GB2536671A - Rectractable handle arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A retractable door handle assembly having a handle (6, fig. 2) movable between a stowed state, in which the handle lies flush with the outer surface of a door into which it is mounted, a deployed state, in which the handle protrudes from said surface, and an operative state in which the handle operates a latch associated with said door, the assembly having a latch release actuator, preferably cam 36, moveable by the handle preferably through pin 51 and lever 50, the actuator having a lost motion sub range corresponding to movement of the handle between deployed and stowed states in which the actuator does not release said latch, and an active sub range corresponding to movement of the handle between deployed and operative states in which the latch release actuator releases said latch. The actuator may comprise a slot 52 that allows a nipple 56, attached to a Bowden cable 38, to slide relative to the actuator over the lost motion range. Also claimed are a door and a vehicle having the assembly.

Description

RECTRACTABLE HANDLE ARRANGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a retractable handle arrangement for a door or other type of closure, in particular for a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a handle arrangement, to a body component incorporating the handle arrangement, and to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The invention will be described in the context of a car door, but it could also be used with other closures such as trunks/tailgates, or with other types of vehicles such as boats or aircraft. In a broad sense, the invention may also be used in non-vehicle applications.

A relatively recent development in the design of vehicle door handles is the retractable handle in which a flush-mounted handle is retractably mounted in the outer door skin of the vehicle. This means that the handle can move between two states: a stowed or retracted state in which the handle is flush-mounted and a deployed or extended state in which the handle protrudes from the surrounding door surface so that it may be grasped by a user. The handles may be movable between the stowed and deployed states mechanically or by electrical actuation.

Once the handle is in the deployed state, it can be pulled, usually against a spring bias, to move the handle towards a third, operative, state to unlatch the door. In moving to the operative state the handle may unlatch the door mechanically, for example by acting on a Bowden cable coupled to the door latch, or electrically by acting on an electrical switch coupled to the latch.

It is desirable to improve the performance and ergonomics of such a handle arrangement. It is against this background that the invention has been devised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention, embodiments of thin invention comprise a door handle assembly arrangement comprising: a handle that is movable between a stowed state; a deployed state in which, in use, the handle protrudes from the outer surface of a door in which it is mounted; and an operative state in which, in use, the handle is operable to activate a latch associated with said door. A latch release actuator which is moveable by the handle through a movement range as the handle moves between the stowed, deployed and operative states. The movement range comprises a lost-motion sub range in which the latch release actuator does not release a latch associated with said door and an active sub range in which the latch release actuator releases a latch associated with said door.

The door handle may be a retractable door handle and, in use, in the stowed state the handle lies substantially flush with an outer surface of the door.

In an embodiment the door latch release actuator cooperates with a door latch link and the door latch release actuator actuates the link only during the active sub-range of the movement range of the actuator.

A benefit of the invention is that the latch release actuator is able to provide a preload on the handle to prevent it moving dynamically under certain circumstances. Also, it enables the movement of the handle to be given more Weight', which improves ergonomics for the user.

The door latch release actuator may be configured to actuate the link only during movement of the handle between the deployed and operative states. This limits the Weighting' of the handle to only the range of movement that the user interacts with the handle.

In one embodiment, the latch release actuator has a link control portion that receives the end of the link and can engage with the end of the link slidably, but pulls on the link after it has been moved through a predetermined range of movement. The link may include a retaining feature on which the link control portion can grip so as to exert a force on the link and therefore operate the latch. In this way, during movement of the door latch release actuator in the sub-range, the retaining feature is moved by the link control portion, and wherein during movement of the door latch release actuator outside of the sub-range, the retaining feature is slidable with respect to the link control portion. Further, the movement of the door latch release actuator in the sub-range corresponds to movement of the door handle between the deployed and operative states.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining feature is slidably engaged in a guide slot defined by the link control portion. The guide slot can be arcuate, which compliments angular movement of the actuator.

In another embodiment, the latch release actuator includes a drive portion that is cooperable with the link control portion, for example is slidable relative to the link control portion during movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed states, but moves the link control portion during movement of the handle between the deployed and operative states. The drive portion and the link control portion may cooperate by way of a pin and slot arrangement. This may include a pin defined by the drive portion that is slidable in a slot defined by the link control portion. In this embodiment, the actuator is in at least two parts, one of which is driven by the handle and the other of which actuates the link, which may be a more efficient way of operating a cable-pull type arrangement for the door latch.

In one embodiment, the door latch release actuator is configured to apply a force to the handle counter to the movement of the handle from the stowed state to the operative state. In effect, therefore, this Weights' the movement of the handle, which improves the feel of the handle to the user during operation.

In order for the handle and the door latch release actuator to cooperate, in one embodiment the actuator includes a lever that engages with a control feature on the handle, which lever may remain in contact with the control feature of the handle throughout the movement of the handle, thereby applying a consistent counterforce to movement of the handle.

In another aspect, embodiments provide a body component including the handle arrangement as described above, wherein the handle is received in an aperture defined in an outer surface of the body component. The handle may substantially fill the aperture and optionally the handle may be shaped to match and to lie substantially flush within the aperture when the handle is in the stowed position.

In another aspect, embodiments provide a vehicle including the body component or the handle arrangement described above.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle door panel equipped with a retractable handle arrangement that is shown in a stowed state; Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are a sequence of top sectional views of one embodiment of the door and handle arrangement of Figure 1, with the door handle being shown respectively in stowed, deployed and operative states; Figures 3a,b and c are views from various perspectives of a door latch release actuator of the handle arrangement; Figures 4a and 4h are perspective and top views, respectively, of the handle and door latch release actuator in the stowed state; Figure 5 is a top view of the handle and door latch release actuator in an intermediate position between the stowed and deployed states; Figures 6a and 6b are perspective and top views, respectively, of the handle and door latch release actuator in the deployed state; Figures 7a and 7b are perspective and top views, respectively of the handle and door latch release actuator in the operative state; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the release actuator that shows a biasing arrangement Figure 9 is a perspective view of a door latch release actuator in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are a sequence of views illustrating the operation of the door latch release actuator in Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in which numerous features will be discussed in detail in order to provide a thorough understanding of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. However, it will be apparent to the skilled person that the invention may be put into effect without the specific details or that variations may be made to those specific features in question. In some instances, well-known methods, techniques and structures have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the invention unnecessarily.

Referring to Figure 1, a door handle arrangement 2 of an embodiment of the invention is retractable with respect to a door of a vehicle. An outer surface or 'door skin' 4 is shown here as representing the door, which can be considered to be a body component of the vehicle, although it may not be an openable panel of the vehicle. The door handle arrangement 2 includes a handle 6 that is substantially flush-mounted with respect to the door skin 4 when the handle 6 is in a stowed state or position, as shown here. The handle 6 is operable to transition from the stowed state to a deployed state or position in which it protrudes from the door skin 4 so that it can be grasped by a user, as will be described.

The door skin 4 is penetrated by a horizontally-extending aperture 8, hereinafter 'slot' that receives the handle 6 in a close fit. The outer surface 10 of the handle 6 is shaped to match that of the slot 8 and lies flush with the surrounding surface of the door skin 4 when the handle is stowed as in Figure 1. The shape of the slot 8 and the outer surface 10 of the handle 6 is chosen largely for aesthetic reasons and it will be appreciated that different shaped handles and slots may be used.

Although in Figure 1 only the outer surface 10 of the handle 6 can be seen, the remaining Figures show the handle arrangement 2 in more detail.

The retractable handle arrangement 2 comprises a drive means/arrangement 12 which is operable to move the handle 6 between the stowed state and a deployed state as will be described in detail. The drive arrangement 12 is electrically operated and is shown here largely in schematic form as comprising an electrical drive unit 14, such as a motor or solenoid, that is operable to drive a spindle 16 to which the handle 6 is operatively connected via a primary linkage or swing arm 27. It is envisaged that the drive unit 14 may act on the spindle 16 through a suitable worm gear or rack and pinion (not shown) in order to provide fine positioning control of the spindle 16 and, thus, of the handle 6. It should be noted that the drive arrangement 12 depicted here represents one way in which the handle 6 may be moved angularly between its stowed and deployed states and that other ways would be apparent to the skilled person, for example the electrically-driven handle deployment mechanisms as described in the applicant's co-pending patent applications US2013/0241215 and W02012/175647, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In more detail, the handle 6 is a strap-type handle defining a loop. The loop provides a handgrip 28 that defines the outer surface 10 of the handle 6, with end pieces 30, 32 at opposed ends spacing the handgrip 28 from an inner member 34 that is shaped like the handgrip 28 so as to fill the slot 8 when the handle is deployed, as shown in Figure 2.

The end pieces 30, 32 are generally parallel to each other and are slightly curved in plan view. Together, the handgrip 28, end pieces 30, 32 and the inner member 34 form an approximate truncated wedge shape, such a shape again being determined mainly for aesthetic reasons.

The swing arm 27 couples the handle 6 to a support structure 25 at a pivot 24 and cooperates with the drive arrangement 12 in order to allow the handle 6 to move angularly with respect to the slot 8 between stowed and deployed states. The spindle 16 thus defines a primary pivot axis at pivot 24. The handle 6 is coupled to the swing arm 27 at a second pivot 29.

Whereas Figure 2a shows the handle 6 in the stowed state, such that the handle surface is substantially flush with the door skin 4, Figure 2b shows the handle as deployed, in which the handgrip 28 has popped out of the slot 8 so as to stand proud of the surrounding door skin 4. This reveals the handle 6 so that the user can grasp the handgrip 28 and move the handle 6 angularly against a spring bias 33to pull the handle arrangement 2 into an operative state so as to unlatch the door, as will be described.

When grasping the handgrip 28 to pull the handle 6, the user's fingers and possibly also the thumb can extend between the handgrip 28 and the inner member 34. Since the loop 26 is open from the top and bottom, this allows the user to approach the handle 6 with an overhand or an underhand grip, whichever is more comfortable.

The handle 6 may be driven by the drive arrangement 12 from its stowed state to its deployed state in response to various events. For example, this movement may be in response to an unlocking signal from a key authorised to unlock the vehicle or from a proximity sensor that detects the presence of an authorised key in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. Conversely, the handle 6 may be driven from the deployed to the stowed state in response to a locking signal from a key authorised to lock the vehicle or from a proximity sensor that determines that the authorised key has left the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. Alternatively, the handle 6 may toggle between the stowed and deployed states in response to different user actions, for example the user may press and lock/unlock switch (not shown) somewhere in the vehicle door. Alternatively the handles may move from the deployed state to the stowed state in response to a different action, for example the car commencing to move.

Once in the deployed state, the handle 6 can then be pulled to open the door, which involves the user moving the handle 6 such that it moves angularly about the second pivot 29 further outwardly against spring bias into the operative state, as shown in Figure 2c.

In moving from the deployed to the operative state, the handle arrangement is configured to unlatch the door and, to this end, is provided with a door latch release actuator 36 that cooperates with a link 38, shown here as a Bowden cable, that pulls on the door latch so as to open the door. Although a mechanical arrangement like this is proposed, it is also envisaged that the link may be configured to act on an electronic opening mechanism. Also, instead of a flexible link such as a Bowden cable, more rigid links are also envisaged.

The door latch release actuator 36 is shown schematically in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c and will be described in more detail later. However, a brief overview of its operation will now be provided.

During movement of the handle between the stowed, deployed, and operative states, it is important that the door is only unlatched as the handle moves to the operative state. This can be seen by comparing Figures 2a-2c. In Figure 2a, the door latch release actuator 36 is in a first position in which it does not exert significant tension on the link 38 so that the door does not unlatch.

As the handle 6 moves into the deployed position, as shown in Figure 2b, the door latch release actuator 36 moves angularly with the handle 6. However, during this range of angular movement no tension is applied to the Bowden cable 38. The Bowden cable 38 is therefore allowed a predetermined degree of 'free play' during handle movement between the stowed and the deployed position, even though the actuator 36 rotates.

Figure 2c shows the handle 6 moved into its final, operative, state in which the door it unlatched. The handle 6 moves into this state by pivoting about the swing arm 27 at second pivot 29 that is located at end piece 30 of the handle 6 and so rotatably couples that end of the handle 6 to the distal end of the swing arm 27.

As can be seen, this movement of the handle 6 causes the door latch release actuator 36 to be rotated further in a clockwise direction compared to the position in Figure 2b. During this section of rotating movement, the actuator 36 'picks up' the link 38 thereby applying tension thereto in order to trigger the door latch. As is shown, the Bowden cable 38 is moved to the right in this Figure.

So, in summary, the Bowden cable 38 is actuated by the door latch release actuator 36 only during movement of the handle 6 between the deployed and operative states, but not during movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed states.

The advantage of this is that a relatively simple mechanism provides the flexibility to be coupled to the handle during the whole range of its movement, but to cause movement of the link only during a portion of that movement. Combined with a suitable counter-bias of the door latch release actuator 36, this provides a sense of perceived quality of the handle movement to a user. A further benefit is that it puts a preload on the handle to guard against the handle moving dynamically in use, for example due to vibration or in severe man oeuvers.

Although the door latch release actuator 36 has been described broadly in the above discussion, the structure of the illustrated embodiment will now be explained more fully with reference to the remaining figures.

Referring to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, in which the door latch release actuator 36 (hereinafter simply 'actuator') is shown in isolation from the handle arrangement, it will be seen that it has a generally elongate structure defined by a central yoke 40 each end of which supports a respective link control portion 42. As will be described, the link control portions 42 cooperate with the Bowden cable 38 in order to control the door latch mechanism (not shown) in the door. Note that only one of the link control portions 42 is engaged with the Bowden cable.

However, the actuator 36 includes two link control portions 42 to eliminate 'handedness' of the part, i.e. to enable to same part to be used for different sides of the car.

Although not shown in detail here, it should be noted that the actuator 36 is rotatably supported by the support structure 25 of the handle arrangement. Specifically, the central yoke is shaped to define a mounting bracket 44 which defines a pivot axis 46 of the actuator 36. Note that a support rod 47 to which the actuator 36 is mounted is shown is Figure 8. As is also shown in Figure 8, the support rod 47 carries a bias means 49 in the form of a coil spring which acts to reverse bias the actuator 36.

The central yoke 40 also supports a pair of actuating levers 50 that are spaced apart along the yoke 40 and generally parallel to one another. Here, the levers 50 are shown extending away from the central yoke 40 generally in the same direction as the link control portions 42. As will be seen, the spaced apart positioning of the actuating levers 50 enables them to span the width of the handle 6 so as to accommodate the handle between the levers 50. Each of the levers 50 is thus able to engage a control feature, in the form of a pin 51, on the handle 6 which serves to move the actuator 36 about the pivot axis 46 in accordance with movement of the handle 6 from the stowed, deployed and operative states.

Each link control portion 42 has the same structure but are mirror images of one another due to their positioning at each end of the central yoke 40. Reference will be made to a single link control portion 42, but it should be appreciated that the description applies to both.

The link control portion 42 is lobe-like in shape in that has the structure of a rounded projection that extends in a plane normal to the pivot axis of the central yoke 40. The function of the link control portion 42 is to pull on the Bowden cable 38. To this end, therefore, the link control portion 42 defines two features: a guide slot 52 and a link passage 54.

The guide slot 52 extends laterally through the link control portion 42 and is shaped to receive and guide a retaining feature in the form of an end nipple 56 of the Bowden cable 38. An access hole 58 is provided in the guide slot 52 so that the Bowden cable 38 can be passed through the hole 58 in order to locate the nipple 56 in the guide slot 52. In this embodiment the guide slot 52 is curved or arcuate which helps to maintain a constant tension on the cable when it is pulled, although this is not essential.

The link passage 54 extends radially along the plane of the link control portion 42 and partially breaks the link control portion 42 into adjacent parallel pieces. The link passage 54 provides a channel to allow the Bowden cable 38 to pass through it as the actuator 36 is rotated by the handle 6, as will become apparent.

The guide slot 52 is elongate and allows the nipple 56 of the Bowden cable 38 to slide along it between its two ends. This allows the actuator 36 a degree of free play with respect to the Bowden cable 38. The effect of this, as will be explained, is that the actuator 36 only pulls on the Bowden cable as the handle 6 moves from the deployed state to the operative state.

However, the actuator 36 is still moved with the handle 6 as it moves from the stowed to the deployed states although it does not tension the Bowden cable 38 during this range of movement. Usefully, however, the counter bias of the actuator 36 applies a force to the handle counter to its outward movement. This counter force imparts a feeling of solidity to the user when they operate the handle, therefore providing a sense of quality which is important particularly in the premium vehicle market.

Having described the function of the door latch release actuator 36 in broad terms above, it will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a, 4b, 5, 6a,6b and 7a,7b. As will be seen the door latch release actuator 36 is moved by the handle 6 through a range of movement that corresponds to movement of the handle 6 between the stowed state and operative state. However, the actuator 36 is configured to actuate the Bowden cable/link 38 only during a sub-range of that range of movement.

Figures 4a and 4b show the handle 6 in a stowed state, as is also shown in Figure 2a. Here, the actuator levers 50 are inclined upwardly and the control pin 51 of the handle is engaged with the tip of the actuator lever 50. A pair of levers 50 are provided to ensure that the actuator 36 is 'non-handed' and, as such, the same part can be used on both sides of the vehicle.

In this position the end nipple 56 of the Bowden cable 38 is located at the end of the guide slot proximate to the handle 6. To allow for the linear pull arrangement, the Bowden cable passes through the link channel.

Figure 5 shows the handle 6 moved into an intermediate position between the stowed and deployed states. Here it will be appreciated that the actuator 36 has rotated angularly in a clockwise direction as driven by the outward movement of the handle 6. The handle 6 has caused the movement of the actuator 36 by the control pin 51 driving the actuator lever 50 in a clockwise direction and it will be noted that the control pin 51 has shifted slightly along the lever 50 from its original position near to the tip to near to the middle of the length of the lever 50.

At this intermediate point of travel, the end nipple 56 of the Bowden cable 38 has shifted along the guide slot 52 as the actuator 36 has moved and so it now occupies an approximate mid position within the guide slot 52. Since the end nipple 56 is free to move forwards and backwards within the guide slot 52, no tension can be put on the Bowden cable 38 so the door latch will not be triggered.

Figures 6a and 6b show the handle 6 having been moved further from the Figure 5 position into the deployed state. Notable here is that the end nipple 56 of the Bowden cable 38 now occupies the second end of the guide slot 52 and so no further free play is permitted. Any further movement of the handle 6 will cause the actuator 36 to pull on the Bowden cable 38.

Also, the control pin 51 has shifted further down the lever 50 so that it now rests at a base part of the lever 50. The length of the lever 50 therefore accommodates the angular path taken by the control pin 51.

Figures 7a and 7b show the handle 6 in the operative state, and it will be noted that previous handle positions are indicated by dashed lines in Figure 7b. In this state, the end nipple 56 of the Bowden cable 38 is still at the second end of the guide slot 52 such that clockwise movement of the actuator 36, and therefore the link control portion 42, has pulled the Bowden cable 38 so as to unlatch the door. The control pin 51 of the handle 6 has shifted back down the lever again to its tip, and so the lever 50 still applies a counter bias force on the handle 6 back into its deployed position such that the handle will return to the deployed state when the user releases the handle.

The skilled person would understand that various modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the Bowden cable 38 has an end nipple 56 that is slidable in the slot 52 defined in the control portion 42 of the actuator 36. As has been discussed, the length of the slot 52 allows the actuator 36 to rotate by a predetermined amount until the end nipple 56 reaches the end of the slot 52 such that further movement of the actuator pulls on the Bowden cable 38. However, in some circumstances it may be undesirable to have a cable sliding through a part of the actuator in this way because it might be possible for the movement to be affected by debris, although such an occurrence is considered unlikely. With this in mind, Figure 9 and Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show an alternative embodiment, in which the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar parts for the sake of clarity.

Referring to Figure 9, an actuator that may be used in place of the actuator 36 in the previous Figures comprises three principle pieces, which are Barrel-or drum-like in shape. Hereinafter, each piece will be referred to as a drum for ease of reference.

As can be seen in Figure 9, a drive portion of the actuator in the form of a central drum 100 is flanked by first and second side drums 102, 104. Each of the drums is rotatably mounted on a spindle 106 and are held on that spindle so that the drums are in contact with one another since it is important for their operation that the drums are close neighbours. It is envisaged that the drums are made from a material that allows them to slide against each other even though they are in contact, such as a metal or a suitably hard engineering plastics.

The actuator functions in the same way as the actuator 36 in the previous embodiment in the sense that it is driven by the handle arrangement 2 in a range of movement and that it operates a link/Bowden cable 38 during only a sub-range or sub-portion of that movement.

Here, the cable 38 is shown connected to the side drum 102 at cable retainer 115.

So, with this in mind, the central drum 100 is driven by the handle 6 and includes a drive lever 110 which is equivalent to the levers 50 in the actuator of the previous embodiments. As the handle moves from the stowed to the deployed position, the central drum 100 rotates but does not move the side drums 102, 104, and so it does not pull on the Bowden cable 38.

However, once the handle 6 moves from its deployed state to the operative state, this movement will cause the central drum 100 to rotate further and carry the side drums 102, 104 with it, thereby pulling on the Bowden cable 38. It will be appreciated therefore that the side drums 102,104 are equivalent to the link control portions of the previous embodiments.

The mechanism that enables this is a cooperative pin and slot arrangement 112 provided at the respective interfaces between the central drum 100 and the side drums 102,104.

In this embodiment, the pin and slot arrangement 112 includes a pair of pins 114 provided one on each side face of the central drum 100 and a cooperating pair of slots 116, one provided on the inner face of each of the side drums 102, 104. The pin and slot arrangement 112 functions in the same way as the end nipple 56 and the guide slot 52 in the previous embodiment.

At this point it will be noted that although the pin and slot arrangement 112 includes a pair of pins 114 and a pair of slots 116, this is only to ensure that the actuator is 'non-handed'. So, the same component could be used in the same orientation on both sides of the vehicle.

The operation of the actuator in Figure 9 is illustrated step-by-step in Figures 10a,10b and 10c. The separate drums of the actuator have been separated in these figures for ease of understanding.

Figure 10a shows the actuator 36 in a position corresponding to the handle 6 being in the stowed state. In this position, the pair of pins 114 are at rest in the upper end of their respective slot 116.

Figure 10b shows the actuator 36 in a position which corresponds to the handle being in the deployed state. Here it can be seen that the central drum 100 has been rotated by the lever 110 such that the pins 114 have moved along their respective slot 116. However, it will be noted that the pins 114 have not caused the side drums 102, 104 to rotate and so the Bowden cable 38 has not been pulled.

Figure 10c shows the actuator in a position which corresponds to the handle being in the operative state. Here it can be seen that the pins 116 have engaged with the ends of their respective slots 116 so that further movement Of the lever 110 causes the central drum 100 to rotate the side drums 102, 104. As a result the side drum 102 pulls on the Bowden cable 38 which activates the door latch, as described above.

Although not shown in the figures, it should be noted that one or more of the drums 100, 102, 104 may be spring biased on the spindle by, for example, a suitable internal torsion spring (not show) to apply a comparable reverse bias as provided by the spring 49 in the Figure 8 embodiment.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS1 A door handle assembly arrangement comprising: a handle that is movable between a stowed state; a deployed state in which, in use, the handle protrudes from the outer surface of a door in which it is mounted; and an operative state in which, in use, the handle is operable to activate a latch associated with said door, a latch release actuator which is moveable by the handle through a movement range as the handle moves between the stowed, deployed and operative states, wherein the movement range comprises a lost-motion sub range in which the latch release actuator does not release a latch associated with said door and an active sub range in which the latch release actuator releases a latch associated with said door.

   The door handle assembly of claim 1 wherein the door handle comprises a retractable door handle and wherein, in use, in the stowed state the handle lies substantially flush with an outer surface of the door.

   The door handle assembly of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, in use, the door latch release actuator cooperates with a door latch link and wherein the door latch release actuator actuates the link only during the active sub-range of the movement range of the actuator.

   The door handle assembly of claim 3, wherein the active sub-range of movement of the latch release actuator correlates to movement of the handle between the deployed and operative states.

   The door handle assembly according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said link comprises an electronic switch and wherein movement of the latch release actuator in the active range actuates said electronic switch.

   The door handle assembly according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said link comprises a mechanical link and wherein movement of the latch release actuator in the active range actuates said mechanical link. 5

   7. The door handle assembly of claims claim 6, wherein the latch release actuator has a link control portion for receiving an end of the door latch link.

   8. The door handle assembly of claim 7, wherein the end of the door latch link includes a retaining feature that is slidably engaged with the link control portion.

   9 The door handle assembly of claim 8, wherein during movement of the door latch release actuator in the active sub-range, the retaining feature is moved by the link control portion, and wherein during movement of the door latch release actuator in the lost-motion sub-range, the retaining feature is slidable with respect to the link control portion.

   10. The door handle assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the retaining feature is slidably engaged in a guide slot defined by the link control portion.

   11. The door handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the guide slot is arcuate.

   12. The door handle assembly of claims 1 to 7, wherein the latch release actuator includes a drive portion that is cooperable with the link control portion.

   13. The door handle assembly of claim 12, wherein the drive portion is slidable relative to the link control portion during movement of the handle between the stowed and deployed states, and which moves the link control portion during movement of the handle between the deployed and operative states.

   14. The door handle assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the drive portion and the link control portion are cooperable by way of a pin and slot arrangement.

   15. The door handle assembly of claim 14, wherein the pin and slot arrangement includes a pin defined by the drive portion that is slidable in a slot defined by the link control portion.

   16. The door handle assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the door latch release actuator is biased against movement of the handle from the stowed state to the operative state.

   17. The door handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the door latch release actuator includes a lever that engages with a control feature provided on the handle.

   18. The door handle assembly of claim 17, wherein the lever of the door latch release actuator remains in contact with the control feature of the handle through the movement of the handle between the stowed and the operative state.

   19. The door handle assembly of claim 6, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the link comprises a Bowden cable.

   20. A body component for a vehicle comprising an outer surface defining an aperture for receiving the handle of the door handle assembly of any one of the preceding claims.

   21. The body component according to claim 20 the handle is shaped to substantially fill the aperture and to lie substantially flush with the outer surface of the body component when the handle is in a stowed position.

   22. A vehicle including the body component of claim 20 or 21, or the retractable handle arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 19.

   23. A retractable handle arrangement as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.