Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to vehicles. Particularly, the present invention relates to door handles for vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to two-piece detachable flush door handles for vehicles used for opening and closing operations of the doors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles are self-propulsion machines that are designed for the transportation of humans, cargo, or both. Doors are hinged in four-wheeler vehicles for opening or exiting of the driver or the passengers. A handle is placed on the exterior surface of the door, called door handles, which are used to operate the closing and opening of the door of four wheeler vehicles. Conventionally, different types of door handles are used. The most common type of door handles are pull-out of flap-type car door handles. The pull-type handle comprises a loop, which the user can grab to pull out the car door. The flap-type of door handles comprise a flap, which the user can swing upwards using the fingers.
[003] The fast advancement in the automobile industry has led to the emergence of various new technologies, also aimed at enhancing the design and aesthetics of car door handles. In many of the modern vehicles or electric vehicles, advanced type of car handles have been developed, such as flush car door handles utilizing illuminating or automatic deployable features. One such patent document US3153553A discloses a flush type door handle having improved latch actuating means. The door handle helps to multiply the extent that the gripping portion of the handle projects out from the surface of the door as the handle swings from inoperative position to gripping position upon actuation of the operating means for the handle. However, the cited document fails to disclose detachable feature of the door handles to make them easily replaceable.
[004] Flush door handles with integrated warning lights provide one of the advanced safety features when the door is opened externally, especially for the suicide doors that are hinged at the rear side than the front side. However detachable flush car door handles with integrated warning light have not been disclosed in the prior known technologies. Therefore, in view of the challenges associated with the above state-of-the-art, there is a need for a detachable flush car door handle having integrated warning light for vehicles.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[005] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a two-piece detachable flush car door handle.
[006] Another objective of the present invention is to integrate a warning light to the flush car door handles that provides safety feature to the handles in case the door is opened.
[007] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce the cost during the painting.
[008] Yet another objective of the present invention is to integrate RFID feature for unlocking the handle at a reduced cost without having to replace entire handle.
[009] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[010] The present invention relates to a detachable flush door handle for vehicles used for opening or closing of the door of vehicles. The door handle (100) for a vehicle comprising, a door handle inner having a first end and a second end; and a door handle outer. The first end of the inner door handle comprising a plurality of snap-fit female features, an LED light and a mounting boss, a latch cable mounting feature. The second end comprising, a bolting hole/screw, a pivoting pin feature. The door handle, door handle outer adapted to connect the door handle inner, comprising, a transparent zone, a plurality of snap-fit male features, and a screw boss feature. The door handles are plastic/composite made of two-piece detachable exterior flush door handles which will have an integrated warning light connected to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or body control unit (BCU) of the vehicle to start flashing on the exterior of the vehicle when the door is open. The light also turns on when the directional indicators/hazard lights are turned on. The LED light is visible from outside the vehicle through the transparent zone for LED. The door handles can be prepared using a material, which is ABS mixed with other plastics selected from, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or their combination thereof. Door handles can also be manufactured with alternate materials like FRP Carbon fiber and their combination or various metals preferably aluminium. The door handle inner part (102) and the door handle outer part (120) are connected to each other by integrated snap fits through snap fit female features and snap fit male features for easy attach-ability and detachability of the handle. The present invention provides detachable door handles to make them easily replaceable for customization purposes and also for easy replacement in case of any damage at reduced cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[011] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:
[012] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the door handle inner part (102) of the detachable flush car door handle (100) in accordance to the present invention.

[013] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the door handle outer part (120) of the detachable flush car door handle (100) in accordance to the present invention.

[014] Figure 3 illustrates a LED PCB board attached to the door handle inner part (102).

[015] Figure 4 illustrates an assembly directional view of the detachable flush car door handle (100) in accordance to the present invention.

[016] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled detachable flush car door handle (100) in accordance to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[017] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which have not been contemplated herein.
[018] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[019] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
[020] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustrative purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
[021] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[022] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, components or groups thereof.
[023] Accordingly, the present invention relates to door handles for automobiles or vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a two-piece detachable flush door handle for vehicles used for opening or closing of the door.
[024] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a detachable flush door handle (100) for a vehicle comprising, a door handle inner part (102) having a first end (128) and a second end (130); and a door handle outer part (120). As shown in Figure 1, the door handle inner part (102) comprising a first end (128) and a second end (130). The first end (128), comprising, a plurality of snap-fit female features (106) on the longitudinal inner edges of the door handle inner part (102); a LED mounting boss attached to one side of the first end of the door handle inner part (102) having a hole (110) for LED cable routing; an LED light (126) mounted on the boss (108); and a latch cable mounting feature (112). The second end (130) of the door handle inner part having a bolting hole/screw boss hole (104) that is used to bolting the door handle inner part and the door handle outer part; and a pivot having a pivoting pin feature (114) to enable smooth movement of the door handle (100). The pivot connects to the door panel by inserting it through the hole provided in the mounting feature, and the pivot pin facilitates the smooth movement of the door handles. In an exemplary embodiment the vehicles having a detachable flush door handle is a four-wheeler electric vehicle.
[025] As shown in Figure 2, the door handle outer part (120) is adapted to connect the door handle inner part (102), comprising, and a transparent zone (116) for LED; a plurality of snap-fit male features (118) attached to the longitudinal inner edges of the door handle outer part (120); and a screw boss feature (122).
[026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the door handle inner part (102) and the door handle outer part (120) are connected to each other by integrated snap-fits through snap fit male features (104) and snap-fit female features (106) for easy attach-ability.
[027] In an embodiment, the LED light (126) is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU)/ body control unit (BCU) of the vehicle as a warning light when the door is opened, and can be configured to work as an additional side marker lamp on the doors.
[028] In an embodiment, the LED light is visible from outside the vehicle through the transparent zone (116) for LED.
[029] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, an LED PCB board is attached to the door handle inner part (102)part part (102) connecting the LED light. The PCB consists of a current limiting resistor with 3 LED in series which have a 620-630nm dominant wavelength and a superior flux of 23.5 lumens. It is aluminum clad material to ensure rigidity and act as a heat sink to precent overheating or extra cooling requirements for the long duration of usage. This LED is swappable with a range of desired colors and is attached onto the door handle inner boss through an adhesive. Cables are then routed through the LED routing hole provided in the door handle inner and connected to the vehicle BCM( Body Control Module) or ECU( Electronic control unit) so as to ensure the functionality in door ajar condition and hazard condition depending on the required functionality
[030] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 & 5, an assembled two piece detachable flush door is herein described. The flush door handle (100) comprises an door handle inner part (102) and the door handle outer part (120), which are attached to each other using integrated snap fits for easy attach-ability and detachability. A bolt in the back end of the handle is attached for more secure attachment.
[031] In an exemplary embodiment, the door handle inner part (102) comprising a plurality of male snap features and a screw boss on the far side and a transparent zone for the near side. The door handle inner also comprising equivalent female snap features and male snap features, one hole on the second end for the insertion of the screw into the screw boss and another hole on the first end to route the cables from the LED. In another embodiment, a singular boss is attached on the first of the door handle inner part (102) to join the LED using adhesives or screw from the front side so that the LED light generated is visible through the transparent zone.
[032] In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting feature (114) is placed on the first end of the door handle inner through which the pivoting pin is inserted and the handle (100) is rotated around to provide functionality. The latch cable mounting feature (112) on the first end in which the latch cable cylinder and cable itself is inserted and used to actuate the unlock feature on the latch when the handle is rotated about the pivot.
[033] In an embodiment, the latch cable mounting feature (112) comprises a hole with two slots, one parallel to the hole direction and the other perpendicular to the hole axis on the outer side towards the shorter end or first end as per the drawing. The cable cylinder of the latch is inserted into the hole and the parallel slot and then rotated such that the cylinder is inserted into the hole and the cable connected to it is locked in place with the perpendicular slot.
[034] In an embodiment, the LED is first attached on to the door handle inner part (102) boss using adhesives and the cables are routed through the hole provided. The door handle outer part (120) is then snap fitted to the door handle inner part (102) and then bolted together through the screw boss hole (104). The assembled handle is then placed in its equivalent casing where the pivot pin (114) fitted into the pivot hole provided in the handle. Once the handle is placed inside the vehicle door the latch cable cylinder and cable are inserted in the vertical direction parallel to the latch cable mounting hole and the rotated about the axis of the hole to lock it in place using the slot which is provided perpendicular to the hole axis.
[035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the LED light can be used of any color and the intensity of light depends on the aesthetic requirement of the vehicles. In an embodiment, the detachable door handle (100) is made up of material selected from plastic, composite, metal, or their combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the door handles can be manufactured preferably with injection molding and the materials for the door handle is selected from ABS mixed with other plastic materials selected from, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or their combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiments, the door handles can also be manufactured with materials, such as, but not limited to FRP Carbon fiber and their combination or various metals preferably aluminum.
[036] In an embodiment, the door handle outer can also be manufactured using composite pre-pegs as well with the snap features and screw boss added separately or machined metal using a multi axis milling machine.
[037] In an embodiment, detachable door handles of the present invention can be integrated with extra features such as, but not limited to, RFID for unlocking at a reduced cost. The RFID transponder/receiver is mounted with in the handle so that when the operator places their RFID keycard near the handle a signal will be sent body control unit or hands free module so as to actuate the door lock mechanism and unlock the doors without keys. The present invention exhibits the following advantages:
• The present invention provides split, detachable flush handles, which are easily replaceable for customization purposes as well as easy replacement in case of any damages.
• The present invention provides flush door handles for vehicles having warning light to warn an external personal that there is a door open on the vehicle especially on suicide doors, which provides additional safety features to the vehicles.
• The present invention helps to reduce the cost when it comes to paint process and helps to increase customization at a reduced cost.
[038] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A detachable flush door handle (100) for a vehicle comprising,

- an door handle inner part (102) having a first end (128) and a second end (130), wherein:
o the first end (128), comprising:
? a plurality of snap-fit female features (106) on the longitudinal inner edges of the door handle inner part (102);
? an LED mounting boss (108) attached to one side of the first end (128) having a hole (110) for LED cable routing;
? an LED light (126) mounted on the boss (108); and
? a latch cable mounting feature (112) comprising a hole with two slots, one parallel to the hole direction and the other perpendicular to the hole axis on the outer side towards the first end (128);
o the second end (130) comprising:
? a screw boss hole (104) to bolt together the door handle inner part (102) with outer part;
? a pivoting pin feature (114) to enable smooth movement of the door handle (100);

- an door handle outer part (120) adapted to connect the door handle inner part (102), comprising:
o a transparent zone (116) for LED:
o a plurality of snap-fit male features (118) attached to the longitudinal inner edges of the door handle outer part (120); and
o a screw boss feature (122) attached to the door handle outer part (120) to clip the door handle inner and door handle outer together using a screw or bolt into the threaded boss;
wherein,
• the boss is provided for the mounting of the LED light using small screws/adhesive on the door handle inner and a hole for the routing of the cable through it;
• the LED light is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle as a warning light to warn when the door is opened and can be configured to work as additional side marker lamp on the doors;
• the LED light is visible from outside the vehicle through the transparent zone (116) for LED; and
• the latch cable mounting feature comprising a latch cable cylinder and a cable and used to actuate the unlock feature on the latch when the handle is rotated about the pivot;
• the door handle inner part (102) and the door handle outer part (120) are connected to each other by integrated snap fits through snap fit female features (106) and snap fit male features (118) for easy attach-ability and detachability.

2. The detachable flush door handle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door handles can be prepared using injection molding technology.

3. The detachable flush door handle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material for door handle outer is selected from the group of:

a. ABS mixed with a plastic material selected from the group of polyethylene, polypropylene, and their combination thereof;
b. metals preferably aluminum, FRP carbon fiber, and their combination thereof.

4. The detachable flush door handle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door handle is integrated with RFID transponder/receiver.

5. The detachable flush door handle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the door lock mechanism is actuated and the door is unlocked, upon receipt of a signal by the ECU on detecting RFID card near the RFID transponder.

6. The detachable flush door handle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is motor vehicle, electric vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle, and car.