EP1255004A2 - Door handle unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Door handle unit for a motor vehicle door lock comprises a handle (1), and an adapter plate (3) fixed on a door (2) for pivotably receiving a bearing arm (4) of the handle. In a first step the handle is inserted in a bushing (5) on the adapter plate to form a signal connection, and in a second step the handle including the bushing is moved into its functional position. Preferred Features: The handle and the bushing form a socket connection in a direction (6) perpendicular to the door plane (E). The handle is moved into its functional position in the direction (7) of the door plane.

Description

The invention relates to a door handle unit for Motor vehicle door lock, with a handle, in particular pulling operated outside door handle, and with one a door attached adapter plate for rotating Inclusion of a bearing arm of the handle, the handle and a socket on the adapter plate in the course of growing the Handle a signal connection to the adapter plate. - Instead of the pulling door handle as Handle can of course just as well a (pulling operated) Door handle can be realized. It likes the door in most cases around a side door on one Act motor vehicle, although in principle also tailgates, Trunk lid, etc. are included.

With a door handle unit of the construction described at the beginning The procedure is such that the Handle first the handle with a bearing arm on one Bearing journal is pushed on. Only in a last phase of thrust movement then there is a signal connection between the handle and the socket on the adapter plate. So now the bushing rotary movements of the handle around the bearing journal can follow at this point is a slewing ring with Alignment means provided in comparison to the adapter plate, for a defined starting rotary position of the socket ensures and consists of a stop including spring element (see DE 196 33 894 C2).

This is complex and associated with inaccuracies. Because depends on the exact orientation of the socket to the handle of course a successful, fast and secure signal connection from. In addition, the signal connection at a Series production can only be checked when the entire known door handle unit is assembled, as is known the signal connection or electrical connection only in the last phase of the mechanical assembly movement. So if there are connection problems here the entire door handle unit must be removed.

The invention is based on the technical problem Door handle unit of the construction described above to further develop that with a simple structure a secure signal connection can be established, which is can also be checked before final assembly.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes Generic door handle unit for a motor vehicle door lock before that in the course of a first installation phase Handle inserted in the socket for signal connection or vice versa, and that in the course of a second Installation phase the handle including the socket in its functional position is moved.

Preferably, the handle and the socket go in the frame the first installation phase essentially a plug connection vertical direction compared to the door level. Incidentally, the handle in connection with the second installation phase for taking the functional position usually moved in the direction of the door level. That is, During the first installation phase, the handle and socket are used Signal connection together, with either the handle in the socket largely in a substantially vertical position Direction compared to the door level or the reverse is done, d. H. the jack in im Essentially vertical direction compared to the door level is attached to the handle. Either way, the During this first installation phase a relative movement between handle and socket, in essence vertical direction compared to the door level.

The second installation phase is now characterized in that the handle including the connected socket in your Functional position is transferred in which the handle a regular shift in the direction of the door level experiences. Accordingly, there is an overall contrary Procedure compared to the prior art according to the DE 196 33 894 C2. Because that's where the handle goes first rather, no signal connection with the socket initially for the mechanically rotatable connection between adapter plate and handle. Only in one The final step is the signal connection accomplished, namely in which the handle in Direction of the door level - and not perpendicular to it as with of the present application - is postponed. To this The installation phases for this innovation form in this way compared to the known one one-step assembly process with signal connection by handle and socket and storage of the handle on the adapter plate.

The socket is preferably detachable with the adapter plate coupled, which realizes for example via a clip connection can be. For this purpose, the socket has in detail via lateral, engaging in one or more guide slots, Positioning webs. These guide slots run mostly in the mounting direction of the socket on the adapter plate conical too, so that the socket in the first installation phase aligned in an initial position in the guide slots is held while in the second Installation phase is released again from these guide slots and goes into an end position. To fix the The socket in its initial position is an engaging one Spring leg provided with a nose in a Immersed recess in the socket. That feather leg can also be removed from the recess with his nose remove so that the socket as part of the second installation phase can be released in the manner described and reached the end position.

In this end position the socket is then lifted Clip connection capable of rotating movements of the To be able to follow. Mounting the socket on the Adapter plate is the actual union upstream between handle and adapter plate. That is, the handle hits when it is connected to the adapter plate on one that is already in the starting position latching and positioned in the guide slots held socket is equipped.

As a result of the alignment and releasable fixation of the socket in the starting position a problem-free signal connection is achieved between handle and socket, specifically in such a way that the handle fits into the socket in the first installation phase immersing plug-like extension having. Of course, it is also conceivable that the Reverse socket on the plug-like extension for signal connection is postponed. In any case, the clip connection ensures the socket in its initial position for one flawless fixation, so that the union of handle and socket succeeds easily.

Because this takes place in the first installation phase, i. H. before the handle and adapter plate ultimately the door handle unit function tests at this point be carried out that the proper signal connection test of socket and handle. With this signal connection can be an electrical contact if the handle inside, for example, a proximity sensor or a comparable electrical Consumer bears. Basically, it is also conceivable that the signal connection is designed as an optocoupling, if, for example, a light guide through the socket into the Handle is continued, so optionally a light barrier between handle and adapter plate or door to be able to. It is understood that in this case and exemplary both infrared light signals and optical Generates and transmits signals in the visible spectral range can be.

In any case, the signal connection between the handle and jack sure when approaching an opening Operator or his grip on the handle known routines for its identification are running the end of which is the automatic unlocking of the respective Door handle unit charged motor vehicle door lock stands. Hence the operator is after this dialog able by pulling the handle of the previous one to open the unlocked motor vehicle door lock.

For the mechanical connection between adapter plate and Handle now provides a bearing eye on the handle, which preferably arranged above the plug-like extension is. That is, in the socket in the sense of the signal connection immersing plug-like extension is to the Bottom of this bearing eye, connected. The bearing eye is regularly used in the second installation phase the door level on a journal on the adapter plate postponed. In other words, the rotatable Connection between handle and adapter plate like this in the generic state of the art according to DE 196 33 894 C2 is described. In addition, refer to the published patent application DE 195 24 568 A1 referred.

The result is a door handle unit for a motor vehicle door lock available that have a minimum of Components and yet has a functional signal connection manufactures beyond the final Assembly can be checked. In particular, alignment tools are missing, as in the prior art according to DE 196 33 834 C2 are mandatory because the socket is in its initial position aligned and detachable in the guide slots is held and consequently for safe reception of the plug-like extension on the handle is.

After that, the socket together with the handle in the second installation phase shifted, namely in the direction of Door level. As a result, it comes from the clipped start position again free and goes into the final position, the corresponds to the functional position of the entire door handle unit.

In this respect there is no longer any connection between the lateral positioning bars of the socket and one or the multiple guide slots, but this compensates is that now in this installation phase or in the Functional position of the door handle unit with the handle attached bushing over the encompassing the journal Bearing eye is kept and guided properly. So that plug-like extension and socket do not separate from each other can solve at this point flanking one Snap connection are provided. Anyway, the socket in this functional position or in its end position without any problems capable of being caused by a pulling motion Rotational movements of the handle around the bearing journal consequences.

Fig. 1a, 1b

die Vereinigung von Buchse und Adapterplatte im Zuge einer Vormontage,

Fig. 2a, 2b und 2c

die Verbindung von Handhabe und Adapterplatte im Rahmen einer Endmontage, und zwar in einer ersten Einbauphase (Fig. 2a, 2b) und einer zweiten Einbauphase (Fig. 2c) und

Fig. 3

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus den Fig. 2a, 2b und 2c im Bereich eines Bodenbleches bzw. einer Bodenplatte.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a drawing illustrating only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

1a, 1b

the union of socket and adapter plate in the course of a pre-assembly,

2a, 2b and 2c

the connection of handle and adapter plate in the context of a final assembly, in a first installation phase (Fig. 2a, 2b) and a second installation phase (Fig. 2c) and

Fig. 3

an enlarged section of FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c in the region of a floor plate or a floor plate.

In the figures is a door handle unit for a motor vehicle door lock shown in its basic Setup with a handle 1 and one on one only indicated door or motor vehicle door 2 arranged adapter plate 3 is equipped. The adapter plate 3 is used rotatable mounting of a bearing arm 4 of the handle 1. The handle 1 and a socket 5 on the adapter plate 3 go to the adapter plate in the course of mounting the handle 1 3 a signal connection.

It is understood that the door or motor vehicle door 2 with corresponding recesses for receiving the adapter plate 3 and the handle 1 is equipped. It also likes that Bearing arm 4 of the handle 1 opposite end with one Driver hook, which is equipped with a mechanism opening the motor vehicle door lock, not shown actuated, which otherwise locks and unlocks electromechanically becomes. Details of such configurations are in the State of the art described, so in DE 195 24 568 A1 or DE 196 33 894 C2, to which expressly pointed out becomes.

It is essential for the present invention that the Handle 1 as part of a first installation phase (see Fig. 2a, 2b) is inserted into the socket 5, or vice versa, this connector in the context of the embodiment in a substantially vertical direction 6 in Comparison to door level E is carried out. That is, of course the invention also includes variants such that the socket 5 on the handle 1 in this Direction 6 is plugged. So in essence it just comes up a relative movement between socket 5 and handle 1 in the direction 6 essentially perpendicular to the door plane E.

In a second installation phase, as shown in Fig. 2c is the handle 1 including attached to it Socket 5 transferred into their functional position. This happens in detail by moving the handle 1 together with the socket 5 in the direction 7 door level E is moved.

Both of the methods of union just described of handle 1 and adapter plate 3 are in the course of a Final assembly is carried out, usually in the automobile plant takes place, with door 2 installed and already installed Motor vehicle door lock. In contrast, there is a Pre-assembly of adapter plate 3 and socket 5 regularly at Automotive suppliers, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b is.

This shows that the socket 5 is detachable with the associated Adapter plate 3 is connected. This is ensured by Clip connection 20, 21 and 22, which are shown in detail in FIG. 3 is shown. A spring leg is part of the clip connection 20, a molded nose 21 and a die Nose 21 receiving recess 22 on the socket 5. The spring leg 20 is formed on a base plate 11 and can be indicated by a double arrow pivot indicated manner. Hence snaps the nose 21 with the socket 5 in the initial position the recess 22, but can be easily removed from it can be removed again when the socket 5 from its initial position goes into the end position as follows is explained in more detail.

To represent this starting position of the socket 5 too can be one or more positioning webs 8 each to the side of the socket 5 and, moreover, associated guide slots 9 provided in the adapter plate 3. These guide slots 9 are located on an angled side plate 10 on the adapter plate 3, which is essentially perpendicular to the door plane E, i.e. in direction 6. According to the embodiment, two are angled Realized side plates 10, each one Wear guide slot 9 and a rectangular receptacle or form a shaft so that the in the guide slots 9th inserted bushing 5 between the two side plates 10 is recorded. Both side plates 10 are by the described bottom plate 11 connected so that all in all the rectangle holder already described or the shaft for the socket 5 on the one hand and on the other hand a plug-like extension 19 and a bearing eye 12 the handle 1 is realized. This rectangular shot protects and encloses next to the socket 5, the extension 19 and the bearing eye 12 also one between the two side plates 10 extending bearing journal 13 on the adapter plate 3, on which the bearing eye 12 in the second installation phase (see FIG. 2c) in direction 7 of the door level E is postponed. The entire adapter plate 3 is designed as a plastic injection molding workpiece. This is also true for socket 5.

It can be seen in particular from FIGS. 1a, 1b that the Guide slots 9 on the adapter plate 3 in the mounting direction 14 of the socket 5 on the adapter plate 3 taper. Consequently, the socket 5 takes off after the assembly (cf. Fig. 1b) a defined starting position in the associated guide slots 9 a. This also ensures a positioning receptacle 15 in the floor panel 11, the Socket 5 in the first installation phase (see FIGS. 2a, 2b) accordingly aligns while the releasable fixation of the Socket 5 ensures the clip connection 20, 21, 22. consequently becomes the one accommodated in the socket 5 and immersed therein plug-like extension 19 on the handle 1 perfectly enclosed and ensures the desired signal connection between handle 1 and socket 5.

This signal connection is part of the Embodiment around an electrical contact, which between a metal tongue not expressly shown on Extension 19 and a counter spring in the socket 5 realized is. In this way, signals one in the handle 1 integrated proximity sensor 16 via the handle 1, the Finally, socket 5 and a cable 17 are not expressly connected to one shown control unit inside the associated Motor vehicle to be passed on.

After the connection between handle 1 and socket 5 (cf. Fig. 2b) comes the socket 5 in the second installation phase (cf. FIG. 2c) free of the guide slots 9 and goes into the end position shown there. In this End position, the socket 5 can now the rotational movements of the Follow handle 1 because it also has the positioning fixture 15 has left and otherwise a clamp connection between the lateral position bars 8 and the guide slots 9 does not exist (anymore).

One or more rest connections may be between Socket 5 and extension 19 ensure that socket 5 cannot be detached from the extension 19 and insofar a firm connection with the handle 1 is received. In this the second installation phase according to FIG. 2c, the handle 1 is included Bush 5 moved in the direction 7 of the door plane E. and reaches the functional position in which the bearing eye 12th pushed onto the journal 13 on the adapter plate 3 becomes.

The fact that the connector-like plunging into the socket 5 Extension 19 on the underside of this bearing eye 12 the handle 1 is connected, the socket 5 follows the movement in the direction 7 the extension 19 without any problems, especially of the two arms 10 and the floor plate 11 formed rectangular receptacle in this direction 7 opens. As a result, rotary movements are now in accordance with the direction of the arrow 18 approved as for opening the described by the Door handle unit charged motor vehicle door lock required are.

Claims (10)

Door handle unit for a motor vehicle door lock, with a handle (1), in particular pull-operated outer door handle (1), and with an adapter plate (3) attached to a door (2) for rotatably receiving a bearing arm (4) of the handle (1), the Handle (1) and a socket (5) on the adapter plate (3) in the course of attaching the handle (1) to the adapter plate (3) make a signal connection, characterized in that in the course of a first installation phase, the handle (1) is inserted into the socket (5) for signal connection, or vice versa, and that in the course of a second installation phase, the handle (1) including the socket (5) is moved into its functional position. Door handle unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (1) and the socket (5) form a plug connection in a substantially vertical direction (6) compared to the door plane (E). Door handle unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle (1) is moved in the direction (7) of the door plane (E) to take the functional position. Door handle unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the socket (5) is detachably coupled to the adapter plate (3), for example via a clip connection (20, 21, 22). Door handle unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bushing (5) has lateral positioning webs (8) which engage in one or more guide slots (9) on the adapter plate (3). Door handle unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide slots (9) taper in the mounting direction (14) of the socket (5) on the adapter plate (3), so that the socket (5) is aligned in the initial installation phase in an initial position in the Guide slots (9) is held and in the second installation phase of the guide slots (9) or the clip connection (20, 21, 22) is released again and passes into an end position and can follow the rotary movements of the handle (1). Door handle unit according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handle (1) has a plug-like extension (19) which plunges into the socket (5) in the first installation phase for signal connection. Door handle unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the bearing eye (12) is pushed onto a bearing journal (13) on the adapter plate (3) in the second installation phase in the direction (7) of the door plane (E). Door handle unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the signal connection is an electrical contact or an optocoupling. Door handle unit according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the handle (1) is equipped with a proximity sensor (16) inside.

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