EP2813653A2 - Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In a door handle assembly for a motor vehicle having a frame-like handle support (6), a handle (4), a mechanical coupling device (7) and a locking device (8), which is attached to the handle support (6) and is formed so that they at Action of an accelerating force can block operation of the locking assembly (5) by the handle (4) and / or by the coupling device (7), a solution is to be provided which provides a door handle assembly in a structurally simple manner and cost, the reliable in a vehicle accident prevents inadvertent unlocking of the door lock. This is achieved in that the blocking device (8) has a blocking element (9) which is coupled in a motion-connected manner to the mechanical coupling device (7) via a connecting element (14) such that the blocking element (9) is pivoted by the pivoting movement of the mechanical coupling device (7) ) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (10), wherein the blocking element (9) has at least one locking member (18) attached to it, which blocking the rotational movement of the locking element (9) is formed due to exceeding a predetermined deflection speed of the handle (4).

Description

The invention is directed to a door handle assembly for a motor vehicle with a frame-like handle support, a handle which is movably mounted on the handle support for opening a door or flap of the motor vehicle by a user, a mechanical coupling device, by the movement of the handle on a vehicle side Locking arrangement is transferable, and a locking device serving as a mass barrier, which is attached to the handle support and is designed such that it can block an operation of the closing arrangement by the handle and / or by the coupling device upon application of an accelerating force.

Such door handle arrangements with a locking device serving as a mass barrier are intended to prevent the acceleration forces occurring in the event of an accident from leading to actuation of the handle or door handle and unintentional opening of the door of the motor vehicle, which entails considerable risks for an occupant of the vehicle. In conventional door handle assemblies for motor vehicles, namely, the user-operable gripping members are mechanically coupled to a vehicle-side locking assembly (the actual door lock). The movement of the door handle or the handle is transmitted through the mechanical coupling device to the locking assembly and released the door to the opening. In the case of an accident, the acceleration forces under unfavorable conditions such as an operation of the handle member or the handle by a user, since the handle can be accelerated due to the inertia in the opening direction. In a handle or a door handle without a corresponding locking device, the movement of the handle component relative to the vehicle would lead to a transmission through the mechanical coupling device to the locking arrangement in the vehicle and to a release of the door. Example scenarios for such Situations is regularly a side impact on an obstacle or another vehicle. Such a mass-locking device, also referred to as a crash barrier, is known for door handle assemblies of the prior art.

For example, this describes DE 199 29 022 C2 a corresponding mass barrier in the form of a pivotable member which is to exclude a handle operation in the event of a crash. In the event of an accident forces are exerted on a locking member and an unwanted movement of the handle, also caused by the forces acting, is blocked.

A door handle assembly of the type described input is for example from the DE 10 2009 053 553 A1 known. In this door handle assembly acts by a crash paring an additional force on the handle or the door handle, which should be reliably avoided that it comes to an unwanted movement of the handle.

Known crash barriers can be designed as a pendulum mass, so that as a result of the applied force the crash barrier shifts, for example, in the path of movement of the handle, thus blocking a movement of the handle, the pendulum mass returns to its original position when no force acts. In addition, crash spears are known, which engage in a blocking position and can be deactivated again after their activation and latching only by a targeted intervention in the door handle unit, so that the door handle can be used again in normal operation. Usually, the adjustment of the crash lock from the activation position in the deactivation position or in a normal operating position by the independent resetting of the handle takes place in the starting position.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a solution that provides a structurally simple manner and cost, a door handle assembly that reliably prevents unintentional unlocking of the door lock in a vehicle accident.

In a door handle assembly of the type designated input, the object is achieved in that the Blocking device comprises a blocking element which is coupled in motion with the mechanical coupling device via a connecting element such that by a pivoting movement of the mechanical coupling device, the blocking element is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the blocking element has at least one attached thereto locking member which the rotational movement of the locking element due to a Exceeding a defined deflection speed of the handle is designed to block.

Advantageous and expedient refinements and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention provides a door handle assembly of a motor vehicle and in particular a dependent of the operating speed of the handle centrifugal lock are provided, which are characterized by a functional design and have a simple and inexpensive structure. In contrast to known from the prior art mass or crash barriers that move in their activation due to an acting acceleration force in the movement path of the handle or coupled to the handle coupling device and accordingly block a deflection of the handle or coupling device is in According to the invention, a connecting element is provided which may be a cable or a rod and which couples the coupling device with the blocking element. Due to this movement coupling, a pivoting movement of the mechanical coupling device leads to a rotational movement of the blocking element. Due to the rotational movement of the blocking element acts on the at least one locking member, a mass force, which is also referred to as inertial force or centrifugal force. When exceeding a predetermined deflection speed of the handle, a correspondingly rapid deflection of the coupling device, whereby the connecting element causes a correspondingly fast rotational movement of the locking element, so that deflected at least one locking member as a result of the effective mass force is that a rotational movement of the blocking element is blocked, which in turn prevents further deflection of the coupling device and the handle coupled thereto. This is effectively and safely prevents the door lock can be opened inadvertently in the event of a vehicle accident. The locking device is arranged at a position within the operative connection between the closing arrangement and the handle, wherein the blocking element can also be otherwise coupled with the handle instead of with the coupling device. It is only important that the locking device blocks the operative connection as a result of exceeding a predetermined deflection speed of the handle, so that the deflection movement of the handle does not cause any actuation of the locking arrangement. In other words, the locking device is coupled to the handle and formed such that it interrupts an operative connection, which may be, for example, a Bowden cable, between closing arrangement and handle when a predetermined deflection speed of the handle is exceeded.

In order to keep the dimensioning of the component size of the various elements of the door handle assembly small and thus the cost low, is provided in an embodiment of the invention that a first longitudinal end of the connecting element engages the axis of rotation of the locking element and the other second longitudinal end of the connecting element to the mechanical coupling device in Distance is attached to the pivot axis. The cited connecting element can be designed as a rope or as a rod. Characterized in that the connecting element acts on the axis of rotation of the locking element, the connecting element acts as a kind of transmission through which the connecting element rotates with a large translation with a small diameter executed axis of rotation, the blocking element, so that a relatively high rotational speed acts on the blocking element. In this way, for example, the at least one locking member may be formed as a centrifugal force-dependent blocking element, which when crossing a defined Rotation speed of the locking element changes its position and blocks further rotational movement of the locking element.

The invention provides in an advantageous embodiment that the at least one locking member is formed lever-shaped and with one of its two end sides radially offset from the axis of rotation of the locking element in a mitbewegenden with the locking element pivot between a rotational movement of the locking element releasing normal operating position and a rotational movement the blocking element blocking blocking position is stored. The locking member may be formed like a latch with a one-armed, rotatably mounted about a pin lever and serves to inhibit the movement of the locking element, wherein the normal operating position can be held spring force effected, whereas the blocking position can be taken centrifugally.

Accordingly, an elastic spring element is provided in an embodiment of the invention, which applies an at least one locking member in the normal operating position urging force, wherein the at least one locking member in excess of the predetermined deflection speed of the handle against the force of the elastic spring element radially away from the axis of rotation and is designed to move towards a blocking contour in its blocking position. In its blocking position, the blocking member enters into a positive and / or non-positive connection with the blocking contour in order to inhibit or block further rotational movement of the blocking device.

As is known from accident research results, in a side impact to alternating acceleration forces can come, leading to a kind of fluttering the door handle assembly. As a result of such a flutter, it may be possible that the locking member is applied only temporarily to the blocking contour, so that then the risk of unintentional unlocking of the door lock could exist. In this regard, the invention provides in a more detailed embodiment, that the elastic spring element is a leg spring supported on the blocking element and on the locking member or tilt spring, which is a the at least one Locking member either in the normal operating position or in the blocking position urging force applies and which is arranged offset to the pivot point of the locking member. By the spring element, the at least one locking member is deflected when exceeding a predetermined Auslenkgeschwindigkeit the handle as a result of an accident once from the normal operating position in the blocking position and remains in the blocking position, especially because the spring element is arranged offset to the pivot point of the locking member and by exceeding a dead center, the force the spring element urges the locking member in the blocking position. Since the alternating acceleration forces decrease in the shortest possible time, the risk of a provision of at least one locking member due to alternating acceleration forces is not given.

A structurally particularly favorable possibility for the arrangement of the locking element on the door handle assembly with minimal installation space is given in an embodiment of the invention in that the locking device has a fixed to the handle support housing pot in which the locking element is rotatably mounted, wherein the blocking contour as at least one radially outwardly projecting and arranged outside the movement path of the blocking element bulge is formed in the peripheral wall of the housing pot. As long as during movement of the handle whose movement speed does not exceed the predetermined deflection speed, the at least one locking member is retained by the spring element and is in the normal operating position. However, if the speed with which the handle is deflected exceed the predetermined deflection speed, then the at least one locking member is pivoted radially away from the axis of rotation due to the prevailing centrifugal force exceeding the spring force, and can abut the blocking contour to cause further rotational movement the blocking element is inhibited, which blocks a deflection of the motion-coupled with the coupling device handle.

To avoid an imbalance, it is advantageous in another embodiment of the invention, when the blocking element is formed lever-shaped with two radially opposite locking members. The locking members are masses which are distributed according to the intended design rotationally symmetrical to the lever-shaped blocking element.

In order for the locking device acting as a mass barrier or centrifugal force lock to be usable even after a single activation, the invention provides, in a further embodiment, for a spring-like return element to be provided which applies a restoring force which forces back the locking element into an initial position in which the handle is not deflected. wherein the restoring force of the return element is greater than the force of the elastic spring element. By resetting the locking element to the starting position, a renewed activation of the locking device can take place.

So that not only the turned off from its initial position blocking element but also the at least one locking member is moved back to the normal operating position, it is advantageous if in an embodiment of the invention, the door handle assembly provides a reset contour, which upon return of the locking element to its original position, the at least one locking member the blocking position leads to the normal operating position. In this case, the reset contour can be practically formed as well as the blocking contour in the peripheral wall of the housing pot.

The structural design of the door handle assembly according to the invention allows a certain type of flexibility, such as the possibility that a Bowden cable device actuating the vehicle-side closing arrangement is operatively connected either to the blocking element or to the mechanical coupling device.

Further, for a safe and reliable activation of the locking device is provided that the predetermined deflection speed of the handle is at least 2 m / s. This corresponds approximately to a maximum speed through Hand pull on the handle, whereas the minimum speed of the deflection of the handle in the event of a vehicle accident is at least 5.4 m / s. Therefore, alternatively, the fixed deflection speed of the handle should be at least 5 m / s in order to avoid premature activation of the locking device.

So that the acceleration forces due to a vehicle accident do not directly affect the deflection of the at least one locking member, i. Thus, the at least one locking member is deflected only due to the rotational movement of the locking element and thereby becoming effective centrifugal force, the invention further provides in an embodiment that the axis of rotation is aligned substantially transverse to the axis of pivoting of the mechanical coupling device.

It is understood that the features to be explained above and below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

• Figur 1 eine Seitenansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit mehreren erfindungsgemäßen Türgriffanordnungen,
• Figur 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Türgriffanordnung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• Figur 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Sperrvorrichtung der Türgriffanordnung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 4 eine perspektivische Einzelteildarstellung der Türgriffanordnung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 5 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform mit einem Sperrelement in seiner Ausgangsposition,
• Figur 6 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform mit dem Sperrelement nach maximaler Drehbewegung,
• Figur 7 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform im Crashfall mit einem ausgelenkten Sperrglied des Sperrelements,
• Figur 8 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform im Crashfall mit blockiertem Sperrelement und blockierter Kopplungsvorrichtung,
• Figur 9 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Türgriffanordnung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• Figur 10 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Sperrvorrichtung der Türgriffanordnung gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 11 eine perspektivische Einzelteildarstellung der Türgriffanordnung gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 12 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform mit dem Sperrelement in seiner Ausgangsposition,
• Figur 13 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform mit dem Sperrelement nach maximaler Drehbewegung,
• Figur 14 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform im Crashfall mit blockiertem Sperrelement und blockierter Kopplungsvorrichtung und
• Figur 15 eine seitliche Ansicht auf die Türgriffanordnung gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform bei Rückführung eines Sperrgliedes.

Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which exemplary preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawing shows:

• FIG. 1 a side view of a motor vehicle with a plurality of door handle assemblies according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 a perspective view of a door handle assembly according to the invention according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 3 a perspective view of a locking device of the door handle assembly according to the first embodiment,
• FIG. 4 an exploded perspective view of the door handle assembly according to the first embodiment,
• FIG. 5 3 a side view of the door handle arrangement according to the first embodiment with a blocking element in its starting position,
• FIG. 6 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the first embodiment with the locking element after maximum rotational movement,
• FIG. 7 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the first embodiment in the event of a crash with a deflected locking member of the locking element,
• FIG. 8 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the first embodiment in the event of a crash with blocked locking element and blocked coupling device,
• FIG. 9 a perspective view of a door handle assembly according to the invention according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 10 a perspective view of a locking device of the door handle assembly according to the second embodiment,
• FIG. 11 an exploded perspective view of the door handle assembly according to the second embodiment,
• FIG. 12 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the second embodiment with the blocking element in its initial position,
• FIG. 13 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the second embodiment with the locking element after maximum rotational movement,
• FIG. 14 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the second embodiment in the event of a crash with blocked blocking element and blocked coupling device and
• FIG. 15 a side view of the door handle assembly according to the second embodiment when returning a locking member.

In FIG. 1 is a vehicle or motor vehicle 1 in the form of a car exemplified, which in the example has four doors 2, which can be opened via a door handle assembly 3 and in particular by means of a door handle or a handle 4. The doors 2 are over respective Locking arrangements 5 tightly closed and can be opened from the outside only via a respective movement of the handle 4. This movement on the handle 4 may consist of a pulling and / or folding movement, wherein the corresponding movement of the handle 4 is mechanically transmitted at least via a coupling device to the corresponding closing arrangement 5. By the movement of the handle 4, the corresponding locking assembly 5 and thus the associated door 2 can then open.

In the FIGS. 2 to 8 is a door handle assembly 3 according to a first embodiment and in the FIGS. 9 to 15 represented according to a second embodiment in each case in perspective view in more detail. The following description refers to the door handle assembly 3 according to both of the first and second embodiments, the differences being explicitly discussed. The respective door handle assembly 3, ie the door handle assembly 3 according to the first and second embodiments, has a frame-like handle support 6, wherein for reasons of clarity in the FIGS. 2 to 8 the first embodiment in the FIGS. 9 to 15 the second embodiment is dispensed with an illustration of the handle 4. The frame-like handle support 6 is known to attach the handle 4 and is fastened by means not shown screw on the inside of the door panel, wherein the handle 4 is arranged on the outside of the door. In this case, the grip carrier 6 for reasons of material saving is formed predominantly of a frame structure which has various receiving and storage spaces, in addition to the handle 4, which is movable on the handle support 6 for opening a corresponding door 2 of the motor vehicle 1 by a user and / / or is pivotally mounted on the handle support 6, also a mechanical coupling device 7 and a locking device 8 (see, for example Figures 3 and 10 ) and optionally to record a not shown in the figures lock cylinder. By the mechanical coupling device 7 is a movement of the handle 4 on the corresponding vehicle-side locking assembly 5 transferable, thereby the corresponding door 2 to open. The locking device 8 serving as a mass barrier is designed in such a way that upon actuation of a force, for example an acceleration force, an actuation of the closing arrangement 5 by the handle 4 and / or by the coupling device 7 is blocked by an actuation of the handle 4.

How further the FIGS. 4 and 11 can be seen, which show the door handle assembly 3 according to the first and second embodiments each in a single part illustration, the locking device 8 has a lever-shaped locking element 9, which is rotatably mounted with its center on and about a rotation axis 10. The axis of rotation 10 is formed on a pot-like housing or housing pot 11, which is part of the locking device 8, wherein the housing pot 11 is fixed in the mounted state of the door handle assembly 3 on the handle support 6. In the housing pot 11, the locking element 9 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 10. The blocking element 9, which is designed in the manner of a latch lever, has a holding recess 12, which receives a first longitudinal end 13 of a connecting element 14. In other words, the first longitudinal end 13 of the connecting element 14 engages the axis of rotation 10 of the blocking element 9. The holding recess 12 thus serves as a suspension for the connecting element 14 in the latch lever or locking element 9. Via the connecting element 14, the blocking element 9 is coupled for movement with the mechanical coupling device 7. For this purpose, the mechanical coupling device 7 has an offset from its pivot axis 17 arranged receptacle 15 for the second longitudinal end 16 of the connecting element 14 (see, for example FIGS. 4 and 11 ). The receptacle 15 thus constitutes an additional suspension for the connecting element 14 on the coupling device 7 designed in the manner of a reversing lever. The second longitudinal end 16 of the connecting element 14 is thus attached to the mechanical coupling device 7 at a distance from its pivot axis 17. The mechanical coupling device 7 is rotatably mounted about the pivot axis 17 on the handle support 6, so that an actuation of the handle 4 to a pivoting movement of the mechanical coupling device. 7 leads. The pivoting of the coupling device 7 about the pivot axis 17 causes during normal operation of the handle due to the motion-coupled connection of coupling device 7 and locking element 9 via the connecting element 14, a rotational movement of the locking element 9 about the axis of rotation 10. Under normal operation of the handle 4 is in this case an operation to understand a user in which is pulled on the handle 4 by a user by hand with a maximum speed or maximum deflection speed of 2 m / s. This deflection speed upon actuation of the handle 4 is transmitted via the coupling device 7 via the connecting element 14 to the blocking element 9, so that it rotates about the axis of rotation 10 at a corresponding rotational speed. In this case, the connecting element 14 acts as an attachment to the mechanical coupling device 7, which with large translation (small diameter of the traction cable and small diameter of the rotation axis 10) the locking element 9 in rotation or rotation, so that a high rotational speed in dependence of the deflection the handle 4 may arise.

In the case of a vehicle accident, the locking device 8 according to the invention should prevent an actuation of the handle 4 by at least one locking member 18 is provided which blocks the rotational movement of the locking element 9 as a result of exceeding a predetermined deflection speed of the handle 4. This is realized in the two embodiments shown by two locking members 18 which are mounted on the lever-shaped blocking element 9 radially opposite one another. Of course, alternatively, only one locking member or a plurality of locking members may be provided, but two locking members 18 appear appropriate to avoid imbalance. The two locking members 18 are formed lever-shaped or latch-like and with one of its two end sides radially offset from the axis of rotation 10 on the locking element 9 in a respective pivot point 19 which moves with the locking element 9 in its rotation, rotatable appropriate. A respective pivot point 19 is offset not only radially to the axis of rotation 10, but also with respect to an imaginary center line 30 in the longitudinal direction of the locking element 9 in the Figures 3 and 10 located offset in the circumferential direction on the locking element 9 is arranged. A respective locking member 18 is in both the first and in the second embodiment between a rotational movement of the locking member 9 releasing normal operating position (see, for example FIGS. 6 and 13 ) and a rotational movement of the locking element 9 blocking blocking position (see, for example, the upper locking element 9 in the FIGS. 8 and 14 ) is stored. To fulfill this function, has a respective locking member 18 on its lever-shaped body on an end formed pin 20, which defines the pivot point 19. On the pin 20 opposite end side of a respective locking member, a blocking lug 21 is formed. The pin 20 of the respective locking member 18 is rotatably mounted in a corresponding, formed in the locking element 9 bearing receptacle 22. In the normal operating position, a respective locking member 18 is arranged spring force effected in the position, for example, in the Figures 5 and 12 is shown. In the normal operating position, a respective locking member 18 is stored folded on the locking element 9, so that the respective locking member 18 does not protrude beyond the outer edge of the locking element 9 and over its longitudinal extent, which ensures that the locking element 9 rotate about the axis of rotation 10 can, without a respective locking member 18 protrudes beyond the outer edge of the locking element 9 and thereby blocks the rotational movement of the locking element 9. This blocking position, ie the blocking position is only assumed by a respective locking member 18 when a predetermined deflection speed of the handle 4 is exceeded. The defined deflection speed of the handle 4 should be at least 2 m / s. However, since typical deflection speeds in a vehicle accident due to the effect of acceleration forces are much higher and at least 5.4 m / s, alternatively, the predetermined deflection speed of the handle 4 may be at least 5 m / s in order to avoid too early activation of the locking device 8. In accordance with the determined deflection speed of the handle, whereby an accident situation is characterized, an elastic spring element 23 is dimensioned, which in the respective individual parts representations of FIGS. 4 and 11 for the first and second embodiments is shown. The force with which the spring element 23 urges a respective locking member 18 into the normal operating position is determined by the determined deflection speed. Once the predetermined deflection speed is reached, the force acting on the respective locking member 18 centrifugal force will exceed the force of the elastic spring member 23, so that a respective locking member 18 can cause centrifugal force from the normal operating position in the blocking position.

In the first embodiment, the door handle assembly 3 according to the FIGS. 2 to 8 the elastic spring element 23 is arranged at the pivot point 19 about the pin 20 of a respective locking member 18 and brings the locking member 18 in the normal operating position urging force.

In contrast, in the second embodiment, the door handle assembly 3 according to the FIGS. 9 to 15 the elastic spring element 23 is formed as a leg spring 24, whose ends are supported on the locking element 9 and on the locking member 18. The leg spring 24 is arranged radially offset from the pivot point 19 of a respective locking member 18 in the second embodiment, in particular a first end 25 (see FIG. 10 ) of the leg spring 24 radially to the pivot point 19 offset at a spring pivot point 26 (see FIG. 11 ) of the locking element 8 rotatably mounted. In the normal operating position, the leg spring 24 is disposed in sections on a support surface 27 formed on the blocking element 9 and shaped like a circular segment (see, for example, FIG Figures 10 or 11 ), wherein in this position the leg spring 24 applies a force urging the locking member 18 in the normal operating position. As a result of the Fliehkrafteinflusses when exceeding the specified deflection speed not only the respective locking member 18 is pivoted about the pivot point 19 and deflected, but also executed in the manner of a tilt spring leg spring 24 is rotated about the spring pivot point 26. During this rotation of the leg spring 24, this exceeds a dead center position, whereby the force of the leg spring now urges the respective locking member 18 in the blocking position and holds there. In the second embodiment of the door handle assembly 3 according to the invention is therefore provided that a respective locking member 18 occupies two defined positions depending on the deflection speed of the handle 4, namely the normal operating position, in which the deflection speed of the handle does not exceed the predetermined deflection speed, and the blocking position at which in the case of a vehicle accident reaches the specified deflection speed and is exceeded.

The function of the respective locking element 18 of the first and second embodiment of the door handle assembly 3 is to block the rotational movement of the locking element 9, when the handle 4 is deflected such that the predetermined deflection speed of the handle 4 is reached and exceeded. As stated above, when exceeding the predetermined deflection speed of the handle 4, a respective locking member 18 is moved from its normal operating position to the blocking position, which is directed as a result of the centrifugal forces acting a rotational movement of the respective locking member 18 about the pivot point 19 radially away from the axis of rotation 10 away. In order for a respective blocking element 18 to be able to block the rotational movement of the blocking element 9 about the axis of rotation 10, the blocking projection 21 of the respective blocking element 18 is brought into contact with a blocking contour 28. In the simplest case, the blocking contour 28 could be the peripheral wall 29 of the housing pot 11, at which a respective locking member 18 jammed or blocked the rotational movement of the locking element 9 by positive connection or coupling of locking element 9 and locking member 18 due to the application of a frictional force.

Instead of a positive connection or coupling a non-positive connection or coupling between locking element 9 and a respective locking member 18 is provided in the two embodiments of the door handle assembly 3. This frictional connection is realized in both embodiments by a formation of the peripheral wall 29 of the housing pot 11, as will be explained in more detail below.

With reference to the in the FIGS. 2 to 8 shown first embodiment of the door handle assembly 3 according to the invention, the peripheral wall 29 of the housing pot 11 is provided with radially outwardly facing bulges 31 in the form of ratchet teeth 32. In the first embodiment of the door handle assembly 3 are associated with a respective locking element 18 each have three locking teeth 32 which are formed one behind the other in the circumferential direction in the peripheral wall 29, so that even in the case that a respective locking element 18 does not engage with the first locking tooth 32, the swung out due to the influence of centrifugal locking element 18 can still engage with one of the other two ratchet teeth to prevent further rotational movement of the locking element 9 in the event of a vehicle accident. In the FIGS. 5 to 8 different situations of the door handle assembly 3 are shown according to the first embodiment, based on which the operating principle will now be explained in more detail. The FIG. 5 shows the door handle assembly 3 in rest position with unconfirmed handle 4 and unconfirmed mechanical coupling device 7, wherein in inactive locking device 8, the respective locking members 18 are in their folded normal operating position. In FIG. 6 is also shown an accident-free situation of the door handle assembly 3 according to the first embodiment, in which the locking device 8 is inactive and the handle 4 is deflected at a deflection speed of less than 2 m / s to the end stop, whereby the mechanical coupling device 7 about the pivot axis 17th pivots and the connecting member 14 is moved, so that the locking element 9 rotates clockwise according to the direction of the arrow 33. In FIG. 6 the locking element 9 is rotated by 180 ° compared to the rest position and is in the position in which the vehicle-side locking assembly 5 is actuated to open the door 2. The FIGS. 7 and 8 refer to situations in which a vehicle accident has occurred and an acceleration force acting on the handle 4, whereby it is deflected at a speed which exceeds the predetermined deflection speed, ie at least 2 m / s, preferably at least 5 m / s. As a result of the deflection of the handle 4, a force is transmitted to the blocking element 8 via the chain of action, which is formed by the coupling device 7 coupled to the handle 4 and the connecting element 14 connected to the mechanical coupling device 7, causing it to rotate in a clockwise direction , FIG. 7 shows a state in which the locking device 8 is still inactive, although there is a vehicle crash. In this state, the upper of the two locking members 18 is deflected in the direction of the peripheral wall 29 of the housing pot 11, whereas the lower locking member 18 due to acceleration overlays in rest position, ie in its normal operating position remains. In FIG. 8 Although the lower locking member 18 is still in its normal operating position. However, the locking device is in FIG. 8 activated, because the upper locking member 18 is now with the first of the three circumferentially arranged one behind the other locking teeth 32 into engagement, whereby the deflected locking member 18 blocks a further deflection of the mechanical coupling device 7 and thus the handle 4, so that an actuation of the locking assembly 5 and opening the door 2 is not possible. As it turned out FIG. 8 it is sufficient if only one of the two locking members 18 engages with one of the locking teeth 32 in order to bring about the desired blocking. The locking device 8 according to the first embodiment can be deactivated again after their activation only by a targeted intervention in the door handle assembly 3, so that the door handle can be used again in normal operation. Usually, the adjustment of the locking device 8 from an activation position takes place in a Deactivation position or in the normal operating position of the locking member 18 by trained professionals in a workshop. An automatic return of the locking member 3 in the normal operating position is not provided in the door handle assembly 3 according to the first embodiment.

In contrast, in the door handle assembly 3 according to the second embodiment, which in the FIGS. 9 to 15 is shown, a possibility of the provision of the locking members 18 and thus an automatic deactivation of the locking device 8 is provided. For this purpose, the blocking contour 28 as a single bulge 31 in the peripheral wall 29 with only a single, as in FIG. 11 formed blocking surface 34 (instead of three ratchet teeth 32), wherein the contour and arrangement of the blocking surface 34 substantially coincides with the rearmost in the circumferential direction of the three ratchet teeth 32 of the first embodiment. To reset a reset contour 35 is provided, which is part of the bulge 31 of the blocking contour 28 and is formed at the beginning of the bulge 31 as a stepped transition to the peripheral wall 29 of the housing pot 11. The step-shaped reset contour 35 is formed approximately at the level of the first latching tooth 32 of the first embodiment. To reset a spring-like return element 36 is further provided, which applies a restoring force, which pushes the locking element 9 to the starting position, in which the handle 4 is not deflected. It should be noted that also in the first embodiment of the door handle assembly 3, a spring-like return element 36 is provided to optionally return the locking element 9 in its initial position automatically. Thus, a deflected into the blocking position locking member 18, which may be due to the tilt spring or leg spring 24 only in the normal operating position or the blocking position (but not in an intermediate position), is returned to the normal operating position, it is necessary that the restoring force of the Return element 36 is greater than the force of the elastic spring element 23 or as the force of the tilt spring or leg spring 24. In FIG. 12 the door handle assembly 3 of the second embodiment is shown in rest position with unconfirmed handle 4 and unverschwenkter mechanical coupling device 7. The locking device is therefore inactive, so that the respective locking members 18 are in their folded normal operating position. Also in FIG. 13 the locking device 8 is inactive, but the handle 4 is actuated, which is shown on the pivoted coupling device. In FIG. 13 is the handle 4 with a deflection speed of less than 2 m / s, ie at a lower speed than the predetermined deflection, deflected to the end stop by a user, so that by the connecting element 14, the locking element 9 about the axis of rotation 10 in the clockwise direction corresponding to Arrow 33 in FIG. 13 is turned. At the in FIG. 13 shown situation, the locking element 9 is rotated in comparison to the rest position by 180 ° and is in the position in which the vehicle-side locking assembly 5 is actuated to open the door 2. The FIG. 14 refers to an accident situation of the motor vehicle, in which an acceleration force acting on the handle 4, so that it is deflected at a speed which is greater than the predetermined deflection speed with at least 2 m / s. Due to the deflection of the handle 4, a force is transmitted to the blocking element 8 via the chain of action formed by the handle 4, coupling device 7 and connecting element 14, as a result of which the blocking device rotates in the clockwise direction. In FIG. 14 is the lower locking member 18 despite activated locking device 8 in its normal operating position, which may occur due to acceleration overlays. The upper locking member 18 is with its blocking lug 21 with the blocking surface 34 into engagement, whereby the deflected locking member 18 blocks a further deflection of the mechanical coupling device 7 and thus the handle 4. An actuation of the closing arrangement 5 and an opening of the door 2 are thus not possible. Upon rotation of the locking member 18 along the bulge 31 must be based on the Speed at which the handle 4 is deflected, decide whether the force acting on the locking device 8 centrifugal force is high enough to move a respective locking member 18 from the normal operating position to the blocking position. As soon as the blocking element 9 with the blocking member 18 has rotated beyond the region of the bulge 31 with the blocking contour 28, activation of the blocking device 8 is no longer possible. In FIG. 15 Finally, the situation of a provision of a locking member 18 is shown. Due to the force that forms the spring formed as a return element 36 to the locking element 9 back in his in FIG. 12 Due to the restoring force of the return element 36 is greater than the force of the elastic spring element 23, the upper locking member 18 is returned from the blocking position back to the normal operating position, so that the blocking element 9 can turn back to the starting position.

For both embodiments described above, a Bowden cable device actuating the vehicle-side closing arrangement 5 is operatively connected either to the blocking element 9 or to the mechanical coupling device 7. Likewise, both embodiments have in common that the axis of rotation 10 of the locking element 9 is oriented substantially transversely to the pivot axis 17 of the mechanical coupling device 7, so that acceleration forces acting in the direction of the axis of rotation 10 exert no direct influence on the locking members 18, so that the Deflection of the locking members 18 is dependent solely on the centrifugal force, which in turn is determined by the deflection speed of the handle 4.

In summary, a centrifugal force lock or blocking device 8 for a door handle assembly 3 of a motor vehicle 2 was presented above, in which a locking element 9 is rotatably mounted in the manner of a ratchet lever and end is provided with locking members 18 in the form of pawls which swing radially at correspondingly high acting centrifugal force and thereby on a blocking contour 28, which with ratchet teeth 32 or may be formed with a single blocking surface 34 may come to rest, whereby a further rotational movement of the locking element 9 can be blocked. The locking device 8 is disposed at a position within the operative connection between the locking arrangement 5 and handle 4 and coupled to the handle 4, that it breaks the operative connection, which may be, for example, a Bowden cable, when a predetermined deflection speed of the handle is exceeded. The in the embodiments of the mechanical coupling device 7 attaching gear in the form of the connecting element 14 sets the locking element 9 in rotation / rotation, so that a high rotational speed. The blocking element 9 with the centrifugally operated pawls in the form of the locking members 18 then locks on the blocking contour 28 a. An automatic fall back of the locking members 18 for a latching and automatically deactivating locking device or centrifugal lock 8 has been presented with reference to the detailed description of the second embodiment. Both the first embodiment and the second embodiment are based on a centrifugal force lock 8, which is grip speed-dependent, ie the activation of the centrifugal force lock 8 is dependent on the speed with which the handle 4 is moved.

Of course, the invention described above is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications which are obvious to a person skilled in the art according to the intended application can be made to the embodiments shown in the drawing without departing from the scope of the invention. In this case, the invention includes everything that is contained in the description and / or shown in the drawing, including what, in deviation from the concrete embodiments, obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims (12)

Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a frame-like handle support (6), - A handle (4) which is movably mounted on the handle support (6) for opening a door (2) or flap of the motor vehicle (1) by a user, - A mechanical coupling device (7) through which a movement of the handle (4) on a vehicle-side locking assembly (5) is transferable, and - A blocking device (8) serving as a mass barrier, which is mounted on the handle support (6) and is designed such that upon actuation of an accelerating force an actuation of the closing arrangement (5) by the handle (4) and / or by the coupling device ( 7) can block characterized in that
the blocking device (8) has a blocking element (9) which is coupled in a coupled manner to the mechanical coupling device (7) via a connecting element (14) in such a way that the blocking element (9) is pivoted about an axis of rotation (10) by a pivoting movement of the mechanical coupling device (7) ), wherein the locking element (9) has at least one locking member (18) attached to it, which is blocking the rotational movement of the locking element (9) due to exceeding a predetermined deflection speed of the handle (4). Door handle arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a first longitudinal end (13) of the connecting element (14) on the axis of rotation (10) of the locking element (9) engages and the other second longitudinal end (16) of the connecting element (14) on the mechanical coupling device ( 7) is mounted at a distance from the pivot axis (17). Door handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one locking member (18) is formed lever-shaped and with one of its two end sides radially offset from the axis of rotation (10) of the locking element (9) in a moving together with the locking element (9) Fulcrum (19) is mounted rotatably between a rotational movement of the locking element (9) releasing normal operating position and a rotational movement of the locking element (9) blocking blocking position. Door handle arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that an elastic spring element (23) is provided, which applies a the at least one locking member (18) in the normal operating position urging force, wherein the at least one locking member (18) when exceeding the predetermined deflection speed of the handle ( 4) is formed against the force of the elastic spring element (23) radially from the rotation axis (10) away and towards a blocking contour (28) in its blocking position moving. Door handle assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic spring element (23) on one of the locking element (9) and on the locking member (18) supporting leg spring (24), the at least one locking member (18) either in the normal operating position or in the blocking position urging force is applied and which is arranged offset to the pivot point (19) of the locking member (18). Door handle assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the locking device (8) on the handle support (6) fixed housing pot (11), in which the locking element (9) is rotatably mounted, wherein the blocking contour (28) as at least one radially outwardly projecting and outside the trajectory of the Locking element (9) arranged bulge (31) in the peripheral wall (29) of the housing pot (11) is formed. Door handle assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the blocking element (9) is formed lever-shaped with two radially opposite locking members (18). Door handle arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a spring-like restoring element (36) is provided, which applies a restoring force which forces back the locking element (9) into an initial position, in which the handle (4) is not deflected Restoring force of the restoring element (36) is greater than the force of the elastic spring element (23). Door handle arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that a reset contour (35) is provided which, upon return of the locking element (9) to its starting position, guides the at least one locking member (18) from the blocking position to the normal operating position. Door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a Bowden cable device actuating the vehicle-side locking arrangement (5) is operatively connected either to the blocking element (9) or to the mechanical coupling device (7). Door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined deflection speed of the handle (4) is at least 2 m / s. Door handle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation (10) in Aligned substantially transversely to the pivot axis (17) of the mechanical coupling device (7).

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