DE20302226U1 - Component for vehicle interiors, in particular roof handle - Google Patents

Description

UTE-16IgDE

11 February 2 003

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DESCRIPTION

Component for vehicle interiors,

especially roof grab handle 05

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a component for vehicle interiors with a first, movably connected second structural unit that can be mounted on the wall of the vehicle interior, wherein the second structural unit can be moved from a rest position to a use position and vice versa against the action of elastic means and the second structural unit is moved from the use position to the rest position or is held in the rest position under the sole action of the elastic means.

STATE OF THE ART

In the interior of vehicles, so-called pull handles are used as roof grab handles. On the one hand, these allow the roof grab handle to lie close to the vehicle's interior wall when not in use, and on the other hand, when in use, the relative displacement between the fixed first structural unit and the movable second structural unit provides more freedom of movement for the hands to grasp the grab handle securely. After the pull handle is released, it automatically returns to the rest position under the effect of the elastic means.

Metal springs are commonly used as elastic means. However, metal springs tend to produce undesirable noise when actuated. In addition, the setting behavior of the metal spring depends on the service life, which causes the

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11 February 2003

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Movement behavior of the handle is changed. Furthermore, such metal springs tend to corrode, so solutions have been developed to provide the metal spring with an additional coating. However, this leads to increased manufacturing costs, which no longer justifies economic use.

In order to ensure that the pull handle has good stopping properties, a two-component part is usually formed, i.e. an elastically flexible stopping unit is additionally molded onto a plastic carrier part. This in turn means increased manufacturing costs.

There are also known folding roof handles that are under the influence of elastic means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention is based on the task or technical problem of specifying a component for vehicle interiors which can be produced economically, which avoids the disadvantages mentioned in the prior art, which ensures a permanently reliable function and which provides a pleasant feeling of operation.

The component according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset is given by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

UTE-16IgDE

11 February 2003

The component according to the invention is accordingly characterized in that the elastic means are designed as at least one elastically stretchable band or rope or an elastically stretchable cord.

According to the invention, the problematic metal spring is replaced by an elastic band or rope or an elastic cord that can be easily molded on.

A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the elastic means are already pre-tensioned in the rest position.

A particularly preferred alternative embodiment, which ensures economical production, is characterized in that the structural units are designed as plastic injection-molded parts and the elastic means are present as means injection-molded onto the first structural unit or second structural unit.

Elastomers, such as rubber, elastane (registered trademark) or Dorlastan (registered trademark) or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), can be used as materials for the elastic means.

Silicone is the preferred material for the elastic means. Silicone has excellent mechanical properties, can be easily molded and, in terms of material behavior, offers very good consistency at different temperatures.

The component according to the invention can be designed as any kinematic component in the vehicle interior.

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In this context, a particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the component is designed as a roof grab handle, wherein the first structural unit is designed as a fixed bearing unit and the second structural unit is designed as a movable handle bar, wherein the handle bar performs a translational movement and/or a rotational movement from the rest position to the use position and vice versa.

An embodiment which is particularly simple to implement in terms of construction and ensures a permanently reliable function, which also ensures simple assembly of the two structural units, is characterized in that the second structural unit has a projection unit, wherein the elastic means are connected or molded onto the first structural unit and surround the projection unit in a loop-like manner.

In a particularly advantageous manner, it is possible according to the invention to shape the elastic means in such a way (for example in an injection molding process) that they simultaneously represent an elastic end stop in the rest position and/or in the use position.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the second structural unit executes a rotary movement and has a rotary bearing, in particular a drum, onto which the elastic means on the outer surface of the rotary bearing or drum 0 are wound up at least in regions or, conversely, unwound when moving from the rest position to the use position.

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The pivot bearing or drum can advantageously be connected to the second structural unit in a form-fitting manner. However, it is also possible to form the pivot bearing or drum in one piece with the second structural unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, the drum itself can be provided with a damping unit, which is designed, for example, as a viscous damper, thereby enabling an overall damped movement of the second structural unit.

A particularly advantageous embodiment variant, which enables a dampened movement of the second structural unit in a structurally particularly simple manner, is characterized in that at least one elastic damping unit is formed on the elastic means, which slides along a fixed wall of the first structural unit when the second structural unit moves and thereby produces a damping effect on the movement of the second structural unit as a result of friction.

According to an advantageous further development, a particularly economical production is made possible in that the elastic means and the elastic damping unit are designed as a one-piece injection-molded component, wherein the elastic damping unit preferably has at least one elastic flag.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the elastic means are molded onto the drum of the second rotatable structural unit and anchored to the first structural unit.

With the component according to the invention, significant advantages can be achieved in comparison with the prior art, which are listed below as examples:

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11 February 2003

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With the component according to the invention, the spring noises caused by the metal springs are completely suppressed when actuated. A separate stop buffer can be completely dispensed with, since the stop buffer can be designed as a single, preferably injection-molded, component by appropriately shaping the elastic means. The usual metal spring and the required spring cover can be completely dispensed with. Overall, the component is characterized by a flat spring characteristic and provides a pleasant feeling when actuated. By additionally forming an elastic damping unit, the elastic means themselves can implement a certain damping effect on the movement of the second structural unit.

15

An essential embodiment consists in the use of silicone as the material for the elastic means, which on the one hand can be easily used in injection molding, has excellent mechanical properties and has a material behavior that is almost independent of temperature.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention result from the features further listed in the claims and from the exemplary embodiments given below. The features of the claims can be combined with one another in any way, provided they do not obviously exclude one another.

30

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention and advantageous embodiments and further developments thereof are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawing. The information to be taken from the description and the drawing

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11 February 2003

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The features mentioned above can be used individually or in combination with one another in accordance with the invention. They show:

Fig. la, b schematic perspective view of a roof grab handle for vehicle interiors, designed as a pull handle and under the action of elastic means, in rest position and use position,

Fig. 2a, b schematic perspective view of a roof grab handle for vehicle interiors, which is designed as a folding handle and is under the action of elastic means, in rest position and use position,

Fig. 3 schematic section through the roof grab handle according to Fig. 1 along the section line I - I in rest position, showing the elastic means,

Fig. 4 schematic section through the roof grab handle according to Fig.l - section line I - I - in use position, showing the elastic means,

Fig. 5 schematic section perpendicular to

Section I - I according to Fig. 1 (top view), showing the elastic means,

Fig. 6a schematic detailed perspective view of the

Roof grab handle according to Fig. 1 in the storage area in transparent representation with elastic means designed as a loop,

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Fig. 6b schematic perspective view of the

elastic means according to Fig. 6a in individual representation,

Fig. 7 schematic section through the roof grab handle

according to Fig. 2 along the incision line II - II in resting position with representation of the elastic means and

Fig. 8 schematic section through the roof grab handle

according to Fig. 2 along the cutting line II - II with representation of the elastic means, in use position.

WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

Fig. la and b show a component 10 which is designed as a roof grab handle 10 for vehicle interiors, wherein the roof grab handle 10 is designed as a so-called "pull handle" which can be manually moved from a rest position (Fig. la) into a use position (Fig. 1b).

The roof grab handle 10 has a first fixed structural unit 12, which is designed as a bearing unit 12 and is fastened to the wall 18 of a vehicle interior when assembled. A second structural unit 14, which can be moved in translation essentially perpendicular to the wall 18 and is designed as a handle bar 14, is connected to the bearing unit 12. The two end areas of the U-shaped handle bar 14 are connected to corresponding bearing units 12 on both sides. Elastic means, which are described further below, act on the handle bar 14 in the area of the bearing unit 12.

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When using the roof grab handle 10, the handle bar 14 is first grasped in the rest position according to Fig. 1a and pulled out in the direction of arrow Z essentially perpendicular to the wall 18 against the action of the elastic means.

This increases the clear interior area between the handle bar 14 and the wall 18, so that more freedom of movement for the hands is ensured when operating the device. As soon as the handle bar 14 is released again when it is not in use, it automatically carries out a return movement R due to the effect of the elastic means and thus returns from the use position according to Fig. 1b to the rest position according to Fig. la.

The schematic structure of the handle bar 14 in the area of the bearing unit 12 according to section I - I in Fig. 1a with the elastic means is shown in more detail in Fig. 3.

A laterally projecting projection unit 22 is formed on the handle bar 14 in each front end area. A plate unit 28 is connected to the top of the bearing unit 12, which is arranged in some areas below the projection unit 22, and elastic means 20 are formed on the top. The elastic means 20 are designed as a band that surrounds the projection unit 22 in a loop-like manner. On the top of the projection unit 22, the elastic means 20 have a projection Ü relative to the outer surface of the projection unit 22, which forms an upper elastic end stop 30 for the extended position according to Fig. 4. A lower end stop 32 is integrally formed on the underside of the loop-shaped elastic means 20, essentially perpendicular to the loop plane, which is oval-shaped and connected to the plate unit 28. The lower end stop 32 serves as an elastic stop for the underside of the projection unit 22 in the rest position according to

Fig. 3. _ ₁₀ _

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The handle bar 14 can be moved translationally relative to the bearing unit 12 essentially perpendicular to the wall 18 (arrows Z, R). For this purpose, guide devices are provided on the wall of the bearing unit 12, which are not shown in detail in Figures 3 to 6.

When the roof grab handle 10 is used, the handle bar is grasped and moved upwards in the direction of arrow Z according to Fig. 3. This pulling-out movement Z can continue until the upper end stop 3 0 of the loop-shaped elastic means 2 0 elastically strikes the upper inside of the bearing unit 12. The use position is then reached. If the handle bar 14 is released in the state according to Fig. 4, it automatically moves back in the direction of arrow R due to the effect of the elastic means 2 0 into the rest position according to Fig. 3 until the underside of the projection unit 22 elastically strikes the lower end stop 32 which is formed onto the elastic means 20.

The loop-shaped elastic means 20 are preferably already pre-tensioned around the projection unit 22 in the rest position according to Fig. 3.

Fig. 6a shows a detailed perspective of the connection of the elastic means 2 0 in the area of the bearing unit 12, wherein the bearing unit 12 itself is not shown.

In Fig. 6b, the elastic means 20 with their lower end stop 32 and the plate unit 28, which form their base, are shown schematically in perspective. Alternatively, elastic damping units 24 can be molded preferably in one piece onto the webs of the loop of the elastic means 20, which are designed as elastic flags 26, which is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 6b.

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11 February 2003

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These elastic flags 26 are in contact with the inner wall of the bearing unit 12. As soon as the handle bar 14 is moved, the flags 26 also move due to the elasticity of the loop-shaped elastic means 20, whereby a frictional force builds up between the flags 26 and the inner wall of the bearing unit 12, which ultimately has a dampening effect on the extension and retraction movement of the handle bar 14.

Fig. 6b also shows a schematic alternative representation of the lower elastic end stop 32. While retaining the oval shape of the lower end stop 32, upwardly pointing stop projections 34 are formed on it, which clearly define the stop position of the projection unit 22 of the handle bar 14.

Figures 2a and b show a schematic perspective view of a roof grab handle 50 in the resting and use positions, which is designed as a folding handle. A first fixed structural unit 52, which is designed as a bearing unit 52, is connected to the wall 18 of the vehicle interior. The bearing unit 52 has a base plate 64 and bearing flanges 66 which are arranged parallel to one another and project forwards and each have a bearing recess 68. There is also a second movable structural unit 54 which is designed as a U-shaped handle bar 54. The front end regions of the flanges of the U-shaped handle bar 54 are rotatably mounted in the recesses 68 of the bearing flanges 66 via a pivot bearing (not shown in detail in Figures 2a and b). As a result, the handle bar 54 can be pivoted about the axis of rotation 56 formed by the bearing recesses 68 in the direction of arrow D1 or D2 from the rest position to the use position and vice versa. The handle bar 54 is hereby under the influence of elastic means 60,

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against the action of which the roof grab handle 50 can be pivoted from the rest position into the use position and which cause the roof grab handle 50 to automatically fold back into the rest position when released from the use position.

The elastic means 60 are shown in more detail in Figures 7 to 9.

Inside the handle bar 54 in the area of the connection to the bearing units 52, a drum 62 is connected to the handle bar 54, which is rotatably mounted in the bearing recesses 68 via a bolt construction (not shown in detail). The elastic means 70 are designed as an elastic band 70. The elastic band 70 is connected to the bearing unit 52 on the one hand and is injection-molded onto the drum 62 on the other.

In the left end area of the elastic band 70 in Fig. 9, a T-shaped anchoring unit 72 is integrally formed, by means of which the elastic band 70 can be anchored in a corresponding recess on the bearing unit 52. The end area 74 of the elastic band 70 opposite the anchoring unit 72 is molded or injection-molded onto the drum 62. The geometry of the connection is designed such that the elastic band 70 is wound up in regions around the outer circumference onto the outer contour of the drum 62 when the handle 54 is rotated from the rest position (Fig. 7) to the use position (Fig. 8).

As a result, a restoring force builds up within the elastic means 60, which causes the

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11 February 2003

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When the handle bar 54 is in the use position as shown in Fig. 8, it automatically folds back into the rest position as shown in Fig. 7.

The elastic band 70 is preferably already pre-tensioned in the rest position according to Fig. 7.

In Fig. 9, the deformation of the elastic means as a result of rotation of the handle bar 54 or the drum 62 by D1 is shown in dash-dotted lines. Furthermore, Fig. 9 shows projection units 76 formed on the front side of the drum 62, which ensure a positive connection of the drum 62 to the handle bar 54.

According to Fig. 9, a wedge unit 78 is formed on the outside of the drum 62, which enables a flat connection of the right end region 74 of the elastic band 70 in Fig. 9 and at the same time ensures a tangential application of the elastic band 70 to the outer contour of the drum 62 in the rest position. This makes it possible to economically produce an connection of the elastic band 70 to the drum 62 while at the same time ensuring a permanently reliable function.

Silicone is the preferred material for the elastic means 20, 60. However, any other elastomer can also be used.

The illustrated embodiments show roof grab handles. However, the present invention is not limited to use with roof grab handles. The use of elastic means of the type described can be used with any kinematic components for vehicle interiors, such as ashtrays, cup holders or movable coat hooks, etc.

UTE-161gDE

11 February 2003

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The elastic means shown are merely exemplary embodiments. Elastic means similar to bands, ropes or cords with a wide variety of geometries can be used.

Claims (21)

1. Component ( 10 ; 50 ) for vehicle interiors with - a first fixed structural unit ( 12 ; 52 ) mountable on the wall ( 18 ) of the vehicle interior and - a second structural unit ( 14 ; 54 ) movably connected to the first structural unit ( 12 ; 52 ), wherein - the second structural unit ( 14 ; 54 ) is movable against the action of elastic means ( 20 ; 60 ) from a rest position to a use position (Z, R; D1, D2) and vice versa and - the second structural unit ( 14 ; 54 ) is moved from the use position to the rest position or is held in the rest position under the sole action of the elastic means ( 20 ; 60 ), characterized in that - the elastic means ( 20 ; 60 ) are designed as at least one elastically stretchable band or rope or one elastically stretchable cord. 2. Component according to claim 1, characterized in that - the elastic means ( 20 ; 60 ) are pre-tensioned in the rest position between the first structural unit ( 12 ; 52 ) and the second structural unit ( 14 ; 54 ). 3. Component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the structural units ( 12 , 14 ; 52 , 54 ) are designed as plastic injection-molded parts and the elastic means are present as means injection-molded onto the first structural unit ( 12 ; 52 ) or second structural unit ( 14 ; 54 ). 4. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the elastic means consist of elastomer material, in particular rubber or Elastan (registered trademark) or Dorlastan (registered trademark) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). 5. Component according to claim 4, characterized in that - the elastic elements are made of silicone. 6. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the component ( 10 ; 50 ) is designed as a handle, wherein the first structural unit ( 12 ) is designed as a fixed bearing unit and the second structural unit ( 52 ) is designed as a movable handle bar, wherein the handle bar performs a translational movement and/or a rotational movement from the rest position to the use position and vice versa. 7. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the second structural unit ( 14 ) has a projection unit ( 22 ), wherein the elastic means are connected to or molded onto the first structural unit ( 12 ) and surround the projection unit ( 22 ) in a loop-like manner. 8. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the elastic means ( 20 ) are shaped such that in the rest position they form an elastic end stop ( 30 ) of the second structural unit ( 14 ) on the first structural unit ( 12 ). 9. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the elastic means ( 20 ) are designed such that in the end-of-use position they form an elastic end stop ( 32 ) of the second structural unit ( 14 ) on the first structural unit ( 12 ). 10. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the second structural unit ( 54 ) executes a rotary movement and has a rotary bearing, in particular a drum ( 62 ), onto which the elastic means ( 60 ) on the outer surface of the rotary bearing or drum are wound up at least in regions or, conversely, unwound when moving from the rest position to the use position. 11. Component according to claim 10, characterized in that - the drum ( 62 ) is positively connected to the second structural unit ( 54 ). 12. Component according to claim 10, characterized in that - the drum is integrally formed with the second structural unit. 13. Component according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that - there is a damping unit inside the drum which has a damping effect on the rotational movement of the second structural unit. 14. Component according to claim 13, characterized in that - the damping unit is designed as a viscous damper. 15. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - at least one elastic damping unit ( 24 ) is formed on the elastic means ( 20 ), which slides along a fixed wall of the first structural unit ( 12 ) when the second structural unit ( 14 ) moves, thereby producing a damping effect on the movement of the second structural unit ( 14 ). 16. Component according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the elastic damping unit ( 24 ) of the elastic means ( 20 ) has at least one elastic flag ( 26 ). 17. Component according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that - the elastic means ( 20 ) and the elastic damping unit ( 24 ) are designed as a one-piece injection-molded component. 18. Component according to claim 10, characterized in that - the elastic means ( 60 ) are injection-molded onto the drum ( 62 ) and anchored to the first structural unit ( 52 ). 19. Component according to claim 7 and 9, characterized in that - the end stop ( 30 ) in the use position and/or the rest position is formed by a projecting region of the elastic means ( 20 ). 20. Component according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that - the end stop ( 32 ) in the rest position and/or the use position is formed by a plate or profile, in particular a ring-shaped or oval-shaped profile, which is molded or injection-molded onto the elastic means ( 20 ). 21. Component according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that - the elastic end stops are formed by separately molded elastic components.