Door handle assembly for vehicle door and method of operating same

Abstract

A door handle assembly for a vehicle door is provided. A door handle assembly for a vehicle door having a door surface includes a handle seat, a handle, a drive, a handle shaft, and a transmission. The handle has a retracted position and a deployed position. The handle is flush with respect to the door surface when the handle is in the retracted position. The handle protrudes outwardly relative to the door surface when the handle is in the deployed position. The handle shaft is configured to rotate under the driving of the driving device. The transmission device connects the handle shaft to the handle so that the handle can be driven by the handle shaft to move between the retracted position and the unfolded position relative to the handle base. The drive device is configured to actuate to deploy or retract the handle in response to the handle shaft rotating a predetermined angle when the operator pushes the handle when the handle is in the retracted position or the deployed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a door handle assembly, and more particularly, to a door handle assembly for a vehicle door and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle door handle assemblies, such as exterior door handle assemblies, are designed to be gripped by an operator to open or unlock the vehicle door. To this end, the handle in the vehicle door handle assembly extends beyond the door surface, allowing the operator to grip the handle for these operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this application, a door handle assembly for a vehicle door is provided. The vehicle door has a door surface, and the door handle assembly includes a handle base, a handle, a drive mechanism, a handle shaft, and a transmission mechanism. The handle has a retracted position and an extended position. When the handle is in the retracted position, the handle is flush with the door surface. When the handle is in the extended position, the handle protrudes outward relative to the door surface. The handle shaft is configured to rotate under the drive of the drive mechanism. The transmission mechanism connects the handle shaft to the handle so that the handle can move relative to the handle base between the retracted and extended positions under the drive of the handle shaft. The drive mechanism is configured to activate in response to the handle shaft rotating a predetermined angle when the handle is in the retracted or extended position, to extend or retract the handle.

[0004] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, the handle shaft is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive device.

[0005] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, the handle is slidably mounted on the handle seat.

[0006] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, one of the handle and the handle seat is provided with a groove, and the other of the handle and the handle seat is provided with a slider. The slider cooperates with the groove to achieve sliding installation of the handle and the handle seat.

[0007] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, the transmission device includes at least one connecting arm and at least one push rod. The proximal end of the at least one connecting arm is fixedly connected to the handle shaft. The proximal end of the at least one push rod is pivotally connected to the handle, and the distal end of the at least one push rod is pivotally connected to the distal end of the at least one connecting arm.

[0008] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, at least one connecting arm includes two connecting arms. The two connecting arms are respectively located near opposite ends of the handle shaft. At least one push rod includes two push rods, each of which is connected to one of the two connecting arms.

[0009] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, the handle base is provided with at least one limiting ramp. The limiting ramp is configured to contact at least one connecting arm when the handle reaches the unfolded position, so as to hold the handle in the unfolded position.

[0010] According to the door handle assembly of the first aspect described above, the door handle assembly further includes a sensor disposed on at least one limiting ramp. At least one connecting arm is configured to apply pressure to the sensor when a pulling force is applied to the handle in the extended position, causing the sensor to generate a sensing signal for unlocking the vehicle door.

[0011] The door handle assembly according to the first aspect above also includes a control device. The control device is communicatively connected to the drive device and is configured to control the drive device to rotate in a first rotational direction to unfold the handle, or to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction to retract the handle.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this application, this application provides a method for operating a door handle assembly installed in a vehicle door, comprising the following steps: (a) detecting a signal that the handle of the door handle assembly has been pushed a predetermined distance; (b) if the signal that the handle has been pushed a predetermined distance is detected, determining whether the handle is in a retracted position or an extended position; if the handle is detected to be in the retracted position, performing step (c); if the handle is detected to be in the extended position, performing step (d); (c) activating a drive device to rotate it along a first rotation direction to extend the handle; (d) activating a drive device to rotate it along a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction to retract the handle.

[0013] According to the method of the second aspect above, the signal that the handle is pushed a predetermined distance in step (a) is detected by rotating a predetermined angle along the second rotation direction through the output end of the detection drive device.

[0014] According to the method of the second aspect above, during the execution of step (c), if a stall signal of the drive device is detected, the drive device is controlled to rotate in the second rotation direction to retract the handle; or during the execution of step (d), if a stall signal of the drive device is detected, the drive device is controlled to unfold the handle.

[0015] According to a third aspect of this application, a door handle assembly for a vehicle door is provided. The vehicle door has a door surface, and the door handle assembly includes a handle base, a handle, a handle shaft, and a transmission mechanism. The handle is slidably mounted on the handle base and has a retracted position and an extended position. When the handle is in the retracted position, it is flush with the door surface of the vehicle; when the handle is in the extended position, it protrudes outward relative to the door surface. The handle shaft is configured to rotate under the drive of a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism connects the handle shaft to the handle, allowing the handle to slide relative to the handle base between the retracted and extended positions under the drive of the handle shaft.

[0016] According to the door handle assembly described in the third aspect above, one of the handle and the handle seat is provided with a groove, and the other of the handle and the handle seat is provided with a slider. The slider cooperates with the groove to achieve sliding installation of the handle and the handle seat.

[0017] According to the door handle assembly of the third aspect described above, the transmission device includes at least one connecting arm and at least one push rod. The proximal end of the at least one connecting arm is fixedly connected to the handle shaft. The proximal end of the at least one push rod is pivotally connected to the handle, and the distal end of the at least one push rod is pivotally connected to the distal end of the at least one connecting arm.

[0018] According to the door handle assembly of the third aspect above, the handle seat is provided with at least one limiting ramp, which is configured to contact at least one connecting arm when the handle reaches the unfolded position, so as to hold the handle in the unfolded position.

[0019] According to the door handle assembly of the third aspect mentioned above, the handle shaft is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive device.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a door handle assembly for a vehicle door is provided. The vehicle door has a door surface, and the door handle assembly includes a handle seat, a handle, a handle shaft, at least one connecting arm, and at least one push rod. The handle is slidably mounted on the handle seat and has a retracted position and an extended position. When the handle is in the retracted position, the handle is flush with the door surface of the vehicle; when the handle is in the extended position, the handle protrudes outward relative to the door surface. The handle shaft is configured to rotate under the drive of a drive mechanism. The proximal end of at least one connecting arm is fixedly connected to the handle shaft. The proximal end of at least one push rod is pivotally connected to the handle, and the distal end of at least one push rod is pivotally connected to the distal end of at least one connecting arm.

[0021] According to the door handle assembly described in the fourth aspect above, one of the handle and the handle seat is provided with a groove, and the other of the handle and the handle seat is provided with a slider. The slider cooperates with the groove to achieve sliding installation of the handle and the handle seat.

[0022] According to the door handle assembly of the fourth aspect above, the handle shaft is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A This is a front perspective view of a door handle assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Rear-view perspective view of the door handle assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 1C It has Figure 1A A 3D view of a vehicle with door handle components;

[0026] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A The door handle assembly shown is a top view of the handle in the extended position.

[0027] Figure 1E yes Figure 1A The door handle assembly shown is a top view of the handle in the retracted position.

[0028] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A The exploded front view of the door handle assembly shown, excluding the rear cover;

[0029] Figure 2B yes Figure 1A The exploded rear view of the door handle assembly shown, excluding the rear cover;

[0030] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A The rear view of the door handle assembly shown, with the rear cover not displayed;

[0031] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A Sectional view of the middle BB line;

[0032] Figure 3C It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the CC line;

[0033] Figure 4A yes Figure 1A The door handle assembly shown is a cross-sectional view of the handle in the retracted position.

[0034] Figure 4B yes Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the door handle assembly in the unfolded trigger position.

[0035] Figure 4C yes Figure 1A The door handle assembly shown is a cross-sectional view with the handle in the extended position.

[0036] Figure 4D yes Figure 1A The door handle assembly shown is a cross-sectional view of the handle in the retracted trigger position.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of elements in a door handle assembly communicating with a control device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present application for unfolding and retracting a handle;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of one embodiment of the control device. Detailed Implementation

[0040] 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," "up," "down," "left," and "right," 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 herein can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting.

[0041] Figure 1A and 1B The overall structure of a door handle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein, Figure 1A This is a front-view stereoscopic view of the door handle assembly 100. Figure 1B This is a rear-view perspective view of the door handle assembly 100. (See image below.) Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the door handle assembly 100 is a concealed door handle assembly, which includes a handle base 110, a handle 120, and a handle rear cover 160. The handle 120 is mounted on the handle base 110 from the front side, while the rear side of the handle base 110 is enclosed by the rear cover 160. The handle 120 is movable relative to the handle base 110, thus having a retracted position and an extended position.

[0042] Figure 1C It shows having Figure 1A A perspective view of vehicle 190 showing door handle assembly 100. (See image below.) Figure 1C As shown, vehicle 190 has a door 192, door 192 has an outer door surface 195, and handle seat 110 is accommodated in door 192. Figure 1CThe handle 120 is not visible. When the handle 120 is in the retracted position, it is flush with the outer door surface 195 of the vehicle, and is therefore hidden within the door 192, preventing the operator from pulling it. When the handle 120 is in the extended position, it protrudes outward relative to the outer door surface 195, allowing the operator to pull it. In addition to the extended position, the handle 120 may also have other non-retracted positions, such as an unlocked position that protrudes further outward relative to the door 192 than the extended position, in which the handle can trigger the vehicle door lock to open. In other embodiments, the door handle assembly according to the embodiments of this application can also be used for opening the door from the inside, with the handle flush with the inner door surface.

[0043] Figure 1D and 1E The two states of handle 120 are shown, in which, Figure 1D This is a top view of the door handle assembly 100 with the handle 120 in the extended position. Figure 1E This is a top view of the door handle assembly 100 when the handle 120 is in the retracted position. (See image below.) Figure 1D As shown, a grip portion 125 is formed on the handle 120. When the handle 120 is in the extended position, the grip portion 125 extends from the handle base 110, allowing the operator to insert their hand into the grip portion 125 to pull the handle 120. Figure 1E As shown, when the handle 120 is in the retracted position, the handle 120 is contained in the handle seat 110 except for the portion that is flush with the outer door surface 195 of the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 2A and 2B The specific structure of the door handle assembly 100 is shown in the front and rear exploded views, respectively, for ease of display. Figure 2A and 2B The rear cover 160 is not shown. (As...) Figure 2A and 2B As shown, except for handle base 110, handle 120, and those not in Figure 2A and 2B In addition to the back cover 160 shown, the door handle assembly 100 also includes a drive unit 180, a handle shaft 130, and a transmission unit 150. The drive unit 180 is, for example, a motor or an actuator including a motor. One end of the handle shaft 130 is fixedly connected to the output end 183 of the drive unit 180 to rotate under the drive of the drive unit 180. The handle shaft 130 is also connected to the handle 120 via the transmission unit 150, so that the handle 120 can move between a retracted position and an extended position under the action of the handle shaft 130.

[0045] The handle 120 is slidably mounted on the handle base 110, so that when the handle 120 moves between the retracted position and the extended position, the handle 120 slides relative to the handle base 110. Figure 2A and 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the handle base 110 is provided with a cavity 115, and a pair of cantilevered sliders 118 (e.g., ...) are provided in the cavity 115. Figure 2A (As shown in the enlarged view within the dashed box in the image), the slider 118 is spaced a certain distance from the top surface 119 of the cavity 115. This pair of sliders 118 are arranged along the length of the handle base 110, near the left and right sides of the handle base 110, and extend from the rear to the front of the handle base 110. One end of the slider 118 near the rear of the handle base 110 is connected to the handle base 110, while the end near the front of the handle base 110 is a free end. The handle 120 is provided with a pair of sliding grooves 128, which are respectively used to cooperate with the pair of sliders 118 on the handle base 110 to achieve a sliding installation of the handle 120 and the handle base 110. Figure 2B As shown in the enlarged view within the dashed box, each groove 128 is formed by a pair of spaced-apart cantilever beams 126 on the handle 120, with the gap between the beams 126 forming the groove 128. The arrangement of the grooves 128 and the slider 118 does not affect the handle 120 as shown in the image. Figure 1E The handle 120 is housed in the handle base 110. In other embodiments, a groove may be provided in the handle base 110, and a slider may be provided on the handle 120, as long as sliding installation between the handle 120 and the handle base 110 can be achieved.

[0046] Still as Figure 2A and 2BAs shown, the transmission device 150 includes a pair of connecting arms 153 and a pair of push rods 150. The proximal ends of the pair of connecting arms 153 are fixedly connected to the handle shaft 130, and the distal ends of the pair of connecting arms 153 are pivotally connected to the distal ends of the pair of push rods 155 respectively via first connecting pins 152. The proximal ends of the pair of push rods 150 are pivotally connected to the handle 120 via second connecting pins 157. The pair of connecting arms 135 are integrally formed with the handle shaft 130, for example, or can be fixedly connected to the handle shaft 130 in other ways. The pair of connecting arms 135 are respectively close to opposite ends of the handle shaft 130 and extend substantially perpendicular to the handle shaft 130. Through the relative rotation between the connecting rods 155, the connecting arms 153, and the handle 120, the handle shaft 130 can drive the handle 120 to slide relative to the handle seat 110. Furthermore, when the handle 120 is in the retracted and extended positions, the transmission device 150, including the connecting rod 155 and the connecting arm 153, can also drive the handle shaft 130 to rotate when the operator pushes the handle 120 inward, thereby driving the output end 183 of the drive device 180 to rotate, thus triggering the drive device 180 to start and perform the action of extending or retracting the handle, which will be described in detail below. In other embodiments, the transmission device 150 may also include other structures or components instead of push rods and connecting arms, as long as the above functions can be achieved. In addition, in other embodiments, the number of connecting rods 155 and connecting arms 153 is not limited to a pair, but may be one or more pairs.

[0047] like Figure 2B As shown, the bottom of the cavity 115 of the handle seat 110 is provided with a pair of limiting ramps 170, which extend upward toward the slider 118 in a direction from the rear to the front of the handle seat 110. The limiting ramps 170 are configured such that when the handle reaches the extended position, the pair of limiting ramps 170 respectively contact a pair of connecting arms 135 to prevent the handle shaft 130 from continuing to rotate, thereby holding the handle 120 in the extended position. The door handle assembly 100 also includes a sensor 140 disposed on one of the pair of limiting ramps 170. The sensor 140 is used to generate a sensing signal for unlocking the vehicle's door lock. When a pulling force is applied to the handle 120 in the extended position, the connecting arm 135 can apply sufficient pressure to the sensor 140 to cause the sensor to generate the aforementioned unlocking signal.

[0048] Still as Figure 2B As shown, the bottom of the cavity 115 of the handle seat 110 is also provided with a support portion 113 for supporting the handle shaft 130 in the handle seat 110. The support portion 113 is a pair of support grooves spaced a certain distance apart, and both ends of the handle shaft 130 are accommodated in the support grooves.

[0049] Figures 3A-3C The assembly relationship between the components of the door handle assembly 100 is shown, wherein, Figure 3A yes Figure 1A The rear view of the door handle assembly 100 shown is shown, in which the rear cover is not displayed. Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A Sectional view of the middle BB line. Figure 3C It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view along the CC line. (Example) Figure 3B As shown, the handle shaft 130 is supported on the support portion 113 in the handle seat 110, and the slider 118 of the handle seat 110 is inserted into the slide groove 128 of the handle 120.

[0050] like Figure 3C As shown, push rod 155 is pivotally connected to connecting block 127 in handle 120 via second connecting pin 157. Handle 120 is a two-piece structure comprising handle housing 122 and handle core 124 located within handle housing 122. Handle core 124 defines handle cavity 121. Connecting block 127, connected to push rod 155, is located at the bottom of handle cavity 121. Beam 126 defining groove 128 is partially located in handle cavity 121 and extends rearward from handle cavity 121. Push rod 155 may also be substantially accommodated within handle cavity 121. Front sidewall 128 of handle housing 122 is flush with vehicle door to "hide" handle 120 within vehicle door.

[0051] According to an embodiment of this application, when the handle shaft 130 rotates under the drive of the drive device 180, the connecting arm 153 rotates accordingly. The rotation of the connecting arm 153 causes the push rod 155, which is pivotally connected to it, to rotate and move relative to the connecting arm 153, thereby causing the push rod 155 to drive the handle 120 to slide on the handle seat 110. Thus, under the drive of the drive device 180, the handle 120 can move between a retracted position and an extended position. When the drive device 180 drives the handle shaft 130 to rotate in a first rotation direction, the drive device 180 drives the handle 120 to move from the retracted position to the extended position. When the drive device 180 drives the handle shaft 130 to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the drive device 180 drives the handle to move from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0052] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this application, when it is necessary to unfold the handle 120 in the retracted position and when it is necessary to retract the handle 120 in the unfolded position, the activation of the drive device 180 is triggered by the operator pushing the handle 120 to move, thereby causing the handle shaft 130 to rotate. Specifically, when the handle 120 is in the retracted or unfolded position, if the operator applies a pushing force to the handle 120, the handle shaft 130 will rotate in a second rotation direction under the action of the handle 120. In response to the handle shaft 130 rotating by a predetermined angle when the operator pushes the handle 120, the drive device 180 will be activated to drive the handle shaft 130 to move, thereby retracting or unfolding the handle. According to an embodiment of this application, since the handle shaft 130 is connected to the output end 183 of the drive device 180, the rotation of the handle shaft 130 along the second rotation direction when the operator pushes the handle 120 causes the output end 183 of the drive device 180 to rotate along the second rotation direction. By detecting the predetermined angle of rotation of the output end 183 of the drive device 180 along the second rotation direction, it can be determined whether the operator has triggered the unfolding or retracting operation of the handle 120. According to an embodiment of this application, the predetermined angle is 6-9 degrees. In order for the handle shaft 130 to rotate by a predetermined angle of 6-8 degrees, the distance that the handle 120 moves under the push of the operator is approximately 5 mm.

[0053] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of the door handle assembly 100 when the handle 120 is in the retracted position. (See image below.) Figure 4A As shown, when the handle 120 is in the retracted position, it is housed in the handle base 110, and the front sidewall 128 of the handle 120 is located outside the handle base 110 and is accessible to the operator. When the handle needs to be unfolded, the operator can trigger the drive device 180 to activate by pushing the handle 120 inward through the front sidewall 128, thereby enabling the drive device 180 to unfold the handle 120.

[0054] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the door handle assembly 100 when the handle 120 is in the unfolded trigger position. (See image below.) Figure 4B As shown, when handle 120 is in the unfolding trigger position, it is in harmony with... Figure 4A Compared to the retracted position shown, the handle 120 is slightly recessed into the handle seat 110, and the connecting arm 153 rotates counterclockwise (in the second rotation direction) by a predetermined angle (e.g., 6-9 degrees), reducing the angle between the connecting arm 153 and the push rod 155. Since the connecting arm 153 is fixedly connected to the handle shaft 130, the angle of rotation of the connecting arm 153 reflects the angle of rotation of the handle shaft 130, and the two are identical. When the handle 120 moves to the unfolding trigger position, the drive device 180 is activated in response to the predetermined angle of rotation of the handle shaft 130, initiating the operation of unfolding the handle 120.

[0055] Figure 4C This is a cross-sectional view of the door handle assembly 100 when the handle 120 is in the extended position. (See image below.) Figure 4C As shown, when the handle 120 is in the extended position, the handle 120 is pushed out of the handle seat 110 by the connecting arm 153 and the push rod 155 to expose the grip portion 125. Therefore, when the handle 120 is in the extended position, the operator can pull the handle through the grip portion 125 to perform operations such as unlocking and opening doors. When the handle 120 is in the extended position, it is similar to... Figure 4A Compared to the retracted position shown, the connecting arm 153 has rotated a certain angle in the clockwise direction (first rotation direction), and the angle between the connecting arm 153 and the push rod 155 has increased.

[0056] When an unlocking operation is required, the operator can pull the handle 120, which is in the extended position, outward, causing the connecting arm 153 to continue rotating clockwise (in the first rotational direction) to press the sensor 140 located on the limiting ramp 170. When the connecting arm 153 applies sufficient pressure to the sensor 140, the sensor 140 generates a sensing signal for unlocking the vehicle's door lock, thus enabling the unlocking operation to be performed.

[0057] When it is necessary to retract the handle, the operator can trigger the drive device 180 to start by pushing or pressing the handle 120 in the extended position, so that the drive device 180 can retract the handle 120.

[0058] Figure 4D This is a cross-sectional view of the door handle assembly 100 when the handle 120 is in the retracted trigger position. (See image below.) Figure 4D As shown, when handle 120 is in the retracted trigger position, it is in harmony with... Figure 4C Compared to the extended position shown, the handle 120 is slightly retracted into the handle seat 110, and the connecting arm 153 rotates counterclockwise (in the second rotation direction) by a predetermined angle (e.g., 6-9 degrees), reducing the angle between the connecting arm 153 and the push rod 155. Since the connecting arm 153 is fixedly connected to the handle shaft 130, the angle of rotation of the connecting arm 153 reflects the angle of rotation of the handle shaft 130, and they are identical. When the handle 120 moves to the retraction trigger position, the drive unit 180 is activated in response to the predetermined angle of rotation of the handle shaft 130, initiating the operation of retracting the handle 120.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of elements in a door handle assembly 100 communicating with a control device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the door handle assembly 100 also includes a control device 570 and a door lock switch 510. The door lock switch 510, as well as the drive device 180 and the sensor 140, are all communicatively connected to the control device 570.

[0060] The drive unit 180 is controlled by the control unit 570 to rotate along a first rotation direction or a second rotation direction. Furthermore, the control unit 570 can monitor the drive unit 180 and receive rotation direction and rotation angle signals from the output terminal 183 of the drive unit 180. For example, when the drive unit 180 is in the initial position (retracted position), the initial angle of its output terminal 183 is 0 degrees; when the drive unit 180 drives the handle 120 to the unfolded position along the first rotation direction, the rotation angle of its output terminal 183 is 60 degrees; when the drive unit 180 rotates along the second rotation direction causing the handle 120 to reach the unfolded trigger position, its output terminal 183 rotates 6-9 degrees relative to the initial position; and when the drive unit 180 rotates along the second rotation direction causing the handle 120 to reach the retracted trigger position, its output terminal 183 rotates 6-9 degrees relative to the unfolded position.

[0061] To this end, the drive device 180 is provided with an angle detection device 580 for detecting or acquiring the rotation angle of the output end 183 of the drive device 180. In some embodiments, the angle detection device 580 includes, for example, multiple position sensors, which can detect whether the output end 183 of the drive device 180 has reached an unfolded position, an unfolded trigger position, a retracted trigger position, etc., and send the detected signal to the control device 500. In some embodiments, the angle detection device 580 is, for example, an encoder, and the rotation angle of the output end 183 of the drive device 180 can be obtained through the pulse signal output by the encoder.

[0062] Regarding the rotation direction of the output terminal 183 of the drive device 180, if the output terminal 183 of the drive device 180 rotates under the control of the control device 500, the control device 500 can obtain the rotation direction information of the output terminal 183 of the drive device 180 by controlling the direction of the current. If the output terminal 183 of the drive device 180 rotates in response to the handle shaft 130 rotating a predetermined angle when the operator pushes the handle 120, then the drive device 180 will generate a reverse excitation current, and the control device 500 can obtain the rotation direction information of the output terminal 183 of the drive device 180 by controlling the direction of the reverse excitation current.

[0063] Furthermore, sensor 140 can communicate with control device 570 to send an unlock signal to control device 570. Door lock switch 510 is controlled by control device 570 to open, thereby unlocking the door lock.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the unfolding and retracting of a handle 120 according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 6As shown, in step 610, the control device 570 begins operation. In step 620, the control device 570 monitors the drive device 180 to determine whether the handle has been pushed a predetermined distance. If not, monitoring continues; if yes, the process proceeds to step 630. In step 630, the control device 570 determines whether the handle is in the retracted or extended position to determine whether to perform a handle extension or retraction operation. If the handle is determined to be in the retracted position, the process proceeds to step 640; if the handle is determined to be in the extended position, the process proceeds to step 650.

[0065] In step 640, the control device 570 activates the drive device 180, causing it to rotate in the direction of unfolding the handle, thereby initiating the handle unfolding operation. During the handle unfolding operation, the control device 570 monitors the drive device 180 to determine if it receives a stall signal. If the control device 570 receives a stall signal, it proceeds to step 645. In step 645, the control device 570 controls the drive device 180 to change its rotation direction to retract the handle 120 to the retracted position. If the control device 570 does not receive a stall signal, it proceeds to step 647. In step 647, the control device 570 controls the drive device 180 to continue the handle unfolding operation until the handle reaches the unfolded position.

[0066] In step 650, control device 570 activates drive device 180, causing drive device 180 to rotate in the direction of retracting the handle, thereby initiating the handle retraction operation. During the handle retraction operation, control device 570 monitors drive device 180 to determine if it receives a stall signal. If control device 570 receives a stall signal, it proceeds to step 655. In step 655, control device 570 controls drive device 180 to change its rotation direction to unfold handle 120 to the unfolded position. If control device 570 does not receive a stall signal, it proceeds to step 657. In step 657, control device 570 controls drive device 180 to continue performing the handle retraction operation until the handle reaches the retracted position.

[0067] In step 620 above, the control device 570 determines that the handle 120 has been pushed a predetermined distance by receiving a signal that the output end of the drive device 180 has been rotated by a predetermined angle along the second rotation direction.

[0068] During the unfolding and retraction of the handle 120 under the drive of the drive device 180, if an external object obstructs the handle 120, preventing it from continuing to unfold or retract, the drive device 180 will stall. The stall signal of the drive device 180 can be obtained, for example, by detecting whether the current of the drive device 180 exceeds a certain threshold and persists for a certain period of time. The handle assembly 100 of this application can detect the stall signal of the drive device 180 and control the drive device 180 to reverse according to the stall signal, thereby preventing the drive device from continuing to rotate in the original direction and clamping the object when the handle is obstructed by an object (such as a human hand). Therefore, the handle assembly 100 of this application has an anti-pinch function.

[0069] Furthermore, the control device 570 of the handle assembly 100 of this application is also configured to, when the drive device 180 is powered off and then powered on again during operation, first determine whether the handle 120 is in the position between the retracted position and the extended position by using the rotation angle information of the drive device 180. If so, the handle 120 is first moved to the initial position (retracted position) by the drive device 180, and then subsequent operations are performed as needed.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of one embodiment of the control device 570. Figure 7 As shown, the control device 570 includes a bus 702, a processor 704, an input interface 706, an output interface 708, and a memory 714, in which a program 716 is stored. The processor 704, input interface 706, output interface 708, and memory 714 are communicatively connected to the bus 702, enabling the processor 704 to control the operation of the input interface 706, output interface 708, and memory 714. The memory 714 stores programs, instructions, and data, while the processor 704 reads programs, instructions, and data from the memory 714 and can write data to the memory 714. The program 716 includes implementations... Figure 6 The control flow procedure is as follows. Input interface 706 is connected to the drive device 180, its angle detection device 580, and the sensor 140 to acquire the rotation direction and rotation angle signals of the drive device 180, and to receive the sensing signal for unlocking sent by the sensor 140. Output interface 708 is connected to the drive device 180 and the door lock switch 510 to send control signals to the drive device 180 and the door lock switch 510, thereby controlling the handle 120 to unfold or retract, and controlling the door lock to unlock.

[0071] According to one aspect of this application, the door handle assembly of this application, because it has a handle shaft connected to the output end of the drive device and the handle, and the drive device is configured such that when the handle is in the retracted or extended position, the drive device is activated in response to the handle shaft rotating a predetermined angle when the operator pushes the handle, thus the door handle assembly of this application does not require additional electronic components (e.g., microswitches) for sensing the operator's action of extending or retracting the handle, nor does it require additional buttons for extending or retracting the handle. Therefore, the door handle assembly of this application achieves the extension and retraction of a concealed door handle with fewer components and a simpler appearance.

[0072] According to another aspect of this application, the structure for transmitting motion between the handle and the drive device in the door handle assembly of this application is simplified, thus realizing the unfolding and retraction of the concealed door handle with a simpler mechanical structure.

[0073] Although this application has been described with reference to examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

Claims

1. A door handle assembly for a vehicle door, the vehicle door having a door surface, the door handle assembly comprising: Handle base (110); The handle (120) has a retracted position and an extended position, wherein when the handle (120) is in the retracted position, the handle (120) is flush with the door surface, and when the handle (120) is in the extended position, the handle (10) protrudes outward relative to the door surface. Drive unit (180); A handle shaft (130) is configured to rotate under the drive of a drive unit (180); A transmission device (150) connects the handle shaft (130) to the handle (120) so that the handle (120) can move relative to the handle seat (110) between the retracted position and the extended position under the drive of the handle shaft (130). The drive device (180) is configured such that when the handle (120) is in the retracted or extended position, the drive device (180) is activated in response to the handle shaft (130) rotating by a predetermined angle when the operator pushes the handle (120) to extend or retract the handle (120).

2. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle shaft (130) is fixedly connected to the output end (183) of the drive device (180).

3. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle (120) is slidably mounted on the handle seat (110).

4. The door handle assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: One of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110) is provided with a sliding groove (128), and the other of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110) is provided with a slider (118). The slider (118) cooperates with the sliding groove (128) to realize the sliding installation of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110).

5. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that... The transmission device (150) includes: At least one connecting arm (153), the proximal end of which is fixedly connected to the handle shaft (130); At least one push rod (155), the proximal end of which is pivotally connected to the handle (120), and the distal end of which is pivotally connected to the distal end of the at least one connecting arm (153).

6. The door handle assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least one connecting arm (153) includes two connecting arms (153), which are respectively close to opposite ends of the handle shaft (130); The at least one push rod (155) includes two push rods (155), which are respectively connected to the two connecting arms (155).

7. The door handle assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The handle base (110) is provided with at least one limiting slope (170), which is configured to contact the at least one connecting arm (135) when the handle (120) reaches the unfolded position, so as to hold the handle (120) in the unfolded position.

8. The door handle assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The door handle assembly also includes a sensor (140) disposed on the at least one limiting ramp (170); and The at least one connecting arm (135) is configured to apply pressure to the sensor (140) when a pulling force is applied to the handle (120) in the extended position, so that the sensor (140) generates a sensing signal for unlocking the door of the vehicle.

9. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: A control device (570) is communicatively connected to the drive device (180) and configured to control the drive device (180) to rotate in a first rotational direction to unfold the handle (120), or to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction to retract the handle (120).

10. A method of operating a door handle assembly installed in a vehicle door, the method comprising the steps of: (a) Detecting a signal that the handle of the door handle assembly has been pushed a predetermined distance; (b) If a signal is detected that the handle has been pushed a predetermined distance, determine whether the handle is in the retracted position or the extended position. If the handle is detected to be in the retracted position, proceed to step (c). If the handle is detected to be in the extended position, proceed to step (d). (c) Activate the drive mechanism to rotate it in the first rotation direction to unfold the handle; (d) Activate the drive device to rotate it in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction to retract the handle.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The signal that the handle is pushed a predetermined distance in step (a) is detected by detecting that the output of the drive device is rotated by a predetermined angle along the second rotation direction.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that: During the execution of step (c), if a stall signal of the drive device is detected, the drive device is controlled to rotate in the second rotation direction to retract the handle; or During the execution of step (d), if a stall signal is detected in the drive unit, the drive unit is controlled to unfold the handle.

13. A door handle assembly for a vehicle door, the vehicle door having a door surface, the door handle assembly comprising: Handle base (110); A handle (120) is slidably mounted on a handle seat (110) and has a retracted position and an extended position, wherein when the handle (120) is in the retracted position, the handle (120) is flush with the door surface of the vehicle, and when the handle (120) is in the extended position, the handle (10) protrudes outward relative to the door surface; A handle shaft (130) configured to rotate under the drive of a drive device (180); A transmission device (150) connects the handle shaft (130) to the handle (120) so that the handle (120) can slide relative to the handle seat (110) between the retracted position and the extended position under the drive of the handle shaft (130).

14. The door handle assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: One of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110) is provided with a sliding groove (128), and the other of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110) is provided with a slider (118). The slider (118) cooperates with the sliding groove (128) to realize the sliding installation of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110).

15. The door handle assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that... The transmission device (150) includes: At least one connecting arm (135), the proximal end of which is fixedly connected to the handle shaft (130); At least one push rod (150), the proximal end of which is pivotally connected to the handle (120), and the distal end of which is pivotally connected to the distal end of the at least one connecting arm (135).

16. The door handle assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that: The handle base (110) is provided with at least one limiting slope (170), which is configured to contact the at least one connecting arm (135) when the handle (120) reaches the unfolded position, so as to hold the handle (120) in the unfolded position.

17. The door handle assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The handle shaft (130) is fixedly connected to the output end (183) of the drive device (180).

18. A door handle assembly for a vehicle door, the vehicle door having a door surface, the door handle assembly comprising: Handle base (110); A handle (120) is slidably mounted on a handle seat (110) and has a retracted position and an extended position, wherein when the handle (120) is in the retracted position, the handle (120) is flush with the door surface of the vehicle, and when the handle (120) is in the extended position, the handle (10) protrudes outward relative to the door surface; A handle shaft (130) configured to rotate under the drive of a drive device (180); At least one connecting arm (135), the proximal end of which is fixedly connected to the handle shaft (130); At least one push rod (150), the proximal end of which is pivotally connected to the handle (120), and the distal end of which is pivotally connected to the distal end of the at least one connecting arm (135).

19. The door handle assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that: One of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110) is provided with a sliding groove (128), and the other of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110) is provided with a slider (118). The slider (118) cooperates with the sliding groove (128) to realize the sliding installation of the handle (120) and the handle seat (110).

20. The door handle assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that: The handle shaft (130) is fixedly connected to the output end (183) of the drive device (180).

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