Retractable handle arrangement

Abstract

A retractable handle arrangement comprising a handle comprising a first end and a second end and feeing movable between stowed and deployed positions; the handle being pivotally mounted about a handle pivot axis disposed between the first and second ends; an operating member extending from the handle: a first lever arm for moving the handle from the stowed position to the deployed position; a second lever arm for operating a release mechanism in response to movement of the handle from the deployed position to an operative position; and a drive mechanism; wherein the drive mechanism is coupled to the first fever arm and operable, in use, to cause the first lever arm to operatively engage with the operating member to move the handle from the stowed position to the deployed position; and wherein the operating member is arranged to operatively engage with the second lever arm when the handle is moved from the deployed position to an operative position.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a retractable handle arrangement for a door or other closure and a method of deploying the retractable door handle arrangement. Aspects of the invention relate to a handle arrangement, a body part, a method and a vehicle. Background technique [0002] The invention will be described in the context of a vehicle door, but the invention could also be used with other closures on a vehicle, such as a tailgate, or with other types of vehicles, such as an aircraft. In fact, in a broad sense, the retractable handle arrangement of the present invention can be used in non-vehicular applications. [0003] Aesthetics, aerodynamics, and wind noise control requirements often desire the door handle to be flush with the surrounding door skin of the vehicle. For this reason, flap door handles can be used. Such handles include typically top pivoting tabs that are pulled against a spring bias and thus pivot outward relative to the surr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this cover plate does not solve the essential problem of the tab handle: in general, it makes the handle more difficult to use

Thus, where deployment of the handle is accomplished by means of an automated mechanism, ice may prevent the handle from deploying, preventing the user from opening the door until the door handle is de-iced, which is inconvenient and time consuming

[0010] Furthermore, another problem with retractable door handles of the type described above is that an automated mechanism is used to retract the door handle from the deployed state to the stowed state.

In this case, there is a danger that, if the user holds the handle while it is retracted, the user's fingers may be trapped between the handle and the surrounding door skin

[0011] Additionally, retractable door handles of the type described above may be susceptible to damage if abused by the user

This damage can occur when the user tries to force the door handle from the deployed to the stowed state, applying stress that could damage the mechanism

[0012] Furthermore, such retractable door handles present a problem due to the limited space available within the door for receiving and mounting the door handle and associated deployment mechanism; this problem occurs when the door handle is flush with the outer skin of the door are heavier to install, and additional space constraints result from accommodating other components such as the window and the retraction mechanism used to retract the window within the door cavity

[0013] Furthermore, another problem associated with retractable handle devices is to provide the user with the associated functionality, such as a device for locking and unlocking a door, in an intuitive and simple-to-use manner.

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