Door handle assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a door handle assembly. The device is characterized in that the fingerprint sensor is arranged at the edge of the tail end of the handle and is aligned with the natural placement position of the thumb of a user in the using process of the handle. The sensor may be disposed on the short-side edge of the handle, on the long-side edge of the handle, on the exposed side of the shaft, on the curve where the shaft intersects the handle, simultaneously on both edges of the handle, and on the top edge of the vertical handle. The length of the handle along the thumb direction is enough to allow the thumb to reach the sensor. The interior of the handle is hollow or comprises a passage for wiring and accommodating required connecting pieces of the sensor. The wire should be sufficiently relaxed to ensure its durability and functionality during the rotational movement of the handle. This arrangement allows the door lock to be unlocked and operated during one step while improving overall aesthetic feeling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a biometric door lock, in particular to the configuration and position of a fingerprint sensor. Background Art

[0002] Today's popular door lock handle assemblies often include fingerprint sensors for biometric identification, providing a level of convenience over traditional key, password, or mobile device-based unlocking methods. However, the current location of fingerprint sensors on the base plate or handle of the door handle assembly presents significant usability and ergonomic challenges.

[0003] The fingerprint sensor incorporated into the base plate is positioned at a distance from the handle, lying flat on the base plate, or tilted toward the user. This configuration requires the user to perform a two-step process to gain permission to open these locks: first find and use the sensor, then operate the handle. This design requires additional user motion, resulting in inefficiency and possible discomfort. It also results in a bulky appearance that subverts the aesthetic and sleek design of modern door handles.

[0004] On the other hand, the sensor incorporated into the handle is placed on the front surface of the handle facing the user. This arrangement leads to different interaction modes, each with its own disadvantages.

[0005] The first interaction mode involves placing the thumb on the sensor for recognition and then grasping the handle to open the door. This requires a sequential two-step process: recognition and then operation.

[0006] The second interaction mode also follows a two-step process. First the user grasps the handle, then they must perform a reverse motion, moving their thumb from its natural resting position to align with the sensor on the front surface of the handle. This requirement arises because in a typical grip, the thumb naturally extends beyond the knuckles. So when grasping the handle, the thumb does not naturally rest against the front surface of the handle, but extends beyond the front surface of the handle. The thumb will intersect the axis through the handle, effectively placing it on the edge of the handle. This means that the thumb must be consciously moved to the sensor.

[0007] Both models show that the location of the sensor on the handle surface results in a counter-intuitive interaction with the motion of gripping and turning the handle. This design choice not only defeats the intuitive use of the handle and makes it less user-friendly, but also introduces a learning curve that may prevent first-time users from getting started quickly. Utility Model Content

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] In order to overcome the problems associated with fingerprint sensor recognition in existing door locks, including the two-step process, user discomfort and learning difficulties caused by the non-intuitive location of the sensor; and the aesthetic challenges caused by the separation of the sensor from the handle, the present utility model proposes to set the sensor at the edge of the door handle where the thumb naturally rests.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In addressing the usability and aesthetic issues associated with fingerprint biometrics, the present invention proposes a novel location of the fingerprint sensor on the distal edge of the handle, taking advantage of the natural resting position of the user's thumb during handle interaction.

[0012] When grasping the handle, the user's thumb naturally extends beyond the knuckles, intersecting an axis through the handle that is orthogonal to the handle's axis of rotation. This alignment positions the thumb at the edge of the handle. This ergonomic observation forms the basis for locating the fingerprint sensor at the end of the handle where the thumb always rests.

[0013] When opening the door, the appropriate hand for operating the door handle corresponds to the direction of rotation of the door during the opening process. Specifically, if the door rotates to the left, the appropriate hand for operation is the left hand. Conversely, if the door rotates to the right, the right hand is the appropriate choice.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention includes a door handle assembly, characterized in that it includes at least one fingerprint sensor, which is arranged on the edge or axis of the handle for operation by the left hand or the right hand to meet the requirements of suitable hands and unsuitable hands determined by the rotation direction of the door.

[0015] The fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly may be disposed on the edge of the handle that is closer to the thumb when the handle is used with the right hand.

[0016] Alternatively, the fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly may be disposed on an edge of the handle that is closer to the thumb when the handle is used with an inappropriate hand.

[0017] When the shaft is on the edge of the handle, the fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly can be disposed on the surface of the shaft.

[0018] When the shaft is on the edge of the handle, in the case where the edge where the shaft intersects the handle is curved, the fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly can be disposed on the curved surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly can be provided on both edges for use with suitable or unsuitable hands.

[0020] For vertical handles, the fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly can be placed on the top edge of the handle for use with either the right or wrong hand.

[0021] In all cases, the fingerprint sensor of the door handle assembly can be arranged flat or tilted on the corresponding edge.

[0022] The length of the grip in the direction of the thumb position is ideally set to allow the user's thumb to comfortably reach and contact the distal edge where the fingerprint sensor is located. The area where the thumb contacts the sensor may vary from one individual to another, depending on the size of the hand and the proportions of the thumb. However, because the thumb naturally rests on the sensor, the contact area on the sensor is consistent from one interaction to another for the same user, reducing the need for precise thumb alignment and the rate of error, thereby accounting for users of different ages and hand sizes.

[0023] To accommodate the required wiring to the sensor, the handle may be hollow, or include internal passages. The wires within these passages are provided with sufficient slack to prevent disconnection or damage during use, taking into account the rotational movement of the handle.

[0024] This technical solution enhances user interaction while maintaining the elegance and sleek appearance of the door lock.

[0025] Beneficial Effects

[0026] The proposed location of the fingerprint sensor at the edge of the handle reduces the time and effort required to operate the lock as it allows the user to directly identify and open the door through a seamless single step process.

[0027] Additionally, the fingerprint sensor is aligned with the natural orientation and resting position of the user's thumb, eliminating the need for awkward hand adjustments. This therefore allows for easy use of the fingerprint sensor, thereby shortening the learning curve and ensuring a smoother user experience.

[0028] With this proposed location, there is no need to locate the sensor. Simply gripping the handle results in recognition because the sensor is strategically placed where the thumb naturally rests when gripping the handle. This is particularly beneficial in low light conditions or for visually impaired users.

[0029] Furthermore, the likelihood of scanning errors is significantly reduced because the grip naturally guides the thumb to rest in a more natural and consistent position on the fingerprint sensor each time.

[0030] In terms of aesthetics, the fingerprint sensor is recessed at the end of the handle to create a sleek and modern look. It blends seamlessly into the handle design, eliminating any obtrusive or unsightly features that could detract from the visual appeal of the device.

[0031] In summary, placing the sensors in this way serves a dual purpose: it not only provides an intuitive user experience, but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 The proper hand for opening the door is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 Different variations of the door handle assembly are shown;

[0034] Figure 3 The currently popular location of the fingerprint sensor on the base of the handle is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 The currently popular location of fingerprint sensors on the handlebars is shown;

[0036] Figure 5 The position of the fingerprint sensor proposed by the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 6 shows the interaction pattern in the horizontal handle case with the proposed fingerprint sensor location;

[0038] Figure 7 The interaction pattern for the vertical handle case with the proposed fingerprint sensor location is shown.

[0039] Reference numerals

[0040] Throughout the different drawings, the same parts have the same reference numerals. Different parts may be distinguished by different reference numerals. Below is a list of reference numerals for convenience.

[0041] LH - Left Hand RH - Right hand 0 - hinge 1 - Base Plate 2 - axis 3 - handle 4 - Axis through the handle 5 - Axis of rotation (the axis through the shaft) 6 - Single direction of rotation 7 - Dual rotation direction 8 - Tilted fingerprint sensor 9 - Fingerprint sensor lying flat 10 - Fingerprint sensor on the front surface of the handle 11 - Fingerprint sensor on the edge of the handle where the thumb naturally rests when using the right hand 12 - Fingerprint sensor on the edge of the handle where the thumb naturally rests when using an awkward hand 13 - Angled fingerprint sensor on the edge of the grip where the thumb naturally rests when used with the right hand 14 - Angled fingerprint sensor on the edge of the handle where the thumb naturally rests when using awkward hands 15 - Fingerprint sensor lying flat on the exposed side of the shaft where the thumb naturally rests when using the right hand 16 - Fingerprint sensor on the curved surface where the axis intersects the handle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1

[0043] Figure 1 A suitable hand for opening a door is shown. Figure 1 I, II, III show a door opening to the right, IV, V, VI show a door opening to the left, and simultaneously show the use of the right hand RH and the left hand LH to show the appropriate hand to use.

[0044] The appropriate hand for operating the door handle 3 corresponds to the direction of rotation of the door during the opening process. Specifically, if the door rotates to the left, the appropriate hand for operation is the left hand, such as Figure 1 Conversely, if the door swings to the right, the right hand is the appropriate choice, as shown in Figure 1 Using an inappropriate hand, such as Figure 1 VI and III, resulting in an awkward and uncomfortable grip on the handle and possibly obstructing the movement of the door.

[0045] Figure 1The I shows a closed door with hinge 0 on the right, indicating that the door can be opened to the right.

[0046] Figure 1 II shows the door being opened to the right using the proper right hand RH.

[0047] Figure 1 III shows the door being opened to the right using the inappropriate left hand LH.

[0048] Figure 1 The IV shows a closed door with hinge 0 on the left, indicating that the door can be opened to the left.

[0049] Figure 1 The V shows that the door is being opened to the left using the right left hand LH.

[0050] Figure 1 The VI shows the door being opened to the left using the inappropriate right hand RH.

[0051] Figure 2

[0052] Figure 2 A variant of a door handle assembly is shown. Figure 2 A, B, C and D show four unique door handle assemblies. Each assembly includes a handle 3, which is fixed to the base plate 1 by an axis 2. The axis through the handle 4 intersects the axis through the axis 5 at a pivot point, which allows the handle 3 to rotate in one direction represented by arrow 6 or in both directions represented by arrow 7.

[0053] Figure 2 The variations in base plate design and handle orientation are highlighted. It also clearly shows the axes of the moving parts and the possible rotation directions of the handle.

[0054] Figure 2 Detailed Description of the Invention A shows a door lock handle assembly having a rectangular base plate 1. The handle 3 is oriented horizontally and is connected to the shaft 2. The handle and the shaft are rotatable in one direction 6.

[0055] Figure 2 B shows a door lock handle assembly with a circular base plate 1. The handle 3 is oriented horizontally and is connected to the shaft 2. The handle and the shaft can rotate in one direction 6.

[0056] Figure 2 Detailed description of FIG. 3 shows a door lock handle assembly having a square base plate 1. The handle 3 is oriented horizontally and is connected to the shaft 2. The handle and the shaft can rotate in one direction 6.

[0057] Figure 2 D shows a door lock handle assembly with an irregularly shaped, semi-cylindrical base plate 1. The handle 3 is oriented vertically and is connected to the shaft 2. The handle and the shaft can rotate in both directions 7.

[0058] Figure 3

[0059] Figure 3 The current popular fingerprint sensor position on the handle base is shown. It shows four sections marked E, F, G and H, each showing the common structure of the fingerprint sensor on the base 1 of the door handle assembly. These sections focus on the position of the flat sensor 9 or the tilted sensor 8, and its interaction with the right hand RH. The distance of the right hand RH from the handle requires two steps of movement to interact with the fingerprint sensor 8, 9 and operate the handle 3.

[0060] Figure 3 E shows a door lock handle assembly, wherein an inclined fingerprint sensor 8 is disposed on the base plate 1 at a distance above the handle 3 , and the thumb of the right hand RH is placed on the fingerprint sensor 8 .

[0061] Figure 3 F shows a door lock handle assembly, wherein an inclined fingerprint sensor 8 is disposed on the base plate 1 at a distance below the handle 3 , and the thumb of the right hand RH is placed on the fingerprint sensor 8 .

[0062] Figure 3 G shows a door lock handle assembly, in which a flat fingerprint sensor 9 is arranged on the base plate 1 at a distance above the handle 3, and the thumb of the right hand RH is placed on the fingerprint sensor 9.

[0063] Figure 3 H shows a door lock handle assembly, in which a flat fingerprint sensor 9 is arranged on the base plate 1 at a distance below the handle 3, and the thumb of the right hand RH is placed on the fingerprint sensor 9.

[0064] Figure 4

[0065] Figure 4 The current popular fingerprint sensor position on the handle is shown. It includes four parts marked I, J, K and L, showing various positions of the fingerprint sensor on the front of the handle 3 of the door lock, and their corresponding interactions with the right hand RH and the left hand LH.

[0066] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a door lock handle assembly, wherein the fingerprint sensor 10 is disposed on the right end of the front face of the handle 3. The right hand RH is a suitable hand, floating in the air on the right side of the handle 3, with the thumb fully extended and placed on the fingerprint sensor 10.

[0067] Figure 4J shows a door lock handle assembly, in which the fingerprint sensor 10 is provided on the right end of the front face of the handle 3. The left hand LH is an unsuitable hand, grasping the handle 3. The thumb is retracted back behind the knuckles into an L shape, forming an uncomfortable posture, and is placed on the fingerprint sensor 10.

[0068] Figure 4 K shows a door lock handle assembly, in which the fingerprint sensor 10 is provided on the left end of the front face of the handle 3. The right hand RH is the right hand, which is grasping the handle 3. The thumb is retracted back behind the knuckles into an L shape, forming an uncomfortable posture, and is placed on the fingerprint sensor 10.

[0069] Figure 4 L shows a door lock handle assembly, in which the fingerprint sensor 10 is provided on the left end of the front face of the handle 3. The left hand LH is an unsuitable hand, floating in the air on the left side of the handle 3, with the thumb fully extended and placed on the fingerprint sensor 10.

[0070] Figure 5

[0071] Figure 5 The position of the fingerprint sensor proposed in the present invention is shown. It shows four parts marked M, N, O and P, showing different suggested positions of the fingerprint sensors 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 of the present invention on the edge of the handle 3 of the door lock.

[0072] Figure 5 4 shows a door lock handle assembly with a handle 3 , showing the position possibilities for the flat fingerprint sensors 11 , 12 , illustrating that they can be positioned on the left edge, the right edge or both edges of the handle 3 .

[0073] Figure 5 N shows a door lock handle assembly with a handle 3 showing the position possibilities for the tilted fingerprint sensors 13 , 14 , illustrating that they can be positioned on the left edge, the right edge or both edges of the handle 3 .

[0074] Figure 5 0 shows a door lock handle assembly with a handle 3 , showing the position possibilities for a flat fingerprint sensor 15 , illustrating that it can be positioned on the exposed side of the shaft 2 .

[0075] Figure 5 0044] 0045] P shows a door lock handle assembly with a handle 3, showing possible positions for the fingerprint sensor 16, illustrating that it can be positioned on a curved surface where the axis intersects the handle 3.

[0076] Figure 6

[0077] Figure 6An interaction pattern with a horizontal handle with proposed positions for a fingerprint sensor is shown. It includes four sections Q, R, S and T showing the proposed positions of the fingerprint sensor on different edges of the horizontally oriented handle. Figure 6 Fingerprint sensors 11, 12, 13 and 14 are shown arranged close to the edge that is most accessible to the thumb of the right hand RH or the left hand LH, depending on which hand is grasping the handle 3.

[0078] Figure 6 FIG. 8 shows a door lock handle assembly in which the handle 3 is being grasped by the right hand RH, which is the right hand. The thumb of the right hand RH is naturally aligned with and falls on the fingerprint sensor 11, which is located on the short side edge of the handle 3.

[0079] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a door lock handle assembly, in which the handle 3 is being grasped by the left hand LH, which is an inappropriate hand. The thumb of the left hand LH falls on the fingerprint sensor 12 located on the long side edge of the handle 3.

[0080] Figure 6 FIG. 5 shows a door handle assembly in which the handle 3 is being grasped by the right hand RH of the right hand. The thumb of the right hand RH is naturally aligned with the fingerprint sensor 13 obliquely located on the short side edge of the handle 3 and falls on it.

[0081] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows a door handle assembly in which the handle 3 is being grasped by the left hand LH, which is an inappropriate hand. The thumb of the left hand LH falls on the fingerprint sensor 14 located obliquely on the edge of the long side of the handle 3.

[0082] Figure 7

[0083] Figure 7 The interaction mode with the vertical handle with the proposed position of the fingerprint sensor is shown. It shows six sections U, V, W, X, Y, Z showing the position of the fingerprint sensor lying flat or tilted on the top edge of the handle 3 in vertical orientation, with the right hand RH or the left hand thumb resting on its sensor 11, 13.

[0084] Figure 7 The U of FIG. 1 shows a door lock handle assembly, wherein the handle 3 is oriented vertically, has an eccentric shaft 2, and is being grasped by the right hand RH. The thumb of the right hand RH is naturally aligned with and falls on the fingerprint sensor 13, which is located obliquely on the top edge of the handle 3.

[0085] Figure 7The V in FIG. 1 shows a door lock handle assembly, wherein the handle 3 is oriented vertically, centered on its axis 2, being grasped by the right hand RH. The thumb of the right hand RH is naturally aligned with and falls on the fingerprint sensor 13, which is located obliquely on the top edge of the handle 3.

[0086] Figure 7 W shows a door lock handle assembly, where the handle 3 is oriented vertically, has an eccentric shaft 2, and is being grasped by the right hand RH. The thumb of the right hand RH is naturally aligned with and falls on the flat fingerprint sensor 11, which is located on the top edge of the handle 3.

[0087] Figure 7 The X in FIG. 1 shows a door lock handle assembly, wherein the handle 3 is oriented vertically, centered on its axis 2, and is being grasped by the right hand RH. The thumb of the right hand RH is naturally aligned with and falls on the flat fingerprint sensor 11, which is located on the top edge of the handle 3.

[0088] Figure 7 Y shows a door lock handle assembly, where the handle 3 is oriented vertically, has an eccentric shaft 2, and is being grasped by the left hand LH. The thumb of the left hand LH is naturally aligned with and falls on the fingerprint sensor 13, which is located obliquely on the top edge of the handle 3.

[0089] Figure 7 FIG. 2 shows a door lock handle assembly in which the handle 3 is oriented vertically, centered on its axis 2, and is being grasped by the left hand LH. The thumb of the left hand LH is naturally aligned with and falls on the flat fingerprint sensor 11, which is located on the top edge of the handle 3.

[0090] Detailed method (specific embodiment)

[0091] Reference Figure 6 Q, the utility model includes a fingerprint sensor 11 arranged flat on the short side edge of the horizontal handle 3. This position satisfies Figure 1 The right hand is depicted in the figure.

[0092] Alternatively, the design may be configured to incorporate the fingerprint sensor 13 on the short edge of the handle 3 at an angle, such as Figure 6 The S depicted in Figure 1, with the handle being gripped is aligned with the natural thumb position on the handle. This position is optimized for the right hand.

[0093] Another consideration is to place the fingerprint sensor 12 flat on the long edge of the handle 3, such as Figure 6 This position satisfies the use of the inappropriate hand, assuming that use of the appropriate hand is not possible due to injury or other reasons.

[0094] For better use, the fingerprint sensor 14 can be tilted on the long edge of the handle 3, such as Figure 6 This orientation is complementary to the bend of the thumb during engagement of the handle 3. This position is optimized for use with an unsuitable hand, taking into account situations where use of a suitable hand is not possible.

[0095] For the handle 3 centered on the axis 2, the flat fingerprint sensor 11 or the tilted fingerprint sensor 13 can be arranged as follows Figure 1 The handle 3 depicted in FIG. 1 is on the edge where the thumb of the user's right hand naturally rests. To accommodate the situation where both the left hand LH and the right hand RH can be used, fingerprint sensors 11, 12, 13, 14 can be arranged on both edges of the handle.

[0096] for Figure 7 , the fingerprint sensor 11 or the fingerprint sensor 13 is arranged flat or tilted on the top edge of the handle 3. Considering the natural upward pointing of the thumb regardless of the hand used, as universally known by comparing U with Y and X with Z, this position provides easy thumb contact for the right hand RH and the left hand LH.

[0097] When the shaft 2 is located on the edge of the handle 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The fingerprint sensor 15 can be placed flat or tilted on the exposed side of the shaft 2. This position meets the needs of a suitable hand and is the natural resting position of the thumb when the hand grasps the handle 3.

[0098] When the shaft 2 and the handle 3 form a curved edge at their intersection, such as Figure 5 The fingerprint sensor 16 can be located on the curved edge where the thumb naturally rests, which is commonly found in the P of FIG. This location is optimized for a suitable hand.

[0099] For greater inclusiveness, the sensors 11, 12 or the sensors 13, 14 can be arranged flat or tilted on the two edges of the handle 3. This dual position selection satisfies both suitable hands and unsuitable hands.

[0100] The fingerprint sensor can be set at different angles on the two edges of the handle. For example, when using the right hand, the fingerprint sensor on the edge closer to the thumb can be an inclined sensor 13, while the other edge can be a flat sensor 12. This dual position satisfies both hands at the same time and produces a better aesthetic effect.

[0101] Alternatively, one fingerprint sensor 16 may be incorporated on the curved surface where the shaft 2 intersects the handle 3 or one fingerprint sensor 15 may be incorporated on the shaft 2 itself of the handle 3. Another sensor 12, 14 may be disposed flat or tilted on the opposite edge of the handle 3. This design ensures wide compatibility with different handle shapes and usage preferences, while being optimized for suitable hands and unsuitable hands, satisfying different user needs.

[0102] It should be noted that the wiring to the sensor can be carefully routed within the handle 3, connected to a microcontroller in the handle 3, shaft 2, base plate 1, or anywhere else.

Claims

1. A door handle assembly, characterized in that: The invention comprises two fingerprint sensors (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), which are respectively arranged on two edges of a handle (3) or on one edge and a shaft (2), so as to be operated by the left hand (LH) or the right hand (RH), and meet the requirements of suitable hands and unsuitable hands determined by the rotation direction of the door.

2. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fingerprint sensor (11, 13) is arranged on the edge of the handle which is closer to the thumb when the hand is used properly.

3. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fingerprint sensor (12, 14) is disposed on an edge of the handle that is closer to the thumb when the user is using an inappropriate hand.

4. The door handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the shaft is on the edge of the handle, a fingerprint sensor (15) is arranged on the surface of the shaft.

5. The door handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the shaft is on the edge of the handle, the fingerprint sensor (16) is arranged on the curved surface where the handle intersects the shaft.

6. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: For vertical handles, fingerprint sensors (11, 13, 15, 16) are provided at the top edge of the handles for use with either the right or the wrong hand.

7. The door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, characterized in that: The fingerprint sensor is placed flat or tilted on the corresponding edge.

8. The door handle assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fingerprint sensors (15, 16) are arranged flat or tilted on both edges for use with suitable or unsuitable hands.

9. The door handle assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fingerprint sensors (15, 16) are arranged flat or tilted on both edges for use with suitable or unsuitable hands.

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