EP3078794B1 - Pivoting device for a motor vehicle with easy-to-install and also safe pivot bearing - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to pivoting devices for motor vehicles with a pivoting body, which is pivotable relative to a holder, e.g. as part of a door handle device for vehicles, in particular door inner handle device with which a lock of a vehicle door can be operated and which has a door handle designed as a swivel body with a manually to be pivoted handle portion, or e.g. for use with a door or other flaps (e.g., tailgate of a pick-up) or storage compartment covers, e.g. in the commercial vehicle sector (e.g., luggage flap) or in the passenger car sector (e.g., sunglasses pocket).

In the prior art, the swivel body are usually pivotally mounted by means of a subsequently inserted axle to a holder, which is considered to be disadvantageous, since this assembly is expensive, which can be well understood based on the example of such door inner handles. In this area was considered as improvement in the DE 102006053250 A1 , which relates to a door inner handle, proposed to form the entire assembly of handle, holder and axle in the two-component injection molding of plastic as a unit, wherein the selected plastics are such that the relatively movable parts are not together during injection molding connect.

Another pivoting device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from the document JP 2001-207695 A known. A pivoting body and a holder are held together at a joint mounting by snap closure between at least two hinge elements. This known pivoting device further comprises a blocking element. Object of the present invention is to provide a simple to install and at the same time safe storage of the swivel body. The object is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous developments are defined in the subclaims. The object is achieved in that in at least a first angular position or preferably an angular range of the pivoting body relative to the holder closing or releasing the snap closure is possible and in at least a second angular position or preferably a second, different angle range blocking the closing or release of the snap closure in that a relative movement of the two joint elements, which is necessary for releasing the snap closure, is positively blocked by the blocking element.

In this way, the swivel body can be easily mounted by the swivel body is guided in the first angular position in the holder and then closes the snap closure. At the same time, the device is secured in the second angular position by the locking element against accidental loosening by the snap closure, which could unintentionally solve. The second angular position is preferably and usefully a position which results when a user pulls on the pivoting body and a large pivoting moment acts on the bearing, e.g. the angular position with a completely swiveled swivel body (end stop). The first angular position is preferably the angular position which corresponds to the rest position of the pivoting body in the assembled state or even a further away from the end stop position, so that the rest position between the first angular position and the end stop is. For example, a spring could be present, which presses the pivoting body from the first angular position in the direction of the rest position and the end stop, so that the first angular position must be brought into the first angular position during assembly by means of force. The first angular position is preferably the mounting position. Both angular positions can also be non-overlapping angular ranges. The angular position refers in each case to a twist angle of the pivoting body relative to the holder about the pivot axis.

The swivel body is preferably made of a plastic. He is preferably integrally formed. In addition to the subsequently mentioned embodiment as a door handle, the swivel body can be designed, for example, as a (cover) flap or pivoting door (see, for example, tailgate of a pick-up, luggage flap, sunglasses flap, glove box flap). The swivel body preferably has a swivel range which is limited by two stops.

Snap closure is preferably understood to mean a connection which is characterized by a releasable positive connection with the assistance of an elastic element. The elastic element assumes a position corresponding to the positive locking in the state of rest, but is elastically reversibly deformable into a release position for release or for mounting, e.g. bendable.

Including that the blocking element positively locking a relative movement, it is preferably understood that the blocking element of a free relative movement to the extent by its physical existence in the way, as it is necessary for releasing the snap closure - it can thus quite a freedom of movement remain.

The one hinge side (e.g., bracket side) preferably has a counter surface which, in the assembled state of the device, is disposed axially adjacent to the hinge member of the other hinge side (e.g., swing body side). Preferably, the joint element of the other joint side is thus arranged axially between the mating surface and a holding element of the joint element of one joint side. The mating surface allows the hinge element of the other hinge side less axial clearance, as for releasing the snap closure by an axial movement of the hinge element of the other hinge side (swivel body side) is necessary. This provides a safeguard against e.g. Bending the other hinge side provided so that the necessary movement to open / close the snap closure substantially only on the one hinge side (for example, bracket side) takes place. Preferably, the counter surface is formed in the form of a projection. Preferably, the projection is seen from the side, from which the pivoting body is brought to join the snap closure to the holder, at the same height as the holder-side hinge element, further back than the bracket-side hinge member or behind the bracket-side hinge member. As a result, an insertion of the pivot body is given by the projection in the holder. The second storage area is preferably designed analogously. The one hinge side can also be the swivel body side and the other joint side is then corresponding to the bracket side.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting device is a door handle device for a vehicle for opening a lock Vehicle door and the swivel body is a door handle with a handle portion to be grasped manually and the holder is to be attached to a vehicle door, so that the handle portion is pivotable relative to the vehicle door.

In a door handle device, this fuse is particularly advantageous because the user actively pulls or pushes on the pivot member, and thus can act on the snap closure unwanted forces that could otherwise solve the snap closure. The door handle device is particularly preferably an inside door handle device, i. a manually operated on the inside of a vehicle door side handle device. The door handle preferably has a suitable connection to the door lock, for example via a Bowden cable or an electrical switch. In this way, the door lock can be unlocked by pivoting the door handle and the vehicle door can be opened.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hinge bearing two spaced apart, arranged coaxially with the pivot axis bearing areas, each bearing area comprises two hinge elements, namely a coaxial axle and a corresponding thereto associated coaxial recess, wherein the axle elements each with the recesses in mated state of the pivoting device are engaged, wherein the engagement forms the snap closure.

As a result, a particularly robust and structurally simple design is given. The axle elements can also be regarded as pivot pins. The recess is preferably a circular, coaxial recess. The term coaxial refers in this description, unless otherwise indicated on the pivot axis. The axle elements are preferably directed outward and away from each other. The recesses white preferably each have an opening inwardly and these openings face each other. They are preferably continuous (i.e., one can look through).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the axle elements are formed integrally with the holder or with the swivel body.

As a result, a simple production is given. For example, a production by means of an injection molding process is possible.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one recess is surrounded by an area having an outer wall with an inclined surface relative to the pivot axis, wherein the outer wall faces that side from which the axle element, which is associated with the recess, at a Merging of the pivoting body and the holder is brought by a merging of the pivoting body and the holder along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the recess.

As a result, a simple assembly is given. Due to the inclined surface of the snap closure is more easily brought into its open position. The recess is preferably arranged such that, when the pivoting body and the holder are joined together by bringing the pivoting body and the holder together along a direction perpendicular to the pivoting axis, they contact the axle element with which the recess is associated.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one axle element, preferably both axle elements, has an oblique flattening with respect to the pivot axis at a front end, the flattening facing the side from which the associated recess joins together the pivot body and the holder is brought by a merging of the pivot body and the holder along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the axle.

As a result, a simple assembly is alternatively or additionally given.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the necessary relative to the release of the snap closure relative movement of the two hinge elements is an axial, directed away from each other relative movement between the axle and the recess of each storage area.

As a result, a very robust snap lock bearing is given, since the closing / opening movement (relative movement) is perpendicular to the later necessary for door opening pivoting movement.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the joint bearing has a first joint side and a second joint side and is the relative movement of the two joint elements necessary for releasing the snap closure an axial relative movement directed away from one another and the blocking element is arranged on the first joint side and, in the first angular position, has a greater distance to a region of the second joint side than in the second angular position.

As a result, a special realization of the blocking is given - since the distance in the second angular position is smaller, the range of motion for the relative movement is limited. The first hinge side is preferably the handle side, the second the bracket side - or vice versa.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, of the joint elements of the joint bearing at least one joint element is present, which has a higher axial elasticity compared to another joint element and this joint element is arranged on the second joint side.

As a result, the blocking element is arranged on the opposite side of the joint bearing as that joint element, which can be "bent" easier. Thus, the blocking element can fulfill its function particularly effectively. Preferably, both joint elements of the second joint side are provided with a higher elasticity than the joint elements on the first joint side. The corresponding hinge element preferably has an axial elasticity in that it is connected to the rest of the pivoting body (depending on the hinge side) via a substantially vertically extending retaining element and this retaining element has an axial elasticity (for example, by being bendable).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the second hinge side is fixed relative to the holder.

As a result, the joint element (are the joint elements) which (which) have a higher elasticity, arranged bracket side, and not pivot body side. This has the advantage that the pivoting body, however, can be made relatively rigid, which is e.g. makes painting or chrome plating of the swivel body more durable.

• zwischen den Gelenkelementen der zweiten Gelenkseite und/oder
• zwischen Halteelementen der Gelenkelemente der zweiten Gelenkseite, wobei die Gelenkelemente an den Halteelementen durch elastische Verformung der Halteelemente axial elastisch sind.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the hinge elements of the first hinge side are axially outwardly disposed and the hinge elements of the second hinge side are axially inwardly held, and the blocking element is located in the second angular position

• between the hinge elements of the second hinge side and / or
• between holding elements of the hinge elements of the second hinge side, wherein the hinge elements are axially elastic on the holding elements by elastic deformation of the holding elements.

In this way, the blocking element can absorb the movement of the joint elements to be blocked from two opposite sides, so that the relative movement in the second angular position is blocked particularly effectively. In this case, "between" is understood as meaning "axially between".

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element is formed integrally with the holder or with the swivel body.

This makes a simple manufacture, e.g. possible by injection molding.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the blocking element is a rib of the holder or of the pivoting body that is substantially parallel to the pivot axis.

In this form, the blocking element is as material saving as possible but still high power receptive, especially in the axial direction, realized.

The object is further achieved in particular by a use of a pivoting device according to the invention (eg door (inside) grip device) in a motor vehicle, by which preferably a production is explicitly understood for the purpose of use in a vehicle and particularly preferably a mounting of such a device in a vehicle ,

Fig. 1a-1d

eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Schwenkvorrichtung,

Fig. 2a-2c

Beispiele für alternative Gelenkrealisierungen,

Fig. 3

ein weiteres vorteilhaftes Merkmal an einer ausschnitthaft dargestellten Vorrichtung nach den Zeichnungen 1a bis 1d.

The invention will now be further illustrated by way of example with reference to the drawings. Hereby show:

Fig. 1a-1d

a particularly advantageous embodiment of a pivoting device according to the invention,

Fig. 2a-2c

Examples of alternative joint implementations,

Fig. 3

a further advantageous feature on a detail of the device shown in the drawings 1a to 1d.

For clarity, the same parts or obvious to be recognized, repeating parts are not partially marked again in the drawing by reference numerals.

Fig. 1a-1d show a particularly advantageous embodiment of a pivoting device 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1a is a vertical section at the top, Fig. 1a below a section AA from the configuration shown above. The same applies to Fig. 1b. Fig. 1c shows only the vertical section. In Fig. 1d is shown at the top right, a vertical section of BB from the horizontal cross-sectional view of the bottom left, in which case two different angular positions of the pivot body 10 are shown and the vertical sectional view right above refers to the dashed line position of the pivot body 10. Fig. 1a shows the assembled state, Fig. 1b the state before joining, Fig. 1c the condition during assembly, just before the snap lock locks. In Fig. 1a-c is the swivel body 10 in the first angular position, in Fig. 1d the second angular range is exemplarily indicated by the two angular positions shown.

The embodiment shown in these figures is a swivel device 1 for a vehicle for opening a lock of a vehicle door. The device 1 has a swivel body 10 with a handle portion 11 to be gripped manually. The grip portion 11 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 12 via a pivot bearing 31 on a bracket 50 of the pivoting device 1 to be attached to the vehicle door. The swivel body 10 and the holder 50 on the joint bearing 31 are held together by means of snap closure between at least two joint elements 33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2 of the joint bearing 31, which is shown in FIG Fig. 1a and Fig. 1d the case is. The pivoting device 1 has a blocking element 40. In a first angular position of the swivel body 10 relative to the holder 50, Fig. 1a-c , Closing or releasing the snap closure is possible. In a second angular position, Fig. 1d , Closing or releasing the snap closure is blocked by a relative movement of the two joint elements 33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2, which is necessary for releasing the snap closure, is positively blocked by the blocking element 40. In this case, there are two angular ranges within which there is a blockage and is not present. In Fig. 1d is blocked in the two angular positions shown and in between a relative movement. The joint bearing 31 has two from each other spaced, coaxially arranged with the pivot axis 12 bearing portions 31.1, 31.2, wherein each bearing portion 31.1, 31.2 two hinge elements 33.1, 34.1, 33.2, 34.2, namely a coaxial shaft member 33.1, 33.2 and associated therewith a coaxial recess 34.1, 34.2. The axle elements 33.1, 33.2 are respectively engaged with the recesses 34.1, 34.2 in the assembled state of the pivoting device 1, wherein the engagement forms the snap closure. The axle elements 33.1, 33.2 are integrally formed with the holder 50. Both recesses 34.1, 34.2 are each surrounded by an area having an outer wall 36.1, 36.2 with a respect to the pivot axis 12 inclined surface. The outer wall 36.1, 36.2 is in each case facing that side from which the shaft element 33.1, 33.2, to which the recess 34.1, 34.2 is assigned, when the pivot body 10 and the holder 50 are joined together by bringing the pivot body 10 and the holder 50 together a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis 12 to the recess 34.1, 34.2 is brought, see Fig. 1b , Both axle elements 33.1, 33.2 each have a front end with respect to the pivot axis 12 oblique flattening 37.1, 37.2, wherein the flattening 37.1, 37.2 that side faces, from which the associated recess 34.1, 34.2 in an assembly of the pivot body 10 and the Holder 50 is brought by a merging of the pivot body 10 and the bracket 50 along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis 12 to the axle 33.1, 33.2, see Fig. 1b , The relative movement of the respective two joint elements 33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2 necessary for releasing the snap closure is an axial, relative movement directed away from one another between the axle element 33.1, 33.2 and the recess 34.1, 34.2 of each storage area 31.1, 31.2. The joint bearing 31 has a first joint side 32.1 and a second joint side 32.2. The blocking element 40 is arranged on the first joint side 32.1 and, in the first angular position, it has a larger distance to a region of the second joint side 32.2 than in the second angular position. Of the joint elements 33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2 of the joint bearing 31 have two joint elements 33.1, 33.2 compared to the other joint elements 34.1, 34.2 higher axial elasticity. These joint elements 33.1, 33.2 are arranged on the second joint side 32.2. The second hinge side 32.2 is fixed relative to the holder 50. The joint elements 34.1, 34.2 of the first joint side 32.1 are axially on the outside and the joint elements 33.1, 33.2 of the second joint side 32.2 are held axially inside. The blocking element 40 is in the second angular position, Fig. 1d between the joint elements 33.1, 33.2 of the second joint side 32.2 and, as it were, between retaining elements 35.1, 35.2 of the joint elements 33.1, 33.2 of the second joint side 32.2. The joint elements 33.1, 33.2 are on the holding elements 35.1, 35.2 by elastic deformation of the holding elements 35.1, 35.2 axially elastic. The blocking element 40 is formed integrally with the swivel body 10. The blocking element 40 is a rib of the swivel body 10 that is substantially parallel to the swivel axis 12. Preferably, this swivel device 1 is a door handle device for a vehicle for opening a lock of a vehicle door and the swivel body 10 is a door handle with a manually graspable handle section 11 and the holder 50 is to be mounted on a vehicle door, so that the handle portion 11 is pivotable relative to the vehicle door.

For mounting the swivel body 10 is made of a in Fig. 1b shown position and in the first angular position or in the first angular range merged with the holder 50 wherein in particular the holding elements 35.1, 35.2 deform elastically to each other, see Fig. 1c until the joint elements finally interlock and snap back to the rest position. If the swivel body 10 is then pivoted into the second angular position or the second angular range, the blocking element 40 blocks possible bending of the holding elements 35.1, 35.2 or joint elements 33.1, 33.2 relative to one another, such that the snap engagement does not occur unintentionally, for example as a result of tilting, can solve.

Here, the joint elements 33.1, 33.2 of the second joint side 32.2 are axle elements and the joint elements 34.1, 34.2 of the first joint side 32.1 are recesses. The axle elements 33.1, 33.2 are directed outward and away from each other. The recesses 34.1, 34.2 each have an opening inwardly, and these openings are facing each other. Here they are also consistent.

Fig. 2a-2c show examples of alternative joint implementations or assignments and alignments of joint element types to joint sides. In Fig. 2a Axle elements are arranged on the pivot body 10 and recesses on the holder 50, wherein the axle elements facing each other (with their front ends). In Fig. 2b are contrary to Fig. 2a the axle elements facing away from each other. In Fig. 2c is an assignment as in the execution in the Fig. 1a-d given, however here are the shaft elements facing each other. In addition, further variation is possible, for example an axle element and a recess on one side of the joint (eg bracket side) with exactly the opposite arrangement of recess and axle element on the other side of the joint.

Fig. 3 shows a further advantageous feature of a device shown in cross-section according to the drawings 1a to 1d. The holder-side hinge side (mounting side) has a mating surface 51, which is arranged in the assembled state of the device 1 axially adjacent to the joint element 34.1 of the pivot body side hinge side (swivel body side). Thus, the joint element 34.1 of the swivel body side is arranged axially between the counter surface 51 and the holding element 35.1 of the joint element 33.1 of the holder side. The mating surface 51 allows the hinge element 34.1 of the swivel body side less axial clearance, as is necessary for releasing the snap closure by an axial movement of the joint member 34.1 of the swivel body side. As a result, a backup against, for example, bending of the swivel body side is provided, so that the necessary movement to open / close the snap closure essentially takes place only on the mounting side. The mating surface 51 is also formed in the form of a projection. Preferably, the projection is seen from the side, from which the swivel body 10 is brought to the assembly of the snap closure to the holder 50, arranged behind the bracket-side joint member 33.1. As a result, an insertion aid of the swivel body 10 in the holder 50 is given by the projection. The second storage area 31.2 is preferably designed analogously.

With this invention, an easy-to-install swivel body was provided by simple means, which is also securely held in its storage. This has been achieved by a snap mechanism in combination with a blocking element, the blocking element permitting a mounting position in which the snap mechanism can be assembled, but otherwise mechanically inhibits opening of the snap mechanism.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

swivel device

10

pivoting body

11

handle portion

12

swivel axis

31

joint bearing

31.1

first storage area

31.2

second storage area

32.1

first joint side

32.2

second hinge side

33.1

coaxial axle

33.2

coaxial axle

34.1

coaxial recess

34.2

coaxial recess

35.1

retaining element

35.2

retaining element

36.1

outer wall

36.2

outer wall

37.1

flattening

37.2

flattening

40

blocking element

50

bracket

51

counter surface

Claims (14)

1. Pivoting device (1) for a motor vehicle, which has a holder (50) and a pivoting body (10) which is mounted on the holder (50) via an articulated mounting (31) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (12),
   wherein
   the pivoting body (10) and the holder (50) are held together on the articulated mounting (31) by means of a snap fastening between at least two articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) of the articulated mounting (31), and the pivoting device (1) has a blocking element (40), characterized in that a closing or release of the snap fastening is possible in at least one first angular position of the pivoting body (10) in relation to the holder (50) and the closing or release of the snap fastening is blocked in at least one second angular position by a relative movement of the two articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) being blocked in a form-fitting manner by the blocking element (40), which relative movement is necessary for releasing the snap fastening.
2. Pivoting device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the pivoting device (1) is a door handle device for a vehicle for opening a lock of a vehicle door, and wherein the pivoting body (10) is a door handle with a handle section (11) which can be grasped manually, and wherein the holder (50) can be attached to a vehicle door such that the handle section (11) is pivotable in relation to the vehicle door.
3. Pivoting device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the articulated mounting (31) has two bearing regions (31.1, 31.2) which are spaced apart from each other and are arranged coaxially with the pivot axis (12), wherein each bearing region (31.1, 31.2) has two articulation elements (33.1, 34.1,; 33.2, 34.2), namely a coaxial axial element (33.1, 33.2) and a coaxial recess (34.1, 34.2) assigned to the latter, wherein the axial elements (33.1, 33.2) are respectively in engagement with the recesses (34.1, 34.2) in the joined-together state of the pivoting device (1), wherein the engagement forms the snap fastening.
4. Pivoting device (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the axial elements (33.1, 33.2) are formed integrally with the holder (50) or with the pivoting body (10).
5. Pivoting device (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one recess (34.1, 34.2) is surrounded by a region which has an outer wall (36.1, 36.2) having a surface which is oblique with respect to the pivot axis (12), wherein the outer wall (36.1, 36.2) faces that side from which the axial element (33.1, 33.2), to which the recess (34.1, 34.2) is assigned, is brought up to the recess (34.1, 34.2) when the pivoting body (10) and the holder (50) are joined together by bringing the pivoting body (10) and the holder (50) together along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (12).
6. Pivoting device (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein a front end of at least one axial element (33.1, 33.2) has a flattened portion (37.1, 37.2) which is oblique with respect to the pivot axis (12), wherein the flattened portion (37.1, 37.2) faces that side from which the assigned recess (34.1, 34.2) is brought up to the axial element (33.1, 33.2) when the pivoting body (10) and the holder (50) are joined together by bringing the pivoting body (10) and the holder (50) together along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (12).
7. Pivoting device (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the relative movement of the two articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) that is necessary for releasing the snap fastening is an axial relative movement between the axial element (33.1, 33.2) and the recess (34.1, 34.2) of each bearing region (31.1, 31.2) in a direction away from each other.
8. Pivoting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulated mounting (31) has a first articulation side (32.1) and a second articulation side (32.2), and wherein the relative movement of the two articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) that is necessary for releasing the snap fastening is an axial relative movement in a direction away from each other, and the blocking element (40) is arranged on the first articulation side (32.1) and, in the first angular position, is at a greater distance from a region of the second articulation side (32.2) than in the second angular position.
9. Pivoting device (1) according to Claim 8, wherein, of the articulation elements (33.1, 33.2, 34.1, 34.2) of the articulated mounting (31), there is at least one articulation element (33.1, 33.2) which has greater axial elasticity in comparison to another articulation element (34.1, 34.2), and wherein said articulation element (33.1, 33.2) is arranged on the second articulation side (32.2).
10. Pivoting device (1) according to Claim 9, wherein the second articulation side (32.2) is fixed in position relative to the holder (50).
11. Pivoting device (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the articulation elements (34.1, 34.2) of the first articulation side (32.1) are arranged or held axially on the outside and the articulation elements (33.1, 33.2) of the second articulation side (32.2) are arranged or held axially on the inside, and wherein, in the second angular position, the blocking element (40)

    - is located between the articulation elements (33.1, 33.2) of the second articulation side (32.2), and/or

    - is located between holding elements (35.1, 35.2) of the articulation elements (33.1, 33.2) of the second articulation side (32.2), wherein the articulation elements (33.1, 33.2) are axially elastic on the holding elements (35.1, 35.2) by elastic deformation of the holding elements (35.1, 35.2).
12. Pivoting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (40) is formed integrally with the holder (50) or with the pivoting body (10).
13. Pivoting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (40) is a rib of the holder (50) or of the pivoting body (10), which rib is substantially parallel to the pivot axis (12) .
14. Use of a pivoting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in a motor vehicle.

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