U.S. patent application number 15/145909 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for integrated assist handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Richard J. Lange, James Logan, JR..
Application Number | 20170320420 15/145909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60242894 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170320420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Logan, JR.; James ; et
al. |
November 9, 2017 |
INTEGRATED ASSIST HANDLE
Abstract
A door assembly includes a door frame, which generally defines a
door opening. An assist handle is movably attached to the door
frame. The assist handle is movable between a retracted position,
proximal to the door frame, and a deployed position, distal from
the door frame.
Inventors: |
Logan, JR.; James; (South
Lyon, MI) ; Lange; Richard J.; (Troy, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
60242894 |
Appl. No.: |
15/145909 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/023 20130101;
B60J 5/0493 20130101; E05B 83/36 20130101; E05B 85/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 3/02 20060101
B60N003/02; B60J 5/04 20060101 B60J005/04; E05B 83/36 20140101
E05B083/36; E05B 85/10 20140101 E05B085/10 |
Claims
1. A door assembly, comprising: a door frame defining a door
opening; and an assist handle movably attached to the door frame,
wherein the assist handle is rotatable with respect to the door
frame between a retracted position, proximal to the door frame, and
a deployed position, distal from the door frame.
2. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge
attaching the assist handle to the door frame, wherein the hinge
defines a first axis, about which the assist handle rotates between
the retracted position and the deployed position.
3. The door assembly of claim 2, wherein the deployed position is a
first deployed position, wherein the assist handle is movably
attached to a rearward side of the door frame, such that the assist
handle extends forward into the door opening when moving from the
retracted position to the deployed position, wherein the hinge
defines a second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first
axis, and wherein the assist handle is further movable to a second
deployed position, rotated about the second axis, such that the
second position is substantially perpendicular to the door
opening.
4. The door assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a return
mechanism biasing the assist handle toward the retracted
position.
5. The door assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a power
actuator attached to the assist handle and the door frame, wherein
the power actuator is configured to actuate the assist handle from
the retracted position to at least one of the first deployed
position and the second deployed position.
6. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a return
mechanism biasing the assist handle toward the retracted
position.
7. The door assembly of claim 2, wherein the deployed position is a
first deployed position, wherein the assist handle is movably
attached to a perimeter of the door frame and the assist handle
extends into the door opening when moving from the retracted
position to the deployed position, wherein the hinge defines a
second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and
wherein the assist handle is further movable to a second deployed
position, rotated about the second axis, such that the second
position is substantially perpendicular to the door opening.
8. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a power
actuator attached to the assist handle and the door frame, wherein
the power actuator actuates the assist handle from the retracted
position to the deployed position.
9. The door assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a door movable
with respect to the door frame between a closed position, which
blocks the door opening, and an open position, which allows access
to the door opening; and a latch selectively adjustable between a
locked setting, which restrains the door in the closed position,
and a free setting, which allows the door to move between the
closed position and the open position, wherein placing the latch in
the free setting and actuating the assist handle, with the power
actuator, from the retracted position to the deployed position
moves the door from the closed position to the open position.
10. (canceled)
11. A vehicle, comprising: a door frame defining a door opening; a
door movable with respect to the door frame between a closed
position, which blocks the door opening, and an open position,
which allows access to the door opening; an assist handle movably
attached to the door frame opposite a pivot point of the door,
wherein the assist handle is movable between a retracted position,
proximal to the door frame, and a deployed position, distal from
the door frame, when the door is in the open position; a latch
selectively adjustable between a locked setting, which restrains
the door in the closed position, and a free setting, which allows
the door to move between the closed position and the open position;
and a power actuator attached to the assist handle and the door
frame, wherein the power actuator moves the assist handle from the
retracted position to the deployed position, such that the assist
handle moves the door from the closed position to the open position
when the latch is in free setting.
12. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising: a return mechanism
biasing the assist handle toward the retracted position.
13. A method of operating a door mechanism having a door frame
defining a door opening and a door selectively movable relative to
the door opening, the method comprising: adjusting a latch from a
locked setting, which restrains the door in a closed position that
blocks the door opening, to a free setting, which allows the door
to move between the closed position and an open position that
allows access to the door opening; actuating an assist handle
movably attached to the door frame opposite a pivot point of the
door, such that the assist handle moves from a retracted position,
proximal to the door frame, to a deployed position, distal from the
door frame; and moving the door from the closed position to the
open position with the assist handle.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein actuating the assist handle
occurs via a power actuator attached to the assist handle and the
door frame, such that the power actuator moves the assist handle
from the retracted position to the deployed position and moves the
door from the closed position to the open position.
15. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the assist handle is
within a cavity of the door frame when in the retracted
position.
16. The door assembly of claim 15, wherein the assist handle is
movably attached to a pillar, such that the retracted position is
within a cavity of the pillar and the deployed position extends
from the pillar.
17. The door assembly of claim 6, wherein the assist handle is
within a cavity of the door frame when in the retracted position,
such that the return mechanism biases the door handle toward the
cavity.
18. The door assembly of claim 8, wherein the assist handle is
within a cavity of the door frame when in the retracted position,
such that the power actuator actuates the assist handle from the
cavity to extend into the door opening when in the deployed
position.
19. The door assembly of claim 9, wherein the assist handle is
movably attached to a pillar, such that the retracted position is
within a cavity of the pillar and the deployed position extends
from the pillar.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to assist handles for door
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Door openings or doorways provide ingress or egress for
occupants of vehicles or rooms. One or more doors are pivotally or
movable attached to frames of the door openings, such that the
doors are movable to block or allow access by stepping through the
door openings or by sitting on seats within the vehicles or
rooms.
SUMMARY
[0003] A door assembly is provided. The door assembly includes a
door frame, which generally defines a door opening. An assist
handle is movably attached to the door frame. The assist handle is
movable between a retracted position, proximal to the door frame,
and a deployed position, distal from the door frame. A hinge may
attach the assist handle to the door frame and may define a first
axis about which the assist handle rotates between the retracted
position and the deployed position.
[0004] A method of operating a door mechanism or door assembly is
also provided. The door mechanism includes a door frame defining a
door opening and a door selectively movable relative to the door
opening. The method includes adjusting a latch from a locked
setting, which restrains the door in a closed position that blocks
the door opening, to a free setting, which allows the door to move
between the closed position and an open position that allows access
to the door opening. The method also includes actuating an assist
handle movably attached to the door frame opposite the pivot point
of the door, such that the assist handle moves from a retracted
position, proximal to the door frame, to a deployed position,
distal from the door frame. The door moves from the closed position
to the open position by actuation of the assist handle.
[0005] The above features and advantages, and other features and
advantages, of the present subject matter are readily apparent from
the following detailed description of some of the best modes and
other embodiments for carrying out the disclosed structures,
methods, or both.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic, isometric view of a portion of a
vehicle or vehicle body, illustrating two interior seats accessible
through a door assembly or mechanism having front and rear
integrated assist handles.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic, isometric, detail view of the front
assist handle of FIG. 1, shown in a retracted position.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic, isometric, detail view of the front
assist handle of FIG. 1, shown in an initially deployed position,
such that the assist handle is substantially within a door
opening.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic, isometric, detail view of the front
assist handle of FIG. 1, shown in a fully deployed position, such
that the assist handle is substantially perpendicular to the door
opening.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic, isometric view of a portion of
another vehicle, illustrating a seat accessible through a door
assembly or mechanism having an integrated assist handle configured
to partially open a door of the vehicle.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic, top view of a portion of the vehicle
of FIG. 5, illustrating the assist handle deployed to partially
open the door of the vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond
to like or similar components whenever possible throughout the
several figures. There is shown in FIG. 1 an isometric view of a
vehicle 10, only a portion of which is illustrated.
[0013] A body 12, which may be part of a body-on-frame, unibody,
monocoque, or other body construction, of the vehicle 10, includes
an A-pillar 13, a B-pillar 14, and a C-pillar 15. The body 12 also
generally defines an exterior 15 and an interior 17. As shown in
FIG. 1 one or more seats 18 may be disposed with the interior 17 of
the vehicle 10. The seat 18 may be referred to as a passenger seat
and is representative of benches or other types of seats or
chairs.
[0014] While the present disclosure may be described with respect
to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art
will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure. Those
having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as
"above," "below," "upward," "downward," et cetera, are used
descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on
the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Any
numerical designations, such as "first" or "second" are
illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure in any way.
[0015] Features shown in one figure may be combined with,
substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the
figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or
limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements,
or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations
are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations
shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific
configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the
description.
[0016] A door assembly 20 is illustrated on the vehicle 10. The
door assembly includes a door frame 22 defining at least a front
door opening 24 and a rear door opening 25. In the configuration
shown in FIG. 1, there are both front and rear door openings 24.
Alternatively stated, two door frames 22 may each define one of the
front door opening 24 and the rear door opening 25. Note that the
door frames 22 may be formed by portions of the A-pillar 13,
B-pillar 14, and the C-pillar 15. As used herein, reference simply
to the door opening 24 may be representative of either the front
door opening 24 or the rear door opening 25.
[0017] A door (not shown in FIG. 1) is movable with respect to each
of the door frames 22. The door selectively moves between a closed
position, which fills or blocks the front door opening 24 or the
rear door opening 25, and an open position, which allows access to
the front door opening 24 or the rear door opening 25.
[0018] The vehicle 10 shown is an SUV or crossover passenger
vehicle, but is representative of numerous types vehicles,
including planes, trains, and automobiles. Additionally, heavy
industrial, construction, and mining equipment may incorporate
features of the vehicle 10 or the door assembly 20 described
herein.
[0019] Additionally, the door assembly 20, and other features
illustrated with respect to the vehicle 10, may also be usable with
non-vehicular doors or hatches. Furthermore, although the door
assembly 20 is illustrated with one or more seats 18 in the
immediate vicinity, features of the door assembly 20 may also be
usable with marine and aviation doors or hatches and with other
doors or hatches, for example a rear lift gate or tail gate, that
may not include a passenger seat in the immediate vicinity.
[0020] A portion of at least one latch 26 is illustrated in FIG. 1
with respect to both the front and rear door frames 22. In
particular, the receptacle portion or latch pin, which cooperates
with corresponding structures of the door, is viewable in the
figures. As used herein, the latch 26 generally refers to the
structures in the door and in the door frames 22 that allow or
restrain movement of the door. In cooperation with the portions in
the door, the latch 26 is selectively adjustable between a locked
setting, which restrains the door in the closed position, and a
free setting, which allows the door to move between the closed
position and the open position.
[0021] The terms front and rear, as used herein as descriptors or
as directions, refer to the typical direction of travel of the
vehicle 10 into which the door assembly 20 is incorporated. Note
that the doors of the vehicle 10 shown are configured to be hinged
or attached toward the front of the front door opening 24 and the
rear door opening 25, such that the latches 26 are toward the
rearward side of the front door opening 24 and the rear door
opening 25, but may alternatively be hinged elsewhere. The latch 26
is representative of numerous elements or mechanisms used to allow
selective restraint of the door in the closed position, the open
position, or both.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, an assist handle 30 is attached to the
door frame 22. In this example, the assist handle 30 is attached to
the B-pillar 14. The assist handle 30 is movably or pivotally
attached, such that the assist handle 30 selectively moves between
a retracted position, proximal to the door frame 22, and at least
one deployed position, distal from the door frame 22. The assist
handle 30 is permanently or fixedly attached to the door frame 22,
such that it is not readily removable and does not require separate
stowage elsewhere within the vehicle 10. FIG. 1 illustrates the
assist handle 30 in one of the deployed positions, which may be
considered an initially deployed or first deployed position.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the door assembly 20 also includes a
rear assist handle 32 that is pivotally attached to the rear door
frame 22. In this example, the rear assist handle 32 is attached to
the C-pillar 15 The rear assist handle 32 is also selectively
movable between a retracted position, proximal to the door frame
22, and at least one deployed position, distal from the door frame
22. The retracted position (not shown) of the rear assist handle 32
is substantially disposed or stowed within the door frame 22, such
that movement of the door is generally unaffected by the rear
assist handle 32, when retracted.
[0024] During ingress or egress of occupants of the vehicle 10, the
assist handle 30, the rear assist handle 32, or both, may be
deployed to provide a point of leverage. For example, an occupant
of the front seat 18 may grab the assist handle 30 to provide
leverage as he or she steps away from the front seat 18 onto the
ground below, which may lessen the difficulty of, or impact caused
by, such movement. Similarly, smaller occupants entering (or
exiting) the rear seat 18 may benefit from the additional point of
leverage provided by the rear assist handle 32.
[0025] The latch 26, the assist handle 30, and the rear assist
handle 32 are all illustrated as located opposite a front
attachment point 28 and a rear attachment point 29 (approximate
locations of which are show) of the respective doors, likely via
one or more hinges. The front attachment point 28 and the rear
attachment point 29 are shown at the forward edge of the door
opening 24 and the assist handles are located at the rearward edge
of the door opening 24. With a rearward opening door, the latch 26,
the assist handle 30, and the rear assist handle 32 may be located
at the forward edge of the door opening 24. However, the locations
of the assist handles are not limited to being opposite the any
attachment points for the doors, depending on the needs of a
particular application.
[0026] Referring also to FIGS. 2-4, there are shown additional
views of the door assembly 20 that better illustrate the assist
handle 30 in various positions. FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the
assist handle 30 in the B-pillar 14 illustrated in its stowed or
retracted position. FIG. 3 shows a detail view of the assist handle
30 in the B-pillar 14 in its initially deployed position, which is
also shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the assist
handle 30 in the B-pillar 14 in a fully deployed position.
[0027] The retracted position shown in FIG. 2 is completely stowed
within the door frame 22 and withdrawn from the door opening 24,
such that the door opens and closes without being affected by the
assist handle 30 when in the retraced position. This may allow a
vehicle without the assist handle 30 to be manufactured with a
substantially identical door as used for the vehicle 10.
Alternatively, the assist handle 30 may partially extend or
protrude into the door opening 24 when in the retracted position.
In such a configuration, the door may have a cavity or recession to
accommodate the volume of the door opening 24 occupied by the
assist handle 30.
[0028] In the configuration of the door assembly 20 illustrated in
FIGS. 2-4, a hinge 34 attaches the assist handle 30 to the door
frame 22. The hinge 34 defines a first axis 36, about which the
assist handle 30 rotates between the retracted position (shown in
FIG. 2) and at least the initially deployed position (shown in FIG.
3).
[0029] The first axis 36 shown is generally perpendicular to the
door opening 24, such that the assist handle 30 rotates or moves
into the door opening 24 when moving to the initially deployed
position. However, the assist handle 30 may rotate about other
orientations of the first axis 36. For example, the first axis 36
may alternatively be aligned at approximately a forty-five degree
angle to the door opening 24, such that the assist handle 30
deploys at an angle between the initially deployed position shown
in FIG. 3 and the fully deployed position shown in FIG. 4.
[0030] In the configuration shown, the assist handle 30 is movably
attached to a rearward side of the door frame 22, relative to the
forward direction of travel for the vehicle 10. Therefore, the
assist handle 30 extends forward into the door opening 24 when
moving from the retracted position to the initially deployed
position.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the hinge 34 also defines a second axis
38, which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 36.
Movement or rotation about the second axis 38 allows the second or
fully deployed position. Therefore, as illustrated by FIGS. 3 and
4, the fully deployed position is substantially perpendicular to
the door opening 24 and substantially perpendicular to the
initially deployed position of the assist handle 30.
[0032] Note that the first axis 36 and the second axis 38 can be
incorporated into a universal joint, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, but may
also be defined by, for example and without limitation a ball joint
or linkage. Additionally, the orientation of the first axis 36 and
the second axis 38, relative to one another or to the door frame
22, is not limiting. Different angles of deployment, or a single
deployment movement, may provide assistance to occupants of the
vehicle 10. The rear assist handle 32, as shown in FIG. 1, may have
only a single axis.
[0033] The assist handle 30 provides an integrated, retractable
point of leverage for occupants entering or exiting the vehicle 10.
Alternatively, a detachable handle (not shown) may be selectively
attached to the door frame 22. However, because the detachable
handle is not integrated with the door frame 22, it must be stowed
elsewhere in the vehicle 10 when not in use and may be lost.
Furthermore, unless special structures are incorporated into the
door frame 22 to receive the detachable handle, it may deform
portions of the door frame 22 or the latch 26.
[0034] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the door assembly 20
includes a return mechanism 40 to bias the assist handle 30 toward
the retracted position. When deployed, the assist handle 30 may
interfere with moving the door to the closed position. Therefore,
the return mechanism 40 may automatically, or in response to a
signal, move the assist handle 30 to the retracted position.
[0035] For example, and without limitation, after the occupant of
the vehicle 10 uses the assist handle 30, removal of the weight of
the occupant may trigger the return mechanism 40 to stow the assist
handle 30. The return mechanism 40 is illustrated only
schematically in FIG. 3, but may be, without limitation: a linear
or torsion spring, a bushing, a magnetic retractor, or a belt
winder. Furthermore, the return mechanism 40 may be a powered
device, such as an electric or servo motor.
[0036] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the door assembly 20
includes a power actuator 42 operatively attached to the assist
handle 30 and the door frame 22. The power actuator 42 is
configured to move the assist handle 30 from the retracted position
to at least one of the first deployed position and the second
deployed position. The power actuator 42 may be triggered by
opening of the door or by a signal, such as from a push button or a
proximity sensor. Additionally, the functionality of the power
actuator 42 and the return mechanism 40 may be incorporated into a
single component or mechanism.
[0037] Referring also to FIGS. 5-6, and with continued reference to
FIGS. 1-4, there are shown views of a portion of a vehicle 60,
which is illustrated as a convertible automobile. FIG. 5 shows an
isometric view of portions of the vehicle 60 and FIG. 6 shows a top
view of the vehicle 60.
[0038] A body 62 of the vehicle 60 includes one or more seats 68
disposed within its interior. A door frame 72 of the body 62
defines a door opening 74. Note that the door opening 74 may also
be partially defined by a roof of the convertible vehicle 60. A
door 75, viewable only in FIG. 6, is attached and movable with
respect to the door frame 72. A closed position of the door 75
blocks the door opening 74 and an open position of the door 75
allows access to the door opening 74. The door 75 is illustrated in
FIG. 6 as slightly open, such that the door 75 has moved away from
the door frame 72.
[0039] A latch 76 is selectively adjustable between a locked
setting, which restrains the door 75 in the closed position, and a
free setting, which allows the door 75 to move between the closed
position and the open position. The latch 76 represents the
necessary structures and components to restrain or allow movement
of the door 75 relative to the door opening 74.
[0040] An assist handle 80 is movably attached to a rearward side
of the door frame 72, opposite the attachment and pivot point of
the door 75. The assist handle 80 is movable between a retracted
position, proximal to the door frame 72, and a deployed position,
distal from the door frame 72. The deployed position is illustrated
in both FIGS. 5 and 6. The retracted position of the assist handle
80 is not shown, but the assist handle 80 is stowable within a
cavity 82 of the door frame 72.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 6, for the assist handle 80 to be
deployed, the door 75 should be in the open position. Therefore,
operation of the latch 76 is either directly or indirectly
coordinated with operation of the assist handle 80.
[0042] The assist handle 80 extends outward from the interior of
the vehicle 60, such that its deployed position is generally
perpendicular to the door opening 74. As an occupant enters or
exits the vehicle 60, the occupant may use the assist handle 80 to
provide leverage while moving between the seat 68 and the outside
of the vehicle 60 (i.e., between standing and sitting).
[0043] The vehicle 60 may also include a power actuator 92 attached
to the assist handle 80 and the door frame 72, which is shown
schematically in FIGS. 5 and 6. The power actuator 92 moves the
assist handle 80 from the retracted position to the deployed
position. Additionally, the power actuator 92 may cause the assist
handle 80 to move the door 75 from the closed position to the open
position when the latch 76 is in free setting.
[0044] Therefore, the power actuator 92 and the assist handle 80
may partially open the door 75 to promote egress or ingress of
occupants. For example, a push button or door handle (not shown)
may trigger actuation of the latch 76, to release the door 75, and
trigger the power actuator 92 to move the assist handle 80 to the
deployed position, such that the assist handle 80 pushes the door
75 to the position shown in FIG. 6.
[0045] In the vehicle 60 shown, the door 75 pivots about the
forward edge of the door frame 72, such that the door 75 is forward
opening. The latch 76 and the assist handle 80 are disposed
opposite the pivot point of the door 75. If the door 75 were
rearward opening, the latch 76 and the assist handle 80 may be
moved to the forward edge of the door frame 72, such that the power
actuator 92 operates to push the door 75 open from the side
opposite its pivot point. Alternatively, the assist handle 80 and
the power actuator 92 may operate nearer the pivot point of the
door 75. However, this may require more force or torque for the
assist handle 80 to move the door 75 to its partially open
position.
[0046] A method of operating a door mechanism, such as that
incorporated into the vehicle 60, or the vehicle 10, may utilize
the assist handle 80 and the power actuator 92 to partially open
the door 75. This may be referred to as an easy-open or assist-open
feature. The method may be controlled or executed by a control
system with suitable memory, signal processing capability, and
communication capability to instruct and effect operation.
[0047] The method may include adjusting the latch 76 from its
locked setting, which would otherwise restrain the door 75, to its
free setting, which allows the door 75 to move. The method may then
actuate the assist handle 80, such as with the power actuator 92.
The assist handle 80 moves from the retracted position, proximal to
the door frame 72, to the deployed position, distal from the door
frame 72. Actuation of the assist handle 80 moves the door 75 away
from the closed position to the open position, such that it assists
occupants by at least partially opening the door 75.
[0048] The detailed description and the drawings or figures are
supportive and descriptive of the subject matter discussed herein.
While some of the best modes and other embodiments for have been
described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations,
and embodiments exist.
* * * * *