GB2611816A

GB2611816A - Handle mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2611816A
Application number: GB2114844.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oakley Matthew; Kellitt Paul; Warburton David
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2021-10-18
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Also published as: GB202114844D0

Abstract

A vehicle handle mounting includes a handle retaining member 9-1 connected to a handle 3 with a first cooperating feature 21-1 engaged with a second cooperating feature 23-1 of a base 11 to hold the handle retaining member 9-1 in position when a load F1 is applied in direction D1, and to disengage when a load F2 is applied in direction D2 (e.g. in a collision). The cooperating features 21-1, 23-1 can have interlocking channel or hook shapes. The base has releasable connectors (35, fig 3) and tethers (39, fig 3). Mechanical fasteners (49A, fig 4) connect the handle 3 to retaining member 9-1.

Description

HANDLE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a handle mounting assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to a handle mounting assembly, a handle assembly and a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A known handle mounting assembly 101 for a handle 103 is shown in Figure 6. The handle mounting assembly 101 is mounted to a handle mounting bracket 105. The handle mounting bracket 105 is a metal bracket having a generally U-shaped configuration which is mounted to a body structure 107. The handle mounting bracket 105 is configured to withstand the application of typical operating loads to the handle 103. In a collision event, loading of the handle mounting bracket 105 may be reversed. In this scenario, the handle mounting bracket 105 should absorb energy. The need to provide different operating characteristics for different load conditions presents particular challenges.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a handle mounting assembly, a handle assembly and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a vehicle incorporating a handle mounting assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of a handle for mounting to the handle mounting assembly shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of the base and the handle retaining members of the handle mounting assembly; Figure 4 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the handle and the handle mounting assembly shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a transverse longitudinal sectional view of the handle mounting assembly shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a known handle mounting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A handle mounting assembly 1 for mounting a handle 3 in a vehicle 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

The handle mounting assembly 1 in the present embodiment is configured to mount the handle 3 internally in a cabin 7 of the vehicle 5, as shown in Figure 1. The vehicle 5 is an automobile in the present embodiment, but the handle mounting assembly 1 may be employed in other types of vehicle. The handle mounting assembly 1 comprises an at least one handle retaining member 9-n for connection to the handle 3; and a base 11 for mounting to a body structure 13 of the vehicle 5. The handle 3 is shown in Figure 2. In the present embodiment, the handle mounting assembly 1 is mounted to the body structure 13 to locate the handle 3 in an elevated position. In particular, the handle mounting assembly 1 is mounted to a roof structure 15 of the vehicle 5. The handle 3 in this arrangement may be a grab handle, for example. In a variant, the handle mounting assembly 1 may be mounted to a door D of the vehicle 5; a pillar P of the vehicle 5 or other structure. A headliner 17 is fixed to an interior of the roof structure 15. The base 11 is mounted to the roof structure 15 behind the headliner 17. The base 11 comprises at least one mount 19-n configured to cooperate with the at least one handle retaining member 9-n.

As shown in Figure 3, the at least one handle retaining member 9-n comprises a first handle retaining member 9-1 and a second handle retaining member 9-2. The first handle retaining member 9-1 is connected to a first end 20A of the handle 3; and the second handle retaining members 9-2 is connected to a second end 20B of the handle 3. A partially exploded view of the handle 3 and the first handle retaining member 9-1 is shown in Figure 4. The at least one mount 19-n comprises a first mount 19-1 for cooperating with the first retaining member 9-1; and a second mount 19-2 for cooperating with the second retaining member 9-2. The first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2 have substantially the same configuration. Similarly, the first and second mounts 19-1, 19-2 have substantially the same configuration.

For the sake of brevity, the first handle retaining member 9-1 and the associated first mount 19-1 will now be described. It will be understood that the second handle retaining member 92 and the associated second mount 19-2 have at least substantially the same configuration.

A transverse section through the first handle retaining member 9-1 and the first mount 19-1 is shown in Figure 5. The first handle retaining member 9-1 and the first mount 19-1 have a push-fit mounting arrangement. The first handle retaining member 9-1 has a first cooperating feature 21-1; and the first mount 19-1 has a second cooperating feature 23-1. The first cooperating feature 21-1 and the second cooperating feature 23-1 are configured to cooperate with each other. At least in certain embodiments, the first cooperating feature 21-1 and the second cooperating feature 23-1 may be configured to interlock with each other. The interlocking is not permanent and the first cooperating feature 21-1 and the second cooperating feature 23-1 may unlock from each other. The first cooperating feature 21-1 is configured to engage with the second cooperating feature 23-1 to hold the handle retaining member 9 in position when a first load Fl is applied to the first handle retaining member 9-1 in a first direction Dl. The first cooperating feature 21-1 and the second cooperating feature 23-1 are configured to disengage when a second load F2 is applied to the handle retaining member 9 in a second direction 02. The first and second directions D1, 02 are oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each other or at least substantially opposite to each other. The first direction D1 is away from the roof structure 15; and the second direction D2 is towards the roof structure 15. The first handle retaining member 9-1 and the first mount 19-1 engage with each other when the first load Fl is applied in the first direction Dl. The first load Fl represents a typical load condition, for example a force applied by a user pulling on the handle 3. The engagement of the first handle retaining member 9-1 and the first mount 19-1 transmits the first load Fl to the base 11 mounted to the roof structure 15. The second load F2 represents an atypical load condition, for example an impact force applied to the handle during a collision event. The dis-engagement of the first handle retaining member 9-1 may help to absorb or dissipate the second load F2. In a collision event, the disengagement of the first and second cooperating features 21-1, 23-1 may help to reduce or avoid injuries.

The first cooperating feature 21-1 comprises a first load-transmitting member for transmitting a load applied to the at least one handle retaining member 9-1 in the first direction D1 to the base 11. The first cooperating feature 21-1 comprises a first projection 25. The first projection extends in the first direction Dl. The first projection 25 comprises a first sidewall of a channel 27 formed in the first handle retaining member 9-1. The channel 27 comprises an opening 29 oriented in the first direction Dl. As shown in Figure 3, the first cooperating features 21-1 forms a hook in transverse section. The channel 27 opens outwardly to receive the at least one second cooperating feature 23-1. The channel 27 may limit pivoting movement of the first handle retaining member relative 21-1 to the base 11. The second cooperating feature 23-1 comprises a second projection 30. The second projection 30 extends in the second direction D2. The second projection 30 is configured to locate in the channel 30. The second projection 30 is tapered towards a distal end. The second cooperating feature 23-1 may be a restriction fit in the channel 27. The second projection 30 is a push-fit in the channel 27 in the present embodiment.

The first cooperating feature 21-1 has a first alignment face 31; and the second cooperating feature 23-1 has a second alignment face 33. The first and second alignment faces 31, 33 are suitable for aligning the first handle retaining member 9-1 with the base 11 in a predefined orientation. The first and second alignment faces 31, 33 are arranged in a face-to-face arrangement when the first and second cooperating features 21-1, 23-1 are engaged with each other.

One or more releasable connector 35 is disposed on one of the base 11 and the first handle retaining member 9-1. The one or more releasable connector 35 is configured to engage the other one of the base 11 and the first handle retaining member 9-1. In particular, the one or more releasable connector 35 is configured to engage the other one of the first handle retaining member 9-1 and the mount 19-1. The one or more releasable connector 35 may, for example, engage a ridge, a projection or an edge (not shown). The one or more releasable connector 35 in the present embodiment is configured to engage a projection 37. The or each releasable connector 35 is provided releasably to connect the first handle retaining member 9-1 to the base 11. The or each releasable connector 35 may, for example, comprise a resiliently deformable clip or locking tab. The releasable connector 35 may be provided on the first mount 19-1 and configured to engage the first handle retaining member 9-1. In the present embodiment, the releasable connector 35 is provided on the first handle retaining member 91 and is configured to engage a projection 37 formed on the first mount 19-1. The releasable connector 35 is configured to release the first handle retaining member 9-1 when the load F2 applied to the first handle retaining member 9-1 in the second direction 02 is greater than a release load. The release load is predetermined, for example by the resilient properties of the releasable connector 35. The dimensions of the releasable connector 35 may be calibrated to provide the desired release load.

A tether 39 is provided for tethering the first handle retaining member 9-1 to the base 11. The tether 39 connects the first handle retaining member 9-1 to the base 11. The tether 39 comprises an elongate member having first and second couplings 41A, 418 disposed at respective ends. The tether 39 in the present embodiment is a flexible member. The tether 39 may be moulded from a plastic material; or the tether 39 may comprise a cord or a cable.

The handle mounting assembly 1 and the handle 3 described herein are provided in a handle assembly (denoted generally by the reference numeral 45). The handle 3 may be resiliently deformable or may have a rigid structure. The first and second handle retaining members 9- 1, 9-2 are connected to the first and second ends 20A, 20B respectively of the handle 3. The handle 3 may comprise first and second connectors 47A, 47B for connecting the handle 3 to the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2. First and second mechanical fasteners 49A, 49B are provided for fastening the first and second connectors 47A, 47B to the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2. The first and second mechanical fasteners 49A, 49B in the present embodiment are fixed to threaded apertures 50A, 50B provided in the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2, as shown in Figure 4. The threaded apertures 50A, 50B may, for example, be formed in captive nuts 50A, 50B. One or more mechanical fastener (not shown) fasten the base 11 to the body structure 15 first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2.

The installation and operation of the handle mounting assembly 1 will now be described. The handle 3 is mounted to the base 11 by mounting the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2 to the respective first and second mounts 19-1, 19-2. The first cooperating feature 21-1 on the first handle retaining member 9-1 engages with the second cooperating feature 23-1 on the first mount 19-1. The first cooperating feature 21-1 on the second handle retaining member 9-2 engages with the second cooperating feature 23-1 on the second mount 19-2. The first cooperating features 21-1 engage the corresponding second cooperating features 23-1. The engagement comprises a push-fit mounting arrangement positively to locate the second cooperating features 21-15 23-1 formed in the first and second mounts 19- 1, 19-2 in the channels 27 formed in the first and second handle retaining members 9-1. The releasable connector 35 provided on the first handle retaining member 9-1 engages the projection 37 formed on the first mount 19-1. The tether 39 connects the first handle retaining member 9-1 to the first mount 19-1. The handle 3 is mounted to the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2. In particular, the first and second mechanical fasteners 49A, 49B fasten the first and second connectors 47A, 47B to the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2.

In use, the application of the first load Fl to the handle 3 in the first direction D1 causes the first and second cooperating features 21-1, 23-1 to engage with each other. The first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2 are thereby fixed in position. The handle 3 remains fixedly mounted to the base 11. In use, the application of the second load F2 to the handle 3 in the second direction D2 causes the first and second cooperating features 21-1, 23-1 to disengage from each other. The first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2 are displaced in the second direction D2 towards the roof structure 15. The handle 3 may thereby be displaced towards the roof structure 17. The headliner 17 may be deformed as the first and second handle retaining members 9-1, 9-2 are displaced in the second direction D2.

It will be understood that the handle mounting assembly 1 according to the present embodiment resists or prevents movement of the handle 3 relative to the base 11 when a first load Fl is applied in the first direction Dl. However, the handle mounting assembly 1 is configured such that the handle 3 is moveable relative to the base 11 when a second load F2 is applied in the second direction D2. The behaviour of the handle mounting assembly 1 is dependent on the direction of an applied load.

The handle mounting assembly 1 has been described as having one or more releasable connector 35 which are separate from the first and second cooperating features 21-1, 23-1. In a variant, the first and second cooperating features 21-1, 23-1 may have interlocking features. The interlocking features may determine a release load in dependence on application of a load F2 in the second direction D2. For example, the first projection 25 may comprise a tooth or a flange for locating in a recess or channel formed in the second projection 27.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A handle mounting assembly (1) for mounting a handle (3) in a vehicle (5), the handle mounting assembly (1) comprising: a handle retaining member (9-n) for connection to the handle (3), the handle retaining member (9-n) comprising a first cooperating feature (21-n); and a base (11) for mounting to a body structure (15, 17) of the vehicle (5), the base (11) comprising a second cooperating feature (23-n), the first cooperating feature (21-n) being configured to engage with the second cooperating feature (23-n) to hold the handle retaining member (9-n) in position when a load (F1) is applied to the handle retaining member (9-n) in a first direction (D1), wherein the first cooperating feature (21-n) and the second cooperating feature (23n) are configured to disengage when a load (F2) is applied to the handle retaining member (9n) in a second direction (02).
2. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cooperating feature (21-n) comprises a first load-transmitting member (25) for transmitting a load (F1) applied to the handle retaining member (9-n) in the first direction (D1) to the base (11).
3. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first cooperating feature (21-n) comprises a first projection (25) extending in the first direction (D1).
4. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first projection (25) comprises a first sidewall of a channel (27) formed in the handle retaining member (9-n).
5. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the channel (27) comprises an opening (29) oriented in the first direction (D1).
6. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the channel (27) opens outwardly to receive the second cooperating feature (23-n).
7. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cooperating feature (23-n) comprises a second projection (30) extending in the second direction (02), the first and second projections (21-n, 23-n) being configured to interlock with each other.
8. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second cooperating features (21-n, 23-n) have respective first and second alignment faces (31, 33) for aligning the handle retaining member (9-n) with the base (11) in a predefined orientation.
9. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more releasable connector disposed on one of the base (11) and the handle retaining member (9-n) for releasably connecting the handle retaining member (9-n) to the base (11).
10. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more releasable connector is configured to release the handle retaining member (9-n) when the load applied to the handle retaining member (9-n) in the second direction (02) is greater than a predetermined release load.
11. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the one or more releasable connector is configured to engage a feature (37) disposed in the other one of the base (11) and the handle retaining member (9-n).
12. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one tether (39) for tethering the handle retaining member (9-n) to the base (11).
13. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising first and second of the handle retaining members (9-1, 9-2) for connection to the handle (3).
14. A handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the base (11) comprises first and second of the second cooperating features (23-n).
15. A handle assembly (45) comprising a handle (3) and a handle mounting assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
16. A handle assembly (45) as claimed in claim 15 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 13, wherein the handle (3) has first and second ends connected to the first and second handle retaining members (9-1, 9-2) respectively.
17. A handle assembly (45) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more mechanical fastener for mounting the base (11) to the body structure (15, 17) of the vehicle (5).
18. A vehicle (5) comprising a handle mounting assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
19. A vehicle (5) comprising a handle (3) assembly according to any one of claims 15, 16 or 17.
20. A vehicle (5) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the handle (3) assembly is mounted to a roof structure (17) of a body structure (15) of the vehicle (5); to a door (D) of the vehicle (5); or to a pillar (P) of the body structure (15, 17).