WO2018190573A1

WO2018190573A1 - Vehicle door handle assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018190573A1
Application number: PCT/KR2018/004058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hae Il Jeong
Original assignee: Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-04-13
Filing date: 2018-04-06
Publication date: 2018-10-18
Also published as: KR20180115544A; KR101936818B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle door handle assembly, and particularly, to a vehicle door handle assembly in which, since a handle installed such that one side of the handle is rotatable with respect to a vehicle door and a door-closing-unit connecting part connected to the other side of the handle is included, the door-closing-unit connecting part may be smoothly pulled while a rotational angle of the handle is small, and thus a volume of an apparatus, i.e., the vehicle door handle assembly, decreases.

Description

VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a vehicle door handle assembly.

At an inside or outside of vehicle doors, door latches for performing lock, unlock, open, and close operations of doors, inside and outside handles for operating the door to be opened, door lock devices for door lock and unlock operations using keys or buttons, safety knobs for maintaining a door lock state, and the like are provided.

Generally, when a driver inserts a vehicle key into a key cylinder 4 (see FIG. 2) of a door lock device and turns the key, a rotational force of the key is transmitted to a door latch due to a mechanical and circuital connection structure and a door lock or unlock operation is performed.

Alternatively, the door lock or unlock operation may be performed by manipulating a button of a remote controller (a fob key), or in a case in which a driver approaches a vehicle in which a personal identification card (PIC) system is applied in a state in which the driver possesses a smart key, the door lock operation performed by a door latch is released and the driver may immediately open a door.

Alternatively, after the driver pushes the button of an outside handle to release the door lock in a state in which the driver possesses the smart key, the driver pulls the outside handle to open the door.

In addition, in a case in which the outside handle is manipulated in a state in which the door lock by the door latch is released, that is, a door-unlock state, an operating force of the handle is transmitted via a cable (rod) connected between the outside handle and the door latch, and the door open operation (in which restriction of a strike installed in a vehicle is released) of the door latch is performed, and thus the drive may open the door.

Here, in a case in which the user manipulates the outside handle in the state in which the door latch performs the door-unlock operation, the operating force is transmitted to the door latch via the cable (or the rod) and an opening operation of the door latch is performed due to the operating force.

A mechanical connection structure between the outside handle and the door latch which allows the door to be opened in the door-unlock state will not be described because of known technology.

Meanwhile, in a case in which an electrically retractable handle is applied as the outside handle, a motor for rotating the handle is provided, and the motor of a side of the handle allows the handle to protrude outward from a door panel such that the handle is operated to protrude only when the door is opened or accommodates the handle inside the door panel such that the handle does not protrude from the door panel in a case in which the handle is not used, and allows the handle to be located such that the handle does not normally protrude outward from the door panel.

However, when the unlock operation is performed using a remote controller or when a driver possessing a smart key approaches a vehicle, the motor rotates and allows the handle to protrudes outward from the door panel such that the handle can be pulled and manipulated.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an electrically retractable handle, FIG. 1A is a view illustrating a state in which a handle 2 is inserted into a door panel 1 so that the handle 2 does not protrude toward the outside, and FIG. 1B is a view illustrating a state in which the handle 2 protrudes outward from the door panel 1 to be pulled and manipulated.

As illustrated in the drawings, the handle 2 has been accommodated inside an installation portion of the door panel 1, not protruding from a surface of the door panel, and the handle 2 is rotated by an internal motor 3 (not shown) to protrude outward from the door panel 1 such that the driver may manipulate the handle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating an electrically retractable handle and a door latch, and showing a state in which the handle 2 is accommodated by a motor 3 and protrudes due to the motor 3. FIG. 2A is a view illustrating a state in which the handle 2 is accommodated such that the handle 2 does not protrude outward. FIG. 2B is a view illustrating a state in which the motor 3 operates such that the handle 2 protrudes outward to be pulled and manipulated.

Even in the case in which the electrically retractable handle is applied, when a vehicle key is inserted into a key hole 4a (see FIG. 1) of the door lock device and is turned, a rotational force of the key may be transmitted to a door latch 5, and door lock and unlock operations may be performed.

In addition, in a case in which a button of a remote controller (not shown) is manipulated or the driver possessing the smart key approaches the vehicle, a door lock or unlock operation may be performed by an electric actuator 6 including a motor in the door latch 5, and here, since the door latch also includes its own actuator 6, the door lock and unlock operations may be performed independently in a handle pop-up operation.

However, the handle 2 and the door latch 5 are mechanically connected through a cable 7 or electrically connected through a wire and the like, and the cable 7 is used for a door opening operation.

That is, when the handle 2 is in a pop-up state due to the motor 3 of the handle 2 and a user pulls the handle 2 in a door-unlock state, the operating force of the handle 2 is transmitted to the door latch 5 through the cable 7, and therefore, the door latch 5 connected to the handle 2 through the cable 7 is operated to open the door.

Since the cable 7 is connected to a portion of the handle 2 rotatable with respect to the door panel, a rotational angle of the handle has to be large in order to easily pull the cable 7. Accordingly, there is a problem in that a width of the apparatus increases.

[Prior-Art Documents]

[Patent Documents]

(Patent document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1637820

(Patent document 2) US Patent No. 9080352

The present invention is directed to providing a vehicle door handle assembly capable of opening a door while a rotational angle of a handle is small, so that assembly of the handle is easy, an exterior of a vehicle is elegant, and vehicle security is enhanced.

A vehicle door handle assembly according to the present invention includes: a handle installed such that one side is rotatable with respect to a vehicle door and a door-closing-unit connecting part connected to the other side of the handle.

The vehicle door handle assembly may further include a spring configured to return the other side of the handle to an original position.

The door-closing-unit connecting part may be provided as a wiring member and may include a roller configured to guide the wiring member.

The vehicle door handle assembly may further include a support member disposed inside a panel of the vehicle door, wherein the support member and the handle may be coupled by an elastic hook with a coupling loop coupled to the elastic hook.

The support member connected to the other side of the handle may be slidable with respect to the vehicle door.

The handle may be installed at a sliding member slidable with respect to the vehicle door.

A vehicle door handle assembly according to the present invention includes: a handle; and a support member on which the handle is installed, wherein the support member and the handle are coupled by an elastic hook and a coupling unit coupled to the elastic hook.

As described above, a vehicle door handle assembly according to the present invention has following effects.

Since an apparatus, i.e., the vehicle door handle assembly, includes a handle installed such that one side of the handle is rotatable with respect to a vehicle door and a door-closing-unit connecting part connected to the other side of the handle, the door-closing-unit connecting part is smoothly pulled while a rotational angle of the handle is small, and thus a volume of the apparatus decreases.

Since the apparatus further includes a spring for returning the other side of the handle to an original position, the handle can be automatically returned to the original position.

Since the door-closing-unit connecting part is provided with a wiring member, and a roller for guiding the wiring member is provided, the door-closing-unit connecting part is smoothly guided.

Since the apparatus further includes a support member disposed inside a panel of the vehicle door, and the support member and the handle are coupled by an elastic hook and a coupling loop coupled to the elastic hook, assembly of the handle is easy, and a structure is simplified.

Since the support member connected to the other side of the handle is slidable with respect to the vehicle door, the structure is further simplified.

Since the handle is installed at a sliding member slidable with respect to the vehicle door, the handle is inserted when the handle is not used, and thus, an exterior of the vehicle is more elegant and friction can be reduced during travel. In addition, vehicle security is enhanced by effectively blocking intruders during parking or emergency situations.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an electrically retractable handle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a electrically retractable handle and a door latch according to a related art.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view illustrating a state in which a vehicle door handle assembly is installed in a door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view illustrating the vehicle door handle assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the vehicle door handle assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating the vehicle door handle assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention (a state in which a housing is excluded).

FIG. 7 is a rear view illustrating the vehicle door handle assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention (the state in which the housing is excluded).

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating the vehicle door handle assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention (the state in which the housing is excluded).

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a handle of the vehicle door handle assembly is inserted according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the handle of the vehicle door handle assembly is withdrawn according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a part of the handle of the vehicle door handle assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the handle of the vehicle door handle assembly is pulled according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For reference, components identical to those of a conventional technology among components of the present invention, which will be described below, may be referenced by the above-described conventional technology, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In a case in which some portions are described as being disposed "above" other portions, the some portions may be present right above the other portions or other portions may be interposed therebetween. In contrast, in a case in which some portions are described as being present "right above" other portions, there are no portions therebetween.

Terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments, and do not intend to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein include the plural forms. The term "comprise" and "include" used herein specify specific features, regions, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude presence of or addition of other specific features, numbers, regions, steps, operations, elements, and/or combinations thereof.

Terms such as "below" and "above" which denote relative spaces may be used to more easily describe relation between one portion and the other portion illustrated in the drawings. The terms are intended to have meanings as intended in the drawings and including the other meanings or operations of apparatus being used. For example, when an upside of an apparatus in the drawing is turned down, some portions being described as being present "below" thereof are described as being present "above" thereof. Accordingly, the term "below" used as an example includes both "below" and "above." An apparatus may be rotated at 90° or other angles, and terms that denote a relative space may also be correspondingly interpreted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 12, a vehicle door handle assembly according to the embodiment includes a handle 800 installed such that one side of the handle 800 is rotatable with respect to a vehicle door and a door-closing-unit connecting part 30 connected to the other side of the handle 800.

In the embodiment, an example of the handle of the vehicle door handle assembly withdrawn outward from a side door of a vehicle will be described. Alternatively, the vehicle door handle assembly of the present invention may be installed at one of various locations such as a trunk door.

In the embodiment, a front-rear direction is a transversal direction (a width direction) of the vehicle, and a vertical direction is a vertical direction of the vehicle, and a lateral direction is a longitudinal direction (a length direction) of the vehicle.

The handle 800 is formed in a linear bar form and disposed in the front-rear direction.

The driving unit operates the handle 800. In the embodiment, the driving unit slides the handle 800 in the front-rear direction. The driving unit is disposed inside a panel 10 disposed at an outer side of a vehicle door.

The driving unit includes the motor 910 and the reduction gear unit rotated by the motor 910.

The motor 910 is installed such that a shaft of the motor 910 is disposed in an upper portion of the motor 910.

In addition, the shaft of the motor 910 is vertically disposed in the vehicle so that an increase in a width of an apparatus, i.e., the vehicle door handle assembly, in a width direction of the vehicle is prevented.

The reduction gear unit includes a first worm 921 rotated by the motor 910, two double gears rotated by the first worm 921, and a first worm wheel 927 rotated by the double gear.

The first worm 921 is installed at the shaft of the motor 910. Accordingly, a shaft of the first worm 921 is vertically disposed.

The double gear includes the worm 926 and the worm wheel 925 installed at the worm 926.

A shaft of the worm 926 and a shaft of the worm wheel 925 are integrally formed. Accordingly, when the worm 926 is rotated, the worm wheel 925 is also rotated at the same speed as that of the worm 926.

A circular plate for connecting teeth of a gear of the worm wheel 925 is formed at a portion of the worm wheel 925 facing the worm 926.

An outer diameter of the worm wheel 925 is the same as, similar to, or slightly greater than that of the worm 926.

The number of the double gears is two. Accordingly, the reduction gear unit includes a first double gear 923 and a second double gear 924.

The first double gear 923 is rotated by the first worm 921, and the second double gear 924 is rotated by the first double gear 923.

The first double gear 923 and the second double gear 924 are formed in the same shape.

A shaft of the first double gear 923 is laterally disposed, and a shaft of the second double gear 924 is vertically disposed.

The worm wheel 925 of the first double gear 923 is engaged with the first worm 921, the worm 926 of the first double gear 923 is engaged with the worm wheel 925 of the second double gear 924, and the worm 926 of the second double gear 924 is engaged with the first worm wheel 927.

A main shaft 210 which is a shaft of the first worm wheel 927 is laterally disposed.

Shaft through holes and protrusion insertion holes communicating with the shaft through holes are formed in the first worm wheel 927, and two shaft coupling protrusions inserted into the protrusion insertion holes are formed in a circumferential surface of the main shaft 210. Accordingly, the first worm wheel 927 and the main shaft 210 are shaft-coupled. In addition, the first worm wheel 927 and the main shaft 210 are detachably coupled so that maintenance becomes simpler. Alternatively, the worm wheel 927 and the main shaft 210 may also be integrally formed.

The first worm wheel 927 is disposed at a center of the main shaft 210.

At least two gears among gears of the reduction gear unit are disposed at a side opposite one gear among the remaining gears so that interference between the parts is prevented and a volume of the apparatus becomes more compact.

In the embodiment, the second double gear 924 is disposed in front of the first worm wheel 927, and the first worm 921 is disposed behind the first worm wheel 927.

The first double gear 923 is disposed above the first worm wheel 927.

The driving unit and the handle 800 are connected by the main shaft 210 and links 300.

The main shaft 210 is formed to laterally extend.

The main shaft 210 is rotated by the driving unit.

One ends of the links 300 are connected to both ends of the main shaft 210.

The link 300 is formed such that a horizontal cross section thereof has a polygonal shape (such as a tetragonal shape).

Shaft through holes into which both ends of the main shaft 210 are inserted are formed to pass laterally through the one ends 301 of the links 300.

The main shaft 210 and the links 300 are shaft-coupled by link joints 220.

Shaft through holes through which the main shaft 210 passes and protrusion insertion holes communicating with the shaft through holes are laterally formed in the link joints 220. Shaft coupling protrusions formed at both sides of the main shaft 210 are inserted into the protrusion insertion holes. Accordingly, the link joints 220 and the main shaft 210 are shaft-coupled.

Link insertion holes 221 into which the one ends of the links 300 are vertically inserted are vertically formed in the link joints 220. The link insertion holes 221 are formed such that an upper side and a right or left side are open.

The links 300 are detachably coupled to the link joints 220 and the main shaft 210. Accordingly, maintenance becomes simpler.

The link 300 is formed in a linear bar form and vertically disposed. Accordingly, the one end 301 of the link 300 denotes a lower portion of the link 300, and the other end 302 of the link 300 denotes an upper portion of the link 300.

The handle 800 is rotatably connected to the other end 302 of the link 300. In the embodiment, the link 300 and the handle 800 are indirectly connected, but alternatively, the link 300 and the handle 800 may be directly connected.

Since long holes 303 are formed to vertically extend in the other ends 302 of the links 300 which are portions connected to the handle 800, the handle 800 with a simple structure may be slid in the front-rear direction. The long holes 303 are formed to pass laterally through the other ends 302. Shafts 730 connected to the handle 800 are inserted into the long holes 303.

The other ends 302 of the links 300 are connected to the handle 800 through a sliding member 700.

The sliding member 700 is slidable with respect to the panel 10 of the vehicle door.

In the embodiment, the sliding member 700 is slidable in the front-rear direction.

The sliding member 700 is disposed above the driving unit.

The sliding member 700 includes a hook part 710 having a plate form and protrusions 720 formed to protrude from both sides of a front of the hook part 710.

The hook part 710 is formed to protrude upward and downward from the protrusions 720.

A first through hole 702 is formed in the front-rear direction at a central portion of the hook part 710. The first through hole 702 is disposed between the protrusions 720 disposed at both sides thereof.

One side and the other side of the handle 800 are connected to both sides of fronts of the protrusions 720.

The shafts 730 are formed to protrude leftward and rightward from both sides of the sliding member 700. Accordingly, the other ends 302 of the links 300 disposed at the left and right of the sliding member 700 are rotatably directly connected to the both sides of the sliding member 700.

In addition, a housing 110 for covering the apparatus may also be included in the apparatus.

The housing 110 according to the embodiment is formed to cover a front side, lateral sides, and upper and lower sides of the apparatus. That is, the housing 110 is formed such that a rear side thereof is open.

The housing 110 is installed to be disposed inside the panel 10.

The housing 110 includes a front surface and a circumferential portion protruding rearward from the front surface and covering the front surface.

Protrusion through holes 111 through which the protrusions 720 pass are formed to pass through both sides of an upper portion of the front surface of the housing 110 in the front-rear direction.

First guide units 112a are formed at the circumferential portion to be disposed at the both sides of the upper portion of the housing 110. Guide grooves into which the shafts 730 are inserted are formed in the first guide units 112a in the front-rear direction. The guide grooves are formed such that a left or right side and a rear side thereof are open. The sliding member 700 is guided by the first guide units 112a.

The first guide units 112a are formed to protrude leftward or rightward more than other portions adjacent to the first guide units 112a of the circumferential portion. The links 300 are interposed between the first guide units 112a and the sliding member 700. Accordingly, the links 300 do not move laterally.

A housing protrusion 112c is formed to protrude rearward from the rear of the front surface.

The housing protrusion 112c is interposed between the protrusion through holes 111 disposed at both sides of housing protrusion 112c.

The housing protrusion 112c is inserted into the first through hole 702 and guides the sliding member 700. In addition, the housing protrusion 112c is formed to be hollow, and a reinforcing rib is formed in the housing protrusion 112c. A coupling part for bolting to the panel 10 is formed in the reinforcing rib. Accordingly, the apparatus can be lightweight and also firmly fixed to the panel 10.

Second guide units 112b are formed at both sides of the housing protrusion 112c. The second guide units 112b are protrusions protruding rightward and leftward. The second guide units 112b are formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The second guide units 112b are inserted into grooves formed in the protrusions 720. Accordingly, the sliding member 700 is guided by the second guide units 112b.

Shaft support units 115 for supporting the both sides of the main shaft 210 are formed at both sides of a lower rear portion of the housing 110. Each of the shaft support units 115 is formed with two plates protruding rearward, and insertion grooves into which the main shaft 210 is inserted are formed in the plates. Since the insertion grooves are formed such that rear portions thereof are open, assembly becomes simpler. The two plates are disposed at both sides of the link joints 220. The link joints 220 do not move laterally due to the shaft support units 115.

A driving unit seating portion on which the driving unit is seated is formed at the lower rear portion of the housing 110.

A gear seating groove 113 into which the reduction gear unit is seated and a motor seating groove 114 into which the motor 910 is seated are formed in the driving unit seating portion. The motor seating groove 114 is disposed below the gear seating groove 113. A wall for covering the gear seating groove 113 is formed at the driving unit seating portion and a shaft seating groove into which shafts of gears are seated is formed in the wall.

In addition, a motor cover 120 for covering the rear of the driving unit may also be included in the apparatus.

Accordingly, the driving unit is interposed between the housing 110 and the motor cover 120.

The motor cover 120 is bolted to the lower rear portion of the housing 110. Accordingly, the motor cover 120 is detachably installed at the housing 110.

A wall for covering the reduction gear unit is also formed at the motor cover 120, and a shaft seating groove into which gears of shafts are seated is formed in the wall.

Electrical wires to be connected to electrical parts, such as the motor 910 and a sensor unit which will be described below, are inserted into the motor cover 120. Accordingly, a structure of the apparatus can be more simplified and the electrical parts can be modularized.

Sensor installation parts 121 at which the sensor unit is installed are formed at an outer side of an upper portion of the motor cover 120.

In addition, a contact protrusion is formed to extend in the front-rear direction at an upper portion of the motor cover 120 facing a sensor detection part 600 which will be described below. A central portion of the sensor detection part 600 may be supported by the contact protrusion. Accordingly, durability of the apparatus is improved.

In addition, the apparatus also includes the sensor unit for determining whether the handle 800 is operated.

The sensor unit includes a first sensor 21 and a second sensor 22.

The first sensor 21 detects whether the handle 800 is inserted.

The second sensor 22 detects whether the handle 800 is withdrawn.

The first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 may be provided as limit switches.

The second sensor 22 is disposed in front of the first sensor 21.

Since the first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 are installed in the sensor installation parts 121, electrical parts can be modularized.

The first sensor 21 and the second sensor 22 may be disposed rightward from the reduction gear unit.

Since the sensor detection part 600 detected by the sensor unit is installed between the one ends 301 and the other ends 302 of the links 300, the apparatus is compact and a structure thereof is simplified.

The sensor detection part 600 is disposed above the main shaft 210.

The sensor detection part 600 includes a link-connecting unit 610 formed to laterally extend in a bar form, a detecting part formed to protrude from a circumferential surface of the link-connecting unit 610, and a shaft connecting unit 630 formed at a lower left portion of the link-connecting unit 610 and connected to the main shaft 210.

Link-insertion grooves 601 into which the links 300 are inserted are formed to pass vertically through both sides of the link-connecting unit 610. Each of the link-insertion grooves 601 is formed such that a right or left side thereof is open.

Protrusion-insertion grooves 602 into which link protrusions 304 formed on circumferential surfaces of the links 300 are inserted are formed to pass through the both sides of the link-connecting unit 610 in the front-rear direction. The protrusion-insertion grooves 602 communicate with the link-insertion grooves 601. Each of the protrusion-insertion grooves 602 is formed such that a left or right side thereof is open.

Accordingly, when the link 300 is assembled at the link joint 220, the main shaft 210, and the link-connecting unit 610, the links 300 are only pushed therein in a left or right direction to complete assembly. As described above, assembly according to the embodiment quickly completed and becomes simpler.

An avoiding groove 603 is formed such that a front side and upper and lower sides thereof are open to prevent interference with the door-closing-unit connecting part 30, which will be described below, is formed at a left side of the link-connecting unit 610.

The detecting part includes a first detection part 621 for pushing the first sensor 21 and a second detection part 622 for pushing the second sensor 22.

The first detection part 621 and the second detection part 622 are formed at a right side of the link-connecting unit 610.

The second detection part 622 is disposed in front of the first detection part 621. The first detection part 621 and the second detection part 622 are disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

Surfaces of the first detection part 621 and the second detection part 622, facing the sensor unit, have arc shapes to smoothly push the sensor unit.

The shaft connecting unit 630 is formed to protrude downward. A shaft through hole through which the main shaft 210 passes is formed in the shaft connecting unit 630. Alternatively, the shaft connecting unit 630 may also be shaft-coupled to the main shaft 210.

The handle 800 is connected to the sliding member 700 through support members.

One side (a right side) of the handle 800 is installed at the support member to be rotatable about the panel 10. The support member does not rotate about the panel 10.

The support members are disposed inside the panel 10.

Since the support members and the handle 800 are coupled by elastic hooks 811 and coupling loops 401 coupled to the elastic hooks 811, assembly of the handle 800 becomes simpler and a structure thereof is simplified. The coupling loop 401 is a coupling portion coupled to the elastic hook 811, and may also have a hole or groove form unlike the above-described loop form.

In the embodiment, the elastic hooks 811 are formed at the handle 800, and the coupling loops 401 are formed at the support members. Alternatively, the elastic hooks 811 may also be formed at the support members, and the coupling loops 401 may also be formed at the handle 800.

The elastic hooks 811 are formed at one side and the other side of a rear surface of the handle 800. The elastic hooks 811 are disposed at left and right sides of the handle 800. A hook protrusion is disposed at a right side of the elastic hook 811, and a left side thereof is fixed to the handle 800. The elastic hook 811 is elastically deformable. The elastic hook 811 is disposed inside a hook-seating groove 706 formed in the front of the protrusion 720. The hook-seating groove 706 is formed such that a front and a left side thereof are open.

Coupling-portion circumferential portions 810 are formed at one side and the other side of the rear surface of the handle 800. The coupling-portion circumferential portions 810 are formed to protrude rearward.

The coupling-portion circumferential portions 810 are formed to cover upper and lower portions and a left side of the elastic hooks 811. Inlet ports 812 into which the coupling loops 401 are inserted are formed in the coupling-portion circumferential portions 810. The inlet port 812 is formed at a right side of the coupling-portion circumferential portion 810. The coupling-portion circumferential portions 810 are seated on circumferential-portion seating grooves 703 formed in upper and lower portions of the fronts of the protrusions 720. The circumferential-portion seating groove 703 is formed such that an upper or lower portion, a front side, and left and right sides thereof are open.

The support members includes a first support member 410 connected to one side of the handle 800 and a second support member 420 connected to the other side of the handle 800.

The first and

second support members

410 and 420 include support main bodies 402 and the coupling loops 401 formed to protrude forward from the support main bodies 402.

A fixing pin 411 is installed at the rear of the support main body 402 of the first support member 410. Since both sides of the fixing pin 411 are installed at the protrusion 720, the first support member 410 does not slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the sliding member 700.

Since the second support member 420 does not include a member for fixing the second support member 420 to the sliding member, the second support member 420 slides in the front-rear direction with respect to the sliding member 700 and the panel 10.

The support members are seated on support-member-seating grooves 701 formed behind the protrusions 720 of the sliding member 700. The support-member-seating grooves 701 are formed in the front-rear direction such that the rear of the support-member-seating grooves 701 is open. Protrusions are disposed to extend in the front-rear direction on an inner wall of the sliding member 700 to be disposed inside the support-member-seating grooves 701. The protrusions are formed at upper and lower portions of the support member. When the support members slide with respect to the sliding member 700, friction is reduced due to the protrusions.

Meanwhile, a roller 500 is rotatably installed at the sliding member 700. The roller 500 is disposed behind the second support member 420. Since the roller 500 is laterally disposed across the support-member-seating groove 701, the second support member 420 does not fall out from the rear of the sliding member 700.

A hole into which the elastic hook 811 is inserted is formed to pass laterally through the coupling loop 401.

The coupling loop 401 is withdrawn outward from the protrusion 720 through a loop-withdrawing hole 705 formed in a front surface of the protrusion 720 of the sliding member 700. The loop-withdrawing hole 705 is formed to pass through the front surface in the front-rear direction and communicates with the support-member-seating groove 701 and the hook-seating groove 706.

A door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is connected to the other side of the handle 800. Accordingly, the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 can be easily pulled while a rotational angle of the handle 800 is small, and thus the volume of the apparatus decreases.

The door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is a part for connecting a door-closing unit and the vehicle door handle assembly. The door-closing unit is a unit for maintaining a state in which the door is closed or locked like a conventional door latch. Accordingly, the door can be opened or a lock state of the door can be released by the handle 800.

The door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is connected to the other side of the handle 800 through the second support member 420.

The door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is provided as a wiring member such as a wire. A circumferential surface of the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is covered by a protective tube. The protective tube is fixedly inserted into a tube-insertion groove 704 formed in a rear surface of the hook part 710. The tube-insertion groove 704 is formed to communicate with the support-member-seating groove 701. The tube-insertion groove 704 is formed to pass vertically through the rear surface such that a rear of the tube-insertion groove 704 is open.

In addition, a hook protrusion having a globular shape is formed at an end of the door-closing-unit connecting part 30. An insertion hole into which the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is inserted is formed at a left side of the support main body 402 of the second support member 420. The insertion hole is formed to pass through the left side in the front-rear direction. Since the insertion hole is formed such that a left side thereof is open, the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 and the second support member 420 can be easily assembled. Since a vertical width of the insertion hole is less than a vertical width of the hook protrusion, when the second support member 420 is moved forward, the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is also moved forward.

Since the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is guided by the roller 500, the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is easily guided thereby.

In addition, the apparatus further includes a spring 40 for returning the other side of the handle 800 so that the handle 800 can be automatically returned.

The spring 40 is interposed between the support member and the sliding member 700.

The spring 40 is provided as a coil spring.

The spring 40 is seated in the support-member-seating groove 701, a front end thereof is supported by the sliding member 700, and a rear end thereof is supported by the support main body 402.

A spring 40 is also provided at one side of the handle 800 so that the handle 800 is in close contact with the first support member 410. Accordingly, occurrence of a gap between the handle 800 and the first support member 410 is prevented.

<Handle-Withdrawing Process>

Hereinafter, a process in which the handle 800 is withdrawn will be described.

When a signal for withdrawing the handle 800 is input through a key or a remote controller, a control unit drives the driving unit.

When the motor 910 is operated, the first worm 921 is rotated. As the first worm 921 is rotated, the first double gear 923 is rotated. As the first double gear 923 is rotated, the second double gear 924 is rotated. As the second double gear 924 is rotated, the first worm wheel 927 is rotated.

When the first worm wheel 927 is rotated, the main shaft 210 is also rotated.

When the main shaft 210 is rotated, the link joints 220 located at the both sides of the main shaft 210 are rotated.

When the link joints 220 are rotated, the links 300 are also rotated about the main shaft 210.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the other end 302 of the link 300 is moved forward, and the sliding member 700, the support members, and the handle 800, which are connected to the other end 302 of the link 300, also slide forward with respect to the housing 110 and the panel 10.

The protrusions 720 of the sliding member 700 are withdrawn outward from the panel 10 through the protrusion through holes 111. The support members and the handle 800 are also withdrawn outward from the panel 10.

When the protrusions 720 of the sliding member 700 are withdrawn, the hook part 710 is hooked at the panel 10 and the housing 110.

A hand of a user can be put in a space which is formed between the handle 800 and the panel 10 when the handle 800 is withdrawn, and thus the user can hold the handle 800. That is, when the handle 800 is withdrawn, the handle 800 is spaced apart from an outer surface of the panel 10.

Meanwhile, when the links 300 are rotated, the sensor detection part 600 installed at the links 300 is also moved forward with the links 300.

When the handle 800 is withdrawn to a position at which the handle 800 is completely withdrawn, the second detection part 622 of the sensor detection part 600 pushes the second sensor 22. When the second detection part 622 is detected by the second sensor 22, a detected signal is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit stops operation of the driving unit.

Hereinafter, a process in which the handle 800 is inserted will be described.

When a signal for inserting the handle 800 is input through the key, the remote controller, a speed value, or the like of the vehicle, the control unit operates the driving unit.

When the motor 910 is rotated in a direction opposite a direction when the handle 800 is withdrawn, the links 300 are also rotated in the opposite direction.

When the links 300 are rotated in the opposite direction, the other ends 302 of the links 300 are moved rearward, and the sliding member 700, the support members, and the handle 800 which are connected to the other ends 302 of the links 300 also slide rearward with respect to the housing 110 and the panel 10.

The protrusions 720 of the sliding member 700 are inserted inside the panel 10 through the protrusion through holes 111. The handle 800 does not protrude outward from the panel 10.

Meanwhile, when the links 300 are rotated in the opposite direction, the sensor detection part 600 installed at the links 300 is also moved rearward with the links 300.

When the handle 800 is inserted to a position at which the handle 800 is completely inserted, the first detection part 621 of the sensor detection part 600 pushes the first sensor 21. When the first detection part 621 is detected by the first sensor 21, a detected signal is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit stops operation of the driving unit.

Hereinafter, a process in which the door is opened using the handle 800 will be described.

In a state in which the handle 800 is withdrawn, when a user pulls the handle 800 toward the user, the handle 800 is rotated about one side of the handle 800. Since the one side of the handle 800 is connected to the sliding member 700 through the coupling loop 401 of the first support member 410 fixed to the sliding member 700, the handle 800 is only rotatable about the sliding member 700 but is fixed in the front-rear direction.

Since the other end of the handle 800 is connected to the sliding member 700 through the second support member 420 capable of sliding with respect to the sliding member 700, the other side of the handle 800 is moved forward with the second support member 420 and the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 with respect to the sliding member 700 and the panel 10. That is, the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is pulled. When the door-closing-unit connecting part 30 is pulled as described above, door closing of the door-closing unit is released (locking of the latch is released) and the door can be opened.

Then, when a user releases the handle 800, the other side of the handle 800 is returned to an original position by the contracted spring 40.

Hereinafter, a process in which the handle 800, the sliding member 700, and the support members are assembled will be described.

After the springs 40 are fitted to the coupling loops 401 of the support members, the coupling loops 401 are inserted into the support-member-seating grooves 701 of the sliding member 700. The coupling loops 401 are withdrawn through the loop-withdrawing holes 705.

The fixing pin 411 is inserted into the first support member 410, and the first support member 410 is fixed to the sliding member 700.

The roller 500 is installed behind the second support member 420 such that the second support member 420 does not fall out from the rear of the sliding member 700 during assembly.

The protrusions 720 of the sliding member 700 in which the support members are assembled as described above are inserted into the protrusion through holes 111 of the housing 110.

When the handle 800 is slid rightward with respect to the protrusions 720 protruding forward, the coupling-portion circumferential portions 810 are seated in the circumferential-portion seating grooves 703, and the elastic hooks 811 are inserted into the coupling loops 401.

The apparatus is completely assembled through the above-described simple operation.

As described above, while the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiment thereof, the present invention may be variously changed and modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims.

[Description of Symbols]

10: panel

21: first sensor, 22: second sensor

30: door-closing-unit connecting part

40: spring, 110: housing

111: protrusion through hole

112a: first guide unit, 112b: second guide unit

112c: housing protrusion, 113: gear seating groove

114: motor seating groove, 115: shaft support unit

210: main shaft, 220: link joint

221: link insertion hole, 300: link

301: one end, 302: the other end

303: long hole, 304: link protrusion

401: coupling loop, 402: support main body

410: first support member

411: fixing pin, 420: second support member

500: roller

600: sensor detection part, 601: link-insertion groove

602: protrusion-insertion groove, 603: avoiding groove

610: link-connecting unit

621: first detection part, 622: second detection part

630: shaft connecting unit, 700: sliding member

701: support-member-seating groove, 702: first through hole

703: circumferential-portion seating groove

704: tube-insertion groove, 705: loop-withdrawing hole

706: hook-seating groove, 710: hook part

720: protrusion, 730: shaft

800: handle, 810: coupling-portion circumferential portion

811: elastic hook, 812: inlet port

910: motor, 921: first worm

923: first double gear, 924: second double gear

925: worm wheel, 926: worm

927: first worm wheel

Claims

A vehicle door handle assembly comprising:

a handle installed such that one side is rotatable with respect to a vehicle door; and

a door-closing-unit connecting part connected to the other side of the handle.
The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring configured to return the other side of the handle to an original position.
The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the door-closing-unit connecting part is provided as a wiring member and includes a roller configured to guide the wiring member.
The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a support member disposed inside a panel of the vehicle door,

wherein the support member and the handle are coupled by an elastic hook and a coupling loop coupled to the elastic hook.
The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 4, wherein the support member connected to the other side of the handle is slidable with respect to the vehicle door.
The vehicle door handle assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle is installed at a sliding member slidable with respect to the vehicle door.
A vehicle door handle assembly comprising:

a handle; and

a support member on which the handle is installed,

wherein the support member and the handle are coupled by an elastic hook and a coupling unit coupled to the elastic hook.