Hidden type vehicle door handle, vehicle comprising hidden type vehicle door handle and control method of vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a hidden vehicle door handle. The hidden vehicle door handle comprises a driving device, a handle body, an elastic component and an electromagnetic device. The hidden vehicle door handle can electrically drive the handle body to move between the hidden position and the unfolding position through the driving device. And under the condition that the driving device fails, for example, the vehicle is powered off or the driving device breaks down, the handle body can be released and driven to move to the unfolding position of the handle body, the containing space is opened so that the hand of an operator can stretch into the containing space, the handle body can be pulled to open the vehicle door, and therefore the safety and reliability of the hidden type vehicle door handle are improved.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410905797.3, filed on July 5, 2024, entitled "Hidden Door Handle, Vehicle Including the Same, and Method for Controlling the Vehicle", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to vehicle door handles, and more particularly to a concealed door handle for a vehicle, a vehicle including the same, and a method for controlling the vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Some vehicles feature concealed door handles on their door panels. These handles have both a concealed and an extended position. When not in use, the handle is concealed, with its outer surface roughly flush with the door panel to visually hide it. When needed, the handle is extended, exposing the area for hand operation, such as pulling the handle to unlock or open the door. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Through long-term observation and research, the inventors of this application discovered that when a vehicle is in an abnormal state, such as when the vehicle loses power or the drive unit malfunctions, the hidden door handle may not be able to automatically open from the hidden state to the unfolded state.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to a first aspect of this application, this application provides a concealed door handle, including a drive device, a handle body, an elastic member, and an electromagnetic device. The handle body has a concealed position and an extended position, and can be driven by the drive device to move between the concealed position and the extended position. The elastic member is configured to provide a preload force to the handle body, causing the handle body to move towards the extended position. The electromagnetic device is configured such that, when energized, the electromagnetic device causes the handle body to be subjected to a force opposite to the direction of the preload force due to attraction, thereby preventing the handle body from moving towards the extended position under the preload force; and when de-energized, the electromagnetic device causes the handle body to be released, allowing the handle body to move towards the extended position under the action of the preload force of the elastic member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drive device includes an output end. The electromagnetic device is disposed on one of the output end of the drive device and the handle body. The concealed door handle also includes an attracted portion disposed on the other of the output end of the drive device and the handle body. The electromagnetic device is attracted to the attracted portion when energized and disengaged when de-energized. Furthermore, when the electromagnetic device is attracted to the attracted portion, the handle body magnetically engages with the output end of the drive device, allowing the handle body to move between the concealed position and the unfolded position under the drive of the drive device; when the electromagnetic device disengages from the attracted portion, the handle body disengages from the output end of the drive device, allowing the handle body to move towards the unfolded position under the preload of the elastic member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the output end of the drive device includes a push rod capable of extending or retracting. The handle body is configured to be driven to the extended position or the retracted position accordingly when the push rod is extended or retracted.

[0009] In some embodiments, the handle body further includes a driven portion, which is capable of magnetically engaging with the push rod when the electromagnetic device is energized, and disengaging from the push rod when the electromagnetic device is de-energized.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic device is disposed on the push rod, and the attracted portion is disposed on the driven portion of the handle body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic device is disposed on the driven portion of the handle body, and the attracted portion is disposed on the push rod.

[0012] In some embodiments, the attracted portion is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic device is controllably connected to the vehicle's power supply system to be energized or de-energized.

[0014] According to a second aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, including a power supply system, a control device, and a concealed door handle according to any one of the first aspects. The control device is configured to controllably connect the power supply system to the electromagnetic device, thereby energizing or de-energizing the electromagnetic device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the power supply system is a system that supplies power to the drive device.

[0016] According to a third aspect of this application, this application provides a method for controlling a vehicle as described in the second aspect, comprising the steps of: receiving an abnormal signal indicating an abnormal vehicle state; and de-energizing the electromagnetic device in response to the abnormal signal to release the handle body, thereby causing the handle body to move to its unfolded position under the preload of the elastic member.

[0017] In some embodiments, de-energizing the electromagnetic device includes: stopping the vehicle's power supply system from operating or disconnecting the power supply system from the electromagnetic device.

[0018] The concealed door handle of this application can be electrically driven by a drive unit to move the handle body between a concealed position and an unfolded position. Furthermore, in the event of an abnormal vehicle condition, such as a power outage or a drive unit malfunction, the handle body can be released and driven to its unfolded position, opening a receiving space for the operator's hand to reach in and pull the handle body to open the door, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the concealed door handle.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of the application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A This is a structural diagram of a concealed door handle according to an embodiment of the present application in a state where the push rod is retracted and the handle body is in a concealed position.

[0021] Figure 1B for Figure 1A The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the concealed door handle in another state, where the push rod extends and the handle body is in the unfolded position.

[0022] Figure 1C for Figure 1A The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the concealed door handle in another state, where the push rod is retracted and the handle body is in the unfolded position.

[0023] Figure 2A For including Figure 1A A structural diagram of a vehicle with concealed door handles;

[0024] Figure 2B This is a block diagram of the control circuit in 2A;

[0025] Figure 2C for Figure 2B A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the control circuit shown;

[0026] Figure 2D for Figure 2BA block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the control circuit diagram shown;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2B The block diagram of the controller in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 2A The control flowchart of the vehicle in the diagram.

[0029] Main Identification

[0030] Concealed door handle 100; door sheet metal 101; elastic component 103; rotating shaft 108; handle body 110; driven part 112; attracted part 113; accommodating space 118; driving device 120; push rod 121; electromagnetic device 122; motor 125; control device 230; power supply system 240; control circuit 250; switching device 251 / 251a / 251b / 251c; controller 260; vehicle 280; bus 331; processor 332; input interface 333; output interface 334; memory 335; program 336; connection 337; connection 338. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," are used herein to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting.

[0032] Figures 1A-1C A schematic diagram of a concealed door handle 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown in three different states. Figure 1A This shows the state of the concealed door handle 100 when the push rod is retracted and the handle body is in the hidden position. Figure 1B This shows the state of the concealed door handle 100 when the push rod is extended and the handle body is in the unfolded position. Figure 1C This shows the state of the concealed door handle 100 when the push rod is retracted and the handle body is in the extended position. (Example) Figures 1A-1C As shown, the concealed door handle 100 includes a handle body 110 and a drive unit 120.

[0033] The handle body 110 is movably mounted to the door sheet metal 101. The handle body 110 has a concealed position and an extended position, and can move between the concealed and extended positions under the drive of the drive device 120. In this embodiment, the handle body 110 moves about a rotation axis 108 as follows: Figure 1A The hidden locations shown and as Figure 1B and Figure 1C Movement between the unfolded positions shown. When the handle body 110 is in the position shown... Figure 1A When in the concealed position shown, the outer surface of the handle body 110 is approximately flush with the door sheet metal 101. When the handle body 110 is in the position shown... Figure 1B and Figure 1C When the handle body 110 is in the unfolded position shown, it is at a certain angle to the door sheet metal 101, thereby forming a receiving space 118 for the operator to reach in and pull the handle body 110 to open the door.

[0034] The drive device 120 includes an output end for driving the handle body 110. In this embodiment, the drive device 120 is an actuator, and the output end includes a push rod 121. The drive device 120 includes a motor 125 and a push rod 121. The motor 125 can drive the push rod 121 to extend or retract; for example, the push rod 121 can extend to... Figure 1B The position shown or retracted to the position shown. Figure 1A and Figure 1C The handle body 110 is configured to be driven to an extended or retracted position accordingly when the push rod 121 extends or retracts. In this embodiment, the handle body 110 has a driven portion 112. The driven portion 112 engages with the push rod 121 of the drive device 120, such that the push rod 121 of the drive device 120 can push the handle body 110 to move via the driven portion 112. In some embodiments, the driven portion 112 further includes transmission components, such as a rotating mechanism or a push block ramp mechanism, such that the push rod 121 pushes the handle body 110 to move via the transmission components. In some embodiments, the transmission components may not be disposed on the driven portion 112, but rather between the push rod 121 and the driven portion 112.

[0035] The concealed door handle 100 also includes an elastic member 103 and an electromagnetic device 122. The elastic member 103 is connected between the rotating shaft 108 and the handle body 110. The elastic member 103 is configured to provide a preload force to the handle body 110, causing the handle body 110 to move in its unfolded position. In this embodiment, the elastic member 103 can be a torsion spring. The electromagnetic device 122 is capable of generating magnetism when energized and losing magnetism when de-energized. The electromagnetic device 122 is, for example, an electromagnet composed of an iron core and a coil, capable of generating magnetism when energized.

[0036] Therefore, when the electromagnetic device 122 is energized, it causes the handle body 110 to experience a force opposite to the preload due to attraction, thus preventing the handle body 110 from moving towards the unfolded position under the preload. When the electromagnetic device 122 is de-energized, it releases the handle body 110. At this time, the electromagnetic device 122 no longer provides force to the handle body 110, and even if the push rod 121 retracts, the handle body 110 can still move to the unfolded position under the preload of the elastic member 103.

[0037] In this embodiment, the concealed door handle 100 also includes an attracted portion 113. In some embodiments, the attracted portion 113 is made of a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, etc. When the electromagnetic device 122 is energized to generate magnetism, the electromagnetic device 122 can attract the attracted portion 113. When the electromagnetic device 122 is de-energized and the magnetism dissipates, the electromagnetic device 122 can separate from the attracted portion 113.

[0038] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic device 122 and the attracted portion 113 are respectively disposed on the push rod 121 of the drive device 120 and the driven portion 112 of the handle body 110. For example, the electromagnetic device 122 is disposed at the end of the push rod 121, and the attracted portion 113 is disposed on the driven portion 112. Thus, when the electromagnetic device 122 and the attracted portion 113 are attracted, the push rod 121 of the drive device 120 magnetically engages with the driven portion 112 of the handle body 110, so that the handle body 110 can move between the hidden position and the unfolded position under the drive of the drive device 120. When the electromagnetic device 122 separates from the attracted portion 113, the handle body 110 disengages from the push rod 121 of the drive device 120, and the electromagnetic device 122 releases the handle body 110, so that the handle body 110 can move to the unfolded position under the preload of the elastic member 103. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in other embodiments, the electromagnetic device 1 22 may also be disposed on the handle body 110, and the attracted portion 113 may be disposed on the push rod 121 accordingly. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, in some other embodiments, depending on the specific structure of the handle body, the handle body may also be made entirely of a ferromagnetic material to form the attracted portion as a whole, or multiple attracted portions may be provided in multiple parts of the handle body.

[0039] In embodiments of this application, in such Figure 1A In the indicated state, the electromagnetic device 122 is energized and attracts the driven part 112 of the handle body 110. The push rod 121 of the drive device 120 of the concealed door handle 100 retracts, and the handle body 110 overcomes the preload force of the elastic member 103, so that the handle body 110 is in the concealed position.

[0040] In such Figure 1B In the indicated state, the electromagnetic device 122 is energized and attracts the driven part 112 of the handle body 110. The push rod 121 of the drive device 120 of the concealed door handle 100 extends, and the handle body 110 is in the unfolded position under the preload of the elastic member 103 and the push rod 121.

[0041] In such Figure 1C In the indicated state, the electromagnetic device 122 is de-energized, and the electromagnetic device 122 releases the driven part 112 of the handle body 110. The push rod 121 of the drive device 120 of the concealed door handle 100 no longer engages the handle body 110, and the handle body 110 is in the unfolded position under the pre-tension force of the elastic member 103.

[0042] In other words, when the electromagnetic device 122 is energized, the drive device 120 can drive the handle body 110 to move to the hidden position and the unfolded position by retracting and extending the push rod 121. When the electromagnetic device 122 is de-energized, the handle body 110 is no longer pushed by the push rod 121, but moves directly to the unfolded position under the action of the elastic member 103.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the handle body 110 may move between the hidden and unfolded positions not through rotation, but through linear motion or other motion methods, with the corresponding elastic components provided. Furthermore, the drive device 120 may not include a linear motion push rod, but may include an output end for other types of motion, as long as it can drive the handle body 110 to move. Accordingly, the electromagnetic device 122 or the attracted part 113 can be provided at the end of the corresponding actuating component.

[0044] Figure 2A-2D The structure of the control circuit 250 for controlling the concealed door handle 100 is shown. Figure 2A For including Figure 1A A structural diagram of the vehicle 280 with the concealed door handle 100. Figure 2B for Figure 2A Block diagram of control circuit 250. Figure 2C for Figure 2B A specific embodiment of the control circuit 250 shown. Figure 2D for Figure 2B Another specific embodiment of the control circuit 250 shown.

[0045] like Figure 2AAs shown, vehicle 280 includes a control circuit 250, which includes a power supply system 240, a control device 230, and a concealed door handle 100. The control device 230 is controllably electrically connected to the power supply system 240 and the concealed door handle 100 to control the power supply or de-energization of various components of the concealed door handle 100. In this embodiment, the power supply system 240 is a system capable of providing power to the vehicle 280, such as a battery management system (BMS).

[0046] like Figure 2B As shown, the control device 230 controllably connects the power supply system 240 to the electromagnetic device 122 to control the electromagnetic device 122 to be energized or de-energized. Furthermore, the control device 230 can also controllably connect the power supply system 240 to the drive device 120 to control the motor 125 of the drive device 120 to be energized or de-energized, and control the extension or retraction of the push rod 121 by controlling the motor 125.

[0047] As an example, the control device 230 includes a controller 260 and a switch 251. The switch 251 is connected between the concealed door handle 100 and the power supply system 240. The controller 260 controls whether the drive device 120 and the electromagnetic device 122 of the concealed door handle 100 are electrically connected to the power supply system 240 by controlling the opening or closing of the switch 251, thereby controlling the drive device 120 and the electromagnetic device 122 to be energized or de-energized. In some embodiments, the control device 230 can also control the drive device 120 and the electromagnetic device 122 to be energized or de-energized in other ways, such as directly controlling the power supply system 240 to be energized or de-energized.

[0048] As a more specific example, such as Figure 2C As shown, the control device 230 includes a controller 260 and a switching device 251a. The motor 125 and the electromagnetic device 122 of the drive device 120 are electrically connected to the power supply system 240 through a common switching device 251a, so that the control device 230 can simultaneously control the energization and de-energization of the motor 125 and the electromagnetic device 122.

[0049] As another specific example, such as Figure 2D As shown, the control device 230 includes a controller 260 and two switching devices, namely switching device 251b and switching device 251c. The motor 125 and the electromagnetic device 122 are electrically connected to the power supply system 240 through switching device 251b and switching device 251c, respectively, so that the control device 230 controls the energization and de-energization of the motor 125 and the electromagnetic device 122, respectively.

[0050] Therefore, depending on the specific structure of the control circuit 250, the control device 230 can control the motor 125 and the electromagnetic device 122 simultaneously, or it can control the motor 125 and the electromagnetic device 122 separately. In some embodiments, the control device 230 can also control the extension or retraction of the push rod 121 independently. In some embodiments, when the electromagnetic device 122 is provided on the driven part 112 of the handle body 110, the electromagnetic device 122 on the driven part 112 can be electrically connected to the control device 230 through a wiring harness.

[0051] Figure 3 A block diagram of the controller 260 is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the controller 260 includes a bus 331, a processor 332, an input interface 333, an output interface 334, and a memory 335 containing a program 336. The various components of the controller 260, including the processor 332, input interface 333, output interface 334, and memory 335, are communicatively connected to the bus 331, enabling the processor 332 to control the operation of the input interface 333, output interface 334, and memory 335. Specifically, the memory 335 stores programs, instructions, and data, while the processor 332 reads programs, instructions, and data from the memory 335 and can write data to the memory 335. By executing the programs and instructions read from the memory 335, the processor 332 controls the operation of the input interface 333 and the output interface 334.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, input interface 333 communicates with various vehicle sensors and input commands via connection 337 to receive various parameters, such as vehicle status parameters or operator input parameters, and stores these parameters in memory 335. Output interface 334 communicates with switching device 251 via connection 338. By executing program 336 in memory 335, controller 260 controls switching device 251 to open or close, thereby enabling control device 230 to control the connection or disconnection of power supply system 240 with motor 125 and / or electromagnetic device 122.

[0053] Figure 4 A control flowchart for the vehicle is shown. During vehicle operation, the control unit 230 receives signals indicating the vehicle's status. When the control unit 230 receives an abnormal signal indicating an abnormal vehicle status, as shown in step 440, indicating an abnormal vehicle status (e.g., a collision causing a power outage or a drive unit malfunction), step 441 is executed.

[0054] In step 441, in response to an abnormal signal, the control device 230 de-energizes the electromagnetic device 122, thereby releasing the handle body 110 and causing the handle body 110 to move to its unfolded position under the preload of the elastic member 103.

[0055] In some embodiments, the control device 230 de-energizes the electromagnetic device 122 by stopping the vehicle's power supply system 240 from operating or disconnecting the electrical connection between the power supply system 240 and the electromagnetic device 122.

[0056] In some embodiments, in response to an abnormal signal, if the vehicle's power supply system 240 has not stopped operating, the control device 230 will also cause the power supply system 240 to stop operating.

[0057] Therefore, when the vehicle is in an abnormal state, regardless of whether the push rod 121 is in the extended or retracted state, as long as the control device 230 controls the electromagnetic device 122 to be de-energized, the handle body 110 can be moved to its extended position immediately for the operator to operate.

[0058] The concealed door handle of this application can be electrically driven by a drive unit to move the handle body between a concealed position and an unfolded position. Furthermore, in the event of an abnormal vehicle condition, such as a power outage or a drive unit malfunction, the handle body can be released and driven to its unfolded position, opening a receiving space for the operator's hand to reach in and pull the handle body to open the door, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the concealed door handle.

[0059] Furthermore, the concealed door handle of this application immediately unfolds when the vehicle power is cut off or the control electromagnetic device of the control system is de-energized, without the need for additional action of the control device. The speed of unfolding the handle is faster, and the unfolding angle of the handle can be fully guaranteed.

[0060] Furthermore, the concealed door handle of this application only needs to be electrically connected to a power supply system, without the need for additional redundant power to operate the drive device. This not only ensures the reliable unfolding of the concealed door handle, but also saves redundant power and reduces costs.

[0061] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or now or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure set forth above are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents. The technical effects and problems described in this specification are exemplary rather than restrictive. It should be noted that the embodiments described in this specification may have other technical effects and may solve other technical problems.

Claims

1. A concealed door handle, characterized in that Comprising: a driving device; a handle body having a hidden position and an unfolded position and being capable of being driven by the driving device to move between the hidden position and the unfolded position; a resilient component arranged to provide a pre-tightening force to the handle body to move the handle body to the unfolded position; and an electromagnetic device arranged to, when energized, cause the handle body to be subjected to an acting force in a direction opposite to the pre-tightening force direction due to an attractive force to hinder the handle body from moving to the unfolded position by the pre-tightening force, and when de-energized, cause the handle body to be released to move to the unfolded position under the pre-tightening force of the resilient component.

2. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the driving device comprises an output end; the electromagnetic device is arranged on one of the output end of the driving device and the handle body; the hidden vehicle door handle further comprises an attracted part arranged on the other of the output end of the driving device and the handle body; wherein the electromagnetic device is attracted to the attracted part when energized and separated from the attracted part when de-energized; and wherein when the electromagnetic device is attracted to the attracted part, the handle body is magnetically engaged with the output end of the driving device to enable the handle body to move between the hidden position and the unfolded position under the driving of the driving device, and when the electromagnetic device is separated from the attracted part, the handle body is disengaged from the output end of the driving device to enable the handle body to move to the unfolded position under the pre-tightening force of the resilient component.

3. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 2, characterized in that: the output end of the driving device comprises a push rod capable of being extended or retracted; wherein the handle body is arranged to be driven to the unfolded position or the hidden position when the push rod is extended or retracted correspondingly.

4. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 3, characterized in that: the handle body further comprises a driven part capable of being magnetically engaged with the push rod when the electromagnetic device is energized and disengaged from the push rod when the electromagnetic device is de-energized.

5. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 4, characterized in that: the electromagnetic device is arranged on the push rod, and the attracted part is arranged on the driven part of the handle body.

6. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 4, characterized in that: the electromagnetic device is arranged on the driven part of the handle body, and the attracted part is arranged on the push rod.

7. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: the attracted part is made of ferromagnetic material.

8. The hidden vehicle door handle according to claim 1, characterized in that: the electromagnetic device is controllably connected to a power supply system of a vehicle to be energized or de-energized.

9. A vehicle characterized by Comprising: a power supply system; a control device; and The concealed door handle according to any one of claims 1-8; The control device is configured to controllably electrically connect the power supply system with the electromagnetic device to energize or de-energize the electromagnetic device.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein: The power supply system is a system for supplying power to the driving device.

11. A control method of the vehicle according to claim 9, characterized by The method comprises the following steps: receiving an abnormal signal indicating an abnormal state of the vehicle; and In response to the abnormal signal, de-energizing the electromagnetic device to release the handle body so that the handle body moves to its unfolded position under the pre-tightening force of the elastic component.

12. The control method of claim 11, wherein: De-energizing the electromagnetic device comprises stopping the operation of a power supply system of the vehicle or disconnecting the electrical connection between the power supply system and the electromagnetic device.

Images