Description:AN IMPROVED FLUSH DOOR HANDLE MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle door handle, more particularly relates to electronic flush door handle for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] In accordance with a prior art a handle assembly for a vehicle door and a method of operating the handle assembly is disclosed. The door handle assembly may include a pivot bracket mounted in the vehicle door. A handle arm pivotally mounted to the pivot bracket, a handle alignable flush with a door handle cutout. Further a motor assembly may operatively engage with the handle arm to selectively cause pivoting of the handle arm relative to the pivot bracket. The door handle assembly may also include a handle depression limit switch, a handle flush button, or a handle extension limit switch in communication with a control module that controls the motor.
[003] Further a US patent discloses a flush handle for a vehicle door. The flush handle may comprise a slider. The handle unit may be accommodated in the slider. Further a linear motion conversion mechanism, sliding the handle unit in an y direction in accordance with a sliding of the slider in an x direction, or sliding the slider in the x direction in accordance with a sliding of the handle unit in the y direction, wherein a lengthwise direction of the vehicle is the x direction, and a width wise direction of the vehicle is the y direction. However, since the handle unit is in the Y-direction the overall package size of the flush handle becomes bigger.
[004] Another solution proposed in a German patent discloses a flush mount handle assembly for a vehicle that is operable in a power and a manual mode. The flush mount handle assembly may include a housing configured to be fixed in a recess of a vehicle sliding door. A bi-directional handle base pivotally coupled to the housing may be provided. The handle base can have a first end and a second opposite end. The first end can define a first drive arm and the second end can define a second drive arm, wherein the first and second ends can be configured for selective pivotal movement in opposite directions about a pivot axis. A switch subassembly may be provided that includes a mechanical actuator and an internal lever. A bell crank coupled to the housing may be provided and configured to rotate upon engagement with the handle base when the respective first and second ends of the handle base are depressed to actuate the switch subassembly and coordinate various operations of the automatic sliding door, wherein rotation of the bell crank initiates a stroke of the inner lever to trigger the mechanical actuator and send a signal for power mode operation of the automatic sliding door. However, the reference addresses the technical issue of having bi-directional flush handle. Further having bi-directional flush handle, the size of the flush handle/package increases.
[005] However, the drawback of the above prior art is that the flush handles have a bigger package size in Y- direction as per Vehicle co-ordinate system. Further the current flush handle are not suitable for compact door designs where the outer panel and glass clearance is less. Another drawback of the existing flash handles is they are not suitable for curvier door panels.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[006] The principal object of the present disclosure is to achieve a smaller package size for handle assembly.
[007] Another object of the present disclosure is to have a compact design for the flush handle in Y-Direction as per vehicle co-ordinate system.
[008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to disclose a flush handle design suitable for curvier panels

SUMMARY
[009] In an implementation of the present disclosure a flush door handle assembly is disclosed. In accordance with the disclosure a housing is provided in the flush door handle assembly. Further a cover grip removably mounted on or within a body grip. Further the cover grip along with the body grip are mounted and housed within the housing. Further a first sealing configured to provide protection to the cover grip and the body grip from ingress of dust and impurities and harsh weather conditions. The flush door handle assembly further comprises an outside release lever (ORL) placed within the housing 3. Further an ORL spring mounted on an end of the ORL. Further a lever inserted into a cavity provided within the housing. Further a slider mechanically coupled the lever.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
[0011] Figure 1, illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a flush door handle assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of a flush door handle assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0013] Figure 3a and 3b illustrates a sectional view of a flush door handle assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Some embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, system discloses a door handle assembly having a door handle assembly and a drive unit to enable handle pop out for operations.
Part List
- Cover Grip (1)
- Body Grip (2)
- Housing (3)
- First Seal (4)
- Second Seal Small (5)
- Cover (6)
- Damper (7)
- Lever (8)
- Outside Release Lever (ORL) (9)
- ORL Spring (10)
- Inertia Lever (11)
- Inertia Spring (12)
- Spacer (13)
- M2 Screw (14)
- Pin (15)
- Spring LH (16)
- Spring RH (17)
- Slider (18)
- Damper for Slider (19)
- Pin for Slider (20)
- Drive Unit (21)
- M5 Screw self-Tapping (22)
- Door lock Assembly (23)
- M5 Screw (24)
[0015] An exemplary embodiment discloses a flush door handle. The flush door handle may comprise a handle sub assembly, a door lock assembly, and a drive unit assembly. The handle sub assembly may be operated manually or automatically via the drive unit assembly. Further the door lock assembly may be accessed only in case of emergency and can be kept enclosed.
[0016] In an aspect of the exemplary embodiment when the drive unit assembly is provided power a push rod connected to the motor pushes a slider. Thereby enabling the slider to operates a handle lever. Once the handle lever is operated, the handle pops up/out so that user can pull the handle and open the car door.
[0017] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 3a and 3b a flush door handle assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The flush door handle assembly 100 may comprise a cover grip 1. The cover grip 1 may be removably mounted on or within a body grip 2. The cover grip 1 along with the body grip 2 may be further mounted and housed within a housing 3. Further the combination of the cover grip 1 and the body grip 2 housed within the housing 3 may be sealed on a first side using a first seal 4. The first sealing 4 may provide protection to the cover grip 1 and the body grip 2 from ingress of dust and impurities and harsh weather conditions. Further the first side may be defined as the side open or exposed to the environment.
[0018] Further in an aspect of the present disclosure a second seal 5 may be sandwiched between the body grip 2 and the housing 3. The second seal positioned between the body grip 2 and the housing 3, may be further configured to provide sealing between the body grip 2 and locking mechanism mounted on and within the housing 3.
[0019] Further the housing 3, may be provided a with a cavity to receive or accommodate a lever 8. Further the lever 8 may comprise a spring LH 16, mounted on a first end of the lever 8. Further a spring RH 17 may be mounted on at a distal end from the first end. Further lever 8, along with the spring LH 16 and the spring RH 17 may be inserted into cavity provided within the housing 3.
[0020] The housing 3 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment, may comprise another cavity. Further another cavity may be configured to receive an outside release lever (ORL) 9. Further an ORL spring 10 may be mounted on an end of the ORL 9. The ORL 9 may be further mechanically coupled to the lever 8 using a pin 15. The mechanical coupling may be such that the lever 8 may comprise an arm extending away from the lever 8. Further the arm may engage with the ORL 9.
[0021] Further in accordance with an exemplary embodiment the lever 8 may be mechanically coupled to a slider 18. Further the slider 18 may be coupled to a drive unit 21. The slider may further comprise a damper 19 mounted on a side of the slider 18 that engages with the lever 8. Further a slider pin 20 may be configured to mechanically couple the lever slider 18 with the drive unit 21. Further a plurality of MS screw 22 may be configured to fasten the drive unit 21 into the housing 3. Further a cover 6 may be placed over the drive unit 21 such that the cover 6 engages with the housing 3 to enclose all the components discussed above.
[0022] The cover 6 may also be configured to enclose a door lock assembly 23. The door lock assembly 23 may be mounted within the housing 3. Further the door lock assembly 23 may be fastened at its position using M5 screw 24. In an aspect of the present disclosure the door lock assembly 23 may be mechanically coupled with body grip 2. Further in case of emergency the door lock assembly 23 may be access to open the door by engaging the door lock assembly 23 with the combination of the body grip 2 and cover grip 1.
[0023] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the housing 3 may further comprise an inertia lever 11. The inertia lever 11 may be mounted within the housing 3. Further an inertia spring 12 may be mounted on the inertia lever 11. Further a spacer 13 may be positioned adjacent to the spacer 14. The housing 3 in an aspect may comprise a damper 7 within the housing 3.
[0024] Referring to Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a flush door handle assembly 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The flush door handle assembly 100 may comprise an outside release lever (ORL) 9. Further an ORL spring 10 may be mounted on an end of the ORL 9.
[0025] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the flush door handle assembly may further comprise an inertia lever 11. The inertia lever 11 may be mounted within the housing 3. Further an inertia spring 12 may be mounted on the inertia lever 11. Further a spacer 13 may be positioned adjacent to the spacer 14.
[0026] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment the flush door handle 100 comprising the handle assembly is configured to be operated mechanically or automatically to open the door based on the presence of drive unit. Further the drive unit is configured to enable power operation of handle, i.e., to pop up handle for user to pull the handle and open it manually. Current is supplied to the drive unit, and the rotary motion of the motor is converted into linear movement of the slider.

[0027] The forgoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcoming associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed description of the preferred embodiment is provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art of employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modification and alterations may be made without departing from spirit and scope of the invention.
, Claims:I/We claim:

1. A flush door handle assembly 100 comprising:
a housing 3;
a cover grip 1 removably mounted on or within a body grip 2, wherein the cover grip 1 along with the body grip 2 are mounted and housed within the housing 3;
a first sealing 4 configured to provide protection to the cover grip 1 and the body grip 2 from ingress of dust and impurities and harsh weather conditions;
an outside release lever (ORL) 9 placed within the housing 3;
an ORL spring 10 mounted on an end of the ORL 9;
a lever 8 inserted into a cavity provided within the housing 3; and
a slider 18 mechanically coupled the lever 8.

2. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a second seal 5 sandwiched between the body grip 2 and the housing 3, wherein the second seal 5 configured to provide sealing between the body grip 2 and locking mechanism mounted on and within the housing 3.
3. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever 8 comprises a spring LH 16, mounted on a first end of the lever 8.
4. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lever 8 comprises a spring RH 17 may be mounted on at a distal end from the first end.
5. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ORL 9 is mechanically coupled to the lever 8 using a pin 15.
6. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider 18 is coupled to a drive unit 21.
7. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, comprise a cover 6, wherein the cover 6 is configured to engage with the housing 3 to enclose the drive unit 21.
8. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider 18 comprises a damper 19 mounted on a side of the slider 18 that engages with the lever 8.
9. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, comprises a door lock assembly 23, wherein the door lock assembly 23 is mounted within the housing 3.
10. The flush door handle assembly 100 as claimed in claim 1, comprises an inertia lever 11 may be mounted within the housing 3.