Patent Publication Number: US-6907643-B2

Title: Vehicle door handle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/046,839, filed Jan. 15, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,103, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/597,532, filed Jun. 20, 2000 by Roger L. Koops and Robert L. Bingle for VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,450, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to vehicle door handles and, more particularly, to a vehicle door handle which provides a snap-together process for assembling the pivotable door handle to a base of the handle assembly at the vehicle. 
   A door handle for a vehicle typically comprises a pivotable handle portion and a base portion mounted at the vehicle, whereby the handle portion is pivotable to open the door from the outside of the vehicle. Typically, the pivotable handle is connected to a latch release mechanism within the door to allow the door to open where the handle is operated. Certain prior known handle portions include a pair of mounting arms which extend through the base portion and pivotably secure to the base. The arms are pivotably secured together via a metal hinge pin which extends through the arms and base. The door handle assembly further includes a spring at the hinge pin for biasing the handle in its closed position. The hinge pin must be manually inserted through openings in the arms when the openings are aligned. This is a manual process which is complicated and inefficient since an operator at the assembly plant has to properly align the openings before the hinge pin can be inserted therethrough. Furthermore, the pin is crimped to prevent accidental removal of the pin from the openings after the pin has been inserted therethrough. This is an additional process which further complicates and adds to the time of the process. 
   Some handles have been proposed which eliminate the need for a hinge pin by providing a pair of outward projections on the arms of the handle which are pivotably retained within slots or openings in corresponding arms of the base. An example of such a handle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,163 issued to Tamaki. The outward projections thus function similar to the hinge pin of the conventional handles. While this eliminates the crimping process of the pin, such a handle still requires the projections to be aligned with the openings in the arms of the base before they may be retained therein. 
   During winter or other cold weather conditions, such as during rain storms and the like, a vehicle door handle, which is typically formed from a metal or rigid plastic material, may become slippery and cold and thus difficult and uncomfortable to grasp. This often results in a person&#39;s hand slipping from the handle as the person attempts to open the door of the vehicle. Additionally, the hard materials are cold to touch, which further adds to the person&#39;s discomfort when opening the door of their vehicle. An additional concern with conventional handles is that they are difficult to unlock and/or open in low light conditions. 
   Therefore, there is a need in the art for a vehicular door handle and base assembly which may be pivotably secured together without requiring precise alignment of pins or openings during the assembly process. Preferably, the handle also improves the comfort and ease of use by a person opening the door of the vehicle. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is intended to provide a door handle assembly for a vehicle door which allows for snap-fit assembly of a handle portion and a base portion. The handle portion may be snapped to a pair of mounting pins at the base portion, in order to pivotably secure the components together. Additionally, at least a portion of the handle may comprise a soft touch material to improve the comfort of the handle to a person opening the vehicle door. 
   According to a first aspect of the present invention, a door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle comprises an elongated handle and a base. The elongated handle has a pair of spaced snap clasped members. The base has a pair of spaced axle members supported at the base at each end of the axle members. The snap clasped members of the elongated handle engage a corresponding one of the axle members, such that the axle are pivotably received within the snap clasp members. The elongated handle is thus pivotable relative to the base. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle comprises a handle portion and a housing. The handle portion has a front and back surface and a pair of snap clasp members extending from the back surface. The housing defines a cavity and includes a pair of axle or cross members supported at each end at the housing. The housing further includes a pair of openings in the housing positioned generally adjacent to each of the cross members. The snap clasp members of the handle portion are insertable through the openings in the housing such that each of the snap clasp members engages a corresponding one of the pair of cross members. Preferably, connection of the snap clasp members with the cross members results in an audible signal, such as a snap or click, to signal proper connection of the handle assembly. The cross members are pivotably received within the snap clasp members such that the handle portion is pivotable relative to the housing and is positioned at least partially within the cavity of the housing. Preferably, the snap clasp members define a generally C-shaped recess, which pivotally receives the cross members. Preferably, the door handle assembly further includes a biasing member which biases the handle portion at a closed position whereby the handle portion is substantially within the cavity of the housing. Preferably, the cross members are secured between a pair of mounting extensions extending from the housing and the snap clasp members are positioned at a distal end of a pair of mounting arms extending from the handle portion. Preferably, the biasing member is a coiled spring which is mounted in a spring mount extending from a side of one of the mounting extensions at the housing. One end of the coil spring engages the housing while another engages one of the mounting arms of the handle portion. 
   In one form, the door handle assembly may include a soft touch surface at a back surface of the handle portion, whereby the soft touch surface comprises a polymeric material having a lower hardness than a polymeric material at the front surface of the handle portion. 
   In another form, the door handle assembly further comprises at least one illumination source positioned at the housing and/or handle portion. The illumination source is operable to provide illumination toward the handle portion. The illumination source is preferably actuatable in response to at least one of a touch of the handle, a movement of the handle, actuation of a remote keyless entry module, a motion detection at the vehicle, and an insertion of a key into a keyhole at the door handle. Preferably, the illumination source is deactuatable following a period of time after actuation of the illumination source. 
   In another form, the door handle assembly comprises a heating element, which is operable to heat at least one surface of the handle portion in response to an electrical signal. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a handle assembly for a door of a vehicle comprises a base which is mountable at the door of the vehicle and a handle portion which is pivotably mounted to the base. The handle portion is operable to open the door via pivotable movement of the handle portion relative to the base. A first surface of the handle portion has a first material which has a first hardness, while a second the inner surface has a second material which has a second hardness. The first hardness is greater than the second hardness, such that the second material of the inner surface of the handle portion provides a soft touch to a user of the handle assembly. Preferably, the second material is molded at the first material. Preferably, the material is molded at an inner surface of the handle portion toward the door of the vehicle. 
   In one form, the door handle assembly comprises a paddle portion and a recessed base portion, whereby the paddle portion is pivotable about a generally horizontal axis at the base portion. In another form, the handle assembly comprises a pivotable strap door handle, whereby a strap handle is pivotable about a generally vertical axis at a base portion of the handle. 
   Therefore, the present invention provides a door handle assembly which is easily assembled by an operator at a door handle assembly plant. The engaging portion of the mounting arms of the handle portion do not have to be precisely aligned with the mounting pins at the housing of the handle assembly, and thus may be easily press fit into position by the operator. Additionally, the present invention provides an audible snap or click when the components are properly assembled together, to let the operator know that the assembly has been properly accomplished. Additionally, the present invention provides a soft touch door handle, which provides a more comfortable surface for a user to grasp when opening the door. The soft touch feel of the softer material at the handle thus softens the feel of the handle to a user, especially in cold weather conditions. Additionally, the handle assembly of the present invention may provide illumination to the handle in response to detection of a user near the handle, such that the handle is at least temporarily illuminated for easier unlocking and/or opening of the door in low light or nighttime conditions. 
   These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a door handle assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a snap together door handle assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a back or rear perspective view of a paddle portion of the handle assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a back or rear perspective view of a housing of the handle assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a rearward perspective view shown partially in section of the handle portion and housing portion of the handle assembly during the assembly process; 
       FIG. 6  is a similar view as  FIG. 5 , with the handle portion pivotably secured to the housing of the handle assembly; 
       FIG. 7  is a sectional view along the line VII-VII in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a soft touch strap door handle in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view along the line IX-IX in FIG.  8 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now specifically to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a door handle assembly  10  is mounted to a side door  12  of a vehicle  14  (FIG.  1 ). Door handle assembly  10  is a paddle type door handle assembly, which includes a handle or paddle portion  16 , which is pivotably secured to a base or housing portion  18 , which in turn is secured to door  12  of vehicle  14 . As is known in the art, paddle portion  16  is pivotable about a generally horizontal pivot axis relative to housing  18  and door  12  to pull a cable or linkage (not shown) within the door to release a latch (not shown) and thus open the door of the vehicle from outside the vehicle. As shown in  FIG. 2 , paddle portion  16  is pivotably secured to housing  18  via a pair of snap clasps  20  which pivotably receive a corresponding pair of mounting pins  22  at base  18 . Each snap clasp  20  snaps onto a corresponding pin  22  to secure paddle portion  16  to base  18  without separate or insertable hinge pins or the like, such as required in conventional door handle designs. Handle assembly  10  thus provides an easier and efficient assembly process for door handle  10  over the prior art. Handle assembly  10  further provides an audible snap or click to signal secure clasping of the mounting pins  22 , which further ensures proper assembly of the handle. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , paddle portion  16  includes a handle or paddle  24  and a pair of mounting arms  26  extending therefrom and terminating at snap clasps  20 . Paddle  24  has an outer surface  24   a  ( FIG. 2 ) and an inner or back surface  24   b  (FIG.  3 ). Mounting arms  26  are generally L-shaped and extend inwardly and curve upwardly from inner surface  24   b  of paddle  24 . Snap clasp or member  20  is positioned at an end  26   a  of each mounting arm  26  opposite the paddle portion  24 . Snap clasp  20  preferably defines a generally C-shaped clasping member at outer end  26   a  of mounting arm  26 , such that cross member or mounting pin  22  is pivotally received within a generally circular or cylindrical opening or passageway  20   a . Preferably, at least one of the mounting arms  26  further includes a spring tab and/or groove  26   b  for engaging an end of a biasing member or spring  30  ( FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 ), as discussed below. Preferably, mounting arms  26  are integrally molded to the back surface  24   b  of paddle  24 , such that handle portion  16  is molded in one piece, preferably from a substantially rigid and strong polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic or a thermoset, such as nylon. The mounting arms  26  further include a connecting portion  26   c  (FIGS.  3  and  7 ), such as an opening or tab or the like for connecting the handle portion  16  to a cable or linkage (also not shown) within the door  12  for releasing a latch and opening the door in response to pivotal movement of handle portion  16  relative to base  18  and door  12 . 
   Preferably, each snap clasp  20  further includes an assembly opening  20   e  defined by tapered guide surfaces  20   b  which diverge from cylindrical opening  20   a  to provide diverging engagement or guide surfaces for guiding the cross member  22  into the recess  20   a . This substantially obviates the need for precise alignment of the snap members to the cross members during the assembly process of the handle assembly. Guide surfaces  20   b  converge at their ends toward opening  20   a , such that a gap defined between an inner end  20   c  of guide surfaces  20   b  is less than the diameter of the circular or cylindrical opening  20   a  through snap members  20 . An upper portion  20   d  of snap clasps  20  is flexible to allow upward flexing of upper portion  20   d  such that the gap at inner end  20   c  of guide surfaces  20   b  is expandable to allow mounting pins  22  to be inserted therethrough. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , base or housing  18  includes a pair of opposite side or end walls  18   a , an upper wall  18   b , a lower wall  18   c , and an inner or back wall  18   d , which together define a recess or cavity  18   e  for receiving handle portion  16  therein. A pair of mounting extensions  32  extend rearwardly and/or upwardly from upper surface  18   b  and/or inner surface  18   d  near opposite ends or sides thereof. Each axle or cross member  22  is formed at an outer end  32   a  of one of the pair of mounting extensions  32  and extends therebetween. Cross members  22  are generally cylindrical members or pins extending laterally between the outer ends  32   a  of the corresponding pair of mounting extensions  32  and supported at each end by mounting extensions  32 . Cross members  22  thus stabilize the mounting extensions  32 , thereby reducing vibration of the handle assembly. The Cross members  22  are integrally molded with the mounting extensions  32 , which in turn are integrally molded with the upper wall  18   b  and/or inner wall  18   d  of base  18 . Preferably, base  18  is integrally molded in one piece from a substantially rigid and strong polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic or a thermoset, such as nylon. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 4 , a pair of spaced arm openings  34  is provided along inner surface  18   d  and upper surface  18   b , one opening positioned generally between each corresponding set or pair of mounting extensions  32 . The openings  34  may further include side walls  18   f  extending outwardly from inner surface  18   d  to define a passageway for mounting arms  26  and to further enhance the strength and rigidity of housing  18 . The passageway in inner surface  18   d  provides a passageway for mounting arms  26  when handle  10  is at least partially closed, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
   Preferably, at least one mounting extension  32   b  includes a spring mounting member  35  (FIGS.  2  and  4 - 7 ) which extends laterally from mounting extension  32   b  and functions to mount a biasing member or spring  30  thereon. Spring mounting member  35  preferably extends from an inwardly positioned mounting extension  32   b  and may include a stiffening rib  35   a  therealong to enhance the strength of the spring mounting member  35 . Spring mounting member  35  may further include a raised portion  35   b  at an end opposite mounting extension  32   b  to retain spring  30  on spring mounting member  35  and substantially preclude spring  30  from sliding off the spring mounting member  35 . Additionally, a notch or tab  36  is preferably formed along upper surface  18   b  of housing  18  and positioned generally adjacent to an end of spring retaining member  35 . Tab  36  is provided to engage and secure an end of the coil spring  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , and discussed below. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the assembly process of snap clasp members  20  to cross members  22  is shown. Snap members  20  and outer end  26   a  of mounting arms  26  are inserted through openings  34  in upper surface  18   b  and inner surface  18   d  of base  18  from recess  18   e  until openings  20   e  and engaging surfaces  20   b  are generally aligned with cross members  22 . To complete the assembly process, snap members  20  are pushed inwardly in the direction of the arrows A toward cross members  22  of base  18 . Cross members  22  enter openings  20   e  and initially engage one or both of the tapered guide surfaces  20   b  to further align the cross members  22  with snap members  20 . Further inward movement of snap members  20  forces cross members  22  into openings  20   a  of snap members  20 . Upper portions  20   d  of snap members  20  flex upwardly in response to cross members  22  moving toward inner end  20   c  of guide surfaces  20   b , to allow cross members  22  to insert past the narrowed opening at inner ends  20   c  and into cylindrical openings  20   a . As cross members  22  insert into the cylindrical openings  20   a , an audible click or snap sound is made as upper portions  20   d  of snap members  20  flex and then snap back into their initial position or form and as cross members  22  are seated within openings  20   a  of snap members  20 . Because the guide surfaces  20   b  of snap members  20  diverge toward their outer ends, precise alignment of snap members  20  to cross members  22  is not required. Accordingly, handle assembly  10  can be quickly and easily assembled via insertion of mounting arms  26  through the corresponding openings  34 , and then inward movement of snap members  20  toward and into engagement with cross members  22 . The inward movement is continued until the audible snap or click signals that the handle assembly is completed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , after snap members  20  have fully engaged and received cross members  22 , snap members  20  on mounting arms  26  of handle portion  16  are pivotable about cross members  22  of handle  16  to move paddle  24  between its opened and closed positions relative to housing  18 . Because each cross member  22  is supported at both ends by a pair of mounting extensions  32 , the cross members provide improved resistance to twisting or flexing as handle portion  16  is pivoted about cross members  22 . The present invention thus provides improved retention of the handle portion to the base of the door handle assembly. 
   Preferably, biasing member or spring  30  is coiled about spring mounting member  35  on mounting extension  32   b  of housing  18 . One end  30   a  of the spring extends downwardly into engagement with spring tab  36  on upper surface  18   b  of housing  18 , while the other end  30   b  is curved to engage or rest along a groove formed by spring tab  26   b  on mounting arm  26 . Coil spring  30  is coiled and biased such that end  30   b  of spring  30  exerts a downward and/or outward force at spring tab  26   b , in order to bias handle  16  in its closed position, as shown in FIG.  7 . Spring  30  thus provides resistance toward a user pulling outwardly on paddle  24  of handle  16  to open door  12 , and functions to return handle  16  to its initial, closed position after the door has been opened or the paddle  24  otherwise released by the user. When the handle  24  is pulled outwardly, the arms  26  pivot and pull outwardly on the door cables or linkages to unlatch or release the door to allow a person to open the door. 
   Because each snap member pivotably engages a single cross member formed between two protruding extensions or pillars at base  18 , the present invention provides a substantially stable, yet pivotable, connection between the handle portion and the base portion. This is a substantial improvement over the prior art, since the pins are secured at both ends to provide a robust mounting structure for the handle. Additionally, because the snap members are guided into engagement with cross members, not only is precise alignment of the components no longer necessary, but the molding tolerances of the present invention may be reduced from that of the molded handle assemblies of the prior art. The present invention thus provides a robust handle assembly which may be quickly and easily assembled at the assembly plant by an operator. The audible click or snap sound also functions to signal a secure clasping of the cross bar by the snap or clasp members, which further aids in proper assembly of the handle. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the handle assembly may further comprise one or more illumination sources  40 , which are operable to provide illumination at the paddle of the handle assembly. The illumination sources may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or the like which project illumination toward the paddle to facilitate the grasping of the handle by a user in darkened or nighttime conditions. Preferably, the illumination source or sources  40  are mounted along an inner surface of the housing and within the vehicle door, such that illumination source  40  projects illumination through a corresponding opening  40   a  in housing  18 . Illumination source  40  may be mounted on a printed circuit board or the like within the vehicle door and generally adjacent to one or more openings  40   a  in housing  18 . Illumination source  40  may comprise one or more LEDs, or may comprise electro-luminescent lights, fluorescent lights, incandescent lights or the like, to provide illumination to the handle. 
   Preferably, illumination source  40  is activatable in response to a detection of a person at the door of the vehicle. Such detection may be via touching of the handle, movement of the handle, actuation of a remote keyless entry module, insertion of a key into the lock cylinder of the door, or a motion detection at the side of the vehicle or the like. Preferably, illumination source  40  is also deactivatable a period of time following activation of the illumination source. The illumination source may thus be temporarily activated as a person approaches or contacts the handle to ease grasping of the handle and thus opening of the door in nighttime conditions. These illumination sources may further provide ground illumination of the area by the vehicle, similar to the safety illumination sources disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,371,659, 5,669,699, 5,823,654 and 5,497,305, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. When activated, the illumination source preferably draws a low or minimal amount of energy from a power source, such as a vehicle battery (not shown) or the like, such that the battery or power source is not overly drained during the period of time that the illumination source is activated. 
   Alternately, or additionally, paddle  24  may comprise a soft touch handle or surface  25  to enhance the comfort of the handle to a user. Outer surface  24   a  of paddle  24  may be molded from a substantially rigid or hard polymeric material, while inner surface  24   b  is molded with a soft touch material  25  (FIG.  7 ), which is molded along inner surface  24   b  of rigid plastic paddle  24 . Preferably, paddle  24  is also initially molded with an uneven inner surface  24   a ′ such that when the soft touch material  25  is later molded at uneven inner surface  24   a ′ the two materials are molded together at an increased surface area between the molded materials, which enhances bonding of the materials together. The soft touch material may be molded onto one or more surfaces of the handle portion by a thin film molding process. Alternately, or additionally, a colored film may be provided on one or more surfaces of the handle portion by a thin film molding process. The thin film may be formed first and then a more rigid plastic may be molded or shot inside the film structure to provide structural rigidity to the door handle. 
   Preferably, the soft touch material comprises a soft material, such as polyolefin or other similar thermoplastic materials, such as Santoprene or the like, and has a material Durometer hardness between at most approximately 80 Shore A Durometer hardness and at least approximately 45 Shore A Durometer hardness. More preferably, the soft touch material has a material hardness of less than or equal to approximately 70 Shore A Durometer hardness and, most preferably, less than or equal to approximately 60 Shore A Durometer hardness. Preferably, the rigid polymeric material of the outer surface comprises a thermoplastic material or a thermoset, such as nylon or the like, which preferably has a material Durometer hardness of at least approximately 80 Shore A Durometer hardness. The back surface  24   b  of the handle thus provides a soft touch to a user of the handle to improve the comfort and grip of the handle. Optionally, the outer surface of paddle  24  may also comprise a soft touch material to further improve the comfort of the handle to a user thereof. The inner and outer soft touch surfaces could be molded around a center portion comprising a rigid material, in order to provide structural integrity to the door handle. Because the soft touch material is not a hard plastic material, the softer material also results in the handle feeling warmer to a person who opens the door in cold weather conditions. 
   It is further envisioned that paddle  24  may also or otherwise include a heating element  42  near one or both of its surfaces, to generate heat to the paddle to improve the comfort of the handle to the user, especially in winter or other cold weather conditions. The heating element  44  is preferably actuatable in response to an electrical signal, such that paddle  24  is heated prior to a person grabbing the handle to open the door of the vehicle. For example, the heating element may be actuated in response to actuation of a remote keyless entry module, insertion of a key into the lock cylinder or keyhole at the door, a motion detection at the vehicle or the like. Preferably, the heating element quickly warms the handle before the user grasps the handle with their hand. The heating element may be an element embedded within the paddle, or may be a coating on at least one surface of the paddle. The coating may be an electrically conductive material which generates heat in response to an electrical signal applied thereto. The electrical signal may be applied to the heating element via a vehicle door wiring harness (not shown) connected to a wiring (also not shown) routed within and/or along the paddle and one of the mounting arms of the handle portion. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a strap door handle  110  comprises a base  118 , which is secured at the side of a vehicle door (not shown), and a handle or strap  116 , which extends from base  118  and is pivotable about a generally vertical pivot hinge or axis  119  relative to base  118  in order to open the door of the vehicle. Handle  116  has an outer surface  124   a  and an inner surface  124   b , which comprises a soft touch material  125 , such as a flexible rubber material or the like. The outer surface  124   a  is preferably substantially rigid polymeric material to provide strength and rigidity to the handle  116 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the outer material of handle  116  is molded such that an inner surface  124   a ′ is unevenly formed. Soft touch material  125  is then molded along the uneven inner surface  124   a ′ of the rigid plastic material to enhance the securement of the materials to one another. Preferably, the materials are molded together with a plurality of projections  124   c  and corresponding recesses  125   a  therebetween, in order to further secure the materials together. Similar to handle  10 , discussed above, handle  116  of handle assembly  110  may further comprise a heating element to warm a portion of the handle and may further be illuminated by one or more illumination sources positioned adjacent to the handle at the vehicle door. 
   Therefore, the present invention provides a handle assembly for a door of a vehicle which provides improved assembly and retention of the handle portion onto a base portion secured at the vehicle. Additionally, a soft touch material may be provided to improve the comfort of the handle to a person opening the door of the vehicle. Furthermore, by providing illumination to the handle, the grasping of the handle during nighttime conditions is substantially eased by the illumination source or sources of the present invention. 
   Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law.