Roof handle

Abstract

A roof handle for a vehicle comprises a carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) which can be placed on a vehicle roof, on which a handle body (1) is pivotally mounted so that the handle body (1) is pivotable between a gripping position and a starting position, in which a user applies a negative weight force directed substantially downward to the handle body (1), and in which the handle body (1) is pivoted by a spring to a folded position relative to the vehicle roof, the carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) comprising a molded body (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) made of plastic, on which at least one metal insert (12, 22, 32, 42, 52) is arranged, and the handle body (1) is held on the metal insert (12, 22, 32, 42, 52) by a support (3). In this way, the roof handle can be lightweight and optimally adapted to the geometry of the vehicle roof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof handle for a vehicle, comprising a carrier frame that can be placed on the roof of the vehicle, on which a handle body is pivotally mounted so that the handle body can move between a gripping position and an initial position, in which the user applies a negative gravity force that is basically directed downward to the handle body, and in the initial position the handle body is pivoted by the handle to a folded position relative to the roof of the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The roof handle disclosed in DE 296 04 260 U1 has an arched handle body which is pivotally mounted via two support blocks. The arched handle can thus be grasped by the user and loaded with a downward load. After use, the handle bar can be turned toward the roof by spring force and thus does not protrude into the vehicle interior. Fastening the two support frames by means of screws and other fasteners is rather complicated, and the rigidly arranged handle body presents a risk of injury in the event of a collision. The entire unit for accommodating the roof handle is also heavy.

[0003] In order to simplify the connection of such a roof handle, DE 20 2013 005 494 U1 discloses a plate-shaped retaining element for a roof handle, which forms a carrier and can be locked to the roof structure by means of fasteners. This simplifies the installation, but the problem remains that the retaining element is made of sheet steel and is heavy. In addition, the rigid arrangement of the handle body is disadvantageous, because a rigidly arranged handle body presents a risk of injury in the event of a collision. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to produce a roof handle which presents a low risk of injury.

[0005] According to the roof handle of the present invention, the impact protection is arranged on the carrier, and in the event of an impact on the handle body, the handle body can move relative to the carrier through the impact protection. In this way, the impact force can be at least partially absorbed, which reduces the risk of injury.

[0006] Preferably, the trigger force for the impact protection is selected such that when the handle body is loaded downwards, i.e. in the gripping position, the trigger force does not cause any movement of the handle body relative to the carrier, and only when the trigger force is loaded upwards, i.e. in the opposite direction, does the handle body move in the direction of the carrier. The release force for the impact protection may be, for example, in the range corresponding to a load of 20 kg and 120 kg, preferably between 30 kg and 60 kg. This can reduce damage to the vehicle occupants, especially to the head.

[0007] The ceiling handle preferably comprises a carrier having a plastic molded body, on which at least one metal insert is arranged, preferably two mutually spaced inserts, each of which holds a support of the handle body. For this purpose, a fastener can be arranged on each support, which is inserted into an opening of the insert, for example.

[0008] According to a first embodiment, the impact protection can be formed by forming a bendable or separable plate on the molded plastic body, which allows the handle body to move upwards, i.e. towards the vehicle roof, in the event of an impact load, but is spatially dimensionally stable in the opposite direction when the user pulls the handle body downward. The corresponding plate can be bendable or provided with a predetermined breaking point to form the impact protection.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the impact protection can be formed in such a way that the metal insert can be moved or rotated relative to the molded body. For example, the insert can be formed from a U-shaped bent metal sheet, on which a stop is formed which points outwards and abuts against the molded body. The stop ensures that the insert does not move downwards when tensile stress is applied, but moves upwards when impact forces are applied. The insert is thus held on the molded body so that it can only move in one direction. In order to prevent the insert from moving smoothly upwards, it can be clamped to the molded body or bonded thereto. Alternatively, a retaining rod can be provided so that an upward movement of the handle body is only possible when a certain release force is exceeded.

[0010] In another embodiment of the impact protection, the insert is provided with a curved structure, such as a Z-shaped arch, so that the curved insert can deform when an impact load is applied. This allows the impact force to be effectively absorbed. The insert can be plastically deformable or designed as a leaf spring and allow reversible deformation. The bend of the insert can also be U-shaped, S-shaped or meandering to allow the handle body to move under the impact event. Alternatively or additionally, when the release force is reached, the insert can act on a compressible absorption element that houses the handle body support.

[0011] In another embodiment of the impact protection, the molded plastic body may have a retention structure having a retention plate, which is loaded and tensioned when a weight is applied to the handle body, and is loaded and compressed when a force is applied by impacting the handle body. When subjected to a compressive load, the retention plate can bend, for example, at a predetermined bending point to allow the handle body to move toward the carrier through the retention structure. This retention structure can be achieved, for example, by an inclined plate with a retention plate disposed at the end.

[0012] Different embodiments of the impact protection can also be combined with one another to ensure particularly effective absorption of impact forces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is explained in more detail below through several specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are shown as follows:

[0014] Figures 1A-1C Several views of a ceiling handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2A and 2B Two views of the carrier frame of the ceiling handle of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 3A and 3B Two views of the ceiling handle of Figure 1, partially in section;

[0017] Figure 4A and 4B Two views of the ceiling handle shown in the second embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 FIG4 is a perspective exploded view of the ceiling handle;

[0019] Fig. 6A and 6B Two views of the roof handle of Figure 4 after impact;

[0020] Figure 7 A perspective view of the carrier of Figure 4;

[0021] Figure 8 Figure 7 A perspective view of a metal insert of a carrier frame;

[0022] Fig.9A and 9B Two views of a third embodiment of a ceiling handle according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 10A and 10B Two views of the roof handle of Figure 9 after impact;

[0024] Fig.11 Fig. 9B A cross-sectional view of a ceiling handle;

[0025] Fig.12 FIG9 is an exploded perspective view of a ceiling handle carrier;

[0026] Fig.13A and 13B Two views of a fourth embodiment of a ceiling handle according to the present invention;

[0027] Fig.14 FIG13 is a perspective exploded view of the carrier frame of the ceiling handle;

[0028] Figures 15A-15C Multiple views of a fifth embodiment of a ceiling handle of the present invention;

[0029] Fig.16a view of the ceiling handle of FIG15 in a gripping position;

[0030] Fig.17 A view of the ceiling handle of FIG. 15 after impact; and

[0031] Fig.18 An alternative embodiment of the ceiling handle shown in Figure 9 is shown.

[0032] The roof handle comprises a handle body 1, which has an arcuate design and is pivotably mounted at two curved ends 2, respectively located on supports 3. Each support 3 comprises a fastener 4, on which one or more flexible locking plates 5 are arranged to lock the handle body 1 to a carrier 10. In addition, each support 3 is provided with a frame 6, which can be mounted on the vehicle roof, in particular can be inserted into a receiving groove on the vehicle roof.

[0033] The carrier 10 comprises a generally plate-shaped molded body 11 made of plastic, on which two receiving grooves are formed, into which the fasteners 4 are inserted. Figure 1C It can be seen that the fastener 4 is not inserted into the plastic molded body 11 but into an opening 13, in particular a substantially rectangular opening 13, of a metal insert 12, behind which the locking plate 5 is locked, thereby preventing the fastener 4 from being pulled out after assembly.

[0034] Figure 2A and 2B The molded body 11 shown has a stiffened structure formed by two plates 15. The plates 15 can be lattice panels, trusses or other geometric shapes that make the molded body 11 stable but lightweight. In addition, the molded body 11 is provided with two openings 16 for fasteners to mount the molded body 11 on the vehicle roof.

[0035] The two opposite end faces of the metal insert 12 are provided with steps, and the step area is at least partially injection molded in the molded body 11. For this purpose, a receiving groove with an opening 14 is provided in the molded body 11, so that the fastener 4 can be inserted through both the opening 13 on the insert 12 and the opening 14 of the molded body 11.

[0036] Figure 3A and 3B The mounting position of the handle body 1 on the carrier 10 is shown. The slightly bent moulding 11 is penetrated by the fastener 4, which is seated in the metal insert 12. This means that only the high stress areas are made of metal, and the remaining areas use a lighter moulding 11.

[0037] In order to form an impact protection which ensures that the handle body 1 moves towards the carrier 10 in the event of a release force associated with an upward movement, the plate 15 of the molded body can be designed accordingly, optionally being able to be separated or bent at predetermined breaking points, ensuring that the handle body 1 moves relative to the molded body 11 in the event of an impact. On the other hand, if the handle body 1 is loaded with a force of the same magnitude, i.e. a "release force", which acts downward by pulling the handle body 1 in its installed position, the handle body 1 remains stably held on the carrier 10.

[0038] The following figures further show other embodiments of the ceiling handle, in which the handle body 1 and the support 3 are designed the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, coordinated reference numerals are used. Only the carrier is designed to have different impact protection.

[0039] Figure 4A and 4B The carrier 20 shown has a molded body 21 made of plastic, which is preferably provided with two metal inserts 22 by injection molding. The metal inserts 22 are not embedded in the molded body 21, but protrude from it. The fasteners 4 are inserted into the parts of the inserts 22 which are arranged at a distance from the plastic molded body 21. The fasteners 4 are locked in place at an opening of each insert 22. Figure 4A In the starting position shown, the handle body 1 is swung upwards towards the vehicle roof. Figure 4B The handle body 1 is shown in a gripping position, wherein a user exerts a generally downward weight force on the handle body 1 .

[0040] Figure 5 The handle body 1 is shown removed from a carrier 20. The carrier 20 comprises a generally plate-shaped moulding 21, reinforced by a stiffening structure formed by a sheet. The moulding 21 has openings 26 therein for fasteners to mount the moulding 21 to a vehicle roof.

[0041] The two inserts 22 are made of bent sheet metal and include a retention plate 25 embedded in the molded body 21. An inclined plate 28 projects from the retention plate 25 and is connected to the retention plate 25 via an elbow 27. The inclined plate 28 is inclined to the retention plate 25, for example, at an angle between 50° and 80°. A bent plate 29 projects from the inclined plate 28 and is arranged approximately perpendicular to the retention plate 25, with bent ends 24 integrally formed thereon, each of which has an opening 23, in particular an approximately rectangular opening 23, into which a fastener 4 is inserted. Each insert 22 is thus bent approximately in a Z-shape, although inserts 22 of other geometric shapes can also be provided.

[0042] The shape of the insert 22 provides effective impact protection, such as Fig. 6A and 6B If Figure 4A The handle body 1 in the initial position is subjected to an upward impact load in the direction of the vehicle roof, and when the release force reaches a negative weight force that may correspond to between 20 kg and 120 kg, for example, the insert 22 bends. This allows the handle body 1 to move in the direction of the vehicle roof to absorb the impact force and thus minimize damage from the handle body 1. Figure 5 As shown in comparison with FIG. 6 , the impact causes the end 24 to move in the direction of the molded body 21 . Due to the arrangement of the inclined plates 28 , the plate-shaped insert 22 can be deformed at the bend to allow the handle body 1 to move in the direction of the molded body 21 .

[0043] Figure 7 The carrier 20 is shown without the handle body 1. It can be seen that two spaced apart inserts 22 are provided, which are connected to each other only by the plastic molded body 21. In this embodiment, the molded body 21 has a plate-shaped design, other geometries can also be used.

[0044] Figure 8 The insert 22 is shown and it can be seen that the retention panel 25 has an opening 26 which aligns with the opening 26 in the molded body 21 so that fasteners can secure both the molded body 21 and the insert 22 to the vehicle roof.

[0045] 9-12 show another embodiment of the ceiling handle, wherein Fig.9A The handle body is shown in a gripping position, and the user pulls the handle body 1 in the gripping position. Fig. 9B The handle body 1 is shown in a folded start position. The handle body 1 is placed on a carrier 30 via a fastener 4, the carrier 30 having a molded body 31 made of plastic and two inserts 32 made of bent metal sheets. In this case, the two inserts 32 are bent into a U shape and have openings at the base for inserting the fastener 4.

[0046] In order to provide impact protection for the handle body 1, the inserts 32 are arranged so that they can move upwards when a load is applied towards the molded body 31 that exceeds the release force, such as Fig. 10A and 10B When the release force exceeds a force corresponding to a load of 20 kg to 120 kg, for example, the handle body 1 can move toward the molded body 31, whereby the two legs 35 of the insert 32 are displaced relative to the molded body 31. The insert 32 has outwardly bent protrusions 36 on the two legs 35, which prevent the handle body 1 from moving downward in the assembled position of FIG. 9, but allow the handle body 1 to move upward once a certain release force is reached.

[0047] like Fig.11As can be seen in the sectional view of , in the assembled position the protrusion 36 contacts the molded body 31, thus preventing the handle body 1 from moving downwards at the support 3. The insert 32 can be force-fitted to the molded body, for example by a specific clamping force, which only allows the insert 32 to move towards the molded body 31 when the release force is exceeded.

[0048] Fig.12 A partially exploded view of a carrier 30 is shown. The molded body 31 made of plastic is essentially plate-shaped and comprises a hardened structure formed by a sheet. In addition, openings 38 are formed in two sheet-shaped parts of the molded body 31, wherein stops 37 are provided which interact with the protrusions 36 of the insert 32. This allows the insert 32 to be inserted through the openings 38. The support 3 can be placed on the base 34 of the insert 32 by means of fasteners 4. Two legs 35 extend from the base 34 to the molded body 31, and the protrusions 36 thereon are supported by the stops 37.

[0049] When the handle body 1 is loaded upwards, i.e. towards the molded body 31, in order to adjust the release force, the protrusion 36 can be bonded to the molded body 31. Alternatively, a plate with a predetermined break point or other configuration can be provided, which releases the insert 32 only when a certain release force is exceeded, so that the insert 32 can then be moved relative to the molded body 31.

[0050] Fig.13A and 13B Another embodiment of the ceiling handle is shown, in which the handle body 1 is Fig.13A In the initial position shown in Fig. 13B 4 is shown in the gripping position in which the handle body 1 has been swung downward. The carrier 40 for accommodating the handle body 1 comprises a molded body 41 made of plastic, on which a plug-in 42 made of sheet metal is held. In this embodiment, the plug-in 42 made of sheet metal is designed as a bent leaf spring and is arranged in a receiving groove, especially in a cavity 44 of the molded body 41. The plug-in 42 comprises an opening 43 at one end for inserting a fastener 4. When the handle body 1 is loaded downward, the fastener 4 is held on the plastic molded body 41 by the end of the plug-in, and no relative movement occurs between the handle body 1 and the molded body 41. On the other hand, if the handle body 1 is loaded with an upward force, toward the molded body 41, the plug-in 42 will deform because it is made of elastic sheet metal. As a result, the plug-in 42 can move in the cavity 44 on the molded body 41, move the handle body 1 upward, and thereby absorb the impact force.

[0051] Fig.14The carrier 40 is shown in detail. A cavity 44 or receiving groove is formed integrally with the molded body 41, into which an S-shaped insert 42 can be inserted laterally. The end of the insert 42 with the opening 43 is held against a stop of the cavity 44 and thus cannot be pulled downwards through the opening of the cavity 44. If a load is applied in the opposite direction, the insert 42 can be deformed, wherein several aligned openings are provided on the insert 42, through which the fastener 4 can then be inserted in the event of an impact.

[0052] 15-17 show a further embodiment of a ceiling handle. The handle body 1 is held on a carrier 50, which comprises a molded body 51 made of plastic with an integrally formed retention structure 54 as impact protection. An insert 52 made of sheet metal with an opening 53 is placed, preferably injection molded or bonded, on the retention structure 54 at the opening in the plate 55. The insert 52 is firmly connected to the retention structure 54 for holding the two supports 3 by means of fasteners 4. The retention structure 54 comprises a configuration for impact protection. Fig.16 The handle body 1 is shown in a gripping position, in which the user grasps the handle body 1 and loads it vertically downward. In this position, the retention plate 56, which is located at a distance from the plate 55 to accommodate the plug-in 52, is subjected to tensile stress. The tensile stress originates from the fact that the plate 55 is connected to the retention plate 56 by two inclined plates 57, wherein the inclined plates 57 converge toward the retention plate 56. The inclined plates 57 are part of the V-shaped portion of the retention structure 54, and the retention plate 56 is formed at its tip to subject the retention plate 56 to tensile stress when the handle body 1 is loaded downward.

[0053] If the handle body 1 is swung back to its original position by the spring and then subjected to an impact that presses the handle body 1 toward the carrier 50, the retention structure causes the retention plate 56 to bend when the trigger force is exceeded, such as Fig.17 By means of the inclined plate 57, a compressive force is exerted on the retaining plate 56, which then bends, for example also with the aid of corresponding pre-set bend pins, thereby ensuring that the plate 55 and the insert 52 move towards the molded body 51. This allows the handle body 1 to move relative to the molded body 51 to absorb impact forces.

[0054] Fig.18 A variation of the roof handle shown in FIGS. 9-12 is shown. As described previously, the insert 32 can move upward relative to the molded body 31 when a load is applied. However, an absorption element 39 is provided to absorb the impact energy, for example foam, elastic plastic or other material which is compressed between the base 34 and the stop on the molded body 31 when the insert 32 moves. The absorption element 39 thus has a similar function to the spring-shaped insert 42 in FIG. 13 .

[0055] The above-described embodiments with impact protection can also be combined with one another in any desired combination in order to brake the handle body 1 even more effectively in the event of an impact.

[0056] List or checklist of reference numerals 1 Handle body

[0057] 2 ends

[0058] 3 Support

[0059] 4 Fasteners

[0060] 5 Lock plate

[0061] 6 Framework

[0062] 10 Carrying frame

[0063] 11 Molded body

[0064] 12 Plugins

[0065] 13 Opening

[0066] 14 Opening

[0067] 15 Plates

[0068] 16 Opening

[0069] 20 Carrying frame

[0070] 21 Molded body

[0071] 22 Plugins

[0072] 23 Opening

[0073] 24 end

[0074] 25 Retention Plate

[0075] 26 Opening

[0076] 27 Elbow

[0077] 28 Plates

[0078] 29 Plates

[0079] 30 Carrier

[0080] 31 Molded body

[0081] 32 Plugins

[0082] 34 base

[0083] 35 Legs

[0084] 36 protrusion

[0085] 37 Stop

[0086] 38 Opening

[0087] 39 Absorption element

[0088] 40 Carrier

[0089] 41 Molded body

[0090] 42 Plugins

[0091] 43 Opening

[0092] 44 Chamber

[0093] 50 Carrier

[0094] 51 Molded body

[0095] 52 Plugins

[0096] 53 Opening

[0097] 54 Retention structure

[0098] 55 Plate

[0099] 56 Retention Plate

[0100] 57 Plates

Claims

1. A roof handle for a vehicle, comprising a carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) which can be placed on the roof of the vehicle, on which a handle body (1) is pivotally mounted so that the handle body (1) is pivotable between a gripping position in which a user applies a negative weight force directed substantially downward to the handle body (1) and a starting position in which the handle body (1) is pivoted by a spring to a folded position relative to the roof of the vehicle, characterized in that The carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) is provided with a collision protection, and in the event of a collision with the handle body (1), the handle body (1) can move toward the carrier (10, 20, 30, 40) through the collision protection. The carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) comprises a plastic molded body (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) on which at least one metal insert (12, 22, 32, 42, 52) is arranged, and the handle body (1) is held on the metal insert (12, 22, 32, 42, 52) by a support member (3). The impact protection is formed by a metal insert (22, 32, 42) which is displaceable or pivotable relative to the molded body (11, 21, 31) when a release force is exceeded, The insert (32) is formed by a metal sheet bent into a U-shape, and has outwardly bent protrusions (36) on both limbs. The molded body (31) forms a stop (37) for the downward movement of the insert (32), and the insert (32) is held on the molded body (31) so as to be able to be displaced upward, The carrier (50) has a plastic molded body (51), the molded body (51) has a retention structure (54), the retention structure (54) has a retention plate (56), when a downwardly directed negative gravity force is applied to the handle body (1), the retention plate (56) is loaded and tensioned, when an upwardly directed force is applied to the handle body (1), the retention plate (56) is loaded and compressed, and when a compressive load is applied, the retention plate (56) can be bent to allow the handle body (1) to move relative to the molded body (51).

2. The ceiling handle according to claim 1, characterized in that When a trigger force for impact protection is applied, the handle body (1) in the gripping position is maintained on the carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) and points downward, and when a trigger force for impact protection is applied upward toward the carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), the handle body (1) moves toward the carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50).

3. The ceiling handle according to claim 2, characterized in that The triggering force for the impact protection corresponds to a weight force between 20 kg and 120 kg.

4. The ceiling handle according to claim 1, characterized in that The impact protection is formed by a bendable or separable plate (14) on the molded body (11).

5. The ceiling handle according to claim 1, characterized in that The impact protection comprises a bendable insert (22) for holding the support (3) of the handle body (1) thereon.

6. The ceiling handle according to claim 5, characterized in that The bendable insert (22) has a metal sheet bent into a substantially Z-shape.

7. The ceiling handle according to claim 1, characterized in that The handle body (1) is held on the carrier (10) by a support member (3), and the support member (3) is displaceable relative to the carrier (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) when a release force is exceeded.

8. The ceiling handle according to claim 7, characterized in that The support frame (40) has an insert (42) for accommodating the support element (3) of the handle body (1), and the insert (42) is designed as a bent leaf spring.

9. The ceiling handle according to claim 7, characterized in that The carrier (30) has an insert (32) for accommodating the support (3) of the handle body (1), which acts on the compensating absorption element (39) when a release force is reached.

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