Fluid-technically activated handle system

Abstract

Recessed grip (18), comprising: - a structural part (14) that forms a depression (16); and - a handle (12) which is arranged at least partially between the recess (16) and the environment, characterized in that the recess (16) is closed off from the handle (12) by a membrane (20) and that a pressure (p1) in the recess (16) is fluidically adjustable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a recessed handle according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a handle according to the preamble of patent claim 5, a handle system according to the preamble of patent claim 7 and a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 9.

[0002] In the technical field of vehicles, for example in motor vehicles, it is common practice to equip doors, flaps or even static parts with handles.

[0003] From DE 10 2015 209 852 A1 a door handle system for a motor vehicle door is known, which comprises a device for releasing a blockage of the door handle.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2016 / 113 340 A1 describes a motor vehicle door whose door handle can be moved from a rest position to a functional position using a drive unit.

[0005] DE 39 15 736 A1 discloses a device for actuating pivotable and / or movable body parts on motor vehicles. For this purpose, a handle is provided, the gripping element of which is mounted displaceably relative to a structural part. The displacement is achieved via a pneumatic servomotor, which can be used to actuate a lever arrangement.

[0006] However, the known solutions all have the disadvantage that they are equipped with complex mechanical systems, are therefore susceptible to wear and tear and are structurally inflexible.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a handle system that is improved compared to this.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims and the description.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a recessed grip comprising: - a structural part forming a trough; and - a handle which is arranged at least partially in front of the recess.

[0010] According to the invention, the trough is closed off from the environment by a membrane and a pressure in the trough can be adjusted fluidically.

[0011] The structural part can, for example, comprise a trough shell. The trough shell can also be attached to another structural part with a through-opening, so that the trough can be accessed through the through-opening.

[0012] The handle can, for example, run across the recess. If another structural part is present, it can also run across its through-hole.

[0013] The pressure in the recess can, for example, be adjusted pneumatically or hydraulically relative to the ambient pressure and thus selectively cause a displacement of the membrane towards the handle or the environment or towards the interior of the recess.

[0014] This provides extremely extensive design freedom for the trough, as the membrane can be designed flexibly and the pressure can be applied evenly and safely to the membrane using a pressure fluid, even with complex membrane geometries.

[0015] The recessed grip is of low mechanical complexity and thus largely free from mechanical wear. The recessed grip can also be manufactured with little effort and in a variety of shapes.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the grip recess of the invention, it is provided that the pressure in the recess can be increased to a closure level in order to completely block a recess volume of the recess with the membrane and that the pressure in the recess can be reduced to a release level, wherein the membrane is at least partially sucked into the recess and the recess volume becomes at least partially accessible.

[0017] If the membrane is displaced into the recess upon reduction of pressure to a release level, it increasingly allows access from the direction of the grip or the surrounding area to the recess volume formed by the structural part, for example, with a hand grasping the grip. The proportion of the recess volume accessible from the outside can thus be adjusted very flexibly.

[0018] If, on the other hand, the recess is completely blocked with the membrane, it practically disappears when viewed from the outside of the structural part, which is not only visually advantageous but can also bring aerodynamic advantages, for example in vehicles.

[0019] If, for example, a pressurised fluid is pumped into the trough and the pressure is brought to the sealing level and the sealing level is at ambient pressure, the diaphragm is in force equilibrium with respect to the environment and the trough and thus closes the trough safely without any leakage of pressurised fluid under excess pressure in the event of diaphragm damage.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the grip recess of the invention, it is provided that the membrane is elastic.

[0021] By appropriately designing the membrane to the closure level and the release level of the pressure in the recess, it is possible, for example, to create an almost flat surface at the closure level or to integrate it into the geometry of an outer surface of a vehicle in a visually and aerodynamically advantageous manner.

[0022] If the pressurized fluid is then drained or pumped out of the trough, for example, starting from ambient pressure as the sealing level, a negative pressure develops in the trough relative to the ambient pressure, which can be further reduced to a vacuum. The flexible membrane can then be placed flat against a rear wall of the trough. The rear wall is formed, for example, by a section of the structural part that defines the trough volume.

[0023] This means that the entire recess volume can be used to advantage and from the outside the handle recess looks like a static handle recess in this state.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the grip recess of the invention, it is provided that the membrane is provided with mutually complementary structural elements which are arranged against one another in a mosaic-like manner when the pressure is set to the closure level and which are displaced from one another as a result of an expansion of the membrane when the pressure is reduced below the closure level.

[0025] In other words, structural elements are arranged on the flexible membrane, between which expansion joints are provided, which are closed at the closing level of the pressure, so that the structural elements are combined to form a closed surface.

[0026] This significantly increases the stability of the handle recess when closed. The closed surface is also particularly suitable for painting. Of course, the membrane can also be painted directly.

[0027] The structural elements can be made of plastic, for example. These can be manufactured together with the membrane as a two-component part or can be applied subsequently. To avoid obstructing the membrane from adhering to the rear wall of the trough, the structural elements have a suitable shape, for example, small isosceles triangles.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to a handle comprising a handle piece which is selectively displaceably attached to a structural part and is operatively connected to an actuator for the purpose of displacement.

[0029] According to the invention, the actuator is operable fluidically.

[0030] The structural part can, for example, comprise a recessed shell as described above. The handle can, for example, extend transversely across a recess formed by the structural part.

[0031] The pressure for operating the actuator can, for example, be adjusted pneumatically or hydraulically relative to the ambient pressure and thus selectively cause a displacement of the handle away from the structural part or onto the structural part.

[0032] This provides extremely extensive design freedom for the handle, as the actuator can be designed flexibly and the pressure can be applied evenly and safely to the actuator or handle using a pressure fluid, even with complex geometries of the actuator or handle.

[0033] The actuator is of low mechanical complexity and thus largely free from mechanical wear. The handle can also be manufactured with little effort and in a variety of shapes.

[0034] In the inventive design of the handle, it is provided that the actuator comprises at least one hose, the internal pressure of which can be increased to an operating level, wherein the hose stiffens and the handle is displaced away from the structural part into a gripping position, and that the internal pressure can be lowered to a rest level, wherein the hose relaxes and the handle is displaceable towards the structural part into a rest position.

[0035] The internal pressure can preferably be reduced or evacuated relative to the ambient pressure to such an extent that the hose contracts beyond a simple slackening, thereby pulling the grip toward the structural part, preferably to its resting position. Alternatively or additionally, a return spring can also be provided.

[0036] In its resting position, the hose is concealed by the handle. This protects the hose and also has visual and, in a vehicle, aerodynamic advantages.

[0037] The hose is preferably a flat hose. Of course, multiple hoses can also be provided, for example, one at each end of the handle. The handle itself can also be formed by one or more hoses.

[0038] In this way, the actuator can be realized with a very simple structure and can be operated solely by controlling the fluid pressure.

[0039] Because the grip can be placed very flat against the structural part, this not only provides visual advantages, for example, in a vehicle, but also aerodynamic benefits. Safety is also improved, as the grip is almost impossible to grasp in the resting position, for example, by an unauthorized person.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment of the handle of the invention, it is provided that the hose folds between the gripping section and the structural part when the internal pressure is reduced below the operating level.

[0041] This makes the handle even more compact in the resting position.

[0042] A further aspect of the invention relates to a handle system comprising a recessed grip according to the invention as described above and a handle according to the invention as described above.

[0043] The interaction between the handle and the grip recess offers a number of additional advantages. For example, by simultaneously closing the grip recess and moving the handle to its rest position, the handle can be pressed against the membrane, thus creating a void-free outer surface of the handle system.

[0044] Preferably, it is a handle system for a vehicle, for example, a motor vehicle such as an automobile. Preferably, it is also a handle system for a vehicle door or hatch.

[0045] Particularly in the automotive sector, this offers not only visual benefits but also aerodynamic and safety advantages. Depending on the vehicle, gripping the handle can be permitted by either making the recess accessible, moving the handle into the gripping position, or both. This can also improve ergonomics, for example, by providing an expandable gripping space.

[0046] Of course, the handle system according to the invention can also be used in technical fields other than vehicles if handles are used.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the handle system of the invention, it is provided that a pressure from a recess of the handle recess can be at least partially redirected into an actuator of the handle and vice versa.

[0048] In other words, a common pressure fluid can be used for the handle and the grip recess, since in many applications the actuator of the handle is evacuated when the recess is filled and vice versa.

[0049] This means that the amount of pressurized fluid required can be reduced and, for example, a shared pump can be used. This also has energy advantages, as one of the actuator and trough elements is always pressurized. A connecting line with a shut-off valve can therefore also be provided, whereby part of the required pressure can be diverted between the actuator and trough simply by opening the shut-off valve. If, for example, the trough is at ambient pressure and the actuator is evacuated, opening the shut-off valve results in half the ambient pressure being established in the trough and the actuator. Furthermore, additional pressurized fluid can then be pumped from the trough to the actuator, for example by the pump.

[0050] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a handle recess according to the invention as described above or a handle according to the invention as described above or a handle system according to the invention as described above.

[0051] In other words, the invention relates to a system with a vehicle handle and a corresponding recessed grip. It is provided that the recessed grip can be formed or closed by a hydraulically or pneumatically displaceable membrane, and that the handle can be extended or pressed against the vehicle's outer skin by a hydraulically or pneumatically stiffened hose.

[0052] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0053] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a handle system according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 2 the handle system according to the invention Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view; Fig. 3 Operating states of the handle system according to the invention Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 a vehicle according to the invention.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a handle system 10 according to the invention in a front view, with a view of a handle piece 12 of a handle 11 according to the invention.

[0055] Behind the handle 12 there is a structural part 14, which is only indicated here by the hatching.

[0056] The structural part 14 forms a recess 16, which belongs to a grip recess 18 according to the invention. The handle 12 extends over the recess 16, whereby the recess 16 functions as a grip recess 18.

[0057] In the state shown, the recess 16 is closed off from the handle 12 by a membrane 20.

[0058] For further explanation, see Fig. 2, where the handle system 10 according to the invention is shown Fig. 1 in a cross-sectional view, according to section line A.

[0059] The structural part 14 is clearly visible, which here is an example of an outer skin 22 of a vehicle 24 not shown in detail (compare Fig. 4). The structural part 14 further comprises a trough shell 26, which encloses a trough volume 28 of the trough 16.

[0060] In the illustrated state, a pressure p1 in the trough 16 is increased to a sealing level corresponding to the ambient pressure p2. As a result, the membrane 20 is in force equilibrium with the environment and completely seals the trough volume 28 of the trough 16 from the environment, as shown.

[0061] The handle 12 is arranged in front of the membrane 20, flush with it.

[0062] The pressure p1 in the recess 16 is fluidically adjustable. For this purpose, a fluid line 30 may be provided, which may be connected to a fluid system with a pump (not shown).

[0063] The pressure p1 in the trough 16 can be reduced to a release level, whereby the membrane 20 is drawn into the trough 16, thereby making the trough volume 28 accessible from the outside. This process is merely indicated by the membrane line 20'. Correspondingly, a released portion of the trough volume 28' is designated.

[0064] The membrane 20 is designed to be elastic so that it can be particularly flexibly applied to a rear wall 32 of the trough 16.

[0065] For further explanation of the properties of the handle 12, Fig. 3, where different operating states of the handle system 10 according to the invention are shown Fig. 1 is shown in schematic form. The view in Fig. 3 corresponds to the section line B from Fig. 1.

[0066] The handle 12 is selectively displaceably attached to the structural part 14 and, for the purpose of displacement, is operatively connected to an actuator 34 which, like the membrane 20, is fluidically operable.

[0067] The actuator 34 comprises two hoses 36, whose internal pressure p3 in the upper part of the Fig. 3 is lowered to a rest level, which preferably represents a vacuum compared to the ambient pressure p2.

[0068] The hoses 36 are thereby pulled together compactly, whereby the handle 12 is pulled against the structural part 14 into a rest position and the hoses 36 are folded together between the handle 12 and the structural part 14.

[0069] If the internal pressure p3 is now, as in the lower part of the Fig. 3, set to a higher operating level, the hoses 36 stiffen and the handle 12 is pushed away from the structural part 14 into a gripping position.

[0070] Preferably, the pressure p1 from a trough 16 can be diverted at least partially as pressure p3 into the actuator 34 and vice versa.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows a vehicle 24 according to the invention.

[0072] The vehicle 24 comprises a handle system 10 according to the invention with a handle recess 18 according to the invention and a handle 11 according to the invention, here exemplarily according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0073] The handle 12 forms the handle of a vehicle door 38. List of reference symbols 10 handle system 11 Handle 12 Handle 14 Structural part 16 trough 18 recessed grip 20 membrane 20' membrane line 22 Outer skin 24 vehicles 26 trough tray 28 trough volume 28' trough volume 30 Fluid line 32 rear wall 34 Actuator 36 hose 38 vehicle door p1 pressure p2 ambient pressure p3 internal pressure

Claims

[1] Grip recess (18), comprising: - a structural part (14) forming a trough (16); and - a handle (12) which is arranged at least in sections between the recess (16) and the surroundings, characterized by that the recess (16) is closed off from the handle (12) by a membrane (20) and that a pressure (p1) in the recess (16) is fluidically adjustable. [2] Grip recess (18) according to claim 1, characterized by that the pressure (p1) in the trough (16) can be increased to a closure level in order to completely block a trough volume (28) of the trough (16) with the membrane (20) and that the pressure (p1) in the trough (16) can be reduced to a release level, wherein the membrane (20) is sucked at least partially into the trough (16) and the trough volume (28) becomes at least partially accessible. [3] Grip recess (18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the membrane (20) is elastic. [4] Grip recess (18) according to claim 3, characterized by that the membrane (20) is provided with mutually complementary structural elements which are arranged against one another in a mosaic-like manner when the pressure (p1) is set to the closure level and which are displaced from one another as a result of an expansion of the membrane (20) when the pressure (p1) is reduced below the closure level. [5] Handle (11) comprising a handle (12) which is selectively displaceably attached to a structural part (14) and is operatively connected to an actuator (34) for the purpose of displacement, characterized byin that the actuator (34) is fluidically operable and the actuator (34) comprises at least one hose (36) whose internal pressure (p3) can be increased to an operating level, wherein the hose (36) stiffens and the handle (12) is displaced away from the structural part (14) into a gripping position, and in that the internal pressure (p3) can be reduced to a rest level, wherein the hose (36) relaxes and the handle (12) can be displaced towards the structural part (14) into a rest position. [6] Handle (11) according to claim 5, characterized by that the hose (36) folds between the handle (12) and the structural part (14) when the internal pressure (p3) is reduced below the operating level. [7] Handle system (10) comprising a grip recess (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and a handle (11) according to one of claims 5 or 6. [8] Handle system (10) according to claim 7, characterized bythat a pressure (p1) from a recess (16) of the grip recess (18) can be at least partially redirected into an actuator (34) of the handle (11) and vice versa. [9] Vehicle (24) comprising a recessed grip (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4 or a handle (11) according to one of claims 5 or 6 or a handle system (10) according to one of claims 7 or 8.

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