entriegelungsposition,
• Figur 20 eine vergrößerte Ansicht auf Bauteile der Türgriffanordnung für den stromlosen Notbetrieb mit der Handhabe in Betätigungsposition,
• Figur 21 eine seitliche Schnittansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung aus Figur 20,
• Figur 22 eine vergrößerte Ansicht auf Bauteile der Türgriffanordnung für den stromlosen Notbetrieb mit betätigter Handhabe und
• Figur 23 eine seitliche Schnittansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung aus Figur 21.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing, in which by way of example a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In the drawing shows:

• FIG. 1 a side view of a motor vehicle with a plurality of door handle assemblies according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 a perspective view of a door with strabbündig arranged handle,
• FIG. 3 an enlarged, perspective view of the door with flared handle,
• FIG. 4 a rear view of the door with attached handle carrier and a lock assembly,
• FIG. 5 an enlarged view of a door handle assembly without showing the door,
• FIG. 6 an assembly of the door handle assembly with a transmission element in perspective view,
• FIG. 7 an individual perspective view of the assembly FIG. 6 .
• FIG. 8 a plan view of the transmission element from the FIGS. 6 and 7 .
• FIG. 9 a schematic rear view of the arrangement of components of the door handle assembly with the handle in rest position,
• FIG. 10 a side view of the arrangement FIG. 9 .
• FIG. 11 a schematic rear view of the arrangement of components of the door handle assembly for the current-driven normal operation with the handle in the actuated position,
• FIG. 12 a side view of the arrangement FIG. 11 .
• FIG. 13 a schematic rear view of the arrangement of components of the door handle assembly for the current-driven normal operation with actuated handle,
• FIG. 14 a side view of the arrangement FIG. 13 .
• FIG. 15 an enlarged view of the door handle assembly with the handle in rest position,
• FIG. 16 an enlarged rear view of the door handle assembly with the handle in rest position,
• FIG. 17 a side sectional view of the door handle assembly with the handle in rest position,
• FIG. 18 a side sectional view of the door handle assembly for a powerless emergency operation with the handle in unlocking position,
• FIG. 19 a further sectional side view of the door handle assembly for the currentless emergency operation with the handle in the unlocked position,
• FIG. 20 an enlarged view of components of the door handle assembly for the currentless emergency operation with the handle in the actuated position,
• FIG. 21 a side sectional view of the door handle assembly FIG. 20 .
• FIG. 22 an enlarged view of components of the door handle assembly for the current emergency operation with actuated handle and
• FIG. 23 a side sectional view of the door handle assembly FIG. 21 ,

In FIG. 1 is a vehicle or motor vehicle 1 in the form of a car exemplified, which in the example of four doors 2 (two of which are from FIG. 1 apparent), which can be opened via a door handle assembly 3 and in particular by means of a door handle or a handle 4. The doors 2 are firmly closed by a respective lock 5 and can be opened from the outside only via a respective movement of the handle 4. This movement on the handle 4 may consist of a pulling and / or folding movement, wherein the corresponding movement of the handle 4 is transmitted to the corresponding lock 5. Through the movement of Handle 4 can be the corresponding lock 5 and thus the associated door 2 then open.

In the FIGS. 2 to 23 the door handle assembly 3 according to the invention is shown in different views for different positions of the individual components to each other and for different operating cases in more detail, which will be discussed in detail below.

The FIGS. 2 and 3 show in perspective view respectively the door 2 and serving to open the door 2 handle 4. In FIG. 2 the handle 4 is approximately flush with the outer contour of the door 2, that is aligned flush. In this position, she is in a rest position, in which she is not needed. From the in FIG. 2 shown rest position is the handle 4 in an in FIG. 3 shown actuated position in which the handle 4 protrudes from the outer contour of the door 2. Accordingly, the handle 4 is arranged protruding from the door 2 in its operating position. In this protruding or extended operating position, a user can manipulate the handle 4 to open the door 2 and the vehicle-mounted lock 5, respectively. According to the present invention, the transfer of the handle 4 from the rest position to the operating position can take place either in a current-driven normal operation by means of a suitable drive means or in a currentless emergency operation by means of manual actuation by the user.

Like the one FIGS. 4 and 5 can be seen, the door handle assembly 3 has a frame-like handle support 6. The handle support 6 is known to attach the handle 4, in FIG. 5 is arranged in its rest position. The handle support is fastened by means not shown screw on the inside of the door 2, that is on the inside of the door 2. In this case, the grip carrier 6 is formed for reasons of material saving predominantly of a frame structure which has various recording and storage areas to accommodate, among other things, the handle 4, for opening a corresponding door 2 of the motor vehicle 1 and for opening the vehicle-mounted lock fifth is determined. For example, the handle carrier 6 laterally next to the handle 4, a receiving chamber 7, in which an emergency lock cylinder 8 can be attached, so that the handle support 6, the emergency lock cylinder 8 is attached. The emergency lock cylinder 8 is accessible in the operating position of the handle 4 from the outside for a mechanical emergency key to unlock the lock 5, such as FIG. 3 shows.

In particular FIG. 5 can be seen, the handle 4 is not stored directly on the handle support 6. Rather, the handle 4 is held by a lever element 9, which is H-shaped. Two bearing arms 10 of the H-shaped lever element 9 define a first longitudinal end 11 of the lever element 9, whereas two retaining arms 12 define a second longitudinal end 14 of the lever element 9. Here, the first longitudinal end 11 and the bearing arms 10 of the lever member 9 is pivotally mounted on the handle support 6, so that the handle 4 can be moved by means of the lever member 9 from the rest position to the operating position and back. In particular, the two bearing arms 10 are pivotally mounted on the handle carrier via a pivot axis 21. In contrast, takes the second longitudinal end 14 and take the retaining arms 12 of the lever member 9, the handle 4.

FIG. 5 further shows that on the handle support 6, a transmission element 15 is movably mounted. The transmission element 15 has a recess 17, in which a molded onto the handle support 6 rail 16, whereby the transmission element 15 is movable transversely to the handle support 6. The transmission element 15 is in the FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 shown in detail and has a first Ausschwenkfläche 18 and a second Ausschwenkfläche 19, which serve to guide an opening formed on the lever member 9 Entriegelungsansatzes 20 extending between the two bearing arms 10 and the first longitudinal end 11 addition. The two Ausschwenkflächen 18 and 19 are particularly good in the plan view of the transmission element 15 in FIG. 8 to recognize.

Between the first Ausschwenkfläche 18 and the second Ausschwenkfläche 19, the transmission element 16 a Opening 22 (see FIG. 7 ), in which a latching means 23 is pivotally supported. The locking means 23 can block movement of the transmission element 15, for which purpose it is in engagement with the grip carrier 6, as will be described in detail below.

The transmission element 15 also has a recess 24 (see, for example FIGS. 7 and 8 ) formed in its top. The recess 24 serves to receive a movement pin 25, which is formed on the underside of a rack 26. Thus, the rack 26 is inserted with its movement pin 25 in the recess 24 and movable in the recess 24, so that the rack 26 can move relative to the transmission element 15 and also transversely to the handle support 6.

As further from the Figures 5 and 6 shows, the rack 26 is in engagement with the teeth of a gear 27. The gear 27 is rotatably mounted on the handle support 6 and formed only circular segment. The circular segment-shaped training serves the compactness and reduction of the installation space and is therefore possible because the gear 27 does not need to perform a complete revolution in its operation. On the gear 27, an opening lever 28 is further mounted rotationally fixed, so that the opening lever 28 can rotate together with the gear 27 about the axis 29 of the gear 27. As a result, the opening lever 28 is rotatably mounted on the handle support 6 and also with the lock 5 via a Bowden cable 30 (see FIG. 5 ) coupled. The opening lever 28 is movable from a neutral position into an opening position opening the lock 5.

A movement of the opening lever 28 from its neutral position to the lock opening 5 opening position can be achieved by a movement of the rack 26 through which the gear 27 is rotated about the axis 29, whereby the rotationally fixed to the gear 27 mounted opening lever 28 is pivoted accordingly , The pivoting of the opening lever 28 can also be realized by means of a handling element 31 which is movable the handle support 6 is held. More specifically, the handling member 31 extends within a guide channel 32 which is formed on the handle support 6 and allows a linear movement of the handling member 31 in the direction of the opening lever 28. The handling member 31 is eccentrically attached to the gear 27 at a first end and to the opening lever 28 at the end such that movement of the handle 31 in the direction of the gear 27 causes pivoting of the opening lever 28 and rotation of the gear (referring to FIG FIG. 5 counterclockwise) causes.

On the transmission element 15, a drive angle 33 is also attached. The drive angle 33 is laterally inserted into holding means 35 of the transmission element 15 and connected to an actuator or actuator via the Bowden cable 34. The drive angle 33 serves to move the transmission element 15 in a current-driven normal operation, but for this purpose the locking means 23 must be arranged in its detent position, because the locking means 23 serves as a contact surface for the drive angle 33, otherwise in a pulling movement through the Bowden cable 34th would be pulled out of the holding means 35. For an opposite movement, ie for a movement of the transmission element 15 with respect to FIG. 5 to the left (ie for a movement away from the gear 27), the drive angle 33 is not determined. The drive angle 33 is determined only for a movement of the transmission element 15 to the right, ie in the direction of the gear 27.

Hereinafter, starting from those already described above FIGS. 1 to 8 together with the FIGS. 9 to 23 the operation of the door handle assembly 3 according to the invention described. The door handle assembly 3 is characterized in that it can be used in addition to its current-driven normal operation even in an emergency in a powerless emergency operation for a user. For the currentless emergency operation, only a mechanical emergency key is required to open the lock 5, but of course an authorized or legitimate user has access to it.

The FIGS. 9 to 14 show different representations for the current-driven normal operation, with different functional positions are shown. For example, in the FIGS. 9 and 10 a basic position of the door handle assembly 3 shown, in which the handle 4 in a flush with the outer contour of the door 2 arranged rest position, the transmission element 15 a home position, the opening lever 28 are in a neutral position and the locking means 23 in a detent position. In the basic position of the transmission element 15, the Entriegelungsansatz 20 is centrally located between the first and second Ausschwenkfläche 18, 19, so that the lever member 9 is not pivoted and consequently holds the lever member 9, the handle 4 in the rest position. In the latching position, the latching means 23 prevents a movement of the transmission element 15 which is directed away from the gear 27. The transmission element 15 is biased in the direction away from the gear 27 by means of a spring element 36, so that the latching means 23 prevents the spring element 36 from transmitting 15 pulls to himself. The spring element 36 is attached at one end to the handle support 6, whereas the other end is attached to the transmission element 15. The latching means 23 in its latching position, however, allows movement of the transmission element 15 in the direction of the gear 36, to which end the force of the spring element 36 is overcome.

When the handle 4 is in the rest position and now an authorized or legitimate user approaches the vehicle or the handle 4, this is detected in the current-driven normal operation of the door handle assembly 3 by a proximity sensor 37. The proximity sensor 37 is schematically shown in FIGS FIGS. 10, 12 and 14 represented and arranged in the embodiment shown in the handle support 6, wherein alternatively an arrangement of the proximity sensor 37 in the handle 4 would be considered. The proximity sensor 37 is provided with a drive 38, which may be a servomotor or actuator and in the FIGS. 9, 11 and 13 is shown only schematically, information connected educated. This means that in the current-driven normal operation, the proximity sensor 37 upon detection of the approach or touch of a legitimate user activates the drive 38 and then moves the transmission element 15 from the home position to a first normal operating position, which moves into the FIGS. 11 and 12 is shown. In particular, the drive 38 pulls via a traction means at the drive angle 33, so that the transmission element 15 is moved to the first normal operating position. This movement of the transmission element 15 takes place counter to the force of the spring element 36 and in the direction of the gear 27, as the arrow 39 in FIG. 11 displays. During the movement of the transmission element 15 in the first normal operating position, the first Ausschwenkfläche 18 comes into contact with the Entriegelungsansatz 20 of the lever member 9. The first Ausschwenkfläche 18 urges the Entriegelungsansatz 20 away from the handle support 6, whereby the lever member 9 pivots about the pivot axis 21 and the Handle 4 is moved to its operating position. In the issued operating position now a user can operate the handle 4 to open the door 2, wherein for the current-driven normal operation, the issuing of the handle 4 in the operating position purely electrically by the drive 38 without the user has to expend force. How further FIG. 11 can be seen moves the rack 26 relative to the transmission element 15 during the movement of the transmission element 15 from the basic position to the first normal operating position. The opening lever 28 is hardly deflected during this movement - at least, however, the lock 5 in motion the first normal operating position is not yet open, because that is the in FIG. 11 Seeing deflection of the opening lever 28 is not sufficiently large.

In order to open the lock 5, the user has to operate the handle 4 (see FIG FIG. 12 ) by pulling it up in the illustrated embodiment. The handle 4 is therefore not only extendable by means of the lever member 9, but with Help a rocker arm 40 (see, for example FIG. 19 ) Upwardly or upwardly rotatable, wherein alternatively also a downward rotational movement of the handle 4 is conceivable. The handle 4 is rotatably mounted on the first longitudinal end of the rocker arm 40, wherein a bearing pin 43 of the handle support 6 within a formed on the second longitudinal end of the rocker arm 40 guide recess 42 is movable, whereby in particular the second longitudinal end of the rocker arm 40 is movable relative to the handle support 6 ( see for example FIGS. 21 and 23 , which show the tilting movement of the handle 4 for the currentless emergency operation, the tilting movement being identical for the current-driven normal operation). The user does not have to pull excessively on the handle 4, so that the desired opening of the lock 5 takes place. Rather, a slight tilting movement of the handle 4 arranged in the actuation position is sufficient, for example, by 1 °. Because of this slight tilting movement of the handle 4 is a detection means 47, which may be, for example, a microswitch, operated, which is information-connected to the drive 38, so that actuation of the detection means 43 activates the drive 38. As a result, the drive 38 moves in the current-driven normal operation, the transmission element 15 from the first normal operating position to a second normal operating position (see, for example FIGS. 13 and 14 ). Due to the further movement of the transmission element 15, which is indicated by the arrow 45, the Entriegelungsansatz 20 remains pushed by the handle support 6 away, but he is not pressed further in the movement from the first normal operating position to the second normal operating position. However, the movement pin 25 of the rack 26 is now in the movement of the transmission element 15 from the first to the second normal operating position at the left longitudinal end of the recess 24 in the transmission element 15, so that upon movement of the transmission element 15 in the direction of arrow 45, the rack 26 is moved. During the movement of the transmission element 15 from the first to the second normal operating position then drives the transmission of the element 15 at least for a part of their Moving path mitbewegte rack 26, the gear 27 and urges the opening lever 28 in the open position. Thus, the gear 27, whose teeth are in engagement with the teeth of the rack 26, moves counterclockwise. The rotation of the gear 27 causes the rotatably mounted on the gear 27 opening lever 28 pivots. The pivoting movement of the opening lever 28 in turn causes a pulling on the Bowden cable 30 connected to the lock 5, whereby the lock 5 is finally opened. The drive 38 moves the transmission element 15 so far until the opening lever 28 actuates a microswitch 47 which is coupled to the drive 38 such that the actuation of the microswitch 47 by the opening lever 28 stops the drive 38, whereby the opening operation for the lock. 5 is completed in power-driven normal operation.

After the lock 5 is opened, the drive 38 can travel back again in the current-driven normal operation, so that the transmission element 15 is urged back in the direction of the basic position due to the force of the spring element 36. For example, the drive 38 may retract so far that the opening lever 28 is again located in the neutral position, i. the transmission element 15 is moved back to the first normal operating position. In contrast, the door handle can then still be issued and be reset only based on a signal of the vehicle 1, for example, due to a start of the vehicle engine in the rest position.

Should there be a failure of the electrical supply of the vehicle 1 or a failure of the motor drive 38, the transmission element 15 can not be moved to issue the handle 4 and the opening lever 28 to open the door 2 and the lock fifth to move into the opening position. In other words, a current-driven normal operation of the door handle assembly 3 is no longer possible. According to the invention, however, the door handle assembly 3 is designed such that it can enable an electroless emergency operation even without electrical supply, by the alone with manual operation by a user, the lock 5 of a door 1 of a vehicle 1 can be opened. In the FIGS. 15 to 23 below, the currentless emergency operation of the door handle assembly 3 will be explained.

The FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 again show the basic position of the door handle assembly 3, in which the handle 4 in the rest position, the transmission element 15 in the home position, the opening lever 28 in the neutral position and the locking means 23 are arranged in the detent position. As already explained above for the current-driven normal operation, the locking means 23 prevents movement of the transmission element 15 in a direction opposite to the direction of the gear 27. The blockage generates the latching means 23 by being attached to a stop surface 48 (see FIG FIG. 16 ) of the handle carrier 6 is applied. In this way it is prevented that the transmission element 15 can move with the attached locking means 23 away from the gear 27. However, a movement in the direction of the gear 27 is possible because the handle support 6 has a movement recess 49, which allows the locking means 23 in its locking position, that the transmission element 25 in the current-driven normal operation together with the locking means 23 from the basic position on the first normal operating position can move to the second normal operating position.

In currentless emergency operation, a user will now manually push the handle 4 in a first step in the direction of the vehicle interior, which in the FIGS. 18 and 19 is shown by the respective arrow. In other words, the handle 4 in the currentless emergency operation from the straight-line rest position in an indented into the door 2 unlocking position movable. The two FIGS. 18 and 19 show different lateral sectional views of the handle support 6 with the components mounted and fastened thereto. The force directed inwardly on the handle 4 by the user causes the lever member 9 to pivot about the pivotal axis 21 via the engaged handle 4, whereby the force acting on the first longitudinal end 11 and the pivot axis 21 of the Lever element 9 extending beyond Entriegelungsansatz 20 moves in the direction of the handle support 6. Because the transmission element 15 is in the home position, in which the unlocking lug 20 is disposed between the first and second pivot surfaces 18, 19, the unlatching lug 20 presses against the latching means 23 and rotates it about its axis of rotation 50 (see, for example FIGS. 17 and 18 ) that the latching means 23 is moved out of its detent position and out of engagement with the handle support 6, as in FIG. 18 is shown.

Because the latching means 23 no longer bears against the stop surface 48 of the handle carrier 6, a movement of the transmission element 15 is possible counter to the direction of the rotatably mounted on the handle support 6 gear 26. The spring element 36 pulls the transmission element 15 away from the gear 26 and moves the transmission element 15 into an emergency operating position (see FIG FIGS. 20 and 21 ) When the locking means 23 is moved out of its locking position. In other words, the transmission element 15 is biased in the direction of the emergency operating position, wherein a locking means 23 is pivotally mounted on the transmission element 15 which blocks in its rest position movement of the transmission element 15 from the basic position in the direction of the emergency operating position.

How out FIG. 20 As can be seen, the Entriegelungsansatz 20 moves during the movement of the transmission element 15 from the home position to the emergency operating position along the second Ausschwenkfläche 19, which causes a pivoting of the lever member 9 about the pivot axis 21, which in turn causes that at the second longitudinal end 14th the lever member 9 mounted handle 4 is issued in the operating position in which it protrudes from the door 2 of the vehicle 1. In this movement of the transmission element 15, the movement pin 25 of the rack 26 moves in the recess 24 of the transmission element 15 relative to this, without causing the opening lever 28 is moved out of its neutral position. Consequently, the transfer element 15 moves in its movement from the home position in the direction of Emergency operating position the Entriegelungsansatz 20 along the second Ausschwenkfläche 19 such that the lever member 9 pivots about the pivot axis 21 and moves the handle 4 in the operating position. The manually performed by a user impressions of the handle 4 thus causes the handle 4 is issued automatically and without current-driven drive 38 in the operating position.

Both for the current-driven normal operation and for the currentless emergency operation applies that the first Ausschwenkfläche 18 and the second Ausschwenkfläche 19 are each formed as an obliquely away from the handle support 6 leading surface, which upon movement of the transmission element 15 in the first normal operating position or in the Emergency operating position urges the Entriegelungsansatz 20 from the handle support 6 and thereby pivots the handle 4 in the actuated position in which a user can operate or handle them to open the lock 5. Likewise applies to normal operation and emergency operation that the movement of the transmission element 15 from the home position at least in the emergency operating position is a linear movement, which is at least in the first normal operating position in an opposite direction to the movement of the transmission element 15 from the home position.

So that the lock 5 of the door 2 of the vehicle 1 can now be opened in the currentless emergency operation, the user must first unlock the lock 5 of the door 2 with the aid of a mechanical emergency key. Like, for example FIG. 3 it can be seen, arranged in the operating position handle 4 allows that such a mechanical emergency key can be inserted into the emergency lock cylinder 8 in order to unlock the lock 5.

When the lock 5 is unlocked with the aid of the emergency key, the lock 5 can be opened by the user pulling on the handle 4 or by pivoting the handle 4 about the axis of rotation 41. In contrast to the current-driven normal operation, in the currentless emergency operation, a pivoting of the handle 4 arranged in the actuation position is approximately 30 ° necessary to achieve the desired opening of the lock 5. By pulling on the handle 4, as in the FIGS. 22 and 23 is shown, the handle 4 rotates about the axis of rotation 41, whereby a formed on the handle 4 approach 51 moves in the direction of the gear 27. This approach 51 presses on the guided in the guide channel 32 in the direction of the gear 27 handling element 31, so that the handling element 31 moves in the direction of the gear 27 and thereby presses on the rotatably held on the gear 27 opening lever 28. Thereby, the opening lever 28 from the neutral position in the in FIG. 22 rotated opening position shown, so that the coupled with the lock 5 Bowden cable 30 is actuated and the lock 5 is opened. Accordingly, the handle 4 is so operatively coupled or connected via the handling element 31 with the opening lever 28, that in the de-energized emergency operation by operating the arranged in its operating position handle 4, the handle 4, the handling element 31 against the opening lever 28 urges and this from the Neutral position moved to the open position.

In summary, a door handle assembly 3 has been described above, in which the handle 4 is issued from its strbbündigen position in a normal operation, whereby a user can operate the handle 4, which is detected by sensors or switches, whereupon the lock 5 of the door is opened electrically becomes. The door handle assembly 3 is characterized by its mechanical redundancy, which allows an electroless emergency operation, wherein the transmission element 15, the opening lever 28 and the handle 4 are assigned to open the lock 5 of the door 2 both in the current-driven normal operation and in the powerless emergency operation.

Claims (15)

1. A door handle assembly (3) for a motor vehicle (1) having a handle support (6) fastened to the inside of a door (2) or hatch of the motor vehicle (1),
   a handle (4) which is used to open the door (2) or hatch of the motor vehicle (1) and which is arranged so as to lie flat flush with the door (2) or hatch in a rest position and protruding from the door (2) in an actuating position,
   a lever element (9) of which the first longitudinal end (11) is mounted pivotably on the handle support (6) and of which the second longitudinal end (14) supports the handle (4), which lever element moves the handle (4) from the rest position into the actuating position and back, and
   a transfer element (15) which is supported movably on the handle support (6) and is operatively connected to the lever element (9),
   wherein for power driven normal operation the transfer element (15) is designed to be driven purely electrically from a home position into a first normal operation position, in which the transfer element (15) moves the handle (4) into the actuating position via the lever element (9), and
   wherein an actuation of the handle (4) disposed in its actuating position opens a vehicle lock (5),
   characterized, in that
   for emergency operation without electrical power the transfer element (15) is designed to be movable from the home position into an emergency operation position in which the transfer element (15) pivots the lever element (9) at least to move the handle (4) into the actuating position.
2. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 1, characterized in that an opening lever (28) mounted rotatably on the handle support (6) is coupled with the lock (5), wherein an actuation of the handle (4) disposed in the actuating position thereof moves the opening lever (28) from a neutral position into an opening position which opens the lock (5).
3. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the door handle assembly (3) has at least one drive (38) which in the power driven normal operation moves the transfer element (15) at least from the home position into the first normal operating position.
4. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 3, characterized in that at least one proximity sensor (37) is arranged in the handle (4) and/or on the handle support (6), and is designed to be connected to the drive (38) for exchanging information in such manner that in the power driven normal operation when the approach of or contact by an authenticated user the proximity sensor (37) activates the drive (38), which then moves the transfer element (15) from the home position into the first normal operating position.
5. The door handle assembly (3) according to any one of Claims 3 to 4, characterized in that a detection means (43) is provided, which is designed to be connected to the drive (38) for exchanging information in such manner that in the power driven normal operation when a manual actuation of the handle (4) in the actuating position thereof is detected, the detection means (43) activates the at least one drive (38) for moving the transfer element (15) from the first normal operating position into a second normal operating position in which the transfer element (15) cooperates with opening lever (28) that opens the vehicle lock (5).
6. The door handle assembly (3) according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the opening lever (28) is fastened in non-rotating manner to a gearwheel (27) which is mounted rotatably on the handle support (6), wherein the gearwheel (27) is in engagement with a toothed rack (26) which is mounted on the transfer element (15).
7. The door handle assembly (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that when the transfer element (15) moves from the first into the second normal operating position, the toothed rack (26) which is entrained along at least part of its path of movement by the transfer element (15) drives the gearwheel (27) and pushes the opening lever (28) into the open position.
8. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the toothed rack (26) is equipped with a motion pin (25) which engages in a recess (24) in the transfer element (15), wherein the toothed rack (26) is movable in the recess relative to the transfer element (15).
9. The door handle assembly (3) according to any one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the transfer element (15) is pretensioned in the direction of the emergency operation position and a latching means (23) is mounted pivotably on the transfer element (15), which blocks a movement of the transfer element (15) from the home position in the direction of emergency operation position when it is in the locking position.
10. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 9, characterized in that in emergency operation without electrical power the handle (4) is movable from the flat flush rest position into an unlocking position in which it is engaged in the door (2) or hatch.
11. The door handle assembly (3) according to claim 10, characterized in that in the unlocking position an unlocking mechanism (20) which is formed on the lever element (9) and extends over the first longitudinal end (11) which defines a pivot axis (21) for the lever element (9) and away from the second longitudinal end (12), pushes the latching means (23) out of its latching position so that the transfer element (15) which is pretensioned in the direction of the emergency operation position can move into the emergency operation position.
12. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 11, characterized in that as it moves from the home position towards the first normal operating position the transfer element (15) moves the unlocking mechanism (20) along a first deflection surface (18) and as it moves from the home position towards the emergency operation position the transfer element moves the unlocking mechanism (20) along a second deflection surface (19) in such manner that the lever element (9) pivots about the pivot axis (21) and moves the handle (4) into the actuating position.
13. The door handle assembly (3) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the first deflection surface (18) and the second deflection surface (19) are each designed as a surface which is inclined away from the handle support (6) and when the transfer element (15) moves into the first normal operating position or the emergency operating position each pushes the unlocking mechanism (20) away from the handle support (6), thus causing the handle (4) to pivot into the operating position.
14. The door handle assembly (3) according to any one of Claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the handle (4) is operatively connected to the opening lever (28) via a handling element (31) in such a way that, during emergency operation without electrical power, actuation of the handle (4) arranged in its actuating position causes the handle (4) to push the handling element (31) towards the opening lever (28) and move it out of the neutral position and into the opening position.
15. The door handle assembly (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement of the transfer element (15) from the home position into at least the first normal operating position is a linear movement, which moves in the opposite direction to the movement of the transfer element (15) from the home position into at least the emergency operation position.

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