Operating assembly for vehicle closure part

Abstract

Examples of a vehicle closure assembly (100) are disclosed. A vehicle closure assembly (100) includes a closure operating member (104) of a vehicle. The vehicle closure assembly (100) includes a closure operating mechanism (104) partially mounted to the vehicle closure member (102) and operably disposed between the vehicle closure member (102) and the inlet (103) to perform a position change of the vehicle closure member (102). The closing operation mechanism (104) has a push-push mechanism, an actuator, and a floating alignment member (110) provided at an interface (107) of the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) at which the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) are aligned and engaged to perform a position change of the vehicle closing member (102) by transmitting a force between the plunger (112) and the actuator (108) to exhibit a floating movement.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Modern vehicle design focuses on both functionality and aesthetics. For the sake of vehicle aesthetics, today's vehicle designs strive to provide seamless vehicle exterior surfaces, such that the exterior appears smooth and is made of a single, seemingly continuous sheet of material without any visible keyholes or protruding door handles on the exterior surface. For example, a vehicle may have doors provided with flush door handles and / or fuel filler port covers without keyholes. In both examples, the operating assembly for opening vehicle closure components such as door handles and fuel filler port covers may employ a push-push mechanism that can operate the vehicle closure components to open and lock in a closed position.

[0002] The vehicle closure member can be moved between an undeployed or flush position in which the vehicle closure member is flush with the vehicle exterior surface of the vehicle and a deployed position in which the vehicle closure member protrudes from the metal panel. In the deployed position, the vehicle closure member, such as a door handle, can be pulled by a user to open the door or re-latch the door. In another case in which the vehicle closure member is a fuel fill port cover, the cover can be moved by a user to expose a fuel fill port of the vehicle, such as a charging receptacle or a refueling port opening. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present subject matter discloses a vehicle closure assembly, which may have a vehicle closure member and a closure operating mechanism. The vehicle closure member may be hingedly mounted to an inlet of a vehicle, and the vehicle closure member (102) may have an open position and a closed position relative to the inlet. The closure operating mechanism may be partially mounted to the vehicle closure member and operably disposed between the vehicle closure member and the inlet to perform a position change of the vehicle closure member. The closure operating mechanism includes a push-push mechanism, an actuator, and a floating alignment member. The push-push mechanism may have a plunger adapted to translate along a linear axis of the push-push mechanism so as to be movable between a plurality of positions. The actuator may be cooperatively coupled to the plunger of the push-push mechanism to actuate the plunger and be actuated by the plunger to transmit motion for performing a position change of the vehicle closure member, wherein a plurality of positions of the plunger may correspond to a position change of the vehicle closure member. The floating alignment member may be disposed at an interface of the actuator and the plunger to exhibit a floating motion at the interface, aligning and engaging the actuator and the plunger at the interface to perform a position change of the vehicle closure member by transmitting force between the plunger and the actuator. The floating motion may include moving integrally with one of the plunger and the actuator while exhibiting non-relative motion with the plunger and the actuator. In addition, the floating motion also includes moving uniformly with the other of the plunger and the actuator while being coupled to the other of the plunger and the actuator, but exhibiting relative motion with the other of the plunger and the actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.It should be noted that the description and drawings are only examples of the subject matter and are not intended to represent the subject matter itself.

[0005] Figure 1A-1 A block diagram of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown.

[0006] Figure 1A-2 An isometric front view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown.

[0007] Figure 1B A front view of a vehicle closure component of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown.

[0008] Figure 1C An isometric top front view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown.

[0009] Figure 1D A front view of a vehicle closure component of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown while engaged.

[0010] Figure 1E An isometric view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown after engagement of vehicle closure components.

[0011] Figure 1F A front view of a vehicle closure component of a vehicle closure assembly in an open position is shown according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 1G An isometric view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown transmitting motion after the vehicle closure member is in an open position.

[0013] Figure 1H A front view showing a vehicle closure component unlocked of a vehicle closure assembly in an open position according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0014] Fig. 1I An isometric view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown transmitting motion after a vehicle closure component in an open position is unlocked.

[0015] Figure 2A A floating alignment feature disposed in an interface between a push-push mechanism and an actuator is shown according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0016] Figure 2B A top side view of a floating alignment component housed in a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown.

[0017] Figure 2C A side view of a floating alignment component disposed in an actuator according to an example of the present subject matter is shown.

[0018] Figure 2D A side view of a floating alignment component disposed in an actuator and swung from positive to negative is shown according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0019] Figure 2E A side view of a floating alignment component disposed in an actuator and swung from positive to negative is shown according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0020] Figure 2F A side view of a floating alignment component received in a slot in an actuator is shown according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0021] Figure 2G Shown is a top view of a floating alignment component connected to a push-push mechanism according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0022] Figure 2H A cross-sectional view of a floating alignment component according to an example of the present subject matter is shown pivoting along its pivot axis when received at an interface.

[0023] Fig.2I A cross-sectional view of a floating alignment component coupled to an actuator across section AA is shown according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar elements, but may not denote identical elements. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the sizes of certain portions may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the examples shown. In addition, the drawings provide examples and / or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and / or implementations provided in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Conventional vehicle closure component assemblies have an operating assembly that enables the vehicle closure component to change position or at least facilitates the vehicle closure component to change position. Examples of vehicle closure components may include, but are not limited to, door handles, fuel filler port covers, charging port covers, tool box covers, and handles associated with tool boxes. The vehicle closure component is approached by a user to gain access / access to the covered component of the vehicle. The covered component of the vehicle may be a door, a fuel filler port, a charging port, a tool box, etc. The vehicle closure component may be mechanically actuated or electrically actuated between a flush position (i.e., in which the vehicle closure component is aligned with an outer surface, such as when the vehicle closure component is a door handle, the outer surface is an outer panel of a vehicle door) and a deployed position (i.e., in which the vehicle closure component protrudes from the outer surface of the vehicle).

[0026] Conventional designs and techniques are described below with reference to a vehicle closure member being one of a vehicle's door handle, a fuel filler cap, and a charging port cap, however, this is by no means limiting as such explanation is only for the purpose of detailing conventional designs and associated problems.

[0027] Typically, the vehicle closing member is coupled to an operating assembly. The operating assembly has a latching member that facilitates latching and unlocking / unlatching of the vehicle closing member so that the covered part of the vehicle can be accessed when the vehicle closing member is actuated. The vehicle closing member can be moved to a deployed position by the operating assembly, by using an electric motor or by a mechanical device, to be subsequently manually pulled to unlatch. Generally speaking, the vehicle closing member on the outer surface of the vehicle is arranged to unlatch the vehicle closing member to access the covered part of the vehicle. When the vehicle closing member is actuated by an action such as pushing (wherein a user can push the vehicle closing member toward the covered part of the vehicle), the vehicle closing member can be moved between a deployed position (in which the vehicle closing member can be used to unlatch) and a flush position (in which the vehicle closing member is not operable to unlatch).

[0028] In such mechanically actuated vehicle closing parts, the parts of the conventional operating assembly are operably connected to the vehicle closing parts. The parts of the conventional operating assembly include a push-push mechanism, an actuator and a bell crank. The vehicle closing parts, the push-push mechanism, the actuator and the bell crank are all operably connected to each other on the frame of the vehicle. The push-push mechanism is generally operably connected to the vehicle closing parts by the actuator and the bell crank. The actuator and the bell crank cooperate with each other to transfer motion between the vehicle closing parts and the push-push mechanism. Optionally, the operating assembly may also include a latch component at the end of the push-push mechanism, the latch component is positioned away from the end of the push-push mechanism in operation, the latch component directly or indirectly cooperates with the vehicle closing parts and can be operated by the vehicle closing parts. In other cases, the operating assembly may have other components or mechanisms at the other end of the push-push mechanism. In another case, the push-push mechanism may be available only within the range of moving the vehicle closing parts or any other vehicle closing parts between two positions (i.e., the flush position and the deployed position).

[0029] The push-push mechanism may be one of a mechanical push-push mechanism or an electric push-push mechanism, and in either case, it may be a lockable push-push mechanism. The lockable push-push is interchangeably referred to as a push-push mechanism hereinafter. The push-push mechanism may be in a locked or unlocked position. The push-push mechanism has a plunger / pusher that can be repeatedly moved between its two positions or states (push-in and push-out) by an actuator providing a push action to the plunger or pusher of the push-push mechanism.

[0030] The actuator is pivotally mounted on the frame and connects the vehicle closing component to the push-push mechanism so that the movement of the vehicle closing component is transmitted to the push-push mechanism in the opposite direction, and vice versa. In this case, when approaching the vehicle closing component, the vehicle closing component is connected to the actuator to actuate the actuator toward the push-push mechanism, thereby pushing the plunger of the push-push mechanism at the matching point. The matching point is the junction point between the actuator and the plunger of the push-push mechanism, at which the motion transmission from the actuator toward the plunger of the push-push mechanism and vice versa occurs. The plunger is pushed out to release energy by pushing the actuator away from the matching point when receiving a force from the actuator. The plunger is suitable for translation along the linear axis of the push-push mechanism to which the actuator is operably connected. The movement of the plunger causes the vehicle closing component to be actuated via the actuator and the bell crank to move between the flush position and the deployed position.

[0031] However, in conventional vehicle closing component assemblies, the actuator is arranged to have a predetermined length or greater than a predetermined length. The predetermined length is the length of the actuator required for the actuator to effectively make surface contact at the matching point to effectively transfer motion and not misalign at the matching point. When the user approaches the vehicle closing component and is actuated, the actuator with a predetermined length accurately makes surface contact with the plunger at the matching point at an angle close to the precise angle. The precise angle can be, for example, an orthogonal angle or a nearly orthogonal angle generated when the plunger and the actuator make surface contact at the matching point without any misalignment. When the engagement between the plunger and the actuator is roughly orthogonal to each other at the matching point, the motion transfer between the actuator and the plunger is at a precise angle or a nearly precise angle. Correspondingly, when the plunger is actuated by the actuator, the plunger is pushed out with force. As a result, the plunger pushes the actuator at the matching point and transfers motion to the actuator to actuate the actuator. The engagement between the plunger and the actuator (in this case, when the actuator has a predetermined length or more, it is the surface contact between the plunger and the actuator at the fitting point) is at a precise angle, that is, the plunger and the actuator are engaged at a substantially orthogonal angle at the fitting point and substantially make full surface contact. In particular, the motion is effectively transmitted between the actuator and the push-push mechanism at the fitting point at the precise angle. As a result, the push-push mechanism operates smoothly, thereby causing the opening and closing of the vehicle closing member.

[0032] In another case, when the length of the actuator is less than a predetermined length, in order for the actuator to transmit motion to effectively form surface contact at the mating point between the plunger and the actuator, the plunger of the actuator and the push-push mechanism may engage at an incorrect angle, that is, when the engagement between the plunger and the actuator at the mating point may form an angle that may be greater than the precise angle. For example, in the case where the plunger is actuated toward the actuator and the length of the actuator is less than a predetermined length, the plunger may have to travel a greater distance to engage with the actuator at the mating point. Therefore, the edge of the plunger may constantly engage with the actuator at an incorrect angle at the mating point. The engagement between the plunger and the actuator may face misalignment because the short length of the actuator causes the actuator or the push-push mechanism to travel more when in motion. Since the engagement at the mating point may form an angle that may be different from the precise angle due to the length of the actuator being less than a predetermined length, the edge of the plunger engages with the actuator at the mating point, so that the plunger has notches and roughness all over its edges. As a result, the effectiveness of the transmission of motion between the actuator and the push-push mechanism is affected. In one example, the effectiveness of motion transmission may be adversely affected because the actuator and the plunger of the push-push mechanism may not engage at the mating point, or at least not at a precise angle. In addition, the transmission of motion at an incorrect angle or contact may cause wear of the plunger and the actuator, and lead to problems of short service life and high maintenance costs. In this case, the operation of the entire conventional vehicle closure component assembly will be adversely affected.

[0033] Therefore, in a conventional vehicle closing component assembly, the length of the actuator will be set to a predetermined length and cannot be reduced. As a result, the space utilized by the actuator is quite large, resulting in space limitations for accommodating other components around the actuator. Moreover, it may be necessary to provide more space for the entire conventional vehicle closing component assembly, which may not only hinder the space available for other components and require redesign, but may also cause the mass of the component to be distributed over a larger area and affect the movement or stability of the door, the hinge design, and the overall dynamics of the vehicle. In addition, more material may be used to manufacture such components in order for such components to work effectively with the actuator set to a predetermined length, resulting in an increased cost to manufacture the entire conventional vehicle closing component assembly.

[0034] Examples of the present subject matter are described herein in connection with a vehicle closure assembly that is intended to address one or more of the above-identified issues. According to one exemplary aspect, a vehicle closure assembly may include a vehicle closure component and a closure operating mechanism.

[0035] A vehicle closure component may be a component that covers or restricts the use or access through an entrance of the vehicle. The vehicle closure component may be a door handle, a cover for a fuel port, a cover for a charging port, a cover for a tool box, a hood, etc. The vehicle closure component may be operated, for example, by a user to gain access through the entrance. The entrance to the vehicle may be a compartment, space, or opening in the vehicle that may allow or restrict access to or use of covered components of the vehicle. A covered component may be a component in the vehicle that is accessible when operating the vehicle closure component. For example, in the case where the vehicle closure component is a door handle, the door handle may be engaged or operated by a user to access a covered component, such as a compartment of the vehicle. Other examples of covered components may include, for example, an opening that allows or restricts passengers from entering / leaving through it, a fuel filling port covered by a fuel port, an object placed in a tool box cabinet, etc.

[0036] In one example, a vehicle closure component may be hingedly mounted to an entrance of a vehicle and may be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the entrance. For example, the entrance may be the frame of a door of a vehicle, the frame of a fuel port, the frame of a tool box cabinet, the frame of a charging port, etc. A user may operate or engage with the vehicle closure component to gain or restrict access or use based on the needs of the user. For example, a user may initiate or perform an action of approaching and operating the vehicle closure component, such as by pushing the vehicle closure component, so that the vehicle closure component has a position change to gain access / use of the covered component. The action shown herein is pushing, however, embodiments of engaging with the vehicle closure component are not limited thereto and may include other actions, such as pulling, single touch, voice command, biometric access, etc.

[0037] The vehicle closing component may be operably coupled to the closing operating mechanism, and the closing operating mechanism may adjust the position change of the vehicle closing component. In an example, the vehicle closing component and the closing operating mechanism may cooperate with each other. In an example, the closing operating mechanism may be partially mounted to the vehicle closing component and operably disposed between the vehicle closing component and the entrance to perform the position change of the vehicle closing component when engaged or operated by a user. In other words, the user may engage with the vehicle closing component to change the position of the vehicle closing component. In this case, the closing operating mechanism may assist the user in changing the position of the vehicle closing component.

[0038] Therefore, in an example, when a user approaches and / or operates the vehicle closure component, the vehicle closure component can be moved between an open position and a closed position by a closing operating mechanism. The vehicle closure component may have a position change relative to the entrance. When the user approaches and operates, the position change of the vehicle closure component may be between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the vehicle closure component may be in a flush position relative to the entrance. For example, the vehicle closure component in the closed position may be fully aligned with the panel of the vehicle surrounding the entrance, so that the panel and the vehicle closure component are in the same plane, height and distance relative to each other or at least appear to be in the same plane, height and distance relative to each other. The panel of the vehicle may be an external panel of the vehicle. In the open position, the vehicle closure component is deployed in a manner such that the vehicle closure component may protrude from the panel of the vehicle.

[0039] In addition, a closure operating mechanism that can cooperate with a vehicle closure component to change position when engaged by a user can include a push-push mechanism, a floating alignment component, and an actuator. The push-push mechanism and the actuator can be operably coupled to each other. In one example, the push-push mechanism can be operably coupled to the vehicle closure component via the actuator.

[0040] In one example, the push-push mechanism may have a plunger adapted to translate along the linear axis of the push-push mechanism so as to be movable between a plurality of positions. The plunger is adapted to translate along the linear axis of the push-push mechanism to which the actuator is operably coupled. The plurality of positions may be, for example, a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position of the push-push mechanism may be when the push-push mechanism is locked by a push-in action, i.e., when the plunger is loaded. In addition, the unlocked position of the push-push mechanism may be when the push-push mechanism is unlocked by pushing out to release the load. In other words, the plunger of the push-push mechanism may be repeatedly moved between its two positions, i.e., a locked position when the plunger is pushed in and an unlocked position when the plunger is pushed out by providing a pushing action to the plunger. In an example, the plurality of positions of the plunger correspond to position changes of the vehicle closing component.

[0041] In addition, in one example, the actuator may be cooperatively coupled to the plunger to actuate and be actuated by the plunger to transfer motion for performing a position change of the vehicle closing component. In an example, the transfer motion of the actuator may be when actuated, that is, when receiving force from the vehicle closing component or through the plunger. The transfer motion from the actuator to other components of the closing operating mechanism may contribute to the position change of the vehicle closing component. For example, the vehicle closing component may transmit or transfer motion to the actuator when engaged in the closed position of the vehicle closing component, so that the actuator actuates toward the plunger and engages with the plunger at the interface to transmit the motion received from the vehicle closing component. The actuator and the push-push mechanism engage at the interface through a floating alignment component. The interface may be an intermediate junction point, at which the actuator and the plunger of the push-push mechanism engage each other.

[0042] In addition, the closing operating mechanism of the present subject is designed so that a floating alignment component is accommodated at the interface between the actuator and the push-push mechanism. The floating alignment component can be a self-alignable alignment component to effectively align the plunger and actuator of the push-push mechanism at the interface to compensate for deviations and misalignments that may occur due to the length of the actuator. In one example, the actuator can have any length depending on the requirements at the time of manufacturing. In an example, the floating alignment component is arranged between the actuator and the plunger at the interface to float and self-align to effectively align the two to achieve effective motion transmission. The floating alignment component swivels and rotates at the interface, and effectively aligns the plunger and the actuator through a floating motion, regardless of the angle of the plunger and the actuator relative to each other due to the length of the actuator.

[0043] In one example, the floating alignment component may be disposed between the actuator and the plunger at the interface. In other words, the floating alignment component may be disposed in one of the two parts, i.e., in one of the actuator and the plunger, and integrally coupled to the other of the actuator and the plunger so that the floating alignment component can self-align when motion is transmitted between the two parts. The movement of the floating alignment component relative to the part on or in which the floating alignment component is disposed is referred to as unified motion, which is explained in detail later. In addition, the floating alignment component is integral with the other of the two parts, i.e., is in non-relative motion, and this motion exhibited by the part and the floating alignment component is referred to as integral motion.

[0044] In order to exhibit effective alignment at the interface, the floating motion may involve the floating alignment component moving in unison with the plunger or actuator (as the case may be) while being coupled to the plunger or actuator, and exhibiting relative motion with the same portion in which the floating alignment component is disposed. In other words, with respect to the portion (i.e., the plunger or actuator) in which the floating alignment component is disposed, the floating motion of the floating alignment component allows the floating alignment component to move as a unit with the portion when the portion is actuated, but at the same time the floating alignment component is able to exhibit relative motion relative to the portion. For example, the floating alignment component is able to simultaneously exhibit a rotation or rotation or any other motion to self-align at the interface while the actuator and the plunger perform motion transfer therebetween. In addition, at the same time, the floating motion may also include moving integrally with another portion (i.e., the other of the plunger or actuator) as the case may be, so that it can move with the portion or exhibit non-relative motion with the portion. This design of the floating alignment component allows for effective motion transfer without misalignment and therefore without causing any damage to the actuator and / or plunger during motion transmission.

[0045] In one example, a floating alignment component is disposed in the body of the actuator to exhibit a floating motion, which involves causing the floating alignment component to move in unison with the actuator while being integrated with the plunger, and to exhibit relative motion with the actuator in which the floating alignment component is disposed. In other words, with respect to the actuator in which the floating alignment component is disposed, the floating motion of the floating alignment component may allow or enable the floating alignment component to exhibit relative motion relative to the actuator. The floating motion may also include moving in unison with the plunger, so that the floating alignment component may move with the plunger or exhibit non-relative motion with the plunger. The floating alignment component may exhibit gyration, rotation, and self-alignment relative to the plunger at the interface to effectively transmit motion. In this example, the floating alignment component may move in unison with the plunger, i.e., the floating alignment component may exhibit non-relative motion relative to the plunger while being movably disposed in the actuator. Therefore, since the floating alignment component is disposed in the actuator, and when the actuator is actuated, the actuator and the floating alignment component may move in unison (i.e., as a single unit), but the floating alignment component may exhibit relative motion relative to the actuator. The floating alignment component can exhibit relative motion by independently (also integrally with the plunger) moving and floating while being disposed in the body of the actuator, regardless of the movement and length of the actuator, to achieve alignment between the plunger and the actuator and compensate for any deviation therebetween. In view of the above, the floating alignment component can simultaneously exhibit swivel or rotation or any other motion to self-align at the interface between the actuator and the plunger, thereby allowing motion transfer therebetween.

[0046] In another example, a floating alignment component may be disposed at the plunger of the push-push mechanism to exhibit a floating motion to pivot and self-align relative to the actuator, thereby effectively transmitting motion at the interface therebetween. In this example, the floating alignment component may be disposed at the edge of the plunger, and the actuator may have a corresponding feature that may correspond to the floating alignment component to effectively engage with the plunger at the mating point. In this example, the floating alignment component is disposed in the plunger, and when the plunger is actuated, the plunger and the floating alignment component may move in unison (i.e., as a single unit), but the floating alignment component may exhibit relative motion relative to the plunger by independently moving and floating on the plunger to achieve motion transmission with the actuator. In this example, the floating alignment component may move integrally with the actuator, so that the floating alignment component may exhibit non-relative motion relative to the actuator while being movably disposed in the plunger. The floating alignment component is disposed at the edge of the plunger to exhibit a floating motion, which involves the floating alignment component moving in unison with the plunger and exhibiting relative motion with the plunger in which the floating alignment component is disposed. In other words, with respect to the plunger in which the floating alignment component is disposed, the floating motion of the floating alignment component may allow the floating alignment component to exhibit relative motion relative to the plunger. The floating motion may also include the floating alignment component moving integrally with the actuator, so that the floating alignment component may move with the actuator or exhibit non-relative motion with the actuator. The floating alignment component is capable of simultaneously exhibiting rotation, rotation and self-alignment relative to the actuator at the interface to effectively transmit motion. In this example, the floating alignment component may move integrally with the actuator, that is, the floating alignment component may exhibit non-relative motion relative to the actuator while being movably disposed in the plunger. Therefore, since the floating alignment component is disposed in the plunger, and when the plunger is actuated, the plunger and the floating alignment component may move uniformly (i.e., as a single unit), but the floating alignment component may exhibit relative motion relative to the plunger by independently (but integrally with the actuator) moving and floating while being disposed at the plunger, regardless of the movement and length of the actuator, to achieve alignment between the plunger and the actuator and compensate for any deviation therebetween. In view of the above, the floating alignment component can simultaneously exhibit rotation or rotation or any other motion to self-align at the interface between the actuator and the plunger, thereby allowing motion transfer therebetween.

[0047] According to various aspects of the present subject matter, a vehicle closure component can be a compact assembly that occupies a relatively small space in a vehicle while still effectively regulating the operation of the vehicle closure component. Although the above and subsequent descriptions are provided with respect to a vehicle closure assembly disposed on the exterior of a door (i.e., an exterior closure operating mechanism), the concepts and aspects described herein are equally applicable, mutatis mutandis, to any other vehicle closure component, such as a door handle assembly, a fuel filler port cover, a charging port cover, etc.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, a vehicle closure assembly can be, for example, a door handle assembly. The vehicle closure assembly includes a frame, a vehicle closure component, an actuator, a push-push mechanism, a floating alignment component, and a bell crank. The frame, vehicle closure component, actuator, push-push mechanism, and floating alignment component shown in this aspect correspond to the frame, vehicle closure component, actuator, push-push mechanism, and floating alignment component shown above.

[0049] In an example, the vehicle closing component may be a flush-type door handle, which may be provided on a frame of the vehicle such that a change in position of the vehicle closing component may be possible.

[0050] The vehicle closure component, the push-push mechanism, the actuator, and the bell crank can all be operably coupled to each other. The push-push mechanism can be operably coupled to the vehicle closure component via the actuator and the bell crank. The actuator and the bell crank can cooperate with each other to transfer motion between the door handle and the push-push mechanism.

[0051] In this example, a vehicle closure assembly has a frame, a vehicle closure member hingeably mounted to an entrance of a vehicle, and a push-push mechanism mounted to the frame.

[0052] The push-push mechanism has a plunger adapted to translate along a linear axis of the push-push mechanism to be movable between a plurality of positions. In addition, an actuator may be cooperatively coupled to the plunger of the push-push mechanism to actuate the plunger and be actuated by the plunger to transmit motion for performing a position change of the vehicle closure component. The position change of the vehicle closure component may be between an open position and a closed position.

[0053] In this case, the actuator may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the actuator may be pivoted to the frame of the door, and the second end of the actuator may be a free end. The actuator may be pivotally connected to the frame at the first end and may be movable between a plurality of operating positions corresponding to a plurality of positions of the plunger. The plurality of operating positions of the actuator may be switched from an initial position to a moving position. In the initial position, the actuator is in its reference position, wherein the actuator is not actuated or moved by the vehicle closing member or the push-push mechanism and remains in its reference position. In the moving position, the actuator is moved from the initial position after receiving an external force from the vehicle closing member or the push-push mechanism. In addition, the actuator may be operatively connected to the plunger near the second end (i.e., the free end) to pivot and be actuated by the plunger to transfer motion between the plunger and the vehicle closing member.

[0054] Additionally, a floating alignment component may be located at the interface of the actuator and plunger to exhibit floating motion at the interface to align and engage the actuator and plunger at the interface to effect positional changes of the vehicle closure component and to transfer motion between the plunger and the actuator.

[0055] In an example, a floating alignment component may be disposed in the body of the actuator. For example, the floating alignment component may be disposed at the second end of the actuator. The floating motion involves the floating alignment component moving in unison with the actuator while being coupled to the actuator, and exhibiting relative motion with the actuator in which the floating alignment component is disposed. In other words, with respect to the actuator in which the floating alignment component is disposed, the floating motion of the floating alignment component may allow the floating alignment component to exhibit relative motion relative to the actuator. In addition, the floating alignment component may move integrally with the plunger to exhibit non-relative motion with the plunger, while also transmitting motion between the plunger and the actuator. In other words, the floating motion may include moving integrally with the plunger, so that the floating alignment component may move with the plunger or exhibit non-relative motion with the plunger. Therefore, in the present example, the floating alignment component may move integrally with the plunger, and may exhibit non-relative motion relative to the plunger while being movably disposed in the actuator.

[0056] In view of the above, since the floating alignment component is disposed in the actuator, the actuator and the floating alignment component can move in unison, but the floating alignment component can exhibit relative movement with respect to the actuator by independently (but integrally with the plunger) moving and floating while being disposed in the body of the actuator, regardless of the movement and length of the actuator, to achieve alignment between the plunger and the actuator and compensate for any deviation therebetween. In view of the above, the floating alignment component can simultaneously exhibit swivel or rotation or any other movement to self-align at the interface between the actuator and the plunger, thereby allowing motion transmission therebetween.

[0057] A floating alignment component disposed at the second end of the actuator may exhibit floating motion at the interface to align and engage the actuator and the plunger at the interface. The floating alignment component may be uniformly disposed in the actuator to be coupled to the actuator, but exhibits relative motion with the actuator. In addition, the floating alignment component may move integrally with the plunger at the interface to exhibit non-relative motion with the plunger while transmitting motion between the plunger and the actuator. The floating alignment component may exhibit at least two floating motions, i.e., relative to the actuator in which the floating alignment component may be disposed or relative to the plunger with which the floating alignment component may be aligned, coupled and integrally moved. In this case, the floating alignment component exhibits relative motion with the actuator when it can move independently of the movement of the actuator by self-aligning and rotating when disposed. When disposed in the second end and when the actuator (i.e., the floating alignment component is therein) is actuated, the floating alignment component may also move uniformly (i.e., as a single unit) with the actuator while exhibiting relative motion to self-align with the plunger at the interface. In an example, the actuator is pivotable about the first end, and a pivot plane of the actuator is perpendicular to the single pivot axis of the floating alignment component. The pivot plane of the actuator may be a plane of movement of the actuator between the initial position and the moved position.

[0058] In an example, a floating alignment component is disposed in a groove at the second end of the actuator. In this case, while the floating alignment component is disposed at the actuator, the floating alignment component may also be caused to exhibit floating motion when the actuator moves to engage with the plunger at an interface to transfer motion, or the plunger moves toward the actuator to transfer motion. In this case, the floating alignment component may move as a single unit with the actuator when the actuator is in motion due to the floating alignment component being disposed in the actuator, while also attempting to float to self-align with the plunger at the interface by independently moving and floating in the groove, that is, exhibiting relative motion relative to the actuator in which the floating alignment component may be disposed. In this way, the floating alignment component may move integrally relative to the plunger when aligned with the plunger when aligned to couple, and may exhibit non-relative motion relative to the plunger while being disposed in the actuator and moving uniformly with the actuator. In this way, the floating alignment component can self-align at the interface to align and engage the actuator and plunger to perform a position change of the vehicle closure component by transmitting force between the plunger and the actuator, where force can be transmitted from the actuator to the push-push mechanism, or vice versa.

[0059] In one example, a floating alignment component may be disposed at or in the second end of the actuator, and the floating component may be free to float by being exposed at the second end of the actuator about a slot in the body, in which the floating alignment component may be uniformly disposed. In this example, the floating alignment component may have up to six degrees of freedom relative to the actuator at the second end of the actuator in which the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed. In another example, the floating alignment component may be pivotally disposed at the second end of the actuator such that the floating alignment component may be pivotally connected to the second end of the actuator about a single axis, about which the floating alignment component may pivot. In this example, the floating alignment component may have at least two (2) degrees of freedom relative to the actuator in which the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed. In another example, the floating alignment component may have at least four (4) degrees of freedom relative to the actuator in which the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed.

[0060] In the above manner, by providing a floating alignment component at the interface between the push-push mechanism and the actuator, an actuator of any length can be operably connected to the push-push mechanism and the door handle to cause actuation of the push-push mechanism when operated by the door handle. The floating alignment component can align and compensate for any misalignment and deviation by self-aligning the actuator and the plunger at the interface through its floating movement, regardless of the length of the actuator. In view of the above configuration, regardless of the length of the actuator, the floating alignment component in the actuator can pivot and self-align to effectively engage the plunger of the push-push mechanism at the interface at the correct angle and make surface contact with the plunger, so that the motion transmission from the actuator toward the plunger of the push-push mechanism (and vice versa) is effectively transmitted without causing any damage or deviation from the transmission route. In view of the above configuration, the push-push mechanism works effectively and smoothly to lock and unlock the closing operating mechanism. Therefore, the closing operating mechanism can also work effectively.

[0061] In addition, as needed, an actuator of any length may be assembled in the closing operating mechanism of the present subject matter. Correspondingly, the components assembled in the closing operating mechanism that work with the actuator may not need to be large and bulky, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the components of the closing operating mechanism. Therefore, the area utilized by the components of the closing operating mechanism may be smaller, thereby providing a compact and efficient closing operating mechanism. In view of the above arrangement, the closing operating mechanism with a flush door handle can be installed on the door of the vehicle, the cover of the fuel port, and the cover of the charging port assembly, so that the arrangement of the components of the closing operating mechanism can be compact and may not occupy too much space in the door of the vehicle, thereby allowing other components of the vehicle to be installed and utilizing the space for other components of the vehicle.

[0062] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. It should be noted that the description and the accompanying drawings only illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that various arrangements that can be designed, although not explicitly described or shown herein, cover the principles of the present subject matter. In addition, all statements describing the principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter and their specific examples herein are intended to cover their equivalents.

[0063] Figure 1A-1 A block diagram of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. Figure 1A-2 An isometric front view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. Figure 1B A front view of a vehicle closure component of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. Figure 1C An isometric top front view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. Figure 1D A front view of a vehicle closure component of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown while engaged. Figure 1E An isometric view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown after engagement of vehicle closure components.

[0064] Figure 1F A front view of a vehicle closure component of a vehicle closure assembly in an open position is shown according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 1G An isometric view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown transmitting motion after the vehicle closure member is in an open position. Figure 1H A front view showing a vehicle closure component unlocked of a vehicle closure assembly in an open position according to an example of the present subject matter. Fig. 1I An isometric view of a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown transmitting motion after a vehicle closure member in an open position is unlocked. For simplicity, Figure 1A-1 I have been explained in conjunction with each other.

[0065] Figures 1A-1 to 1I A vehicle closure assembly 100 is shown, showing its various components.

[0066] In such Figure 1A-1 In one exemplary embodiment shown, vehicle closure assembly 100 includes vehicle closure member 102 and closure operating mechanism 104. According to aspects of the present subject matter, vehicle closure assembly 100 may be designed such that closure operating mechanism 104 is inoperable in a locked vehicle state of the vehicle.

[0067] The vehicle closure member 102 may be a member that covers or restricts use / entry through the vehicle's entrance 103. The vehicle closure member 102 may be operated by a user to gain access through the entrance 103. The vehicle closure member 102 may be, for example, a door handle (shown as 102 in the figure), a cover for a fuel filler port, a cover for a charging port, a cover for a tool box, or a hood.

[0068] The entrance 103 of the vehicle can be a compartment, space or opening in the vehicle that allows or restricts entry or use of covered parts of the vehicle. Other examples of the entrance 103 may include, for example, a frame that allows entry through it, a frame of a door of the vehicle, a frame of a fuel port, a frame of a tool box cabinet, and a frame of a charging port. In addition, the covered part can be a part in the vehicle that can be approached when operating a vehicle closing part or engaging with a vehicle closing part. For example, in the case where the vehicle closing part 102 is a door handle, the door handle can be engaged or operated by a user to approach the covered part, such as the compartment of the vehicle. Other examples of covered parts may include, for example, an opening that allows or restricts passengers from entering / leaving through it, a fuel filling port covered by a fuel filling port, an object placed in a tool box cabinet, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, in one example, the vehicle closure member 102 may be hingedly mounted to the inlet 103, such as Figure 1F , and can be moved between an open position and a closed position relative to the entrance 103. For example, the entrance 103 can be a frame of a door of a vehicle. A user can operate the vehicle closure member 102 and / or engage with the vehicle closure member to obtain or restrict access through the entrance 103.

[0070] Once the user operates the vehicle closing member 102, the closing operation mechanism 104, which may be partially mounted to the vehicle closing member 102 and operably disposed between the vehicle closing member 102 and the entrance 103, helps the vehicle closing member 102 to perform a position change. For example, the user may operate or perform an action (e.g., by pushing the vehicle closing member) to approach the vehicle closing member 102, so that it has a position change to access the covered component.

[0071] The position change of the vehicle closing member 102 can be an open position and a closed position relative to the entrance 103. Figure 1B As shown in , in the closed position, the vehicle closure member 102 can be in a flush position relative to the entrance 103. In other words, the vehicle closure member 102 in the closed position can be fully aligned with the panel 115 surrounding the entrance, so that the panel and the vehicle closure member 102 are at the same height, distance and flush relative to each other. The panel 115 of the vehicle can be an exterior panel of the vehicle at the opposite side of the frame 114.

[0072] Additionally, in the open position, the vehicle closure member 102 can be deployed by a user by manipulating or engaging the vehicle closure member 102. A user can engage the vehicle closure member 102 by pushing. A user can engage the vehicle closure member 102 in the closed position by pushing toward the inlet 103 (e.g., Figure 1D ), which enables the closing operating mechanism 104 to switch the vehicle closing member 102 to the open position.

[0073] The force transmitted by the user through the vehicle closing member 102 is transmitted to the closing operating mechanism 104, and the components of the closing operating mechanism 104 that can be connected and cooperate with each other can interact and transmit motion to show the position change of the vehicle closing member 102. Figure 1F As shown, a user may cause the vehicle closure member 102 to protrude from a panel 115 of the vehicle. Figure 1H As shown, the vehicle closure member 102 in the open position may also be accessed and operated by a user to unlock to allow or restrict access or use through the entrance 103 .

[0074] like Figure 1H and 1IAs shown in , the vehicle closure member 102 in the open position can also be engaged by pulling to unlock the vehicle closure member 102 and gain access. In an example, to switch the vehicle closure member 102 from the open position to the closed position, the user can push the vehicle closure member 102 toward the entrance 103, thereby moving it to the closed position through a corresponding movement in the closing operating mechanism 104.

[0075] In view of the above, the vehicle closure member 102 may be moved between an open position and a closed position by the closure operating mechanism 104 when the vehicle closure member 102 is operated or engaged by a user.

[0076] In addition, the closing operation mechanism 104 can be partially mounted to the vehicle closing member 102 and can be operably disposed between the vehicle closing member 102 and the entrance 103 to perform a position change of the vehicle closing member 102. The position change can be from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position. In an example, the closing operation mechanism 104 can adjust the position change of the vehicle closing member 102. The closing operation mechanism 104 can have a push-push mechanism 106, an actuator 108, and a floating alignment member 110.

[0077] In one example, the push-push mechanism 106 may have a plunger 112, which is adapted to translate along the linear axis of the push-push mechanism 106 so as to be movable between a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions of the push-push mechanism 106 may be a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position of the push-push mechanism 106 may be when the push-push mechanism is locked by a push-in action, i.e., when the plunger is loaded. In addition, the unlocked position of the push-push mechanism 106 may be when the push-push mechanism 106 is unlocked by pushing out to release the load. In other words, the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism may be repeatedly moved between its two positions, i.e., a locked position when the plunger 112 is pushed in and an unlocked position when the plunger 112 is pushed out by providing a push-push action to the plunger of the push-push mechanism.

[0078] In an example, movement of the actuator 108 toward the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 when actuated by the vehicle closure member 102 via the actuator 108 can change the operating position of the push-push mechanism 106 by changing the position of the plunger 112. In an example, movement of the plunger 112 after receiving motion from the actuator 108 can move to an open position (i.e., when the plunger 112 can be released toward the actuator to move the actuator), thereby causing the vehicle closure member 102 to be actuated via the actuator 108.

[0079] The actuator 108 cooperatively coupled to the vehicle closure member 102 may also be cooperatively coupled to the plunger 112 to actuate the plunger 112 and be actuated by the plunger to transmit motion for performing a position change of the vehicle closure member. The multiple positions of the plunger 112 correspond to the position change of the vehicle closure member 102, because the plunger 112 can transmit motion to the actuator 108 or receive motion from the actuated actuator 108 when engaged with the actuator 108 to move the plunger 112 between the locked position and the unlocked position. In order to effectively transmit the motion received according to the user's request through the vehicle closure member 102, the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 can be engaged at the interface 107.

[0080] The present subject matter is designed in such a manner that the actuator 108 may not necessarily be limited to having any predetermined length, as the present subject matter suggests providing a floating alignment component 110 at the interface 107 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112. The floating alignment component 110 may be designed to exhibit a floating motion at the interface 107 by free floating and self-aligning to engage the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107. This enables efficient transmission of force / motion between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 to perform position changes of the vehicle closure component 102.

[0081] In this example, a floating alignment component 110 may be disposed at an interface 107 between the actuator 108 and the push-push mechanism 106 and may be engaged at the interface 107 by the floating alignment component 110. The interface 107 may be an intermediate engagement point at which the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 may engage with each other to transfer force and motion to each other. The closing operating mechanism 104 of the present subject matter is designed so that the floating alignment component 110 is accommodated at the interface 107. The floating alignment component 110 may be disposed at the interface 107 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 to exhibit a floating motion at the interface 107 to effectively engage the plunger 112 and the actuator 108.

[0082] The floating alignment component 110 can be a self-alignable alignment component to effectively engage the plunger and the actuator 108 at the interface 107 to compensate for the deviation that may occur due to the length of the actuator. The floating alignment component 110 disposed at the interface 107 can freely float, move, rotate and self-align to effectively align the plunger 112 and connect when aligned with the plunger.

[0083] In one example, the floating alignment component 110 may be disposed at one of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112. The floating alignment component 110 may be self-aligned and exhibit a floating motion while being disposed at one of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112, and engage with the other of the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 to couple at the interface 107.

[0084] In an example where the floating alignment component 110 is floatable and self-aligning, the floating alignment component 110 may have at least two (2) degrees of freedom and at most six (6) degrees of freedom relative to the other of the plunger 112 and the actuator in which the floating alignment component 110 is uniformly disposed. The floating alignment component 110 being uniformly disposed means that the floating alignment component 110 is disposed in the other of the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 and may exhibit a floating motion, wherein the floating alignment component 110 and the other of the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 may move as a unit when the other of the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 is actuated.

[0085] In one example, the floating alignment component 110 may be disposed between the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107. In other words, the floating alignment component may be disposed in one of the two parts, i.e., one of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112, and integrally coupled to the other, such that the floating alignment component is self-aligning when motion is transferred between the two parts. The movement of the floating alignment component 110 relative to the part on or in which the floating alignment component is disposed is referred to as unified motion. In addition, the floating alignment component 110 is integral with the other of the two parts, i.e., is in non-relative motion, and such motion exhibited by the part and the floating alignment component is referred to as integral motion.

[0086] In order to exhibit effective alignment at the interface 107, the floating motion may involve the floating alignment component 110, while coupled to the plunger 112 or the actuator 108 (as the case may be), moving in unison with the plunger or actuator and exhibiting relative motion with the same portion in which the floating alignment component is disposed. In other words, with respect to the portion in which the floating alignment component is disposed (i.e., the plunger 112 or the actuator 108), the floating motion of the floating alignment component allows the floating alignment component 110 to move as a unit with the portion when the portion is actuated, but at the same time the floating alignment component 110 is able to exhibit relative motion relative to the portion. For example, the floating alignment component 110 is able to simultaneously exhibit gyration or rotation or any other motion to self-align at the interface 107 between the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 while the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 are transmitting motion therebetween. At the same time, the floating motion may also include moving integrally with another part (i.e., the other of the plunger 112 or the actuator 108), as the case may be, so that it can move with the part or exhibit non-relative motion with the part. This design of the floating alignment component 110 allows the transfer of motion to be effectively achieved without misalignment and therefore without causing any damage during the transmission of motion.

[0087] In one example, the floating alignment feature 110 can be disposed in a slot (in a Figure 2F100). In this example, the floating alignment component 110 may exhibit a floating motion that involves the floating alignment component 110 moving in unison with the actuator 108 while being coupled to the plunger 112, and exhibiting relative motion with the actuator in which the floating alignment component is disposed. The slot in the actuator 108 may accommodate the floating alignment component 110 to allow it to easily float, pivot, and self-align to engage at the interface 107. In this case, while the floating alignment component 110 is freely disposed at the actuator 108, when the actuator 108 is actuated by the vehicle closing component 102 to engage with the plunger 112 at the interface 107, or the plunger 112 moves toward the actuator 108, the floating alignment component 110 may also be moved. The free arrangement of the floating alignment component 110 means that, even though the floating alignment component 110 may be arranged in the actuator 108, the floating alignment component 110 may move in unison with the actuator 108, but at the same time exhibit relative motion with the actuator 108 by independently floating in the slot to align with the plunger 112 at the interface 107. In this case, the floating alignment component 110 and the actuator 108 may move in unison. In other words, the floating alignment component 110 may move as a unit with the actuator 108 when the actuator 108 is in motion or actuated, while also attempting to self-align with the plunger 112 at the interface 107 by independently moving and floating in the slot, i.e., exhibiting relative motion relative to the actuator 108 in which the floating alignment component may be arranged.

[0088] In view of the above, because the floating alignment component 110 can be disposed in the slot of the actuator 108, the floating alignment component 110 can move in unison with the actuator 108. In this way, when the actuator 108 can be actuated, the actuator 108 and the floating alignment component 110 can exhibit motion as a single unit. At the same time, the floating alignment component 110 can exhibit relative motion relative to the actuator 108 (in which the floating alignment component can be disposed). The reason is that the floating alignment component 110 can have the freedom to freely float, rotate, swivel and move around a set point in the slot while being disposed in the slot. In other words, the floating alignment component can float freely around a set point at the actuator 108, where the set point can be a location where the floating alignment component 110 can be disposed at the actuator 108. The floating alignment component 110 can move independently of the actuator 108 by exhibiting a floating motion while also being disposed in the actuator 108. In this manner, the floating motion of the floating alignment component 110 may include moving in unison with the actuator 108 while moving as a single unit, while also exhibiting relative motion with the actuator 108, because the floating alignment component 110 may float, rotate, swivel, etc., independently of the actuator 108 to self-align with the plunger 112 at the interface 107 for coupling. In this case, the floating alignment component 110 may move in unison with the actuator 108 (i.e., as a unit), while self-aligning to couple to the plunger 112 through self-alignment, and also exhibit relative motion with the plunger 112. The floating alignment component 110, due to being aligned with the plunger 112, may move integrally with the plunger while being aligned with the plunger 112 at the interface. Moreover, when moving as a whole, the floating alignment component 110 may exhibit non-relative movement with the plunger 112 because even though the plunger 112 and the floating alignment component 110 can be aligned for connection and can be integral, the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed at the slot of the actuator 108 and can exhibit relative movement with the actuator 108.

[0089] In another example, the floating alignment component 110 may be disposed in the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. In this case, while the floating alignment component 110 may be disposed at the plunger 112, the floating alignment component may also be moved when the actuator 108 moves to engage with the plunger 112 at the interface 107 or the plunger 112 moves toward the actuator 108. In this case, the floating alignment component 110 and the plunger 112 may move in unison. In other words, the floating alignment component 110 may move as a single unit with the plunger 112 when the plunger 112 is in motion, while also attempting to move and float independently of the movement of the plunger 112 to self-align with the actuator 108 at the interface 107 by swiveling and free rotation, i.e., exhibiting relative movement relative to the plunger 112 in which the floating alignment component may be disposed. In this manner, the floating alignment component 110 may exhibit non-relative motion with respect to the actuator 108 when aligned and coupled with the actuator 108, while being aligned and coupled with the actuator 108 at the interface 107, and while being disposed in the plunger 112, move in unison with the plunger 112, and while freely float, swivel, and rotate independently of the movement of the plunger 112. The floating alignment component 110 may move integrally with the actuator 108, so that the floating alignment component 110 may be self-aligned with the actuator 108. Moreover, while moving integrally, the floating alignment component 110 may exhibit non-relative motion with the actuator 108, so that the actuator 108 and the floating alignment component 110 may be aligned for coupling. In this way, the floating alignment component 110 can float and self-align at the interface 107 to align the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107 to perform a position change of the vehicle closing component 102 by transmitting force between the plunger 112 and the actuator, where the force can be transmitted from the actuator to the push-push mechanism, or vice versa.

[0090] In one example, the floating alignment component 110 may be disposed at the edge of the plunger 112, and the actuator may have a corresponding feature that may correspond to the floating alignment component to effectively engage with the plunger 112 at the mating point. In addition, the floating alignment component 110 is disposed at the edge of the plunger 112 to exhibit a floating motion, which involves the floating alignment component 110 moving in unison with the plunger 112 and exhibiting relative motion with the plunger 112. In this example, the floating alignment component 110 may move integrally with the actuator 108, that is, the floating alignment component 110 may exhibit non-relative motion relative to the actuator while being movably disposed in the plunger. Therefore, when the plunger is actuated, the floating alignment component 110 may exhibit relative motion relative to the plunger 112 by independently (but integrally with the actuator 108) moving and floating while being disposed at the plunger 112, regardless of the movement and length of the actuator 108, to achieve alignment between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108 and compensate for any deviation therebetween.

[0091] Thus, in this way, the floating alignment component 110 can self-align with the plunger 112 at the interface 107 to align and engage the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107 to perform a position change of the vehicle closing component 102 by transmitting force between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108, wherein the force can be transmitted from the actuator 108 to the push-push mechanism 106, or vice versa.

[0092] In other words, the floating alignment component 110 may move in unison with the plunger 112 while being disposed at the plunger 112 and aligned and coupled with the actuator 108 at the interface 107. The reason is that the floating alignment component 110 may have the freedom to freely float, rotate, swivel, and move about its set point while being disposed above the plunger 112, regardless of the movement of the plunger 112. The floating alignment component 110 may move independently of the plunger 112 by exhibiting a floating motion while also being disposed at the plunger 112. In this case, the floating alignment component 110 may move in unison (i.e., as a unit) with the plunger 112 while being integrated with the actuator 108, and also exhibiting non-relative motion with the actuator 108 at the interface 107. Moreover, when moving as a unit, the floating alignment component 110 can exhibit non-relative movement with the actuator 108 because even though the actuator 108 and the floating alignment component 110 can be integral, the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed at the plunger 112 and can exhibit relative movement with the plunger 112.

[0093] According to one aspect, Figures 1A-2 to 1I A vehicle closure assembly 100 is shown as described herein, which seeks to address one or more of the above issues discussed previously.

[0094] Figures 1A-2 to 1I The illustration shown in indicates a vehicle closing assembly 100 in which a floating alignment component 110 is provided at an actuator 108. In this regard, the embodiment has been explained below with respect to the limitation that the floating alignment component 110 provided at the actuator 108 of the vehicle closing assembly 100 is a door handle assembly, however, the embodiment of the subject matter is not limited thereto and is applicable to other illustrations in which the floating alignment component 110 may be provided at a plunger 112, etc., and the vehicle closing component 102 may be a fuel filler cap, a charging port cap, a tool box cap, etc. In this case, the vehicle closing assembly 100 includes a frame 114, an actuator 108, the vehicle closing component 102, a bell crank 116, and a push-push mechanism 106.

[0095] In an example, the vehicle closure member 102 may be disposed on the vehicle closure assembly 100 and may be pivoted to a frame 114 of the vehicle such that the vehicle closure member 102 may be moved between an open position and a closed position.

[0096] The vehicle closure assembly 100 includes a push-push mechanism, which may correspond to the push-push mechanism 106 shown above.

[0097] In this example, in addition to the above, the push-push mechanism 106 can be designed so as to have a motor (not shown) to lock and unlock the push-push mechanism 106. The push-push mechanism 106 can be operated by a motor to lock and unlock the plunger 112. In the case of a locked vehicle, the motor can unlock the push-push mechanism 106 only when the user intends to approach the vehicle closing assembly 100 to unlock the vehicle. When the vehicle closing member 102 is in the closed position (i.e., as shown in FIG. 1 ), the push-push mechanism 106 can be unlocked by the motor. Figure 1B ), the user may unlock the push-push mechanism 106 by approaching the vehicle closure assembly 100 using a key (not shown), a key card (not shown), etc. In another example, the push-push mechanism 106 may deploy the vehicle closure member 102 mechanically, i.e., whenever the user approaches the vehicle closure member 102. In this case, in the event that the vehicle closure member 102 of the vehicle closure assembly 100 of the present subject matter is inadvertently pushed by a user who does not intend to unlock the vehicle closure assembly 100 or who approaches the vehicle, the vehicle closure member 102 may be deployed, however, the motor may keep the push-push mechanism 106 locked, and the push-push mechanism 106 may be unlocked only when the user approaches using a key, a key card, etc. (e.g., Figure 1B ). In an example, the vehicle closure member 102, the push-push mechanism 106, the actuator 108, and the bell crank 116 can all be operably coupled to each other. The push-push mechanism 106 can be operably coupled to the vehicle closure member 102 via the actuator 108 and the bell crank 116. The actuator 108 and the bell crank 116 can cooperate with each other to transfer motion between the vehicle closure member 102 and the push-push mechanism 106.

[0098] The bell crank 116 of the vehicle closure assembly 100 can be pivoted to a point on the frame 114. The bell crank 116 can have at least two extensions, namely, a first extension 116-1 and a second extension 116-2. The first extension 116-1 of the bell crank 116 can engage with the vehicle closure member 102. The second extension 116-2 of the bell crank 116 can be a free end so that when the bell crank 116 is pivoted along the pivot point on the frame 114, the second extension 116-2 can only engage with the actuator 108.

[0099] In another example, the vehicle closure assembly 100 may have an actuator 108 that can be pivoted to a point in the frame 114 along its length. The actuator 108 of the vehicle closure assembly 100 of the present subject matter can have any length depending on the requirements of the vehicle closure assembly 100. The actuator 108 can have a first end 108-1 and a second end 108-2. The first end 108-1 of the actuator 108 can be pivoted to the frame 114 and can also be operably connected to the vehicle closure member 102. The second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can be a free end. The second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, so that the plunger 112 can be adapted to translate along the horizontal axis of the push-push mechanism 106. The second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can be moved to engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. The first end 108 - 1 of the actuator 108 may be actuated to actuate the actuator 108 when engaged with the vehicle closure member 102 , ie, when a user approaches the vehicle closure member 102 to unlock the vehicle closure assembly 100 .

[0100] In an example, when the vehicle closure member 102 in the closed position (ie, in the flush position) is pushed (eg, Figure 1D and 1E ), the actuator 108 is actuatable through its first end 108-1 so that the second end 108-2 of the actuator can be actuatable to push the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. The entire engagement between the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 will be described later with reference to Figure 2A-2I To explain.

[0101] Once the actuator 108 is actuated, the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can push the plunger 112. As a result, the push-push mechanism 106 can switch from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the plunger 112 can protrude from the push-push mechanism 106 to release the load. The push-push mechanism 106 can push the actuator 108 back, causing the actuator 108 to pivot and move the vehicle closure component to the deployed position. Figure 1F and 1G As shown in the figure, the actuator 108 in the deployed position can engage with the vehicle closing member 102 to deploy the vehicle closing member 102. In other words, the push-push mechanism 106 can push the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 to move so that the vehicle closing member 102 moves to the deployed position, and also move the first end 108-1 so that the vehicle closing member 102 engages with the bell crank 116.

[0102] In an example, when the vehicle closure member 102 is in the deployed position, it can be pulled for the user to latch, such as Figure 1H and 1IAs shown in FIG. 1 , the bell crank 116 (i.e., engaged with the vehicle closure member 102 from the first extension 116-1) can be moved so that the second extension 116-2 of the bell crank 116 actuates the actuator 108 from the first end 108-1. The actuator 108, when actuated, can cause the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 to push the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 again. The entire engagement between the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 will be described later with reference to FIG. Figure 2A-2I The second end 108 - 2 can push the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 again, thereby reloading the push-push mechanism 106 to the locked position. As a result, the vehicle closure member 102 can be moved to the unlocked position and can be moved to the flush position again.

[0103] Figure 2A A floating alignment feature is shown in the interface 107 between a push-push mechanism and an actuator according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2B A top view of a floating alignment component housed in a vehicle closure assembly according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. Figure 2C Shown is a side view of a floating alignment component connected to an actuator according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2D Shown is a side view of a floating alignment component connected to an actuator according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2E Shown is a side view of a floating alignment component connected to an actuator according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2F A side view of a floating alignment component housed in an actuator according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. Figure 2G Shown is a top view of a floating alignment component connected to a push-push mechanism according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2H A cross-sectional view of a floating alignment component according to an example of the present subject matter is shown pivoting along its pivot axis when received at interface 107 . Fig.2I A cross-sectional view of a floating alignment component connected to an actuator across section AA according to an example of the present subject matter is shown. For simplicity, Figure 2A-2I explained in conjunction with each other.

[0104] The vehicle closure assembly 100 includes a frame 114 , the vehicle closure member 102 , the actuator 108 , the push-push mechanism 106 , the floating alignment member 110 , and a bell crank 116 .

[0105] The push-push mechanism, actuator, and floating alignment member shown in this figure correspond to the push-push mechanism 106, actuator 108, and floating alignment member 110 shown above, respectively. Figure 1A-11, when the actuator 108 is actuated when approaching the vehicle closing member 102, when the actuator 108 is moved by the vehicle closing member 102, the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108, which may be a free end, is actuated. The actuator 108, when actuated, causes the second end 108-2 to engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. The plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 may be adapted to translate along the horizontal axis of the push-push mechanism 106. Even though the illustration shows that the actuator 108 can transfer motion to the plunger 112 when actuated by the vehicle closing member 102, however, embodiments of the present subject matter are not limited thereto, as the plunger 112 can also transfer motion to the actuator 108 in response to actuation and motion from the actuator 108 when actuated by the actuator 108 to switch to the unlocked position by being pushed out.

[0106] As described above, the actuator 108 for the vehicle closure member 102 of the present subject matter can have any length, depending on the requirements at the time of manufacture. The actuator 108 can be cooperatively coupled to the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 to actuate the plunger 112 and be actuated by the plunger to transmit motion for performing a position change of the vehicle closure member 102. The position change of the vehicle closure member can be between an open position and a closed position.

[0107] The actuator 108 may have a first end 108-1 and a second end 108-2. The first end 108-1 of the actuator 108 may be pivoted to the frame 114, and the second end 108-2 of the actuator may be a free end. The actuator 108 may be pivotally connected to the frame 114 at the first end 108-1, and may be movable between a plurality of operating positions corresponding to a plurality of positions of the plunger 112. The plurality of operating positions of the actuator 108 may be switched from an initial position to a moving position. In the initial position, the actuator 108 is in its reference position, wherein the actuator 108 is not actuated or moved by the vehicle closing member 102 or the push-push mechanism 106. In the moving position, after receiving an external force from the vehicle closing member 102 or the push-push mechanism 106, the actuator 108 is moved from the initial position. When in the moving position, the actuator 108 may be movable to pivot around the first end 108-1 and the second end 108-2, i.e., the free end may be moved. The actuator 108 can be cooperatively engaged with the plunger 112 at the interface 107 through the second end 108-2 to transfer motion therebetween. Once the vehicle closure member 102 is operated by the user, the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can be engaged with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. The second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can be engaged with the plunger 112 when actuated to transfer motion to the push-push mechanism 106 at the interface 107.

[0108] The actuator 108 and the push-push mechanism 106 can be joined at the interface 107 by a floating alignment component 110. The interface 107 can be an intermediate joint point at which the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 can be aligned to transfer motion therebetween. The vehicle closure assembly 100 of the present subject matter is designed so that the floating alignment component 110 is accommodated at the interface 107 (i.e., between the actuator 108 and the plunger 112). The floating alignment component 110 disposed at the interface 107 can exhibit a floating motion at the interface 107 to align and engage the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107. In other words, the floating alignment component 110 can be disposed in one of the two parts, i.e., in one of the actuator and the plunger, and integrally coupled to the other, so that the floating alignment component can self-align when motion is transferred between the two parts. In one example, the floating alignment feature 110 can be disposed in the slot 200 at the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108. In another example, the floating alignment feature 110 can be disposed at the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, with corresponding alignment features on the body of the actuator 108.

[0109] As mentioned above about Figures 1A-1 to 1I As shown, the floating alignment component 110 can perform a position change of the vehicle closure component 102 by aligning and engaging the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107 to transmit force between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108. In one case, the force can be transmitted to the plunger 112 by the actuator 108 when actuated by the vehicle closure component 102 to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position. In another case, the force can be transmitted to the actuator 108 by the plunger 112 when actuated by the actuator to move to the unlocked position, and the force can be further transmitted to the vehicle closure component 102 to exhibit the position change.

[0110] In the example, Figure 2A and 2B As shown in , the actuator 108 and the push-push mechanism 106 can be engaged at an interface 107. The interface 107 can be an intermediate engagement point where the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 can engage with each other.

[0111] In one example of the examples, the floating alignment component 110 may be freely disposed in the groove 200 such that it may freely float in the groove to self-align at the interface 107 to effectively engage with the plunger 112. The floating alignment component 110 may be an alignment component that may effectively engage the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 and the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 by freely floating and self-aligning in the groove 200 such that the motion from the push-push mechanism 106 to the actuator 108 is transferred at a precise angle, i.e., when the motion is transferred in a straight line, the engagement angles between the plunger 112 and the actuator are substantially orthogonal to each other. In another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 2H As shown in FIG. 1 , the floating alignment component 110 may be pivotally received in the vehicle closure assembly 100 such that ... moved along its pivot axis (i.e., a single axis (in FIG. 1 ). Figure 2C , 2D 2E)) pivots and swivels to self-align at the interface 107. In other words, the floating alignment component 110 can be assembled at the interface 107 between the push-push mechanism 106 and the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 so that the floating alignment component 110 can easily swivel, rotate, and self-align, thereby allowing the push-push mechanism 106 and the actuator 108 to effectively engage each other. In another example, as shown in FIG. Figure 2H As shown in FIG. 1 , the floating alignment component 110 may be pivotally connected to the slot 200 via two opposing ends, thereby allowing the floating alignment component to swivel and rotate about its pivot axis.

[0112] In one example, the floating alignment component 110 can be pivotally disposed such that the floating alignment component 110 can be pivotally connected about a single axis about which the floating alignment component can pivot. In this example, the floating alignment component can have at least two (2) degrees of freedom relative to the other of the plunger and the actuator in which the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed. In another example, the floating alignment component can have at least four (4) degrees of freedom relative to the other of the plunger and the actuator in which the floating alignment component is uniformly disposed.

[0113] The floating alignment component 110 may be uniformly disposed in the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 to transmit motion with the plunger 112, but exhibit relative motion with the actuator 108. In addition, the floating alignment component 110 may be integral with the plunger 112, and while integral, the floating alignment component may exhibit non-relative motion to align relative to the plunger 112 to effectively transmit motion between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108. In other words, the floating alignment component 110 is integral with the plunger, and the motion between the floating alignment component 110 and the plunger 112 is non-relative motion relative to each other. The floating alignment component 110 may exhibit at least two floating motions. One of the two floating motions may be performed with the actuator 108 on which the floating alignment component 110 may be disposed (i.e., disposed in the second end of the actuator 108). In addition, the other of the two floating motions may be performed with the component with which the floating alignment component 110 is integral (i.e., the plunger 112, with which the floating alignment component 110 may be self-aligned to effectively transmit the motion). In an example, the floating alignment component 110 is disposed in the slot 200 at the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108, in which case the floating alignment component 110 may also be moved by the actuator 108 moving to engage the plunger 112 at the interface 107 or by the plunger 112 moving toward the actuator 108 while the floating alignment component 110 is disposed at the actuator 108. In this case, the floating alignment component 110 and the actuator 108 may move in unison, i.e., as a unit, because the floating alignment component 110 is disposed in the actuator 108. In other words, because the floating alignment component 110 is disposed in the actuator, the floating alignment component 110 can move as a single unit with the actuator 108 when the actuator is in motion, while also attempting to self-align with the plunger 112 at the interface 107 by independently moving and floating in the slot 200, that is, exhibiting relative movement relative to the actuator 108 in which the floating alignment component can be disposed. In this way, the floating alignment component 110 aligned and coupled with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 can exhibit non-relative movement relative to the plunger 112 because the floating alignment component 110 is uniformly disposed at the slot 200 at the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 even when engaged with the plunger 112 at the interface. In this way, the floating alignment component 110 can self-align at the interface 107 to align and engage the actuator and plunger 112 at the interface 107 to perform a position change of the vehicle closure component 102 by transmitting force between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108, wherein the force can be transmitted from the actuator to the push-push mechanism, or vice versa. The floating alignment component integral with the plunger can exhibit non-relative motion when actuated because the floating alignment component 110 may not move relative to the plunger 112 even if aligned with the plunger 112.

[0114] In the manner described above, an actuator 108 of any length may be operably connected to the push-push mechanism 106 and the vehicle closure member 102 to cause actuation of the push-push mechanism 106 when in operation by providing a floating alignment member 110 at the interface 107 between the push-push mechanism 106 and the actuator 108 .

[0115] In view of the above configuration, regardless of the length of the actuator 108, the floating alignment member 110 in the actuator can pivot and self-align to effectively engage the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 at the interface at a precise angle and make surface contact with the plunger (i.e., when the transfer of motion is in a straight line or nearly straight line, and the actuator and the plunger are approximately orthogonal at the mating point), so that the motion transfer from the actuator 108 toward the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 is effectively transferred without deviating from the transmission path, and vice versa. In view of the above configuration, the push-push mechanism 106 works effectively and smoothly to lock and unlock the closing operating mechanism. Therefore, the closing operating mechanism can also work effectively.

[0116] In addition, the actuator 108 can have any length as desired because the floating alignment component compensates for misalignment due to its floating motion, so the motion can be effectively transmitted between the actuator and the plunger at the interface between the two. Correspondingly, the components assembled in the closing operating mechanism 104 that work with the actuator 108 may not need to be large and bulky, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the components of the closing operating mechanism 104. Therefore, the area utilized by the components of the vehicle closing assembly 100 can be smaller, thereby providing a compact and efficient vehicle closing assembly 100. In view of the above arrangement, the vehicle closing assembly 100 with a flush door handle can be installed on the door of the vehicle, the door of the fuel filler system, and the door of the charging port assembly, so that the arrangement of the components of the closing operating mechanism can be compact and may not occupy too much space in the door of the vehicle, thereby allowing other components of the vehicle to be installed and the space to be used for other components of the vehicle.

[0117] In an embodiment, Figure 2E As shown in FIG. 1 , the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108, which can engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, can accommodate the floating alignment component 110 in the slot 200. The slot 200 at the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 can be designed so that it can be accessed and opened from one side, that is, to engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. In this example, the floating alignment component 110 can be pivotally connected to the second end 108-2 along its length so that the floating alignment component 110 can be moved along a single axis (such as Fig.2I108-2) can be rotated (as shown by the dashed line in the cross-sectional view AA shown in FIG. 10). In other words, the floating alignment component 110 can be pivotally connected to the second end 108-2 from the top and its opposite end so that the floating alignment component 110 can be easily pivoted along a single axis so that the floating alignment component 110 self-aligns to effectively engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism regardless of the length of the actuator 108. In this example, the floating alignment component 110 can be designed so as to effectively accommodate the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 and engage with the plunger. In addition, in this case, the pivot plane of the actuator 108 when moving in unison can be perpendicular to the single pivot axis of the floating alignment component 110.

[0118] Even though the example shows that the actuator 108 receives the floating alignment component 110, the illustration is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the floating alignment component 110 may be received at the push-push mechanism 106. In another embodiment, the floating alignment component 110 may be received at any component of the vehicle closure assembly 100 at the interface 107 to effectively align and engage the push-push mechanism 106 and the actuator 108.

[0119] In another example, when the actuator 108 is actuated toward the push-push mechanism 106 (i.e., when the vehicle closure component 102 is pushed), the floating alignment component 110 (i.e., accommodated at the interface 107 between the actuator 108 and the push-push mechanism 106 in the initial position (i.e., when the vehicle closure assembly 100 is in the locked position) can effectively align the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, and thereby allow the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 to push the plunger 112 once the actuator 108 is actuated in an effective manner. As a result, the push-push mechanism 106 can be switched to the unlocked position, and the plunger 112 can protrude from the push-push mechanism 106 to push back the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108. The floating alignment component 110 can transfer motion from the push-push mechanism 106 to the actuator 108. In this example, the floating alignment member 110 can self-align by rotating along its pivot axis to engage with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, and can be pushed and transfer the motion in a straight line to the actuator 108, thereby pushing the actuator 108 and further causing the actuator 108 to pivot and move to the deployed position.

[0120] In another example where the door handle in the deployed position is pulled for user latching, the bell crank 116 (i.e., from the first extension 116-1 engaging the vehicle closure member 102) can move so that the second extension 116-2 of the bell crank 116 actuates the actuator 108. The actuator 108 can move again when actuated to push the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. In this example, the floating alignment member 110 (i.e., at the interface 107) can self-align by pivoting along its pivot axis to effectively accommodate and engage the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106. After self-aligning and engaging the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, the floating alignment member 110 can effectively transfer motion from the actuator 108 toward the push-push mechanism 106 by simultaneously pushing the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106, thereby reloading the push-push mechanism 106 to the locked position. As a result, the vehicle closure member 102 may be moved to an unlocked position and a flush position.

[0121] In one case, during this period (during the locking and unlocking or unlatching operation of the vehicle closure member 102), the second end 108-2 of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 are mismatched at the interface 107. In this case, after the user approaches the vehicle closure member 102, the floating alignment member 110 (i.e., disposed at the interface 107) can self-align by floating, through a floating motion, to pivot along its single axis to change the misalignment between the plunger 112 and the actuator 108. The floating alignment member 110 makes surface contact with the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 (and vice versa) at the right angle through the alignment of the actuator 108 and the plunger 112 at the interface 107 to allow the push-push mechanism 106 to operate smoothly and thereby cause the position change of the vehicle closure member 102 between the closed position and the open position. In this example, the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 may linearly transmit motion from the push-push mechanism 106 to the actuator 108 , and vice versa.

[0122] In the manner described above, the floating alignment component 110 can help to effectively correct misalignment at the interface 107 so that an actuator 108 of any length can be operably connected to the push-push mechanism 106 and the vehicle closing component 102 to cause actuation of the push-push mechanism 106 when operated by the vehicle closing component 102 by providing a floating alignment component 110 at the interface 107 between the push-push mechanism 106 and the actuator 108.

[0123] Given the above configuration, the floating alignment member 110 in the actuator 108 can pivot and self-align, effectively engaging the plunger 112 of the push-push mechanism 106 at a correct angle and making surface contact with the plunger, regardless of the length of the actuator 108. Given the above configuration, the push-push mechanism 106 works effectively and smoothly to lock and unlock the vehicle closing assembly 100. Therefore, the vehicle closing assembly 100 can also work effectively.

[0124] In addition, as required, an actuator 108 of any length can be assembled in the vehicle closure assembly 100 of the present subject. In other words, the present subject allows the use of an actuator 108 of any length as required, because the floating alignment component compensates for misalignment due to its floating motion, so the motion can be effectively transmitted between the actuator and the plunger at the interface between the two. Correspondingly, the components assembled in the vehicle closure assembly 100 that work with the actuator 108 may also not need to be large and bulky, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the components of the vehicle closure assembly 100. Therefore, the area utilized by the components of the vehicle closure assembly 100 can be smaller, thereby providing a compact and efficient vehicle closure assembly 100. In view of the above arrangement, the vehicle closure assembly 100 with a flush door handle can be installed on the door of the vehicle, the door of the fuel inlet system, and the door of the charging port assembly, so that the arrangement of the components of the vehicle closure assembly 100 can be compact and may not occupy too much space in the door of the vehicle, thereby allowing other components of the vehicle to be installed and the space to be used for other components of the vehicle.

[0125] Although examples of vehicle closure assemblies have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of vehicle closure assemblies.

Claims

1. A vehicle closing assembly (100), comprising: A vehicle closure member (102) hingeably mounted to an inlet (103) of a vehicle, the vehicle closure member (102) having an open position and a closed position relative to the inlet (103); and A closing operation mechanism (104) partially mounted to the vehicle closing member (102) and operably disposed between the vehicle closing member (102) and the inlet (103) to perform a position change of the vehicle closing member (102), the closing operation mechanism (104) comprising: a push-push mechanism (106) having a plunger (112) adapted to translate along a linear axis of the push-push mechanism (106) to be movable between a plurality of positions; an actuator (108) cooperatively coupled to a plunger (112) of the push-push mechanism (106) to actuate the plunger (112) and to be actuated by the plunger to transmit motion for effecting a position change of the vehicle closure member (102), wherein a plurality of positions of the plunger (112) correspond to position changes of the vehicle closure member (102); a floating alignment component (110) disposed at an interface (107) of the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) to exhibit a floating motion at the interface (107) to align and engage the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) at the interface (107) to perform a position change of the vehicle closure component (102) by transmitting force between the plunger (112) and the actuator (108), the floating motion comprising: moves integrally with one of the plunger (112) and the actuator (108) while exhibiting non-relative motion with the one of the plunger and the actuator; and The piston moves in unison with the other of the plunger (112) and the actuator (108) while being coupled to the other of the plunger (112) and the actuator (108), but exhibits relative motion with the other of the plunger (112) and the actuator (108).

2. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle closure member (102) is one of a door handle, a fuel filler cap, a charging port cover, and a cover of a tool box of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the push-push mechanism (106) is operable by a motor to lock and unlock the plunger (112).

4. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the floating alignment component (110) has at least two degrees of freedom at the other of the plunger (112) and the actuator (108) in which the floating alignment component (110) is uniformly disposed.

5. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the floating alignment member (110) is pivotally connected to the other of the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) about a single axis.

6. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the actuator (108) includes a pivot plane of the actuator (108) that is perpendicular to the single pivot axis of the floating alignment component (110).

7. A vehicle closing assembly (100), comprising: Frame (114); a vehicle closure member (102) hingedly mountable to an inlet of the vehicle; a push-push mechanism (106) mounted to the frame (114), wherein the push-push mechanism (106) has a plunger (112) adapted to translate along a linear axis of the push-push mechanism (106) to be movable between a plurality of positions; an actuator (108), the actuator having a first end (108-1) and a second end (108-2), wherein the actuator (108) is pivotally connected to the frame (114) at the first end (108-1) and is movable between a plurality of operating positions corresponding to a plurality of positions of the plunger (112), the actuator (108) being configured to effect a position change of the vehicle closure member (102), and wherein the actuator (108) is operatively connected to the plunger (112) near the second end (108-2) to freely pivot to actuate the plunger (112) and to be actuated by the plunger to transmit motion between the plunger (112) and the vehicle closure member (102); as well as a floating alignment component (110) at an interface (107) of the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) to exhibit floating motion at the interface (107), aligning and engaging the actuator (108) and the plunger (112) at the interface (107) to perform a position change of the vehicle closure component (102), and transmitting the motion between the plunger (112) and the actuator (108), wherein the floating alignment component (110): is uniformly disposed in the actuator (108) to be coupled to the actuator (108) but exhibits relative movement with the actuator (108), and The actuator (108) is movable integrally with the plunger (112) to exhibit non-relative motion with the plunger (112) while transmitting motion between the plunger (112) and the actuator (108).

8. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the vehicle closure member (102) is one of a door handle, a fuel filler cap, a charging port cover, a hood, and a glove box cover of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the push-push mechanism (106) is motor-operable to lock and unlock the plunger (112).

10. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the floating alignment component (110) has at least two degrees of freedom relative to the actuator (108) in which the floating alignment component (110) is uniformly disposed.

11. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the floating alignment component (110) is pivotally connected to the second end (108-2) of the actuator (108) about a single axis.

12. The vehicle closure assembly (100) of claim 11, wherein the actuator (108) pivots about the first end (108-1), wherein a pivot plane of the actuator is perpendicular to a single pivot axis of the floating alignment component (110).

Images