Locks – Operating mechanism – Using a powered device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-01
2001-06-19
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3627)
Locks
Operating mechanism
Using a powered device
C292S336300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247343
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for locking and unlocking a door, in particular a motor vehicle door, with an electric lock and a door handle, in which transmission of query information to a portable electronic authorization ID means can be initiated via a control unit provided for the door on operation of the door handle in opposite directions out of the resting position, with the authorization ID means causing transmission of input identification information on receipt of the query information, and with the control unit comparing the identification information after receipt with predetermined authorized identification information and, if it agrees with some predetermined identification information, the locking of the door or its unlocking with the release of the catch is executed or canceled by controlling the electric lock.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A device is described in German Patent No. 35 36 377 and European Patent Application No. 218 251, where the door handle can be swivelled into and out of the handle recess provided for it. The swivelling axis is designed to be vertical. This known device initiates the identification and the unlocking procedure when the door handle is pulled, while the identification and the locking procedure can be initiated by pressing on the door handle. This device is not sufficiently reliable in operation, which can be a serious disadvantage, especially when using the device in a motor vehicle. The door handle can be inadvertently pushed inward, especially in an accident, which can then lead to inadvertent locking of the vehicle door if the authorization ID means is within the range of the query device of the control unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to improve upon a device so that it can be activated and deactivated only by predetermined operating measures that can hardly be initiated by accident, and therefore it functions much more reliably in operation.
This object is achieved according to the present invention by the fact that the door handle can be swivelled up and down about a horizontal swivelling axis in a handle recess provided in the door and it can be automatically reset back into the starting center position by spring elements after the door handle has been released, and electric switches can be operated in the switch positions of the door handle, initiating the identification and unlocking procedure with subsequent release of the door lock to open the door, as well as initiating the identification and locking procedure.
This embodiment of the door handle and the device requires vertical swivelling of the door handle, which is much more difficult to implement, at least with regard to inadvertent operation, than a horizontal movement of the door handle, e.g., due to grazing an object which strikes the door handle.
To increase the reliability in operation, the design may be such that when the door handle is swivelled upward, the switch that is operated initiates the identification and the unlocking or door opening procedure, and when the door handle is swivelled downward, the switch that is operated initiates the identification and the locking procedure, and in the starting center position, the door handle is arranged flush or countersunk in the handle recess, with the edges of the recess providing protection from accidental movement of the door handle.
The design of the handle recess is preferably such that it is oval in shape and is oriented with its longitudinal axis being horizontal. A design which is even more secure against unintentional operation provides for the door handle to be countersunk in the handle recess. The outstanding edges of the handle recess then offer protection against unintentional deployment.
Automatic resetting of the door handle in its starting position is easily achieved due to the fact that the door handle has a neck which is lengthened beyond the swivelling axis and extends further into the door, and two spring elements acting in opposite directions are mounted on this neck. These spring elements are accommodated vertically in the door, with the neck on the door handle being arranged symmetrically with the horizontal center plane of the door handle when the latter is in the starting center position.
The switch points are integrally molded on a part of the door handle which is displaced further into the door with respect to the swivelling axis.
An especially advantageous design is characterized in that the door handle can be moved out of the latched resting position in both adjustment directions by an actuating force.
The swivelling axis of the door handle is preferably located behind the handle recess, i.e., in the door. The recess itself is designed to be symmetrical with the horizontal center plane of the door handle when the latter is in the starting center position, so that gripping the door handle from above and below for swivelling the door handle is facilitated.
If, according to another embodiment, the door handle is designed in a bow shape with both legs inserted into the door, and the switches, the spring elements, the neck and the switch points are provided for one of these legs, then the door handle can be gripped better when swiveling, and the exterior door panel need only have two small passages for inserting the legs of the bow-shaped door handle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3725939 (1973-04-01), Saltzstein
patent: 3993338 (1976-11-01), Cherbourg et al.
patent: 4457148 (1984-07-01), Johansson et al.
patent: 4805427 (1989-02-01), Bates et al.
patent: 4910980 (1990-03-01), Katoh
patent: 5295374 (1994-03-01), Bender et al.
patent: 5497641 (1996-03-01), Linde et al.
patent: 5743575 (1998-04-01), McFarland
patent: 5844470 (1998-12-01), Garnault et al.
patent: 5929769 (1999-07-01), Garnault
patent: 35 36 377 (1987-04-01), None
patent: 37 12 376 (1988-08-01), None
patent: 196 33 894 (1998-02-01), None
patent: 0 218 251 (1987-04-01), None
patent: 0 831 194 (1998-03-01), None
patent: 649708 (1928-12-01), None
Weiss Karl-Ernst
Weyerstall Bernd
Browne Lynne H.
Kenyon & Kenyon
Robert & Bosch GmbH
Walsh John B.
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