Patent Application
20220282534
The present invention relates to handles for vehicles and, more particularly, to an exterior handle for opening a side door and/or liftgate of a vehicle or interior handle for opening a side door and/or liftgate of a vehicle.
A door handle for a vehicle door typically includes a handle portion that is pivotable relative to a base portion, whereby pivotal movement of the handle portion actuates a latch mechanism to open the door. Typically, a door handle is a pull strap handle with a strap handle portion that protrudes outwardly from the side of the vehicle for grasping by the person opening the door of the vehicle. Alternately, paddle type door handle assemblies are known, where a paddle portion is pivotally mounted to a base portion and is pulled generally outwardly and upwardly to open the vehicle door. Such paddle type door handle assemblies typically protrude outwardly from the vehicle door when in their unpulled state and have an open recess below the paddle portion for receiving a user's fingers for grasping the paddle portion.
The present invention provides an extendable flush door handle assembly for opening a door of a vehicle (such as a side door or rear door or liftgate of a vehicle) that includes a handle portion that is disposed at the door such that, when not in use to open the vehicle door, the handle portion is recessed at the door, with the outer surface of the handle portion generally flush with or generally coplanar with (or only slightly protruding from) the outer surface of the door panel at the door handle region of the door. The door handle assembly is operable to extend or move the handle portion outward from the door panel when a user is to use the handle to open the vehicle door, such as in response to a signal from a key fob or a passive entry system or the like. When so extended or moved to a deployed position, the handle may be readily grasped by the user and actuated or pulled or moved further outward to open the vehicle door. After the user releases the handle, the handle may return to its non-use or partially recessed position where its outer surface is generally flush or coplanar with (or only slightly protruding from) the outer surface of the door panel.
In an aspect of the invention, the door handle assembly includes a base portion disposed at a door handle region of a vehicle and a handle portion including a base end, a swing end, and a grasping portion disposed between the base end and the swing end. The handle portion is movable relative to the base portion between a recessed position, where the grasping portion of the handle portion is recessed at the base portion so as to be not graspable by a user, and a deployed position, where the grasping portion of the handle portion protrudes outward from the base portion to be graspable by the user. The assembly includes an actuator including a motor that is electrically operable in response to an input signal. The motor includes an output shaft operably coupled to the handle portion to move the handle portion between the recessed position and the deployed position. The actuator includes a position indicating element that indicates a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions includes at least (i) a first position of the output shaft of the motor that corresponds with the handle portion being in the recessed position and (ii) a second position of the output shaft of the motor that corresponds with the handle portion being in the deployed position. Responsive to the input signal, the motor operates and the actuator moves the handle portion between the recessed position and the deployed position. As the motor operates to move the handle portion, the position indicating element indicates when the output shaft arrives at (i) the first position or (ii) the second position. Responsive to the position indicating element indicating the output shaft arrived at the first position or the second position, the actuator depowers the motor.
These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a vehicle handle assembly or module or unit or extendable flush door handle assembly 10 is mountable to a door 12a of a vehicle 12 and operable to release a latch mechanism of the vehicle door 12a to open the vehicle door (
The handle assembly 10 may comprise any suitable type of handle assembly, and may include or incorporate aspects of the door handle assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,786,401; 6,977,619; 7,407,203 and/or 8,333,492, and/or U.S. Publication No. US-2020/0102773, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Optionally, aspects of handle assembly 10 may be suitable for use with a liftgate handle assembly for a liftgate or tailgate of a vehicle, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, handle or strap portion 16 includes a grasping portion 22 for a user to grab and pull at to open the vehicle door. Handle portion 16 further includes a base end 24 and a swing end 26 at opposing ends of the grasping portion 22. The base end 24 of the handle portion 16 is hingedly connected to one end of a connector 28 at a pivot joint 30, such that when the handle portion 16 pivots, the swing end 26 of the handle portion moves away from the other end of the connector 28 and away from the base portion 14 and away from the vehicle to open the vehicle door. A crank or pivot arm or connecting link 32 pivotally couples the connector 28 to the base portion 14 at the base end of the handle portion via pivot joints 32a and 32b, and a follower or pivot arm or connecting link 34 pivotally couples the connector 28 at the swing end of the handle portion to the base portion 14 via pivot joints 34a and 34b. The pivot axis 30 of the base end of the handle portion at the connector 28 is offset or non-coaxial with the pivot axis 32b of the connecting link 32 at the connector 28. The connector 28 links or connects the crank 32 and the follower 34 together, such that movement of the crank 32 translates to movement of the connector which, in turn, translates to movement of the follower 34. The concerted movement of crank 32 and follower 34 moves the connector 28 and the handle portion 16 in and out relative to base portion 14, with the connector 28 remaining parallel to the base portion throughout its range of motion, and with the handle portion 16 also remaining parallel to the base portion when moved between the recessed position (
Handle portion 16 is operatively coupled to the bellcrank 18 via a bellcrank link 38 that is pivotally attached at the bellcrank 18 and movably or slidably coupled at the swing end of the handle portion. When the swing end of the handle portion is pulled by a user outward away from the vehicle (compare
Implementations herein include a door handle assembly that is operable to track/detect a position of a door handle (such as a flush door handle of
Flush door handles are a popular feature on some vehicles. These door handles may use electric actuators to pivot or deploy/extend the door handle from a closed position (i.e., flush with the vehicle or non-useable position) to an open position (i.e., a normal operating or usable position). These door handles may include a shut off device (SOD) with a discrete circuit that monitors power draw and is designed to shut off power to a direct current (DC) motor at a preset amount of current for over a period of time that disable the motor when the door handle is fully deployed or retracted/flush (or, in some scenarios, when the door handle is blocked or stuck). For example, the SOD may depower the motor after the motor has been running for greater than two seconds, as two seconds exceed the typical time the motor takes to transition the door handle from the flush state to the deployed state. The discrete circuit may be mounted directly to the motor or be in-line and part of the wire harness. Either configuration allows the motor to stall every cycle as the motor runs longer than necessary to deploy the door handle and pushes against a hard stop, which reduces the life span of the actuator. These configurations also produce a large voltage drop which reduces the motor torque.
Referring now to
Instead, implementations herein describe a door handle assembly that includes a position-based shut off circuit that is built into an actuator. The circuit may include Boolean logic, lost cost limit switches, a simple resistor-capacitive (RC) timer circuit, and a sealed connector (i.e., to seal the actuator/circuitry from the elements). The actuator may not rely on the DCM for control and instead may rely on a time out feature (e.g., a two second time out feature).
Referring now to
The actuator operates to move the door handle between the flush state and the deployed state. For example, an output shaft of the motor 54 may turn a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to rotate the output gear 62 in the first direction, thereby deploying the door handle. The output shaft of the motor 54 may turn in a second direction (i.e., opposite of the first direction or counter-clockwise) to turn the output gear 62 in the second direction, thereby returning or allowing the door handle to return to the flush state. Optionally, a biasing element (e.g., a spring) provides the force to transition the door handle from the deployed state to the flush state.
In some examples, the actuator may be configured to operate in a “pull back” state. For example, when a biasing element fails to return the door handle to the flush state (e.g., the door handle has iced over and the biasing element is unable to provide sufficient force to free the door handle), the actuator may transition to the pull back state to forcefully retract the door handle to the flush state. The motor may operate in the reverse direction from the “normal” direction (i.e., the direction to deploy the door handle) in order to retract the door handle.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator 64 includes an indicator or indicating element for each of two different limit switches 53 (i.e., a “normal” switch and a “pull back” switch) disposed on the PCB 52. However, the actuator may include any number of switches 53 depending upon the number of positioned to be detected. Based on the status of each of the switches (i.e., open or closed) and a timer, the actuator may control the motor to deploy the door handle to a deployed state and/or pull back the door handle to a flush state.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The timer field indicates whether an input timer is running or expired. In some examples, the actuator may include a timer to provide an additional input to the logic. For example, the timer may have a short run time (e.g., approximately 250 milliseconds) that provides initialization and status checking capabilities. Optionally, the timer may be used in place of a processor, microprocessor, or other controller for initializing and/or controlling the actuator. For example, when the actuator is in the flush state, the DCM may apply power to the actuator in a clockwise direction (e.g., by controlling the voltage/current provided to the actuator) in order to deploy the door handle. This voltage may pass through the RC timer at the same time that the motor begins rotating the output gear. If the timer expires prior to the actuator exiting the flush state (i.e., the timer expires before the switch positions indicate that the flush state has been exited), the actuator may determine that the door handle is stuck and may halt power to the motor to prevent additional stalling.
The actuator may have an additional input (e.g., from the DCM) that indicates a mode. The mode may indicate a normal mode or a power pull back mode. When the mode indicates normal mode, the actuator may transition from flush to deployed and from deployed to flush. When in the power pull back state, the actuator may transition from the flush state to the pull back state and back to the flush state (e.g., to dislodge a stuck or frozen door handle). That is, in some examples, the actuator includes an additional power/signal wire that enables a power pull back function.
Referring now to
Optionally, the system may implement logic to detect a blocking state or imminent blocking state. The system may determine that when there is no change in position (i.e., no movement of the door handle), the door handle is blocked and the motor should be stopped to improve the robustness of the actuator and increase the longevity of the motor. For example, when the door handle is in the flush position and the actuator attempts to move the door handle to the deployed position, the system may determine the door handle is blocked when the door handle does not make it to the next state (i.e., deployed) in a threshold period of time. Optionally, the system may determine that a slow down or decrease in speed of in motion over time indicates an imminent block (i.e., the door handle is soon to be blocked). For example, the system may time how long the door handle takes to transition from one state to the next (e.g., from flush to deployed and vice versa). The system may determine that when this time increases (i.e., the door handle begins to take longer to transition), a blocking or failure is imminent.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
When the plunger 126 is retracted (and the handle portion is in the flush state), the lead screw 122 is positioned so that the central portion 122c of the lead screw 122 is at the gear 124 and so that the distal end of the finer pitch gear end 122a is spaced from the opposite side of the gear 124 and the coarser pitch gear end 122b is disposed within the plunger 126 (i.e., the plunger 126 is retracted along the coarser pitch gear end 122b). When the actuator 120 is initially operated to begin deploying the handle portion from the flush state, the gear 124 is rotated (via operation of a motor 128 and rotation of the motor output gears 130), which causes the lead screw 122 to move longitudinally outward. Thus, the finer pitch gears (i.e., the finer pitch gear portion 122a and the internal gear of the gear 124) function to move the lead screw 122 (and plunger 126) to a first extended or partially extended position, which pivots the handle portion partially outward. As the lead screw 122 moves outward, the central portion 122c moves outward. This initial extension is achieved at a slower speed and higher torque, and thus can break the handle portion free of ice or the like that may otherwise inhibit the initial deployment of the handle portion.
Further operation of the motor 128 (and thus further rotation of the gears 130) causes the lead screw 122 to rotate. The rotation of the lead screw 122 causes more rapid extension of the plunger 126 due to the rotation of the coarser pitch gear portion 122b within the internal gear of the non-rotatable plunger 126. Thus, even though the motor revolutions per minute (RPM) may be the same, the rate of extension of the plunger 126 increases from the initial deployment (via longitudinal movement of the lead screw 122) to the later deployment (via rotation of the lead screw 122).
One or more switches may be disposed on the plunger and be opened/closed (e.g., via ramps as described above) as the plunger extends and retracts. Additionally or alternatively, one or more switches may be opened or closed by ramps or other constructs on the surface of the plunger that make contact with the switches as the plunger extends and retracts. As with the examples above, the opening and closing of switches may inform the actuator 120 and/or the DCM of the position of the plunger (and thus the position of the door handle) based on the status of the one or more switches. Based on the position of the plunger 126, the system may determine when it is appropriate to enable and disable the motor 128 (e.g., disengage the motor 126 when the handle is flush or deployed).
Thus, the door handle assembly herein includes an actuator configured to track/detect the position of a flush door handle actuator output shaft. The actuator may provide the position to a DCM and the DCM may intelligently control the power to the actuator/motor to prevent stalling and other wear and tear. Alternatively, the actuator does not provide the position to the DCM and instead gates power to the motor internally (i.e., a self-contained shut off actuator). Thus, the DCM provides input power to the actuator and motor and the actuator optionally provides positional feedback to the DCM. Based on the positional feedback, the actuator or the DCM automatically shut off power to the motor. The actuator may include a microcontroller or other processing element to control the motor. Alternatively, the actuator may rely entirely on discrete logic (e.g., transistors). When providing feedback to the DCM, the actuator may use dedicated switched circuits with a shared ground wire or any other appropriate option such as resistor ladder logic (e.g., each position encoded by the switches results in a different resistance in or out of the circuit), analog voltage, or a communication bus (e.g., CAN, I2C, etc.). The actuator may use any number of position detection options, such as mechanical switches with ramps/dents on the output gear (
Optionally, the movement of the door handle to its partially extended or graspable position may be done in conjunction with other functions, such as activation of one or more vehicle exterior lights (such as ground illumination lights or headlights or turn signal lights or the like) or such as activation of one or more vehicle interior lights or such as actuation of the vehicle horn or other signal to alert the user that the door handle is moved to its graspable position. Control circuitry or logic to provide the dual or multiple functions can piggyback on one common control system.
Optionally, the control circuitry or logic to control or extend the handle portion may include a lockout function so that the control will not and cannot extend the handle when it is not appropriate to open the door of the vehicle. For example, the lockout function may limit or preclude extension of the door handle when the vehicle is in a forward or reverse gear or when the vehicle ignition is on or following a period of time (such as about twenty seconds or more or less) after the vehicle ignition is turned on or when the vehicle is moving at or above a threshold speed (such as, for example, at or above about three mph or about five mph or other selected threshold vehicle speed) or the like. When one or more of these conditions (and optionally one or more other conditions depending on the particular application) is detected, the control limits or precludes extension of the handle to its graspable position irrespective of receipt of other inputs, such as a door unlock button actuation or a passive entry system signal or the like.
Although shown as a strap type handle, the handle assembly may comprise any suitable type of vehicle door handle assembly, such as a paddle type vehicle door handle assembly (having a paddle or handle portion that is pivotable about a generally horizontal pivot axis to open the vehicle door) and/or such as a handle assembly of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,349,450; 6,550,103 and/or 6,907,643, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties) or other type of vehicle door handle assembly, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Optionally, the door handle assembly may include a soft touch handle portion, such as utilizing the principles described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,349,450; 6,550,103 and/or 6,907,643, incorporated above.
Optionally, the door handle assembly may include an antenna or the like, such as for sensing or transmitting signals, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,619, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the handle assembly may include an antenna or sensor (such as an antenna and/or capacitive sensor) at the handle portion and/or may include a passive entry device or element. The antenna or sensor and/or passive entry device may receive a signal from a transmitting device (such as from a key fob or the like carried by the driver of the vehicle) and/or may sense or detect the presence of or proximity of a person or person's hand at or near the door handle, and may generate an output signal indicative of such detection. The actuator may be responsive to the antenna and/or sensor and/or device to impart an outward movement of the door handle portion so that the user can grasp the handle portion to open the door of the vehicle.
Optionally, the extendable flush door handle assembly of the present invention may provide an energy generating feature. For example, the handle can act as a generator to create energy for the use of powering emergency devices (such as, for example, an electric latch, lighting, and/or the like) on a vehicle when the vehicle battery is low in power. By using an actuator with a back drivable gear train, the user could cycle the handle manually and generate power by rotating a motor. Other power generation methods could include, but are not limited to, power savaging, induction coils, Piezo electric materials, a pre-charged capacitor, Peltier devices, and/or power transfer from external devices. The generated power can be stored in one or more batteries or capacitors disposed at the vehicle door or in the vehicle.
Optionally, the extendable flush door handle assembly of the present invention may provide one or more bumpers, which can be used to reduce the sound that the handle makes while returning to its closed or flush position. The bumpers can be placed to maintain the gap between the handle and the sheet metal of the vehicle door when the handle is in its flush position.
Although shown and described as being a generally horizontally oriented handle portion that pivots about a generally vertical pivot axis, it is envisioned that the handle of the extendable flush door handle assembly may be oriented in any manner while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the handle may be oriented so that it is either vertical, horizontal, or diagonal with respect to the ground. Also, although shown and described as an exterior door handle for opening a side door or rear door or lift gate of a vehicle from exterior the vehicle, it is envisioned that the extendable flush door handle assembly may be suitable for use as an interior handle for opening a side door or rear door or liftgate of a vehicle from inside the vehicle, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Optionally, the door handle assembly or module may incorporate other features or accessories, such as, for example, a blind spot indicator device or element and/or a turn signal indicator device or element, such as by utilizing aspects of the devices described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,786,704; 8,058,977; 7,944,371; 7,492,281; 6,198,409; 5,929,786 and/or 5,786,772, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The signal indicator or indication module may include or utilize aspects of various light modules or systems or devices, such as the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,626,749; 7,581,859; 6,227,689; 6,582,109; 5,371,659; 5,497,306; 5,669,699; 5,823,654; 6,176,602 and/or 6,276,821, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Optionally, the door handle assembly or module may include or may be associated with an antenna for receiving signals from or communicating with a remote device. For example, the antenna (such as, for example, an antenna of the types described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,619, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) may communicate a signal to the door locking system via a wire connection or the like, or wirelessly, such as via a radio frequency signal or via an infrared signal or via other wireless signaling means. Such connections can include cables, wires, fiber optic cables or the like. The communication to the locking system may be via a vehicle bus or multiplex system, such as a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or CAN (Car or Controlled Area Network) system, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,291,905; 6,396,408 and/or 6,477,464, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The vehicle door may then be unlocked and/or the illumination source or sources may be activated as a person carrying a remote signaling device approaches the door handle. Optionally, other systems may be activated in response to the remote signaling device, such as vehicle lighting systems, such as interior lights, security lights or the like (such as security lights of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590; 6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321; 5,671,996; 5,497,305; 6,416,208 and/or 6,568,839, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties), or the vehicle ignition, or any other desired system, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law.
The present application claims the filing benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/200,339, filed Mar. 2, 2021, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63200339 | Mar 2021 | US |
