Description:Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to an outer door handle of a vehicle and more particularly, to a flap type outer door handle assembly of the vehicle that facilitates keyless entry for a user.

Background of the invention

A door handle is an attached object or mechanism used to manually open or close a door. The door handle generally refers to any fixed or lever-operated door latch device. A flap type outer door handle is assembled with a door panel with the help
of screws. The flap type outer door handle assembly opens the door of the vehicle.
The door is unlocked/unlatched with the help of a lever handle movement and this
movement should be restricted while the vehicle having side impact or vehicle side impact crash test to avoid opening of the door.

Efforts are seen in the prior art to provide improved flat type handles for the vehicle. Reference may be made to IN202121008718 that discloses an outer door handle assembly specifically, a flap type outer door handle assembly of a vehicle. The outer door handle assembly includes a counter mass balance with knurling press fitted in a lever handle to prevent movement thereof during the vehicle crash. As the counter mass balance is directly press fitted on a plastic handle lever arm, the counter mass balance becomes an integral part of the lever handle and thus reduces the number of components. However, this outer door handle assembly meets only 60 G vehicle side crash test and does not include any provision for keyless entry.

In addition, the currently available handles have inertia force withstanding capability of only 60 G at vehicle side crash test. Further, the number of components involved in these handles is more. Furthermore, none of the flat type handles available in the market have provision for keyless entry and counter mass balance press fitted with lever handle lugs to prevent handle movement during vehicle side crash test. Though the keyless entry provision is commonly used in pull type handles, there is no benchmark for flap type handle with keyless entry.

Therefore, there is a need to offer a seamless blend of advanced security, user convenience, and robust crash safety. Further, there is a need to provide a flap type outer door handle with provision i.e. switch which gives user a keyless entry and the handle also qualify 70 G at vehicle side crash test and has enhanced performance. Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a flap type outer door handle assembly of a vehicle that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Objects of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a switch for locking and unlocking a latch / door lock without inserting a key in a door lock and to give access to open and lock the door latch/ lock thereby facilitating a passive keyless entry for a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flap type handle assembly that qualifies inertia force withstanding capability of 70 G requirement at side impact/ vehicle side impact crash test.

Yet another object of the present invention is to offer a seamless blend of advanced security, user convenience, and robust crash safety.

Still another object of the present invention is to restrict a lever handle movement while vehicle having side impact or vehicle side impact crash test.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a flap type outer door handle assembly (hereinafter, “the assembly”) of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a counter mass balance press fitted with lugs of a lever handle, a mounting plate fixed with the lever handle using tapping screws, and a switch for passive keyless entry assembled with the lever handle. The position of the switch is positively locked by the mounting plate and the tapping screws. The switch for passive keyless entry is mounted using a switch housing. A wire for the switch for passive keyless entry is routed through the lugs of the lever handle and guided by a sleeve cover. The assembly qualifies inertia force withstanding capability of 70 G requirement at side impact/ vehicle side impact crash test.

Brief description of the drawings

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein
Figure 1 illustrates a flap type outer door handle assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the flap type outer door handle assembly, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a lever handle, a switch for a passive keyless entry, and a counter mass balance of the flap type outer door handle assembly, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 4a-4c show details of wire routing in the flap type outer door handle assembly, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.
The present invention provides a flap type outer door handle assembly of a vehicle. The flap type outer door handle assembly includes a switch for locking and unlocking a latch / door lock without inserting a key in the door lock and to give access to open and lock the door latch thereby facilitating a passive keyless entry for a user. The flap type outer door handle assembly qualifies inertia force withstanding capability of 70 G requirement at side impact/ vehicle side impact crash test. Thus, the present invention offers a seamless blend of advanced security, user convenience, and robust crash safety.

Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
“a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”
“the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The present invention is now illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the
various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring now to figures 1-4c, a flap type outer door handle assembly (100) (hereinafter, “the assembly (100)”) of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention is shown. The assembly (100) comprises a lever handle (10), a bracket (20), a gasket (30), a pair of sealing pads (40), a counter mass balance (50), a torsional spring (60), a mounting plate (70) and a switch (80).

The lever handle (10) is assembled with a latch link rod (not shown) using a bracket joint (5). The lever handle (10) provides a di-latch stroke and is used to open a door of the vehicle. The bracket (20) holds the lever handle assembly with a door panel. Particularly, the lever handle assembly is fixed with the door panel using studs (15). The gasket (30) provides sealing with the door panel. The pair of sealing pads (40) provides sealing between the lever handle (10) and the bracket (20). The lever handle (10) and the torsional spring (60) are held with the bracket (20) using a knurling pin (25). The torsional spring (60) is used to bring back the lever handle (10) to a close position to lock the door.

The counter mass balance (50) is press fitted with lugs of the lever handle (10) and includes a knurling profile. The counter mass balance (50) prevents movement of the lever handle (10) and provides balance to the assembly (100) at the time of vehicle side crash. In an implementation according to an embodiment of the present invention, the counter mass balance (50) and the latch link rod axis is same so as to prevent vehicle side crash up to 70 G at the time of side crash test. The counter mass balance (50) is a critical safety feature which is integrated into the handle design to prevent the door from accidentally opening during the side crash. The counter mass balance (50) is specifically engineered to resist the force that could cause the door to swing open during a collision, ensuring that the vehicle occupants remain securely inside. This balance mechanism acts as a counteracting force against the lateral motion of the door during impact thereby helping to prevent door opening during high-impact scenarios.

The mounting plate (70) is fixed with the lever handle (10) using tapping screws (75). The mounting plate (70) provides a stable surface for attaching the switch (80) and a switch housing (not shown) to the door handle. The mounting plate (70) also helps to keep the components aligned and securely fixed in place. The switch housing is a protective casing or structure that holds the switch (80). The switch housing ensures that the switch (80) is securely mounted and protected from other components.
The switch (80) is assembled with the lever handle (10) and position thereof is positively locked by the mounting plate (70) and the tapping screws (75). Particularly, self-tapping screws are used to securely attach the mounting plate (70) and thus the switch housing of the switch (80) to the lever handle (10). The switch (80) is used for a passive keyless entry that gives access to the vehicle without taking a key from the pocket. Particularly, the vehicle door gets locked and unlocked by pressing of the switch (80) while keeping the remote key within the range of vehicle.

In accordance with the present invention, the wire for the switch (80) is routed through the lugs of the lever handle (10) and guided by a sleeve cover (85) so that wire is not pinched between the lever handle (10) and the bracket (20) during the handle operation. The sleeve cover (85) is used to route and cover the switch wire. The wiring for the switch (80) needs to be carefully routed through the vehicle door handle to avoid interference with other components, wear over time, or exposure to elements like water or dirt. For the proper routing path, the wire is routed from the switch (80) inside the lever handle (10), ideally following the natural contours of the handle for a neat and organized installation. Further, the wire is kept away from sharp edges or moving parts like hinges or latches that could damage the wire over time. The wiring may pass through a protective sheath to ensure that the insulation stays intact and to prevent any accidental cuts or abrasions. The wire length is adequate to connect the switch (80) to the vehicle’s main electrical system without tension. The wires have appropriate connectors to join securely to the vehicle’s wiring harness.

In an implementation according to an embodiment of the present invention, the switch (80) for passive keyless entry locks and unlocks a latch / door lock without inserting a key in the door lock and gives access to open and lock the door latch which is a primary operation. The door is unlocked / de-latched with help of the lever handle movement (secondary operation), this secondary movement / operation is restricted while vehicle having side impact or vehicle side impact crash test. The assembly (100) qualifies inertia force withstanding capability of 70 G requirement at side impact/ vehicle side impact crash test. The ergonomic design ensures the switch (80) is intuitive and easy to operate, even for users who may not be familiar with the vehicle’s lock / unlock system.

In accordance with the present invention, with the passive keyless entry facilitated by the switch (80) the assembly (100) allows for effortless, hands-free access to the vehicle thereby making it a valuable feature for drivers and passengers alike. At the same time, the assembly (100) is designed to meet stringent crash safety standards (including the 70G side crash test), ensuring the door stays securely closed during side-impact accidents. The side crash test fail possibility of the assembly (100) are reduced for the requirement up to 70 G. Thus, the present invention provides a cost-effective solution as the assembly (100) is simple with knurling press fitted profile. The counter mass balance (50) further enhances safety by preventing the door from opening during a crash thereby ensuring that occupants remain protected. Thus, the combination of ergonomics, ease of use, and crash protection makes the assembly (100) with integrated passive keyless entry switch (80) an ideal solution for modern vehicles, providing both convenience and peace of mind. Therefore, the present invention offers a seamless blend of advanced security, user convenience, and robust crash safety i.e. the flap type outer door handle with the switch (80) gives the users passive keyless entry and handle also qualifies 70G at vehicle side crash test, and the counter mass balance (50) prevents the door opening at vehicle side crash.

Advantage of the invention

1. The assembly (100) includes the switch (80) for passive keyless entry for locking and unlocking a latch / door lock without inserting a key in the door lock and to give access to open and lock the door latch. Thus, assembly (100) allows the user to unlock and open the door without needing to physically press a button or remove a key fob from their pocket or bag. As long as the key fob is in proximity, the door handle detects the signal and unlocks the door, making access quick and effortless.
2. The assembly (100) restricts the movement of the lever handle (10) while vehicle having side impact or vehicle side impact crash test.
3. Meets 70G side crash test: The flap-type handle with integrated switch (80) for passive keyless entry is designed to withstand the forces of a side impact during a vehicle crash. Withstanding up to 70G forces during a vehicle side crash is a significant safety requirement, ensuring the integrity of the handle under extreme conditions. This ensures that the handle stays in place and functions as designed, maintaining its structural integrity during accidents.
4. The assembly (100) offers a seamless blend of advanced security, user convenience, and robust crash safety.
5. Being simplified, the assembly (100) is easy to assemble.
6. Ergonomic Design: The assembly (100) is designed for easy operation. The shape and motion required to open the door are natural and intuitive for users. The integration of the switch (80) for passive keyless entry in the assembly ensures easy access, especially in situations when the user has their hands full.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are 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 a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to 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 modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. , Claims:We claim:

1. A flap type outer door handle assembly (100) of a vehicle, the handle assembly (100) comprising:
a counter mass balance (50) press fitted with lugs of a lever handle (10);
a mounting plate (70) fixed with the lever handle (10) using tapping screws (75); and
a switch (80) for passive keyless entry assembled with the lever handle (10), the position of the switch (80) for passive keyless entry positively locked by the mounting plate (70) and the tapping screws (75).

2. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch (80) for passive keyless entry is mounted using a switch housing.

3. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wire for the switch (80) for passive keyless entry is routed through the lugs of the lever handle (10) and guided by a sleeve cover (85).

4. The handle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 qualifies inertia force withstanding capability of 70 G requirement at side impact/ vehicle side impact crash test.