Door handle equipped with an automatic retractable flap

• US 20040177478A1
• Filed: 01/30/2004
• Published: 09/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Louvel, Philippe
• Granted Patent: US 7,108,301 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 16/430
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/06 Mounting of handles, e.g. to the wing or to the lock
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 79/20 using flexible connections, e.g. Bowden cables
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/06 using rotary motors
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/28 Linearly reciprocating elements
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/77 comprising sensors detecting the presence of the hand of a user
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 81/78 as part of a hands-free locking or unlocking operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/01 Mechanical arrangements specially adapted for hands-free locking or unlocking handles with means for initiation of a hands-free locking or unlocking process E05B81/78
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/103 creating a completely closed wing surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 292/37 Push button operators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1082 Motor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/57 Operators with knobs or handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7062 Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]

Abstract

The invention relates to an external door handle for the side door, rear door or boot of a motor vehicle, said door handle being fitted with a flap (1) that retracts automatically when the handle is used. The flap is fitted with a sensor (5) which detects the presence of a hand opposite said flap. When the flap is not in use, it is closed in such a way as to be perfectly flush with the external surface (2) of the door and it is held in position by a spring recall system. An actuation device, which is controlled by a computer, is designed to retract the flap at the appropriate moment in order to provide access to the door opening control (8). Said flap system can be connected to an electric—or mechanical-type—opening control. The inventive handle affords the advantage of being very practical to use and having a value-enhancing style and appearance.

Claims

1. An automobile door external handle system, for side door, rear door or boot, said door handle being fitted with a retractable flap, characterized in that said flap is fitted with a sensor able to detect the presence of a hand or of a finger in proximity of the flap, and that said flap retracts automatically when the handle is used by the user'"'"'s hand.

2. The automobile door external handle system of claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is of capacitive type and is completely hidden behind the flap.

3. The automobile door external handle system according to anyone of the claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the folding device allows a manual folding action on the flap, with return to the rest position by a spring return system.

4. The automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the door control is of electrical type, with no direct mechanical link to the door latch.

5. The automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the door control is of mechanical type, with a direct mechanical link from the handle to the door latch.

6. The automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flap, in closed position, matches perfectly the outer form of the automobile body.

7. The automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flap rotates along a longitudinal axis located in the bottom part of the flap.

8. The automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the flap, being closed position most of the time, protects the handle control from getting dirty by the environment undergone by the vehicle.

9. A control process of the automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the system permanently monitors the sensor output, and in the case the sensor gives the positive information of a presence and that further the door unlatching authorization is present or obtained, said system controls the retraction of the flap, in order to give access to the door opening control.

10. A control process of the automobile door external handle system according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the system permanently monitors the sensor output, and in the case the flap is retracted and the sensor gives the negative information of presence for some hundreds of milliseconds, said system controls the return of the flap to the rest position.