GB2574190A

GB2574190A - A handle assembly for a vehicle and method

Info

Publication number: GB2574190A
Application number: GB1806253.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chacko Salvio
Original assignee: Tata Motors European Technical Centre PLC; Tata Motors Ltd
Current assignee: Tata Motors European Technical Centre PLC; Tata Motors Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-17
Filing date: 2018-04-17
Publication date: 2019-12-04
Also published as: GB201806253D0

Abstract

A handle assembly 10 for a vehicle body aperture closure 12, the handle assembly 10 comprising: a moveable handle 14 having a length, a width and a height, the length being the longest dimension of the moveable handle; movement means 22 operable to move the handle 14 from a retracted position in which, in use, the handle 14 is at least partly contained within the vehicle body aperture closure 12, to a deployed position; wherein the movement means 22 are operable to rotate the moveable handle 14 about an axis 28 parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle to move the handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions. A pressure switch or fingerprint scanner may be provided on the handle for actuating a latch.

Description

A HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a handle assembly for a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a handle assembly for a vehicle in a vehicle body aperture closure.

Aspects of the invention relate to a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure, a vehicle body aperture closure, a vehicle, a method and a computer program.

BACKGROUND

In some conventional handle assemblies for a vehicle body aperture closure, such as a door of a vehicle, the door handle is located on an outer surface of the door and is on view at all times.

In vehicle handle arrangements where a handle may move to be available when required these systems can be complicated in design and therefore complicated and expensive to manufacture.

Furthermore, in some such systems the design can be further complicated by having to address, for example, icing over of a vehicle in cold weather which may prevent the handle from moving to be available.

It is an aim at least some embodiments of the present invention to address or ameliorate disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a handle assembly, a vehicle body aperture closure, a vehicle, a method and a computer program as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure, the handle assembly comprising:

a moveable handle having a length, a width and a height, the length being the longest dimension of the moveable handle;

movement means operable to move the handle from a retracted position in which, in use, the handle is at least partly contained within the vehicle body aperture closure, to a deployed position;

wherein the movement means are operable to rotate the moveable handle about an axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle to move the handle between the retracted and deployed positions.

This is advantageous as the moveable handle can rotate through a narrow aperture in the surface of the vehicle body aperture closure providing, for example, a small area to be sealed on the surface of the vehicle.

Furthermore, this provides for a handle assembly having a simplified design resulting in savings in design and manufacturing costs.

The moveable handle may comprise a first portion at a first end of the handle and a second portion at a second end of the handle, the first portion and the second portion separated by the length of the handle; and the movement means may be operable to rotate the moveable handle about an axis passing through the first and second portions to move the handle between the retracted and deployed positions.

At least part of the movable handle may be shaped to form at least part of a spheroid, a sphere, an ellipsoid and/or a cylinder.

The movement means may be operable to rotate the movable handle about a major axis of the moveable handle.

The handle assembly may comprise closure means arranged to, when the moveable handle is in the retracted position, substantially close an aperture in a panel of the vehicle body aperture closure through which the moveable handle is, in use, deployed.

The closure means may comprise at least one closure member on the moveable handle.

The closure means may comprise at least one closure member separate from the moveable handle, the handle assembly may comprise closure movement means operable to move the at least one closure member to substantially close the aperture in the panel of the vehicle body aperture closure when the moveable handle is in the retracted position.

In use, the moveable handle may be completely contained within the vehicle body aperture closure in the retracted position.

The handle assembly may comprise unlatching means operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure.

The unlatching means may comprise at least one pressure switch and/or fingerprint scanner located on the moveable handle.

The unlatching means may be operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure in dependence on an upward pull on the moveable handle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure, the handle assembly comprising:

movement means operable to move the moveable handle about an axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle.

The movement means may comprises one or more motors and one or more gears arranged to move the moveable handle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle body aperture closure comprising:

a handle assembly as described in any preceding paragraph; and at least one aperture arranged to allow deployment of the moveable handle therethrough.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a handle assembly as described in any preceding paragraph and/or a vehicle body aperture closure as described in any preceding paragraph.

The axis of rotation of the moveable handle may be substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising controlling deployment of a moveable handle of a handle assembly as described in any preceding paragraph.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling deployment of a moveable handle for a vehicle body aperture closure comprising:

rotating a moveable handle about an axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle to move the handle from a retracted position in which the handle is at least partially contained within the vehicle body aperture closure, to a deployed position;

wherein the moveable handle has a length, a width and a height, the length being the longest dimension of the moveable handle.

The method may comprise rotating the moveable handle about the axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle to return the moveable handle to the retracted position.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least, the method as described in any preceding paragraph.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as described in any preceding paragraph.

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:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a moveable handle;

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig. 7A illustrates an example of a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig. 7B illustrates an example of a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure;

Fig 8 illustrates an example of handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure; and

Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure relate to a handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure, such as a vehicle door. Examples of the disclosure also relate to a method of controlling deployment of a moveable handle of a handle assembly and/or to deployment of a moveable handle of a handle assembly.

In examples, the handle assembly comprises a moveable handle having a length, a width and a height, the length being the longest dimension of the moveable handle.

In examples, the handle assembly also comprises movement means, such as one or more motors and a gear arrangement, configured to move the handle from a retracted position to a deployed position. In examples, in the retracted position, the handle is at least partly contained within the vehicle body aperture closure.

In examples, in the deployed position, the handle is at least partly external to the vehicle body aperture closure to allow a user of the vehicle to grasp the handle to operate the vehicle body aperture closure.

In examples, the movement means are configured to rotate the moveable handle about an axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle to move the handle between the retracted and deployed positions.

A technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that the moveable handle can rotate through a narrow aperture in the surface of the vehicle body aperture closure providing, for example, a small area to be sealed on the surface of the vehicle.

Furthermore, examples of the disclosure provide a handle assembly having a simplified design resulting in savings in design and manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, the use of a long axis of rotation enables designing of parts with less operational force and torque as the force is distributed along its length. This provides advantages, for example, in relation to possible icing over of the surface of a vehicle.

In addition, in examples the handle is contained within a vehicle body aperture closure and appears when required which can provide a surprising and interesting effect for a user of the vehicle.

In the description of Figs. 1 and 2 below some elements referred to are illustrated in Figs. 3 to 9.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10 for a vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In examples, the vehicle body aperture closure 12 is a door of a vehicle. See, for example, Fig. 9.

In the example of Fig. 1, the handle assembly 10 comprises a moveable handle 14 and movement means 22.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 has a length 16, a width 18 and a height 20, the length 16 being the longest dimension of the moveable handle 14. See, for example, of Fig. 3.

In the example of Fig. 1 the movement means 22 are operable to move the handle 14 from a retracted position in which, in use, the handle 14 is at least partly contained within the vehicle body aperture closure 12, to a deployed position.

In the deployed position the handle 14 is at least partly exterior to the vehicle body aperture closure 12 to allow a user to grasp the handle 14 to, for example, operate/open the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In the example of Fig. 1, the movement means 22 are operable to rotate the moveable handle 14 about an axis 28 parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle 14 to move the handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions.

In examples, the movement means 22 are operable to rotate the moveable handle 14 about a major axis of the moveable handle 14. See, for example, Figs 3 and 4.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 may have any suitable form. That is, in examples, the moveable handle 14 may have any suitable size and/or shape to allow the moveable handle 14 to rotate about an axis 28 parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle 14 to move the handle 14 between a retracted and deployed position.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 comprises a first portion 30 at a first end 32 of the handle 14 and a second portion 34 at a second end 36 of the handle 14, the first portion 30 and the second portion 34 separated by the length 16 of the handle 14.

In such examples, the movement means 22 are operable to rotate the moveable handle 14 about an axis passing through the first and second portions 30, 34 to move the handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions. See, for example, Figs 3 and 4.

In examples, at least part of the moveable handle 14 is shaped to form at least part of a spheroid, a sphere, an ellipsoid and/or a cylinder.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 provides, in the deployed position, at least one recess to allow a user to grasp the deployed handle 14 from underneath. See, for example, Figs 5 and 6.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the moveable handle 14 may comprise one or more materials selected from the group including, but not limited to, metals, metallic alloys, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, magnesium, zinc, polymers, plastic, reinforced plastic, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), glassreinforced plastic (GRP), glass-reinforced nylon, aramid-reinforced plastic, carbon-fibre, composite materials, and ceramic materials.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 may be made using any suitable method. For example the moveable handle 14 may be manufactured using one or more techniques selected from the group including, but not limited to, rolling, forging, casting, investment casting, die casting, molding, injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, machining, and three-dimensional printing.

In some examples, in use, the moveable handle 14 is completely contained within the vehicle body aperture closure 12 in the retracted position.

That is, in examples, the movement means 22 are operable to rotate the moveable handle 14, in use, to be entirely contained with a vehicle body aperture closure 12 in the retracted position.

In examples, the movement means 22 may have any suitable arrangement or form to rotate the moveable handle 14 about an axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle 14 to move the handle between the retracted and deployed positions.

In examples, the movement means 22 comprise one or more driving means, such as one or more motors 68 configured to directly or indirectly rotate the moveable handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions.

In some examples, the movement means 22 comprise a gear arrangement 67 comprising one or more gears 66 to pass rotational motion from one or more motors 68 to the moveable handle 14 to rotate the moveable handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions.

In examples, the gear arrangement 67 comprises a worm gear arrangement/helical gear arrangement.

See, for example, Figs. 4 to 6.

The movement means may be made of any suitable materials.

Accordingly, Fig. 1 illustrates a handle assembly 10 for a vehicle body aperture closure 12, the handle assembly 10 comprising:

a moveable handle 14 having a length 16, a width 18 and a height 20, the length 16 being the longest dimension of the moveable handle 14;

movement means 22 operable to move the handle 14 from a retracted position in which, in use, the handle 14 is at least partly contained within the vehicle body aperture closure 12, to a deployed position;

wherein the movement means 22 are operable to rotate the moveable handle 14 about an axis 28 parallel with a longitudinal axis of the moveable handle 14 to move the handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In the example of Fig. 2 the vehicle body aperture closure 12 comprises a moveable handle 14, movement means 22, closure means 38, closure movement means 44, unlatching means 46 and a controller 56.

In examples, the vehicle body aperture closure 12 comprises at least one aperture 40 (see, for example, Fig. 9) arranged to allow deployment of the moveable handle 14 therethrough.

In examples the at least on aperture 40 may comprise a slot.

Accordingly, the example of Fig. 2 illustrates a vehicle body aperture closure 12 comprising a handle assembly 10 as described herein; and at least one aperture 40 arranged to allow deployment of the moveable handle 14 therethrough.

The at least one aperture 40 may have any suitable shape, size and/or form to allow deployment of the moveable handle 14 therethrough. For example, the form of the aperture 40 may be matched to the form of moveable handle 14. In examples, the form of the aperture 40 may match a profile of the moveable handle 14. See, for example, Fig 9.

In the example of Fig. 2 the vehicle body aperture closure 12 is comprised in a vehicle 54. In examples, the vehicle 54 may be any suitable vehicle such as any suitable car, truck, van and so on.

Accordingly, Fig. 2 also illustrates a vehicle 54 comprising a handle assembly 10 as described herein and/or a vehicle body aperture closure 12 as described herein.

In the example of Fig. 2 the moveable handle 14 and movement means 22 may be as described in relation to Fig. 1.

In the example of Fig. 2 the closure means 38 are arranged to, when the moveable handle 14 is in the retracted position, substantially or at least partially close an aperture 40 in a panel of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 through which the moveable handle is, in use, deployed. In examples the panel is an outer panel of the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

The closure means 38 may comprise any suitable means for substantially closing an aperture in a panel of a vehicle body aperture closure 12 through which the moveable handle 14 is, in use, deployed.

In examples, the closure means 38 comprise at least one closure member, for example one or more face plates or flanges or lips, on the moveable handle 14. See, for example, Fig 8.

In such examples, the vehicle body aperture closure 12 may comprise one or more recesses arranged to receive the closure member on the moveable handle 14. In examples, the one or more recesses is arranged to match/cooperate with the shape of the closure member on the moveable handle 14.

In examples, the closure member may be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the moveable handle 14.

This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 by the dotted box labeled 38 within the moveable handle box 14.

In such examples, the closure movement means 44 may be considered to form at least part of the movement means 22.

The closure member may have any suitable form to substantially close an aperture 40 in a panel of a vehicle body aperture closure 12 through which the moveable handle 14 is deployed.

For example, the closure member may have a shape, size and/or form configured to substantially match with the shape of the aperture 40 through which the moveable handle 14 is deployed.

In some examples, the closure means 38 comprise at least one closure member separate from the moveable handle 14 and the handle assembly 10 comprises closure movement means 44 operable to move the at least one closure member to substantially close the aperture 40 in the panel of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 when the moveable handle 14 is in the retracted position.

Any suitable closure movement means 44 may used. In examples the closure movement means 44 comprises a motor and one or more gears operable to move the closure means to substantially close the aperture 40 in the panel of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 when the moveable handle is in the retracted position.

In examples, the closure movement means 44 may be operable to move the at least one closure member of the closure means 38 by translation and/or rotation. See, for example, Figs 7A and 7B.

In examples where the closure means 38 comprise a closure member separate from the moveable handle 14, the closure member may comprise any suitable shape, size and/or form to substantially close the aperture 40 in the panel of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 when the moveable handle 14 is in the retracted position.

For example, the closure means 38 may comprise one or more shutters, one or more panels and so on that may be moved by the closure movement means 44 to substantially close the aperture 40.

In some examples, the closure means 38 comprises a moveable shutter shaped at least in part to match and/or cooperate with the shape of the aperture 40.

In such examples, the shape of the moveable shutter cooperates with that of the aperture to close the aperture when the moveable handle 14 is in the retracted position.

In some examples, the closure means 38 comprises a moveable shutter which is larger than the aperture 40. In such examples the shutter completely overlaps the aperture 40 to close the aperture 40 when the moveable handle is in the retracted position.

In the example of Fig. 2, the unlatching means 46 are operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism (not illustrated) to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure 12. For example, the unlatching means may be operable to operate a door latch mechanism to allow a door of the vehicle 54 to be opened.

In examples, the unlatching means 46 may comprise any suitable means for operating at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In examples, the unlatching means 46 may be located at any suitable location on the handle assembly 10. For example, the unlatching means 46 may be located on the moveable handle 14. This is illustrated in the example of Fig 2 by the dotted box labelled 46 within the moveable handle box.

In examples, the unlatching means 46 comprise at least one pressure switch 50 and/or fingerprint scanner 52 located on the moveable handle 14.

In some examples, the unlatching means 46 is located in the recess formed by the moveable handle 14 when in the deployed position to allow the unlatching means 46 to be easily actuated by a user when grasping the deployed moveable handle 14. See, for example, Fig. 5.

In some examples, the unlatching means 46 are operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure 12 in dependence on an upward pull on the at least partially deployed moveable handle 14. See, for example, Fig. 6.

In such examples, the unlatching means 46 may comprise any suitable means to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure 12 in dependence on an upward pull on the moveable handle 14.

For example, the unlatching means 46 may comprise biasing means 70, such as one or more springs, elastomer pads, and so on to allow movement of the handle assembly 10 and force movement sensing means 76 such as one or more strain gauges, micro switches and so on, configured to sense an upward pull on the moveable handle 14.

In the example of Fig. 2 the controller 56 provides means to control operation of the handle assembly 10.

In examples, the controller 56 provides means to control operation of the closure movement means 44, the movement means 22 and/or the unlatching means 46.

However, in examples, any suitable means to control operation of the handle assembly 10 may be used.

Implementation of a controller 56 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 56 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

The controller 56 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor.

The processor is configured to read from and write to a memory. The processor may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor.

The memory stores a computer program comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the handle assembly 10 when loaded into the processor. The computer program instructions, of the computer program, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods described herein. The processor by reading the memory is able to load and execute the computer program.

The controller therefore comprises:

at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to control deployment of a moveable handle 14 of a handle assembly 10 as described herein.

The computer program may arrive at the apparatus via any suitable delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program. The apparatus may propagate or transmit the computer program as a computer data signal.

The memory may be implemented as a single component / circuitry it may also be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

The processor may be implemented as a single component / circuitry it may also be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor may be a single core or multi-core processor.

References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixedfunction device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

In examples, the controller 56 provides means to control operation of the movement means 22 and / or closure movement means 44. Information may be transmitted between the controller 56 and the movement means 22 / closure movement means 44. For example, control information may be transmitted from the controller 56 to the movement means 22 and / or closure movement means 44 and / or, in some examples, information transmitted from the movement means 22 and / or closure movement means 44 to the controller 56.

This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 by the double headed arrows linking the controller 56 and the movement means 22 and the double headed arrow linking the controller 56 and the closure movement means 44.

In examples, the controller 56 provides means to control operation of the unlatching means 46. Information may be transmitted between the controller 56 and the unlatching means 46. For example, control information may be transmitted from the controller 56 to the unlatching means 46 and/or information obtained by the unlatching means 46 transmitted to the controller 56.

For example, one or more signals generated by the actuation of the unlatching means 46 may be transmitted to the controller 56 and the controller 56 may control an unlatching mechanism of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 in dependence on the received signal(s).

This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 by the double headed arrow linking the controller 56 and the unlatching means 46.

As illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 the elements 44, 22 and 46 are operationally coupled to the controller 56 and any number or combination of intervening elements can exist between them (including no intervening elements).

In some examples, the elements 44, 22 and 46 are operationally coupled to each other and/or share one or more components. Additionally or alternatively, the elements 44, 22 and 46 may be operationally coupled to and/or share one or more components with other elements as demonstrated in the example of Fig. 2.

The vehicle body aperture closure 12 or vehicle 54 may comprise any number of additional elements not illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

For example, the vehicle 54 may comprises one or more sensors for use in deployment of the moveable handle 14.

In examples the vehicle 54 may comprise one or more vehicle perimeter sensors operable to detect when a user of the vehicle 54, such as a driver of the vehicle 54, is in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, the one of more sensors may be operable to detect when a key fob of the vehicle 54 is in the vicinity of the vehicle 54.

In such examples a controller or controllers, such as the controller 56 of Fig 2, receives one or more signals from the one or more sensors and puts the vehicle 54 in a ready to go state in dependence on the received signals. For example, the controller(s) may deploy the moveable handle(s) 14 on the vehicle 54.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the elements of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 may be integrated and/or combined. For example, the movement means 22 may be at least partially combined with the closure movement means 44.

In some examples, one or more of the elements illustrated in the example of Fig. 2 may be omitted from the vehicle body aperture closure 12. For example, the closure movement means 44 may be omitted from the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a moveable handle 14. In examples, the moveable handle 14 illustrated in the example of Fig. 3 is used in a handle assembly 10 such as the handle assembly of Fig. 1 and/or Fig. 2.

In the example of Fig. 3, the moveable handle 14 is shaped to form a part of an ellipsoid. However, in examples any suitable form of moveable handle 14 may be used.

As illustrated in the example of Fig. 3, the moveable handle 14 has a length 16, a width 18 and a height 20, the length being the longest dimension of the moveable handle 14.

Any suitable dimensions for the moveable handle 14 may be used. In examples, the length 16 and/or width 18 and/or height 20 is specific to the design and/or type of vehicle that the moveable handle 14 will be employed in.

In some examples the length 16 is approximately 10 to 15 cm, the width approximately 8 to 10 cm and the height approximately 5 to 8 cm.

The moveable handle 14 of Fig 3 comprises a first portion 30 at a first end 32 of the moveable handle 14 and a second portion 34 at a second end 36 of the moveable handle 14.

The first portion 30 and the second portion 34 are separated by the length 16 of the moveable handle 14.

In the example of Fig. 3, the moveable handle 14 is rotatable around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the moveable handle 14 to move the handle 14 between retracted and deployed positions. This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 3 by the curved double headed arrow to the right of the moveable handle 14.

In the example of Fig. 3 the moveable handle 14 is rotatable about a major axis of the moveable handle 14. That is, in the example of Fig. 3 the moveable handle 14 is rotatable about an axis 28 that is the major axis of the ellipsoid formed by rotating the moveable handle through 360 degrees.

The moveable handle 14 of Fig. 3 is illustrated in a deployed position in which the moveable handle 14 presents a recess for a user to grasp to operate the moveable handle 14 / vehicle body aperture closure 12 (not illustrated in the example of Fig. 3). For example, the user may grasp the moveable handle 14 to open a door of a vehicle 54.

This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 3 by the curved arrow pointing to the underside of the moveable handle 14.

In examples, the moveable handle 14 is configured to be rotated by movement means 22 between retracted and deployed positions. In some examples, the moveable handle 14 may comprise one or more features to engage with movement means 22 to allow rotation of the handle 14 between retracted and deployed positions. See, for example, Figs. 5 and 6.

In such examples, the features of the moveable handle 14 that are configured to co-operate with movement means 22 may be considered to form part of the movement means 22.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10.

The handle assembly 10 illustrated in the example of Fig. 4 comprises a moveable handle 14 and movement means 22.

In the example of Fig. 4, the moveable handle 14 may be as described in relation to Fig. 1,2 and/or 3.

In the example of Fig. 4, the movement means 22 comprise a motor 68 and a gear arrangement 67 comprising a plurality of gears 66.

In examples any suitable gear arrangement 67 may be used. For example, the gear arrangement may comprise one or more spur gears, one or more helical / worm gears, one or more quadrant/sector gears and so on.

In Fig. 4 the gear arrangement 67 is arranged to transfer rotational motion from the motor 68 to rotate the moveable handle 14 between retracted and deployed positions about an axis 28.

In the example of Fig. 4, the gear arrangement comprises two spur gears 66 configured to co-operate to transfer rotational motion from the motor 68 to the moveable handle 14. In the example of Fig. 4 the upper gear 66 is connected to the moveable handle 14 by a connecting member 72 to allow rotation of the moveable handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions to be controlled.

However, in examples, any suitable movement means 22 arranged to move the moveable handle 14 between the retracted and deployed positions may be used.

For example, a worm gear arrangement may be used. See, for example, Figs. 5 and 6.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10. In the example of Fig. 5, a cross section of the handle assembly 10 is illustrated.

The handle assembly 10 of Fig. 5 comprises a moveable handle 14 and movement means 22.

In the example of Fig. 5, the moveable handle 14 may be as described in relation to Fig. 1,2 and/or 3.

In the example of Fig. 5, the movement means 22 comprise a plurality of gears 66. In Fig. 5, the gears comprise a helical / worm gear engaged with a quadrant / sector gear on the moveable handle 14.

Additionally or alternatively, a toothed portion could be formed on part of the rear of the moveable handle 14 to engage with the worm/helical gear. Any suitable method may be used to form the toothed portion, for example moulding.

In the example of Fig. 5, the worm gear is directly or indirectly driven by one or more motors 68 (not illustrated in Fig. 5) to rotate the moveable handle 14 between retracted and deployed positions.

In Fig. 5, the moveable handle 14 is illustrated in a partially deployed state. That is, in the example of Fig. 5 the moveable handle 14 has been rotated through an aperture 40 in an outer panel 74 of a vehicle body aperture closure 12 to allow part of the handle 14 to protrude beyond the interior of the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In the example of Fig. 5, further rotation of the moveable handle 14 out of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 will place the moveable handle 14 in the deployed position.

In the example of Fig. 5, the moveable handle 14 may be rotated by the movement means 22 to position the moveable handle 14 entirely within the vehicle body aperture closure 12 such that the moveable handle 14 is completely contained within the vehicle body aperture closure 12 in the retracted position.

In Fig. 5, the moveable handle 14 comprises unlatching means 46 operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism (not illustrated) to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In the illustrated example, the unlatching means 46 comprise at least one pressure switch 50 located on the moveable handle 14. Additionally or alternatively the unlatching means 46 may comprise at least one fingerprint scanner 52 located on the moveable handle 14.

In Fig 5, the unlatching means 46 is located on the underside of the moveable handle 14 at a convenient position for a user to actuate when grasping the moveable handle 14 in the deployed position.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10.

The handle assembly 10 illustrated in the example of Fig. 6 is similar to the handle assembly 10 of Fig. 5 and may be as described in relation to Fig. 5.

However, in the example of Fig. 6, the unlatching means 46 are different.

In Fig. 6, the handle assembly 10 is mounted to the inside of the vehicle body aperture closure 12 by biasing means 70.

The biasing means 70 allow for a small degree of freedom for the handle assembly 10 to move when the deployed handle 14 is pulled upward by the user. This is illustrated in the example of Fig. 6 by the upward pointing arrow at the front edge of the moveable handle 14 and double-headed curved arrow to the lower right of the handle assembly 10.

However, it is noted that the handle 14 in the example of Fig. 6 is in the partially deployed state.

Any suitable biasing means 70 may be used. For example, one or more springs and/or one or more elastomer pads and so on.

In the example of Fig. 6, the biasing means 70 comprise springs.

The unlatching means 46 in the example of Fig. 6 also comprise sensing means 76 configured to sense movement of the handle assembly 10 caused by an upward pull and/or a pull comprising an upward component on the handle 14 by a user.

In the illustrated example an upward pull on the deployed handle 14 will be transferred to the biasing means 70 and sensing means 76 via the gear arrangement 67 and housing.

In examples any suitable sensing means 76 may be used. For example one or more strain gauges and/or one or more micro-switches and so on.

In the example of Fig. 6, the sensing means 76 comprise strain gauges.

In Fig. 6, the unlatching means 46 are operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism (not illustrated) to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure 12 in dependence on an upward pull on the deployed moveable handle 14.

For example, the sensing means 76 may transmit one or more signals to the controller 56 (see Fig. 2) in dependence upon an upward pull on the moveable handle 14. The controller 56 may be configured to control the latch mechanism in dependence upon the received signal(s).

Fig 7A illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10 for a vehicle body aperture closure 12.

In Fig 7A an example of closure means 38 is illustrated. The moveable handle 14 and movement means 22 of the handle assembly are not shown in the example of Fig 7A for the sake of clarity.

In Fig 7A the closure means 38 comprises a closure member in the form of a moveable shutter shaped to match/cooperate with the shape of the aperture 40 through which the moveable handle 14 can be deployed.

The handle assembly 10 of Fig 7A also comprises closure movement means 44 operable to move the closure means 38 between first and second positions, which may be considered closed and open positions.

In the upper panel of Fig 7A the closure means 38 is in the closed position and is therefore positioned to substantially close the aperture 40 through which the moveable handle 14 is deployed. Accordingly, the aperture 40 is not visible in the upper panel of Fig. 7A.

The upper panel of Fig 7A therefore illustrates the handle assembly 10 when the moveable handle 14 is in the retracted position and the aperture 40 is closed by the closure means 38.

In the lower panel of Fig 7A the movement means 44 has moved the closure means 38 to open the aperture 40 to allow the moveable handle 14 to be deployed there-through. The closure means 38 is therefore in the open position in the lower panel of Fig 7A.

In the example of Fig 7A the closure movement means 44 is arranged to move the closure means 38 between the closed and open positions by translation.

It can be seen in the example of Fig 7A that the shutter of the closure means 38 is shaped to match and cooperate with the shape of the aperture 40 through which the moveable handle 14 is deployed. In the example of Fig 7A the curvature of the closure means 38 matches the curvature of the aperture 40.

Fig 7B illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10 for a vehicle body aperture closure 12.

Fig 7B is similar to the example of Fig 7A. However, in the example of Fig 7B the closure movement means 44 is arranged to rotate the closure means 38 between the closed and open positions.

In the upper panel of Fig 7B the closure means is in the closed position and the aperture 40 through which the moveable handle 14 is deployed is not visible.

In the lower panel of Fig 7B the closure movement means 44 has rotated the shutter of the closure means 38 into the open position, revealing the aperture 40 through which the moveable handle 14 is deployed.

It can be seen in the example of Fig 7B that the shutter of the closure means 38 is shaped to match and cooperate with the shape of the aperture 40 to allow the aperture 40 to be closed and opened by rotation of the closure means 38.

Fig 8 illustrates an example of a handle assembly 10 for a vehicle body aperture closure 12.

The example illustrated in Fig 8 is similar to the example illustrated in Fig 4. However, in the example of Fig 8 the movement means 22 are not shown and the moveable handle comprises a closure member in the form of a flange or lip.

As can be seen from the example of Fig 8, the flange/lip protrudes perpendicularly from the surface of the moveable handle 14 at the edge of the moveable handle 14. In the example of Fig 8 the flange/lip protrudes from the handle 14 in a single direction. In some examples the flange/lip protrudes from the handle 14 in more than one direction.

For example, the flange/lip may protrude from the handle 14 in first and second directions. In some examples, the first and second directions may be opposite directions such that the flange/lip extends from the handle 14 along a plane extending from the handle 14.

The moveable handle 14 is illustrated in the deployed position in Fig 8.

Also illustrated in the example of Fig 8 is a recess 78 in the vehicle body aperture closure 12 shaped to receive the flange/lip of the moveable handle 14 when the moveable handle 14 is rotated into the retracted position.

The flange/lip of the moveable handle 14 in Fig 8 is arranged to at least partially close the aperture 40 when the moveable handle is in the retracted position.

Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a vehicle 54.

In the illustrated example, the vehicle 54 comprises a handle assembly 10 as described herein and a plurality of vehicle body aperture closures 12 as described herein.

In the example of Fig. 9, the vehicle 54 comprises a plurality of handle assemblies 10.

A plurality of apertures 40 corresponding to a profile of a moveable handle 14 are illustrated in the example of Fig. 9 arranged to allow a moveable handle 14 to rotate through an outer panel of the door of the vehicle 54 to place the handle 14 in the deployed position.

In the example of Fig. 9, the moveable handles 14, when in the retracted position, are entirely contained within the vehicle body aperture closure 12.

As can be seen from the illustrated example, Fig. 9 illustrates a vehicle 54 comprising a handle assembly 10 as described herein wherein the axis of rotation of the moveable handle 14 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 54.

In examples, a method is also provided of controlling deployment of a moveable handle 14 of a handle assembly 10 as described herein. For example, the controller 56 of Fig. 2 may be configured to control deployment of a moveable handle 14 of a handle assembly 10 as described herein.

Examples of the disclosure also relate to a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least, a method of controlling deployment of a moveable handle 14 of a handle assembly 10 as described herein.

Examples of the disclosure also relate to a non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as described herein.

Examples of the disclosure also provide a method of deploying a moveable handle 14 of a handle assembly 10 as described herein.

Examples of the disclosure provide various technical effects. For example, a technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that the moveable handle can rotate through a narrow aperture in the surface of the vehicle body aperture closure providing, for example, a small area to be sealed on the surface of the vehicle.

Furthermore, examples of the disclosure provide a handle assembly having a simple design resulting in savings in design and manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, the use of a long axis of rotation enables designing of parts with less operational force and torque as the force is distributed along its length. This provides advantages, for example, in relation to deployment of the handle when ice forms on the surface of a vehicle, potentially restricting movement of the handle.

In examples the handle is contained within a vehicle body aperture closure and appears when required which can provide a surprising and interesting effect for a user of the vehicle.

As used herein “for” should be considered to also include “configured or arranged to”. For example, “movement means for” should also be considered to include “movement means configured or arranged to”.

For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the controller(s) described herein can each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and/or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller(s) may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the described method(s)). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions could be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described above may be embedded in a computerreadable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors/computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term “comprised” is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use “comprise” with an exclusive meaning than it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one ...” or by using “consisting”.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions 5 may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a vehicle body aperture closure, the handle assembly comprising:

2. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moveable handle comprises a first portion at a first end of the handle and a second portion at a second end of the handle, the first portion and the second portion separated by the length of the handle; and wherein the movement means are operable to rotate the moveable handle about an axis passing through the first and second portions to move the handle between the retracted and deployed positions.

3. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part of the movable handle is shaped to form at least part of a spheroid, a sphere, an ellipsoid and/or a cylinder.

4. A handle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the movement means are operable to rotate the movable handle about a major axis of the moveable handle.

5. A handle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising closure means arranged to, when the moveable handle is in the retracted position, substantially close an aperture in a panel of the vehicle body aperture closure through which the moveable handle is, in use, deployed.

6. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the closure means comprise at least one closure member on the moveable handle.

7. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the closure means comprises at least one closure member separate from the moveable handle, the handle assembly comprising closure movement means operable to move the at least one closure member to substantially close the aperture in the panel of the vehicle body aperture closure when the moveable handle is in the retracted position.

8. A handle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the moveable handle is completely contained within the vehicle body aperture closure in the retracted position.

9. A handle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising unlatching means operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure.

10. A handle assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the unlatching means comprises at least one pressure switch and/or fingerprint scanner located on the moveable handle.

11. A handle assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the unlatching means are operable to operate at least one vehicle body aperture closure latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle body aperture closure in dependence on an upward pull on the moveable handle.

12. A vehicle body aperture closure comprising:

a handle assembly as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11; and at least one aperture arranged to allow deployment of the moveable handle therethrough.

13. A vehicle comprising a handle assembly as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11 and/or a vehicle body aperture closure as claimed in claim 12.

14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the axis of rotation of the moveable handle is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

15. A method comprising controlling deployment of a moveable handle of a handle assembly as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11.

16. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least, the method as claimed in claim 15.

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17. A non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as claimed in claim 16.