Door handle assembly

A handle assembly for a vehicle door, comprising a body supporting a handle that is pivotally moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and an actuator assembly comprising a motor and an actuator member interposed between the motor and the handle. The actuator member is operably coupled to the handle and moveable by the motor to effect movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed positions thereof. The actuator member has an accumulator compressible under the force of the motor when an external obstruction acts on the handle in the stowed position thereof to prevent the handle from being moved to the deployed position thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a handle assembly for a vehicle door, and more particularly to such a handle assembly wherein the handle is moveable by means of a motor between stowed and deployed positions.

BACKGROUND

In vehicles, and especially automobiles, it is known to provide door handles that are moveable between a first, stowed condition in which the handle is essentially flush with the exterior surface of the door and generally inaccessible to a user, and a second, deployed condition in which the handle is pivoted so that a portion thereof extends away from the door so as to be accessible to, and actuatable by, a user to open the vehicle door. Presently, such “flush-mount” handles are manually pivotable, requiring the user to physically depress one area of the handle in order to pivot the handle from the stowed to the deployed positions thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The specification discloses a handle assembly for a vehicle door, comprising a body supporting a handle that is pivotally moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and an actuator assembly comprising a motor and an actuator member interposed between the motor and the handle. The actuator member is operably coupled to the handle and moveable by the motor to effect movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed positions thereof. The actuator member has an accumulator compressible under the force of the motor when an external obstruction acts on the handle in the stowed position thereof to prevent the handle from being moved to the deployed position thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, the handle is comprised of mateable outer and inner handle portions.

In another aspect, one or more sensors, such as a capacitive sensor, are disposed between the mateable inner and outer handle portions.

In another aspect, in the stowed position thereof, the handle is received in a recess provided in the body. The recess may be surrounded by a gasket to seal the handle assembly against the interior of a vehicle door panel.

In a still further aspect, the motor is disposed on the body.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the actuator assembly comprises a pin that is reciprocally driven by the motor, the actuator member being connected to the pin; and a bell-crank pivotally secured to the body, the bell-crank connected to each of the actuator member and the handle.

In a still further aspect, the bell-crank defines a first opening for slidably receiving therein a stem portion projecting away from the handle.

In another aspect, the accumulator is a spring disposed along a length of the actuator.

In another aspect, the invention comprehends a flush-mount handle assembly for a vehicle door of the type including a door panel having exterior and interior surfaces, and an opening therethrough for providing access to the handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising a body adapted for securement to the interior surface of the vehicle door panel proximate the opening, a handle that is connected to the body and pivotally moveable relative thereto between a stowed position, in which the handle is disposed in close proximity to the body portion, and a deployed position, in which the handle projects away from the body portion, and an actuator assembly comprising a motor and an actuator member interposed between the motor and the handle. The actuator member operably coupled to the handle and moveable by the motor to effect movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed positions thereof. The actuator member has an accumulator compressible under the force of the motor when an external obstruction acts on the handle in the stowed position thereof to prevent the handle from being moved to the deployed position thereof.

In another aspect, the invention comprehends a handle assembly for a vehicle door of the type including a door panel having exterior and interior surfaces, and an opening therethrough for providing access to the handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising a body securable to the interior surface of the vehicle door panel proximate the opening, a handle that is connected to the body and pivotally moveable relative thereto between a stowed position, in which the handle is disposed in close proximity to the body portion, and a deployed position, in which the handle projects away from the body portion, and an actuator assembly comprising a motor, an actuator member having a first end operably coupled to the motor and a second end coupled to the handle via a bell-crank, the actuator member moveable by the motor to effect movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed positions thereof. The actuator member has a spring accumulator compressible under the force of the motor when an external obstruction acts on the handle in the stowed position thereof to prevent the handle from being moved to the deployed position thereof.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Turning now toFIG. 1, the present invention according to an exemplary embodiment may be seen to encompass a handle assembly for a vehicle door (not shown inFIG. 1), the handle assembly generally comprising a body8supporting a handle1that is pivotally moveable between a stowed position (not shown inFIG. 1, shown inFIG. 4), in which the handle is generally flush with the exterior surface of a vehicle door, and a deployed position (not shown inFIG. 1, shown inFIG. 8), in which the handle is pivoted so that a portion thereof extends away from the door so as to be actuatable by a user. Further, the handle assembly generally comprises an actuator assembly for moving the handle1between the stowed and deployed positions thereof, the actuator assembly comprising a motor10and an actuator member11interposed between the motor10and the handle1and operably coupled to the handle1. As described further herebelow, the actuator member11has an accumulator spring12that is compressible under the force of the motor10when an external obstruction (created, for instance, by ice built-up around the handle on the exterior of the vehicle door, a person leaning against the vehicle door and handle, etc.) acts on the handle1in the stowed position thereof to prevent the handle from being moved to the deployed position thereof.

With continuing reference toFIG. 1, the handle1of the present invention comprises, according to the illustrated embodiment, two mateable portions: An outer handle portion2and an inner handle portion3. Between these portions1,3is disposed a printed circuit board (“PCB”)4including one or more sensors and one or more LEDs, as well as a lens5. According to this embodiment, there may optionally be provided a sensor facilitating authentication of a user-possessed, wireless communication device (such as may be built into a key fob, card, etc.) when the user is in a given proximity of the sensor. The sensor may be part of the PCB4or, alternatively, may be provided elsewhere on the vehicle. Communication may be via any known wireless protocol. In response to authentication, a signal is sent (such as, for instance, via the vehicle's master control unit or by direct communication between the PCB4and motor10) which results in actuation of motor10to effect movement of the handle1to the deployed position thereof. At this point, the vehicle may or may not also be unlocked. PCB4preferably, though not necessarily, includes a touch sensor operative to detect when a user grasps the handle1in the deployed position thereof. Lens5is provided to facilitate the touch sensor's detection of a user grasping the handle1. When the user grasps the handle, the touch sensor sends a signal to unlatch and unlock (if the vehicle is still locked) the vehicle door, thereby permitting the user to open the door. According to the illustrated embodiment, PCB4comprises a touch sensor connectable, via a wiring harness4a, to an electronic door latch (not shown).

Alternatively, for example and without limitation (the particular unlocking and unlatching means not comprising part of the present invention), the handle may actuate a mechanical latching mechanism of conventional construction, and according to which user actuation of the handle effects, such as through a bellcrank, movement of a latch rod which effects corresponding movement of a latch lever to actuate the latching mechanism. According to such a mechanical embodiment, it will be appreciated that a touch sensor such as described above need not, but may (for instance to effect unlocking of the vehicle), be included.

PCB4may, as noted, be further provided with one or more LEDs which can be actuated by any of the one or more sensors and/or the vehicle's master control unit in order to provide visual indication of any one or more of the vehicle's locked/unlocked status, authentication of the user's communication device, etc.

Of course, it is contemplated that the present invention may alternatively comprise a monolithic handle, and/or that movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed conditions thereof may be effected by other than a sensor as described herein, such features being exemplary only.

The handle1, whether comprised of one or more portions, may be made of any suitable material, including one or more metals, polymers, etc., or any combination thereof, according to known methods.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the handle1is received in a correspondingly shaped recess8a(visible inFIGS. 1 and 2only from the rear surface of the body8) provided in a first surface of body8(which may, for instance, be a monolithic or multi-part element (a monolithic element is shown) fashioned from a suitable polymer). More particularly according to the illustrated embodiment, inner handle portion3is pivotally secured to the body8by means of a pivot pin9passing through opening3a.

As best shown inFIG. 1, inner handle portion3includes an inwardly (i.e., toward the body8) projecting stem portion3bthat is received through a slot8bdefined through the back wall of the handle-receiving recess8a.

Rubber bumpers7may optionally be disposed in the handle-receiving recess8ato dampen the noise created by the handle1contacting the body8as the handle is moved between the stowed and deployed positions thereof.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, a seal member, such as the illustrated foam gasket6, may be provided on the body8about the periphery of the handle-receiving recess. As will be appreciated from the remainder of this disclosure, gasket6functions to seal the handle assembly against the interior of a vehicle door panel (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 3) to prevent moisture and debris from entering the interior of the vehicle door via the opening therein provided for the handle1.

Motor10is, as shown inFIGS. 1 through 2, supported on a support surface8cof body7.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 3, the actuator assembly will now be more fully described. Actuator member11is connected at one end thereof to a reciprocating pin10adriven by the motor10. At its opposite end, actuator member11is operably connected to the inner handle portion3via a bell-crank element13. Bell-crank13is pivotally secured (by means of a washer14and fastener15) to a mount8ddefined on the body8. Bell-crank13defines a first opening13afor slidably receiving therein stem portion3bof the inner handle portion3, and a second opening13bfor receiving the end of actuator member11.

Still referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, actuator member11will be seen to include along its principal length accumulator spring12. As described further herebelow, accumulator spring12is compressible under the force of the motor10when an external obstruction (created, for instance, by ice built-up around the handle on the exterior of the vehicle door, an individual leaning against the door and the door handle, etc.) acts on the handle1in the stowed position thereof to prevent the handle from being moved to the deployed position thereof.

Referring next toFIGS. 4 and 5, the inventive handle assembly is depicted in an exemplary operational environment, according to which the handle assembly is secured (such as via fasteners F) to a mounting bracket M disposed on the interior of a vehicle door panel D (FIG. 5) so that the handle1is received through a generally correspondingly-shaped opening D1in the door panel D to be, in the stowed position of the handle, generally flush with the exterior surface of the door panel D, as shown inFIG. 4).

Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, each of which depict the handle assembly from the perspective of the interior of the door panel D as shown inFIG. 5, operation of the present invention will be better understood.

According toFIG. 6more particularly, the actuator assembly is shown in a condition corresponding to the stowed position of the handle1(FIG. 4). In this condition, the reciprocating pin10aof motor10extends from the motor housing10bso that the actuator member10is drawn downwardly relative to the handle1and, in turn, the bell-crank13is pivoted to a position in which stem portion3bof the inner handle portion3extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slot8b. Upon actuation of the motor10(such as, for instance, by operation of the sensor as heretofore described), reciprocating pin10ais drawn upwardly toward the motor housing, which movement correspondingly urges actuator arm11upwardly, forcing bell-crank13to pivot clockwise (FIG. 7). As bell-crank13pivots clockwise, stem portion3bof the inner handle portion3, being captured in the first opening13a, is urged rearwardly in the direction of travel of bell-crank13. This motion forces handle1to pivot about pivot pin9so as to move into the deployed position of the handle, shown inFIG. 8.

In those circumstances where the handle is stuck in the stowed position by an external obstruction, such as may, for instance, be created by ice built-up around the handle on the exterior of the vehicle door, an individual leaning against the door and the door handle, etc., it is desirable to avoid damaging the motor10by continuing its operation against the overwhelming force of such an obstruction. To this end, the accumulator spring12serves to compress under the force of the motor if the handle fails to move by reason of being stuck in the stowed position. Preferably, the accumulator spring12is designed (dimensions and/or compression strength) so that it will be compressible for the entire period of operation of the motor10, it being understood that, upon actuation thereof, the motor10is operated for only that period of time required to move the handle from one position (i.e., stowed or deployed) to the other. Thus, for instance, where the motor10is actuated with the handle1stuck in the stowed position, the motor will operate for a fixed period of time during which the accumulator spring12will continuously be compressed as it is loaded by the operation of motor10. This compressed condition of the accumulator spring12is depicted inFIG. 9. Once the obstruction is removed from the handle1, the loaded accumulator spring12is restored to its default condition. This action effects pivotal movement of the bell-crank13which, in turn, effects movement of the handle1to the deployed position in the manner heretofore described.

By virtue of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that Applicant has provided hereby a handle assembly for a vehicle door that is at once motor-operated and provides a simple yet robust means for addressing potential damage to the motor caused by the presence of an external obstruction preventing the handle from being moved from the stowed position thereof to the deployed position thereof.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive of, or to limit the invention to, the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations thereof are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The illustrated embodiment is shown and described in order to explain the principals of the innovation and its practical application so as to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the innovation in these and various additional embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although only an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter herein recited. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.