Door handle assembly for vehicle and vehicle including the same

Abstract

According to various embodiments, there is provided a door handle assembly for a vehicle, the door handle assembly including: a base having an accommodation space formed therein; and a door handle mechanism, wherein the door handle mechanism includes: an actuator configured to provide a rotational force; a support member including a first portion connected with the actuator to receive the rotational force from the actuator, and performing a first rotational motion about a first rotation axis; a first link having one side connected with the support member and configured to receive the rotational force of the support member and to perform a first linear motion related to a first axis direction; a second link connected to the other side of the first link and configured to perform a second rotational motion about a second rotation axis in response to the first linear motion; and a grip structure connected with the second link and configured to perform a second linear motion related to a second axis direction in response to the second rotational motion, and to protrude to an outside of the base.

Description

[0001] DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE AND VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0003] This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0106131, filed on 08 14, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] FIELD

[0006] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a door handle assembly for a vehicle.

[0007] DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0008] A handle mounted on a related- art vehicle may have a shape protruding from an outer surface of the vehicle in part. This may cause strong air resistance when the vehicle runs, reducing fuel efficiency and causing a noise such as a car wind noise. Also, in recent industries emphasizing aesthetic features, an unnecessarily producing door handle may degrade the aesthetic feature of a vehicle exterior.

[0009] In recent automobile industries, a flush door handle substantially coplanar with a door panel of a vehicle is on the spotlight. The flush door handle is designed to enhance design features of vehicle exteriors and aerodynamic performance. The flush door handle may enhance fuel efficiency and reduce a noise by reducing air resistance of the vehicle. In addition, the flush door handle may help the exterior of the vehicle look luxurious. SUMMARY

[0010] A flush door handle protrudes toward the outside of a vehicle door panel when it operates. To achieve this, a mechanism for operating the flush door handle is provided inside the vehicle door panel. However, the related-art flush door handle mechanism has a complicated structure since it includes a large number of components and a large number of links for operating the components. In addition, since corresponding components are designed to rotate or move only in a one- direction or two-direction axis and to transmit a driving force from an actuator for generating power, a large number of links may be required to transmit the driving force in sequence, and also, volumes of a mechanism and an assembly including the same may inevitably increase.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a door handle assembly for a vehicle, the door handle assembly including: a base having an accommodation space formed therein; and a door handle mechanism, wherein the door handle mechanism includes: an actuator configured to provide a rotational force; a support member including a first portion connected with the actuator to receive the rotational force from the actuator, and performing a first rotational motion about a first rotation axis; a first link having one side connected with the support member and configured to receive the rotational force of the support member and to perform a first linear motion related to a first axis direction; a second link connected to the other side of the first link and configured to perform a second rotational motion about a second rotation axis in response to the first linear motion; and a grip structure connected with the second link and configured to perform a second linear motion related to a second axis direction in response to the second rotational motion, and to protrude to an outside of the base.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a rotational force generated by an actuator may be easily converted into a linear motion by using a ball type link and transmitted to a grip structure. Accordingly, a structure of a flush door handle assembly may be simplified.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a driving force generated by an actuator may be transmitted to a grip structure through a small number of links by using a ball type link, and accordingly, a volume of a flush door handle assembly may be reduced.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of a vehicle to which a flush door handle assembly is applied according to various embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of the flush door handle assembly mounted in a door panel according to various embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the flush door handle assembly mounted in the door panel as viewed from a different angle according to various embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the flush door handle assembly according to various embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the flush door handle assembly as viewed from a different angle according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the flush door handle assembly according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating connection of an actuator, a first link, a second link, and a grip structure of a flush door handle mechanism according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating connection of the flush door handle mechanism and a base according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the grip structure according to various embodiments; FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the grip structure according to various embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a first slider according to various embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a second slider according to various embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the first slider and the second slider which are coupled to each other according to various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a slider as viewed from a different angle according to various embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a grip body according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating connection of the slider and a grip body according to various embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a second link according to various embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating coupling of the second link and the slider according to various embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a first state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the rear according to various embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a second state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the rear according to various embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the first state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the side according to various embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating the second state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the side according to various embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the first state of the door handle assembly as viewed from the side according to various embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 24 is a view illustrating the second state of the door handle assembly as viewed from the side according to various embodiment; FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a third state of the door handle assembly as viewed from the side according to various embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a cross-section of the door handle assembly in the first state according to various embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a first cross- section of the door handle assembly in the second state according to various embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 28 is a view illustrating a second cross- section of the door handle assembly in the second state according to various embodiments;

[0042] FIG. 29 is a view illustrating a cross-section of the door handle assembly in the third state according to various embodiments;

[0043] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating an example of an emergency opening means according to various embodiments;

[0044] FIG. 31 is a view illustrating driving of the emergency opening means according to various embodiments;

[0045] FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a cross-section of the emergency opening means according to various embodiments; and

[0046] FIG. 33 is a view illustrating an example of an indicator according to various embodiments.

[0047] Figure 34 is a view illustrating a door handle mechanism including a grip structure according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 35 is a view illustrating an exploded view of the grip structure and the second link according to another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 36 is a view illustrating a side view of the door handle mechanism in the first state according to another embodiment.

[0050] Figure 37 is a view illustrating a side view of the door handle mechanism in the second state according to another embodiment.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings to clarify the above-described objects, features and advantages of the disclosure. However, various changes may be made to the disclosure and various embodiments may be provided, and hereinafter, specific embodiments illustrated on the drawings will be described in detail.

[0053] In the drawings, thicknesses of layers and areas are exaggerated for the sake of clarity. In addition, it will be understood that when an element or a layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element may be directly on another element or layer or an intervening element or layer interposed therebetween. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements in principle. In addition, elements having the same function within the scope of the same technical concept, illustrated on the drawings of respective embodiments, will be described by using the same reference numeral.

[0054] Detailed explanations of well-known functions or constructions related to the disclosure are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the disclosure. Numbers used in the detailed descriptions of the disclosure (for example, such terms as ‘first’ and ‘second’) are merely identification signs for distinguishing one element from another element.

[0055] The terms “area,” “portion,” “unit” and the terms having suffix “-er” or “- or” used in the detailed descriptions of the disclosure are given or interchangeably used only by considering easiness of drafting of the application, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0056] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a door handle assembly for a vehicle may include: a base having an accommodation space formed therein; and a door handle mechanism. The door handle mechanism may include: an actuator configured to provide a rotational force; a support member including a first portion connected with the actuator to receive the rotational force from the actuator, and performing a first rotational motion about a first rotation axis; a first link having one side connected with the support member and configured to receive the rotational force of the support member and to perform a first linear motion related to a first axis direction; a second link connected to the other side of the first link and configured to perform a second rotational motion about a second rotation axis in response to the first linear motion; and a grip structure connected with the second link and configured to perform a second linear motion related to a second axis direction in response to the second rotational motion, and to protrude to an outside of the base.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the door handle mechanism may operate from a first state to a second state, the first state may be a state in which an outer surface of the grip structure is substantially coplanar with a surface of a door of the vehicle in which the door handle assembly is mounted, and the second state may be a state in which the grip structure protrudes to the outside of the door according to an operation of the actuator.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the first link may include a elongated member and a first ball and a second ball which are disposed at both ends of the elongated member, the support member may include a first portion provided with a first socket to accommodate the first ball, and a second portion connected with the actuator and provided with the first rotation axis, and the second link may include a second socket to accommodate the second ball.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the first ball and the second ball may have a substantially spherical shape, and the first socket and the second socket may correspond to shapes of the first ball and the second ball.

[0060] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first ball and / or the second ball may have a degree of freedom on rotation within the first socket and / or the second socket.

[0061] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first ball and / or the second ball may be coupled with the first socket and / or the second socket in a snap-fit coupling manner.

[0062] According to an embodiment, when the door handle mechanism changes from the first state to the second state, the first ball may rotate about a fourth rotation axis, which is parallel to the first rotation axis, relative to the first socket within the first socket. According to an embodiment, the base may be rotatably coupled with the second link through at least one pin hole, and the at least one pin hole may be provided as a second rotation axis.

[0063] According to an embodiment, when the door handle mechanism may operate in the second state from the first state, the first link may rotate about a fifth rotation axis, which is parallel to the second rotation axis, with reference to the first ball in response to the rotation of the second link about the second rotation axis.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the grip structure may further include: a grip body which is gripped by a user; and a first slider which is connected with the second link.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the first slider may further include at least one pin hole to which the second link is coupled through a pin, the second link may further include at least one connection portion which is coupled to the at least one pin hole of the first slider through a pin, and the at least one connection portion may be provided as a substantially elliptical opening.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the at least one connection portion may include a first area provided on an upper portion thereof and a second area provided on a lower portion thereof, and, when the door handle mechanism changes from the first state to the second state, a pin connecting the at least one connection portion and the at least one pin hole of the first slider may move from the first area to the second area.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the grip structure may further include a second slider, and the second slider may be coupled with the first slider to be movable relatively thereto.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the second slider may further include a restriction area, the base may further include a boundary area, and, when the door handle mechanism operates in the second state from the first state, the restriction area of the second slider may come into contact with the boundary area to restrict the second linear motion of the second slider. According to an embodiment, the first slider may include at least one guide portion, the second slider may include at least one guide area, and the at least one guide portion may be inserted into the at least one guide area.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the door handle assembly may further include a third state in which the first slider moves over the second slider when an additional external force is applied to the door handle mechanism.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the second slider may include at least one restriction portion provided at an end of the at least one guide area, when the door handle mechanism operates in the third state from the second state, the at least one guide portion may slide along the at least one guide area, and the restriction portion may be configured to come into contact with the at least one guide portion in the third state of the door handle mechanism to prevent the first slider from being released.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, and the first axis may be substantially orthogonal to one another.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the first rotation axis and the second axis may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0073] According to various embodiments, there is provided a vehicle in which the door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is mounted.

[0074] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, assembly process of a door handle assembly comprises: assembling a door handle mechanism comprising : coupling one side of the first link with the actuator through a first ball-socket joint; coupling the other side of the first link with the second link through a second ball- socket joint; and coupling the second link to a grip structure; and inserting the assembled door handle mechanism into the base; and pin coupling the second link to the base such that the second link is rotatable relative to the base.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the door handle mechanism is operable from a first state to a second state. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the actuator further comprises a support member configured to be rotated along a first rotation axis, wherein the support member comprises a first socket configured to receive a first ball disposed the one side of the first link, and wherein the first link and the actuator are coupled to each other such that the first link performs a first linear motion related to a first axis direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, corresponding to the rotation along the first rotation axis of the support member.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the second link further comprises at least one connection portion for pin-coupling to the grip structure, wherein the coupling the second link to the grip sturcture further comprises: coupling a pin to the at least one connection portion and at least one pin hole provided on the grip structure.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the at least one connection portion has a substantially elliptical shape and comprises a first area and a second area, wherein, when the door handle mechanism operates from the first state to the second state, the pin moves from the first area to the second area.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the grip structure comprises a slider and the grip body, the grip body being coupled to the slider and configured to be held by a user.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the slider comprises at least one insertion area, wherein the grip body comprises at least one insertion portion, and wherein the assembly process further comprises: coupling the at least one insertion portion into the at least one insertion area.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the assembly process further comprises: pin-coupling at least two auxiliary pin holes respectively provided on the slider and the grip body. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the base further comprises an accomodation space for receiving the door handle mechanism.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the second link is rotatable about the second rotation axis relative to the base, and wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0082] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a door handle assembly comprising emergency opeing means, the door handle assembly comprises: a base; a door handle mechanism configured to be operable from a first state to a second state, the door handle mechanism comprising: an actuator configured to provide a rotational power; a first link having one side connected to the actuator and configured to perform a substantial linear motion in a first direction related to a first axis different from the first rotation axis in response to receiving the rotational power from the actuator about a first rotation axis; a second link connected to the other side of the first link and configured to rotate in response to receiving the linear motion in the first direction of the first link; and a grip structure comprising a slider connected to the second link and grip body coupled to the slider, the grip body performing substantial linear motion along a second direction in response to the rotation of the second link; and an emergency opening means; wherein the emergency opening means is provided as combination of the slider and the grip body, wherein the emergency opening means is configured to protrude a protrusion area provided on the grip body when a pressure area is pressed, and wherein the emergency opeing means is configured to operate indepently with the door handle mechanism.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the slider and the grip body are pin-coupled to each other through at least two auxiliary pin holes respectively provided on the slider and the grip body, and wherein a virtual line extending through the at least two auxiliary pin holes is provided as a third rotation axis.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein when the pressure area is pressed, the grip body is configured to rotate about the third rotation axis.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis and the third rotation axis are perpendicular each other.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first state is when the outer surface of the grip structure substantially aligns with the outer surface of a vehicle to which the door handle assembly is mounted, and wherein the second state when the grip structure protrudes from a door of the vehicle.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the emergency opening means is configured to maintain its position during operation of the door handle mechanism from the first state to the second state unless an additional external force is applied to the grip structure.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the slider comprises at least one insertion area, wherein the grip body comprises at least one insertion portion, and wherein the at least one insertion portion is inserted into the at least one insertion area.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the at least two auxiliary pin holes are provided adjacent to the at least one insertion area and the at least one insertion portion.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the slider comprises a first slider and a second slider, wherein the first slider is connected to the second link, and wherein the second slider contacts the base.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first slider is slidable on the second slider. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a door handle assembly comprising an indicator, the door handle assembly comprises: a base; a door handle mechanism comprising: an actuator configured to provide a rotational power; a first link having one side connected to the actuator and configured to perform a substantial first linear motion in a first direction related to a first axis in response to receiving the rotational power from the actuator; a second link connected to the other side of the first link and configured to rotate in response to receiving the first linear motion of the first link; and a grip structure coupled to the second link, the grip structure configured to perform a substantial second linear motion to protrude to the outside of the base in response to the rotation of the second link, and an indicator disposed on the grip sturcture and configured to provide a notification related to open information for a door of a vehicle.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the door handle mechanism is configured to operate between a first state in which the grip structure is embedded inside the door and a second state in which the grip structure protrudes outside the door.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator is configured to be recognizable when the door handle mechanism is in the second state.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator is electrically connected to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator is configured to be powered off in the first state and powered on in the second state.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator includes a display comprising a vehicle illustration and at least two display areas arranged around the vehicle illustration to intuitively indicate the position of the doors of the vehicle.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator is configured to receive a control signal from the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to provide a notification for an open state of the door, and wherein the indicator is configured to provide a notification in the display area related to the open door among the at least two display areas based on the control signal.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator further comprises light sources arranged to correspond to each of the display areas, and wherein the notification is a visual notification by the light sources.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the indicator is configured to be powered in response to the operation of the door handle mechanism.

[0100] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprises the door handle assembly according to any one of claims 41 to 49.

[0101] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of a vehicle to which a flush door handle assembly is applied according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of the flush door handle assembly mounted in a door panel according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the flush door handle assembly mounted in the door panel as viewed from a different angle according to various embodiments.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, a vehicle 1 may include a door 2 and a door handle assembly 10 mounted in the door 2.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the door handle assembly 10 for the vehicle may be mounted in the door 2 of the vehicle 1. For example, the door handle assembly 10 may be disposed inside the door 2. The door handle assembly 10 may be mounted on a rear surface of the door 2 through a fixing portion 109. A grip 3 may protrude to the outside of the door 2 according to an operation of the door handle assembly 10 disposed on the rear surface of the door 2.

[0104] In an embodiment, a user may open and close the door 2 by using the door handle assembly 10. In an embodiment, the door handle assembly 10 may be provided as a flush door handle. For example, the grip 3 of the door handle assembly 10 may be disposed to be substantially coplanar with the outer surface (for example, a +x-axis direction surface) of the door 2 when the door handle assembly 10 is not in use, and the grip 3 which is a part of the door handle assembly 10 may protrude to the outside (for example, the +x-axis direction) of the door 2 when the door handle assembly 10 is in use, so that the user may open the door 2 by holding the grip 3.

[0105] The door handle assembly 10 in the flush door handle shape as described above may reduce air resistance when the vehicle 1 is running, and may provide a stylish appearance, compared to a related-art door handle protruding to the outside of the door 2.

[0106] Hereinafter, the structure and operations of the door handle assembly 10 according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] In the following descriptions, the disclosure will be described based on the door handle assembly 10 disposed on the left front door 2 of the vehicle 1, but embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] In the following descriptions, a direction of facing the front of the vehicle 1 is defined as a first direction (+y-axis direction), an upward direction of the vehicle 1 is defined as a second direction (+z-axis direction), and a direction of protruding to the outside of the door 2 is defined as a third direction (+x-axis direction).

[0109] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the flush door handle assembly according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the flush door handle assembly as viewed from a different angle according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the flush door handle assembly according to various embodiments.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, the door handle assembly 10 may include all or a part of a base 100, an actuator 200, a first link 300, a second link 400, and a grip structure 600.

[0111] According to various embodiments, the base 100 may provide an overall shape of the door handle assembly 10, and the other components of the door handle assembly 10 may be mounted in the base 100 and may operate in the base 100.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the grip structure 600 may be mounted in the base 100. The grip structure 600 may receive a driving force from the actuator 200 to protrude to the outside of the door 2 from the base 100. The grip structure 600 may provide a grip that the user holds with user’s hand.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the actuator 200 may provide a driving force for operating the door handle assembly 10. For example, in an embodiment, electric components (for example, a motor) for generating a driving force may be disposed in a housing 201 of the actuator 200. The actuator 200 may include a support member 210 coupled with the housing 201. The support member 210 may rotate about a first rotation axis 209 upon receiving a driving force from the electric configuration in the actuator 200. For example, the first rotation axis 209 may refer to an axis that is the same as a third axis (x-axis) or parallel thereto. In an embodiment, the actuator 200 may be connected with the grip structure 600 through at least one link (for example, the first link 300 and / or the second link 400). That is, the at least one link (the first link 300 and / or the second link 400) may transmit the driving force of the actuator 200 to the grip structure 600. In certain embodiments, a link cover (380) may further be provided to protect the first link (300). Although not illustrated, a configuration to protect the second link (400) may also be further provided.

[0114] According to various embodiments, the first link 300 may be connected with the actuator 200. In addition, the first link 300 may be connected with the second link 400. That is, the first link 300 may have one side connected with the actuator 200 and the other side connected with the second link 400, thereby transmitting the driving force of the actuator 200 to the second link 400. In an embodiment, the first link 300 may be operably coupled with the support member 210. In an embodiment, the first link 300 may include a elongated member 310 and a first ball 311 and a second ball 312 which are disposed on both sides of the elongated member 310. The first ball 311 may be operably coupled with the support member 210. In an embodiment, the surface of the first ball 311 may have a substantially spherical shape. In addition, a first socket (for example, a first socket 220 of FIG. 7) of the support member 210 that accommodates the first ball 311 may also correspond to the shape of the first ball 311. The first link 300 may linearly move along the second direction (+z-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis 209 in response to the rotation of the support member 210 about the first rotation axis 209.

[0115] According to various embodiment, the second link 400 may be connected with the first link 300 and the grip structure 600. For example, the second link 400 may have one side connected with the first link 300 and the other side connected with the grip structure 600. According to an embodiment, the second link 400 may include a support portion 410, a first extension portion 430, and a second extension portion 440. The first extension portion 430 and the second extension portion 440 may be disposed on both sides of the support portion 410. The first extension portion 430 and the second extension portion 440 may respectively be connected with the grip structure 600. In an embodiment, the second link 400 may receive a linear motion of the first link 300 in the second direction (+z-axis direction), and may rotate in the first axis direction (y-axis direction). For example, the second link 400 may be rotatably coupled with the base 100 through a fastening member (for example, a pin), and may receive the driving force of the first link 300 and may rotate about a second rotation axis (for example, a second rotation axis 409 of FIG. 17). The grip structure 600 connected with the second link 400 may protrude in the third direction (+x-axis direction) through the rotation of the second link 400. Operations of the second link 400 will be described below in detail. According to various embodiments, the grip structure 600 may include a slider 500. In an embodiment, the slider 500 may include a first slider 510 and a second slider 560. The slider 500 may be operably connected with the second link 400. For example, both sides of the slider 500 may be connected with the extension portion (the first extension portion 430 and the second extension portion 440) of the second link 400. The slider 500 may receive a rotational motion of the second link 400 about the second rotation axis 409, and may perform a linear motion along a substantially tangential direction (for example, the third direction (+x-axis direction)) with respect to a virtual circle formed by the rotation of the second link 400. In this case, the slider 500 may move the grip structure 600 in the third direction (+x-axis direction), and the grip structure 600 may protrude from the door (for example, the door 2 of FIG. 1) and / or the base 100. Specific operations of the slider 500 will be described below in detail.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the door handle assembly 10 may include a pad 109. The pad 109 may be disposed in the third direction (+x-axis direction) of the base 100. In an embodiment, the pad 109 may be disposed to surround at least a part of the grip structure 600 protruding to the outside of the base 100, and may protect the grip structure 600. In an embodiment, the pad 109 may include a first pad 109a and a second pad 109b. The first pad 109a may surround an upper portion of the grip structure 600, and the second pad 109b may surround a lower portion of the grip structure 600. However, this is merely an example and it will be understood that the pad 109 may be integrally formed or may include more components.

[0117] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating connection of the actuator, the first link, the second link, and the grip structure of the flush door handle mechanism according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating connection of the flush door handle mechanism and the base according to various embodiments.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an assembly process of the door handle mechanism will be described.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the grip structure 600 may be coupled with the second link 400 through a fastening member (for example, a pin). In an embodiment, the second link 400 may be coupled with one side (for example, +y- axis direction) of the slider 500 through a first connection portion 431 disposed at an end of the first extension portion 430, and may be coupled with the other side (for example, -y-axis direction) of the slider 500 through a second connection portion 441 disposed at an end of the second extension portion 440. The first connection portion 431 and the second connection portion 441 may have an opening shape for coupling a pin. In a certain embodiment, the first connection portion 431 and the second connection portion 441 may have an elliptical shape or a slot shape with a longitudinal axis.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the first link 300 may connect between the second link 400 and the actuator 200 to transmit a driving force from the actuator 200 to the second link 400 and / or the grip structure 600. In an embodiment, the actuator 200 may include a first socket 220 and the second link 400 may include a second socket 420. The first socket 220 may be coupled with the first ball 311 in a ball- socket joint, and the second socket 420 may be coupled with the second ball 312 in a ball- socket joint. The first socket 220 and the second socket 420 may be coupled with the first ball 311 and the second ball 312, respectively, in a press-fit manner or a snap-fit manner, so that an assembler may easily couple the first link 300 with the second link 400 and the actuator 200. Accordingly, the door handle mechanism in which the actuator 200 and the grip structure 600 are connected through the first link 300 and the second link 400 may be completed. In the following description, the combination of components for driving the door handle assembly 10 will be referred to as the door handle mechanism 20. Here, the door handle mechanism 20 may be provided as a combination of all or some of the actuator 200, the first link 300, the second link (400), and / or the grip structure (600).

[0121] In certain embodiment, the first link (300) and the actuator (200) can be coupled through a link cover (380). For example, in a state where the first ball (311) is inserted into the first socket (220), the link cover (380) can be positioned to cover the first ball (311) and the first socket (220). Similarly, the first link (300) and the second link (400) can also be coupled through an another link cover(e.g., 980 of Fig 35). For example, in a state where the second ball (312) is inserted into the second socket (420), the another link cover can be provided to cover the second ball (312) and the second socket (420). In this case, the link cover (e.g., 380) that covers the first ball (311) and / or the second ball (312) may be provided with a receiving area corresponding to the shape of the first ball (311) and / or the second ball (312).

[0122] The completed door handle mechanism 20 may be coupled to the base 100. According to various embodiments, the base 100 may include an accommodation space 110 to accommodate the door handle mechanism 20. The accommodation space 110 may include a first accommodation space 111, a second accommodation space 212, and a third accommodation space 113. For example, the first accommodation space 111 may refer to a space for seating the grip structure 600. The second accommodation space 212 may refer to a space for seating the second link. In addition, the third accommodation space 113 may refer to a space for seating the actuator 200 and / or the first link 300. An assembler may easily assemble the door handle assembly 10 simply by inserting the already- assembled door handle mechanism 20 into the accommodation space 110 of the base 100, which is provided to correspond to a shape of each component of the door handle mechanism 20.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the base 100 and the door handle mechanism 20 may be coupled, and the door handle mechanism 20 and the base 100 may be coupled to each other through a fastening member (for example, a pin). For example, a first pin hole 121 provided on one side (for example, the -i-y axis direction) of the base 100 and a third pin hole 413 provided on the second link 400 may be coupled to each other through a pin. In addition, a second pin hole 122 provided on the base 100 and a fourth pin hole 414 provided on the second link 400 may be provided on the opposite sides (for example, the -y-axis direction) of the first pin hole 121 and the third pin hole 413 and may be coupled to each other through a pin. Here, a virtual axis connecting the first pin hole 121, the second pin hole 122, the third pin hole 413, and the fourth pin hole 414 coupled to one another through pins may be provided as the second rotation axis 409(for example, the second rotation axis 409 of Fig.17) for rotating the second link 400.

[0124] In the following, each component of the door handle mechanism (20) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0125] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the grip structure according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the grip structure according to various embodiments.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the grip structure 600 may include all or a part of a slider 500, a grip body 601 and a grip cover 650. Explanations of the grip structure 600 described above with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are applied to the grip structure 600 of FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the slider 500 may include a first slider 510 and a second slider 560. The first slider 510 and the second slider 560 may be coupled to each other. For example, the first slider 510 may be disposed on an upper portion of the second slider 560. The first slider 510 and the second slider 560 may move all together while being coupled to each other. For example, when the first slider 510 receives a driving force from the second link (for example, the second link 400 of FIG. 7), the first slider 510 and the second slider 560 may move along the third direction (+x-axis direction) while being coupled to each other.

[0128] In a certain embodiment, the first slider 510 may slide over the second slider 560. In an embodiment, after the first slider 510 and the second slider 560 coupled to each other move in response to a driving force applied from the second link 400, when an additional external force is exerted to the first slider 510, the first slider 510 may further move relative to the second slider 560. For example, when the grip structure 600 protrudes to the outside of the door 2 due to the driving force of the actuator 200 during the use of the door handle assembly 10, the user may pull the grip structure 600, and in this case, the first slider 510 may slide over the second slider 560. Specific operations of the first slider 510 and the second slider 560 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 26 to Fig. 28.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the slider 500 may be coupled with the grp body 601, and the user may open the door 2 of the vehicle 1 by gripping the grip body 601. In an embodiment, the grip body 601 may move in the third direction (+x-axis direction) along with the slider 500 in response to an operation of the door handle mechanism 20. The grip cover 650 may surround the outer surface of the grip body 601 to protect the grip body 601.

[0130] Hereinafter, respective components of the grip structure 600 and coupling of the components will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0131] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the first slider according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating the second slider according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the first slider and the second slider which are coupled according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the slider as viewed from a different angle according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the grip body according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating connection of the slider and the grip body according to various embodiments.

[0132] The disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the first slider 510 may include a first slider body 511, and a first side surface portion 520 and a second side surface portion 530 which extend from the first slider body 511. In an embodiment, the first slider 510 may include a first guide portion 521 and a second guide portion 522 which are disposed on the first side surface portion 520. The first guide portion 521 and the second guide portion 522 may be disposed to protrude upward (+z- axis direction) and downward (-z-axis direction), respectively, from the first side surface portion 520. In addition, the first guide portion 521 and the second guide portion 522 may extend in the third direction (+x-axis direction). In an embodiment, the first guide portion 521 and a third guide portion 532 disposed on the upper portion (+z axis direction) of the first slider 510 may be coupled with the grip body 601, and the second guide portion 522 and a fourth guide portion 534 disposed on a lower portion (-z-axis direction) of the first slider 510 may be coupled with the second slider 560.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the first slider 510 may include a fifth pin hole 555 and a sixth pin hole 556. The fifth pin hole 555 and the sixth pin hole 556 may be disposed on the first side surface portion 520 and the second side surface portion 530, respctively. The first slider 510 may be coupled with the second link 400 through the fifth pin hole 555 and the sixth pin hole 556 by means of a pin.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the first slider 510 may include a first auxiliary pin hole 541 and a second auxiliary pin hole 542. The first slider 510 may be coupled with a third auxiliary pin hole 633 and a fourth auxiliary pin hole 634 provided on the grip body 601 through the first auxiliary pin hole 541 and the second auxiliary pin hole 542 by means of pins. The first to fourth auxiliary pin holes 541, 542, 633, 634 are coupled by means of pins, and a virtual axis connecting the auxiliary pin holes may function as an rotation axis(for example, the third rotation axis 609 of Fig. 30) of an emergency opening means of the door handle assembly 10, which will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 30 to Fig. 31..

[0136] According to various embodiments, the second slider 560 may include a second slider body 561, a third side surface portion 570 and a fourth side surface portion 580. According to an embodiment, the third side surface portion 570 and the fourth side surface portion 580 may include a first guide area 571 and a second guide area 581, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13, the second guide portion 522 and the fourth guide portion 534 may be coupled to the first guide area 571 and the second guide area 581, respectively. The second guide portion 522 and the fourth guide portion 534 may slide within the first guide area 571 and the second guide area 581. Shapes of the first guide area 571 and the second guide area 581 may correspond to shapes of the second guide portion 522 and the fourth guide portion 534. In a certain embodiment, the first guide area 571 and the second guide area 581 may include a first inclined surface 571b and a second inclined surface 581b, respectively, in order to prevent the first slider 510 inserted into the second slider 560 from being released in the vertical direction (+z-axis direction). To correspond to this, the second guide portion 522 and the fourth guide portion 534 may include a second inclined portion 522b and a fourth inclined portion 534b which are in contact with the first inclined surface 571b and the second inclined surface 581b, respectively.

[0137] According to various embodiments (referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16), the first slider 510 may include a first insertion area 526 and a second insertion area 536 which are provided at ends of the first side surface portion 520 and the second side surface portion 530, respectively, and the grip body 601 may include a first insertion portion 621 and a second insertion portion 622 to be inserted into the first insertion area 523 and the second insertion area 536, respectively. In addition, the grip body 601 may include the third auxiliary pin hole 633 and the fourth auxiliary pin hole 634. The first insertion portion 621 and the second insertion portion 622 are inserted into the first insertion area 526 and the second insertion area 536, and the first to fourth auxiliary pin holes 541, 542, 633, 634 are coupled by means of pins, such that the first slider 510 and the grip body 601 are coupled to each other. A virtual axis connecting the first to fourth auxiliary pin holes 541, 542, 633, 634 may provided as a fourth rotation axis (for example, a third rotation axis 609 of FIG. 30), which is substantially parallel to the second direction (+z-axis direction). The third rotation axis 609 may be used as a rotation axis for the emergency opening means as will be described below. The third rotation axis 609 may function as a rotation axis of the grip body 601 when the user pulls the grip body 601 by holding a grip area 602.

[0138] In certain embodiment, the grip body (601) may include a coupling part (622a). The coupling part (622a) can be provided at the end of the second insertion part (622). Additionally, the coupling part (622a) can be provided as a protrusion. For example, the coupling part (622a) can engage with a recess provided in the second insertion area (536) of the first slider (510) via a snap-fit method. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the second link according to various embodiments. FIG. 18 is a view illustrating coupling of the second link and the slider according to various embodiments.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 17, the second link 400 may include the support portion 410, the first extension portion 430 disposed on one side (for example, +y-axis direction) of the support portion 410 and the second extension portion 440 disposed on the other side (for example, -y-axis direction) of the support portion 410. Explanations of the second link 400 in the above-described embodiments are applied to the second link 400 of FIG. 17.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the first connection portion 431 may be disposed in the proximity of an upper end (for example, +z-axis direction) of the first extension portion 430. The first connection portion 431 may be provided as an opening to which a pin is coupled. The first connection portion 431 may be coupled with the fifth pin hole of the first slider 510 (for example, the fifth pin hole 555 of FIG. 16) by means of a pin. In an embodiment, the first connection portion 431 may have a thin eliptical shape. When the door handle mechanism 20 is operated, a pin connecting the first connection portion 431 and the fifth pin hole 555 may move from a first area 43 la of the first connection portion 431 to a second area 431b in response to the rotation of the second link 400 about the second rotation axis 409. Accordingly, the first slider 510 connected with the second link 400 may linearly move substantially in the third direction (+x-axis direction) although the second link 400 rotates.

[0141] The second connection portion 441 may be provided in the proximity of an upper end (for example, -i-z-axis direction) of the second extension portion 440. The second connection portion 441 may include a third area 441a and a fourth area 441b. The first connection portion 431 and the second connection portion 441 may be symmetrical to each other, and explanations of the first connection portion 431 may be applied to the second connection portion 441.

[0142] According to various embodiments, a first elongated portion 402 may be disposed on one side (+y-axis direction) of the support portion 410, and a second elongated portion 403 may be disposed on the other side (-y-axis direction). The first extension portion 430 may extend from the first elongated portion 402 in the second direction (+z-axis direction), and the second extension portion 440 may extend from the second elongated portion 403 in the second direction (+z-axis direction). In an embodiment, the third pin hole 413 may provided at an end of the first elongated portion 402 in the first direction (+y-axis direction) and / or a lower end (-z-axis direction) of the first extension portion 430. Through the third pin hole 413, the second link 400 may be rotatably coupled with the base 10 by means of a pin. For example, a pin may be disposed to penetrate the third pin hole 413 and the first pin hole provided in the base 100 (for example, the first pin hole 121 of FIG. 8). The second elongated portion 403 may include the fourth pin hole 414. Similarly to the third pin hole 413, the fourth pin hole 414 may be rotatably coupled with the second pin hole (for example, the second pin hole 122 of FIG. 8) of the base 100 by means of a pin.

[0143] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a first state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the rear according to various embodiments. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a second state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the rear according to various embodiments.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the door handle mechanism 20 may have a first state and a second state. In the descriptions of the disclosure, the first state of the door handle mechanism 20 may refer to an initial state (for example, FIG. 19). Alternatively, the first state refers to the stowed position of the flush door handle. In the first state of the door handle mechanism 20, the grip structure 600 may not substantially protrude from the outer surface of the door (for example, the door 2 of FIG. 1). The second state of the door handle mechanism 2 may refer to a state in which the door handle mechanism 20 operates, and may refer to a state in which the support member 210 rotates about the first rotation axis 209 by a first angle (6 1). Alternatively, the second state refers to the deployed position of the flush door handle. In this state, the grip structure 600 may protrude to the outside of the door 2. In a certain embodiment, the support member 210 may include a first portion 211 and a second portion 212. For example, the first portion 211 may refer to an area that is rotatably coupled with the housing 201 of the actuator 200 to receive a driving force outputted from the actuator 200. The second portion 212 may refer to an area that is extended from the first portion 211 and is provided with the first socket 220 to be coupled with the first link 300 in a ball- socket joint. Since the support member 210 may rotate along the first rotation axis 209 with reference to the center c of the first portion 211, the rotation radius of the support member 210 may be adjusted according to a length of the second portion 212 in the first direction (+y axis).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, operations of the door handle mechanism 20 from the first state to the second state will be described from the view point of the actuator 200 and the first link 300.

[0146] According to various embodiments, when the door handle mechanism 200 starts operating from the first state, the actuator 200 may transmit a driving force to the first link 300. The actuator 200 may rotate the support member 210 about the first rotation axis 209, and the first link 300 connected with the support member 210 may receive such a rotational force.

[0147] According to various embodiments, the first link 300 may perform a substantially linear motion in the second direction (+z-axis direction) in response to the rotation of the support member 210. In the first state, a virtual first line 11 passing through a center 311c of the first ball 311 of the first link 300 from the first rotation axis 209 may be drawn. In addition, a distance from the first rotation axis 209 to the center 311c of the first ball may be a first distance R1. In this case, from the viewpoint of the first link 300, the first link 300 may receive a rotational motion of the support member 210 performed about the first rotation axis 209 with a radius of the first distance Rl.

[0148] According to various embodiments, the first link 300 may be coupled to the support member 210 in a ball-socket joint. The first socket 220 may be provided on the first portion 211 of the support member 210, and the first ball 311 of the first link 300 may be inserted into the first socket 220. As the first ball 311 is coupled to the first socket 220 in the ball- socket joint, the first link 310 may have a degree of freedom on the rotation about the center 311c of the first ball 311. In addition, the first link 300 may be coupled with the second link 400 in a ballsocket joint. The second ball 312 of the first link 300 may be inserted into the second socket 420. Accordingly, the second ball 312 may have a degree of freedom on the rotation about the second ball 312c. That is, as both ends (for example, the first ball 311 and the second ball 312) of the first link 300 are coupled to the support member 210 and the second link 400 in the ball-socket joint, the linear motion of the first link 300 relative to the second link 400 and / or the support member 210 may be restricted, but may have degrees of freedom on the rotation about the center (for example, the center 311c of the first ball and the center 312c of the second ball) of each ball within each socket (for example, the first socket 220 and the second socket 420). In other words, the first link (300) may move together with the support member (210) and / or the second link (400) for linear motion components, but relative rotational movement with respect to the support member (210) and / or the second link (400) is also possible. Accordingly, even when the first link 310 receives a rotational motion about the first rotation axis 209 of the support member 210, the first link 300 may perform a linear motion substantially along a vertical direction (+z axis direction), rather than moving in a tangential direction of a circle that has a radius of the first distance R1 from the first rotation axis 209 to the center 311c of the first ball 311. In other words, the support member 210 may rotate about the first rotation axis 209 by the first angle (91) between the first line 11 and a second line 12, and the first link 300 may linearly move substantially in the vertical direction (+z axis direction) even when the support member 210 moves along an arc between the first line 11 and the second line 12.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the first socket 220 may have a first boundary 221 and a second boundary 222. For example, the first boundary 221 and the second boundary 222 may restrict the radius of rotation of the support member 210 about the first rotation axis 209. In other words, since the first ball 311 rotates about a fourth rotation axis 309 in the first socket 220 relatively in response to the rotation of the support member 210 (or the surface of the first socket 220 rotates along the surface of the first ball 311), the radius of rotation of the first ball 311 about the center 311c of the first ball may be defined. Here, the fourth rotation axis 309 may be substantially parallel to the first rotation axis 209. For example, explaining FIGS. 19 and 20 by way of an example, when the support member 210 rotates to the maxim about the first rotation axis 209 in the counter clockwise direction, the first ball 311 may rotate about the center 311c of the first ball relatively along the fourth rotation axis 309 in the clockwise direction within the first socket 220, and in this case, at least a part of the first ball 311 and / or at least a part of the elongated member 310 may be rotated until it contacts the first boundary 221. Similarly, it will be understood that the second boundary 222 may restrict the radius of rotation of the support member 210 in the clockwise direction.

[0150] According to various embodiments, the linear motion of the first link 300 caused by the rotation of the support member 210 may cause rotation of the second link 400 about the second rotation axis 409. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21, 22, 23 and 24.

[0151] First, interactions between the first link 300 and the second link 400 according to an operation of the door handle mechanism 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0152] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating the first state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the side according to various embodiments. FIG. 22 is a view illustrating the second state of the door handle mechanism as viewed from the side according to various embodiments.

[0153] According to various embodiments (referring to FIG. 21 mainly), in the first state of the door handle mechanism 20, a line connecting between the center 311c of the first ball 311 and the center 312c of the second ball 312 (hereinafter, referred to as a third line 13) is parallel to the second direction axis (z-axis direction).

[0154] Thereafter, when the support member 210 rotates according to an operation of the actuator 200 and the first link 300 substantially applies a linear motion in the second direction (z-axis direction) to the second link, the second link 400 may rotate about the second rotation axis 409 in the clockwise direction. Accordingly, the door handle mechanism 20 may change to the second state. As the door handle mechanism 20 changes from the first state to the second state, the first link 310 linearly moves substantially along the second direction (+z axis direction), and simultaneously, the first ball 311 may slightly (for example, by 92) rotate about the center 311c of the first ball in the clockwise direction along the first axis direction (y-axis direction) within the first socket 220 (FIG. 23). Here, an axis extending in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis (409) from the center (311c) of the first ball (311) can be defined as the fifth rotation axis. In this case, in the state in which the second ball 312 is inserted into the second socket 420, an inner surface of the second socket 420 may slide along the surface of the second ball 312 in the clockwise direction. In the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, a line connecting between the center 311c of the first ball 311 and the center 312c of the second ball 312 (hereinafter, referred to as a fourth line 14) may have a predetermined angle (92) with the third line 13.

[0155] As described above, both ends (for example, the first ball 311 and / or the second ball 312) of the first link 300 are coupled with the support member 210 and / or the second link 400 in the ball-socket joint, so that the first link 300 may have a degree of freedom on the rotation in the socket. That is, when the door handle mechanism 20 changes from the first state to the second state, the first ball 311 may not only rotate about the third direction axis (x-axis) with reference to the center 311c of the first ball 311 within the first socket 220, but also rotate about the second direction axis (y axis). This makes it possible to stably transmit a driving force on at least two axes (for example, x axis and y axis) only by using one link (for example, the first link 300).

[0156] According to various embodiments, the second socket 420 may include a third boundary 423. The third boundary 423 may define a range of a relative motion of the second socket 420 to the second ball 312 in the clockwise direction. That is, when the third boundary 423 comes into contact with at least a part of the second ball 312 and / or the elongated member 310, the rotation of the second link 400 may be restricted.

[0157] Referring to Figures 19 to 22, the first link (300) rotates around the first axis (y-axis) at the center of the first ball (311c) while simultaneously moving vertically in the second direction (+z-axis direction). This can be described as the first link (300) undergoing a substantially pivotal motion. Additionally, at this time, the first link (300) rotates relative to the first socket (220) around the first rotational axis (209).

[0158] Hereinafter, interactions between the second link 400 and the grip structure 600 when the door handle mechanism 20 changes from the first state to the second state will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0159] Referring back to FIGS. 21 and 22, as the door handle mechanism 20 changes from the first state to the second state, the second link 400 may linearly move the grip structure 600 along the third direction (+x axis direction).

[0160] According to various embodiments, in the first state of the door handle mechanism 20, the second rotation axis 409 of the second link 400 and a pin 499 provided on the first connection portion 431 may be connected along a fifth line 15. Herein, in the first state, the pin 499 may be accommodated in the first area 431a of the first connection portion 431.

[0161] When the actuator 200 operates and the second link 400 rotates about the second rotation axis 409, the grip structure 600 coupled with the first connection portion 431 through a pin may also move along with the second link 400. For example, the inner surface of the first connection portion 431 may push the pin 499 coupled with the first slider 510 in response to the rotation of the second link 400. When the first slider 510 is pushed along with the pin 499 by the inner surface of the first connection portion 431, the grip structure 600 may move substantially in the third direction (+x-axis direction). When the second link 400 rotates, the pin 499 inserted into the first connection portion 431 changes a relative position from the first area 431a of the first connection portion 431 to the second area 431b. Accordingly, although the first extension portion 430 of the second link 400 rotates about the second rotation axis 409, the first slider 510 coupled with the first connection portion 431 by the pin 499 may linearly move substantially in the third direction (+x axis direction). That is, when the door handle mechanism 20 changes from the first state to the second state, the pin 499 may relatively move from the first area 431a to the second area 431b while the height of the pin 499 along the second axis (z axis) is maintained. To achieve this, the opening of the first connection portion 431 may have an elliptical shape or a slot shape with a longitudinal axis. In the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, the pin 499 may be seated in the second area 431b. In other words, when the second link 400 moves in an arc motion around the second rotation axis 409 by a third angle 03 from the fifth line 15 in the first state to the sixth line 16 in the second state, the pin 499 is relatively moved from the first area 431a to the second area 431b. At this time, the height of the pin 499 (with respect to the +z-axis) is maintained despite the rotation of the second link 400 because the first connection portion 431 has an elliptical shape or a slot shape with a longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the pin 499 and the grip structure 600 coupled to the pin 499 are moved in the third direction (+x-axis direction) by the horizontal component of the rotational motion of the second link 400.

[0162] To summarize, in the initial state of the door handle mechanism 20, the support member 210 may start rotating about the first rotation axis 209 according to the operation of the actuator 200. In response to the rotation of the support member 210, the first link 300 may linearly move substantially in the second direction (+z axis direction) and may apply a force of the second direction (+z axis direction) component to the second link 400. As the linear force is applied by the first link 300, the second link 400 may rotate about the second rotation axis 409. In this case, since the second ball 312 has been already coupled to the second socket 420, the first link 300 may slightly rotate about the third direction axis (+x axis) on the center 311c of the first ball 311 within the first socket 220 in response to the rotation of the second link 400 about the second rotation axis 409. In addition, the grip structure 600 connected with the second link 400 may linearly move in response to the rotation of the second link 400.

[0163] Alternatively, it can be described that the rotational movement around the second rotational axis (409) of the second link (409) is converted into the linear motion of the grip structure (600) through the first connection portion (431) and the pin (499). Therefore, the door handle mechanism (20) can be described as performing a cam motion.

[0164] Hereinafter, the protruding operation of the grip structure 600 to the outside of the base 100 according to an operation of the door handle mechanism 20 and a third state of the door handle mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0165] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the first state of the door handle assembly as viewed from the side according to various embodiments. FIG. 24 is a view illustrating the second state of the door handle assembly as viewed from the side according to various embodiments. FIG. 25 is a view illustrating the third state of the door handle assembly as viewed from the side according to various embodiments.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 23, 24, 25, the door handle mechanism 20 may operate from the first state to the third state. The first state and the second state of the door handle mechanism 20 have been described above. The door handle mechanism 20 according to the disclosure may additionally have the third state in addition to the states in the above-described embodiments. Here, the third state of the door handle mechanism 20 may refer to a state in which the grip structure 600 further moves according to an additional external force (for example, a pulling force of a user) applied to the grip structure 600 that in the state (second state) in which the grip structure 600 automatically moves according to the operation of the actuator 200.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 23, in the first state, the outer surface 651 of the grip structure 600 may protrude to a seventh line 17. The seventh line 17 may be substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the door 2 although it is not illustrated for the convenience of explanation. Here, the outer surface 651 may be the surface of the grip cover 650 or may be the outer surface of the grip body 601 when the grip cover 650 is not separately provided. However, the disclosure will be described based on the outer surface of the grip cover 650 for the convenience of explanation.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 24, when the door handle mechanism 20 operates in the second state according to an operation of the actuator 200, the outer surface 651 of the grip structure 600 may protrude to an eighth line 18. In this case, a distance between the seventh line 17 and the eighth line 18 may be defined as a first movement distance DI. Here, the first movement distance DI may correspond to a movement distance of the grip structure 600 in the first direction (+y axis direction) by the rotation of the second link 400 about the second rotation axis 409.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 25, when an additional external force is applied in the second direction (+y axis direction) of the grip structure 600 in the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, the outer surface 651 of the grip structure 600 may further protrude to a ninth line 19. For example, when the user grips the grip structure 600 and pulls in the second direction (+y axis direction) to open the door 2, the grip structure 600 may further move by a second distance D2.

[0170] FIG. 26 illustrates a cross section of the door handle assembly in the first state according to various embodiments. FIG. 27 illustrates a first cross section of the door handle assembly in the second state according to various embodiments. FIG. 28 illustrates a second cross section of the door handle assembly in the second state according to various embodiments. FIG. 29 illustrates a cross section of the door handle assembly in the third state according to various embodiments.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 26, in the first state of the door handle mechanism 20, a restriction area 575 of the second slider 560 may be spaced apart from a boundary area 150 of the base 100. Here, the grip structure 600 may move in the third direction (x-axis direction) as long as a distance in the third direction (+x axis direction) between the restriction area 575 and the boundary area 150 according to an operation of the door handle mechanism 20. For example, referring to FIG. 27, in the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, the restriction area 575 and the boundary area 150 may be in contact with each other. In other words, in the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, the grip structure 600 moves forward according to the operation of the actuator 200, bringing the restriction area 575 and the boundary area 150 into contact with each other. As the boundary area 150 comes into contact with the restriction area 575, the movement of the second slider 560 in the third direction (+x axis direction) may be suppressed.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 28, in the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, the second guide portion 522 and / or the fourth guide portion 524 of the first slider 510 may be spaced apart from a first restriction portion 571a and / or a second restriction portion 57 lb which are ends of the first guide area 571 and / or the second guide area 581 in the third direction (+x axis direction) of the second slider 560. This means that, in the second state of the door handle mechanism 20, the first slider 510 can additionally slide in the third direction (+x axis direction) relative to the second slider 560.

[0173] In a certain embodiment, when the door handle mechanism 20 changes from the first state to the second state, the first slider 510 and the second slider 560 may move along the third direction (+x axis direction) altogether. In this case, there exists a friction on the contact surfaces between the first slider 510 and the second slider 560 (for example, between the second guide portion 522 and the first guide area 571), and the second slider 560 may also move due to the friction (stop friction) even when a force is applied to the first slider 510. If a force greater than the stop friction is applied between the second slider 560 and the first slider 510, the first slider 510 may further move from the second slider 560.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 29, in the third state of the door handle mechanism 20, the second guide portion 522 may be in contact with the first restriction portion 571a. That is, when the door handle mechanism 20 is operating in the third state from the second state, the second guide portion 522 of the first slider 510 may move along the first guide area 571, but may move until an end of the second guide portion 522 in the third direction (+x axis direction) comes into contact with the first restriction portion 571a. FIG. 30 is a view illustrating an example of an emergency opening means according to various embodiments. FIG. 31 is a view illustrating an example of driving of the emergency opening means according to various embodiments. FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a cross section of the emergency opening means according to various embodiments.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 30, 31, 32, the door handle assembly 10 according to various embodiments may further include an emergency opening means 30. The emergency opening means 30 may be provided in a combination of the grip body 601 and the first slider 510.

[0176] According to various embodiments, the outer surface 611 of the grip body 601 may include a pressure area 612 and a protrusion area 613. In an embodiment, when the pressure area 612 is pressed, the grip body 601 may rotate about the third rotation axis 609. The third rotation axis 609 may be defined as a virtual line connecting the first auxiliary pin hole 541 and the second auxiliary pin hole 542 of the first slider 510 and the third auxiliary pin hole 633 and the fourth auxiliary pin hole 634 of the grip body 601. A pin may be coupled to penetrate all of the first to fourth auxiliary pin holes 541, 542, 633, 634.

[0177] According to various embodiments, the emergency opening means 30 may operate independently from the door handle mechanism 20. That is, separately from the door handle mechanism 20 which operates from the first state to the second state (or third state) by the driving force of the actuator 200, the emergency opening means 30 may be operable regardless of in which state the door handle mechanism 20 is. This is because the emergency opening means 30 operates for the purpose of opening and closing the door 2 when the door handle mechanism 20 does not normally operate due to a breakdown of the actuator 200. When the door handle mechanism 20 does not normally operate, the user may press the press area 612 of the grip body 601 on the outside of the vehicle 1, and may forcedly open the door 2 by gripping the protruding protrusion area 613 and the grip area 602.

[0178] FIG. 33 is a view illustrating an example of an indicator according to various embodiments.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 33, the door handle assembly(for example, the door handle assembly 10 of Fig. 1) may include an indicator 660. For example, the indicator 660 may be provided on the grip structure 600. The indicator 660 may be electrically connected with an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 1. The indicator 660 may receive information related to an opening and closing state of the door 2 from the ECU. In a certain embodiment, the indicator 660 may acquire not only opening and closing information related to the door 2 to which the indicator 660 is attached, but also opening and closing information related to at least two doors 2 mounted on the vehicle Lin one embodiment, the information related to opening and closing may be a control signal of an indicator 660 of the ECU. For example, the ECU may send a signal to light up a light source arranged in the display areas 661, 662, 663, 664 of the indicator 660 corresponding to the open state of the door 2.

[0180] According to various embodiments, the indicator 660 may provide a notification on a specific door 2 that is open among the at least two doors 2 of the vehicle 2, based on the information related to the opening and closing state of the door 2, which is received from the ECU. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the indicator 660 may provide a display which is divided into four parts with reference to a vehicle illustration 665. Here, a first display area 661 may reflect opening and closing information on the left front door of the vehicle 2. A second display area 662 may reflect opening and closing information on the right front door of the vehicle 2. A third display area 663 may reflect opening and closing information on the left back door of the vehicle 2. A fourth display area 664 may reflect opening and closing information on the right back door of the vehicle 2. In certain embodiments, only the vehicle illustration (665) corresponding to the notification- provided display areas (661, 662, 663, 664) is visually recognized, while the rest may not be visually recognized (e.g., a black area).

[0181] Specifically, FIG. 36 illustrates an example of implementation of the indicator 660 when the left front door is opened. When the left front door is opened, the indicator 660 may provide a notification related to the opening of the door 2 on the first display area 661. That is, each of the display areas 661, 662, 663, 664 may intuitively reflect the position of each door 2 of the vehicle 1 with reference to the vehicle illustration 665. Accordingly, the user may intuitively identify which door 2 of the vehicle 1 is opened simply by identifying the location of the display area(s) 661, 662, 663, 664 which provides a notification. Here, the notifications provided by the indicator 660 may be visual notifications by light sources, but are not limited thereto. To this end, the indicator 660 includes light sources, e.g., LEDs. For example, the light sources 660 can be arranged in each display area 661, 662, 663, 664 of the indicator 660. The indicator 660 can provide visual indication to the user by lighting only the light source of the display area 661, 662, 663, 664 corresponding to the open door 2. Additionally, in one embodiment, the indicator 660 is configured to be concealed in the first state of the door handle assembly 10 and exposed to the outside in the second state of the door handle assembly 10, making it recognizable to the user. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the indicator 660 is powered on by receiving power from the ECU only in the second state of the door handle assembly 10 and is powered off in the first state. Alternatively, the indicator 660 can be powered on simultaneously with the operation of the door handle assembly 10.

[0182] Figures 34 to 37 illustrate a door handle mechanism including a grip structure (1000) according to another embodiment. Figure 34 is a view illustrating a door handle mechanism including a grip structure according to another embodiment. Figure 35 is a view illustrating an exploded view of the grip structure and the second link according to another embodiment. Figure 36 is a view illustrating a side view of the door handle mechanism in the first state according to another embodiment. Figure 37 is a view illustrating a side view of the door handle mechanism in the second state according to another embodiment. Referring to Figures 34 to 37, the door handle mechanism (40) according to another embodiment may include all or part of the actuator (700), the first link (800), the second link (900), and the grip structure (1000). The actuator (700), the first link (800), the second link (900), and the grip structure (1000) according to another embodiment may be partially or fully applicable to the descriptions of the actuator (200), the first link (300), the second link (400), and the grip structure (600) described in Figures 1 to 33. Conversely, the description of the door handle mechanism (40) in Figures 34 to 37 may also be applied to the door handle mechanism (20) in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0183] According to various embodiments, the door handle mechanism (40) may further include a restoring member (990). The restoring member (990) can be positioned between the second link (900) and the grip structure (1000). The restoring member (990) can provide a restoring force to the grip structure (1000). For example, when an additional external force is applied to the grip structure (1000) (e.g., when the door handle mechanism (40) is in the third state (see Figure 29)), the restoring member (990) provides a restoring force to the grip body (1001), allowing the grip body (1001) to retract to the second state or the first state. Additionally, the restoring member (990) can prevent excessive rotation of the second link (900). Here, the restoring member (990) may be a spring with elastic force. Alternatively, the restoring member (990) can be positioned between the second link (900) and the base (e.g., the base (100) in Figure 4). For example, the restoring member (990) may be a torsion spring, a compression spring, or a tension spring, but is not limited to these.

[0184] According to various embodiments, the grip structure (1000) may include a divided first side slider (1060a) and a second side slider (1060b). The shape, function, and structure of the first side slider (1060a) and the second side slider (1060b) can partially or fully adopt the description of the second slider (560) in the aforementioned embodiments. In one embodiment, the first side slider (1060a) may surround one side (+y-axis direction side) of the first slider (1010), and the second side slider (1060b) may surround the other side (-y-axis direction side) of the first slider (1010). The first and second side sliders (1060a, 1060b) can stably support the movement of the first slider (1010) during the operation of the door handle mechanism (40).

[0185] According to various embodiments, the door handle mechanism (40) may include a first elastic member (910a) and a second elastic member (910b). The first elastic member (910a) and the second elastic member (910b) can be positioned between the grip body (1001) and the first slider (1010). For example, the first elastic member (910a) can be connected between the first slider (1010) and the grip body (1001) on one side (+y-axis direction side) of the grip structure (1000), and the second elastic member (910b) can be connected between the first slider (1010) and the grip body (1001) on the other side (-y-axis direction side) of the grip structure (1000). The first elastic member (910a) and the second elastic member (910b) provide an elastic force that allows the door handle mechanism (40) to return from the third state to the second state (or the first state). The first elastic member (910a) and the second elastic member (910b) can be provided as compression springs and / or tension springs. Here, the first elastic member (910a) and the second elastic member (910b) may be different types of springs. For example, if the first elastic member (910a) is a compression spring, the second elastic member (910b) can be provided as a tension spring. This can provide the grip body (1001) with an elastic force that allows it to rotate counterclockwise again when the grip body (1001) is rotated clockwise during the operation of the emergency opening means (e.g., the emergency opening means in Figures 30 to 32).

[0186] Referring to Figures 36 and 37, the operation of the door handle mechanism (40) will be explained. According to various embodiments, when the door handle mechanism (40) operates from the first state to the second state, the first slider (1010) can slide within the first side slider (1060a). For example, in the first state of the door handle mechanism (40), the ends of the first slider (1010) and the first side slider (1060a) may be positioned at the first boundary (Bl). At this time, when the door handle mechanism (40) operates, the first slider (1010) moves to the third boundary (B3), and the first side slider (1060a) moves to the second boundary (B2). In other words, the first slider (1010) slides within the first side slider (1060a) and can move a further distance (S2) than the first side slider (1060a). The first side slider (1060a) can move together with the first slider (1010) by a distance (SI) due to the friction between them. The movement of the first side slider (1060a) and the first slider (1010) by the distance (SI) due to friction stabilizes the motion of the first slider (1010) during the operation of the door handle mechanism (40). In other words, when the first slider (1010) moves to the third boundary (B3) corresponding to the operation of the door handle mechanism (40), the first side slider (1060a) stably supports the first slider (1010) and follows it to the second boundary (B2). The description of the first side slider (1060a) can be equally applied to the second side slider (1060b).

[0187] In some embodiments, the first side slider (1060a) may include an opening area (1061a) through which the pin (1011) of the first slider (1010) can pass. The opening area (1061a) can be in an elongated shape, defining the distance that the pin (1011) can move in the horizontal direction (+x-axis direction).

[0188] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to specified embodiments and drawings as described above, various modifications and changes may be made from the above descriptions by a person skilled in the art. For example, even when the above-described technologies are performed in a different order from that described above, and / or components of the abovedescribed structure, device, etc. are coupled or combined in different forms from that described above, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, appropriate results may be achieved.

[0189] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the scope of the claims belong to the scope of the claims presented below.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A door handle assembly for a vehicle, the door handle assembly comprising: a base (100) having an accommodation space (110) formed therein; and a door handle mechanism (20), wherein the door handle mechanism (20) comprises: an actuator (200) configured to provide a rotational force; a support member (210) comprising a first portion connected with the actuator (200) to receive the rotational force from the actuator (200), and performing a first rotational motion about a first rotation axis (209); a first link (300) having one side connected with the support member and configured to receive the first rotational motion of the support member (210) and to perform a first linear motion related to a first axis direction; a second link (400) connected to the other side of the first link (300) and configured to perform a second rotational motion about a second rotation axis in response to the first linear motion; and a grip structure (600) connected with the second link (400) and configured to perform a second linear motion related to a second axis direction in response to the second rotational motion, and to protrude to an outside of the base (100).

2. The door handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the door handle mechanism (20) operates from a first state to a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which an outer surface of the grip structure is substantially coplanar with a surface of a door of the vehicle in which the door handle assembly is mounted, and wherein the second state is a state in which the grip structure protrudes to the outside of the door according to an operation of the actuator.

3. The door handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the first link comprises a elongated member and a first ball (311) and a second ball (312) which are disposed at both ends of the elongated member (310), wherein the support member (210) comprises a first portion provided with a first socket (220) to accommodate the first ball (311), and a second portion connected with the actuator and provided with the first rotation axis, and wherein the second link comprises a second socket (420) to accommodate the second ball (312).

4. The door handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the first ball (311) and the second ball (312) have a substantially spherical shape, and wherein the first socket (220) and the second socket (420) correspond to shapes of the first ball (311) and the second ball (312).

5. The door handle assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first ball (311) and / or the second ball (312) has a degree of freedom on rotation within the first socket (220) and / or the second socket (420).

6. The door handle assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first ball (311) and / or the second ball (312) is coupled with the first socket (220) and / or the second socket (420) through a link cover (380).

7. The door handle assembly of claim 3, wherein, when the door handle mechanism (20) operates from the first state to the second state, the first ball (311) rotates about a fourth rotation axis (309) relative to the first socket (220) within the first socket.

8. The door handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the base (100) is rotatably coupled with the second link (400) through at least one pin hole(121,122,413,414), and wherein the at least one pin hole (121, 122,413, 414) is provided as a second rotation axis (409).

9. The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein, when the door handle mechanism (20) operates in the second state from the first state, the first link (300) rotates about a fifth rotation axis, which is parallel to the second rotation axis (409), with reference to the first ball (311) in response to the rotation of the second link (400) about the second rotation axis.

10. The door handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the grip structure (600) further comprises: a grip body (601) which is gripped by a user; and a first slider (510) which is connected with the second link (400).

11. The door handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the first slider (300) further comprises at least one pin hole (555,556) to which the second link (400) is coupled through a pin (499), wherein the second link (400) further comprises at least one connection portion (431,441) which is coupled to the at least one pin hole (555,556) of the first slider (510) through a pin (499), and wherein the at least one connection portion (431,441) is provided as a substantially elliptical shape.

12. The door handle assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one connection portion (431,441) comprises a first area (431a,441a) provided on an upper portion thereof and a second area (43 lb, 441b) provided on a lower portion thereof, and wherein, when the door handle mechanism (20) changes from the first state to the second state, a pin (499) connecting the at least one connection portion (431,441) and the at least one pin hole (555,556) of the first slider moves from thefirst area (431a, 441a) to the second area (43 lb, 441b).

13. The door handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the grip structure further comprises a second slider (560), and wherein the second slider (560) is coupled with the first slider (510) to be movable relatively thereto.

14. The door handle assembly of claim 13, wherein the second slider (560) further comprises a restriction area (575), wherein the base further comprises a boundary area (150), and wherein, when the door handle mechanism (20) operates in the second state from the first state, the restriction area (575) of the second slider (560) comes into contact with the boundary area (150) to restrict the second linear motion of the second slider (560).

15. The door handle assembly of claim 13, wherein the first slider (510) comprises at least one guide portion (522,534), wherein the second slider (560) comprises at least one guide area (571,581), and wherein the at least one guide portion (522,534) is inserted into the at least one guide area (571,581).

16. The door handle assembly of claim 13, wherein the door handle assembly (10) further comprises a third state in which the first slider (510) moves over the second slider (560) when an additional external force is applied to the door handle mechanism (20).

17. The door handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the second slider (560) comprises at least one restriction portion (571a, 572a) provided at an end of the at least one guide area (571, 572),wherein, when the door handle mechanism operates in the third state from the second state, the at least one guide portion (522, 534) slides along the at least one guide area (571,581), and wherein the restriction portion (571a, 572a) is configured to come into contact with the at least one guide portion (522,534) in the third state of the door handle mechanism to prevent the first slider (510) from being released.

18. The door handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis (209), the second rotation axis (409), and the first axis are substantially orthogonal to one another.

19. The door handle assembly of claim 18, wherein the first rotation axis (209) and the second axis are substantially parallel to each other.

20. A vehicle in which the door handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is mounted.

21. Assembly process of a door handle assembly (10), the process comprising: assembling a door handle mechanism (20) comprising: coupling one side of the first link (300) with the actuator (200) through a first ball- socket joint; coupling the other side of the first link (300) with the second link (400) through a second ball- socket joint; and coupling the second link (400) to a grip structure (600); and inserting the assembled door handle mechanism (20) into the base (100); and pin coupling the second link (400) to the base (100) such that the secondlink (400) is rotatable relative to the base (100).

22. The assembly process of claim 21, wherein the door handle mechanism (20) is operable from a first state to a second state.

23. The assembly process of claim 22, wherein the actuator (200) further comprises a support member (210) configured to be rotated along a first rotation axis (209), wherein the support member (210) comprises a first socket (220) configured to receive a first ball (311) disposed the one side of the first link (300), and wherein the first link (300) and the actuator (200) are coupled to each other such that the first link (300) performs a first linear motion related to a first axis direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis (209), corresponding to the rotation along the first rotation axis (209) of the support member(210).

24. The assembly process of claim 22, wherein the second link (400) further comprises at least one connection portion (431, 441) for pin-coupling to the grip structure (600), wherein the coupling the second link to the grip sturcture further comprises : coupling a pin (499) to the at least one connection portion (431, 441) and at least one pin hole (555,556) provided on the grip structure (600).

25. The assembly process of claim 24, wherein the at least one connection portion (431, 441) has a substantially elliptical shape and comprises a first area (431a, 441a) and asecond area (431b, 441b), wherein, when the door handle mechanism (20) operates from the first state to the second state, the pin (499) moves from the first area (431a, 441a) to the second area (431b, 441b).

26. The assembly process of claim 21, wherein the grip structure (600) comprises a slider (500) and the grip body (601), the grip body being coupled to the slider (500) and configured to be held by a user.

27. The assembly process of claim 26, wherein the slider (500) comprises at least one insertion area (526, 536), wherein the grip body (601) comprises at least one insertion portion (621, 622), and wherein the assembly process further comprises : coupling the at least one insertion portion (621, 622) into the at least one insertion area (526, 536).

28. The assembly process of claim 27, wherein the assembly process further comprises: pin-coupling at least two auxiliary pin holes (541,542,633,634) respectively provided on the slider (500) and the grip body (601).

29. The assembly process of claim 22, wherein the base (100) further comprises an accommodation space (110)for receiving the door handle mechanism (20).

30. The assembly process of claim 23, wherein the second link (400) is rotatable about the second rotation axis (409) relative to the base (100), and wherein the first rotation axis (209) and the second rotation axis (409) are perpendicular to each other.

31. The door handle according to claim 1,: wherein the grip structure (600) comprises a slider (500) connected to the second link (400) and a grip body (601) coupled to the slider (500), the grip body (601) performing substantial linear motion along the second axis direction in response to the rotation of the second link (400); and further comprising an emergency opening means; wherein the emergency opening means is provided as combination of the slider (500) and the grip body (601), wherein the emergency opening means is configured to protrude a protrusion area (613) provided on the grip body (601) when a pressure area (612) is pressed, and wherein the emergency opening means is configured to operate independently with the door handle mechanism (20).

32. The door handle assembly of claim 31, wherein the slider (500) and the grip body (601) are pin-coupled to each other through at least two auxiliary pin holes (541, 542, 633, 634) respectively provided on the slider (500) and the grip body (601), andwherein a virtual line extending through the at least two auxiliary pin holes is provided as a third rotation axis (609).

33. The door handle assembly of claim 32, wherein when the pressure area is pressed, the grip body (601) is configured to rotate about the third rotation axis (609).

34. The door handle assembly of claim 33, wherein the first rotation axis (209), the second rotation axis (409) and the third rotation axis (609) are perpendicular each other.

35. The door handle assembly of claim 31, wherein the first state is when the outer surface of the grip structure (600) substantially aligns with the outer surface of a vehicle (1) to which the door handle assembly (10) is mounted, and wherein the second state when the grip structure (600) protrudes from a door (2) of the vehicle (1).

36. The door handle assembly of claim 35, wherein the emergency opening means is configured to maintain its position during operation of the door handle mechanism from the first state to the second state unless an additional external force is applied to the grip structure (600)37. The door handle assembly of claim 32, wherein the slider (500) comprises at least one insertion area (526, 536),wherein the grip body (600) comprises at least one insertion portion (621, 622), and wherein the at least one insertion portion (621, 622) is inserted into the at least one insertion area (526, 536).

38. The door handle assembly of claim 37, wherein the at least two auxiliary pin holes are provided adjacent to the at least one insertion area (526,536) and the at least one insertion portion (621, 622).

39. The door handle assembly of claim 31, wherein the slider (500) comprises a first slider (510) and a second slider (560), wherein the first slider (510) is connected to the second link (400), and wherein the second slider (560) contacts the base (100).

40. The door handle assembly of claim 39, wherein the first slider (510) is slidable on the second slider (560).

41. The door handle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: an indicator (660) disposed on the grip structure (600) and configured to provide a notification related to open information for a door (2) of a vehicle (1).

42. The door handle assembly of claim 41,The door handle mechanism (20) is configured to operate between a first state in which the grip structure (600) is embedded inside the door (2) and a second state in which the grip structure (600) protrudes outside the door (2).

43. The door handle assembly of claim 42, wherein the indicator (660) is configured to be recognizable when the door handle mechanism is in the second state.

44. The door handle assembly of claim 42, wherein the indicator (660) is electrically connected to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle (1).

45. The door handle assembly of claim 44, wherein the indicator (660) is configured to be powered off in the first state and powered on in the second state.

46. The door handle assembly of claim 44, wherein the indicator (660) includes a display comprising a vehicle illustration (665) and at least two display areas (661, 662, 663, 664) arranged around the vehicle illustration (665) to intuitively indicate the position of the doors (2) of the vehicle (1).

47. The door handle assembly of claim 46, wherein the indicator (660) is configured to receive a control signal from the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to provide a notification for an openstate of the door (2), and wherein the indicator is configured to provide a notification in the display area related to the open door (2) among the at least two display areas (661, 662, 663, 664) based on the control signal.

48. The door handle assembly of claim 47, wherein the indicator (660) further comprises light sources arranged to correspond to each of the display areas (661, 662, 663, 664), and wherein the notification is a visual notification by the light sources.

49. The door handle assembly of claim 41 , wherein the indicator (660) is configured to be powered in response to the operation of the door handle mechanism (20).

50. A vehicle (1) comprising the door handle assembly (10) according to any one of claims 41 to 49.

Images