Handle assembly for motor vehicle and method for assembling door handle

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for assembling a door handle, in particular to a handle assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a door handle mechanism (2) and a door handle (3) movably held on the door handle mechanism (2), the door handle (3) is designed to be arranged in a recess (4) of a door (5) of a motor vehicle with a circumferential gap formed between the door handle (3) and a recess inner side (6) of the recess (4). The invention further relates to a method for mounting a door handle (3) on a door (5) for a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for assembling a door handle at a door of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Various operating devices are known for assembling a door handle module with a concealed or retractable door handle and a door handle mechanism at a handle recess of a door panel of a motor vehicle door. For example, such an alignment device has a cover plate for covering the door handle and a plurality of flexible centering pins protruding vertically from the cover plate and integrally formed with the cover plate. Via the centering pins, the cover plate can be accurately positioned at the visible side of the door handle. In addition, via the centering pins, a sealing device can be arranged around the door handle in a defined position with a clearance. In this state, the door handle module can be passed through the handle recess from the inner side of the door and can be accurately positioned at the door panel while maintaining the clearance, and can be fastened to the door panel, for example, via screws. Then, the alignment device can be removed from the outer side of the door. Such an alignment device is known, for example, from documents CN 106499272 B and CN 110485838 A.

[0003] An alignment device for aligning a door handle for a vehicle door is known from document CN 218406994 U. The alignment device has a plurality of fastening devices for fastening the alignment device to the door handle. Via the elastically supported centering device of the alignment device, the door handle can be aligned relative to the handle receiving part of the vehicle door. Such an alignment device has the disadvantage that the fixing at the door handle and the removal from the door handle after alignment are very time-consuming. Document DE 102009045874 A1 discloses a handle device for a vehicle door, which has a first handle module that can be arranged from the inner side of the door and a second handle module that can be arranged from the outer side of the door. The handle modules have locking elements and mating locking elements, which can engage with each other to align the handle modules with each other. No additional targeted alignment of the handle modules relative to the vehicle door is provided.

[0004] Document WO 2023 / 158025 A1 discloses a handle assembly for a motor vehicle, in which an alignment device for the assembly process is arranged on the door handle and covers the door handle from the outside of the handle. The door handle can be arranged at a handle through-hole of the door panel and can be aligned at the door panel via the alignment device when moving close. After fixing the handle assembly to the door panel, the guiding cover can be removed. Through the guiding cover, a uniformly structured clearance between the door handle and the door panel is ensured.

[0005] A handle assembly with a handle cover held at a handle frame is known from document CN 114278168 A. The defined multi-axis alignment of the components is supported during assembly and when assembled in the handle passage of a door panel by a large number of small alignment elements integrated into the handle assembly. Document EP4023846A1 discloses a handle assembly in which a tolerance balance between a fixing hole and a fixing bolt is ensured by an integrated alignment device.

[0006] The known handle assemblies have the disadvantage that the alignment of the components is still very time-consuming and requires precise manual positioning of the components to be joined. In a flexibly configured alignment device, sometimes centering devices with a very slender construction may be prone to bending and can therefore only be reused to a limited extent. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate or at least partially eliminate the above-described disadvantages in a handle assembly for a motor vehicle. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to create a handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for mounting a door handle at a motor vehicle door, which ensure reliable alignment of the components and / or require reduced material consumption in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0008] The above object is solved by the present invention. Accordingly, the object is solved by a door handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method for mounting a door handle at a motor vehicle door. Further features and details of the present invention result from the description and the drawings. Here, the features and details described with respect to the handle assembly according to the invention of course also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that there is always mutual reference or can be mutually referred to with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the present invention.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is solved by a door handle assembly for a motor vehicle. The handle assembly has a door handle mechanism and a door handle movably held at the door handle mechanism, wherein the door handle is configured to be arranged in a recess such that there is a circumferential gap between the door handle and the inner side of the recess of the recess of a motor vehicle door. According to the invention, an alignment device with a centering device for laterally aligning the door handle relative to the recess is arranged at the handle assembly, wherein the centering device is held at the base body of the handle assembly in a manner movable between an engaged position and a passive position, in which engaged position the centering device is arranged to align the door handle relative to the recess, and in which passive position the lateral movement of the door handle relative to the recess is released by the centering device.

[0010] The handle assembly has a door handle mechanism which can be fixed at the vehicle door via fixing means (such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc.). For pre - fastening, the door handle mechanism can be fixed at the vehicle door via a clip. The clip is movably supported here, for example with a clearance of approximately 3 mm to 4 mm in the moving direction and in the vertical direction, so that the door handle mechanism can first be clamped at the outer shell (Rohbau, sometimes called the original structure / white body) of the vehicle door, then can be aligned with the aid of an alignment device, and finally the door handle mechanism can be finally fastened at the vehicle door via the fixing means in order to determine the position of the door handle mechanism relative to the vehicle door. Then, the alignment device can be moved into an inoperative position.

[0011] The door handle is fixed at the door handle mechanism and is movably held via the door handle mechanism, so that the door handle mechanism can be actuated via the vehicle handle. The door handle mechanism can have a closing device for closing and opening the vehicle door or a coupling device for mechanically coupling with a closing device for closing and opening the vehicle door.

[0012] The door handle is configured to be arranged in a recess of the vehicle door in such a way that a circumferential clearance is formed between the door handle and the inner side of the recess, preferably with a constant clearance width. Preferably, the door handle is configured to be movable via the door handle mechanism between a hidden or flush - with - the - door position (in which, for example, the door handle can be arranged aligned with the recess of the vehicle door) and a protruding position (in which the door handle protrudes from the recess towards the outside of the vehicle door, for example in order to be better actuated by the user of the vehicle door).

[0013] The alignment device has a plurality of centering devices for laterally aligning the door handle relative to the recess. Preferably, the alignment device has at least four centering devices which are distributed over the circumference of the door handle in such a way that precise positioning of the door handle relative to the recess in a plane, for example parallel to the outward - pointing handle surface of the door handle, is ensured via the centering devices. In other words, the centering devices are arranged in such a distributed manner that a pre - defined clearance geometry between the door handle and the inner side of the recess can be reliably achieved via the centering devices. The alignment device is preferably made of plastic, particularly preferably of a particularly rigid plastic. The centering devices can be angled (angefast, sometimes called chamfered) in such a way that it is feasible for the centering elements to enter the circumferential clearance as simply as possible.

[0014] The centering devices are held at the base body of the handle assembly in a manner movable between an engaged position and an inoperative position. For this purpose, the centering devices are preferably held translatably at the base body. For example, the base body can be configured as part of the door handle mechanism, such as the housing of the door handle mechanism.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, the engagement position is understood as the position of the centering device in which the centering geometry of the centering device is arranged next to the door handle and engages with the inner side of the notch in the installed state of the door handle such that the gap between the door handle and the inner side of the notch corresponds to a predefined configuration by means of the centering device. Thus, the door handle is stopped against relative movement with respect to the vehicle door in at least two orthogonal directions, preferably in a plane arranged parallel to the outer face of the vehicle door. Preferably, the centering device projects beyond the handle surface of the door handle in the engagement position, which handle surface has the same orientation as the outer face on the outer side of the vehicle door of the vehicle door in the installed state and is thus preferably arranged flush with the outer surface of the vehicle door. Accordingly, there can be a plurality of engagement positions of the centering device.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, the inoperative position is understood as the position of the centering device in which the centering device moves away from the gap between the door handle and the inner side of the notch in the installed state of the door handle such that the lateral movement of the door handle with respect to the vehicle door is released in the case of a loosened fixing device or a movable pre-fastening clip arranged, so that the gap configured between the door handle and the vehicle door can be changed. Accordingly, there can be a plurality of inoperative positions of the centering device. Thus, the removal of the centering device can also be regarded as an inoperative position.

[0017] Compared with conventional handle assemblies, the handle assembly according to the present invention has the advantage that easy alignment of the door handle with respect to the notch is provided by simple means and in a cost-appropriate manner, so that the circumferential gap with a predefined gap dimension between the door handle and the inner side of the notch of the notch can be adjusted reliably and reproducibly. Thus, the door handle assembly according to the present invention is particularly well-suited for mass production.

[0018] According to a preferred refinement of the present invention, it can be provided in the handle assembly that the alignment device has a reset device for automatically moving the centering device from the engagement position to the inoperative position. The reset device preferably has a spring device such as a helical spring, a disc spring, a torsion spring, etc. The reset device preferably consists of or is formed of plastic. According to the present invention, it can be provided that the reset device is configured as a foam material. Alternatively, the reset device can have or be formed of metal. For example, when the door handle mechanism of the aligned door handle is fixed to the vehicle door, the centering device can be moved away from the gap between the door handle and the inner side of the notch via the reset device. This has the advantage that the assembly of the handle assembly at the vehicle door is further improved by simple means and in a cost-appropriate manner.

[0019] According to a preference of the present invention, the alignment device has a holding device for holding the centering device in a non-operative position and / or an engagement position. For example, the holding device can be configured such that it can only be activated if the holding device was previously arranged in the engagement position. By holding the centering device in the non-operative position, it is possible to prevent the centering device from sinking back into the gap between the door handle and the inner side of the recess and becoming visible or generating interfering noises, such as rattling noises, during the operation of the motor vehicle after the door handle assembly has been aligned and fixed to the vehicle door. Such a holding device is particularly advantageous if the alignment device is to remain at the handle assembly after the handle assembly has been fixed to the vehicle door. A particular advantage of the alignment device remaining at the handle assembly is that the vehicle door handle can be easily aligned relative to the vehicle door again at any time, for example in the case of necessary rework in the factory or in the case of after-sales service or repair. No additional operating means need to be provided for realignment. For example, the holding device can be configured to hold the centering device non-loosely in the non-operative position. For this purpose, the holding device can have theoretical fracture sites, break bolts, etc. By holding the centering device in the engagement position, it is possible to prevent the centering device from leaving the engagement position when the handle assembly moves close to the recess and thus no longer being able to sufficiently support the alignment process. Furthermore preferably, the holding device is only configured for holding and not as a reset device. This has the advantage that the assembly of the handle assembly can be further improved in a simple and cost-effective manner using simple components.

[0020] Furthermore preferably, the centering devices are constructed monolithically (sometimes referred to as integrally). Here preferably, the centering devices are connected to each other via a connecting structure (such as a connecting frame, a connection cross, etc.), where the centering devices are constructed integrally with the connecting structure. By means of the integral construction, the centering devices can be moved into the engagement position or the non-operative position simultaneously. Preferably, the connecting structure has a handle for better holding and moving the connecting structure and the centering devices. This has the advantage that the operation of the alignment device for aligning the vehicle door handle relative to the inner side of the recess is improved in a simple and cost-effective manner using simple components.

[0021] In a particularly preferred design of the present invention, in the handle assembly, it can be arranged that the alignment device has a pressing surface for manually pressing the centering device into the engaged position. The pressing surface is preferably arranged in the central part of the alignment device, for example, in the middle area of the connecting structure for connecting the centering device, so as to avoid skewing (Verkanten, sometimes called jamming) of the centering device when pressure is applied to the pressing surface. The pressing surface is preferably circular or oval in shape. The pressing surface preferably has a diameter of at least 10 mm. Preferably, the pressing surface has a maximum diameter of 20 mm. Moving the centering device into the engaged position via the pressing surface becomes simple. This has the advantage that the operation of the alignment device for aligning the door handle relative to the inner side of the notch is further improved with simple devices and in a cost-effective manner.

[0022] Preferably, the alignment device has a locking device for locking the centering device in the engaged position. For example, the locking device can be constructed according to the holding mechanism of a ballpoint pen, so that the centering device can be fixed by operating the locking device, and the holding device can be released again by re-manipulating. This has the advantage that the operation of the alignment device for aligning the door handle relative to the inner side of the notch is further improved with simple devices and in a cost-effective manner.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the handle assembly, it can be arranged that the alignment device is releasably held at the base of the handle assembly. Preferably, the handle assembly is constructed such that the alignment device can be pulled off the base via the inner side of the door, for example, by a linear movement. Here, it is preferred that the alignment device can only be pulled off the handle assembly by overcoming the holding force (caused by, for example, friction surfaces, holding cams, theoretical fracture sites, etc.), so as to avoid the accidental dropping of the alignment device from the handle assembly. The removed alignment device can be used for another handle assembly, for example. This has the advantage that the manufacturing cost of the handle assembly can be reduced with simple devices and in a cost-effective manner. In addition, removing the alignment device has the advantage that rattling caused by the alignment device during the operation of the motor vehicle is avoided.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the centering device respectively has an outwardly directed chamfer. The outwardly directed chamfer is understood as the chamfer facing the inner side of the notch during the assembly of the handle assembly at the notch. The chamfer makes it simple to arrange the handle assembly at the notch because the alignment device first sinks into the notch, and only engages with the inner side of the notch during further sinking, and aligns the door handle relative to the notch when sliding on the inner side of the notch. Therefore, for assembly, only a rough manual alignment of the handle assembly relative to the notch is required. This has the advantage that the assembly of the handle assembly at the notch is further improved with simple devices and in a cost-effective manner.

[0025] According to a preference of the present invention, the free end region of the centering device is arranged within the door handle mechanism in the inoperative position. The arrangement within the door handle mechanism preferably means that there is no lateral overlap between the centering device and the door handle. Thus, the alignment device is invisibly hidden from the outside of the vehicle door. In addition, rubbing at the door handle during the operation of the door handle can thus be avoided. This has the advantage that the operation of the door handle and the door handle mechanism can be improved in a simple and cost-effective manner by using simple components.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, this object is solved by a method for assembling a door handle at a vehicle door for a motor vehicle. The method includes

[0027] - providing a handle assembly according to the present invention,

[0028] - providing a vehicle door with a notch for the door handle of the handle assembly,

[0029] - moving the centering device of the handle assembly into the engagement position,

[0030] - moving the handle assembly from the inner side of the vehicle door close to the notch such that the door handle projects into the notch,

[0031] - aligning the vehicle door handle relative to the notch via the centering device,

[0032] - fixing the door handle mechanism at the vehicle door, and

[0033] - moving the centering device from the engagement position into the inoperative position.

[0034] First, the handle assembly and the vehicle door are provided. Within the scope of the present invention, providing the vehicle door is understood to mean providing a vehicle door for which the door handle has not yet been arranged in the notch. Thus, the notch is configured as a through-portion that is open towards the outside and the inside of the vehicle door.

[0035] For example, moving the centering device of the handle assembly into the engagement position can be performed before moving the handle assembly from the inner side of the vehicle door close to the notch. Alternatively, moving the centering device of the handle assembly into the engagement position can also be performed during or after the approach movement. The approach movement of the handle assembly is preferably performed until further approach movement is prevented form-locked, for example due to contact of the inner side of the vehicle door by the door handle mechanism. In this state, preferably, the end region of the door handle oriented in the direction of the outside of the vehicle door is arranged within the notch. In this state, the door handle mechanism is preferably pre-fastened at the vehicle door via a clip. According to the present invention, the alignment device can be configured such that it is also feasible to hold the door handle mechanism at the vehicle door with a clearance via the alignment device, for example via a centering element.

[0036] The door handle is aligned relative to the recess by a centering device. By introducing the centering device into the recess, one or more of the centering devices are in contact with the inner side of the recess, thereby generating a lateral force acting on the door handle. The door handle is aligned within the recess by this lateral force. To simplify the introduction and to improve the alignment, the centering device preferably has a centering geometry facing the inner side of the recess respectively. The centering geometry improves the sliding of the centering device at the inner side of the recess. In the aligned state, the gap formed between the door handle and the inner side of the recess has a predefined configuration.

[0037] When the door handle is aligned in the recess, the door handle mechanism is fixed to the vehicle door, preferably at the inner side of the vehicle door, for example via screws, bolts, etc. In this way, for example, relative sliding of the door handle relative to the recess is force-fittingly avoided. Then, an alignment device is no longer required, so that the centering device is brought into an inoperative position, for example by moving the centering device relative to the base body such that the centering device no longer protrudes into the gap by removing the alignment device, etc.

[0038] All the advantages already described with respect to the handle assembly for a motor vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention are obtained in the method according to the invention. Accordingly, compared with the conventional method, the method for assembling a door handle according to the invention has the advantages that the easy alignment of the door handle relative to the recess is carried out with simple means and in a cost-appropriate manner, so that the circumferential gap with a predefined gap dimension between the door handle and the inner side of the recess of the recess is reliably and easily reproducibly adjusted. Therefore, the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for mass production. Description of the Drawings

[0039] The handle assembly according to the invention and the method according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Schematically respectively:

[0040] Figure 1 A handle assembly according to a preferred embodiment in an inoperative position is shown in a perspective view,

[0041] Figure 2 A handle assembly in an engaged position from Figure 1 is shown in a perspective view,

[0042] Figure 3 A handle assembly from Figure 2 is shown in a front view,

[0043] Figure 4 A handle assembly from Figure 3 is shown in a sectional view, and

[0044] Figure 5A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is illustrated by a flow chart.

[0045] Elements with the same function and mode of action are respectively provided with the same reference numerals in Figures 1 to 5 it. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] In Figure 1 it, a handle assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is schematically presented in a perspective view of the inner side I of the vehicle door 5 in the inoperative position P. The handle assembly 1 has a door handle mechanism 2 with a base body 9. The door handle mechanism 2 is arranged at the inner side I of the vehicle door 5 such that the base body 9 contacts the vehicle door 5 at multiple locations. The door handle 3 (see Figure 3 ) which is held at the door handle mechanism 2 and points towards the outer side A of the vehicle door 5 is not visible in this view.

[0047] An alignment device 7 with six centering devices 8 is arranged at the base body 9. The centering devices point towards the outer side A of the vehicle door and are movably guided in the base body 9. The centering devices 8 are integrally constructed with the connection structure 15 of the alignment device 7. In the inoperative position P, the centering devices 8 move out of the base body 9 relative to the inner side I of the vehicle door such that the centering devices 8 are arranged outside the recess 4 (see Figure 3 ) of the vehicle door 5.

[0048] For actuation, the alignment device 7 has a pressing surface 12 in the central region of the connection structure 15. By pressing from the inner side I of the vehicle door in the direction of the outer side A of the vehicle door onto the pressing surface 12, the alignment device 7 can be moved from the inoperative position P into the engagement position E. In order to move the alignment device 7 back from the engagement position E into the inoperative position P, the alignment device 7 has a reset device 10.

[0049] In order to hold the alignment device 7 in the engagement position E, the alignment device 7 has a locking device 13 which can be released again by pressing again from the inner side I of the vehicle door in the direction of the outer side A onto the pressing surface 12. Thus, the actuation of the alignment device 7 between the engagement position E and the inoperative position P is similar to the actuation of a ballpoint pen for retracting and extending the refill of the ballpoint pen.

[0050] In this embodiment, the alignment device 7 has an optional holding device 11 which is configured to hold the alignment device 7 in the inoperative position P after moving away from the engagement position E in order to avoid unintentional movement into the engagement position E. The reset device 10, the holding device 11 and the locking device 13 are hidden in this view.

[0051] Figure 2 The handle assembly 1 from Figure 1 in the engagement position E is shown. InFigure 3 is schematically presented in a front view of the outer side A of the vehicle door as coming from Figure 2 the handle assembly 1. In the engagement position E, the alignment device 7 moves in the direction of the outer side A of the vehicle door and is held by the locking device 13 against movement back into the inoperative position P. A gap with a pre-defined gap width is constructed between the handle 3 and the inner side 6 of the recess 4, in which the end region of the centering device 8 is arranged such that the handle 3 is aligned relative to the recess 4.

[0052] In Figure 4 is schematically depicted in a sectional view as coming from Figure 3 the handle assembly 1. The centering device 8 respectively has a chamfer 14 pointing towards the adjacent inner side 6 of the recess, which simplifies the access of the alignment device 7 into the recess 4. In addition, the alignment of the handle 3 relative to the recess 4 is likewise improved by the chamfer 14, since the centering device 8 can slide more easily at the inner side 6 of the recess 4 via the chamfer 14. It can be well seen in the view that the centering device 8 penetrates the base body 9 of the handle mechanism 2 from the inner side I of the vehicle door towards the outer side A of the vehicle door.

[0053] Figure 5 A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is schematically shown in a flow chart. In a first method step 100, a handle assembly 1 according to the invention is provided. The handle assembly 1 has a handle mechanism 2, at which the handle 3 is arranged. The alignment device 7 is held in the base body 9 of the handle mechanism 2 movably between an inoperative position P and an engagement position E.

[0054] In a second method step 200, a vehicle door 5 for a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle door 5 has a recess 4 for the handle 3 of the handle assembly 1. The recess 4 extends from the inner side I of the vehicle door to the outer side A of the vehicle door.

[0055] In a third method step 300, the centering device 8 of the handle assembly 1 is moved into the engagement position E. For example, this is done by pressing against the pressing surface 12 of the alignment device 7 against the restoring force of the restoring device 10 such that the centering device 8 reaches the engagement position E and the locking device 13 holds the centering device 8 in the engagement position E.

[0056] In a fourth method step 400, the handle assembly 1 is moved from the inner side I of the vehicle door 5 towards the recess 4 such that the vehicle door handle 3 projects into the recess 4. This movement is preferably carried out until the handle mechanism 2 contacts the vehicle door 5.

[0057] In the fifth method step 500, the door handle 3 is aligned with respect to the recess 4 via the centering device 8. For example, this can be done when the handle assembly 1 moves towards the recess 4. Alternatively, if the door handle mechanism 2 is already arranged at the vehicle door 5, this can be done when the centering device 8 moves relative to the base body 9 in the direction of the outside A of the vehicle door. During alignment, the door handle 3 is aligned with the recess 4 such that the gap between the door handle 3 and the inner side 6 of the recess has a predefined configuration.

[0058] In the sixth method step 600, the door handle mechanism 2 or the base body 9 of the door handle mechanism 2 is fixed to the vehicle door 5 on the inner side I of the vehicle door. Thus, the relative position of the door handle mechanism 2 with respect to the vehicle door 5 is determined in the aligned state in which a predefined gap is configured between the door handle 3 and the inner side 6 of the recess.

[0059] In the seventh method step 700, the centering device 8 is moved from the outside A of the vehicle door towards the inside I of the vehicle door into an inoperative position P, and is preferably held there by the latching device 13, the reset device 10 and / or the holding device 11. As an alternative to this, the alignment device 7 can also be unplugged from the base body 9 via the inner side I of the vehicle door.

[0060] List of reference numerals

[0061] 1 Handle assembly

[0062] 2 Door handle mechanism

[0063] 3 Door handle

[0064] 4 Recess

[0065] 5 Vehicle door

[0066] 6 Inner side of recess

[0067] 7 Alignment device

[0068] 8 Centering device

[0069] 9 Base body

[0070] 10 Reset device

[0071] 11 Holding device

[0072] 12 Pressing surface

[0073] 13 Latching device

[0074] 14 Chamfer

[0075] 15 Connection structure

[0076] 100 First method step

[0077] 200 Second method step

[0078] 300 Third method action

[0079] 400 Fourth method action

[0080] 500 Fifth method action

[0081] 600 Sixth method action

[0082] 700 Seventh method action

[0083] Outside of car door A

[0084] E Joining position

[0085] Inside of car door I

[0086] P Inoperative position.

Claims

1. A handle assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, having a door handle mechanism (2) and a door handle (3) movably held at the door handle mechanism (2), wherein, The door handle (3) is configured to be arranged in the recess (4) when there is an annular gap between the door handle (3) and the inner side (6) of the recess of the recess (4) of the vehicle door (5). It is characterized in that An alignment device (7) with a centering device (8) for laterally aligning the door handle (3) relative to the recess (4) is arranged at the handle assembly (1), wherein the centering device (8) is held at the base body (9) of the handle assembly (1) in a manner that can move between an engaged position (E) and a non-functional position (P). In the engaged position, the centering device (8) is arranged to align the door handle (3) relative to the recess (4). In the non-functional position, the lateral movement of the door handle (3) relative to the recess (4) is released by the centering device (8).

2. The handle assembly (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The alignment device (7) has a reset device (10) for automatically moving the centering device (8) from the engaged position (E) to the non-functional position (P).

3. The handle assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The alignment device (7) has a holding device (11) for holding the centering device (8) in the non-functional position (P) and / or the engaged position (E).

4. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The centering devices (8) are integrally formed with each other.

5. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The alignment device (7) has a pressing surface (12) for manually pressing the centering device (8) into the engaged position (E).

6. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The alignment device (7) has a locking device (13) for locking the centering device (8) in the engaged position (E).

7. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The alignment device (7) is detachably held at the base body (9) of the handle assembly (1).

8. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The centering devices (8) each have an outwardly directed chamfer (14).

9. The handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The free end region of the centering device (8) is arranged within the door handle mechanism (2) in the non-functional position (P).

10. A method for assembling a door handle (3) at a vehicle door (5), comprising: - providing a handle assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - providing a vehicle door (5) with a recess (4) for the door handle (3) of the handle assembly (1), - moving the centering device (8) of the handle assembly (1) into the engaged position (E), - Move the handle assembly (1) from the inner side (I) of the vehicle door (5) so close to the notch (4) that the door handle (3) projects into the notch (4). - Align the door handle (3) relative to the notch (4) via the centering device (8). - Fix the door handle mechanism (2) at the vehicle door (5), and - Move the centering device (8) from the engaged position (E) into the inoperative position (P).

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