De-icing device for a concealed door handle of a vehicle and concealed door handle

Abstract

This invention relates to a de-icing device for a concealed door handle in a vehicle, and a concealed door handle including the de-icing device. The de-icing device includes a vibration module. The vibration module includes a piezoelectric ceramic element and a carrier made of a rigid material. The piezoelectric ceramic element is designed to be electrically connected to a power source to generate vibration. The carrier is attached to the piezoelectric ceramic element on one side and directly to the door handle on the other side to transmit the vibration generated by the piezoelectric ceramic element to the door handle. This invention provides a built-in de-icing solution for vehicles, avoiding the problems of damaging the vehicle body or polluting the environment caused by de-icing with external force or chemical reagents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle technology, and in particular to a concealed door handle for a vehicle and a de-icing device for the concealed door handle. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automotive technology, concealed door handles are increasingly being used in motor vehicles, especially new energy vehicles, due to their technological and aesthetic appeal, as well as their advantages in reducing wind resistance and noise. These door handles can be fully embedded within the door; they can be unfolded when the door is opened and retracted when the vehicle is in motion.

[0003] However, in cold, rainy, or snowy weather, the door handles of vehicles parked outdoors may become stuck due to ice buildup on the vehicle's surface, hindering their use. Common de-icing methods include using hot water, hard objects, or chemical reagents, but all of these inevitably cause some degree of damage to the vehicle or pollute the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a de-icing device for a concealed door handle of a vehicle is provided, the de-icing device comprising a vibration module. The vibration module comprises a piezoelectric ceramic element and a carrier made of a rigid material, the piezoelectric ceramic element being designed to be electrically connected to a power source to generate vibration; the carrier is abutted against the piezoelectric ceramic element on one side and directly abutted against the door handle on the other side for transmitting the vibration generated by the piezoelectric ceramic element to the door handle.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric ceramic component has an annular columnar structure, and its two axial end faces respectively form a positive terminal connection point and a negative terminal connection point intended to be connected to a power source.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier is generally cylindrical and includes a first segment and a second segment with a diameter greater than that of the first segment, wherein the first segment is inserted into the piezoelectric ceramic component, and the axial free end face of the second segment opposite to the first segment is used to abut against the door handle.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier has a through hole extending axially through the first segment and the second segment, and the portion of the through hole adjacent to the axial free end face of the second segment has a shape that tapers toward the first segment.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the first segment is smaller than the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic component, and the outer diameter of the second segment is larger than the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic component.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vibration module further includes an injection-molded housing that covers the outer periphery of the piezoelectric ceramic component and the carrier, such that the inner peripheral wall of the through hole and the axial free end face of the second segment are exposed.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vibration module further includes a conductive positive contact ring and a negative contact ring, the positive contact ring and the negative contact ring being respectively attached to and electrically connected to the two axial end faces of the piezoelectric ceramic component.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode contact ring has a plurality of positive electrode fixing feet that are spaced apart along its outer periphery and extend axially, and the negative electrode contact ring has a plurality of negative electrode fixing feet that are spaced apart along its outer periphery and extend axially. The plurality of positive electrode fixing feet and the plurality of negative electrode fixing feet are staggered from each other in the circumferential direction and elastically abut against the outer peripheral surface of the piezoelectric ceramic component, respectively.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the de-icing device further includes a sensing module, the sensing module including a thermistor, the thermistor being disposed in the circuit between the vibration module and the power supply, and configured to reduce its resistance when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature so as to form a path between the vibration module and the power supply.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a concealed door handle is provided, the door handle comprising a handle body and a handle cover covering the handle body, wherein a mounting post is provided on the inner side of the handle cover, and the de-icing device as described above is mounted on the mounting post.

[0015] This invention provides vehicle drivers with an in-vehicle de-icing solution, fundamentally solving the problem of damage to the vehicle body or environmental pollution caused by de-icing through external force or chemical reagents in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following drawings are merely illustrative and therefore should not be considered as limiting the invention, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a concealed door handle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A magnified view of part A of the concealed door handle shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the vibration module of a de-icing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 An exploded view of the vibration module shown;

[0021] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 The front view of the vibration module is shown below;

[0022] Figure 6 The vibration module is shown along Figure 5 A sectional view taken by line BB in the middle;

[0023] Figure 7 Show Figure 3 An assembly diagram of the piezoelectric ceramic component, positive contact ring, and negative contact ring of the vibration module.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Piezoelectric ceramic component; 11. Positive electrode connection point; 12. Negative electrode connection point; 2. Carrier; 21. First section; 22. Second section; 23. Through hole; 3. Housing; 31. Outer ring section; 32. Inner ring section; 33. Connecting section; 4. Positive electrode contact ring; 41. Positive electrode fixing foot; 42. Positive electrode connection end; 43. Conductive layer; 5. Negative electrode contact ring; 51. Negative electrode fixing foot; 52. Negative electrode connection end; 53. Conductive layer; 6. Insulating layer; 100. Handle body; 200. Handle cover; 201. Mounting post; 202. Mounting base; 300. Vibration module; 400. Sensing module. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand and implement the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that implementation of the invention may not include some of these specific details. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the invention can be conceived to be practiced with any combination of the features and elements described below, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Therefore, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as elements or limitations of the claims unless expressly set forth in the claims.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" are used below to describe the elements of this application. These terms are used only to distinguish the individual elements and not to limit the nature, order, or number of these elements. The terms "comprising" and "having" are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and mean that there may be additional elements / components besides those listed.

[0028] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The internal structure of a concealed door handle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the concealed door handle of this embodiment may include a handle body 100, a handle cover 200, and a de-icing device. The outer side of the handle body 100 facing the exterior of the vehicle (…) Figure 1 The top of the handle body 100 is open, and the handle cover 200 is placed over the external opening of the handle body 100 and fixed to the handle body 100. Thus, the handle cavity can be defined by the handle body 100 and the handle cover 200. Alternatively, the handle cover 200 can be integrally formed with the handle body 100, and the bottom of the handle body 100 can be hollowed out to facilitate the installation of a de-icing device into the handle cavity. A mounting post 201 is provided on the side of the handle cover 200 facing the handle cavity for installing the de-icing device.

[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The de-icing device according to this embodiment may include a vibration module 300 and an optional sensing module 400. The vibration module 300 is generally an annular columnar structure and is sleeved on the mounting post 201. One annular end face of the vibration module 300 abuts against the handle cover 200, especially its inner side, thereby transmitting the vibration generated by the vibration module 300 to the door handle, enabling the door handle to vibrate and de-ice. The sensing module 400 may include a thermistor, which is disposed in the circuit between the vibration module 300 and the power supply. The circuit includes at least the power supply, the vibration module 300, and the thermistor. When the driver turns on the power via the remote key and the door handle is not normally opened, the thermistor senses the external temperature due to the current flowing through it. When the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature (e.g., below zero degrees Celsius), the resistance of the thermistor decreases as the temperature decreases, thus enabling the vibration module 300 and the power supply to be electrically connected to generate low-frequency vibration, thereby causing the door handle to vibrate and break the ice layer on the door handle. If the aforementioned low-frequency vibration effect is not ideal, the driver can turn the power back on. At this time, the vibration module 300 is electrically connected to the power supply and generates high-frequency vibration. After the ice on the door handle is removed, the driver can still disconnect the power using the remote key, and the vibration module 300 will stop vibrating, allowing the driver to easily open the door and enter the vehicle.

[0030] Figures 3 to 7 The specific structure of the vibration module 300 according to this embodiment is shown. For example... Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the vibration module 300 of this embodiment may include a piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and a carrier 2.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 The piezoelectric ceramic component 1 can be made of piezoelectric ceramic material and generally has a columnar structure. Such a piezoelectric ceramic component 1 exhibits piezoelectricity, meaning that when it is electrically connected to a power source and an electric field is applied, it can mechanically deform at different frequencies due to changes in the power supply voltage, thereby generating vibration. The carrier 2 can have a shape adapted to the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and can be coaxially arranged with it, such that one axial end face of the carrier 2 abuts against the piezoelectric ceramic component 1, and the other axial end face of the carrier 2 directly abuts against the handle cover 200 of the door handle. The carrier 2 is made of a rigid material, which facilitates the transmission of the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 to the handle cover 200. The rigid material can be a metal, engineering plastic, ceramic, or other composite material with high hardness and strength, such as steel, copper, polycarbonate, etc.

[0032] Specifically, the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 has an annular cross-section, and its two axial end faces form a positive terminal connection point 11 and a negative terminal connection point 12, respectively. The positive terminal connection point 11 is directly or indirectly connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, and the negative terminal connection point 12 is directly or indirectly connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, thus forming a closed-loop circuit. Other circuit components may be connected to this circuit, such as the sensing module 400 or the thermistor of the sensing module 400.

[0033] Correspondingly, the carrier 2 can also be generally cylindrical and may include a coaxial and interconnected first segment 21 and a second segment 22. The outer diameter of the first segment 21 is adapted to the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic element 1, so that it can be inserted into the piezoelectric ceramic element 1. Here, "adapted" means that the outer diameter of the first segment 21 can be adjusted according to the material selected for the carrier 2; for example, the outer diameter of the first segment 21 may be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic element 1. The outer diameter of the second segment 22 is larger than the diameter of the first segment 21, especially larger than the inner diameter of the annular piezoelectric ceramic element 1. Therefore, when the first segment 21 of the carrier 2 is fully inserted into the piezoelectric ceramic element 1, one axial end face of the piezoelectric ceramic element 1 ( Figure 4 The downward-facing axial end face of the second segment 22 can directly or indirectly abut against the axial end face of the first segment 21 adjacent to the second segment 22. Figure 4 The free axial end face of the second segment 22 (i.e., the axial end face of the second segment 22 facing away from the first segment 21) can be used to abut against the handle cover 200, thereby transmitting the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 to the handle cover 200.

[0034] Optionally, the carrier 2 has a through hole 23 extending axially through the first section 21 and the second section 22. This through hole 23 can be used to fit the carrier 2 onto the mounting post 201 of the handle cover 200 and fix it in place. For installation and fixation, for example, an external thread can be provided on the mounting post 201, and after the vibration module is fitted onto the mounting post 201, a nut can be screwed onto the mounting post 201 to fix the vibration module onto the mounting post 201.

[0035] Here, advantageously, such as Figure 2 As shown, the handle cover 200 may further include a mounting base 202, which may have a boss protruding into the handle cavity and have dimensions that match the overall outer diameter of the vibration module 300. A mounting post 201 may extend from the center of the mounting base 202, so that when the vibration module 300 is mounted onto the handle cover 200 via the mounting post 201, the vibration module 300 can be positioned on the mounting base 202, thereby facilitating the concentration and transmission of vibrations generated by the piezoelectric ceramic element 1 at the mounting base 202 and to its surroundings.

[0036] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the vibration module according to this embodiment is shown. As shown, the through hole 23 of the carrier 2 intersects with the free axial end face of the second segment 22. Figure 6 The portion adjacent to the downward-facing axial end face of the carrier 2 has a shape that tapers towards the first segment 21. Therefore, when the vibration module 300 is fixed to the mounting post 201, the free axial end face of the second segment 22 of the carrier 2 ( Figure 2 Axial end face upward or Figure 6 The downward-facing axial end face can be fully fitted with the inner surface of the handle cover 200, especially the surface of the mounting base 202, to ensure that the vibration generated by the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 can be effectively transmitted.

[0037] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, the vibration module 300 according to this embodiment may further include a housing 3. The housing 3 may be made of a synthetic material, such as PA66 plastic raw material with 30% glass fiber, by injection molding, and may include an outer ring section 31, an inner ring section, and a connecting section 33. The outer ring section 31 is formed and covers the outer periphery of the second section 22 of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and the carrier 2, which is beneficial to the overall dust and water resistance of the vibration module 300. When the carrier 2 is made entirely of metal, the outer diameter of its first section 21 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1, thereby forming a gap between the first section 21 and the piezoelectric ceramic component 1. The inner ring section 32 may fill the gap between the first section 21 and the piezoelectric ceramic component 1, so that the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and the carrier 2 form insulation and sealing. The connecting section 33 is formed on the side of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 facing away from the second section 22 and connects between the outer ring section 31 and the inner ring section 32. The connecting section 33 is approximately annular and its inner diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of the through hole 23, thereby allowing the inner peripheral wall of the through hole 23 and the free axial end face of the second section 22 away from the first section 21 to be exposed.

[0038] Optionally, the housing 3 can be directly overmolded onto the assembled piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and carrier 2. Preferably, a bamboo-like or threaded structure is formed on the outer periphery of the first section 21 and the second section 22 of the carrier 2. This facilitates the formation of an axial interlocking structure between the housing 3, especially its outer ring section 31 and inner ring section 32, and the carrier 2 during injection molding. This ensures the sealed coverage of the carrier 2 by the housing 3 and the connection between them, preventing them from separating due to vibration during use.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The vibration module 300 according to this embodiment may further include a conductive positive contact ring 4 and a negative contact ring 5. Figure 7 The diagram shows the connection between the positive electrode negative ring 4 and the negative electrode contact ring 5 and the piezoelectric ceramic component 1.

[0040] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the positive electrode contact ring 4 is generally annular, and its outer and inner diameters are approximately the same as those of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1. The positive electrode contact ring 4 may have multiple positive electrode fixing feet 41 spaced circumferentially, and may also have a positive electrode connection end 42. The multiple positive electrode fixing feet 41 extend axially from the outer periphery of the positive electrode contact ring 4 towards the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and elastically abut against the outer peripheral surface of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1, thereby snapping the positive electrode contact ring 4 onto the piezoelectric ceramic component 1. A conductive layer 43 formed of conductive adhesive can be provided between the positive electrode connection point 11 of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and the positive electrode contact ring 4 to improve the conductivity and connection reliability between them. The positive electrode connection end 42 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the positive electrode contact ring 4 and then extends towards the side where the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 is located.

[0041] Similarly, the negative electrode contact ring 5 is generally annular, and its outer and inner diameters are approximately the same as those of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1. The negative electrode contact ring 5 may have multiple negative electrode fixing feet 51 spaced circumferentially, and may also have a negative electrode connection end 52. The multiple negative electrode fixing feet 51 extend axially from the outer periphery of the negative electrode contact ring 5 towards the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and elastically abut against the outer peripheral surface of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1, thereby snapping the negative electrode contact ring 5 onto the piezoelectric ceramic component 1. A conductive layer 53 formed of conductive adhesive may be provided between the negative electrode connection point 12 of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and the negative electrode contact ring 5 to improve the conductivity and connection reliability between them. The negative electrode connection end 52 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the negative electrode contact ring 5 and then extends towards the side where the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 is located.

[0042] Advantageously, the positive electrode contact ring 4 and the negative electrode contact ring 5 can be configured such that their positive electrode fixing feet 41 and negative electrode fixing feet 51 do not contact each other after being mounted onto the piezoelectric ceramic component 1. For example, it can be as follows: Figure 7 The positive electrode fixing foot 41 and the negative electrode fixing foot 51 can be staggered on the outer peripheral wall of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 as shown, or their positions and dimensions can be set so that they are in the same circumferential position on the outer peripheral wall of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1, but with a gap in the axial direction.

[0043] Preferably, the positive electrode contact ring 4 and the negative electrode contact ring 5 can be configured such that their positive electrode connection ends 42 and negative electrode connection ends 52 are side by side and spaced apart in the installed state, especially in the same plane, such as... Figure 7 The terminals shown are in the same vertical plane. Alternatively, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 52 may each have a [missing information - likely a function or feature]. Figure 7The axial section shown extends radially from its end, and these sections can be positioned in the same horizontal plane during installation. This allows the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 52 to be easily connected to the power supply wires via connecting components at approximately the same location, achieving a compact and space-saving design.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the number of positive electrode fixing pins 41 and negative electrode fixing pins 51 can be determined according to actual use, and can be the same or different. Figure 4 and Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, there are four positive electrode fixing feet 41 and four negative electrode fixing feet 51, and they are arranged staggered on the outer peripheral wall of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 4 When the carrier 2 is made of conductive metal material, an insulating layer 6 can be formed between the carrier 2 and the negative electrode contact ring 5 through insulating glue. This can ensure the connection between the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 and the negative electrode contact ring 5 and the carrier 2, and prevent leakage or short circuit.

[0046] Finally, the de-icing device of the present invention may further include a control module, which can be integrated into the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and communicate with the remote key. This control module can be configured to receive external temperature signals and signals from the driver pressing the remote key. The control module can communicate with a sensing module to acquire signals related to the external temperature and activate the vibration module 300 when the external temperature is below a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the control module can cause the vibration module 300 to vibrate at a lower frequency upon receiving the driver's first press signal on the remote key, and at a higher frequency upon receiving a signal from the driver pressing the remote key a second time within a short period (meaning the ice layer on the vehicle surface is thick and the ice on the handlebars has not been bent and removed), in order to achieve complete de-icing.

[0047] As described above, the de-icing device according to the present invention effectively transmits the vibration generated by the energization of the piezoelectric ceramic component 1 to the door handle for de-icing through the carrier 2, avoiding the problems of damaging the vehicle body or polluting the environment caused by de-icing by external force or chemical reagents in the prior art.

[0048] Various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments disclosed above without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the practice of the invention disclosed in this specification. This specification and the examples disclosed herein should be considered illustrative only, and the true scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A de-icing device for a concealed door handle of a vehicle, characterized in that, The de-icing device includes a vibration module (300), the vibration module (300) comprising: A piezoelectric ceramic element (1), said piezoelectric ceramic element being designed to be electrically connected to a power source in order to generate vibration; and A carrier (2) made of rigid material, which is attached to the piezoelectric ceramic element (1) on one side and directly attached to the door handle on the other side, for transmitting vibrations generated by the piezoelectric ceramic element to the door handle.

2. The de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piezoelectric ceramic component (1) has an annular columnar structure, and its two axial end faces respectively form a positive terminal connection point (11) and a negative terminal connection point (12) intended to be connected to a power source.

3. The de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The carrier (2) is generally cylindrical and includes a first section (21) and a second section (22) with a diameter greater than that of the first section. The first section is inserted into the piezoelectric ceramic part (1), and the axial free end face of the second section opposite to the first section is used to abut against the door handle.

4. The de-icing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The carrier (2) has a through hole (23) that extends axially through the first section (21) and the second section (22), and the portion of the through hole (23) that is adjacent to the axial free end face of the second section (22) has a shape that tapers toward the first section.

5. The de-icing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the first segment (21) is smaller than the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic component (1), and the outer diameter of the second segment (22) is larger than the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic component.

6. The de-icing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vibration module (300) also includes an injection-molded housing (3) that covers the outer periphery of the piezoelectric ceramic part (1) and the carrier (2) so that the inner peripheral wall of the through hole (23) and the axial free end face of the second section (22) are exposed.

7. The de-icing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The vibration module (300) further includes a conductive positive electrode contact ring (4) and a negative electrode contact ring (5), which are respectively attached to and electrically connected to the two axial end faces of the piezoelectric ceramic component (1).

8. The de-icing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positive electrode contact ring (4) has a plurality of positive electrode fixing feet (41) spaced apart along its outer periphery and extending axially, and the negative electrode contact ring (5) has a plurality of negative electrode fixing feet (51) spaced apart along its outer periphery and extending axially. The plurality of positive electrode fixing feet (41) and the plurality of negative electrode fixing feet (42) are staggered from each other in the circumferential direction and elastically abut against the outer peripheral surface of the piezoelectric ceramic part (1).

9. The de-icing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The de-icing device also includes a sensing module (400), which includes a thermistor disposed in the circuit between the vibration module (300) and the power supply, and is configured to reduce its resistance when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature so that a path is formed between the vibration module (300) and the power supply.

10. A concealed door handle, the door handle comprising a handle body (100) and a handle cover (200) covering the handle body, wherein, A mounting post (201) is provided on the inside of the handle cover, and the de-icing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is mounted on the mounting post (201).

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