Patent Publication Number: US-11643855-B2

Title: Door handle for vehicle

Description:
This invention relates to a door handle assembly for a vehicle, preferably for a side door of a vehicle and preferably to an outer door handle assembly, however it could also be an inner door handle assembly or an assembly having both, inner and outer door handle, or a door handle assembly (inner and/or outer) for a trunk lid. The door handle is preferably connected via a mechanism to a handle support (e.g. handle housing) fixed/fixable to the door. The door handle assembly is preferably forming a strap type handle. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly has preferably at least a rest position and one release position, preferably two or more release positions, in which a door lock/door lock function (e.g. unlocking and/or opening) is actuated. In addition to a release position, the handle preferably comprises a press button or pressure or proximity sensor as a further interface to the user. Preferably, in the case of two or more release positions, the amount of handle movement (e.g. rotational and/or translational) to the first release position is less than the amount of handle movement from the first release position to the second release position, i.e. a short stroke to the first release position and a long stroke to the second release position, preferably significantly less, e.g. the length of the handle&#39;s trajectory from a rest position to the first release position is smaller than 50%, preferably 25%, or 10% of the length of the trajectory from the first to the second release position. Preferably, the arrival of the handle in a release position triggers an electric signal, e.g. by the handle assembly comprising a switch unit positioned relative to the handle in order to be actuated by its movement into said release position. Preferably, the arrival of the handle in a release position mechanically, preferably strictly mechanically, actuates a door lock, e.g. through a Bowden cable transmission. Especially in the case of two or more release positions, the arrival of the handle in the first release position triggers an electric signal, and preferably the arrival of the handle in another release position (e.g. the second, or last) causes said mechanic actuation. Preferably, an arrival of the handle into one release position triggering is an electric signal and causing said mechanic actuation. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly preferably comprises a retaining element configured to define a predetermined threshold of a peak force necessary to bring the handle to the release position or to, in the case of two or more release positions, the second release position, whereby the retaining element releases the handle movement after overcoming the threshold. Hereby a necessary force for bringing the handle to the release position or to, in the case of two or more release positions, the second release position, after overcoming the threshold is lower than the force defined by the threshold—i.e., at first a predetermined force has to be applied to release the handle from the retaining element and then the force for further moving the handle is lower than the predetermined force (whereas the force while further moving the handle can increase again the closer it comes to a release position and it might even exceed the predetermined force for e.g. mechanical releasing the door lock). Preferably, the retaining element is spring loaded or has one or more flexible parts. Preferably, the retaining element comprises a trough or step, into which a pin or protrusion engages, before overcoming the threshold and which the pin or protrusion has to overcome by either, preferably flexibly, bending/displacing the pin and/or the retaining element away from each other. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly preferably comprises a locking cylinder preferably below the handle. Alternatively, the locking cylinder is positioned and hidden below one side end of the handle (front end or back end) and becomes visible when the handle is in released position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic unit, e.g. a keyless entry module, is preferably integrated in the handle, e.g. in a hollow space within the handle, preferably at one side end of the handle (front or back end). 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly preferably comprises an inertia lock. Preferably the inertia lock is configured to prevent the handle to move to the release position, especially to the second release position, in case of a crash, especially side crash. The inertia lock preferably comprises an inertia weight mounted via an axis rotatably from a rest position to a block position and preferably back, the axis preferably being substantially perpendicular with respect to the geometric normal to the door surface (e.g. perpendicular with respect to y-direction in case of a car side door, using the car coordinate system). Preferably, the inertia lock also has a lock element, which could be the inertia weight itself or another separate part, the separate part preferably being in fixed relation to the inertia weight, hence rotatable about the axis. The inertia weight could be in a first variant mounted on the door handle or on a part of the mechanism or in a second variant mounted on another part that in contrast to the handle or mechanism has a fixed position (e.g., the door handle assembly housing/mount). The inertia lock preferably comprises at least one block element providing a block surface opposing the inertia weight, e.g., in the first variant the block element is featured on said part that in contrast to the handle or mechanism has a fixed position and in the second variant the block element is featured on the handle or on the mechanism. In case of a (side) acceleration of the door handle assembly, the inertia weight is, due to its inertia, rotated about the axis from the rest position to the lock position in which the lock element and the at least one block element will engage, if the door handle moves or would move outwards (with respect to the door) due to its inertia. Preferably the inertia weight is forced back to its rest position by a spring. Preferably the inertia lock is configured to provide a locking of the door handle preventing a movement from rest position to one of the release positions (release lock), e.g. the first and/or second position. Particularly preferably, the inertia lock provides multiple lock positions, e.g. a first locking position providing a flush lock and at least one further locking position providing a release lock. Preferably, the inertia lock therefor comprises multiple block elements and the different block elements are engageable by the lock element in different door handle positions. The block elements are preferably spaced from each other along a trajectory defined by the movement of the handle or a part of the mechanism. When the lock element is in its rest position, the block elements can pass the lock element without engagement between the block elements and the lock element, when the lock element is in its block position, at an engagement between the lock element and at least one of the block elements will stop further movement of the door handle. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly preferably comprises a Bowden cable actuation unit. Preferably this unit comprises a hook element that is retractable into a recess, e.g. a recess of the housing. The Bowden cable is guided over the recess. For actuating the Bowden cable, the hook element is retracted back into the recess where it hooks the Bowden cable and then with further retraction pulls the Bowden cable. The hook element is preferably fixed to or integrally formed with the door handle or a part of the mechanism. Hereby, a smaller movement of the hook element can be transformed into a greater amount of the pulling of the Bowden cable. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly has preferably at least three different positions, a retracted position, in which the door handle is preferably (substantially) flush or retracted with respect to the outer door surface, a deployed position, in which the door handle protrudes or protrudes to a greater extent than in the retracted position and one or more of said release positions. The retracted and deployed position are each preferably comparable to said or representing the rest position. 
     Preferably, movement of the door handle between retracted and deployed position (in one or both directions) is provided via a drive unit (e.g. motor), preferably the drive unit is actively moving (applying a force to) the handle to the deployed position against a spring and the movement back towards the retracted position is then initiated by the energy stored in the spring. Preferably, the motor is pushing a push rod and/or motor adapter towards a switch, the switch providing a signal for having reached the deployed position. Preferably, in addition, the door handle is also manually movable between deployed and retracted position. Preferably, the one or more release positions are obtained by manual actuation, preferably pulling, of the door handle, starting from the deployed and/or the retracted state. 
     Said mechanism preferably provides at least two release positions, a first release position in which an electric (e.g. electro-mechanic) switch is switched for electric actuation of the door lock (function) and a second release position, in which preferably the handle is moved and/or rotated with respect to the deployed or retracted position even further than in the first release position and in which another switch, preferably related to another door actuation function, is switched or a mechanic actuation of a door function, e.g. via Bowden-cable, is performed. Preferably, the mechanism is configured to guide the handle movement on an essentially linear trajectory (appearance more like a translational movement than a rotational movement) between the retracted and deployed position, at least when no additional external force is impinging on the handle. The mechanism preferably has two links or hinge arms connecting the handle to a handle mount. One hinge arm may be substituted by a guiding curve onto which the handle is hinged. 
     Preferably, the drive unit is movable with respect to the handle support, e.g. mounted rotatably with respect to the handle support via a rotation axis. For example, the drive unit is fixed to the door handle or to a part of the mechanism that is movable with respect to the handle support. 
     Preferably, the handle or some part of the overall handle structure or an adjacent (e.g. within 10 cm, preferably 5 cm of the door handle) part of the door comprise one or more proximity sensors (e.g. capacitive sensor), which are connected to a control unit controlling the movement of the handle. Preferably a part of or the complete activation area of the proximity sensor is visualized by a marking (e.g. groove and/or different color and/or protrusion). The proximity sensor and control unit are preferably configured to retract or deploy the handle when an object (e.g. a hand) comes close enough to the activation area. The activation area may be defined by a sensor value threshold. 
     In case a locking cylinder is present, the locking cylinder is preferably positioned and hidden below one side end of the handle (front end or back end) and becomes visible when the handle is in deployed and/or released position. 
     Preferably, the door handle assembly comprises at least two springs. A first spring urging the handle from the deployed to the flush position, and a second spring urging the handle from one or more of the release positions (e.g. second release position) to the deployed position or to another one of the release positions (e.g. first release position). By using two different springs, different restoring forces in different positions of the handle can be defined, e.g. a smaller force when the user is manually moving the handle from the deployed position to the first release position (e.g. electronic actuation) and an higher force when the user is moving the handle from the first release position to the second release position (e.g. mechanic actuation). Preferably the two springs are featured in addition to a spring that might exist within the door lock, pulling the Bowden cable. Preferably, the second spring (directly/indirectly) engages the handle or the mechanism only between and preferably including deployed and one or more of the release positions, particularly preferably only between and preferably including the first and the second release position, preferably excluding the first release position (closer to the deployed position). Hereby, the second spring is applying a restoring force against the handle movement to the second release position and hence, this second spring can be adapted, e.g., especially for the purpose of providing a strong restoring force for a mechanic door actuation, which is beneficial for providing a sufficient crash safety such that the handle&#39;s inertia will not unintentionally open the vehicle door. Preferably, the counterforce of the second spring adds up to the restoring force of the first spring, hence the first spring is also applying a restoring force, when the second spring applies a restoring force to the handle&#39;s movement, and in addition the first spring is also applying a restoring force, when second spring does not apply a restoring force to the handle&#39;s movement. 
     Preferably, in case said inertia lock is present it is configured to provide a locking of the door handle preventing a movement from flush position to deployed position (flush lock). Preferably, the flush lock also prevents the movement of the door handle to the release position(s). Preferably the inertia lock is configured to provide a locking of the door handle preventing a movement from deployed position to one of the release positions (release lock), e.g. the first and/or second position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention the door handle assembly preferably comprises an inner door handle and an outer door handle. 
     According to another aspect of the invention the door handles preferably are coupled to each other and configured to pull on the same Bowden cable leading to the door lock. Hereby, it is not necessary to use two parallel Bowden cables or to reduce the length of parallel running Bowden cables. For example, the inner door handle engages (directly or indirectly) with the Bowden cable at a first engaging section and the outer door handle engages (directly or indirectly) with the Bowden cable at a second, different (e.g., 5 cm apart) engaging section. Depending on the relative position of the two door handles it is also thinkable that they engage (directly or indirectly) with the Bowden cable at substantially the same engaging section. Preferably, at least one of the door handles is mounted or mountable in a vertical window frame part next to a door window (e.g., B-column). Preferably the handles are adjacent to the same corner of the door window, preferably over-corner or even directly opposing each other on the same side of the corner. 
     Preferably, the assembly comprises a handle decoupling unit decoupling the movement of the handles (partly, in one or more direction or movement sequences) from each other. Hereby one handle can be actuated without moving the other handle, and preferably vice versa, although both handles pull on the same Bowden cable. The handle decoupling unit preferably comprises an elongated whole, in which a pin or nipple directly or indirectly coupled to the Bowden cable is guided. Preferably, the Bowden cable comprises two parts and the handle decoupling unit is connecting both parts to each other. 
     According to another aspect of the invention the door handle assembly preferably comprises a Bowden cable coupling unit, configured to be switched between two different states wherein in one state the Bowden cable transmission between one door handle or one or both of the door handles (in case of inner and outer door handle) is decoupled and in the other state the Bowden cable transmission between the door handle or one or both of the door handles is coupled. The Bowden cable coupling unit could be close to the door lock or close to the door handle or wherever else in the path of the Bowden cable transmission where there is suitable and available installation space. Hereby, the mechanic door actuation can be easily prevented in a controlled manner. Preferably, the Bowden cable coupling unit comprises an actuator, mechanically rotating and/or shifting an engaging member for shifting between the two different states. It is particularly preferred to couple the two handles to each other (as described before) as due to such coupling, only one actuator in the Bowden cable coupling unit is necessary to provide the desired function. The Bowden cable coupling unit is preferably built up as a separate module. 
     Examples of such a handle assembly will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings—even if features mentioned above are not shown or visible in one example, this description also explicitly covers any combination. Throughout the drawings reference numerals are used for identical components or components having a comparable function. Further, for the avoidance of any eventual doubts raising from the conversion from color or grayscale drawings (as in the priority applications) to the black and white line drawings (as in this application), the drawings of the applications, to which this application is claiming priority, shall be used for interpretation if necessary, and to this extent (color/grey information) the drawings of the priority applications are forming part of this application, too. 
       FIG.  1   a - 1   d    show a first embodiment of a door handle assembly with a door handle  10 ,  FIGS.  1   e  and  1   f    a detailed view of one aspect of this embodiment, in particular the retaining element  50 . 
     The handle  10  can be moved from flush or retracted position ( FIG.  1   a   ) to deployed position (parallel movement),  FIG.  1   b   , by the drive unit  30  (and back, e.g. by a counter spring or again the drive unit  30 ). (In the drawing, the movement of the drive unit is not animated—the drive unit however has a push rod  31  which is extending for moving from flush to deployed position). 
     From deployed position (but also from flush position—useful in case of emergency), the handle  10  can be further pulled to the first ( FIG.  1   c   ) and second ( FIG.  1   d   ) release position, where the door will be opened. A Bowden cable is (in mounted state) fixed to the pivot element  40 . 
     The parallel movement is guided via two parallel linked links  21 ,  22  or hinge arms  21 ,  22 —a first link  21 , which is preferably driven by the drive unit  30 , and a second link  22 . The first link  21  is connected to the handle  10  via a joint having an axis  21 . 2 . The links  21 ,  22  are forming a parallelogram, however, with one joint (here joint with axis  22 . 2 ) being translatory, such that the parallelogram can be opened (to be not a parallelogram anymore). Preferably, the drive unit  30  engages on one of the links, e.g. via a push rod, here on link  21 . A spring is pulling back either link  21  or link  22 , preferably link  22 . Preferably, the drive unit  30  is mounted on the handle mount  60  via a rotational joint, such that the drive unit  30  has no fixed relation with respect to the handle mount  60  as it is rotatable. Preferably, while the drive unit  30  is moving the door handle  10  (e.g. from retracted to deployed position), the drive unit  30  is moving itself, with respect to the handle mount  60 , too, such that the drive unit  30  turns about the rotational joint axis. 
     The second link is connected to the handle mount  60  via a joint  22 . 1  having an axis  22 . 2 . This axis  22 . 2  is supported in a longitudinal recess  61  and linearly movable within this recess  61 . The axis  22 . 2  is retained by a flexibly mounted retaining element  50  in one end position/end position area of the recess  61 . In this position of the axis  22 . 2 , the first link  21  and second link  22  are parallel linked, i.e. the hinge arms have substantially the same lengths, i.e. the distance of the joints of each hinge arms have approximately the same lengths. 
     By pivoting the handle  30  around the axis  21 . 2 , the axis  22 . 2  engages with the retaining element  50 . In  FIG.  1   b    and  FIG.  1   e   , the retaining element  50  is engaged and ready to activate the microswitch  70  (see below). If the pivot moment exceeds a certain threshold the axis  22 . 2 , the retaining element  50  is bend or moved aside such that the axis  22 . 2  flips over the retaining element  50  and is free to move towards the other end of the recess  61 . Hence, retaining element ( 50 ) is thereby disengaged ( FIG.  1   d   , showing second release position, i.e. mechanic actuation). By this movement of the axis  22 . 2 , the Bowden cable for releasing the door lock is pulled (here: realized by a pin coaxial to axis  22 . 2  engaging with the pivot element  40 , which is then pulling a Bowden cable to unlatch the door mechanically). 
     Additionally, this handle offers an electronic actuation of the door lock via a microswitch  70 . If the switch is switched, the door lock is actuated electronically—known as e-latch. The switch is actuated in the first release position ( FIG.  1   c   ). 
     Preferably the movement of the retaining element  50  actuates the switch  70 . Here, the retaining element  50  is movably mounted along the direction of the expansion of the recess  61 . The retaining element  50  has a through (cf.  FIG.  1   e   ) into which axis  22 . 2  engages, however, when applying a linear force on the axis  22 . 2 , the axis  22 . 2  may get over the through and become movable within the recess  61 . Before overcoming the through, the axis  22 . 2  pushes the retaining element  50  onto the switch  70  (cf.  FIGS.  1   c  and  1   f   , where microswitch  70  is pushed by and engages with the retaining element  50 ). 
     Alternatively, the movement of the handle  10  could directly actuate the switch  70 , e.g. by the switch  70  being positioned on the mount  60  next to the handle  10 , and the handle  10  pushing down the switch  70  in retracted and deployed position into pressed state; only when pulling further, the switch  70  becomes released (=switch action for controlling a door function). 
       FIG.  1   g    shows a design similar to the one of  FIG.  1   a - 1   f    with an alternative for implementing the additional degree of freedom of joint  22 . 1 . The joint  22 . 1  having the translational degree of freedom comprises an axis  22 . 2  supported on a pivot arm  25 , the pivot arm  25  being pivotally mounted with respect to the handle support  60 . 
       FIG.  2    and all subfigures refer to another embodiment of a door handle assembly, whereas  FIG.  2   c    shows an exploded view,  FIG.  2   d    flush or retracted position,  FIG.  2   e    deploy position,  FIG.  2   f    a first, regular release position,  FIG.  2   g    a second, emergency, release position,  FIG.  2   h    a perspective side view of the assembly in deploy position,  FIG.  2   i    a detailed view of microswitch  70  in retracted state,  FIG.  2   j    the same as  FIG.  2   i    but in deploy state and  FIG.  2   k    the same as  FIG.  2   j    but in the first, regular, release position,  FIG.  2   l    an alternate position of the microswitch  70 , in retracted position,  FIG.  2   m    the same as  FIG.  2   m    but from a different perspective and in deployed position,  FIG.  2   n    the same as  FIG.  2   n    but in the first release position (where switch  70  is being actuated),  FIGS.  2   o  and  2   p    a perspective cross section of the handle cut at different positions, whereby  FIG.  2   o    is showing the retracted position and  FIG.  2   p    the deployed position. In principle, as shown in  FIG.  2   a    and  FIG.  2   b   , the handle  10  is connected to the handle mount  60  via two links  21 ,  22  which are building a pantograph&#39;s mechanic or scissors mechanic, i.e. they are crossing each other and at the crossing point they are connected via a joint (axis). On each, handle  10  and mount  60 , there is at least one glide joint (here, an elongated hole). The handle is moved between retracted and deployed position via this pantograph&#39;s mechanic. Preferably, the handle mount consists of first mount part  60 . 1  and a second mount part  60 . 2  and they are rotatable connected to each other. Preferably one or more of the release positions are achieved by rotating first mount part  60 . 1  away from second mount part  60 . 2 , the latter preferably fixed to the vehicle door.  FIG.  2   a    shows a preferred embodiment in which the elongated hole on the handle  10  is on the same handle side as the rotational point between first and second mount part  60 . 1 ,  60 . 2 , allowing for a better stiffness of the handle  10  esp. in deployed position.  FIG.  2   b    shows a preferred embodiment where the elongated hole is on the lower part, on the same side as the coupling of link  22  to the handle  10 , allowing for slight rotation of the handle around the two links  21 ,  21 , when their ends are in deployed position close together. The following drawings are based on  FIG.  2   b   ; however, all additional features presented in the following drawings could also be combined with/used in the alternative mechanics according to  FIG.  2     a.    
       FIG.  2   c    shows and exploded view of parts of an example according to  FIG.  2   b   . Link  22  is an upper hinge arm and link  21  a lower hinge arm. Lower hinge arm  21  is rotatable coupled by pin  21 . 5  to the first mount part  60 . 1  and engages (slidable and rotatable) with integrally formed pins on its other end with two elongated holes on the handle  10 . Upper hinge arm  22  is rotatable mounted via pins  22 . 3  to the handle  10 . Both hinge arms are interconnected rotatable via pins  23 . The upper end of the hinge arm  22  is engaging (slidable and rotatable) in a guide section  63  in the top part of first mount part  60 . 1 . Lower hinge arm  21  is pushed back to the first mount part  60 . 1  by a hinge arm spring  90 ; alternatively hinge arm spring  90  acts upon upper hinge arm instead of lower hinge arm, such that upper hinge arm is moving back the handle  10  into retracted position. The motor is mounted to the first mount part  60 . 1  preferably with motor bracket  33 . It can be rotatable mounted (and rotating when moving, as in the first embodiment according to  FIG.  1   a - f   ) or fixed. The motor movement effects pushing a push rod which transfers its movement onto a motor adapter  32 , the adapter  32  being, with motor movement, further pushed in between first mount part  60 . 1  and lower hinge arm. In an alternative embodiment the motor (or similar drive unit) is mounted (fixed or rotatable) to the second mount part and still engaging on the lower hinge arm. 
     The motor adapter  32  is preferably shaped like a wedge or it even has a more complex helix/spiral shape for enhanced contact to the lower hinge arm. First and second mount part  60 . 1  and  60 . 2  are rotatable mounted to each other by pins  62 . At this point it should be mentioned that rotation could be achieved in a variety of ways (single pin, multiple pins, fixed pins on a piece, separate pins), which holds for all embodiments, without leaving the scope of this door handle assembly description. A mount part spring  100  engages onto first mount part such that the spring  100  applies a force from release position to deploy and/or retracted position. Microswitch  70  is mounted adjacent to the guide section  63  and preferably has the same function as in  FIG.  1   a - f   . First mount part  60 . 1  has a hook  151  or loop (part of a Bowden cable actuating unit  150 ) engaging with the Bowden cable  110  and pulling on the Bowden cable into a recess  152  of the second mount part  60 . 2 , when the first mount part  60 . 1  is rotated against the second mount part  60 . 2 . Second mount part  60 . 2  has a Bowden cable mount  153  guiding the Bowden cable over the recess  152 . 
       FIG.  2   d - 2   g    show side views of retracted position ( FIG.  2   d   ), deployed position ( FIG.  2   e   ), first release position ( FIG.  2   f   ) and second release position ( FIG.  2   g   ). The handle  10  preferably has preferred stabilizing rib(s)  10 . 3  at least partly on its back end, that are configured to engage with the first mount part  60 . 1  in deploy and release positions. In  FIG.  2   e   , the microswitch  70  is ready to be actuated, whereas in  FIG.  2   f    it is being actuated. In this first release position ( FIG.  2   f   ), the hinge arms  21 ,  22  and the handle  10  are building a rigid block. In the second release position ( FIG.  2   g   ), the Bowen cable (hook and Bowden cable not visible) is pulled by first mount part  60 . 1  due to the rotation against the second mount part  60 . 2  about pin  62  Hence, the Bowden cable is being actuated—preferably in case emergency—due to rotation of the rear housing  60 . 1  around that pin  62 . 
       FIG.  2   h    shows only the first mount part and the parts movable with the first mount part  60 . 1  against the second mount part  60 . 2 ; deployed position. 
       FIG.  2   i ,  2   j ,  2   k    show the actuation of the microswitch by the upper hinge arm. The upper hinge arm preferably has a pin  22 . 4  having a surface which is not rotation symmetric in the section neighboring the microswitch, e.g. the pin  22 . 4  being flattened or cut out at a specific axial portion. Hence, when the pin  22 . 4  sliding in the guide section  63  is passing the microswitch between deploy and retracted state, no actuation of the switch is taking place, whereas, as the upper hinge arm has different rotational position when in deployed position, the pin  22 . 4  is actuating the microswitch when the handle  10  is pulled a few mm starting from the deployed position. 
       FIG.  2   l ,  2   m ,  2   n    show an alternative actuation and positioning of the microswitch  70 . The microswitch  70  is positioned on the lower hinge arm  21  and the handle  10  presses the switch  70  when the handle  10  is pulled a few mm starting from the deployed state. 
     Preferably, the door handle assembly also comprises a locking cylinder  160  as shown in  FIG.  2   o ,  2   p   —two different vertical sections through the door handle assembly. Preferably it is positioned below the handle. Alternatively, the locking cylinder  160  is positioned and hidden below one side end of the handle (front end or back end) and becomes visible when the handle is deployed and/or released position. Ends of upper and/or lower hinge arm preferably encompass the locking cylinder  160 . 
     In a further alternative that is not shown the switch may be positioned on the first mount part and actuated by the second mount part at a defined rotational position or vice versa. 
       FIG.  3    and all subfigures refer to another embodiment of a door handle assembly.  FIG.  3   a - 3   d    depict the principle of the door handle  10  movement. The door handle  10  is pivotally mounted via a mechanism: a pivot arm  21  mounted pivotally about an axis  21 . 1 .  FIG.  3   a    shows the flush position,  FIG.  3   b    the deployed position,  FIG.  3   c    a first release position for electronic actuation (e.g. by a switch, like switch  70 ) and  FIG.  3   d    a second release position for mechanic actuation. 
       FIG.  3   e    to  FIG.  3   p    show detailed perspective views of a possible realization of a door handle according to  FIG.  3   a - 3   d   , wherein, for sake of better visibility, some parts have been made invisible. In drawings  3   e ,  3   f ,  3   g ,  3   m ,  3   o , the handle  10  is in flush position (handle and pivot arm are green, dark), in drawings  3   h ,  3   i ,  3   j ,  3   k ,  31 ,  3   n ,  3   p , the handle  10  is in deployed position (handle and pivot arm are yellow, bright).  FIGS.  3   k  and  3   l    are backside views. Drive unit  30  is configured to engage via a motor adapter  32  with the pivot arm  21  for moving the handle  10  from flush position to deployed position. In  FIG.  3   h    a push rod pushing the motor adapter  32  onto pivot arm  21  is not shown, in  FIGS.  3   i  and  3   j   , motor adapter  32  and push rod are not shown. In  FIG.  3   e   , the handle  10  is made invisible. One advantageous aspect of the embodiment is shown especially in  FIG.  3   e   - 31 . The door handle assembly comprises an inertia lock  80 . The inertia lock  80  comprises an inertia weight  82  fixed via axis  81  to a part that is in fixed relation to the handle mount  60 , hence the pivot arm  21  is movable in relation to the axis  81 . The part on which axis  81  is articulated is not shown. Spring  84  forces inertia weight  82  to the rest position (shown in  FIG.  3   e ,  3   f ,  3   k ,  3   h ,  3   i   —inertia weight is dark red). The inertia lock  80  comprises a lock element  83  rotating with the inertia weight  82 . The pivot arm  21  comprises two block elements, a flush block element  21 . 3  configured to engage with the lock element  83  when handle  10  is in flush position and a deploy block element  21 . 4  configured to engage with the lock element  83  when handle  10  is in deployed position.  FIG.  3   g    shows the lock element  83  engaging with the flush block element  21 . 3 .  FIG.  3   j    and  FIG.  3   l    show the lock element  83  engaging with the deploy block element  83 . When the lock element  83  is in rest position, the block elements  21 . 3 ,  21 . 4  can pass the lock element. As apparent from  FIGS.  3   k  and  3   l   , an optional spacing  81 . 1  between inertia weight  82  and lock element  83  is provided for a 2-sided articulation of the inertia weight  82 . 
       FIGS.  3   m  and  3   n    refer to another advantageous aspect, which consists in the use of two different springs  90 ,  100  (as in the second embodiment). The first spring  90  (also visible in  FIGS.  3   e  and  3   h   ) is permanently engaging the pivot arm  21 , forcing the handle  10  into flush position. The second spring  100  only acts on the pivot arm  21  in addition to the first spring  90  as soon as the handle has reached (coming from the flush position) the deploy position as only then, one end of spring  100  hooks onto pivot  21 , as shown in  FIG.  3   n   . The position, at which spring  100  hooks onto pivot arm  21 , could also be a position, at which the handle  10  is rotated further outwards, e.g., shortly after the first release position. The first spring  90  has, for example, a weak restoring force wherein the second spring  100  has a stronger restoring force for preventing unintentional mechanic door actuation by the Bowden cable. 
       FIGS.  3   p  and  3   o    refer to another advantageous aspect, which is the Bowden cable actuation unit  150  comprising a hook  151 , fixed to the pivot  21  arm engaging and pulling on the Bowden cable  110  into a recess  152  of the handle mount (housing)  60  with a translation of 2:1 when the handle  10  is moved in direction of the second release position. Preferably, the hook  151  is lifted away from the Bowden cable  110  when the handle  10  is in flush position. 
       FIG.  4   a    shows an overview and a detailed view of a door handle assembly comprising an inner door handle  10 ′ and an outer door handle  10 . On the left a perspective overview is shown and on the right a section through a part of the outer door handle  10 . The door handles  10 ,  10 ′ are coupled to each other and configured to pull on the same Bowden cable  110  leading to the door lock. Similar to the handle assembly in  FIG.  1   a - 1   d   , each handle  10 ,  10 ′ engages with a respective pivot element  40 ,  40 ′, the pivot elements  40 ,  40 ′ engaging with the Bowden cable transmission  110 . A movement of the handle  10 ′ is transferred via a handle protrusion  10 . 1 ′ onto the pivot element  40 ′, similar for the outer door handle  10 . The inner door handle  10 ′ is held by a handle mount  60 ′. The inner door handle  10 ′ engages at a handle protrusion  10 . 1 ′ onto a pivot element  40 ′, which in turn engages with the Bowden cable transmission  110  at a first engaging section and the outer door handle  10  engages via pivot element  40 ′ with the Bowden cable transmission  110  at a second, different here approximately 10 cm apart engaging section. The door handle  10 ′ is preferably mounted in a vertical window frame part next to a door window. The handles  10 ,  10 ′ are preferably mounted adjacent to the same corner of the door window and over-corner. The assembly comprises a handle decoupling unit  140  decoupling the movement of the handles  10 ,  10 ′ both movement sequences from each other. The handle decoupling unit  140  comprises an elongated hole, in which a nipple directly coupled to the Bowden cable transmission  110  is guided. Here, the Bowden cable transmission  110  comprises two parts separate from each other, one between handle  10 ′ and handle  10  and another between handle  10 ′ and the door lock, and the handle decoupling unit  140  connecting both parts to each other (as shown later in detail in  FIG.  5   c   , however without having pivot element  40 ′ split into two parts  40 . 1 ′ and  40 . 2 ′). 
     The inner door handle  10 ′ actuation is as follows: pulling the handle  10 ′ (dashed arrow in upper-right direction) causes a movement of the handle protrusion  10 . 1  in the opposite direction, causing the pivot element  40 ′ pivoting anti-clockwise and thereby pulling the Bowden cable transmission  110 . The outer door handle  10  actuation is as follows: pulling the strap handle  10  causes a clockwise rotation of pivot element  40 , causing an anti-clockwise rotation of pivot element  40 ′ and thereby pulling the Bowden cable transmission  110 . 
     Like in the embodiments shown before, the door handles  10 ,  10 ′ of the door handle assembly have at least a rest position and at least one release position, in which a door lock/door lock function (e.g., unlocking and/or opening) is actuated. 
     The outer handle  10  provides two release positions. The amount of handle movement to the first release position is less, cf. distance D, than the amount of handle movement from the first release position to the second release position. The arrival of the handle  10  in the first release position triggers an electric signal. The arrival of the handle  10  in the second release position strictly mechanically actuates the door lock, through the Bowden cable  110 . 
     At this point attention is drawn to  FIG.  4   b   , which shows in principle the same setup as  FIG.  4   a   , however the outer handle  10  has only one release position (which confers to the second release position of the variant shown in  FIG.  4   a   ) and preferably furthermore a press button as a further interface to the user, which is fixed directly to the handle  10 . The arrival of the handle  10  in the first release position strictly mechanically actuates the door lock, through the Bowden cable  110 . 
     Back to  FIG.  4   a   : The door handle assembly comprises, like the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   a - 1   d   , a retaining element  50  configured to define a predetermined threshold of a peak force necessary to bring the handle  10  to the second release position ( FIG.  4   a   ) or to the release position ( FIG.  4   b   ), whereby the retaining element releases the handle movement after overcoming the threshold. The retaining element  50  is spring  52  loaded and pivotable around axis  53  and thereby connected to the handle mount  60 . The retaining element  50  comprises a step forming trough  51 , into which a pin  10 . 2  of the handle  10  engages before overcoming the threshold and which the pin  10 . 2  has to overcome by displacing the retaining element  50  away from itself against the spring  52 . Here, two release positions are provided as the through  51  is larger than the pin  10 . 2 . The first release position is located at the point where the pin  10 . 2  hits the right end side of the through  51 , hence, the step. In  FIG.  4   b   , the through  51  is as large as the pin  10 . 2 , to provide a snuggly fit in the shown position (rest position), which fixates the handle  10  in the rest position by a certain threshold force. 
     E.g., in an emergency, mechanic actuation of the door is achieved by strongly pulling on the handle  10  and thereby flipping over the retaining element  50 , whereas otherwise the door is actuated electronically via either a switch to be switched via bringing the handle  10  into the first release position (the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   a   ) or the switch integrated into the handle  10  (e.g., covered by a flexible surface) to be pressed directly by the user (in the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   b   ). 
       FIG.  5   a    shows a door handle assembly comprising a Bowden cable coupling unit  130 , configured to be switched between two different states wherein in one state the Bowden cable transmission  110  between one door handle  10  or one or both of the door handles (in case of inner  10 ′ and outer  10  door handle) is decoupled and in the other state the Bowden cable transmission  110  between the door handle  10  or one or both of the door handles  10 ,  10 ′ is coupled. Here, the coupling unit  130  couples and decouples a first part of the Bowden cable transmission  110 , which is the lock Bowden cable  110 . 1  between the Bowden cable coupling unit  130  and the door lock  120 , from and to a second part of the Bowden cable transmission  110 , which is the handle sided Bowden cable  110 . 2  (or in addition the second handle sided Bowden cable  110 . 2 ′ in case of inner door handle  10 ′ and outer door handle  10  being coupled together according to the invention). 
       FIGS.  5   b  and  5   c    show, based on  FIGS.  4   a  and  4   b  and  5   a   , two different examples for integrating such Bowden cable coupling unit  130  in a door handle assembly. In  FIG.  5   b   , the Bowden cable coupling unit  130  is closer to the door lock  120  (measured by Bowden cable path length) than to the inner door handle  10 ′. 
     In  FIG.  5   c   , the Bowden cable coupling unit  130  is part of the coupling of the inner door handle  10 ′ to the Bowden cable transmission  110 . The Bowden cable coupling unit  130  comprises an actuator  132 , mechanically shifting an engaging member, a pin  131 . 1  of a coupling shaft  131 , via a fork part  132 . 1  of the coupling actuator  132  for axially shifting the shaft  131  between the two different states. The Bowden cable coupling unit  130  further comprises as a component the pivot element  40 ′ of the inner door handle  10 ′. The pivot element  40 ′ is divided into two pivot parts, a first pivot part  40 . 1 ′ being mounted axially fixed (axial fixation not shown) on a sleeve portion  134  in which the coupling shaft  131  is held axially movable. The second pivot part  40 . 2 ′ is mounted axially fixed on the coupling shaft  131  and therefore, together with the shaft  131  axially movable with respect to the first pivot part  40 . 1 ′ by the actuator  132 . Both pivot parts  40 . 1 ′ and  40 . 2 ′ are pivotable around the shown geometric axis. The second pivot part  40 . 2 ′ is spring  133  loaded clockwise into its rest position and comprises the elongated hole as part of the handle decoupling unit  140 , and in the hole, the nipple of a the handle sided Bowden cable  110 . 2  leading to the outer handle  10  is guided. The lock Bowden cable  110 . 1  leading to the door lock is hooked into the first pivot part  40 . 1 ′. When axially close together, first and second pivot part  40 . 1 ′,  40 . 2 ′ are rotatably fixed against each other, hence synchronized, here due to preferable interlocking tooth elements, and when they are far enough apart from each other, they can be rotated against each other. For decoupling, the coupling unit  130  moves first and second pivot part  40 . 1 ′,  40 . 2 ′ apart via coupling actuator  132 . In that position, the movements of the inner door handle  10 ′ or the outer door handle  10  still cause the second pivot part  40 . 2 ′ to pivot, however, this movement is not transferred to the first pivot part  40 . 1 ′ and therefore not to the lock Bowden cable  110 . 1 . Vice versa, for coupling, the coupling unit  130  moves first and second pivot part  40 . 1 ′,  40 . 2 ′ together via coupling actuator  132 . In that position, the movements of the inner door handle  10  or the outer door handle  10  cause the second pivot part  40 . 2 ′ to pivot and this movement is transferred to the first pivot part  40 . 1 ′ and therefore to the lock Bowden cable  110 . 1 . 
     It is to be noted that in  FIGS.  4   a  to  5   c   , the inner door handle  10 ′ and outer door handle  10 ′ could also be exchanged with each other, such the door handle  10 ′ is an outer door handle and the door handle  10  is an inner door handle. 
       FIGS.  6   a  and  6   b    show a handle assembly with a hidden switch actuation element. The assembly comprises a manually operable switch, wherein the switch comprises a switch actuation element  161 , here a press button, which is hidden, and not manually accessible and not operable, when the handle  10  is in the flush or retracted position ( FIG.  6   b   ), and manually operable when the handle  10  is in the deployed position ( FIG.  6   a   ) The handle  10  has a handle surface area  10 . 4 ,  10 . 4 ′,  10 . 4 ″, here the shade area. This area is, when the handle  10  is in the flush or retracted position ( FIG.  6   b   ) hidden, and not manually accessible, under a surface of the handle support  60 . And this area is manually accessible and visible when the handle  10  is in the deployed position ( FIG.  6   a   ), The switch actuation element  161  is positioned on or within this handle surface area  10 . 4 . The assembly is configured to retract the handle  10  to the flush or retracted position upon operation of the manually operable switch. 
     In summary, although protection is sought as claimed, the invention in general comprises wider embodiments, which could be subject of different divisional or continuation applications, especially the following embodiments, which can of course be further combined with features from the above specification: 
    
    
     EMBODIMENT 1 
     Door handle assembly for a vehicle, wherein the assembly has a handle ( 10 ) mounted on a handle support ( 60 ), preferably fixed or fixable to a vehicle door, and the assembly has one or more rest positions and at least one release position of the handle ( 10 ), in which a door lock ( 120 ) or a door lock function ( 120 ) is a actuated. 
     EMBODIMENT 2 
     Assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the assembly comprises a retaining element ( 50 ) configured to define a predetermined threshold of a peak force necessary to bring the handle ( 10 ) to the at least one release position, whereby the retaining element ( 50 ) is configured to release the handle movement after overcoming the threshold. 
     EMBODIMENT 3 
     Assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the retaining element ( 50 ) is spring ( 52 ) loaded or has one or more flexible parts. 
     EMBODIMENT 4 
     Assembly according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the retaining element ( 50 ) is positioned next to a switch ( 70 ), preferably a microswitch, and the retaining element ( 50 ) is configured to switch, by its own movement, the switch ( 70 ) when a predetermined force lower than the peak force is applied to the handle ( 10 ) before overcoming the threshold. 
     EMBODIMENT 5 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the retaining element ( 50 ) comprises a trough ( 51 ) or step, into which one of a pin ( 10 . 2 ) or an axis ( 22 . 2 ) or protrusion engages before overcoming the threshold and which the one of the pin ( 10 . 2 ) or the axis ( 22 . 2 ) or the protrusion has to overcome by displacing the one of the pin ( 10 . 2 ) or the axis ( 22 .) or the protrusion and/or the retaining element ( 50 ) away from each other. 
     EMBODIMENT 6 
     Assembly according to embodiment 5 and embodiment 4, wherein the one of a pin ( 10 . 2 ) or an axis ( 22 . 2 ) or protrusion is supported in a longitudinal recess ( 61 ) and shiftable, preferably linearly movable, within this recess ( 61 ), and the retaining element ( 50 ) is mounted movably along a direction of the longitudinal expansion of the recess ( 61 ) and the one of a pin ( 10 . 2 ) or an axis ( 22 . 2 ) or protrusion is configured to push the retaining element ( 50 ) onto the switch ( 70 ), when the force lower than the peak force is applied to the handle ( 10 ) before overcoming the threshold. 
     EMBODIMENT 7 
     Assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly has at least two release positions of the handle ( 10 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 8 
     Assembly according to embodiment 7, wherein the arrival of the handle ( 10 ) in a first of the release positions triggers an electric signal. 
     EMBODIMENT 9 
     Assembly according to embodiment 8, wherein the arrival of the handle ( 10 ) in a second of the release positions causes a mechanic actuation of the door lock ( 120 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 10 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the amount of handle movement to a first of the release positions is less than the amount of handle movement from the first release position to a second of the release positions. 
     EMBODIMENT 11 
     Assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly has an inertia lock ( 80 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 12 
     Assembly according to embodiment 11 and one of embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the inertia lock ( 80 ) is configured to prevent the handle ( 10 ) to move to the second release position. 
     EMBODIMENT 13 
     Assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly comprises a Bowden cable actuation unit ( 150 ) which comprises a hook element ( 151 ) that is retractable into a recess ( 152 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 14 
     Assembly according to embodiment 13, wherein a Bowden cable ( 110 ) is guided over the recess ( 152 ) and for actuating the Bowden cable ( 110 ), the hook element ( 151 ) is retracted into the recess and with retraction pulls the Bowden cable ( 110 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 15 
     Assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly has at least three different positions,
         a flush or retracted position, preferably representing a first rest position of the one or more rest positions, in which the handle ( 10 ) is flush or retracted with respect to an outer door surface,   a deployed position, preferably representing a second rest position of the one or more rest positions, in which the handle ( 10 ) protrudes or protrudes to a greater extent than in the retracted position   and the at least one release position.       

     EMBODIMENT 16 
     Assembly according to embodiment 15, wherein movement of the handle ( 10 ) between retracted and deployed position is provided via a drive unit ( 30 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 17 
     Assembly according to embodiment 16, wherein the drive unit ( 30 ) is movable with respect to the handle support ( 60 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 18 
     Assembly according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the drive unit ( 30 ) comprises a motor, a push rod and a motor adapter ( 32 ), wherein the adapter ( 32 ) is configured to be pushed in between the handle support ( 60 ), preferably a first part ( 60 . 1 ) of the handle support ( 60 ), and the handle ( 10 ) or a link ( 21 , 22 ), linking the handle ( 10 ) to the handle support ( 60 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 19 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the handle ( 10 ) or some part of the assembly or an adjacent part of a vehicle door comprise one or more proximity sensors, which are connected to a control unit controlling the movement of the handle ( 10 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 20 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the handle ( 10 ) is connected to the handle support ( 60 ) via two, preferably parallel linked, preferably non-crossing, links ( 21 ,  22 ) and rotational joints wherein one joint ( 22 . 1 ) also has a translational degree of freedom. 
     EMBODIMENT 21 
     Assembly according to embodiment 20, wherein a movement of the joint ( 22 . 1 ) having the translational degree of freedom along the translational degree of freedom is configured to mechanically actuate the door lock ( 120 ) or door lock ( 120 ) function. 
     EMBODIMENT 22 
     Assembly according to embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the joint ( 22 . 1 ) also having a translational degree of freedom is connecting one of the links ( 21 ,  22 ) to the handle support ( 60 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 23 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 20 to 22 and one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein one of the links ( 21 ,  22 ) is driven by the drive unit ( 30 ) and the other of the links ( 21 ,  22 ) is connected to the handle support ( 60 ) or to the handle ( 10 ) via the joint ( 22 . 1 ) also having a translational degree of freedom. 
     EMBODIMENT 24 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the joint ( 22 . 1 ) having the translational degree of freedom comprises an axis ( 22 . 2 ) supported in a longitudinal recess ( 61 ) and linearly movable within this recess ( 61 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 25 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the joint ( 22 . 1 ) having the translational degree of freedom comprises an axis ( 22 . 2 ) supported on a pivot arm ( 25 ), the pivot arm ( 25 ) being pivotally mounted around another axis with respect to the handle support ( 60 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 26 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 20 to 25, wherein in the flush or retracted position, a mechanical transmission, preferably a Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ), to the door lock ( 120 ) is engaging the joint ( 22 . 1 ) having the translational degree of freedom and urging the joint ( 22 . 1 ) into a rest position with respect to the translational degree of freedom. 
     EMBODIMENT 27 
     Assembly according to one of claims  20  to  26 , wherein the movement from flush position to the deployed position is defined by rotation about the rotational joints without translation along the translational degree of freedom. 
     EMBODIMENT 28 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the handle ( 10 ) is connected to the handle support ( 60 ) via two links ( 21 ,  22 ) and rotational joints, wherein the two links ( 21 ,  22 ) are crossing each other and at the crossing point they are connected via a joint. 
     EMBODIMENT 29 
     Assembly according to embodiment 28, wherein on each of the handle ( 10 ) and the handle support ( 60 ) at least one of the rotational joints also has a translational degree of freedom, whereby preferably the at least one the rotational joint is a glide joint. 
     EMBODIMENT 30 
     Assembly according to embodiment 29, wherein the rotational joint of the handle ( 10 ) also having the translational degree of freedom is connecting a first link ( 21 ) of the links ( 21 ,  22 ) to the handle ( 10 ) and another rotational joint of said rotational joints is connecting a second link ( 22 ) of the links ( 21 ,  22 ) to the handle ( 10 ), wherein the rotational joint of the handle ( 10 ) also having a translational degree of freedom and said other rotational joint are on the same half, preferably lower half or part and preferably same side, of the handle ( 10 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 31 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 29 to 30, wherein a connection point, preferably a pin ( 22 . 4 ), of the link ( 22 ), which connection point is connecting the link ( 22 ) to the handle support ( 60 ) at the rotational joint also having a translational degree of freedom, is configured to perform a movement along the translational degree of freedom when the handle ( 10 ) is moved from the flush or retracted position to the deployed position, wherein this movement comprises a reversal of the movement direction, such that the connection point is moving forth and back when the handle ( 10 ) is moving one-way from the flush or retracted position to the deployed position. 
     EMBODIMENT 32 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 28 to 31, wherein the joint connecting the two links ( 21 ,  22 ) at the crossing point is 
     a) in the flush or retracted position positioned on one side of a shortest straight line ( 24 ) connecting the two rotational joints, which connect the links ( 21 ,  22 ) to the handle support ( 60 ) and 
     b) in the deployed position positioned on the other side of the shortest straight line ( 24 ) connecting the two rotational joints, which connect the links ( 21 ,  22 ) to the handle support ( 60 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 33 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the handle support ( 60 ) comprises, preferably consists of, a first support part ( 60 . 1 ) and a second support part ( 60 . 2 ) which are rotatable connected to each other. 
     EMBODIMENT 34 
     Assembly according to embodiment 33, wherein one or more of the release positions, preferably a release position with mechanical actuation of the door lock, are achieved by rotating the first support part ( 60 . 1 ) with respect to second support part ( 60 . 2 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 35 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 15 to 34 and embodiment 8, wherein the handle ( 10 ) is connected via a mechanism to the handle support, wherein the mechanism provides the at least two release positions wherein in the first of the release positions an electric switch ( 70 ) is switched for electric actuation of the door lock or door lock function and wherein in a second of the release positions another switch is switched or a mechanic actuation of the door lock or a door function is performed. 
     EMBODIMENT 36 
     Assembly according to embodiment 35, wherein the mechanism has two links or hinge arms ( 21 ,  22 ) connecting the handle ( 10 ) to the handle support ( 60 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 37 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 15 to 36, wherein the assembly comprises a first spring ( 90 ) urging the handle ( 10 ) from the deployed to the retracted or flush position and a second spring ( 100 ) urging the handle ( 10 ) from one or more of the release positions to the deployed position or to another of the release positions. 
     EMBODIMENT 38 
     Assembly according to embodiment 37, wherein a restoring force or counterforce of the second spring ( 100 ) adds up to the restoring force or counterforce of the first spring ( 90 ). Preferably, the second spring (directly/indirectly) engages the handle or the mechanism
         only between and preferably including deployed and one or more of the release positions or   only between and preferably including the first and the second release position, preferably excluding the first release position (closer to the deployed position).       

     EMBODIMENT 39 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 15 to 38 and embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the inertia lock ( 80 ) is configured to provide a locking of the door handle ( 10 ) preventing a movement of the door handle ( 10 ) from the flush or retracted position to the deployed position and configured to provide another locking preventing a movement of the door handle ( 10 ) from deployed position to one or more release positions. 
     EMBODIMENT 40 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 15 to 39, wherein the assembly comprises a manually operable switch, wherein the switch comprises a switch actuation element ( 161 ), preferably a press button, which is hidden, preferably not manually accessible or not operable, when the handle ( 10 ) is in the flush or retracted position, and manually operable when the handle ( 10 ) is in the deployed or the at least one release position. 
     EMBODIMENT 41 
     Assembly according to embodiment 40, wherein the handle ( 10 ) has a handle surface area ( 10 . 4 ,  10 . 4 ′,  10 . 4 ″) 
     a) which is, when the handle ( 10 ) is in the flush or retracted position, hidden, and preferably not manually accessible, behind or under a surface of a vehicle door surrounding the door handle or behind or under a surface of the handle support ( 60 ), 
     b) and which is manually accessible, preferably visible, when the handle ( 10 ) is in the deployed or the at least one release position, 
     wherein the switch actuation element ( 161 ) is positioned on or within this handle surface area ( 10 . 4 ) 
     EMBODIMENT 42 
     Assembly according to embodiment 40 or 41, wherein the assembly is configured to retract the handle ( 10 ) to the flush or retracted position upon operation of the manually operable switch ( 160 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 43 
     Assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the assembly comprises an inner door handle ( 10 ′) and an outer door handle ( 10 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 44 
     Assembly according to embodiment 43, wherein the handles ( 10 ′,  10 ) are coupled to each other by being configured to pull on the same Bowden cable ( 110 ) leading to the door lock ( 120 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 45 
     Assembly according to embodiment 44, wherein the assembly comprises a handle decoupling unit ( 140 ) configured to decouple the movement of the handles ( 10 ′,  10 ) from each other. 
     EMBODIMENT 46 
     Assembly according to embodiment 45, wherein the handle decoupling unit ( 140 ) comprises an elongated hole, in which a pin or nipple coupled to the Bowden cable ( 110 ) is guided. 
     EMBODIMENT 47 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 45 to 46, wherein the Bowden cable ( 110 ) comprises two parts ( 110 . 1 ,  110 . 2 ) and the handle decoupling unit ( 140 ) is connecting both parts ( 110 . 1 ,  110 . 2 ) to each other. 
     EMBODIMENT 48 
     Assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handle assembly comprises a Bowden cable coupling unit ( 130 ), configured to be switched between two different states wherein in one state a Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the handle ( 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is decoupled and in the other state the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the handle ( 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is coupled. 
     EMBODIMENT 49 
     Assembly according to embodiment 48, wherein the Bowden cable coupling unit ( 130 ) is positioned close to the door lock ( 120 ). 
     EMBODIMENT 50 
     Assembly according to embodiment 48 or 49, wherein the Bowden cable coupling unit ( 130 ) comprises an actuator ( 132 ), mechanically rotating and/or shifting an engaging member ( 40 . 1 ′,  40 . 2 ′) for shifting between the two different states. 
     EMBODIMENT 51 
     Assembly according to one of embodiments 48 to 50 and one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein in the one state the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between one or both of the door handles ( 10 ,  10 ′) the door lock ( 120 ) is decoupled and in the other state the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between one or both of the door handles ( 10 ,  10 ′) the door lock ( 120 ) is coupled. 
     EMBODIMENT 52 
     Assembly according to embodiment 51, wherein the Bowden cable coupling unit ( 130 ) is configured to be switched to an additional state or two or more additional states. 
     EMBODIMENT 53 
     Assembly according to embodiment 52, wherein the states between which the Bowden cable coupling unit ( 130 ) is switchable, comprise
         a first state, in which
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the outer door handle ( 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is decoupled and
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the inner door handle ( 10 ′) and the door lock ( 120 ) is coupled and;
   a second state, in which
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the outer door handle ( 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is decoupled and
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the inner door handle ( 10 ′) and the door lock ( 120 ) is decoupled and;
   a third state, in which
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the outer door handle ( 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is coupled and
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the inner door handle ( 10 ′) and the door lock ( 120 ) is decoupled and;
   a fourth state, in which
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the outer door handle ( 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is coupled and
 
the Bowden cable transmission ( 110 ) between the inner door handle (′ 10 ) and the door lock ( 120 ) is coupled.
       

     The invention also has as a subject a door having a door handle assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments, a method of operating a door using a door handle assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments and a use of a door handle assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments for use in a vehicle side door. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference signs 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 10 
                 handle 
               
               
                 10.1 
                 handle protrusion 
               
               
                 10.2 
                 pin 
               
               
                 10.3 
                 stabilizing rib 
               
               
                 10.4 
                 handle surface area 
               
               
                 21 
                 1st link 
               
               
                 21.2 
                 axis 
               
               
                 21.3 
                 flush block element 
               
               
                 21.4 
                 deploy block element 
               
               
                 21.5 
                 pin 
               
               
                 22 
                 2nd link 
               
               
                 22.1 
                 joint 
               
               
                 22.2 
                 axis 
               
               
                 22.3 
                 pin 
               
               
                 22.4 
                 pin 
               
               
                 23 
                 pin 
               
               
                 24 
                 shortest straight line 
               
               
                 25 
                 pivot arm 
               
               
                 30 
                 Drive unit/Motor 
               
               
                 31 
                 Push rod 
               
               
                 32 
                 Motor adapter 
               
               
                 33 
                 motor bracket 
               
               
                 40 
                 Pivot element 
               
               
                 40.1 
                 first pivot part 
               
               
                 40.2 
                 second pivot part 
               
               
                 50 
                 Retaining element 
               
               
                 51 
                 through 
               
               
                 52 
                 spring 
               
               
                 53 
                 axis 
               
               
                 60 
                 Handle mount/handle support 
               
               
                 60.1 
                 First mount part 
               
               
                 60.2 
                 Second mount part 
               
               
                 61 
                 recess 
               
               
                 62 
                 pin 
               
               
                 63 
                 guide section 
               
               
                 70 
                 microswitch 
               
               
                 80 
                 inertia lock 
               
               
                 81 
                 Axis 
               
               
                 81.1 
                 Spacing 
               
               
                 82 
                 inertia weight 
               
               
                 83 
                 lock element 
               
               
                 84 
                 spring 
               
               
                 90 
                 first spring 
               
               
                 100 
                 second spring 
               
               
                 110 
                 Bowden cable/Bowden cable 
               
               
                   
                 transmission 
               
               
                 110.1 
                 lock Bowden cable 
               
               
                 110.2 
                 handle sided Bowden cable 
               
               
                 120 
                 door lock 
               
               
                 130 
                 Bowden cable coupling unit 
               
               
                 131 
                 coupling shaft 
               
               
                 131.1 
                 pin 
               
               
                 132 
                 coupling actuator 
               
               
                 132.1 
                 fork part 
               
               
                 133 
                 spring 
               
               
                 134 
                 sleeve portion 
               
               
                 140 
                 handle decoupling unit 
               
               
                 150 
                 Bowden cable actuation unit 
               
               
                 151 
                 hook element 
               
               
                 152 
                 recess 
               
               
                 153 
                 Bowden cable mount 
               
               
                 160 
                 locking cylinder 
               
               
                 161 
                 switch actuation element