Vehicle door handle system

Abstract

We provide a compact vehicle door handle system that does not protrude outwards, while being compatible with a wide range of applications and vehicle designs. [Solution] The present invention relates to a vehicle door handle system comprising a wing handle (10) that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the wing handle is configured to be stored inside the vehicle door (1), and in the extended position the wing handle is configured to protrude outward relative to the vehicle door, and the vehicle door handle system comprises an actuator (18) configured to translate an intermediate piece (12) between the retracted position and an intermediate extended position, and to rotate an intermediate piece (12) between the intermediate extended position and an extended position, the intermediate piece being fixed to the wing handle and comprising support members (32a, 32b) that prevent the wing handle from rotating when the wing handle is in the extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of automotive door handles, and more specifically to a wing handle.

Background Art

[0002] Wing handles generally have a flat design and an elongated shape, and are arranged in alignment with the lower belt of the vehicle door window. Conventional wing handles protrude outwards and cause airflow turbulence, which may increase fuel consumption and accelerate battery consumption, thereby reducing the cruising range of the vehicle. In addition, there is a risk of increased aerodynamic noise, which is an especially important issue for electric vehicles. Conventional wing handles always protrude relative to the vehicle door, which may be considered an obstacle in terms of design and poor in appearance.

[0003] Furthermore, since vehicle doors generally taper from bottom to top, the space inside the vehicle door is insufficient, which may make it impossible to incorporate the operating mechanism of the wing handle.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a compact vehicle door handle system that can accommodate a wide range of applications and vehicle designs while not protruding outwards. In addition, in order to achieve a better user experience, it is desirable that there is no play in the handle when the user grips the handle.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The present invention relates to a vehicle door handle system comprising a wing handle movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position, the wing handle is configured to be at least partially retracted within the vehicle door, and in the extended position, the wing handle is configured to protrude outward relative to the vehicle door, the vehicle door handle system comprising an actuator configured to move the wing handle between the retracted position and the extended position, the movement of the wing handle between the retracted position and the extended position includes translational movement between the retracted position and an intermediate extended position, and rotational movement between the intermediate extended position and the extended position, the movement of the wing handle is controlled by the actuator via an intermediate piece fixed to the wing handle, the intermediate piece comprising a support member to prevent the wing handle from rotating when the wing handle is in the extended position.

[0006] In this way, when the user grips the handle, the wing handle maintains a fixed, play-free deployed position.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the vehicle door handle system comprises a bracket for housing the intermediate piece, the intermediate piece comprising a pivot pin on which the wing handle rotates between the intermediate extended position and the deployed position, and a support member formed around the pivot pin cooperates with the bracket to prevent the wing handle from rotating when the wing handle is in the deployed position.

[0008] By providing such a pivot pin, the rotational movement of the handle can be easily controlled, and a support member can be provided.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the pivot pin is held in an elongated hole formed in the bracket, enabling the translational movement of the intermediate piece, and the support member is in contact with the bracket member around the elongated hole.

[0010] By providing such elongated holes, it becomes easier to control the translational movement of the handle and to arrange the support members.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the intermediate piece is equipped with a guide pin that slides and cooperates with a cam surface formed on the bracket, and guides the wing handle when the wing handle moves translationally between the retracted position and the intermediate extended position, and when it moves rotationally between the intermediate extended position and the deployed position.

[0012] By providing such a cam surface, it becomes possible to precisely control the movement of the handle between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the door handle system further comprises a link arm slidably mounted within the bracket (16), and the actuator is configured to move the link arm in translation relative to the bracket, thereby pushing up the intermediate piece, thereby moving the wing handle from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0014] By providing such a link arm, it becomes possible to use a rotary actuator.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the door handle system further comprises a biasing element for pulling the intermediate piece back from the extended position to the retracted position when the actuator is controlled to move the wing handle from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0016] For example, by incorporating a biasing element such as a spring, the connection between the actuator and the intermediate piece is simplified.

[0017] According to one embodiment, in the retracted position, the outer surface of the wing handle is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the lower window belt adjacent to the vehicle door, and in the deployed position, the wing handle is configured to protrude outward relative to the outer surface of the lower window belt.

[0018] By positioning the wing handles flush with the surface in this way, turbulence in airflow can be effectively reduced, while also providing an attractive design.

[0019] According to one embodiment, in the storage position, the outer surface of the wing handle is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the vehicle door. In the deployed position, the wing handle is configured to protrude outward relative to the outer surface of the vehicle door.

[0020] By positioning the wing handles flush with the surface in this way, turbulence in airflow can be effectively reduced, while also providing an attractive design.

[0021] The embodiment also relates to a vehicle door equipped with a vehicle door handle system as described above, wherein the vehicle door is equipped with a window lower belt, the outer surface of the wing handle is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the window lower belt in the retracted position, and the wing handle is configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the window lower belt in the deployed position.

[0022] The embodiment can also relate to a vehicle having one or more vehicle doors, as described above.

[0023] The above-mentioned objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, as well as other objects, features, aspects, and advantages, will become apparent from the description of embodiments detailed below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate similar components or components having similar functions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view showing a part of two side doors of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side perspective view of a vehicle door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a front perspective view of a vehicle door handle system in a state where a bracket is removed. [Figure 5] It is a rear perspective view of a wing handle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] It is a side view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a handle is in a retracted position. [Figure 6B] It is a side view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a handle is in an extended position. [Figure 6C] It is a side view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a handle is in a deployed position. [Figure 7A] It is a front view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a handle is in a retracted position. [Figure 7B] It is a front view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a handle is in an extended position. [Figure 7C] It is a front view of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a handle is in a deployed position. [Figure 8A] It is a view showing an intermediate piece of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] It is a view showing an intermediate piece of a door handle system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a side perspective view of a handle and an intermediate piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the handle of a door handle system according to one embodiment of the present invention being rotated downwards from the extended position. [Figure 11A] This is a cross-sectional side view of a door handle system in the deployed position according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] This is a cross-sectional side view of a door handle system in a retracted position according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a top view of a door handle system in the deployed position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle, including a portion of the side doors 1, 1'. Each illustrated door 1, 1' comprises a door panel 2, 2', a window 5, 5', a window lower belt 6, 6', a handle 10, 10', and optionally a B-pillar 3, 3'. The handles 10, 10' are shown in the stowed position. In this position, each handle 10, 10' is mounted to its respective vehicle door such that the outer surface 10a of the handle is flush with the outer surface of the window lower belt 6, 6' of that vehicle door.

[0026] Figures 2, 3, and 4 show a handle system connected to a handle 10. The handle 10 is provided with a mounting portion 11, which is fixed to the intermediate piece 12 by a fixing element 11a such as a screw. The intermediate piece 12 is equipped with a pivot pin 24 and a guide pin 25 parallel to the fixing element 11a. The intermediate piece 12 is mounted in a bracket 16 so as to be movable in translation and rotation. The bracket 16 also houses an actuator 18 connected to a pivot lever 20 for moving a link arm 14 that is in contact with the intermediate piece 12. The link arm 14 is slidably housed in the bracket 16. The lever 20 is connected to the link arm 14 via a pin 20a that extends perpendicularly from the free end of the lever 20 and engages with a slot 14a formed in the link arm 14. A biasing element 26, such as a spring with one end fixed to the bracket 16, pulls and holds the intermediate piece 12 toward the link arm 14.

[0027] The bracket 16 has two opposing elongated holes 16a that receive each end of the swivel pin 24 of the intermediate piece 12. The bracket 16 further has two parallel cam surfaces on which the ends of the guide pin 25 of the intermediate piece 12 slide. Each cam surface has a straight portion 16b and a curved portion 16c.

[0028] Figure 5 shows a wing handle 10 having a mounting portion 11 and a fixing element 11a. The outer surface 10a of the handle 10 is configured to be the outer surface of the vehicle facing outwards. Therefore, the outer surface 10a is visible to the vehicle user and contributes to the overall design of the vehicle. The outer surface 10a may be flat or curved. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 10a is curved in particular, substantially along the longitudinal direction. However, the shape of the handle and / or the outer surface 10a can be configured in other ways.

[0029] The mounting portion 11 extends from the longitudinal rear surface 41a of the handle 10. The mounting portion 11 comprises connecting flanges 42, each having connecting legs 43 and eyelets 44. In the example of Figure 5, the mounting portion 11 comprises three connecting flanges 42 extending from the rear surface 41a. The number of connecting flanges 42 is not limited to three; for example, there may be one, two, or more than three. At least one of the connecting flanges 42 is provided with a stopper 45 at its distal end. Each eyelet 44 is provided with a cylindrical opening 46. The openings 46 are arranged coaxially to receive the fixing element 11a.

[0030] The movement of the handle 10 is shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 7A, 7B, 7C. Figures 6A and 7A show the handle 10 in its retracted (lowest) position, as also shown in Figure 1. In this position, the pin 20a of the lever 20 and the link arm 14 are in their lowest positions. Both ends of the pivot pin 24 of the intermediate piece 12 are also in their lowest positions within the elongated hole 16a of the bracket 16. The spring 26 pulls the intermediate piece 12 towards the link arm 14. In the vehicle doors 1, 1', the outer surface 10a of the wing handle 10, 10' in the retracted position is flush with the outer surface of the adjacent window lower belt 6, 6'. More precisely, these outer surfaces 10a are aligned with each other toward the front of the vehicle. In other words, the wing handle 10, 10' in the retracted position is within the range of the geometric shape defined by the outer shape of the adjacent window lower belt 6, 6'.

[0031] Figures 6B and 7B show the handle 10 in the extended position. To reach this position from the retracted position, the actuator 18 rotates the lever 20 to move the pin 20a from the lowest position to the intermediate position. During this movement of the pin 20a, the link arm 14 translates, pushing the intermediate piece 12 upward against the force of the spring 26 until both ends of the pivot pin 24 reach the upper end of the slotted hole 16a. Meanwhile, the guide pin 25 slides along the straight section 16b of the cam surface, and the handle 10 moves upward from the bracket 16 together with the mounting section 11 and the fixing element 11a. Thus, the intermediate piece 12 and the handle 10 move linearly as a single unit. In the extended position, the intermediate piece 12 cannot move any further upward because both ends of the pivot pin 24 reach the upper end of the slotted hole 16a. This extended position is merely an intermediate position and is not intended to cause the door handle system to stop or interrupt its deployment at this position.

[0032] Figures 6C and 7C show the handle 10 in the deployed position. To reach this position from the extended position, the actuator 18 continues to rotate the lever 20, moving the pin 20a from the intermediate position to the highest position. During this movement of the pin 20a, the link arm 14 continues to push upward the intermediate piece 12, whose movement is blocked by the pivot pin 24. During this movement of the link arm 14, the guide pin 25 slides along the curved portion 16c of the cam surface, tilting the intermediate piece 12 around the pivot pin 24. The rotational movement of the intermediate piece 12 is made possible by the offset between the pins 24 and 25. The rotation of the intermediate piece 12 pivots the handle 10 together with the mounting portion 11 to the deployed position. When the actuator 18 reaches the terminal position, the rotation of the lever 20 stops, the movement of the link arm 14 stops, and the intermediate piece 12 and the wing handle 10 stop rotating around the pivot pin 24. By providing a bridge abutment, it is possible to prevent the pin 25 from rotating excessively around the pivot pin 24. At this time, the wing handle 10 is in the deployed position, and since the handle protrudes outward, the user can easily grasp it and operate it manually to open the vehicle door 1.

[0033] To open the vehicle door 1, the user needs to pull the wing handle 10. When the wing handle 10 is pulled, the user applies an outward force to the grip portion of the handle. The wing handle 10 and the intermediate piece 12 rotate outward around the pivot pin 24. This causes the intermediate piece 12 to elastically deform, and this deformation can be detected by a sensor such as a strain gauge. The strain gauge can be configured to send a door unlock signal to the vehicle's control unit ECU (electronic control unit, not shown), thereby unlocking the vehicle door.

[0034] When it is no longer necessary to operate the vehicle door 1, for example, when the user starts the vehicle, or when the vehicle's control unit detects that the door has been closed and the user has left the vehicle, the vehicle's door handle system can receive a retraction command to return the wing handle 10 from the extended position to the retracted position. With such retraction of the wing handle, the lever 20 retracts to its lowest position together with the link arm 14, and the biasing element 26 can pull back the intermediate piece 12.

[0035] As shown in Figure 10, the biasing element 26 exerts a force that attempts to rotate the handle 10 downwards from its extended position (in the direction of arrow 40), and the guide pin 25 forms the axis of rotation of the handle 10 at this position.

[0036] To prevent this undesirable movement of the handle 10 in the deployed position, the intermediate piece 12 has a specific shape as shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 9. In Figures 8A, 8B, and 9, the intermediate piece 12 comprises a body 50 having channels 31, 35 for receiving pins 24, 25 and flanges 33 each provided with a cylindrical opening 34 for receiving shaft 11a. The channels 31, 35 and the opening 34 have parallel longitudinal axes. The channel 31 for receiving the swivel pin 24 has cylindrical extensions 31a, 31b at both ends, which extend along the swivel pin 24. Support members 32a, 32b protrude from the outer surfaces of each extension 31a, 31b.

[0037] As shown in Figures 11A and 12, when the handle 10 is in the extended position, each support member 32a, 32b abuts against the member 16d of the bracket 16 around their respective elongated holes 16a. Thus, the support members 32a, 32b prevent the handle 10 from rotating around the guide pin 25.

[0038] As shown in Figure 11B, when the handle is in the retracted position, the support members 32a and 32b form a shape in cooperation with the bracket 16, and do not hinder the handle from moving between the retracted position, the extended position, and the deployed position.

[0039] The descriptions of the various embodiments described above are provided for the purpose of explaining to those skilled in the art. They are not intended to be exhaustive, nor are they intended to limit the scope to the embodiments shown in this disclosure. For the content disclosed herein, numerous alternatives or modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, although several alternatives or embodiments have been specifically presented, other embodiments will be apparent or easily conceived to those skilled in the art within the scope defined in the appended claims. The limitations in the appended claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and such limitations are not limited to the specific embodiments described above.

[0040] In this regard, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the translational and rotational movements of the wing handle can also be achieved by other structures similar to the wing handle system and wing handle disclosed above. More specifically, the intermediate piece may have other shapes and does not necessarily have to include a swivel pin or guide pin. For example, the intermediate piece may have only a guide pin cooperating with a groove having a straight portion for the translational movement of the wing handle and a curved portion for the rotational movement. In this example, the wing handle may have some play in the deployed position. Other means for moving the wing handle can be easily imagined by those skilled in the art.

[0041] Furthermore, the actuator 18 may be a translational actuator directly connected to the intermediate piece 12, in which case the link arm 14 is unnecessary. Furthermore, the intermediate piece 12 may be connected to either the link arm 14 or the actuator 18, in which case the biasing element 26 is unnecessary.

[0042] Furthermore, the wing handle does not necessarily need to be flush with the lower window belt of the vehicle door, and may protrude from the vehicle door even in the stowed position. The wing handle can also be mounted flush with the vehicle door panels 2 and 2'. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1, 1' Vehicle door 2, 2' Door Panel 3, 3' B-pillar 5, 5' window 6, 6' window lower belt 10, 10' Wing Handle 10a Exterior 11 Mounting part 11a Fixed element 12 intermediate pieces 14 Link Arm 14a slot 16 brackets 16a long hole 16b Straight section 16c curved section 16d component 18 Actuators 20. Swivel lever 20a pin 24 Swivel Pins 25 guide pins 26. Biasing elements, springs Channel 31 31a, 31b extension 32a, 32b Support members 33 Flange 34 Cylindrical opening Channel 35 41a Longitudinal rear view 42 Connection flange 43 connecting legs 44 eyelets 45 Stopper 46 Cylindrical opening 50 Main Unit

Claims

1. A vehicle door handle system comprising a wing handle (10) that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, In the aforementioned storage position, the wing handle is configured to be at least partially stored within the vehicle door (1). In the deployed position, the wing handle is configured to protrude outward relative to the vehicle door. The vehicle door handle system includes an actuator (18) configured to move the wing handle between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the movement of the wing handle between the retracted position and the extended position includes translational movement between the retracted position and an intermediate extended position, and rotational movement between the intermediate extended position and the extended position. A vehicle door handle system characterized in that the movement of the wing handle is controlled by the actuator via an intermediate piece fixed to the wing handle, and the intermediate piece is provided with support members (32a, 32b) to prevent the wing handle from rotating when the wing handle is in the deployed position.

2. The vehicle door handle system according to claim 1, further comprising a bracket (16) for housing the intermediate piece (12), the intermediate piece (12) comprising a pivot pin (24) on which the wing handle (10) rotates between the intermediate extended position and the deployed position, and the support members (32a, 32b) formed around the pivot pin cooperate with the bracket to prevent the wing handle from rotating when the wing handle is in the deployed position.

3. The vehicle door handle system according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivoting pin (24) is held in an elongated hole (16a) formed in the bracket (16), enabling the translational movement of the intermediate piece (12), and the support members (32a, 32b) are in contact with the bracket member (16d) around the elongated hole.

4. The vehicle door handle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate piece (12) is provided with a guide pin (25) that slides in cooperation with cam surfaces (16b, 16c) formed on the bracket (16), and guides the wing handle when it moves translationally between the retracted position and the intermediate extended position, and when it moves rotationally between the intermediate extended position and the deployed position.

5. Furthermore, the vehicle door handle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized by comprising a link arm (14) slidably mounted within the bracket (16), wherein the actuator (18) is configured to move the link arm (14) in translation relative to the bracket and push up the intermediate piece (12), thereby moving the wing handle (10) from the retracted position to the deployed position.

6. Furthermore, the vehicle door handle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that, when the actuator (18) is controlled to move the wing handle (10) from the deployed position to the retracted position, it is further characterized in that it is provided with a biasing element for pulling the intermediate piece (12) back from the deployed position to the retracted position.

7. In the aforementioned storage position, the outer surface (10a) of the wing handle is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the lower window belt (6) adjacent to the vehicle door (1). The vehicle door handle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the deployed position, the wing handle (10) is configured to protrude outward relative to the outer surface of the lower window belt.

8. In the aforementioned storage position, the outer surface (10a) of the wing handle (10) is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the vehicle door (1). The vehicle door handle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the deployed position, the wing handle is configured to protrude outward relative to the outer surface of the vehicle door.

9. A vehicle door comprising a vehicle door handle system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle door (1) comprises a window lower belt (6), the outer surface (10a) of the wing handle (10) is configured to be flush with the outer surface of the window lower belt (6) in the retracted position, and the wing handle is configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the window lower belt in the deployed position.

10. A vehicle comprising one or more vehicle doors (1, 1') as described in claim 9.

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