Automatic flush door handle assembly

Abstract

The present application discloses an automatic flush door handle assembly comprising: a housing having an opening formed on one side thereof; and the handle cover is arranged in the shell. Specifically, the handle cover opens or closes the opening. The auto-flush door handle assembly also includes a first rotary link having an upper end linked to the housing and a lower end linked to the handle cover; and a second rotary link disposed separately from the first rotary link and having an upper end connected to the housing and a lower end connected to the handle cover. The auto-flush door handle assembly includes a release link operated by the first rotary link and configured to release a door lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an auto flush door handle assembly for automatically opening and closing a vehicle door, and more particularly to a horizontal storage type auto flush door handle assembly in which a handle cover moves horizontally to be accommodated in the assembly and which allows a user to easily identify an operating method even in an emergency. Background Art

[0002] Recently, special door handles designed to be flush with the door surface when not in use (i.e., automatic flush door handles) have been used in doors, which can facilitate both aesthetics and safety. Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, such an automatic flush type door handle 102 for opening and closing the door 101 is installed on the door 101 of the vehicle 100 .

[0003] The user operates the door handle 102 and unlocks the door lock to open the door 101 .

[0004] like Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, during driving, the surface of the door handle 102 is coplanar with the outer surface of the door 101 (see Figure 2A ), and when a door lock (not shown) is unlocked by a remote control key (eg, a smart key), the door handle 102 protrudes from the surface of the door 101 (see Figure 2B ). Since the door lock is locked during driving, the automatic flush door handle 102 does not protrude from the outer surface of the door 101, so that the air resistance of the vehicle 100 is reduced to improve aerodynamic performance. In addition, the aesthetics of the exterior of the vehicle 100 is improved.

[0005] The automatic flush-type door handle 102 is operated by an actuator (not shown) within the door 101 and a component operated by the actuator.

[0006] Since the entirety of the automatic flush type door handle 102 protrudes from the door 101 by a predetermined height, components provided between the actuator and the door handle 102 except for the actuator are operated only in a sliding manner, and thus there is a problem in that the handle structure is complicated.

[0007] In addition, the automatic flush type door handle 102 is operated by applying power thereto, and when the battery of the vehicle is discharged, power for operating the actuator is not supplied, making the actuator inoperable and thus it is not easy for the user to operate the door handle 102. Since the automatic flush type door handle 102 adopts a manual opening configuration different from a conventional door handle, there is a problem that the door handle 102 cannot be opened by the user when the user does not recognize or is unfamiliar with the opening / closing method, even in an emergency.

[0008] Furthermore, since the door 101 cannot be opened by operating the door handle 102 from the outside in the event of a vehicle collision or fire, there is a problem in that a rescue operation for an occupant in the cabin of the vehicle is delayed, thereby causing a fatal accident.

[0009] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly, wherein a handle cover is horizontally housed in a housing of the assembly so that a user can easily identify an operating method of the door handle, and it can be easily operated in an emergency or even when a battery is discharged.

[0011] Other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood by the following description and will become clear with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the claimed means and combinations thereof.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly includes: a housing having an opening formed on one side of the housing; a handle cover disposed within the housing and configured to open and close the opening; and a first rotating link having an upper end connected to the housing and a lower end connected to the handle cover. The horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly also includes: a second rotating link disposed separately from the first rotating link and having an upper end connected to the housing and a lower end connected to the handle cover; and a release link operated by the first rotating link and configured to release a door lock.

[0013] An operating protrusion may be formed on one side of the first rotating link, and the operating protrusion moves upward according to rotation of the first rotating link and operates the release link while moving upward.

[0014] The release link may be rotatably mounted on one side of the housing, and when the operating protrusion moves upward, a contact surface contacting the operating protrusion may be formed, a latch connecting hole connected to the door lock may be formed, and when the operating protrusion moving upward pushes the contact surface to rotate the release link, the door lock may be released.

[0015] A guide groove may be formed on a side surface of the housing along a trajectory of the operating protrusion, and the operating protrusion passes through the guide groove.

[0016] The second rotating link is link-connected to the housing and the handle cover in a manner higher than the first rotating link by a predetermined height.

[0017] The second link shaft may be located directly above the first link shaft, the first link shaft being configured to connect the upper end link of the first rotating link to the housing, the second link shaft being configured to connect the upper end link of the second rotating link to the housing, and the fourth link shaft may be located directly above the third link shaft, the third link shaft being configured to connect the lower end link of the first rotating link to the handle cover, and the fourth link shaft being configured to connect the lower end link of the second rotating link to the handle cover.

[0018] When the first rotating link and the second rotating link rotate, the handle cover may maintain a state in which the fourth link axis is located directly above the third link axis.

[0019] When the handle cover closes the opening, the third and fourth link shafts may be located closer to an outer side of a vehicle than the first and second link shafts.

[0020] The horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly may further include an actuator configured to operate the first rotation link.

[0021] The horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly may further include an operating link between the actuator and the first rotating link, the operating link being rotated by the actuator to rotate the first rotating link.

[0022] When the operating link is operated by the actuator, the operating protrusion may move upward.

[0023] A rod that can move linearly may be installed on the actuator, and when the rod extends and rotates the operating link, the operating link may move the operating protrusion upward, and the operating protrusion may rotate the release link.

[0024] An input portion contacting the rod may be formed at a lower end of the operating link, and an operating portion configured to rotate the operating protrusion may be formed at an upper end of the operating link.

[0025] The first rotation link and the second rotation link may be formed to be recessed toward an interior of a vehicle.

[0026] A release switch may be installed, which is manipulated by a user to open the door when the handle cover is accommodated in the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an automatic flush door handle in the related art is installed on a vehicle door.

[0028] Figure 2A It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a state in which a door handle is accommodated in a door.

[0029] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a state in which a door handle protrudes from a door.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view showing a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 is a side view showing a connection relationship between a handle cover and a rotating link in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a handle cover is accommodated in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 1 is a front view showing a state in which an operating link and a release link are operated when an actuator is operated in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 is a side view showing a connection relationship between a handle cover and a rotating link when the handle cover is accommodated in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 9 : is a bottom perspective view showing a state in which a handle cover is accommodated in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.10 is a front view showing a state in which a handle cover is accommodated in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to the present disclosure in an emergency operation.

[0038] Fig.11 is a side view illustrating a state in which an operating protrusion of a first rotation link makes contact with a release link in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.121 is a side view illustrating a state in which an operating protrusion of a first rotating link operates a release link in a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly 10 may include: a housing 11 having an opening 11a formed on one side thereof; a handle cover 12 disposed within the housing 11 and configured to open and close the opening 11a; and a first rotating link 14 having an upper end connected to the housing 11 and a lower end connected to the handle cover 12. The automatic flush door handle assembly 10 further includes: a second rotating link 15 disposed separately from the first rotating link 14 and having an upper end connected to the housing 11 and a lower end connected to the handle cover 12; and a release link 18 operated by the first rotating link 14 and configured to release a door lock (not shown).

[0042] When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” satisfy the purpose or perform the operation or function.

[0043] The housing 11 may have a space formed therein and may be installed in the door. A profile of an opening 11a of the housing 11 may be inserted into and assembled with an opening (not shown) formed on an outer panel (not shown) of the door.

[0044] The handle cover 12 , the first rotating link 14 , and the second rotating link 15 may be installed in the housing 11 .

[0045] The handle cover 12 may be disposed in the housing 11 and open and close the opening 11a. The handle cover 12 may close the opening 11a when the door handle assembly 10 is not operated, and may open the opening 11a when the door handle assembly 10 is operated.

[0046] The outline of the handle cover 12 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outline of the opening 11 a so as to come into contact with the outline of the opening 11 a , thereby closing the opening 11 a .

[0047] When the door handle assembly 10 is not operated, that is, when the handle cover 12 closes the opening 11a, the surface of the handle cover 12 can be aligned with or in the same plane as the surface of the outer panel of the door. Therefore, air resistance can be reduced during driving and the appearance of the vehicle can be improved.

[0048] The first rotating link 14 may be disposed in the housing 11 and may connect the housing 11 and the handle cover 12. The upper end of the first rotating link 14 may be connected to the housing 11 and the lower end thereof may be connected to the handle cover 12.

[0049] The operating protrusion 14a may be formed on a side surface of the first rotating link 14. Specifically, the operating protrusion 14a protrudes from the first rotating link 14, passing through the housing 11. Since the lower end of the first rotating link 14 is connected to the fixed housing 11, when the first rotating link 14 rotates, the operating protrusion 14a may move upward.

[0050] The second rotating link 15 may be connected to the housing 11 and the handle cover 12 at a position different from the first rotating link 14. The upper end of the second rotating link 15 may also be connected to the housing 11 and the lower end thereof may also be connected to the handle cover 12. Therefore, the housing 11, the first rotating link 14, the second rotating link 15 and the handle cover 12 may form a four-joint linkage mechanism.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second rotating link 15 may be rod-connected to the housing 11 and the handle cover 12 at a position higher than the first rotating link 14 by a predetermined distance. In other words, the second rod axis S2 that rod-connects the upper end of the second rotating link 15 to the housing 11 may be located directly above the first rod axis S1 that rod-connects the upper end of the first rotating link 14 to the housing 11. In addition, the fourth rod axis S4 that rod-connects the lower end of the second rotating link 15 to the handle cover 12 may be located directly above the third rod axis S3 that rod-connects the lower end of the first rotating link 14 to the handle cover 12.

[0052] The length of the first rotating link 14 (the distance between the first link axis S1 and the third link axis S3) may be equal to the length of the second rotating link 15 (the distance between the second link axis S2 and the fourth link axis S4), and the distance between the first link axis S1 and the second link axis S2 may be equal to the distance between the third link axis S3 and the fourth link axis S4.

[0053] Therefore, the housing 11 , the first rotating link 14 , the second rotating link 15 , and the handle cover 12 may constitute a four-joint link, which forms a parallelogram shape.

[0054] Since the upper end links of the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 are connected to the housing 11, and the handle cover 12 can close the opening 11a, when the handle cover 12 closes the opening 11a, the third link axis S3 and the fourth link axis S4 can be positioned closer to the outside of the vehicle compared to the first link axis S1 and the second link axis S2.

[0055] In addition, during operation, since only the position of the handle cover 12 is changed without changing the posture and rotation of the handle cover 12, when the handle cover 12 moves from the opening 11a to the inside of the housing 11, the handle cover 12 can be accommodated in the horizontal direction (i.e., a horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly). To this end, when the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 rotate, the handle cover 12 can maintain the state in which the fourth link axis S4 is located directly above the third link axis S3.

[0056] The first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 may be formed in a state of being bent toward the interior of the vehicle so as not to get caught on the handle cover 12 during rotation. In other words, since the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 are each formed in an "L" shape and the middle portion thereof may be formed to be concave toward the interior of the vehicle, the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 may avoid interfering with the handle cover 12 during rotation.

[0057] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the handle cover 12 may also have a partially cut-out shape to avoid being stuck on the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 .

[0058] The release link 18 may be rotatably installed on one side of the housing 11. The release link 18 may be rotatably installed at the housing 11 using a through hole 18a formed in the release link 18. The release link 18 may be operated by the first rotation link 14 and operate a door lock (not shown) that restricts the door to the vehicle body.

[0059] The release link 18 may be hinge-coupled to one side surface of the housing 11 and may be rotatably mounted thereon.

[0060] A contact surface 18 b contacting the operating protrusion 14 a may be formed on one side of the release link 18 , and when the operating protrusion 14 a moves upward due to the rotation of the first rotation link 14 , the operating protrusion 14 a may rotate the release link 18 .

[0061] In the release link 18, a latch connection hole 18c connected to the door lock may be formed on a side opposite to the contact surface 18b. The latch connection hole 18c and the door lock may be connected by a link to operate the door lock so that it is released due to the rotation of the release link 18. When the release link 18 rotates and the operating protrusion 14a moves upward at the same time, the door lock may be released due to the rotation of the release link 18.

[0062] The actuator 16 may operate the first rotation link 14. When an operation signal is input to the actuator 16, a rod 16a installed at the actuator 16 may move in a straight line to protrude from the actuator 16 or be accommodated in the actuator 16.

[0063] The operating link 17 can operate the first rotating link 14 through the actuator 16. The operating link 17 can be rotatably mounted on the outer side surface of the housing 11 or the door through a rotating shaft 17a formed in the middle of the operating link 17, and the lower portion of the operating link 17 can be disposed adjacent to the rod 16a. Therefore, when the rod 16a protrudes from the actuator 16, the lower portion of the operating link 17 can be pushed to rotate the operating link 17 around the rotating shaft 17a. When the operating link 17 rotates, the upper end of the operating link 17 can push the operating protrusion 14a upward, and thus the first rotating link 14 can rotate.

[0064] Meanwhile, the input portion 17b and the operating portion 17c may be formed to protrude from the operating link 17 at the lower end and the upper end of the operating link 17, respectively. Since the input portion 17b is located adjacent to the end of the rod 16a, when the rod 16a protrudes from the actuator 16, the rod 16a may push the input portion 17b to rotate the operating link 17. When the operating link 17 rotates, the operating portion 17c may push and move the operating protrusion 14a upward.

[0065] In the present disclosure, in a stable state, the actuator 16 is operable to rotate the first rotating link 14 so that the handle cover 12 opens and closes the opening 11 a .

[0066] However, in an emergency or when the battery is discharged, the handle cover 12, the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 may be operated without operating the actuator 16. The operating link 17 and the operating protrusion 14a may not be connected in a link manner, and the operating portion 17c may come into contact with the operating protrusion 14a only when the operating link 17 is rotated. Therefore, the first rotating link 14 may rotate due to the rotation of the operating link 17 to operate the handle cover 12 and the second rotating link 15. Alternatively, regardless of the operating link 17, the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15 may rotate while operating the handle cover 12.

[0067] The operation of the horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly according to the present disclosure having the above-mentioned configuration is described as follows.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, in a state where the door (not shown) is closed, the handle cover 12 closes the opening 11a. In addition, the surface of the handle cover 12 may form the same plane as the outer surface of the door so that there is no portion protruding or recessed from the door.

[0069] In a stable state, when a door opening button (not shown) mounted on the door is manipulated, the actuator 16 can be operated and thus the door handle assembly 10 can be operated. When the actuator 16 is operated, the rod 16a can protrude from the actuator 16 (see Figure 7 The operating link 17 can be rotated in the clockwise direction (see Figure 7In other words, when the rod 16a protrudes and presses the input portion 17b of the operating link 17, the operating portion 17c may move the operating protrusion 14a upward, and at the same time, the upper portion of the operating link 17 may rotate around the rotation axis 17a.

[0070] When the operation protrusion 14a moves upward, the handle cover 12 can be accommodated in the housing 11 from the opening 11a, and the first rotating link 14 rotates counterclockwise around the first connecting rod axis S1. In addition, the second rotating link 15 can also rotate counterclockwise around the second connecting rod axis S2. In this case, since the second connecting rod axis S2 is located directly above the first connecting rod axis S1 and the fourth connecting rod axis S4 is located directly above the third connecting rod axis S3, the handle cover 12 can be directly accommodated in the housing 11 without being rotated.

[0071] like Fig.11 As shown, a guide groove 11b through which the operating protrusion 14a passes may be formed on the side surface of the housing 11 along a trajectory of the operating protrusion 14a. When the operating protrusion 14a moves upward due to the rotation of the first rotating link 14, the operating protrusion 14a may move along the guide groove 11b.

[0072] Meanwhile, when the operating protrusion 14 a moves upward, the operating protrusion 14 a may rotate the release link 18 so that the release link 18 releases the door lock.

[0073] When the handle cover 12 is accommodated, the user may press the release switch 13 through the opening 11 a to open the door.

[0074] In this way, in a stable state, the actuator 16 can rotate the first rotating link 14 by operating the link 17 , and can accommodate the handle cover 12 while the first rotating link 14 is rotating.

[0075] Meanwhile, when the actuator 16 does not operate in an emergency such as a vehicle collision or when the battery is discharged, the user can press the handle cover 12 to operate the door handle assembly 10, thereby opening the door. In this case, since the actuator 16 does not operate, the rod 16a does not extend, and the operating link 17 is not operated.

[0076] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, when the user presses the handle cover 12 (see arrow P), the handle cover 12 may rotate the first rotation link 14 counterclockwise around the first link axis S1 , and thus the handle cover 12 may be separated from the opening 11 a to be accommodated in the housing 11 .

[0077] In other words, since the trajectory of the handle cover 12 is determined by the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15, the handle cover 12 can be accommodated in the housing 11 according to the determined trajectory while maintaining a horizontal state.

[0078] When the handle cover 12 is accommodated in the housing 11, the handle cover 12 may rotate the first rotating link 14 and the second rotating link 15. When the first rotating link 14 rotates, the operating protrusion 14a may rotate the release link 18 while moving upward.

[0079] When the release link 18 rotates, the latch connection hole 18c of the release link 18 can move downward (see Fig.12 h), so that the door lock is released. After that, the user can manipulate the release switch 13 to open the door.

[0080] According to the horizontal storage type automatic flush door handle assembly of the present disclosure having the above-described configuration, even in an emergency or when the battery is discharged, the operation method of the door handle can be easily recognized from the outside, so that the door can be quickly opened.

[0081] Furthermore, since the automatic flush type door handle can be implemented with a simple structure, the number of required parts and production costs can be reduced.

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not restrictive but illustrative in all aspects.

Claims

1. An automatic flush door handle assembly for a vehicle, the automatic flush door handle assembly comprising: a housing having an opening formed on one side of the housing; a handle cover disposed within the housing and configured to open and close the opening; A first rotating link, the first rotating link comprising: an upper end of a link connected to the housing and a lower end of a link connected to the handle cover; A second rotating link, which is provided separately from the first rotating link and includes: an upper end of a link connected to the housing and a lower end of a link connected to the handle cover; and A release link is operated by the first rotating link and is configured to release the door lock.

2. The automatic flush door handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: An operating protrusion is formed on one side of the first rotating link, the operating protrusion moving upward due to the rotation of the first rotating link and operating the release link while moving upward.

3. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 2, wherein: The release link is rotatably mounted on one side of the housing and includes a contact surface and a latch connection hole; When the operating protrusion moves upward, the contact surface comes into contact with the operating protrusion; The latch connection hole is connected to the door lock; and When the operating protrusion moving upward pushes the contact surface to rotate the release link, the door lock is released.

4. The automatic flush door handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein: A guide groove is formed on a side surface of the housing along a trajectory of the operating protrusion, and the operating protrusion passes through the guide groove.

5. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 1, wherein: The second rotating link is connected to the housing and the handle cover at a position higher by a predetermined height than the first rotating link.

6. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a second link shaft configured to connect an upper end link of the second rotating link to the housing, wherein the second link shaft is located directly above a first link shaft configured to connect an upper end link of the first rotating link to the housing; and A fourth connecting rod shaft is configured to connect the lower end connecting rod of the second rotating connecting rod to the handle cover, wherein the fourth connecting rod shaft is located directly above the third connecting rod shaft, and the third connecting rod shaft is configured to connect the lower end connecting rod of the first rotating connecting rod to the handle cover.

7. The automatic flush door handle assembly according to claim 6, wherein: When the first rotating link and the second rotating link rotate, the handle cover maintains a state in which the fourth link axis is located directly above the third link axis.

8. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 6, wherein: When the handle cover closes the opening, the third and fourth link shafts are located closer to the outside of the vehicle than the first and second link shafts.

9. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 2, further comprising: An actuator is configured to operate the first rotating link.

10. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 9, further comprising: An operating link between the actuator and the first rotating link, the operating link being rotated by the actuator to rotate the first rotating link.

11. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 10, wherein: When the operating link is operated by the actuator, the operating protrusion moves upward.

12. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 11, wherein: A rod capable of linear movement is mounted on the actuator; and When the lever extends and rotates the operating link, the operating link moves the operating protrusion upward, and the operating protrusion rotates the release link.

13. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 12, wherein: An input portion that contacts the rod is formed at a lower end of the operating link, and an operating portion configured to rotate the operating protrusion is formed at an upper end of the operating link.

14. The automatic flush door handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a release switch configured to be manipulated by a user to open a door when the handle cover is received within the housing.

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