DE102019118253A1 - Handle system that can be activated by fluid technology - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (10) with a vehicle handle (11) and a corresponding recessed grip (18). It is provided that the recessed grip (18) can be formed or closed by a hydraulically or pneumatically displaceable membrane (20) and that the handle (11) can be extended through a hydraulically or pneumatically stiffenable hose (36) or placed against the vehicle outer skin (22).

Description

The invention relates to a recessed grip according to the preamble of claim 1, a handle according to the preamble of claim 5, a handle system according to the preamble of claim 8 and a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 10.

In the technical field of vehicles, for example in motor vehicles, it is known to equip doors, flaps or static parts with handles.

From the DE 10 2015 209 852 A1 a door handle system for a motor vehicle door is known which comprises a device for releasing a blockage of the door handle.

Furthermore describes the WO 2016/113340 A1 a motor vehicle door, the door handle of which can be displaced from a rest position into a functional position with a drive unit.

However, the known solutions all have the disadvantage that they are equipped with complex mechanical systems, are therefore susceptible to wear and failure and are structurally not very flexible.

The invention is now based on the object of creating a handle system that is improved in comparison.

The object is achieved by the subjects of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the other features mentioned in the subclaims and the description.

• - ein Strukturteil, das eine Mulde bildet; und
• - ein Griffstück, das zumindest abschnittsweise vor der Mulde angeordnet ist.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a recessed grip, comprising:

• - A structural part that forms a trough; and
• - A handle which is arranged at least in sections in front of the trough.

According to the invention, it is provided that the trough is closed off from the environment by a membrane and that a pressure in the trough can be set using fluid technology.

The structural part can for example comprise a trough shell. The trough shell can also be attached to a further structural part with a through opening, so that the trough can be made accessible through the through opening.

The handle can for example run across the trough. In the presence of a further structural part, it can for example also run across its passage opening.

The pressure in the recess can for example be adjusted pneumatically or hydraulically relative to the ambient pressure and thus selectively cause a displacement of the membrane in the direction of the handle or the surroundings or in the direction of an interior of the recess.

There is an extremely extensive freedom of design for the trough, since the membrane can be flexibly designed and the pressure can be applied evenly and safely to the membrane with a pressure fluid, even with complex geometries of the membrane.

The recessed grip is of low mechanical complexity and thus largely free of mechanical wear. The recessed grip can also be produced with little effort and in a variety of shapes.

In a preferred embodiment of the recessed grip of the invention, it is provided that the pressure in the recess can be increased to a locking level in order to completely block a recess volume of the recess with the membrane and that the pressure in the recess can be lowered to a release level, the membrane at least is sucked into the trough in sections and the trough volume is at least partially accessible.

If the membrane is displaced into the recess when the pressure is reduced to a release level, it increasingly allows access to the recess volume formed by the structural part from the direction of the handle or the surroundings, for example with one hand that encompasses the handle. How high the proportion of the trough volume accessible from the outside is can therefore be set very flexibly.

If, on the other hand, the recess is completely blocked by the membrane, it has practically disappeared when the structural part is viewed from the outside, which is not only visually advantageous, but can also have aerodynamic advantages in vehicles, for example.

For example, if a pressurized fluid is pumped into the trough and the pressure is brought to the sealing level and the sealing level is at ambient pressure, the membrane is in equilibrium with respect to the environment and the trough and thus securely closes the trough without damaging the membrane an outlet of pressurized fluid comes under excess pressure.

In a further preferred embodiment of the recessed grip of the invention it is provided that the membrane is elastic.

By suitably designing the membrane for the closure level and the release level of the pressure in the recess, for example, an approximately flat surface can be formed at the closure level or an optically and aerodynamically advantageous integration into the geometry of an outer surface of a vehicle.

If the pressure fluid is then drained or pumped out of the trough, for example based on the ambient pressure as the closure level, a negative pressure is formed in the trough based on the ambient pressure, which can be further reduced to a vacuum. The flexible membrane can thereby lay flat against a rear wall of the trough. The rear wall is formed, for example, by a section of the structural part that delimits the trough volume.

The entire cavity volume can thus advantageously be used and from the outside the recessed grip looks like a static recessed grip in this state.

In a further preferred embodiment of the recessed grip of the invention, it is provided that the membrane is filled with complementary structural elements that fit together like a mosaic when the pressure is set to the closure level and that shift away from each other due to an expansion of the membrane when the pressure is below the locking level is lowered.

In other words, structural elements are arranged on the flexible membrane, between which expansion joints are provided, which are closed at the closure level of the pressure, so that the structural elements are assembled to form a closed surface.

This significantly increases the stability of the recessed grip in the closed state. The closed surface is also particularly suitable for painting. Of course, the membrane can also be painted directly.

The structural elements can be made of plastic, for example. These can, for example, be produced together with the membrane as a two-component part or they can also be applied subsequently. In order not to prevent the membrane from being placed against the rear wall of the trough, the structural elements have a correspondingly suitable shape, for example small isosceles triangles.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a handle, comprising a handle piece, which is fastened to a structural part in a selectively displaceable manner and is operatively connected to an actuator for the purpose of displacement.

According to the invention it is provided that the actuator can be operated by fluid technology.

The structural part can for example comprise a trough shell, as described above. The handle can for example run across a depression formed by the structural part.

The pressure for operating the actuator can be adjusted pneumatically or hydraulically relative to the ambient pressure, for example, and thus selectively move the handle piece away from the structural part or onto the structural part.

There is an extremely wide range of design freedom for the handle, since the actuator can be flexibly designed and the pressure with a pressure fluid can be applied evenly and safely to the actuator or the handle even with complex geometries of the actuator or handle.

The actuator is of low mechanical complexity and therefore largely free of mechanical wear. The handle can also be produced with little effort and in a variety of forms.

In a preferred embodiment of the handle of the invention it is provided that the actuator comprises at least one hose, the internal pressure of which can be increased to an operating level, the hose stiffening and the handle shifting away from the structural part into a gripping position and that the internal pressure can be lowered to a resting level is, wherein the hose slackens and the handle can be moved towards the structural part in a rest position.

The internal pressure can preferably be reduced or evacuated relative to the ambient pressure to such an extent that the hose contracts beyond pure relaxation and pulls the handle piece in the direction of the structural part, preferably into its rest position. Alternatively or in addition, a return spring can also be provided, for example.

In its rest position, the hose is covered from the outside by the handle. This protects the hose and also has visual and, for example in the case of a vehicle, aerodynamic advantages.

The hose is preferably a hose with a flat profile. Of course, several can also Hoses may be provided, for example one hose at each end of the handle. The handle itself can also be formed by one or more hoses.

In this way, the actuator can be implemented with a very simple structure and the actuator can be operated solely by controlling the fluid pressure.

Since the handle piece can lie very flat against the structural part, there are also aerodynamic advantages in addition to the optical advantages, for example in the case of a vehicle. There are also advantages for safety, since the handle can hardly be grasped in the rest position, for example by an unauthorized person.

In a further preferred embodiment of the handle of the invention it is provided that the hose folds up between the gripping section and the structural part when the internal pressure is lowered below the operating level.

This makes the handle even more compact in the rest position.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a handle system, comprising a recessed grip according to the invention according to the preceding description and a handle according to the invention according to the preceding description.

The interaction of handle and recessed grip results in a number of other advantages. Thus, by simultaneously closing the recessed grip and moving the handle to its rest position, the handle can be placed against the membrane and thus the outer surface of the handle system can be free of cavities.

It is preferably a handle system for a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle such as an automobile. It is also preferably a handle system for a vehicle door or flap.

In the field of vehicles in particular, in addition to optical advantages, there are also aerodynamic and safety advantages. Depending on the vehicle, gripping of the handle can be permitted by either making the recess accessible, shifting the handle into the gripping position, or both. This can also improve ergonomics, for example by providing more space to grip.

Of course, the handle system according to the invention can also be used in other technical fields than vehicles if handles are used.

In a preferred embodiment of the handle system of the invention, it is provided that a pressure from a depression in the handle depression can be at least partially diverted into an actuator of the handle and vice versa.

In other words, a common pressure fluid can be used for the handle and the recessed grip, since in many applications the actuator of the handle is evacuated when the recess is filled and vice versa.

The amount of pressure fluid required can thus be reduced and, for example, a common pump can be used. This also has energetic advantages, since one of the elements actuator and trough are always subjected to pressure. A connecting line with a shut-off valve can thus also be provided, with part of the required pressure being diverted between the actuator and the trough simply by opening the shut-off valve. For example, if the trough is under ambient pressure and the actuator is evacuated, then opening the shut-off valve leads, for example, to half the ambient pressure being set in the trough and the actuator. Furthermore, further pressure fluid can then be pumped out of the trough into the actuator, for example by the pump.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a recessed grip according to the invention according to the preceding description or a handle according to the invention according to the preceding description or a handle system according to the invention according to the preceding description.

Summarized again in other words, the invention relates to a system with a vehicle reef and a recessed grip corresponding to it. It is provided that the recessed grip can be formed or closed by a hydraulically or pneumatically displaceable membrane and that the handle can be extended through a hydraulically or pneumatically stiffenable hose or placed on the vehicle outer skin.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless stated otherwise in the individual case.

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Griffsystem in einer Frontansicht;
• 2 das erfindungsgemäße Griffsystem aus 1 in einer Querschnittsansicht;
• 3 Betriebszustände des erfindungsgemäßen Griffsystems aus 1; und
• 4 ein erfindungsgemäßes Fahrzeug.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a handle system according to the invention in a front view;
• 2 the handle system according to the invention 1 in a cross-sectional view;
• 3 Operating states of the handle system according to the invention 1 ; and
• 4th a vehicle according to the invention.

1 shows a basic sketch of a handle system according to the invention 10 in a front view, with a view of a handle 12th of a handle according to the invention 11 .

Behind the handle 12th is a structural part 14th arranged, which is indicated here only by the hatching.

The structural part 14th forms a hollow 16 leading to a recessed grip according to the invention 18th belongs. The handle 12th runs over the hollow 16 , making the trough 16 as a recessed grip 18th acts.

The trough is in the state shown 16 opposite the handle 12th through a membrane 20th locked.

For further explanation see 2 Reference where the handle system according to the invention 10 out 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view according to the section line A.

The structural part is clearly visible 14th , this is an example of an outer skin 22nd a vehicle not shown 24 (compare 4th ) includes. The structural part 14th further comprises a trough shell 26th that have a bowl volume 28 the trough 16 enveloped.

One pressure p1 in the hollow 16 is increased in the state shown to a closure level that the ambient pressure p2 corresponds. This is where the membrane is located 20th in equilibrium with the environment and blocks the cavity volume 28 the trough 16 as shown, completely in relation to the environment.

This is in front of the membrane 20th , flush with this, the handle 12th arranged.

The pressure p1 in the hollow 16 is fluid-adjustable. For this purpose, a fluid line 30th be provided, which can be connected to a fluid system not shown with a pump.

The pressure p1 in the hollow 16 can be lowered to a release level, with the membrane 20th in the hollow 16 is sucked and the bowl volume 28 thereby making it accessible from the outside. This process is through the membrane line 20 ' only hinted at. This corresponds to a released portion of the bowl volume 28 ' designated.

The membrane 20th is made elastic so that it can be flexibly attached to a rear wall 32 the trough 16 can create.

To further explain the properties of the handle 12th , will be on 3 Reference is made where different operating states of the handle system according to the invention 10 out 1 are shown in outline. The view in 3 corresponds to the section line B. 1 .

The handle 12th is on the structural part 14th selectively movably attached and for the purpose of displacement with an actuator 34 functionally connected, like the membrane 20th , can be operated fluidly.

The actuator 34 includes two hoses here 36 , their internal pressure p3 in the upper part of the 3 is lowered to a rest level, which is preferably a vacuum compared to the ambient pressure p2 represents.

There are the hoses 36 compactly contracted, making the handle 12th to the structural part 14th is pulled to a rest position and the hoses 36 between the handle 12th and the structural part 14th have folded up.

Will the internal pressure p3 well, as in the lower part of the 3 shown, adjusted to a higher operating level, the hoses stiffen 36 and the handle 12th is from the structural part 14th pushed away into a gripping position.

Preferably the pressure is p1 from a hollow 16 at least partially as pressure p3 into the actuator 34 divertable and vice versa.

4th shows a vehicle according to the invention 24 .

The vehicle 24 comprises a handle system according to the invention 10 with a recessed grip according to the invention 18th and a handle according to the invention 11 , here as an example according to the 1 and 2 .

The handle 12th forms the handle of a vehicle door 38 .

List of reference symbols

10

Handle system

11

Handle

12

Handle

14th

Structural part

16

trough

18th

Recessed grip

20th

membrane

20 '

Membrane line

22nd

Outer skin

24

vehicle

26th

Bowl

28

Bowl volume

28 '

Trough volume

30th

Fluid line

32

Back wall

34

Actuator

36

tube

38

Vehicle door

p1

pressure

p2

Ambient pressure

p3

Internal pressure

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102015209852 A1 [0003]
• WO 2016/113340 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Recessed grip (18) comprising: - a structural part (14) which forms a recess (16); and - a handle (12) which is arranged at least in sections between the trough (16) and the environment, characterized in that the trough (16) is closed with respect to the handle (12) by a membrane (20) and that a pressure (p1) in the trough (16) is fluid-adjustable. Recessed grip (18) Claim 1 , characterized in that the pressure (p1) in the trough (16) can be increased to a closure level in order to completely block a trough volume (28) of the trough (16) with the membrane (20) and that the pressure (p1) in the trough (16) can be lowered to a release level, the membrane (20) being sucked into the trough (16) at least in sections and the trough volume (28) being at least partially accessible. Recessed grip (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (20) is elastic. Recessed grip (18) Claim 3 , characterized in that the membrane (20) is occupied by structural elements that are complementary to one another, which fit together like a mosaic when the pressure (p1) is set to the closure level and which move away from one another as a result of expansion of the membrane (20) when the Pressure (p1) is lowered below the closure level. Handle (11) comprising a handle piece (12) which is selectively displaceably attached to a structural part (14) and is operatively connected to an actuator (34) for the purpose of displacement, characterized in that the actuator (34) can be operated fluidically. Handle (11) Claim 5 , characterized in that the actuator (34) comprises at least one hose (36), the internal pressure (p3) of which can be increased to an operating level, the hose (36) stiffening and the handle (12) away from the structural part (14) shifted into a gripping position and that the internal pressure (p3) can be lowered to a resting level, the hose (36) slackening and the handle (12) being able to be shifted towards the structural part (14) into a resting position. Handle (11) Claim 6 , characterized in that the hose (36) folds up between the handle (12) and the structural part (14) when the internal pressure (p3) is lowered below the operating level. Handle system (10), comprising a recessed grip (18) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th and a handle (11) according to one of the Claims 5 to 7th . Handle system (10) Claim 8 , characterized in that a pressure (p1) from a recess (16) of the recessed grip (18) can at least partially be diverted to an actuator (34) of the handle (11) and vice versa. Vehicle (24), comprising a recessed grip (18) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th or a handle (11) according to one of the Claims 5 to 7th or a handle system (10) according to one of the Claims 8 or 9 .

Images